e he was given permission to bring twenty-four religious. He
who came as visitor was father Master Fray Diego de Guevara, who died
afterward as bishop of Camarines. He was most religious, and devout
beyond belief. While living in the convent at Madrid, he was there an
example and model to all those excellent men who are never lacking
in the convents of the capital; and, as that place is the _non plus
ultra_ of the world, one would think that all were keeping the best
men for that place.
[A professed religious of Salamanca, Guevara, after his arrival
at Manila, serves in several capacities--as reader in the Manila
convent, prior of Santisimo Nombre de Jesus, and prior of Manila. He
lives an austere life. While prior of Manila occurs "the rising of
the Sangleys, which was ended with so great glory to the Spanish
nation. For the Spaniards were so few, while the Chinese were so many
that those who assert the smallest number say that they exceeded four
thousand. Finally they were killed and destroyed throughout those
districts, and their possessions and houses were ruined and burned,
a thing regarded as marvelous. For they might have killed the Spaniards
with great ease, as the latter were quite unprepared, not expecting any
such thing. The city desired to advise his Majesty of the fortunate
outcome of the matter; and that in regard to those who have entered
Manila through the gates, it has always been extremely fortunate, and
has always triumphed over its enemies, but never been conquered. Our
father Fray Diego Guevara was chosen, and he accepted very willingly
what the city requested, in all having the approbation of our father
provincial. It was learned that a galleon was to be despatched from
Malaca to India, while it was not the season here for despatches. He
took as companion a choir-brother named Fray Diego de Urive, [15]
a native of the town of Consuegra in Mancha." Arrived at Malaca, they
find the galleon gone. They go to Goa, thence to Ormuz, and accomplish
the journey to Rome overland. "Clemente VIII rejoiced greatly at
receiving him, and much more at the good news from the islands of
the West." The general of the order gives Guevara a warm reception,
and allows him to depart for Spain. "At that time some differences
arose between Ours and the Recollect fathers of our order, who were
now commencing to settle. Thereupon an ordinance from Roma ordered
an inspection. On petition of the royal Council, the visitation
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