f the languages and their words and pronunciations,
which render them very easy, or at least not difficult to learn. Some
of their idioms and transpositions, which are different from our
own, must be accepted as they stand, as Father Joseph de Acosta says
very well when writing on this matter, (_De procur. sal_. lib. 4,
cap. 9.); but if they are once acquired, and one is accustomed to the
sound of them, they do not render the language difficult, but rather
make it easy and graceful. But since I have mentioned the courtesy
and politeness of the Tagalos, and of their tongue, it will be well,
before proceeding further, to speak more at length concerning it,
for it is so noble and pleasing a moral virtue.

Of the civilities, terms of courtesy, and good breeding among the
Filipinos. Chapter XVI.

The Filipinos are not so ceremonious in their actions as are
the Chinese and Japonese; yet they have their politeness and good
breeding, especially the Tagalos, who are very civil and courteous in
word and action. Upon meeting one another, they practice our custom
of uncovering the head--not that they used hats, caps, or bonnets;
but they wore a piece of cloth like a towel, some three or four
palmos long, which they wound around the head in becoming fashion,
like the ancient crowns or diadems. This they removed, as they now
do the hat [_sombrero_]--which they have adopted, in imitation of us,
abandoning the _potong_, as they called the towel or diadem which they
formerly wore. As among them it is not courtesy to remain standing
before a person whom they respect, they seat themselves upon the
ground, or rather on their heel-bones. Seated in this way, with head
uncovered and the potong thrown like a towel over the left shoulder,
they talk with their superiors. The mode of salutation upon entering
or meeting anyone is as follows: They draw the body together and make
a low reverence, raising one or both hands to the face, and placing
them upon the cheeks; they next sit down waiting for the question
that may be put to them, for it is considered bad manners to speak
before one is spoken to. Their greatest courtesy is in their form
of address; for they never speak to one as "thou," or in the second
person, whether singular or plural, but always use the third person,
saying for example--"Does the lord, or the chief, wish for this or
that?" There are many examples of this to be found in Holy Scripture
or sacred language, and particular