133 



maintained, that in the present circumstances they 

 ought to attack the Spaniards immediately while ia 

 a state of consternation, in the very centre of their co- 

 lonies, in the city of Santiago itself, and pursue them 

 if it were possible to Spain. Caupolican applauded 

 the sentiments of Tucapel, but adhered to the coun- 

 sel of the elder chiefs, recommending it as the most 

 secure and most beneficial for the country. 



Whilst they were deliberating upon these impor- 

 tant objects, Lincoyan, who was traversing the coun- 

 try with a detachment of troops, fell ii> with and at- 

 tacked a party of fourteen Spaniards coming from 

 Imperial to the assistance of Valdivia, of whose fate 

 they were uninformed. These, in making head 

 against the enemy, whom they soon expected to put 

 to flight, regretted that their number was not re- 

 duced to twelve, in order to be able to style them- 

 selves, according to the chivalrous ideas of the age, 



the twelve of fame y But their wishes were soon 

 more than fulfilled, for at the first encounter but 

 seven of their company were left, who, taking ad- 

 vantage of the swiftness of their horses, escaped, 

 severely wounded, to the fortress of Puren. 



Having brought with them the news of the total 

 rout of Valdivia's army, the Spanish inhabitants of 

 the city of the Frontiers and of Puren, thinking 

 themselves insecure within their walls, retired to 

 Imperial. The same w^as the case with those of 

 Villarica, who abandoned their houses, and took re- 

 fuge in Valdivia. Thus had the Araucanians only 

 these two places to attack. Caupolican having de- 

 termined to besiege them, committed to Lautaro the 



