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the moft part hidalgos, although fome were not of fuch clear lineage 

 as others, for all cannot be alike in this world, either in rank or in 

 virtues. But whatever may have been the dignity of our birth, we 

 made ourfelves much more illuftrious by our heroic adlions in the con* 

 queft of this country, at our own proper cofl:, and without any fupport 

 fave that of our Lord Jefus Chriil: who is the true aid and fuccour. If 

 we look into the antient hiftory of our own country, we (hall then fee 

 that many cavaliers arofe to dignity and honours, by valiant and faith- 

 ful fervices to their king; and I have obferved that thofe who thus 

 obtained thefe titles and dignities, did not go into the field without 

 receiving pay and falaries for their fervice; and yet they were rewarded 

 with houfes and caftles, and lands, and privileges, to them and their 

 defcendents in perpetuity. Alfo when his Majefty Don Jayme won 

 parts of his kingdom from the Moors, he made grants thereof to thofe 

 cavaliers who had affifted him in the conqueft, from which period they 

 derive their honours and blazons. Thofe alfo who ferved under the 

 great captain and the Prince of Orange were rewarded in like manner^ 

 and we, even without his Majefty's knowledge, by our valour gained 

 him this great country. I have here recalled this to recolledlion, that 

 the world may confider and fee our manifold, and good, and notable, 

 and loyal fervices, to God and the King, and all Chriftendom, and 

 let them be put in a ballance and weighed, and let it be decided if we 

 are not as worthy of rewards and remunerations, as thofe cavaliers 

 whom I ha,ve mentioned above. And as amongft thofe whom I have 

 enumerated there were many valiant companions, I was held in no 

 inconfiderable degree of eftimation in my day as a foldier. 



Now curious reader refle(51: on my life, and in how many battles 

 and dangers I have been, fmce I firft came to this country, and how I 

 was twice in the hands of the enemy who were carrying me off to facri- 

 fice, and God gave me force to efcape out of their clutches; befides the 

 diftrefles by hunger, thirft, and fatigue, which occur to all who under- 

 take difcoveries in unknown countries. 



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