[166] The usurper, with little experience or ability in matters of government, accomplished little that was of use, but spent much money; but "he oppressed and burdened more than ever the provinces and the Indians, under pretext of cutting timber for building ships and for making the port of Cavite secure with palisades--a task of the utmost hardship for the poor wretches." (Ventura del Arco MSS., ii, p. 581.) [167] The translation of the title-page of this book is as follows: "Historical, political, ethical, and religious treatises on the monarchy of China. A brief description of that empire and curious instances regarding the emperors and magistrates of that country. Accompanied by a diffuse narrative of various events and singular things in other kingdoms, and various voyages. The pontifical decrees and propositions authorized in Roma for the Chinese mission are added, and a bull of our most holy father Clemente X, in favor of the missionaries. By the father master Fray Domingo Fernandez Navarrete, professor of morning classes in the college and university of Santo Thomàs of Manila, apostolic missionary in Great China, superior of those of his mission, and procurator-general in the court of Madrid for the province of Santo Rosario of Filipinas, of the Order of Preachers. He dedicates his work to the most serene Don Juan of Austria. Year 1676. With license. Madrid, in the royal printing-house. Printed by Juan Garcia Infançon. At the expense of Florian Anisson, bookseller."