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by the sight of h's wounds, unanimously determine to prosecute 

 the war. The Spaniards, advancing in Arauco, send forth scouts 

 to discover the disposition of the neighbouring tribes, among 

 whom are Ercilla, who relates a singular adventure that occurred 

 to him, in consequence of which he is conducted to the cave of 

 Fiton, an old Indian necromancer, by whom he is shewn, in a large 

 kicid globe, of wonderful workmanship, a great variety of mar- 

 vellous sights, among others the celebrated sea-fight of Lepanto ; 

 after which, taking leave of the magician, he returns to the camp. 

 The Spaniards continue to advance: on their pitching their camp 

 in anew spot, towards evening, an Araucanian, fantastically drest 

 in armour, enquires for the tent of Don Garcia, and is conducted 

 to his presence. 



CANTO XXV. 



THE Araucanian delivers a defiance to Don Garcia, in the 

 name of Caupolican, who challenges the Spanish General to end 

 the war by a single combat. The messenger adds, that the whole 

 Indian army will descend into the plain, on the next morning, to 

 be spectators of the duel. Don Garcia dismisses him with an ac- 

 ceptance of the challenge. At the dawn of day the Indian forces 

 appear in three divisions. A party of Spanish horse precipitately 

 attack their left wing, before which Caupolican Avas advancing. 

 They are repulsed. A general and obstinate engagement ensues. 

 The mangled Galvarino appears at the head of an Indian squadron, 

 and excites his countrymen to revenge his wrongs. Many Spaniards 

 are named who distinguish themselves in the battle. Among the 

 Indian Chiefs Tucapel and Rengo display the most splendid acts 

 of valour ; and, though personal enemies, they mutually defend 

 each other. Caupolican also, at the head of the left squadron, 

 obliges the Spaniards to retreat ; and the Araucanians are on the 

 point of gaining a decisive victory, when the fortune of the day 

 begins to turn. 



CANTO XXVI 8c XXVII. 



THE reserved guard of the Spaniards, in which Ercilla was 

 stationed, advancing to the charge, recover the field, and oblige 



