ith the leaf of a plant, or a
cotton something which they make for that purpose. They have no iron or
steel, nor any weapons; nor are they fit thereunto; not because they be
not a well-formed people and of fair stature, but that they are most
wondrously timorous. They have no other weapons than the stems of reeds
in their seeding state, on the end of which they fix little sharpened
stakes. Even these, they dare not use; for many times has it happened
that I sent two or three men ashore to some village to parley, and
countless numbers of them sallied forth, but as soon as they saw those
approach, they fled away in such wise that even a father would not wait
for his son. And this was not because any hurt had ever been done to any
of them:--on the contrary, at every headland where I have gone and been
able to hold speech with them, I gave them of everything which I had, as
well cloth as many other things, without accepting aught therefor;--but
such they are, incurably timid. It is true that since they have become
more assured, and are losing that terror, they are artless and generous
with what they have, to such a degree as no one would believe but him
who had seen it. Of anything they have, if it be asked for, they never
say no, but do rather invite the person to accept it, and show as much
lovingness as though they would give their hearts. And whether it be a
thing of value, or one of little worth, they are straightways content
with whatsoever trifle of whatsoever kind may be given them in return
for it. I forbade that anything so worthless as fragments of broken
platters, and pieces of broken glass, and strap buckles,[266-1] should
be given them; although when they were able to get such things, they
seemed to think they had the best jewel in the world, for it was the hap
of a sailor to get, in exchange for a strap,[266-1] gold to the weight
of two and a half castellanos,[266-2] and others much more for other
things of far less value; while for new blancas[266-3] they gave
everything they had, even though it were [the worth of] two or three
gold castellanos, or one or two arrobas of spun[266-4] cotton. They took
even pieces of broken barrel-hoops, and gave whatever they had, like
senseless brutes; insomuch that it seemed to me bad. I forbade it, and I
gave gratuitously a thousand useful things that I carried, in order that
they may conceive affection, and furthermore may become Christians; for
they are inclined to the love