226 



THE OCEAN. 



he succeeded, after severe privations and imminent 

 dangers, in crossing the isthmus that connects the 

 northern and southern portions of the continent. 

 They had arrived at the foot of a hill, from the top 

 of which the Indian assured him he would obtain a 

 sight of the wished-for sea ; when in the enthusiasm 



Balboa discovers the Pacific. 



of the moment, leaving his companions behind, the 

 Spanish chief ran to the summit, and beheld a limit- 

 less Ocean sleeping in its immensity at his feet. 

 With the spurious piety common to the times — a 

 piety that could consist with the grossest injustice, 

 the blackest perjury, and the most barbarous cruelty, 

 — he knelt down and gave thanks aloud to God for 

 such a termination of his toils ; then having descend- 



