114 



disconcerted, thus early manifesting how little they 

 \\-oiild regard it when rendered familiar by habit, 

 Aillavalu, with a rapid movement, fell at once upon 

 the front and flanks of the Spanish army. They on 

 their part forming themselves into a square, support- 

 ed by their cavalry, received the furious attacks of 

 the enemy with their accustomed valour, killing a 

 great number of them, but losing at the same time 

 many of their own men. The battle remained un- 

 decided for several hours. The Spaniards were 

 thre\\'n into some disorder, and their general was ex- 

 posed to imminent danger, having had his horse kill- 

 ed under him, when Aillavalu, hurried forwards by 

 a rash courage, received a mortal wound. The Arau- 

 canians, having lost their general, with many of their 

 most valiant officers, then retired, but in good order, 

 leaving the field to the Spaniards, who had no dis- 

 position to pursue them. 



Valdivia, who had been in many battles in Eu- 

 rope as well as America, declared that he had never 

 been exposed to such imminent hazard of his life, 

 as in this engagement ; and much astonished at the 

 valour and military skill of these people, he imme- 

 diately set about constructing a strong fortification 

 near the city, expecting shortly to be attacked again. 

 In fact, no sooner were the Araucanians informed of 

 the death of their general, than they sent against him 

 another army still more numerous, under the com- 

 mand of Lincoyau. This officer from his gigantic 

 stature, and a certain show of courage, had acquired 

 lálgh reputation among his companions in arms, but 



