he had dictated a reply which he would have read to them afterward.  It begins by giving the emperor an account of the death of his father and of other events which he would be bound to learn, but which might be reported to him in a distorted form.  After this he thanks him for the confirmation of amity; and then, with some heat and no less truth, calls his attention to the uncertainty of the prophecy concerning his rule over the world, enlightening him by the way as to some matters of our holy faith.  In conclusion, with reference to the acknowledgment of subjection which he had supposed us to make, the letter states that our trust was wholly in God and in our obedience to Him, while our allegiance to our most Christian king admitted of no other allegiance, and of no other subjection, dominion, or acknowledgment of vassalage.  And finally, in order to appease him somewhat at the end of the letter, a complete confirmation of peace and amity is offered him; and he is told that the king will be notified, and that in this, and in sending someone hence, and receiving persons from there, and in other tokens of friendship, good treatment, and a good understanding, his subjects would find this peace and amity here and on the part of his Majesty.  The answer was immediately read, and is as follows: 

Reply to the letter

The letter addressed by your Grandeur to my father was received by me as the person left in charge of the government of this land at his death, which occurred on the way to Maluco.  He was treacherously killed while sleeping one night, without apprehension or precaution, as one who did not dream of having enemies or traitors with him.  The traitors were the Sangleys, whom he took with him to work his galley.  Like the ineffably low, vile, and cowardly people that they are, they killed my father because he trusted them and set them loose for their own comfort.  The news of this event reached me far from the place of its occurrence, while I was awaiting him with the fleet and troops, that we might depart.  Although after his death I endeavored to continue my journey, I was prevented because of several events and considerations.  I came back here desirous of hearing news from your Grandeur, and of seeing your letter replying to those sent by my father through Father Fray Pedro.  Although two vessels arrived here from Xapon, they could not give me the desired news.  The arrival of Pedro Goncalez has pleased me greatly, especially in view of the fact that I was unable to understand his delay, and of the rumor here that your Grandeur was going to send your armies, a report very different from the agreement made in your name with my father by your ambassador and servant Faranda, which was for firm peace and full amity.  Through the letter brought by Pedro Goncalez, I have learned that it is your royal desire that such relations be continued; and this has greatly pleased me, for it is to be hoped that as the kings are great, great will be the friendship,