DESCRIPTION OF COPAN BY FUENTES Y GUZMAN. 549 
done in stone so hard, and cut perpendicularly. This cave has much light on the 
sides, given by certain lateral windows (the author does not tell how many) opened 
into the rock with the same proportion and mastery shown in the rest of the edifice. 
Certain Spaniards living at Gracias 4 Dios heard that great treasures were 
concealed in this cave, and came to visit it on that account; but they only found 
some empty chests, one of which held some sacerdotal vestments, and some altar 
coverings stained with the blood that had been spilled in the sacrifices and cere- 
monies of the pagan cult; there are also not lacking those who declare that the 
treasure had been removed elsewhere by enchantment. But what is certain is 
that more has been said about these Guwacas or hidden treasures than has yet been 
verified; though it is certain that the Indians, possessing great treasures, did con- 
ceal them when the Spanish approached. But who can surely tell where? 
Some will have it that the Circus Maximus was built by the Spaniards, relying 
on the statues garbed in that manner, saying that its building was due to the 
Audiencia of the Confines. But this conjecture lacks foundation, for in that time 
the Spaniards were involved in great disturbances and dissensions, distracting them 
even from most urgent affairs. 
Neither could Alvarado have built it, for he was only in Chiquimula and 
Gracias a few days, on his way to Puerto de Caballos, besides being much occupied 
with his various expeditions. Still less could it have been Fernando Cortés, who 
was not in these parts over four months. Besides this, there were then no stone- 
cutters in the country save Diego Martinez de Garnica, who received 400 pesos of 
fine stamped gold for the bases of the columns for the cathedral. So that we have 
no recourse but to confess that these admirable and exquisite works were done 
exclusively by the Indians, skillful in very many things, and especially in stone- 
work, as proven by their numerous stone idols. 
