rstanding with this king may be
attempted and brought about in the future; and if they be just and
possible, some of the expeditions to Sian or Chanpa may likewise be
effected. For the evils, cruelties, and tyrannies of these two kings
are great, and war might be justifiable. With a moderate amount of
power and force, either of these expeditions could be effected, for I
have already stated what is said in regard to that of Chanpa. I have
received this information and that concerning Sian from the bishop
of Malaca, who is surely of holy zeal, and desirous of the glory of
God and the service of your Majesty, as I have recognized and been
convinced of by his letters which prove this. In a set of charts which
he sent me from Sian, he says that that expedition can be made with a
thousand men; and there are even people who say that it could be done
with a less number. It is true that to hear of the great number of
troops that this king and others place in the field causes hesitation,
and makes one consider and believe nonsensical, inconsiderate, and rash
the pretense that so great matters may be effected and attempted with
so small a force; yet we should consider that this is God's cause, and
should take into account the importance of gaining and establishing
friendship with the king of Canboja, who can aid us so powerfully,
because of his hostility to Sian on account of the war made against him
for years, and of his recent injury and damage. This, together with
other circumstances, such as the inhabitants' feebleness of heart,
courage, and weapons; their awkwardness and lack of skill in handling
the most important and injurious weapons; their barbarism and discord;
the lax discipline observed and kept among them and the hatred and
dislike toward these barbarous tyrants felt by many of their own
subjects and neighbors, to whom their deeds are most prejudicial and
damaging--all these considerations make the attempt much less difficult
than it seems. These are the marvel and greatnesses of God, and surely
they cause wonder and fear, and move the hearts and desires of those
who behold and consider them, on seeing that His Divine Majesty should
have placed in so many kingdoms, so great, populous, and wealthy,
and so densely inhabited by so infinite multitudes of people, so great
weakness, and the power, through another kingdom, to effect an entrance
into some of them. This incites and makes us desire their conversion
to the knowle