QUINTERO. 395 
and even break, on the skirts of the Andes, as in the valleys of Europe ; 
and to histories of revolution, when every passion and affection is 
called into action. These are incomparably the most ‘interesting : 
they are the materials out of which tragedy and romance are built. 
The two following were told last night. 
Juana Maria Pola, of Santa Fé de Bogoté, was a woman whose 
husband, and brothers, and sons, were deeply engaged in the patriot 
cause. When Santa Fé was taken from the royalists, after the 
barracks of the infantry and cavalry had been seized, the patriots 
paused to collect numbers sufficient to attack the artillery ; and then 
was that interval, when “the boldest held his breath for a time.” 
Juana Maria found her son among the troops, who were awaiting the 
rest. ‘“ What do you do here ?” said she. —“ I expect each moment to 
fight for La Patria.” — “ Kneel down then, and take a mother’s bless- 
‘ng. We women will go on and receive the first fire, and over our 
bodies you shall march and take yonder cannon, and save your 
country.” She blessed her son, and rushed on with the foremost, 
and the day was theirs. From that day she held a captain’s pay and 
rank. But the royalists retook Santa Fé, and Juana Maria Pola 
was one of their first victims: she was led to the market-place and 
shot. 
Jose Maria Melgado was a young man of good family and excel- 
lent education. He was an advocate at twenty-two years of age, and 
on the point of being married to the woman of his choice. When 
Pomacao arose, Melgado instantly joined him, and became judge- 
advocate to the patriot army. Shortly afterwards General Ra- 
mirez took the place which was then Pomacao’s head-quarters, and 
Melgado with others was taken and condemned to death. His 
family and friends, however, possessed such interest that he might 
have obtained his pardon, would he have submitted to the royal 
mercy, and embraced the royal cause. But to all that could be 
urged to that effect he appeared absolutely deaf, and persisted in re- 
turning no answer whatever. At length he was led out for execu- 
tion; and the priest came to confess him, and even then and there’ 
