that small stone would increase so much that, within
a short time, they would be extended throughout the islands, and that
the islands would become subject to the worship of the true God; while
everything pertaining to the demon, who held those islanders deceived
with innumerable impurities and indecencies, would be wholly cast out
from them. These deceits were of such a nature, that had it not been
for the feeble intellect of the natives, they would have themselves
withdrawn the latter from their blindness.

In the afternoon of the same day, it appeared that the Lord began to
take account of the service rendered Him; for he brought ambassadors
from the chief, requesting an audience of the commander for the
morrow. The commander consented to receive him, and sent the chief
a white cloth in token of safe conduct, and that he would be immune
from harm. Before Tupas's arrival, the governor--for he was already
given this title--called a council to discuss whether it would be
expedient to grant the natives general pardon for the killing of
Captain Hernando de Magallanes; and whether they should recognize
the king of Espana as their sovereign, and pay some tribute as
acknowledgment. Our men decided upon the first two, but left the
third for a better occasion, in order not to exasperate those who
were showing signs of obedience. But truly there was little to
scruple over, since, with good reason, it was quite proper that the
Indians should aid somewhat in an expense so great, as it was being
made in their behalf. For up till then four expeditions had been
despatched, and the Spaniards who have come here since then are without
number. Accordingly, since the government is now established, when
the profit accruing from the islands is considered, as well as their
expense to his Majesty, the latter is beyond any doubt the greater;
besides, Espana is dispossessed of her sons, and the religious orders
of their most illustrious members, who all perish in these islands,
without any hope of their ever quitting mere beginnings and having
any value _per se_. This I consider, beyond all doubt, as the greatest
expense and worthy of consideration; for the mines yield silver and the
forests wood, while Espana only yields Spaniards. It may give so many,
that it may become barren, and be obliged to rear children outside,
in place of its own. Thus all the foregoing indicates the great zeal
of our sovereigns, and that only the love of souls infl