In the document which I sent to your Lordship the other day was
contained the substance of the opinion which I and other theologians
of this bishopric hold concerning the collection [of tributes] from
the encomiendas in these islands. I then stated that all the matter
outlined therein would be sent later to your Lordship, proved in detail
by convincing arguments. This, however, I have not been able to do,
nor will it be possible as long as I must remain in this city; for day
and night I am beset by necessary business. For this reason, I would be
glad to be able to leave the city for a few days in order that I might
conclude this matter--to which, since it is to be brought before his
Majesty and his royal Council, persons who are to consider it with
care, it would seem but right that I should also give most careful
attention. And yet the truth of all that I say is so manifest that I
would be put to little trouble if I were compelled to prove it; but
considerable time would be necessary to put it in order. Having sent
the aforesaid opinion to your Lordship, I ceased to concern myself
about the matter, for it seemed to me that the document contained
(although in outline) all that the truth required, and all that I
had to say thereon. Accordingly, what remains for me to set down will
not be an addition to the aforesaid, but merely an effort to explain
it further, and to prove by arguments and authority what has already
been stated in brief.

The dean informed me this morning that your Lordship was awaiting my
opinion, and had suspended action until I should send it. I told him
that, as far as I was concerned, I had already given it--that is to
say, I had told your Lordship how I, as well as the other theologians,
and right-thinking persons of this bishopric, felt in this matter. It
is true, I did not send, as soon as I might, what remained to be said;