ble of the
city of Manila, a native of Vilorado, and Miguel de Loarcha, [28]
both of as high rank and of as good Christian life as were requisite
for this matter. These latter the religious intended to take so that,
if they themselves should stay with the king in order to preach the
gospel to him, they might return with news of their success, and of
what had been seen, in order to inform the governor thereof, and, if
necessary, the king, our master. The offer of the captain Omoncon,
and the choice of the governor and the said provincial immediately
spread through the city, and, amid great rejoicings, was approved
by all; because those appointed were, as has been said, of so high
station. All were assured that these men would fail in no point in what
was charged to them, and would lose no opportunity. Much more envy
than pity was expressed, as this was a matter that everyone desired,
especially for the service and honor of God--and secondarily for the
advantage that would accrue to all of them, through the great trade
that would ensue, and the despatch of so good news to the king. Then
the governor summoned those who had been appointed, to the presence
of the captain Omoncon, and told them what had been resolved upon,
whereat they accepted their commission with much joy and expressed
their thanks. As a mark of gratitude, the governor, in the presence
of all, gave to Omoncon himself a gold chain of excellent quality,
and a most magnificent and well-made garment of scarlet cloth [_grana
colorada_], which the latter held in high estimation, and which
is esteemed much more in China, as they do not possess it in that
country. In addition to this, he gave a suitable present to send to
the governor of Chincheo, who, at the king's command, had despatched
Omoncon in pursuit of the pirate; and another present for the viceroy
of the province of Ochia, who resided in the city of Aucheo. And in
order that Sinsay (who, as I said above, was a well-known merchant)
should not take it ill or feel aggrieved, and that he might not be the
cause of the undertaking receiving any injury, the governor presented
to him another gold chain; for he had, moreover, well merited this,
as he had ever been a faithful friend to the Spaniards. Then, at the
command and order of the governor, all the Chinese slaves whom Limahon
had in his possession and who were captured in the fort of Pangasinan
as aforesaid, were collected. These the governor gave to Omonco