172 



desire lie had of settling a lasting peace ^yitti 

 them. 



The Ulmenes, being convened to consider of 

 this embassy^ were generally of opinion that no 

 propositions ought to be listened to from an 

 en^my who had returned in greater force, it 

 biing impossible that they should be other than 

 Ireacheious or unfair. But old Colocolo, who 

 was the soul of the union, observed that no in- 

 Jwy could arise from their hearing the proposals 

 of the Spanish general ; that this was a favour- 

 able opportunity for discovering his designs, and 

 of obtaining a knowledge of his forces ; that 

 for this purpose he thought it advisable to send 

 a discerning and intelligent man, who, under the 

 pieteuce of congratulating the new governor upon 

 his arrival, and of thanking him for the wish 

 that he expressed of coming to an amicable ac- 

 commodation, would gain information of what- 

 ever he should think of importance to regulate 

 * their future conduct. 



Caupolicau, with the greater part of the old 

 officers, adopted this wise counsel, and confided 

 ibis important commission to Millalauco, who 

 possessed all the qualities requisite for such an 

 envoy. This ambassador passed the narrow strait 

 that separates the island of Quiriquiua from the 

 continent, and, with all the pride peculiar to his 

 nation, presented himself to the Spaniards. They 



