ated
these inventions, and that the more discreet gave credit to these tales
in order to oppose his own steadfast determination--instantly went in
person to satisfy himself regarding this story about Tondo. Finding
that it was imaginary, he realized how little credence should be given
to novelties brought from afar when some one had dared to concoct
such things under his very eyes; and he therefore allowed the peace
negotiations to proceed by the agencies which had commenced them.

There is no doubt that the successful outcome of this affair is due
solely to the prudent management of the governor; and that, if he had
allowed himself to be dragged along by the opinions which prevailed
in popular estimation, an insurrection would have been contrived
that would have fatigued the soldiery in a campaign of many months,
and caused much destruction in the villages; for the insurrections
that we keep in mind in these islands included no more [favoring]
circumstances [than did this one], nor did this lack anything except
the actual assault. But his Lordship knew how evil advisers are the
individuals concerned in this matter, in which one seldom finds a
person who is not interested in the ruin of the Sangley--some on
account of the loot [that they may obtain]; the rest, because there
are few persons who do not hold property of the Sangleys in trust, or
else owe for much merchandise which they have bought on credit. Many
have become depositaries for their acquaintances, who, fearing the
removal of their property to other hands, give it to their intimate
friends to keep; and by slaying the Sangleys all render account with
payment. Accordingly, in the insurrection of 1639 it was found by
experience that those in whom the Sangleys placed most confidence were
the first and most importunate voters for their ruin. In this decision
it is only the king who hazards his treasure, and his governor who
risks a point of honor; for finally the very persons who, through
either self-interest or greed, advised the assault [on the Sangleys]
cast on the governor the blame of the insurrection, as happened to
Don Sebastian Hurtado de Corcuera. The very persons who, censuring
him as a coward and representing to him instances of boldness forced
[by desperation] on the part of the Sangleys as causes for employing
armed force against them, afterward, when at their importunities
he had kindled the fire, declared that by this act he had caused
the revolt,