I believe that, too, and would agree with you in saying so, but the cost is too great, since for it we have given up our nationality, our independence.

For it we have given over to its priests our best towns, our fields, and still give up our savings by the purchase of religious objects.

An article of foreign manufacture has been introduced among us, we have paid well for it, and we are even.
"If you mean the protection that they afforded us against the _encomenderos_, [132] I might answer that through them we fell under the power of the _encomenderos_.

But no, I realize that a true faith and a sincere love for humanity guided the first missionaries to our shores; I realize the debt of gratitude we owe to those noble hearts; I know that at that time Spain abounded in heroes of all kinds, in religious as well as in political affairs, in civil and in military life.

But because the forefathers were virtuous, should we consent to the abuses of their degenerate descendants?
Because they have rendered us great service, should we be to blame for preventing them from doing us wrong?
The country does not ask for their expulsion but only for reforms required by the changed circumstances and new needs." "I love our native land as well as you can, Elias; I understand something of what it desires, and I have listened with attention to all you have said.