Note 466 — BOOK VI[427]

Alonso d'Ercilla y Zuffiga (circa 1525-circa 1600), a famous Spanish poet and warrior. He began life as a page to Philip II., whom he accompanied in his travels to France, Italy, Germany, and England. In 1547 he joined the Chilean expedition, covered himself with glory in the campaign against the Araucanians, and celebrated his own exploits in the Araucana, an epic poem of very great merit.—T.