55 



Chance has no powev its value to debase, 



Or brand it with the mark of deep disgrace : 



So thought the noble Villagran, our Chief, 



Who chose that death should end his present grief, 



And smooth the horrid path, with thorns o'erspread. 



Which Destiny condemn'dhis feet to tread. 



Thirteen of the most faithful soldiers of Villagran, perceiving 

 their Leader fallen motionless under the fury of his enemies, make 

 a desperate effort to preserve him. Being placed again on his horse 

 by these generous deliverers, he recovers from the blow which had 

 stunned him ; and by singular exertion, with the assistance of hi» 

 spirited little troop, effects his escape, and rejoins his main army ; 

 whom he endeavours in vain to lead back against the triumphant 

 Araucanians. The pursuit becomes general, and the Poet describes 

 the horrid massacre committed by the Indians on all the unhappy 

 fugitives that fell into their hands. The Spaniards in their flight are 

 stopt by a narrow pass fortified and guarded by a party of Indians. 

 Villagran forces the rude entrenchment in person, and conduct» 

 part of his army safe through the pass ; but many, in attempting 

 other roads over the mountainous country, are either lost among the 

 precipices of the rocks, or pursued and killed by the Indians. 



CANTO VII. 



THE remains of the Spanish army, after infinite loss and fatigue, 

 at last reach the city of Conception. 



Their entrance in these walls let fancy paint, 

 O'erwhelm'd with anguish, and with labour faint : 

 These gash'd with ghastly wounds, those writh'd with pain, 

 While some their human semblance scarce retain ; 

 They seem unhappy spirits 'scaped from hell. 

 Yet wanting voice their misery to tell. 

 Their pangs to all their rolling eyes express, 

 And silence most declares their deep distress. 



When weariness and shame at length allow'd 

 Their tongues to satisfy th' enquiring crowd, 

 From the pale citizens, amaz'd to hear 

 A tale surpassing e'en their wildest fear. 

 One general sound of lamentation rose. 

 That deeply solemniz'd a nation's woes ; 



