which one may consider his desire for the common good. For, although
he might have sent other religious, he went in person, and put no value
on his own life. [6] He returned to Manila, where he finished his term,
creating the desire in the fathers to see him provincial forever.

In the chapter that elected our father Montesdoza, procurators
were sent to España and to the Roman court. The papers and title of
definitor of the chapter were given to our father Fray Lorenzo de León,
who has just finished his provincialate. He embarked at the port of
Cavite, made the trip to Nueva España safely, and likewise to the
court of King Felipe III, of blessed memory. He did not go to Roma,
but sent his papers from España. He was very well received at court,
for the papers that he carried from the islands were excellent, and in
his person he merited everything. They were very desirous to appoint
him archbishop of Manila, and it is even said that they begged him to
accept rewards, and congratulated him. But that shadow was dissipated
instantly, as there was not wanting an evil-minded person to spoil it
all by a malicious tale. For father Fray Lorenzo de León had ever the
name of a most devout religious; and as such the province of Filipinas,
which at that time was most noted for its religious devotion, elected
him as its superior and provincial. But who can free himself from
an evil tongue, and an ill will? For the loyal man lives no longer
than the traitor desires. His hopes were frustrated, a matter that
troubled him little, as he was a humble religious. He undertook to
return [to Filipinas], and our king gave him commission to bring
over a ship-load of religious. He received letters as vicar-general
of the islands from Roma, so that he might always preside at the
chapters held there. He had letters as master, and his academic
degree; and brought a dispensation from our most reverend [general],
so that, if elected as provincial the second time, he might serve;