rto struggled, and arrived
at a lofty and airy region of the mountain. The bald summit
alone remained to be ascended, and their guides pointed to a
moderate eminence from which they said the southern sea was
visible.

"Upon this Vasco Nunez commanded his followers to halt, and
that no man should stir from his place. Then, with a
palpitating heart, he ascended alone the bare mountain-top. On
reaching the summit the long-desired prospect burst upon his
view. It was as if a new world were unfolded to him, separated
from all hitherto known by this mighty barrier of mountains.
Below him extended a vast chaos of rock and forest, and green
savannahs and wandering streams, while at a distance the waters
of the promised ocean glittered in the morning sun.

"At this glorious prospect Vasco Nunez sank upon his knees, and
poured out thanks to God for being the first European to whom
it was given to make that great discovery. He then called his
people to ascend: 'Behold, my friends,' said he, 'that glorious
sight which we have so much desired. Let us give thanks to God
that he has granted us this great honour and advantage. Let us
pray to him that he will guide and aid us to conquer the sea
and land which we have discovered, and in which Christian has
never entered to preach the holy doctrine of the Evangelists.
As to yourselves, be as you have hitherto been, faithful and
true to me, and by the favour of Christ you will become the
richest Spaniards that have ever come to the Indies; you will
render the greatest services to your king that ever vassal
rendered to his lord; and you will have the eternal glory and
advantage of all that is here discovered, conquered, and
converted to our holy Catholic faith.'

"The Spaniards answered this speech by embracing Vasco Nunez,
and promising to follow him to death. Among them was a priest,
named Andres de Vara, who lifted up his voice and chanted _Te
Deum laudamus_--the usual anthem of Spanish discoverers. The
people, kneeling down, joined in the strain with pious
enthusiasm and tears of joy; and never did a more sincere
oblation rise to the Deity from a sanctified altar than from
that wild mountain summit. It was indeed one of the most
sublime discoveries that had yet been made in the New World,
a