those who marry two or three wives. The man is not obliged to marry
them all in one day; and, even after having one wife for many years,
he may take another, and yet another--indeed, like the Mahometans as
many as he can support. I believe that this evil custom in the islands
of Mindanao and Leite has been derived from that sect; for they are
increasing throughout the world, propagating their cursed doctrine
with as much zeal and concern as we do our holy faith. It had taken
root in Burnei before we took possession of the Filipinas; and from
that island they had come to preach it in Manila, where they had begun
to teach it publicly when our people arrived and tore it up by the
roots. Less than fourteen years ago it was introduced into Mindanao,
on this side of the island, which is no small reason for sorrow and
regret. While the marriage-bond lasts, the husband is, as with us,
the lord of all; or, at least, all the wealth is kept together, and
both parties endeavor to increase it as much as they can--although
they are wont to steal from each other for their own purposes.



Of the island of Ibabao, and how the Society entered it. Chapter XXXI.

It is this island which first gives joy to the vessels which sail
hence for the Filipinas; for it is the first land descried in our
passage westward. A headland on its coast is the celebrated cape of
Espiritu Santo, which we sight on arriving at the islands, and for
which we sought. With this island on the left, and the great island of
Manila on the right, we enter directly the Filipinas Islands, leaving
the islands of the Ladrones three hundred leguas behind. It also forms
with the island of Leite, which lies south of it, a very narrow strait,
through which a few ships have penetrated--especially those which