The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803; explorations by early navigators, descriptions of the islands and their peoples, their history and records of the Catholic missions, as related in contemporaneous books and manuscripts, showing the political, economic, commericial and religious conditions of those islands from their earliest relations with European nations to the beginning of the nineteenth century; [Vol. 1, no. 44]

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THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

[Vol. 44

tears, and his pressing to his lips the crucifix which
I placed at his mouth, and so tightly did he press my
hand when I asked him to, that he spoke to me more
clearly thus than if he had answered with cries.
It was my opinion that he could speak; and, availing myself of an opportunity when I saw the people
about him somewhat removed [from his side], I
made no little exertion to secure an utterance from
him. I spoke close to his ear, in a low voice; and
he, recognizing my intention, answered me, saying:
"Alasl my father, all this is little compared with
what I deserve for my sins, which I confess are infinite; and this which is happening to me is the kindness of God. I do not complain of any one, and I
will kiss the feet of every one. I only ask your Grace
that you will not leave me until I die, and that you
will be my companion until death; and that, if it be
possible - so that I may die far away from this noise,
and be able to pass in quiet the little time that may
remain for me to live - they will carry me to the hospital; that of St. John of God would be the best. But
in any case, do not leave me, your Grace, for the Virgin's sake; and care for my soul, that it be not lost."
This was what he said to me, in substance, and even
literally, the first time when he was able to speak.
Hardly had he said this to me when the people
again came around us, in a clamorous crowd, and I
turned to contend with them. I made every possible
effort to provide for him what comfort I could, but
I could only secure this, that they carried him, with
me, to a room farther within the house; and there,
now trying to restrain the tumult, and now assisting
him, I found him always in the same excellent frame
of mind. Sometimes I began to hear his confession,