I venture to suggest that it would be an interesting experiment for some scholar to translate my version back into Japanese, and to compare his translation with the original document and verify the changes which must have been produced by its passing through the crucible of three European languages. “Minamoto Iyeyasu of Japan, to his Lordship the Governor of Luzon:-- “After a long voyage your envoy has arrived at last with your letter. He has spoken to me of the mode of government and the flourishing condition of your country, and, at the same time, delivered to me the five objects which you have deigned to send me as presents. “Although I have never had the honor to see or listen to you, your amiable behavior makes me realize how all men are members of a single family; which reflection has moved me deeply. “Nothing would satisfy my desires so much as to see merchant vessels establishing frequent communication between my country and New Spain. In formulating this wish, it was not only the interests of Japan which moved me, but also, in equal measure, your own advantage. Many of your people have assured me that it would be a considerable advantage to them to be able to count upon a port in the Kwanto as a shelter for their ships during tempests. They have also manifested to me the pleasure with which they would see Japanese vessels making voyages between the Kwanto and New Spain. “I shall await your answer with eager anticipation. “If you render me this service, I, in turn, will severely prohibit piracy even in the most remote islands of Japan, and, if you so desire, I will condemn all pirates to death. You, in turn, can execute all Japanese who in the Philippines violate your laws. If any of the merchants who with my authorization visit your country, prove to be rebellious to your authority, I will, upon being informed of their names, prohibit their embarking again. “Although unworthy of you, deign to accept as a sign of friendship the Japanese suit of armor, which I send you. “My ambassador will tell you all that I have failed to express in this letter.”