and know no fixed abode except the
sea; for although they recognize villages, in which they assemble,
they seldom live in these, for they are scattered through the bays
and beaches suitable for their fishing. They live under the kings of
Mindanao and Jolo, and the chiefs of the same, and those of the island
of Basilan; today with some, tomorrow with others, according to the
district in which they are. Those of this island are scattered along
all the coast which extends from Samboangan to the river of Mindanao,
and have no fixed dwelling in any other part--except some of them who
have settled in the city of Cebu and a few others in the village of
Dapitan. They are equally esteemed in all parts as being the sinews
for the wars of these regions (their campaign field being the sea),
and also for their skill in constructing vessels fit for the wars of
these regions, and their skill in managing them.

By their constant communication with,all the nations (as they go
to all parts for their advantage), and because of their method of
living--which is so in the manner of traders, enjoying the fruits of
the land--and by the alertness of their intelligence, they are the
most capable, the most clear-sighted, and the most crafty people of
these islands. Therefore, they maintain the supremacy in everything,
and, although they are the smallest in number, and everywhere the
most foreign [of all these peoples], they are today the kings, and
hold the rulers as their slaves; for now by loans, now by violence,
and now by private vengeance, they have established the entire slavery
of these islands.

As their work causes but little exertion, naturally they grow up lazy,
and only shake off their laziness for the gains and advantages of an
industry like trading and sea piracy. And since the gains derived from
that source are sure, both because the cunning employed by them is
that of finished robbers, and because their wings are those of royal
falcons, they are most eager for that exercise, as they are assured
by these advantages from all danger; for, whether it be because of
the swiftness of their ships or because of their skill in rowing
them, no ship of ours has ever been able to overtake them. Assured
on that point, they have pillaged whatever their greed has dictated
to them. Their method of attack is for all of them to land at once
with a terrifying and barbaric cry, the awfulness of which strikes
terror to the people as they are caught