ABSTRACT
The treatment of the moriscos in Spain in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries culminating in their expulsion in 1609 has been a controversial issue which has indeed been characterized by fervor and fanatismo. Valencia was a figure of some stature who commanded considerable respect. Pedro de Valencia sent his treatise to Mardones with an accompanying letter which sets the tone of his exposition of ideas on the subject. Valencia begins his treatise by reference to the state's duty to protect itself. He thus seems to be siding with those who advocate strong action against the supposed threat of the moriscos. If imperial power is no guarantee of security, Valencia continues, neither is adherence to the true religion of itself sufficient to achieve it. As Valencia develops his arguments, two main strands emerge as the basis of the solution he favours to the morisco problem. These are real integration into Spanish society and proper conversion.
