receive baptism. Much persuasion, however, was not necessary; for she
herself desired it, and expressed herself to that effect--adding that,
even though it should displease her husband, she would begin the task;
and that, instead of returning to his house, she would go directly
to that of a Christian woman, who should instruct and prepare her
for baptism. These sentiments she expressed privately not only to
the father, but even to her husband, before many other persons. As
she said, so she acted; and her solemn baptism was celebrated with
many feasts, dances, and rejoicings. The husband seeing this, put
away the other two wives, giving them the amounts of their dowry;
and, freed from this obstacle, received baptism and was married in
Christian fashion. On the feast-day of the glorious resurrection of
Christ our Lord, we celebrated the baptism of this man and eleven other
chiefs, who were also baptized amid great festivities and rejoicing,
and with the concourse of many people.

I have thus given an account of what took place in the five stations
in that island of Leite. Before we pass on to the rest, it will be
fitting to explain, as far as we can, their usages in marriage and
divorce--as well to make more intelligible what we have already
related as to have a better understanding of a topic which in the
course of our remaining narrative must frequently arise.



Of marriages, dowries, and divorces among the Filipinos. Chapter XXX.

I had lived in the Filipinas for almost ten years before I learned that
there was any man who had married several wives; and I did not know
it until I went to the islands of Ibabao and Leite, for in Manila,