Ch. ti, SOUTH AMERICA. 403 



comfortable clothing, that they give themselves no 

 manner of concern about lengthening their own, 

 though half their bodies continue naked. They shew 

 the like disregard for riches; and even that authority 

 or grandeur within their reach is so little the object 

 of their ambition, that to all appearance it is the same 

 thing to an Iridian, whether he be created an alcalde, 

 or forced to perform the office of a common execu- 

 tioner. 



And thus* reciprocal esteem among them is neither 

 heightened nor lessened by such circumstances. The 

 same moderation appears in theit food, never desiring 

 more than what suffices ; and they enjoy their coarse 

 simple diet with the same complacency as others do 

 their well-furnished tables. Nor do I indeed question 

 hut if they had their choice of either, they would pre- 

 fer the latter ; but at the same time they shew so little 

 concern for the enjoyments of life, as nearly ap- 

 proaches to a total contempt of them : in short, the 

 most simple, mean, and easiest preparation seems best 

 adapted to their humour. 



Nothing can move them, or alter their minds; 

 even interest here loses all its powet; it being com- 

 mon for them to decline doing some little act of ser- 

 vice, though offered a very considerable reward. Fear 

 cannotstimulate, respect induce, norpunishment com- 

 pel them. They are indeed of a very singular turn ; 

 proof against every attempt to rouse them fr tu their 

 natural indolence, in Vvhich thcv seem to look do\\Ti 

 >\ith contempt on the wisest of mortals : so firmly 

 bigoted to their own gross ignorance, that the wisest 

 measures to improve their understanding have been, 

 rendered aborti\e; so fond of their simplicity and in- 

 dolence, that all the etlbrts and attention of the 

 most vigilant have miscarried. But in order to give 

 a clearer idea of their tempers, we shall relate some 

 particular instances of their genius and customs ; as 



D d ^ other- 



