All the way to the City of Mexico they were feasted and welcomed
as honored guests. The account which Cabeca de Vaca wrote of his travels
was the first written description of the country now called Texas,
Arizona and New Mexico.
NOTE
This story follows closely the "Relacion of Cabeca de Vaca." It
illustrates the resourcefulness, bravery and ingenuity of Spanish
cavaliers of the heroic age as hardly any other episode does.
LONE BAYOU
De Soto was a gentleman of Spain
In those proud years when Spanish chivalry
From fierce adventure never did refrain,--
Ruler of argosies that ruled the sea,
She looked on lesser nations in disdain,
As born to trafficking or slavery.
In shining armor, and with shot and steel
Abundantly purveyed for their delight,
Banners before whose Cross the foe should kneel,
His company embarked--how great a light
Through men's perversity to stoop and reel
Down through calamity to endless night!
Yet unsubmissive, obdurately bold,
The savages refused to serve their need.
They would not guide the conquerors to their gold,
Nor though cast in the fire like a weed
Or driven by stern compulsion to the fold,
Would they abandon their unhallowed creed.
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