naturally was grateful to the ruler of this country who afforded him aid. It was in consideration of all this that the viceroy had dispatched the present embassy to escort the Japanese merchants home and to express the good will of their Catholic majesties. He added, what was not quite true, that he had not come to ask for anything, nor to bring merchandise, nor to reap gain or profits, but solely for the purpose of delivering his embassy. He repeated, however, that he would sooner depart without delivering it than allow the authority of king and viceroy to be lowered one fraction of its grandeur, for his king was the greatest lord on earth. Viscaino’s arrogant utterances naturally gave offense to the shogun’s messengers; they returned to the palace greatly nonplussed, and affairs came to a standstill. It was then that the shogun wisely summoned a meeting of the presidents of the councils of state and government, and other high officials, who, after lengthy debates, finally formulated the decree that the Spanish ambassador was to be permitted to fulfill his “mission according to his own usage as best he could.” It was moreover decided that it was only when he spoke in the name of his king that he was to be permitted to occupy the same platform as the shogun who, seated, would receive the viceroy’s letter and presents. Having delivered these, the ambassador was to descend a step, and there deliver his present to the shogun, after which he was to seat himself. The decree concluded with the resolution that as much honor and mercy as possible was to be conceded to the first ambassador from New Spain. All difficulties having thus been overcome by the good will and courtesy of the Japanese, the audience took place on the following morning. The shogun sent four thousand soldiers of his guard to escort the Spaniards to his palace. The latter formed a group and proceeded in solemn procession, headed by the captain and pilot of the Spanish vessel, followed by members of its crew, and a sergeant, who bore the banner with three streamers, each held by a man. The standard came next, with its three streamers, the ambassador holding it with his right hand. Friar Luis Sotelo, the commissary of the Franciscan order, walked at one side with General Viscaino, and two Franciscan friars at the other, this group being preceded by the commander of the junks and another Japanese nobleman.