above-mentioned reasons, and taking into consideration the service
of the Lord, and the welfare of those people, and the growth of the
new gospel so pleasing to the Lord and so earnestly desired by his
Majesty, and notwithstanding his judgment and belief that the said
answer should be sent just as read here, he desired to call together
these grave and important persons and inform them of this affair,
so that, having examined the said letter, they could give their
opinion. If they approved of it, it would be sent; but should they,
for any reasons or considerations, desire it to be otherwise, they
should give signed statements of their opinions, with the reasons
therefor, and this opinion, together with his letter, and a copy
of the letters from Japon and the reply which they think suitable,
will be sent to his Majesty for the protection of the governor in the
future, as in this matter he would not do anything but what might be
resolved upon, and decided to be most beneficial to the service of God
and of the king our lord, and to the good name of the Spanish nation.

Then the licentiate Pedro de Rojas, lieutenant-governor, said that
the substance of the reply to the king of Xapon's letter, as read,
was very prudent and discreet, and that its warmth and spirit were
proper in view of the arrogant words written by the emperor in his
letter; but that in his opinion, it would be well to follow the
reserved and dignified style generally used among such personages,
and to leave out some words, especially in that part referring
to the falsity of the prophecies, where other arguments could be
advanced. The master-of-camp and other captains present were of the
same opinion. The decision of the question was, therefore, postponed
until the next day, when an amended reply would be presented. This
resolution was signed, by the licentiate Pedro de Rojas, Diego
Ronquillo, Juan Xuarez Gallinato, Gomez de Machuca, Pedro de Chaves,