the discovery of guiana-第24章
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eastward; those to the west cannot in many months turn against the
breeze and eastern wind。 Besides; the Spaniards are therein so
dispersed as they are nowhere strong; but in Nueva Espana only; the
sharp mountains; the thorns; and poisoned prickles; the sandy and deep
ways in the valleys; the smothering heat and air; and want of water in
other places are their only and best defence; which; because those
nations that invade them are not victualled or provided to stay;
neither have any place to friend adjoining; do serve them instead of
good arms and great multitudes。
The West Indies were first offered her Majesty's grandfather by
Columbus; a stranger; in whom there might be doubt of deceit; and
besides it was then thought incredible that there were such and so
many lands and regions never written of before。 This Empire is made
known to her Majesty by her own vassal; and by him that oweth to her
more duty than an ordinary subject; so that it shall ill sort with the
many graces and benefits which I have received to abuse her Highness;
either with fables or imaginations。 The country is already discovered;
many nations won to her Majesty's love and obedience; and those
Spaniards which have latest and longest laboured about the conquest;
beaten out; discouraged; and disgraced; which among these nations were
thought invincible。 Her Majesty may in this enterprise employ all
those soldiers and gentlemen that are younger brethren; and all
captains and chieftains that want employment; and the charge will be
only the first setting out in victualling and arming them; for after
the first or second year I doubt not but to see in London a
Contractation…House (the whole trade of Spanish America passed through
the Casa de Contratacion at Seville) of more receipt for Guiana than
there is now in Seville for the West Indies。
And I am resolved that if there were but a small army afoot in Guiana;
marching towards Manoa; the chief city of Inga; he would yield to her
Majesty by composition so many hundred thousand pounds yearly as
should both defend all enemies abroad; and defray all expenses at
home; and that he would besides pay a garrison of three or four
thousand soldiers very royally to defend him against other nations。
For he cannot but know how his predecessors; yea; how his own great
uncles; Guascar and Atabalipa; sons to Guiana…Capac; emperor of Peru;
were; while they contended for the empire; beaten out by the
Spaniards; and that both of late years and ever since the said
conquest; the Spaniards have sought the passages and entry of his
country; and of their cruelties used to the borderers he cannot be
ignorant。 In which respects no doubt but he will be brought to tribute
with great gladness; if not; he hath neither shot nor iron weapon in
all his empire; and therefore may easily be conquered。
And I further remember that Berreo confessed to me and others; which I
protest before the Majesty of God to be true; that there was found
among the prophecies in Peru; at such time as the empire was reduced
to the Spanish obedience; in their chiefest temples; amongst divers
others which foreshadowed the loss of the said empire; that from
Inglatierra those Ingas should be again in time to come restored; and
delivered from the servitude of the said conquerors。 And I hope; as we
with these few hands have displanted the first garrison; and driven
them out of the said country; so her Majesty will give order for the
rest; and either defend it; and hold it as tributary; or conquer and
keep it as empress of the same。 For whatsoever prince shall possess
it; shall be greatest; and if the king of Spain enjoy it; he will
become unresistible。 Her Majesty hereby shall confirm and strengthen
the opinions of all nations as touching her great and princely
actions。 And where the south border of Guiana reacheth to the dominion
and empire of the Amazons; those women shall hereby hear the name of a
virgin; which is not only able to defend her own territories and her
neighbours; but also to invade and conquer so great empires and so far
removed。
To speak more at this time I fear would be but troublesome: I trust in
God; this being true; will suffice; and that he which is King of all
Kings; and Lord of Lords; will put it into her heart which is Lady of
Ladies to possess it。 If not; I will judge those men worthy to be
kings thereof; that by her grace and leave will undertake it of
themselves。
The End