15 



Then bade a Chieftain with his troops invade 



A squadron of the foe, whose files disphiy'd 



A scantier depth : the noble Spaniard flew 



Like bolted fire against the hostile crew. 



From Mareande's hills the warriors came, 



Second to none in military fame ; 



To meet the shock before the hostile band 



The hardy pikemcn in close order stand. 



Soon, at the lightning of the lifted spear, 



The serried files divide from van to reai". 



And let the Spaniards pass ; then hemm'd behind 



The luckless foe, as in a net confin'd ; 



Who, buried in the hostile crowd afar, 



Soon disappear'd amid the mingling war. 



Thus the fell crocodile, in ambush laid. 

 When finny shoals his secret haunt invade. 

 While troubling the clear stream they sport along. 

 With mighty jaws engulphs the heedless throng, 

 Then closing his wide mouth with eager haste, 

 Battens at leisure on the rich repast ; 

 So our thin squadron soon to sight was lost 

 Among the numbers of the savage host ; 

 Nor one escap'd of that distinguish'd few 

 Who first in arms assail'd the hostile crew. 



Now the loud trumpet gave the fatal sign, 

 Slow mov'd the mighty Araucanian line ; 

 And now they bend their shadowy wings to close 

 In one gigantick sweep their gallant foes. 

 Valdivia, yet, by no example wise, 

 That instant to an hardy leader cries. 

 With a bold voluntary band to face 

 The foe, that now advanc'd with steady pace. 

 Twice five were only found that dar'd to brave 

 Their fate, and seek, by wounds, a glorious grave : 

 They, spurring on their steeds, with Icosen'd reia 

 Met with a mighty shock the pagan train. 

 Nine spears at once were dy'd in hostile gore, 

 One only left his steed, to rise no more. 

 Pierc'd with barbarian shafts the soldier lay, 

 And breath'd in mortal pangs his soul away. 



Tiiro' ranks of death the nine bold biethren rode, 

 And drench'd the summer sands with hostile blocd; 



