Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 08).djvu/270

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266
THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
[Vol. 8

the embassy, if it is really one, I give you many thanks,[1] assuring you that I am and will remain your friend; and that, in the name of my king and sovereign, the greatest monarch in the world, I shall rejoice at your well-being and grieve over ill-fortune (which may the King of Heaven keep from you). Let it be taken for granted that I desire your friendship, in the name of my king and sovereign, because of the good reception and hospitality extended by your royal hands to the Spaniards, vassals of my king, who have gone to Japon and Asia by way of Eastern Yndia and these districts; and because the best treatment possible has been extended here to your vassals and will be extended to them with the same love. My king will consider it a favor to be advised if the message brought to me by this man is true. If it is such, then I shall respond to the friendship due so great a prince, without any lack of my duty and obligation to my king and sovereign, to whom I shall immediately give account of this, in order to ascertain what his orders shall be then. I trust that this matter will result quite to the satisfaction of two so great princes as my king and the king of Japon; and that these discussions and conferences in true friendship and alliance may redound to much peace to the universal happiness of the world, and to the glory of omnipotent God, the King of kings. Inasmuch as certain presents have been sent me but lately from Japon, which are of great value, I would wish to have some rare and valuable products of our España to send in return; but, since weapons are the articles most esteemed among soldiers, I am sending you with this a dozen of swords and daggers. They

  1. Span., yo beso vřas Reales manos, "I kiss your royal hands."