for lack of proper nourishment. And reason shows how
little they must have taken, since no land would give it to them;
for, at the best, they could then only get fowls, swine, and rice
(which was their chief food) from the Indians. Thus the entire weight
of the voyage was loaded upon the shoulders of our Argonaut, who made
it; and he so carried himself that he shirked no toil, although of an
advanced age. Every day he cast the lead, took observations, and did
everything that seemed advisable for that course. Hence it was God's
will that he reached Puerto de la Navidad on October 3, after a voyage
of four months and three days. On arriving at port, he made the chart,
showing all their routes, winds, points, and capes--so completely,
that even today his chart is followed without any additions. For I
believe that that chart included everything to be comprehended in that
very wide gulf, which is, without doubt, the greatest known. From
there he went to Mejico. His return caused not a little wonder in
that kingdom, and he was considered as an extraordinary man; for he,
invested with the habit, had discovered what so many and so notable
men had failed in, and could not accomplish. It was an undertaking
that God had reserved for our holy order. Father Fray Andres de
Urdaneta remained but a short time in Mejico, for he found a vessel
about to sail to Espana, and he took passage thereon, together with
his companion, father Fray Andres de Aguirre. He arrived in Espana
safely, where he informed his Majesty fully of all that he had done
in his service, in obedience to his order; and also of the state
of affairs in Filipinas, and the necessity for their succor, if the
undertaking was to be continued. His Majesty granted him audience with
great kindness, and considered himself well served in all that had been
accomplished. He gave orders that father Fray Andres and his companion
should be supplied with all necessities while they remained at court.

Father Urdaneta settled all matters pertaining to these islands
very carefully and satisfactorily. When everything was concluded,
he requested leave of the members of the Council to return to Nueva
Espana, where he desired to finish his days in peace. The Council asked
him to wait a while, so that after his Majesty had concluded affairs in
Flandes, with which he was very busy, he could hear him at leisure and
remunerate his great labors. Father Urdaneta replied that his object
in coming to