VOYAGES
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A N D DISCOVERIES O F
effect that reconciliation which he had sought in vain to produce through more generous motives.
He represented to him that his
treatment of Vasco Nunez was odious in the eyes of the people, and must eventually draw on him the displeasure of his sovereign. " But why persist," added he, " in driving a man to become your deadliest enemy, whom you may grapple to your side as your firmest friend ?
You have several daughters—give him one in
marriage ; you will then have for a son-in-law a man of merit and popularity, who is a hidalgo by birth, and a favorite of the king.
You are advanced in life and infirm ; he is in the prime
and vigor of his days, and possessed of great activity.
You can
make him your lieutenant ; and while you repose from your toils, he can carry on the affairs of the colony with spirit and enter prise ; and all his achievements will redound to the advancement of your family and the splendor of your administration." The governor and his lady were won by the eloquence of the bishop, and readily listened to his suggestion ; and Vasco Nunez was but too happy to effect a reconciliation on such flattering terms.
Written articles were accordingly drawn up and exÂ
changed, contracting a marriage between him and the eldest daughter of Pedrarias.
The young lady was then in Spain, but
was to be sent for, and the nuptials were to be celebrated on her arrival at Darien. Having thus fulfilled his office of peace-maker, and settled, as he supposed, all feuds and jealousies on the sure and permanent foundation of family alliance, the worthy bishop departed shortly afterwards for Spain.