32 



CHILI. 



try is itself very high. From the spot on which 

 we stood we could count the various ranges, five 

 or six in number, towering one above another, in 

 magnificent irregularity. Nothing in mountain 

 scenery could be finer, or, unfortunately, less with- 

 in the reach of verbal description. 



On our way across the plain towards the city, 

 we overtook a party of soldiers conducting a num- 

 ber of Spanish prisoners of war towards the capi- 

 tal. They had been recently taken in battle in 

 Peru, then the seat of war between the Chilians 

 and Royalists. As there will be occasion, in the 

 next chapter, to give some account of the rise and 

 progress of the Chilian expedition against Peru, 

 it is needless to dwell upon it at present. The 

 pleasing train of reflections, however, suggested 

 by the first good view of the Andes, was disper- 

 sed by this disagreeable and unexpected sight. It 

 is painful, indeed, at all times, to see men in chains, 

 be the punishment ever so just ; but it is pecu- 

 liarly so in the case of prisoners of war : and it was 

 impossible not to feel for these men, whose only 

 crime consisted in having faithfully adhered to 

 the cause of their King. 



11 



