A DEFENCE FROM LIGHTNING. 



247 



he found lumps of gold as large as walnuts and some as big as 

 eggs even, and that all the vessels used bj the king at his table 

 were of the same precious metal. These are believed to have 

 been gross falsehoods of Pigafetta's invention, in a view to pro- 

 cure for himself the command of a subsequent voyage of dis- 

 covery. Magellan gratified two island-kings with the spectacle 

 of a grand Catholic ceremony. He sprinkled them with sweet- 

 scented water, and offered them the cross to kiss. On the 

 elevation of the host he caused them to adore the Eucharist 

 with joined hands. At this moment a discharge of artillery, 

 arranged beforehand, was fired from the ships. The entertain- 

 ment concluded with a hornpipe and sword-dance, — an exhibition 

 which seemed to please the two kings highly. A large cross 

 was then brought, garnished with nails and a crown of thorns. 

 It was set up upon a high mountain, as a signal to all Christian 

 navigators that they would be well treated in the island. The 

 kings were also assured that if they prayed to it devoutly it 

 would defend them from lightning and tempests. They had 

 evidently suffered severely from the vagaries and violence of the 

 electric fluid, and were delighted to be thus easily protected 

 against its pernicious and destructive influence. 



