The Araucaniad

Canto II

  [ 19 ] Canto II Herein is exposed the discord which arose amongst the chieftains of Arauco concerning the election of a captain-general, and the means taken on Chief Colocolo’s counsel, with the entrance that the barbarians deceptively made into the stronghold of Tucapel, and the battle which they fought with the Spaniards. So ’tis proven in this story, Wherefrom may be culled a lesson. Glory, wealth were ne’er sufficient, With all wish of weal’s fulfillment, To engird perennial triumph. Limpid skies at last grew turbid; Fortune changed the course and order Of our gladsome sort to sadness. Our ungrateful soldiers tasted Of prosperity I hinted, With a benison more fulsome I have overlooked, contentment, Found in few things. They neglected Such an obvious sign and pitfall, Losing in one hour the honor Won through centuries of striving. I averred that simple Indians Thought our men were gods, but scenting They were born of man and woman, Realizing all their weakness, Which they glimpsed through chains of misery, They perceived their stupid error. Rage and shame blazed out from knowledge That their conquerors were mortal. Disinclined to more postponement, They discussed their sad condition, How in shortest time to end it, How to seek a way of vengeance. They assembled for decision Where the sentence would be vouch safed, Harsh, irrevocable, cruel, To the world a dread example. Many in the world have clambered To this life’s deceitful apex, By fair chance abetted always, By her helping hand uplifted; But when their ascent is highest, Dashed anon are they to misery; Still the shock and pain are lessened By the thought of brusquer changes. Unaware that shining weather’s Happiness is woe’s beginning, They consider not the fleetness Of their prosperous hours corrosive, But with high-necked, vain delusions Hope that Luck will last, eternal, Which, of cruelty ever mindful, Whirls in wonted revolutions. With one twist of compensation, Smiling not on men’s cocksureness, Fate annuls all favors granted, Of the old and new unsparing, Stripping laurels and insignia. End of life is time of testing, Wherein all must stand arraignment, Though beginnings be auspicious. What of vanished bliss is left us Save distress and dule and travail? If the sun deemed Fortune stable, It would cease its bright diffusion. Braking wheels is not its function, And ’tis wrong to change old custom. Those who never grasped good fortune Know its richest gift and blessing. [ 20 ] The Araucaniad Chieftains were betimes o’erspreading Fields with tread of marching tribesmen. General summons was not needed, For the lust of war convoked them Without promises or payments. Longed they for the lagging instant When decree would doom the foeman To chastisement, death’s destruction. It is meet that we remember Names of some in ire collected, For those dire, uncouth barbarians Clawed renown, and well deserved it, Wresting with the lightning’s swiftness Victory from noted legions, As the living bear true witness And the dead, who there were stricken. Tucapel was named the first one Who had sped at time appointed, He, the Christians’ ruthless butcher, Always hard as flint, and hostile, Chief, who by three thousand vassals Was obeyed as king and warlord. Next Angol, that youth intrepid, Came, who ruled four thousand heroes. Chief Cayocupil, the boisterous, Was not last to quit his canton. He arrived there third, rapacious To defy the world in battle. Famed, he swayed three thousand liegemen Used to track the beasts of mountains. Aged Millarapué next entered, Leader of five thousand stalwarts. Paycabí that day was present, Lord of dexterous braves three thousand. Not far off strode Lemolemo With six thousand men of combat. Mareguano, Lebopía And Gualemo rushed arrival To appear amongst the foremost. Each reserved three thousand subjects. Stout of frame, robust of body, And esteemed amongst the mighty, Elicura did not loiter, But arrived on date determined, Growling: “Servitude is folly.” Three score hundred he commanded. Then arrived old Colocolo, Chief of more, or just as many. After him, for consultation Passed four thousands’ lord, Ongolmo, Nor was Prince Purén o’ertardy, Who administered six chiliads. More than these obeyed Lincoya, Him who stepped with bristling hauteur, Nimble, gallant, darkly scowling, Of gigantic, tall proportions. Peteguelén, cacique distinguished, Swayed the valley of Arauco As a natural sire. His title Gave the tribe its name in handsel, Just as Venice, mart so thriving, Symbolizes free-born people; With republic’s name invested, Thus till...