d
this stroke were the auditors, especially as, on the following day,
when their platform was already placed in the cathedral, and all
had resolved to go there, the archbishop sent them a message that
they should suspend their attendance there for a time, until these
affairs were adjusted. Thereupon, coram omni populo [i.e., "in the
presence of all the people"] who had gathered to see what was going on,
the platform was removed [from the cathedral]. The auditors keenly
resented this; but since they are to blame in having done what they
could not be forced to do, let them pay the penalty.

The governor astonished at a thing so unexpected, again questioned
the religious orders, in the strictest manner, on various points; the
principal of these was in regard to the royal ministers [comision],
whether or not they had incurred censure by having acted according
to the laws of his Majesty--which was the same as inquiring whether
the said laws were just or unjust. The Augustinians and Recollects
evaded answering this. The Franciscans were doubtful; but, learning
that the Jesuits had answered and publicly declared that now was the
time to stand by our king and give blood and life for him, and that
they all would do so in what was not contrary to the law of God, the
fathers of St. Francis were also encouraged, and they came to the same
resolution. The Theatins gave notice of their decision to the governor;
but they told him that sometimes it was necessary to make the occasion
and whet the blade; and, since now they were drawing the sword, they
would strike a sure blow and draw blood. Considering the feelings of
the Audiencia, and its embarrassed condition, they sent one of their
fathers even to its hall of assembly, to make known their resolution
to the auditors; those gentlemen were much relieved, and thanked the
Jesuits for their courtesy. This was made known throughout the city,
and the people expected that this document would be circulated; but
it seems that the threat alone was as effectual as the stroke could
have been. For, at the instance of the governor, his illustrious
Lordship went to the royal court on the sixth day of December, on
which was celebrated the fiesta of St. Francis Javier; and, as the
result of his visit, the session was closed and all [the auditors]
went to the fiesta, to the great joy of the entire city. We do not
know what occurred in the session of the Audiencia; [109] only one
[writer] mentions that