it is learned that in former times they were masters of all these
archipelagoes. [9] If they were the first settlers of the Javas (as
is told by Juan de Barros) they could still more easily have settled
in some parts of these islands which are nearer to them.

Persons who know the provinces of Ilocos and Cagayan, in the north
of this island of Luzon, assert that they have discovered there the
graves of people larger than the Indians, and the arms and jewels of
Chinese or Japanese, who, it is presumed, conquered and settled in
those parts, led on by the desire for gold. [10]

CHAPTER XIII

Of the nature, languages, and letters of the Filipinos

In accordance with the origin which we ascribed to the civilized
nations of these islands in chapter four, so also are their capacity,
languages, and letters. They are descendants of the Malays of the
mainland of Malaca, whom they also resemble in their capacity,
languages, and letters.

92. From the shape, number, and use of the characters and letters of
this nation it is quite evident that they are all taken from the Moro
Malays and originated from the Arabs. The vowel letters are only three
in number, but they serve for five in their use; for the second and
third are indifferently e, i, y, o, and u, according as is required
by the meaning or sense of the word which is spoken or written.

The consonants are thirteen in number, and serve (except at the
beginning of the phrase or initial letter) as consonant and vowel; for
the letter alone, without a dot above or below, is pronounced with "A."

If a dot be placed above, the consonant is pronounced with "e" or "i."

If the dot be placed below, it is pronounced with "o" or "u." Thus the
"B" with the dot above is pronounced "bi" or "be," and with the dot
below, "bo" or "bu."

For example, in order to say "cama" [i.e., bed] the two letters "C"
and "M" are sufficient without a dot.

If a dot be placed above the "C", it will be "quema" [i.e., "fire"].

If dots be placed below each, it will be "como" [i.e., "as"].

The final consonants are supplied in all expressions. Thus in order
to say "cantar" [i.e., "to sing"], one writes "cata," only a "C"
and a "T." To say "barba" [i.e., "beard"], two "B's" are sufficient.

With all the supplements, he who reads in that language will, if he be
skilful, have no trouble in pronouncing the words or phrases correctly
by substituting the letters that must be substituted accor