xcellent quality in that island, and I may even
say, look at it yourself, for I have some with me." The Bishop lost his
temper and answered with great asperity: "What do you know? This is like
the affairs you manage! What do you know about the matters you handle?"

"Are my affairs evil or unjust, my lord," asked Las Casas. The Bishop
even more testily exclaimed, "What do you know, or what knowledge and
learning have you that you venture to handle these affairs?" Though
mindful not to annoy the Bishop of Badajoz, Las Casas let himself go
somewhat, and with something of Quevedo's asperity replied that his
knowledge and learning might be even less than the Bishop conceded, but he
(the Bishop), instead of defending his flock against the tyranny of the
Spaniards, lived on their very flesh and blood, and that if he did not
restore to the last penny what he had squeezed out of them, he had no more
chance of salvation than had Judas. The host interfered to allay the
rising choler of his guests, and Las Casas shortly after withdrew. The
incident, however, had its consequences, for the Bishop of Badajoz related
the occurrence to the King, who, thinking that a polemical tournament
between Las Casas and Quevedo in the royal presence might be something
worth hearing, ordered that both should appear before him three days
later, to debate the subject. A Franciscan friar, newly arrived from the
Indies, where he had witnessed the state of things, happened along just
then and sought out Las Casas to express his full sympathy with the
latter's efforts on behalf of the natives. The Franciscan began a series
of sermons at a church near the palace, to which a number of the Flemings
listened, afterwards reporting their impressions to the King. His Majesty
therefore commanded that the monk should also be present on the occasion
of the discussion between Las Casas and Quevedo. The appearance of the
Franciscan, was not to Quevedo's liking, and he somewhat tartly remarked
to him that the Court was no place for monks, who had much better be in
their cells. As the Bishop himself was of the same Order, the monk aptly
retorted that he was of the like opinion and that "all of us monks would
be better off in our cells." Quevedo seems to have rarely come out ahead
in the verbal skirmishes his choleric temper prompted him to provoke.

The account given by Las Casas of the debate before the King gives us a
good picture of the stately ceremonia