Page:The Philippine Islands, 1493-1803 (Volume 04).djvu/239

1576-1582] to take from them those used for piracy, leaving them their fishing and trading vessels.

If the said natives pay tribute, it shall be disposed of in accordance with the custom of that land—namely, one half shall be reserved for his Majesty, and the other half shall be divided among the soldiers, as an aid in their necessity.

And since all the importance of this expedition lies in patience and comfort (because the Indians, having seen that they would soon have to yield, refuse to come down from the mountains), you shall try to make yourself as comfortable as possible, paying special attention to the health and welfare of your troops. And you shall carefully study the country in general, and its water and food-products, so that you may inform yourself better, in order if possible, to preserve health, which is the principal desideratum. In order to guard the health of your men, I charge you specially that you take good care of your sick. You shall put a soldier of good temper in charge of them who shall minister to them. From whatever gold or other property of his Majesty's you may have, the sick shall be provided with fowls or whatever is necessary. You shall especially forbid the soldiers to eat bananas or sugar-cane, or other harmful things, and see that they live decently.

You shall find out from the Indians of that land whether they sail or go to Maluco. You shall ask them whether there are any Christians there; and if there is any Cafre or Christian in Bindanao, you shall secure him.

Having completed matters at Bindanao, you shall return to the port of Cavite. Thence, with what men