The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898 - Volume 40 of 55, 1690-1691

Volume 40 — San Agustin’s Letter on the Filipinos

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My Dear Sir:

“Ver viridem flavamque æstas, me fervida canam

“Dificilis, facilis, jucundus, acerbus est idem;

If any letter is read before them, they will go behind one to see it, although they do [not] know how to read. And if they hear any talking in private, they draw nigh to listen to it, even though it be in a language that they do not understand.

23. When they go out alone at night, they must have a blazing torch, and go about waving it like a censer; and then they throw it down wherever they please, and this is usually the cause of great fires.

25. They do not esteem garments or gala dresses given them by their Spanish masters; and accordingly leave such in any place, without perceiving that they are losing them. But any old rag that they wear from their own houses they esteem and value highly.

27. They live unwillingly in convents, or in houses where they cannot be at least on the scent of women.

32. They have contradictory peculiarities, such as being very cowardly, while on some occasions they are rash; for they confess that they would rather suffer a hundred lashes than to have one shout aloud to them—which, they say, penetrates even to the heart, without the cause being known.

Es[t] modus in rebus, sunt certi denique fines.

52. But in the midst of this, which appears inhuman, one may praise them for having succeeded in treating their wives as they deserve, in order to keep them submissive and happy; for this submission makes them better, and humble, and prudent, and conformable to their sentence of being subject to man. And if the Europeans would learn this useful and prudent management from them, they would live in greater peace and with less expense; and marriage would be more mild and quiet, and well ordered, according to reason, and better directed toward the end for which it was instituted—as we see is the case with these people, with a fertility that causes our wonder.

56. They would rather scorn the goods of the father or of the Spaniards than enjoy them and profit by them. Hence what they lose is greater than what they spend.

Segnius irritant animos demisa per aures,

Quam quæ sunt oculis conspecta fidelibus.

O tuta potestas Augusti parvique laris.

Prohl munera nondum intellecta Deum quibus hoc

Contingere templis, vel posuit muris nullo

83. And he said that John was so great a saint, that even in the mouth of Christ our Lord it was [only] possible to begin speaking of him, but that no end could be reached. The same I shall say of this matter, in all candor.

88. First, one must not shout out at them, for that is a matter that frightens and terrifies them greatly, as can be seen if one cries out at them when they are unaware—when the whole body trembles; and they say that a single cry of the Spaniard penetrates quite to their souls.

Sis licet ingenuus clarisque parentibus ortus;

Esse tamen vel sic bestia magna potes.

Adde docus patriæ et claros tibi sume propinquos;

Esse tamen vel sic bestia magna potes.

Denique, quidquid eris, nisi sit prudentia tecum;

Fray Gaspar de San Agustin

[On a loose paper inserted in the copy of this letter owned by the Museo-Biblioteca de Ultramar (which as stated above, is unsigned), which was formerly owned by the well known Spanish scholar Pascual de Gayangos, is the following: “According to paragraphs [of this letter] which Paterno inserted in his work La antigua civilizacion de Filipinos (Madrid, 1887), p. 241, this letter must have been written by father Fray Gaspar de San Agustín; and according to Sinibaldo Mas, who inserts entire passages from this MS. in his Informe sobre el estado de Filipinas en 1842, i, pp. 63–132, and attributes it to Father Gaspar.” Paterno has not had access to the document itself, but has used Mas.]

[Subjoined to the letter is the following, the origin of which we cannot account for, but which indicates the wide circulation that the letter must have had.]

102. What is the Indian? Reply—The lowest degree of rational animal. Question—How many and what are his peculiarities? Reply—Twenty-one, as follows:

Pride Without honor.

Friend Without loyalty.

A drunkard Without satiety.

Compassionate Without mercy.

Reserved Without secrecy.

Long-suffering Without patience.

Cowardly Without fear.

Bold Without resolution.

Obedient Without submissiveness.

One who practices austerities Without suffering.

Bashful Without sense of honor.

Virtuous Without mortification.

Clever Without capacity.

Civilized Without politeness.

Astute Without sagacity.

Merciful Without pity.

Modest Without shame.

Revengeful Without valor.

Poor Without corresponding [mode of life].

Rich Without economy.

Lazy Without negligence.

Laus Deo.

Résumé of the entire letter by the said Father Murillo

[Delgado has the following interesting chapter (pp. 297–302 of his Historia) on this letter, which it is judged advisable to present at this place.]

Notes in this chapter

Note 1 · Although your command has so great weight with me, the undertaking of performing it satisfactorily is so difficult that I doubt my ability t Note 2 · 2. The knowledge of men has been considered by the most erudite persons as a difficult thing. Dificile est, noscere hominem animal varium et Note 3 · Autumnus calvam, frigida fecit hyems.”11 Note 4 · “For this is the inconstancy of man in his [various] ages: green in his childhood; fiery in the age of his virility; white in old age; and b Note 5 · Nec tecum possum vivere, nec sine te.”13 Note 6 · From this came the proverb ”Quot capita, tot sententiæ.”14 For in the changeable affection of man are locked up all the meteoric influences Note 7 · 3. It is a fact that the difficulty of knowing these Indians is not in the individuals, but in the race; for, if one be known, then all are Note 8 · 4. Although we call both the natives of America and those of these Philipinas Islands Indians, it cannot be denied that they are very differ Note 9 · 5. The Asiatic Indians of Philipinas, then, are almost the same as those of the other nations of East India, in what regards their genius [g Note 10 · 6. But leaving this immense sea of peoples and customs, let us return to our natives of these islands, who, besides having been exceedingly Note 11 · 7. The temperament of these Indians, as is proved by their physiognomy, is cold and humid, because of the great influence of the moon. They Note 12 · 8. This disposition and influence makes them fickle, malicious, untrustworthy, dull, and lazy;32 fond of traveling by river, sea, and lake; Note 13 · 9. First, they are remarkable for their ingratitude; and although ingratitude is an innate vice in all people, through the corruption of ori Note 14 · 10. If they borrow anything that is not money, they will never return it until it is requested; and, as an excuse for not having returned it Note 15 · 11. Their laziness is such that if they open a door they never close it; and if they take any implement for any use, such as a knife, pair o Note 16 · 12. If they are paid anything in advance, they will leave work and keep the pay.45 Note 17 · 13. They are naturally rude, and consequently, it is strange to see them, when talking with the father or a Spaniard, first scratch themselv Note 18 · 14. It is a thing of great wonder that in everything they make in which there is a right and wrong side, they naturally make it wrong side o Note 19 · 15. When the men walk with their wives, they go in advance, and the wives follow, as that is just the contrary of our custom. This was a bit Note 20 · 16. They are curious, rude, and impertinent, and accordingly, when they meet the father they generally ask him where he is going and whence Note 21 · 17. They enter, without being summoned, into the convents and the houses of the Spaniards, even into the most secret apartment, but in their Note 22 · They tramp about in the convents and houses of the Spaniards so loudly, that it causes wonder and annoyance; and especially if the father is Note 23 · 18. They are very early risers in their own houses,55 for their poverty and the noise demand that. But if their masters sleep until ten, the Note 24 · 19. They must eat and try all that their masters eat, even though it be something delicious or from Europa; and no Spaniard, and especially Note 25 · 20. Their manner of sitting is generally on their heels [en cuclillas], and they do that in all places except in the convents, where they br Note 26 · 21. They care more for their disheveled hair than they do for their souls; and only they will not imitate the Spaniards if they have the cus Note 27 · 22. Their usual habitation and happiness in the convents consists in not leaving the kitchen. There they hold their meetings and feasts, and Note 28 · 24. They would rather wear mourning than go about in gala dress, and are accordingly very observant in wearing it during their funerals.60 Note 29 · 26. They do not care for any domestic animal—dog, cat, horse, or cow. They only care, and too much so, for the fighting cocks; and every mor Note 30 · 28. It is not known that the Indian has [ever] broken a dish or a crock in his own house, and consequently one will find dishes in them that Note 31 · 29. One may not trust a sword, mirror, glass, musket, clock, or any other rare article to them; or allow them to touch it even with the hand Note 32 · 30. They are insolent and free in begging for unjust and foolish things, and this without considering time or season. When I remember the ci Note 33 · They would rather have one real from the hand of the Sangley than one peso from the Spaniard; and the power that the Sangleys have over them Note 34 · 31. They are very fond of play,72 for they believe that it is a restful way in which to gain much, and it is very suitable to their laziness Note 35 · 33. It is laughable to see them waken another who is sleeping like a stone, when they come up without making any noise and touching him very Note 36 · 34. In another way, they exhibit other rash actions, by which it is seen that their rashness is rather the daughter of ignorance and barbari Note 37 · 35. The same thing happens in the rivers where there are crocodiles, although they see them swimming about; for they say the same as do the Note 38 · 36. While it is a fact that they are extremely credulous among themselves, they will believe of the Spaniards only what is against them. The Note 39 · So great is the ease and tenacity with which they believe the greatest nonsense, if this is to the discredit of the Spaniards or against the Note 40 · 37. While I was in Bisayas in the year 1672, those islands began to be depopulated and the Indians began to take to the mountains from the v Note 41 · The second: While I was in the village of Lipa, a mine was discovered in that of Tanavan which was said to be of silver. Governor Don Fausto Note 42 · 38. May God deliver us from any one of those Indians whom they consider as sages, who says any bit of nonsense, even though it be against th Note 43 · 39. They are extremely arrogant, and hence the son will not obey his father, or the headman, or captain of the village.85 They are only boun Note 44 · 40. They are very fond if imitating the Spaniard87 in all his bad traits, such as variety of clothes, cursing, gambling, and the rest that t Note 45 · 41. Just as the poor are arrogant, so also are the old ones ignorant, and they are not to be distinguished from the youths. Consequently, in Note 46 · 42. They are so ignorant that they do not have the slightest knowledge concerning the origin of the ancestors from whom they descend, and wh Note 47 · 43. They act tyrannically one toward another. Consequently, the Indian who has some power from the Spaniard is insolent93 and intolerable am Note 48 · 44. They are wanting in understanding and reflection, so that they do not recognize any means in anything, but go to extremes. Consequently,Note 49 · Quos ultra, citraque nequit consistere rectum.98 Note 50 · This is the cause of great anxiety to us, and with them a cause of great happiness to see us grow impatient, even though it cost them some b Note 51 · They resemble in this a mischievous lad who served a good cleric. One day his master sent him to buy a hen, and he stole and hid a leg.100 H Note 52 · It happened that an Augustinian religious—who still lives and is very well known for his great learning—arrived in these islands in the year Note 53 · 45. One can give them nothing, even if it be given,105 for if he happen to give one anything in the presence of others, even if it be a need Note 54 · 46. They are so distrustful that they think that the ground on which they walk and the air which they breathe are about to fail. This does n Note 55 · 47. As they are so curious, and fond of knowing whatever does not concern them, what occurs when many of them confess together is wondrous t Note 56 · 48. They are much given to the sin of blasphemy,109 because of their natural vileness, their pride, and their presumption. Hence it is quite Note 57 · 49. They are very vain,112 and they spend their money never more willingly than in functions of vanity; for they consider themselves highly,Note 58 · 50. They are revengeful to an excessive degree—so much so that they are vile and cowardly, and the ministers have great trouble in reconcili Note 59 · This is the reason why they are so inclined to litigation, and to going before the audiencias and courts with their quarrels,116 in which th Note 60 · 51. In order to be contrary in everything to other nations, they have lust but no love. This is in regard to the illicit love; for in the su Note 61 · 53. They have another remarkable custom, which has been taught them by the infernal Machiavelian119 Satan, which is good for their bodies, b Note 62 · 54. This worst of customs is very prejudicial and troublesome to the Spaniards and to the father ministers. For it might happen that one has Note 63 · 55. They have another peculiarity, which always causes me great wonder. I am trying to discover the cause therefor, but I only find, so far Note 64 · 57. They are greatly lacking in foresight. Hence the servants and stewards do not advise their master to procure any article until it is com Note 65 · 58. If there are visitors or guests to dine with the master, they do not consider the guests at all, thus causing the poor master of the hou Note 66 · 59. Their stomachs are like sackbuts, with systole and diastole;128 and thus they contract and expand them in a wonderful manner. For althou Note 67 · 60. But say to them, Buen provecho;130 for usually these losses are well retrieved when they row. They are horrifying and frightful in venti Note 68 · 61. When the petition has been made, they go with it to the mourners, and they go to press their suit with a lamentation like that of Magedo Note 69 · 62. Their cunning and diabolical cleverness in making an accusation is not the equal [i.e., is more than the equal] of their capacity; and i Note 70 · 63. Inasmuch as any sort of complaint is received, without subjecting the accuser to a penalty in case that he cannot prove his allegations1 Note 71 · 64. They are very fond of ceremonial acts and festivals where there is some novelty; and fond of long pilgrimages142 to images of some new m Note 72 · 65. They are especially fond of comedies and farces, and therefore, there is no feast of consequence, unless there is a comedy.144 If possib Note 73 · 66. Consequently, those who have experience are wont to declare that the faith enters into the Indians through the eyes; and hence it seems Note 74 · 67. They are extreme in their observance of their usages and customs, which they call ogali. To be found wanting in these is a great infamy;Note 75 · 68. Another curious peculiarity is that although there are generally some few who are jealous, if they have any business with the Spaniards,Note 76 · 69. They are very material and literal in their conversations, and one cannot say the slightest word to the women in jest, however slight it Note 77 · 70. It is a thing to be wondered at that even the dogs have another disposition, and have a particular aversion toward Spaniards. When they Note 78 · 71. They are so cowardly that they fear any Indian who becomes a bully among them—so much that, if they only see him with a poor knife, they Note 79 · 72. The vice of drunkenness is regarded by them as rank in the fourth degree,157 and they have made it a point of nobility; for the chiefest Note 80 · 73. Returning now to the others, in general, they possess vanity without honor; for among them it is no reason for less esteem to be drunkar Note 81 · 74. All that I have said of the men is very different in the women, saltem quoad modum.162 For they are of better morals, are docile and aff Note 82 · 75. The women are very devout, and in every way of good habits. The cause for this is that they are kept so subject and so closely occupied;Note 83 · 76. In all that I have said, to this point, concerning the nature and morals of these poor people, I have done no more than to approximate [Note 84 · 77. The bishop of La Puebla, Don Juan Palafox,173 wrote a keen treatise on the virtues of the Indians of Nueva España, in which his uncommon Note 85 · Roma quid meltus scyt[h]ico180 quid frigore peius?Note 86 · Húc tamen ex illa Barbarus urbe fugit.181 Note 87 · 78. It is not my intention to include the Sangley mestizos here, as they are a different race. For although they were the children of Indian Note 88 · 79. Finally, summing up all the above, the inference will be that all the actions of these wretched beings are such as are dictated by natur Note 89 · 80. They also have other qualities worthy of envy, non quoad causam sed quoad efectum.186 Such is their contentment with their lot, for they Note 90 · Trepidare tumulto, Cæsarea pulsata manu.188 Note 91 · 81. They are also worthy of envy for the calmness and conformity with which they die, with so wonderful peace, as if they were making a jour Note 92 · For it is a fact that if one consider the life and lot of most of them, they resemble that merchant in the gospel of Matthew (chapter 13), w Note 93 · 82. In all the aforesaid, I find no more than the claw by which this lion can be recognized, because of the difficulty of the matter; theref Note 94 · 84. There is no little to learn and study in the matter, concerning the manner in which one must behave with them—especially we ministers, w Note 95 · 85. Therefore the compass to which the navigator must always be attentive, in the gulf of the customs of this exasperating race, is patience Note 96 · 86. With this knowledge and without losing200 this strong protection one must continually consider that all these vices and evil traits are Note 97 · 87. I confess for my part that, at the beginning, I was afflicted and was greatly tormented, until with the lapse of time I came to realize Note 98 · 89. One must not strike them with the hands, for if we are of flesh, they are of iron, and the hand will suffer greatly, for God does not ch Note 99 · 90. All of their faults must not be overlooked, for they will become insolent and worse daily. Consequently, it is necessary for the father Note 100 · 91. Nothing must be taken away from them, or received from them, without paying for it; for they are very poor, and the least thing produces Note 101 · 92. It is better, in selecting servants among the Indians for the inside of the house, to see that they be the sons of caciques or chiefs. T Note 102 · 93. One must not exhaust them or squeeze them much beyond what they can give of themselves, as we do with the lemon, for all that will be pr Note 103 · 94. When214 they are sent with a message to any place, one must very patiently await some notable failure caused ordinarily by their natural Note 104 · 95. I do not believe that I should omit mention, saltem per transenam,217 of a matter very worthy of consideration—namely, that if God choos Note 105 · 96. Therefore, if any insurrection or mutiny should arise, how well could it be arranged and prepared,226 if the cura entered also into the Note 106 · 97. A noble youth had a very beautiful and gentle female kitten, which he esteemed so highly that he begged the goddess Venus to change it i Note 107 · 98. I believe that the same thing would happen with the Indians,230 even when they belong to the caciques or nobility; for it is incredible Note 108 · 99. Then is it possible that, even though they are Catholics and faithful sons of the Church, we must exalt to so lofty an estate men agains Note 109 · 100. It is also a fact that the sacred canons do not demand from those who are ordained more than an honorable life and example, and a suffi Note 110 · Sint tibi divitæ242 sit larga et munda supellex;Note 111 · Magna quidem dico, bestia semper eris.243 Note 112 · 101. May God our Lord preserve your Grace for the many years of my desire. Manila, June 8, one thousand seven hundred and twenty.244 Your hu Note 113 · Questions of Father Pedro Murillo [Velarde]245 of the Society of Jesus Note 114 · 103. The Filipino Indian is the embryo of nature and the offspring of grossness. He does not feel an insult or show gratitude for a kindness