155 



sustain with levelled spears the attack of the horse, 

 and the mace bearers with their heavy clubs to strike 

 at their heads. The cavalry by this unexpected 

 reception being thrown into confusion, the Aurau- 

 canian general, followed by his men, broke into the 

 centre of the Spanish infantry with great slaughter, 

 killing five enemies with his own hand. Tucapel, 

 advancing in another quarter witJi his division, at 

 the first attack broke his lance in the body of a 

 Spaniard, and instantly drawing his sword, slew 

 seven others. In these various encounters he re- 

 ceived several severe wounds, but perceiving the 

 valiant Rencu surrounded by a crowd of enemies, 

 he fell with such fury upon them, that after killing 

 a considerable number, he rescued his former rival, 

 and conducted him safely out of danger. 



Victory, for a long time ündecide'd, was at length 

 on the point of declaring for the Araucanians, when 

 Don Garcia perceiving his men ready to give way, 

 gave ^^rders to a body of reserve, to attack the di- 

 vision of the enemy, commanded by Lincoyan and 

 Ongolmo. This order, which was promptly execut- 

 ed, preserved the Spanish army from total ruin. 

 This line of the Araucanians being broken, fell back 

 upon their victorious countrymen, who were thrown 

 into such confusion, that Caupolican after several 

 ineíFectual efforts, dispairing of being able to restore 

 order, sounded a retreat, and yielded to his ene- 

 mies a victory that he deemed secure. Tiie Araur 

 canian army would liave been cut in pieces, had not 

 Rencu, by posting himself in a neighbouring wood 

 with a squadron of valiant youth, called thither the 



