io 



"banes, Quillotanes, and Mapochinians. After 

 this, having passed the river Rapel, he proceeded 

 to attack the Promaucians, who could not be in- 

 duced bv the pei suasions of the ambassadors to 

 submit themselves. This nation, whose name 

 signifies the free dancers, from their being much 

 attached to that diversion, inhabited the delight- 

 ful country lying between the rivers Rapel and 

 Maule, and were distinguished from all the 

 other tribes by their fondness for every species of 

 amusement. The love of pleasure had not, 

 however, rendered them effeminate : they op- 

 posed the Peruvian army with the most heroic 

 valour, and entirely defeated it in a battle, which, 

 according to Garcilasso the historian, was con* 

 tinned for three days in succession, in conse- 

 quence of the continued reinforcements of both 

 parties. 



The Inca, on learning the ill success of his 

 arms, and the invincible valour of the Promau- 

 cians, gave orders, that in future the river 

 Rapel should serve as the boundary of his do- 

 minion on that side. Garcilasso says, that it 

 was the river Maule, but it is by no means pro- 

 bable, that the conquerors should be compre- 

 hended within the territories of the vanquished. 

 In fact, not far from the river Cachapoal, w Inch, 

 togetlier with the Tinguiririca, forms the Rapel, 

 are still to be seen upon a lcep hill, the remains 

 of a fort of Peruvian construction, which was 



