XX DEDICATION. 



written in the vulgar tongue, though, if I do not deceive 

 myself, it is not for vulgar understandings. It maybe that, 

 as in other things so in this, your Highness showing a 

 liking for it, this little work may be favored so that the 

 King our Lord may choose to pass a short time in the con 

 sideration of affairs and of people so nearly touching his 

 royal crown. I dedicated another book to his Majesty, 

 which I composed in Latin, touching the preaching of the 

 evangel to those Indians. I desire that all I have written 

 may serve, so that the relation of what God, our Lord, de 

 posited of his treasures in those kingdoms, may cause the 

 people of them to receive more aid and favor from those to 

 whose charge His high and divine providence has entrusted 

 them. 



I entreat your Highness that if some parts of this little 

 work are not agreeable, you will not desist from passing 

 your eyes over the rest, since it may be that other parts 

 may please, and, if so, they cannot fail to be highly profitable; 

 for this favor will be beneficial to people and countries 

 sorely needing such favor. God, our Lord, preserve and 

 prosper your Highness for many years, as is the daily and 

 earnest supplication of your servants to the Divine Majesty. 

 Amen. In Seville, the 1st of March, in the year 1590. 



JOSEPH DE ACOSTA. 



