Note 63 — Chapter V · LA ARAUCANA
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“Caciques, defenders of the state, no desire for command persuades me to regret to see you pretenders, to an honour to which I was justly entitled; because, on account of my age, you see, señores, that I am about to depart for the other world; but the love I have always shown you has moved me to give you good counsel.
“Why do we pretend to honourable offices and to be held in high esteem, since we cannot deny to the world that we have been subdued and conquered? And being still oppressed by the Spaniards we do not wish to inquire into this matter. It would be better to turn this vehemence against the proud enemy in battle.
“How great is your fury, O Araucanos, which, without your knowing it, is carrying you on to perdition? Why are you turning your hands against your fellows and not using them in resistance against the tyrant? The Christians are at your gates, and you are turning the sword against yourselves. If the desire to die moves you, let it not be in a state so low and dejected.
“Turn your arms and enraged minds against the breasts of those who have plunged you into dire servitude, and subjected you to an ignominious condition manifest to all the world. Throw off from your neck the shameful yoke; thus show your courage and your strength. Pour out the blood that remains to you only to redeem us from this state.
“It does not grieve me to observe the ardour of your spirit; rather it invigorates me; but I fear that your courage badly governed may depart from the right path; that, discord having come back among us, you may destroy your country with its force, then, if this must be, cut first this old throat.
“This enfeebled body, tormented by the blows of fortune, awaits only the sharp edge of the sword, since no such misfortune has overtaken it. That life is indeed fortunate which is sealed by an early death. But, considering only our public welfare, I wish here to utter my opinion.
“You are equal in valour and strength; Heaven has accorded to you equality in birth; it has made among you an equal partition of lineage, of station and of riches; and each of you, individually, by his courage and greatness of spirit might govern the world. This precious gift, not recognized by you, has brought you to this present situation.
“I hope that the strength of your arm may soon bring a remedy. There must be a supreme chief by whom all may consent to be governed; this shall be the one who shall be able to bear on his shoulder a great log the longest without interruption; and since fate has made you all equal, let each of you seek to triumph by his superior strength.”