18. By means of special study and persistent effort, they strive
to participate in government affairs. They desire to have a hand in
everything, and to take part in all matters, through the medium of
conscience and theology, by means of which they interpret and pick
flaws in his Majesty's ordinances. But rarely do they allow his orders
to be executed, unless quite to their taste and liking.

19. Many of them undeniably have contracts with the factors,
encomenderos, and known capitalists in the trade with España.

20. They are attended by a great following of Indian boys, who serve
as pages and servants. These are well dressed, wearing liveries and
gold chains. They carry their hats for them in the streets, while
in the monastery they assist them in the cells. Each one, however,
has his own special servant.

21. These servants, together with other Indians whom they have with
them, who are taught to play on the guitar and other instruments, are
made to dance, execute lively songs and dances, and to sing profane
and immodest tunes. Thus they entertain their guests, setting a bad
example to the Indians, without profiting anyone.

22. When they find themselves gainers in wealth, their principal
thought is to try to return to España with their profits. This
disturbs many here, for by divers ways and means they endeavor to
obtain permission to carry out their design.

23. The orders send many each year, under the pretext that they are
going on business for the order. They do not take into consideration