10 



moment he is exulting in this new honour, Caupolican arrives 

 without attendants. 



Though from his birth one darken*d eye he drew, 

 (The viewless orb was of the granite's hue) 

 Nature, who partly robb'd him of his sight, 

 Repaid this failure by redoubled nnght. 

 This noble youth was of the highest state j 

 His actions honoured, and his words of weight : 

 Prompt and resolv'd in every generous cause, 

 A friend to Justice and her sternest laws : 

 Fashion 'd for sudden feats, or toils of length, 

 His linabs possess'd both suppleness and strength : 

 Dauntless his mind, determined and adroit 

 In every quick and hazardous exploit 



This accomplished Chieftain is received with great joy by the 

 assembly ; and, having surpassed Lincoya by many degrees in the 

 trial, is invested with the supreme command. He dispatches a 

 small party to attack a neighbouring Spanish fort : they execute 

 his orders, and make a vigorous assault. After a sharp conflict 

 they are repulsed ; but in the moment of their retreat Caupolican 

 arrives with his army to their support. The Spaniards in despair 

 evacuate the fort, and make their escape in the night : the news 

 is brought to Valdivia, the Spanish Commander in the city of 

 Conception ; and with his resolution to punish the Barbarians the 

 canto concludes. 



CANTO III. 



O thirst of gold ! disease without a cure Î 

 What toils thy persevering slaves endure I 

 Thou common vice, whose long, tenacious spell, 

 The noblest energies of mind can quell ! 

 Thy deadly charms the human soul unbind 

 From Heaven, and let her drive before the wind. 



Thou public foe I insatiate as the tomb, 

 A dropsy's rage distends thy craving womb ; 

 From thee those countless ills derive their source, 

 That deluge all the world with headlong course : 



