De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 449 pages of information about De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2).

De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2) eBook

This eBook from the Gutenberg Project consists of approximately 449 pages of information about De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2).

The Adelantado selected one of the prisoners, and sending with him one of his allies, he despatched them both to Maiobanexius with the following message:  “The Adelantado has not undertaken to make war upon you and your people, O Maiobanexius, for he desires your friendship; but he formally demands that Guarionex, who has taken refuge with you and has drawn you into this conflict to the great damage of your people, shall be delivered to him to be punished as he merits.  He counsels you, therefore, to give up this cacique; if you consent, the Admiral will count you among his friends and protect and respect your territory.  If you refuse you will be made to repent, for your entire country will be devastated with fire and sword, and all you possess will be destroyed.”  Maiobanexius, upon hearing this message, replied:  “Everybody knows that Guarionex is a hero, adorned with all the virtues, and therefore I have esteemed it right to assist and protect him.  As for you, you are violent and perfidious men, and seek to shed the blood of innocent people:  I will neither enter into relations with you, nor form any alliance with so false a people.”

When this answer was brought to the Adelantado, he burnt the village where he had established his camp and several others in the neighbourhood.  He again sent envoys to Maiobanexius, to ask him to name one of his trusty advisers to treat for peace.  Maiobanexius consented to send one of the most devoted of his counsellors, accompanied by two other chiefs.  The Adelantado earnestly conjured them not to jeopardise the territory of Maiobanexius solely in the interests of Guarionex.  He advised Maiobanexius, if he did not wish to be ruined himself and to be treated as an enemy, to give him up.

When his envoys returned, Maiobanexius called together his people and explained the conditions.  The people cried that Guarionex must be surrendered, cursing and execrating the day he had come amongst them to disturb their tranquillity.  The cacique reminded them, however, that Guarionex was a hero, and had rendered him services when he fled to him for protection, for he had brought him royal presents.  Moreover, he had taught both the cacique himself and his wife to sing and dance, a thing not to be held in mediocre consideration.  Maiobanexius was determined never to surrender the prince who had appealed to his protection, and whom he had promised to defend.  He was prepared to risk the gravest perils with him rather than to merit the reproach of having betrayed his guest.  Despite the complaints of the people, the cacique dissolved the assembly, and calling Guarionex to him, he pledged himself for the second time to protect him and to share his fortunes as long as he lived.

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De Orbe Novo, Volume 1 (of 2) from Project Gutenberg. Public domain.