s papers from Espana. He was very well received at court,
for the papers that he carried from the islands were excellent, and in
his person he merited everything. They were very desirous to appoint
him archbishop of Manila, and it is even said that they begged him to
accept rewards, and congratulated him. But that shadow was dissipated
instantly, as there was not wanting an evil-minded person to spoil it
all by a malicious tale. For father Fray Lorenzo de Leon had ever the
name of a most devout religious; and as such the province of Filipinas,
which at that time was most noted for its religious devotion, elected
him as its superior and provincial. But who can free himself from
an evil tongue, and an ill will? For the loyal man lives no longer
than the traitor desires. His hopes were frustrated, a matter that
troubled him little, as he was a humble religious. He undertook to
return [to Filipinas], and our king gave him commission to bring
over a ship-load of religious. He received letters as vicar-general
of the islands from Roma, so that he might always preside at the
chapters held there. He had letters as master, and his academic
degree; and brought a dispensation from our most reverend [general],
so that, if elected as provincial the second time, he might serve;
for the rules prohibit him who presides from becoming provincial. He
reached Mejico, although without that so notable ship-load, which
he failed to bring, because of various casualties; with him came,
however, one who was sufficient to render that vessel glorious, and
even the entire province. This was the holy martyr, Fray Hernando de
San Jose. [7] Together with him came father Fray Hernando de Morales,
father Fray Felipe Gallada, father Fray Pedro del Castillo, father
Fray Martin de San Nicolas, [8] all from Mejico, and brother Fray
Andres Garcia. The heads of the Inquisition in Mejico appointed him
[_i.e._, Lorenzo de Leon] commissary for the islands. With these
honorable titles and honors he came to Manila, one year before the
chapter was held. He gladdened by his coming all the sons [of the
order], and all the others, for the order knows no distinction,
but embraces us all with the same love and charity. His prudence,
his good government, and his great devotion were remembered; and
since he bore letters ordering him to be obeyed as vicar-general,
therefore the number of prelates was increased. Thus presiding in
the following chapter, in 1605, he received v