226 



THE OCEAN. 



he succeeded, after severe privations and imminent 

 dangers, in crossing the isthmus that connects the 

 northern and southern portions of the continent. 

 The j had arrived at the foot of a hill, from the top 

 of which the Indian assured him he would obtain a 

 sight of the wished- for sea ; when in the enthusiasm 



Balboa discovers the Pacific. 



of the moment, leaving his companions behind, the 

 Spanish chief ran to the summit, and beheld a limit- 

 less Ocean sleeping in its immensity at his feet. 

 With the spurious piety common to the times — a 

 piety that could consist with the grossest injustice, 

 the blackest perjury, and the most barbarous cruelty, 

 •—he knelt down and gave thanks aloud to God for 

 euch a termination of his toils ; then having descend- 



