the
king in his charity, in order to give us our sustenance in the rice
without waste, gives valuation to the measure at his own pleasure,
for the rice with husk, so that the quantity may be doubled. The
estimation of the king in this is not the same as looking into the
hollow measure in its strict capacity, as has been already explained.

492. They also measure by brazas and palmos (but for the vara, I find
no proper Tagalog term, but only the Spanish). The braza is called
dipa; that of the city is of sixty points, into which the six feet
contained in it are divided. The palmo is called dancal. Tumoro is
one jeme. [357] Sangdamac is the whole width of the hand with the
five fingers. Sangdali is the width of one finger; and sucat is the
act of measuring in this manner. [358]

493. So was their usage in their business. Although there are no
arithmetical numbers among their characters, such as we use, they
counted with little stones, making small heaps of them, and made use
of the natural words of their own speech, which are very expressive
in Tagalog; and they did not feel their ignorance of the numbers
written in their own characters; for they could express the highest
number very clearly by word of mouth.

494. The maritime folk were wont to go out upon many raids, and those
ashore to set strange ambushes for their robberies, to the great loss
of life. Their arms were bow and arrow, and a short lance resembling a
dart, with the iron head of innumerable shapes; and some without iron,
the points being made from the bamboos themselves, or from stakes
hardened in the fire. They used cutlasses; large and broad daggers,
of excellent quality, with sharp edges; and long blowpipes, through
which they discharged arrows dipped in poison. Their defensive arms
were wooden shields, breastplates of rattan or thick cord, and helmets
of the same material.

495. Among so many barbaric customs, the universality of their vices
prevailed; and they were infidel, tyrannical, and unchaste. They
regarded virginity as an opprobrium, and there were men who received a
salary for the office of deflowering [the girls] of their virginity. No
woman, married or single, assured her honor and credit, unless she had
some sweetheart; and although this was so honorable for the women, it
was considered a dishonor to give the liberty of her body freely. Now
the women are modest in their behavior, but easy, if they are sought,
as the smoke from the fire