had borne no children,
the parents returned one-half the dowry to the husband whose wife had
died. In the other case, upon the death of the husband, one-half the
dowry was returned to the relatives of the husband. I have ascertained
that this is not a general practice; for upon inquiry I learned that
when this is done it is done through piety, and that all do not do it.

In the matter of marriage dowries which fathers bestow upon their
sons when they are about to be married, and half of which is given
immediately, even when they are only children, there is a great deal
more complexity. There is a fine stipulated in the contract, that he
who violates it shall pay a certain sum which varies according to the
practice of the village and the affluence of the individual. The fine
was heaviest if, upon the death of the parents, the son or daughter
should be unwilling to marry because it had been arranged by his or
her parents. In this case the dowry which the parents had received
was returned and nothing more. But if the parents were living, they
paid the fine, because it was assumed that it had been their design
to separate the children.

The above is what I have been able to ascertain clearly concerning
customs observed among these natives in all this Laguna and the
tingues, and among the entire Tagalo race. The old men say that a
dato who did anything contrary to this would not be esteemed; and,
in relating tyrannies which they had committed, some condemned them
and adjudged them wicked.

Others, perchance, may offer a more extended narrative, but leaving
aside irrelevant matters concerning government and justice among them,
a summary of the whole truth is contained in the above. I am sending
the account in this clear and concise form because I had received no
orders to pursue the work further. Whatever may be decided upon, it is
certainly important that it should be given to the alcal-des-mayor,
accompanied by an explanation; for the absurdities which are to be
found in their opinions are indeed pitiable.

May our Lord bestow upon your Lordship His grace and spirit, so that in
every step good fortune may be yours; and upon every occasion may your
Lordship deign to consider me your humble servant, to be which would
be the greatest satisfaction and favor that I could receive. Nagcarlan,
October 21, 1589.

_Fray Juan de Plasencia_ [26]

_Relation of the Worship of the Tagalogs, Their Gods, and Their
Burials and Sup