the yoke that had been placed on their necks--in their opinion
with little wisdom [on their part]; for without testing the ranks of
the foreign enemy they had surrendered their land, where each one is
a lion. In short, they perjured themselves, after having given their
word, by breaking it. But as the Moro keeps no promise, except when
to his own advantage, they made their forts and mounted therein a few
small pieces obtained by exchange from Borney--whence they obtained
these things, as being related by religion. All was already war and
the din thereof, so that, necessarily, the voices of the preachers
were not listened to--although, as they were so fervent, they did not
discontinue performing their duties and efforts with all, and busying
themselves in learning the [native] language. For, although nearly all
the languages resemble one another in construction, yet they have so
many different words that each one must be learned with special care,
so that the native can better understand the father. The Tagal language
is the principal one spoken in the island of Luzon. Father Fray Diego
de Ordonez learned this language very quickly, and with it obtained
what result those warlike confusions and rumors permitted him. The
aged and holy Fray Juan de Alba, who had previously been stationed
in the river Alaguer, in the island of Panay, had come with father
Fray Diego de Herrera. Although one would think that his advanced
years would excuse him from learning like a child, yet, to the end
that he might serve our Lord, whose work it was, he endeavored to
become young, even making it his duty. And what is more, while the
struggle was in progress, and a general stampede was looked for daily,
he descended to the hostile natives, contrary to the advice of many,
preached to them, taught them, and exhorted them to peace, without
on that account being in any evident danger, for the Lord protected
him as another prophet Elias.

[The religious hold an important position in the colony. In 1571
two vessels bring an increase of six fathers: Alonso de Alvarado,
[46] one of the Villalobos expedition; Geronimo Marin, [47] who
afterward goes to China, and transacts affairs in Mexico and Spain;
Francisco de Ortega, [48] who dies as bishop of Camarines; Agustin de
Alburquerque, [49] who becomes provincial; Francisco Merino; [50] and
Juan de Orta. [51] All of these die in the islands. The first fruit of
these religious is the old Raja, who is bapti