om
him with such a certain hand, that the beast is entangled by one of his
legs, after which it is impossible for him to escape.

"That you may form a more clear idea of what a man is capable of
executing with courage and address, I will relate a most extraordinary
incident to which I was witness during my residence in that part of the
world. A certain man, a native of the country, had committed some
offence, for which he was condemned to labour several years in the
galleys. He found means to speak to the governor of the town, and
besought him to change the nature of his punishment. 'I have been
brought up,' said he, 'a warrior, and fear dishonour, but not death.
Instead of consuming my strength and spirits in such an ignominious
employment, let me have an opportunity of achieving something worthy to
be beheld, or of perishing like a brave man in the attempt. In a few
days a solemn feast is to be celebrated, at which you will not fail to
be present, attended by all your people. I will there, in the presence
of the whole city, encounter the fiercest bull you can procure. I desire
no assistance but my horse, no weapons but this cord; yet, thus
prepared, I will meet his fury, and take him by the head, the horns, the
feet, as you shall direct. I will then throw him down, bridle him,
saddle him, and vault upon his back; in this situation you shall turn
out two more of the fiercest bulls you can find, and I will attack them
both, and put them all to death with my dagger the instant you shall
command.' The governor consented to this brave man's request, more from
curiosity to see so extraordinary a spectacle, than from the opinion it
would be attended with success.

"When the appointed day arrived the inhabitants of the city assembled,
and took their seats in a vast building which surrounded a considerable
open space destined for this amazing combat. The brave American then
appeared alone on horseback, armed with nothing but his cord; and after
riding round the place and saluting the company, he waited intrepidly
for his enemy. Presently an enormous bull was let loose, who, as soon as
he beheld the man, attacked him with all his fury. The American avoided
his shock with infinite dexterity, and galloped round the bull, who, in
his turn, betook himself to flight. The valiant horseman pursued his
flying enemy; and while he was thus engaged, he desired the governor to
direct where he would have him seized. He replied it was a mat