74 DISCOVERIES OF THE PORTUGUESE. 
Panso Aquitimo, being entangled in the den of a 
wild beast, was taken, and died soon after. His 
principal commander was also taken ; but, as he 
was leading to execution, professed himself now 
convinced of his error, and implored that, be- 
fore death, he might receive the sacrament of bap- 
tism ; that, whatever became of his body, his soul 
might be saved. This request appeared so edify- 
ing to Don Alfonso, that he granted him a full 
pardon, on the sole condition, that he and his pos- 
terity should sweep and wash the church, and should 
draw water for the baptism of the Infidels. 
In regard to the battle in question, those who 
are not blessed with the measure of faith enjoyed 
by the Catholic historians, will, doubtless, sus- 
pect that it was mainly owing to the superior 
arms and discipline of the Portuguese. However, 
it is certain that the districts, situated to the south 
of the Congo, continued, during more than two 
centuries, to profess a species of Christianity ; and 
the Church of Rome, as we shall presently see, 
sent successive bodies of missionaries, who not only 
inculcated its doctrines, but sometimes exercised 
an authority almost paramount to that of the so- 
vereigns. 
Before following them, however, into the interior 
of Congo, it may be proper to notice some informa- 
tion which they collected on the coast of Benin. * 
* Di Barros, III. 3, 4. 
