8 



Here, in a sylvan theatre, they find 

 An ample space, -where all their tribes combin'd 

 Couid meet at large to banquet, or debate 

 In graver mood the business of the State. 

 Th' assembling clans within this bowery scene 

 Repose, where scarce a fiery shaft between 

 From Phœbus can descend, so close above 

 The hand of Summer weaves the solemn grove. 



As they begin their business in the style of the ancient Germans, 

 with a plentiful banquet, they soon gi'ow exasperated with liquor, 

 anda violent quarrel ensues concerning the command of the forces 

 for the projected war ; an honour which almost every Chieftain 

 is arrogant enought to challenge for himself. In the midst of 

 this turbulent debate, the ancient Colocólo delivers the following 

 harangue, which Voltaire prefers to the speech of Nestor, on a 

 similar occasion, in the first Iliad : 



" Assembled Chiefs Î ye guardians of the land I 

 Think not I mourn from thirst of lost command, 

 To find your rival spirits thus pursue 

 A post of honour which I deem my due. 

 These marks of age, you see, such thoughts disown 

 In me, departing for the world unknown ; 

 But ray warm love, which ye have long possest, 

 Kow prompts that counsel which you'll find the best. 

 Why should we now for marks of glory jar? 

 Why wish to spread our martial name afar ? 

 Crush'd as we are by Fortune's cruel stroke, 

 And bent beneath an ignominious yoke, 

 111 can our minds such noble pride maintain, 

 While the fierce Spaniard holds our galling chain. 

 Your generous fury here ye vainly show ; 

 Ah Î rather pour it on th' embattled foe I ^ 

 What frenzy has your souls of sense bereav'd ? 

 Ye rush to self-perdition, unperceiv'd. 

 'Gainst your own vitals would ye lift those hands, 

 Whose vigour ought to burst oppression's bands? 



" If a desire of death this rage create, 

 O die not yet in this disgraceful state ! 

 Turn your keen arms, and this indignant flame, 

 Against the breast of those who sink your fame, 

 Who made the world a witness of yqur shame. 



