34 



bat. The Spaniards attempt in vain to dislodge the army of Lautaro 

 by an attack of their cavalry :— they afterwards fire on them from 

 six pieces of cannon. 



The vext air feels the thunder of the fight, 

 And smoke and flame involve the mountain's height ; 

 Earth seems to open as the flames aspire, 

 ^ And new'volcanoes spout destructive fire. 

 Lautaro saw no hopes of life allow'd, 

 Save by dispersing this terrifick cloud, 

 That pours its lightning with so dire a shock, 

 Smiting his lessen 'd host who strew the rock ; 

 Then to the troop of Leucoton the brave 

 His quick command the skilful Leader gave ; 

 He bids them fiercely to the charge descend, 

 And thus exhorts aloud each ardent friend : 



" My faithful partners in bright victory's meed, 

 Whom fortune summons to this noble deed, 

 Behold the hour when your prevailing might 

 Shall prove that Justice guards us in the fight ! 

 Now firmly fix your lances in the rest, 

 And rush to honour o*er each hostile breast ; 

 Through every bar your bloody passage force, 

 Nor let a brother's fall impede your course ; 

 Be yon dread instruments of death your aim : 

 Possest of these you gain eternal fame : 

 The camp shall follow your triumphant trace. 

 And own you leaders in the glorious chace." 

 While these bold words their ardent zeal exalt, 

 They rush impetuous to the rash assault. 



The Indians, undismayed by a dreadful slaughter, gain possession 

 of the cannon. Villagran makes a short but spirited harangue to 

 his fly h) g soldiers. He is unable to rally them : and, chusing rather 

 to die than to survive so ignominious a defeat, rushes into the 

 thickest of the enemy. * 



CANTO VL 



THE valiant riiind is privileg'd to feel 

 Superior to each turu of Fortune's wheel; 



