the good opinion of the king.

About twelve leagues distant from the town there was a famous monastery
of the Bonzas, the superior of which was one Fucarandono, esteemed the
greatest scholar and most accomplished in all the learning of Japan: he
had read lectures of the mysteries of their divinity for the space of
thirty years, in the most renowned university of the kingdom. But however
skilled he was in all sciences, his authority was yet greater than his
knowledge: men listened to him as to the oracle of Japan, and an implicit
faith was given to all he said. The Bonzas of Fucheo were persuaded, that
if they could bring him to the town, and set him up against Xavier, in
presence of the court, they should soon recover their lost honour; such
confidence they had of a certain victory over the European doctor. On
this account they writ to Fucarandono, with all the warmness of an
earnest invitation, and sent him word. "That if he would give himself the
trouble of this little journey, to revenge the injury they had received,
they would carry him back in triumph, on their shoulders, to his
monastery."

The Bonza, who was full as vain as he was learned, came speedily,
attended by six Bonzas, all men of science, but his inferiors and
scholars. He entered the palace at that point of time when Xavier, and
the Portuguese, had audience of the king, for their last farewell, being
to embark the next morning. Before the king had dismissed them, he was
informed that Fucarandono desired to kiss his hand, in presence of the
Portuguese Bonza. At the name of Fucarandono the king was a little
nonplused, and stood silent for some time, suspecting that he came to
challenge Father Xavier to a disputation, and devising in himself some
means of breaking off this troublesome affair, as he afterwards
acknowledged. For whatever good opinion he had of the saint's abilities,
yel he could not think him strong enough to encounter so formidable an
adversary; and therefore, out of his kindness to him, was not willing to
expose him to a disgrace in public. Xavier, who perceived the king's
perplexity, and imagined from whence it might proceed, begged earnestly
of his majesty to give the Bonza leave of entrance, and also free
permission of speaking: "for, as to what concerns me," said the Father,
"you need not give yourself the least disquiet: the law I preach is no
earthly science, taught in any of our universities, nor a human
invention; it is a doctrin