ll, and the expense and cost so great and excessive that, unless
he lift up his eyes and behold the eternal reward which will result
from this, he would have abandoned it already--and as, I believe, no
other monarch whatever would have been so zealous for the honor of God,
and the Catholic name, that he would not have abandoned it. Therefore
we must consider prudently, and fear lest (may God preserve him
to us for many years!) he might die, and be succeeded by one who,
because of nearer cares and labors, will grow tired, and not take
any care of the affairs of this state. Therefore, it is advisable
that, should this happen, he [a successor] take and find it in such
condition that, with the divine favor, it might, in its own strength,
furnish its own defense from the injuries inflicted by weather
and enemies; and, planning out its duty in the most secure manner,
take courage, so far as it might, to construct a solid and durable
fort. And although this care and vigilance have always been mine,
and I have been especially attentive, from the time of my arrival,
to look after the repair and fortification of this city, as being the
head and court of this kingdom, and where, in whatever attack and
emergency, the heart and principal strength of the defense of this
kingdom must be located; and for this and for the conservation and
perpetuation of this state, I am setting in force many activities
and provisions that I have ordained and made in anticipation, which
are to be seen and considered, conforming to and governing myself in
this by the express orders given me by his Majesty--who for it points
out to me, and advises me especially of certain hostile nations,
with whom I must proceed carefully and cautiously; nevertheless, in
the preparation and repairs of this city, the defense of the coasts
and seas, in order to resist the enemies that might invade them,
I would have displayed greater zeal and energy (both in these and in
other provisions), had not the fathers, superiors of the orders, and
other religious, in all or nearly all of them, opposed me by raising
scruples, both in private conversations and in their pulpits and
sermons, contradicting my authority and raising up obstacles. For
indeed, in the building of the wall and fort of this city, the
scruples that they have urged against me are well known--namely,
that this country had no need of the defenses; that the Indian, to
whom the country belongs, does not request them