annuerunt sociis.  They called and signaled to their companions to come to their aid, in order that they might enjoy their good fortune and drag the net to shore and obtain the fish.  The viceroy of Nueva Espana discussed the matter, in the interests of all the orders—­for the viceroy was father of them.  He wrote to his Majesty, so that the discalced fathers of the order of our father St. Francis, with whom our religious shared the cape, went to the islands in the year 1577.  And Ours even gave them of the best, which they themselves had pacified, namely, Camarines, Laguna de Bay, and many convents about Manila.  There they began to preach, to establish contents, and to administer, with the greatest fervor.  They have increased so much that now they have many convents, that contain excellent linguists, and grand servants of the Lord, and have notable martyrs—­of which, God willing, we shall see somewhat later.

Later, in the year 1580, the fathers of the Society of Jesus came to the islands.  Therein they have made much gain, as it is well known that they have done wherever they dwell, by teaching human as well as divine letters to the youth, and at the same time giving them the mild food of virtue—­which enters very well along with the teaching of letters, of which a long and settled experience has been had.  They have the university in Manila, very notable in its members, which has filled the islands with learned men.  It is in no respect defective; but 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.