not absolve in this or that case. It is almost a
matter of course that the bishop may reserve cases, when that may seem
best to him; and it is an amusing thing that your Lordship sets about
declaring to me when the confessors are to reserve the cases and when
they are not to do so. I am astonished, and marvel at your judgment
and prudence in coming to discuss such matters with your bishop,
especially when your Lordship knows that he has studied a great deal
to know this which you can not know, nor would it be proper for you
to know it. The cases which I shall reserve shall be reserved, and
those who dare to absolve, although they may have other privileges,
will commit mortal sin, when the bishop declares the reason why he
does it; and many doctors of the highest standing maintain that
the absolution is void in such cases. When anyone shall confront
me with a concession opposed to this, he must have studied deeply,
for many talk about concessions without understanding them. Since
your Lordship meddles so much in things in which you ought not to,
do not be astonished if I reply as is suitable, in order that your
Lordship may be instructed, and that I may satisfy the objections
which are brought against me. When your Lordship says that you do
not know and can not discover how I can be concerned in trying to
remedy anything which concerns the encomiendas which are peaceful,
except by giving my opinion about the matter, I say that I am not
astonished that your Lordship does not know, since you are not under
obligations to know; but I am astonished that because you yourself
do not know, your Lordship should think that I do not know, since
you cannot but confess that I know much more than your Lordship does
about the matter in question. That your Lordship may be completely
undeceived, please know that in order to discuss the collection
of tributes and the rest that has to be done in that connection, I
have no need of a commission from the king, because I have it from
God. This limitation is proper for your Lordship, because you have
no power but that which the king has given you. I hold mine from God,
who gives the bishops all that they need to govern their bishoprics;
and so I do not need to have the king tell me what I have to do,
but I have to determine what is proper for the unburdening of the
royal conscience, and my duty toward your Lordship and the others
who are under my care; for I know better than any who are here wh