IDOLS DESTROYED BY THE SPANIARDS. 201 



And where are these kiies, adoratorios, and tem- 

 ples now 1 In both my journeys into that country, 

 it was always my intention to visit the island of Pe- 

 ten, and it has been a matter of deep regret that I 

 was never able to do so ; but as the result of my in- 

 quiries, particularly from the venerable cura who 

 furnished me with the itinerary, arid who lived many 

 years on the island, I am induced to believe that 

 there are no buildings left, but that there are feeble 

 vestiges, not enough in themselves to attract the at- 

 tention of mere curiosity, but which may possess 

 immense antiquarian interest, as making manifest 

 the hand of the builders of the American cities. 

 But even if these twenty-one kues, adoratorios, or 

 temples have entirely disappeared, not one stone be- 

 ing left upon another, this does not impeach the 

 truth of the historical account that they once exist- 

 ed, for in the history of the Spaniards' first day on 

 the island we have an indication of what the same 

 ruthless spirit might accomplish in one hundred and 

 forty-five years. General Ursua took possession of 

 the island at half past eight o'clock in the morning, 

 and, immediately after returning thanks to God for 

 the victory, the first order he issued was for each 

 captain and officer, with a party of soldiers, to pro- 

 ceed forthwith to different parts of the city to re- 

 connoiter all the temples, and houses of idolaters 

 and of individuals, and to hurl down and break the 

 idols. The general himself set out, accompanied by 

 the vicar and assistant, and we learn incidentally, 



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