alace were of the same metal; and so abundant was it, that the natives,
anointing their bodies with a glutinous substance, sprinkled them over
with the dust. The person of the sovereign was especially thus adorned
by his attendants. Oviedo remarks--"As this kind of garment would be
uneasy whilst sleeping, the prince washes himself every evening, and is
gilded afresh in the morning;" thus proving that the empire of El Dorado
is infinitely rich in mines.

Von Huten and his band, after desperate fighting, were compelled to
retire, just as they believed they had seen in the far-off distance the
shining roofs of the splendid city. Their leader was preparing another
expedition when he fell by the hand of an assassin.

Notwithstanding the dangers to be encountered from the fierce Caribs--
who, sheltered by trees and rocks everywhere, attacked their foes with
poisoned arrows--and the numerous disappointments which occurred, fresh
bands of adventurers, age after age, still believing in the fabled
wealth which was to be their prize should they succeed, set forth, in
hope of reaching the wonderful city. Some of Sir Walter Raleigh's
followers declared, indeed, that they saw rocks shining brightly with
gold, and a mountain containing diamonds and other valuable stones, the
lustre of which blazed forth to a considerable distance.

Every marvellous fable found belief. The crew of an English ship, about
that time exploring the Marowyne, stated that they had seen on its banks
a gigantic race of men, who carried in their hands bows made of gold.
Wherever mica was seen glittering on the side of a mountain, it was
supposed to be the same precious metal. Sir Walter Raleigh sent his
faithful lieutenant, Captain Keymis, to carry on the expedition he was
himself unable to undertake. His chief object, and that of his
successors, was to discover the site of the golden city. Keymis, while
sailing up the Essequibo, heard that by ascending one of its
tributaries--the Rupunoony--he would certainly reach it.

Numerous other expeditions were organised by Spaniards and Portuguese.
Many of the unfortunate adventurers fell by the hands of the natives,
others by famine and fatigue; and as late as the year 1776 a large band
set forth, when many hundreds perished, one man only returning to tell
the sad fate of his companions.

At length, in the quarter to which Captain Keymis had been directed, the
small lake of Amucu was discovered, to which a