is excellent in everything. And although all do not join the church,
knowledge does not at all tarnish a captain's reputation; rather, it
is enamel upon gold. For he who has the most alert understanding enters
and goes out better on occasions, and gives in public the better reason
for what is proposed. Besides, those born in the islands grow up with
but little knowledge of the Castilian language, both on account of the
habits of the country, and because they are always arm in arm with the
blacks, who talk a jargon of tongues--which is neither their own, for
they have lost that, nor that of the natives, nor of the Spaniards, but
a smattering of each one; those coming from Espana do not understand
them. Therefore, it is needful that the youth should have some means
of losing that corrupt speech, and of relearning that of their parents,
so that they may afterward be able to shine in public without shame.

The fathers of the Society have many places of ministry, and daily
are extending their labors. They have a little about Manila, but more
in the Bisayas; for they have charge of the island of Samar, that of
Leyte, that of Ibabao, and that of Bohol. [84] Now they have a convent
in the very island of Mindanao, where they have performed great deeds
among the Subanes. They have missions in many other districts, the
Indians of which are very tractable and well instructed, as I shall
be able to relate here; for they are excellent in everything. And as
the fathers are usually influential in secular affairs, they obtain
what they see to be important for their good management, all of which
is needed to induce these stiff-necked people to accept salvation.

They have remarkable Bisayan linguists. And although they printed
Belarmino [85] in that tongue, I think it was at more cost than
gain; for to imagine that the Indian will buy a book is a ridiculous
notion. And even if he had it, he would be too lazy to read it. This
is the reason why so little has been printed in all the languages
of these regions. Perhaps with the lapse of time they will lose the
ancient vices, and become fonder of the truth.

In the next year, 1581, several religious of his order went to the
islands with Bishop Fray Domingo de Salazar, of the order of our father
St. Dominic, and first bishop of these islands. They established
themselves in Manila with so great observance and vigor, that, in
the opinion of all, this province is the most holy and austere know