Note 70 — Chapter VII

Delgado says (p. 308): “If they had as much understanding as the reverend father, they would not do it.” The cases cited prove nothing general, since they are only particular cases. “But it must be borne in mind that all the Indians of these islands are very poor, and dress very poorly and live meanly; and when they see that the Spaniards, and especially these bishops and marquises, bear themselves with so great ostentation, and are so free and magnanimous and liberal, as their nobility demands, some Indians of little capacity are emboldened to beg from them things that they ought not; for they think that such men will never remain poor even though they give much.” We beg God often for things out of season.

“This is because they know beforehand that they ask nonsense, and assume that their demand will not be granted, but they only are trying to see whether it might be met by any chance; for they are accustomed to the extreme goodness of the Spaniards, and do not fear making them angry by an absurd demand.” (Mas, pp. 72, 73.)