ABSTRACT
ALTHOUGH the Viceroys and Governors of the town displayed both respect and regard for the Fathers, there were certain Gentiles living near them who constantly sought to do them some ill turn, Once, because some of their relatives had been won over to the faith, they circulated a number of malicious and slanderous reports about them, in which they accused them, amongst other outrageous charges, of eating human flesh. Speaking generally, however, the Gentiles, and indeed most of the Infidels, treated the Fathers with much respect, sometimes even with affection; for the latter often interceded for them with the King and the Governors of the town, recommending their petitions for consideration, or allowing those guilty of misdemeanour to take refuge in their church, where the officers of justice dared not enter to search for them; for by the King’s decree the building had been declared a sanctuary.
