CHAP. X I ]
CHRISTOPHER
COLUMBUS.
225
On the 2d of January, 1493, Columbus landed to take a farewell of the generous cacique and his chieftains, intending the next day to set sail.
He gave them a parting feast at the house
devoted to his use, and commended to their kindness the men who were to remain, especially Diego de Arana, Pedro Gutier rez, and Rodrigo de Escobedo, his lieutenants, assuring the cacique that, when he returned from. Castile, he would bring abundance of jewels more precious than any he or his people had yet seen.
The worthy Guacanagari showed great concern
at the idea of his departure, and assured him that, as to those who remained, he should furnish them with provisions, and ren der them every service in his power. Once more to impress the Indians with an idea of the warlike prowess of the white men, Columbus caused the crews to perform skirmishes and mock-fights, with swords, bucklers, lances, cross bows, arquebuses, and cannon.
The Indians were astonished at
the keenness of the swords, and at the deadly power of the cross-bows and arquebuses; but they were struck with awe when the heavy Lombards were discharged from the fortress, wrapping it in wreaths of smoke, shaking the forests with their report, and shivering the trees with the balls of stone used in artillery in those times.
As these tremendous powers, however,
were all to be employed for their protection, they rejoiced while they trembled, since no Carib would now dare to invade their island.* The festivities of the day being over, Columbus embraced the cacique and his principal chieftains, and took a final leave of them.
Guacanagari shed tears; for while he had been awed by
the dignified demeanor of the admiral, and the idea of his super* Primer Viage de Colon.
vol. I.
v
Navarrete, tom. i. p. 121.