Don Francis Tello did not neglect other Affairs of this Nature. He understood by his Spyes, and it was bruited abroad, that the Emperor of Japan [Warlike preparations in Japan.] was gathering a mighty Army, and fitted out a Fleet for it, with Arms and Provisions. It was also known, that he was in Treaty to secure himself against the Chineses, of whom the Japoneses are naturally Jealous. Hence it was inferr'd, that he arm'd to carry the War out of his own Dominions. He had already enter'd into Allyance with the King of Ternate, and other Neighbours, who were Enemies to the Crown of Spain. All these Particulars gave vehement Cause to conjecture, that the Storm threatned the Philippine Islands, and more especially Manila, the Head of them. The Governour strengthned himself, and sent Captain Alderete to discover the whole Truth, under Colour of complimenting that Emperour, and carrying [A Spanish Embassy thither.] him a Present. The Embassador set out for Japan in July, and at the same Time Don Francisco dispatch'd the Galeon S. Philip for New Spain, with Advice of those Reports. These two Ships, viz. that Alderete went in, and the S. Philip, were together in Japan, which the Natives were jealous of. Alderete got full Information of the Strength and Designs of the Japoneses, and his Industry was of Use, for the taking of right Measures in Manila, and to prevent their fearing without Cause. He brought back another noble Present to the Governour; and both Sides stood upon their Guard, to be ready upon all Occasions.
[Sovereign Court at Manila.] In the Year 1598, the sovereign Court was again erected at Manila, King Philip prudently conferring Dignity on that Province. It was compos'd of the Iudges Zambrano, Mezcoa, Tellez de Almazan, and the Kings Attorney Jerome Salazar, y Salcedo. That great King never allow'd of any Intermission in his weighty Cares, which extended to all the known Parts of the World; having a watchful Eye upon the Designs of other Princes, whether well, or ill affected to the Propagation of the Gospel, which was his main Design. Therefore, about this Time, he made Haste to rid himself of his neighbouring Enemies, that he might have Leasure to attend the remotest Rebels against the Church and his Monarchy. And in Respect that as [Peace between France & Spain.] Age came on, its Distempers grew heavier, he concluded a Peace with France, which was proclaim'd at Madrid, with Martial Solemnity, after he had withdrawn himself to the Monastery of S. Laurence, at the Escurial, [K. Philip the 2d dies.] a Work of his Piety and Magnificence, where he dy'd on the thirteenth of September 1598, with singular Tokens of Sanctity. He frequented the Sacrament of Confession, receiv'd the divine Viaticum, and extreme Unction, the last Remedy for temporal, and eternal Health. His Death was in all Respects answerable to the wonderful Course of his Life.