It is more than one thousand years since Japon has been governed by
one sovereign. During this period the wars and dissensions among the
rulers of the country were so many, that it was impossible to send
a letter from one part to the other; until now the Lord of Heaven
has willed that the country be united in my time, and that it be
reduced to my obedience. In accomplishing this, everything was so
favorable to me, that as yet I have lost no battle, but have been
victorious in every one for ten years. Likewise I have conquered the
island of Lequio, which was not under my sway, and Acoray [Korea];
[38] and even from Eastern Yndia embassies have been sent to me. Now
I am about to invade Great China in order to conquer it, for heaven,
and not my forces, has promised it to me. I am much surprised that that
country of the island of Luzon has not sent me ambassador or messenger,
and I was therefore of a mind, on my way to China, to attack Manila
with my fleet, were it not that Faranda, a Japanese noble, told me
of the good treatment accorded to my vassals, the Japanese traders,
who go to those islands from here. When I asked him if the ruler there
was my friend, he answered and assured me that, if I should send a
letter to the governor, he would send me an ambassador. And should he
not do it since I am well established in my kingdom, I am so powerful
that I have men who can go to conquer any kingdom whatever. Although
this messenger is a man of low rank, I have accredited him, because
of the good account he gives. And also, since I am not sending the
troops I thought to send, I shall descend, within two months, from
where I am now, to Nanguaya, my seaport, where are stationed the
forces composing my army; and if an ambassador comes to me there from
those islands, and I ascertain that the governor is my friend, I shall
lower my banner in token of friendship. If an ambassador is not sent,
I shall unfurl my banner [39] and send an army against that country to
conquer it with a multitude of men; so that that country will repent
at not having sent me an ambassador. In order to become the friend of
the Spaniards, I am sending this embassy from Miaco, in the year 19,
[_sic_] from the country of Japon, to the country of Luçon. [40]
[_Endorsed_: "Copy of the letter from the king of Japon."]