tely sent on shore as envoys to the cacique
Guaeanagari, to inform him of the intended visit of the admiral, and of
his disastrous shipwreck. In the meantime, as a light wind had sprung up
from shore, and the admiral was ignorant of his situation, and of the
rocks and banks that might be lurking around him, he lay to until
daylight.

The habitation of the cacique was about a league and a half from the
wreck. When he heard of the misfortune of his guest, he manifested the
utmost affliction, and even shed tears. He immediately sent all his
people, with all the canoes, large and small, that could be mustered;
and so active were they in their assistance, that in a little while
the vessel was unloaded. The cacique himself, and his brothers and
relatives, rendered all the aid in their power, both on sea and land;
keeping vigilant guard that everything should be conducted with order,
and the property secured from injury or theft. From time to time, he
sent some one of his family, or some principal person of his attendants,
to console and cheer the admiral, assuring him that everything he
possessed should be at his disposal.

Never, in a civilized country, were the vaunted rites of hospitality
more scrupulously observed, than by this uncultivated savage. All the
effects landed from the ships were deposited near his dwelling; and an
armed guard surrounded them all night, until houses could be prepared
in which to store them. There seemed, however, even among the common
people, no disposition to take advantage of the misfortune of the
stranger. Although they beheld what must in their eyes have been
inestimable treasures, cast, as it were, upon their shores, and open
to depredation, yet there was not the least attempt to pilfer, nor, in
transporting the effects from the ships, had they appropriated the most
trifling article. On the contrary, a general sympathy was visible in
their countenances and actions; and to have witnessed their concern, one
would have supposed the misfortune to have happened to themselves.

"So loving, so tractable, so peaceable are these people," says Columbus
in his journal, "that I swear to your Majesties, there is not in the
world a better nation, nor a better land. They love their neighbours
as themselves; and their discourse is ever sweet and gentle, and
accompanied with a smile; and though it is true that they are naked, yet
their manners are decorous and praiseworthy."