by man. This would at first appear to be a point
of some difficulty, for it is well known that this quarter of the world
abounded with certain animals, that walked erect on two feet, had
something of the human countenance, uttered certain unintelligible
sounds, very much like language; in short, had a marvelous resemblance to
human beings. But the zealous and enlightened fathers who accompanied the
discoverers, for the purpose of promoting the kingdom of heaven by
establishing fat monasteries and bishoprics on earth, soon cleared up this
point, greatly to the satisfaction of his holiness the Pope and of all
Christian voyagers and discoverers.

They plainly proved, and, as there were no Indian writers arose on the
other side, the fact was considered as fully admitted and established,
that the two-legged race of animals before mentioned were mere cannibals,
detestable monsters, and many of them giants--which last description of
vagrants have, since the time of Gog, Magog, and Goliath, been considered
as outlaws, and have received no quarter in either history, chivalry, or
song. Indeed, even the philosophic Bacon declared the Americans to be
people proscribed by the laws of nature, inasmuch as they had a barbarous
custom of sacrificing men, and feeding upon man's flesh.

Nor are these all the proofs of their utter barbarism; among many other
writers of discernment, Ulla tells us, "their imbecility is so visible
that one can hardly form an idea of them different from what one has of
the brutes. Nothing disturbs the tranquillity of their souls, equally
insensible to disasters and to prosperity. Though half naked, they are as
contented as a monarch in his most splendid array. Fear makes no
impression on them, and respect as little." All this is furthermore
supported by the authority of M. Boggier. "It is not easy," says he, "to
describe the degree of their indifference for wealth and all its
advantages. One does not well know what motives to propose to them when
one would persuade them to any service. It is vain to offer them money;
they answer they are not hungry." And Vane gas confirms the whole,
assuring us that "ambition they have none, and are more desirous of being
thought strong than valiant. The objects of ambition with us--honor, fame,
reputation, riches, posts, and distinctions--are unknown among them. So
that this powerful spring of action, the cause of so much seeming good and
real evil in the world, has no power