hecies. And because it is
right that I do so, and in order that your Grandeur be not deceived
by what is nothing else than the false flattery of ignorant people,
I acquaint you with the fact that my king's power is such, and the
kingdoms and countries under his royal and Christian rule are so many,
that his power and greatness is beyond compare with that of many
kings and lords, though they be most powerful, each by himself. His
dominions here are but a corner, and my king's possessions cannot
be judged by his dominion here. Now, returning to what I was saying,
since our lord and king is so powerful as he is, and only one of the
many kings of this world, it can be easily imagined that all the rest
of them will not obey one man alone, and that no human power could
control so much. Even were every one of them to render you obedience,
it is not to be thought that either our king or his subjects would do
it; but on the contrary, were it not that our divine and Christian
laws prevent us from taking unjustly from any one that which does
not belong to us, and if affairs were in accordance with power and
strength, my king only would be the one obeyed and acknowledged as
such ruler. In all other matters we put our trust not in human power,
which does not and cannot extend beyond God's divine wishes, but
in Him whom we acknowledge as our true Lord and God, as well as the
God of everything created. Under His omnipotent care we feel safe;
and this feeling of safety and trust is not imagined, but real and
proved by wonderful and miraculous deeds and events. Having such
men near you as father Fray Pedro and others, your Grandeur could
gain information--if for no other reason, merely for curiosity,
since your Grandeur is so desirous of learning about greatness;
and once having learned the greatness of our omnipotent Lord, you
will see how wise we are in putting our trust and confidence in Him,
who is almighty. I have said all this not to displease your Grandeur,
but in order that you may realize why we do not render obedience to
other dominion, other power or other lord, than Jesus Christ, almighty
and true God and Lord, and our most Christian king Don Phelipe. As
regards the friendship that your Grandeur says we ought to maintain
forever, we, on our side, will observe it; and I feel certain that
your Grandeur will keep it on your part, since it is so declared in
your royal letters. I will advise my king and lord at the earliest
oppor