t value. In return, the viceroy sent a very
costly present to our governor, and also an urca, which may prove
very useful when occasion arises, for it mounts twenty-four pieces
of artillery. Thereupon the captain returned to Filipinas, because
India will have little power to defend herself against her enemies,
even without dividing her small force with other kingdoms.

Of these Filipinas Islands

I will begin a discussion of this year's events in these islands
with an account of the solemn fiestas of the immaculate conception
of the holy Virgin. Let me say that these fiestas have been such that
in the grandeur with which they have been celebrated, Manila has not
been inferior to places in Europe and America. They lasted nineteen
days. Leaving aside the celebration by the laity--the bull-fights,
masquerades, etc., and the many illuminations and fireworks which
took place every night, and for which the Chinese are very famous--I
will describe only the ecclesiastical part. The festivities were held
[as a rule] in the cathedral. On the first day, which was Sunday,
December 8, they were celebrated there with great magnificence. In the
afternoon there was given a drama on the beauty of Rachel. On Monday
the religious of St. Francis held their fiesta in the same church. In
the morning one of the grandest processions ever seen in this vicinity
set out from their house for the cathedral. First came the whole force
of Manila in perfect order, the arquebusiers and musketeers firing
their pieces at intervals. Next came a rich standard bearing the image
of the conception of the Virgin, and at her feet Escoto [14] on his
knees, inscribed, _Dignare me laudare te_, etc. After the standard,
which was borne by the father guardian, came a lay friar called Fray
Junipero--who, like the other, is regarded as a holy and simple man;
he was dancing, and calling out a thousand silly phrases about divine
things. [15] Now followed banners, crosses, and candlesticks. After
these came on floats eight saints of this order, so richly adorned that
the people did not know whether to marvel most that there should be
so large a quantity of gold, jewels, and precious stones in Manila,
or that the fathers should have collected so many of them. These
saints were accompanied by eight groups of Indian dancers--one with
each saint, and each with its own device. One represented canons,
one cardinals, another pastors, etc. The last sang while dancing. The
i