The Araucaniad

Canto XXIX

[ 238 ] Canto XXIX The Araucanians enter upon a new council. They attempt to burn their dwellings. Tucapel demands enaction of the duel to which he has challenged Rengo. Bravely and animatedly the twain combat in the arena. “It is meet, trustworthy senate, That we vow to die or vanquish, Trusting in no other savior Than our right arm’s self-reliance; Let us burn our homes and raiment, Fruitless frills that beck to leisure; We, about to die, have surfeit Of all goods in triumph collected. “It is right and necessary That we realize its profit; Titled lands are sterile seizin, Purchased at dishonor’s discount. No true warrior hopes to pocket Other than his share of winnings; Nor should lust for farms and houses Turn his ardent war-craft tepid. “Therefore, in this strife’s miscarriage, He who longs for rest and comfort Must acquire these boons in honor From the hands of fierce opponents. Right of might retains the virtue Which as friend will pay our ransom; We exact no pact, no treaties Save to slaughter or be slaughtered.” Held attent, in breathless silence Chieftains listened to his warnings. Some of them scowled on each other, Arching eyebrows darkly troubled. Suddenly the hushed assemblage Broke in boisterous disagreement; Pro and con they argued fiercely, Giving vent to divers theories. Oh ye stimulant impelling, Love of homeland, love of country, Which in reason doth oblige us To subordinate all values Else, through thorns of death and peril! In its travail we abandon Father, mother, wife, and children, Treasuring it beyond blood-kinship. Brilliant deeds of our ancestors Give us goodly testimonials Of this truth; for land of fathers Men have slashed their very entrails. Erudition’s pen has blazoned Their escutcheon, souls socratic: Cassius, Philon, Codrus, Marius, Regulus, Cato, Agesilaus. Our illustrious Araucanians Rank with universal patriots, Who with courage grim, and spirit, Bared their breasts to save their altars; Gainst their firm determination Fate nor odds’ o’erwhelming impacts Have sufficed to cool their ardor Or to crack their civic lealty. Though these braves in three months only Lost four crushing, vital battles, Pouting not as plaintive cravens, But more fired to retribution, They demanded in their councils Sterner measures, war’s renewal, Till Caupolicán, their mouthpiece, Grasped their pulse, and said, sage doctor: Part Two [ 239 ] Brusque Ongolmo, peevish now that Any other should precede him, Called aloud for sudden action, Deeds in place of feeble quibblings; Then Purén voiced his conviction, Swearing he would shun society, Waiving all but power’s leases, Till his land be free and peaceful. Camiomangue and Lincoya Quickly spoke determination To surpass the most prodigious Feats of gallantry and courage. Rengo volunteered his service With stout-hearted Chief Gualemo, Lemolemo, Orompello, Talcaguán, e’en Colocolo. Unanimity prevailing, As this record seems to purport, Tucapel, the while with calmness Listening, with the gravest silence, Waited till the noise subsided, And decision had been sanctioned, Then arose, and blazing blatant, Bawled: (His throat was ne’er melodious.) “Captains, I am first in backing What the general now proposes, Since ’tis right. May all my chattel Be destroyed and burned to ashes! For the rest, if this my right hand Will sustain me one moon’s season, I shall then collect my portion From the best, and rest contented. “Should some wretch deny concession Of the goods in justice levied, He’ll be deemed this country’s traitor, From our ranks discharged, degraded. No half measures or divisions Can be given toleration, Lest we fail. This fight determines Liberty, our soil, and hearthstones. “Therefore, I am full determined To subscribe to your voiced suffrage; Though the hour be dour and desperate, I must raise new points and parleys; By my natural honor quickened, And by just and honest reasons, By no craft can I be hoodwinked Into slighting clear-drawn issues. “Well do you recall the duel I had scheduled late, with Rengo, And the challenge of his uncle, Flung with suicidal brashness. As I hold to my dishonor The postponement of this contest, With no more detoured polemics I demand just satisfaction. “Rengo has won ample plaudits ’Mongst his peers for boasts of battle To be waged in palisado With me; he delays, vainglorious, But such dilatory dawdling Irks me, as he thwarts the occasion. Let this duel, I beg, be finished Lest my reputation suffer! “Old, imprudent Peteguelen With deceitful show of courage Rushed to die amidst the legions...