Adventures in the Philippine IslandsLa Gironière, Paul P. de
History
Adventures in the Philippine Islands
La Gironière, Paul P. de
Philippines
These words, said with a tone of authority and command, produced the
effect I expected. The chiefs, without uttering a word, laid their
arms at my feet. Their example was followed by all the combatants,
and, in a moment, a heap of carabines, guns, spears, and cutlasses
were laid down before me. I appointed ten among these individuals
who had just obeyed me, gave them each a gun, and told them:
"I confide to you the care of these arms. If anyone attempts to take
possession of them, fire upon the assailants."
I pretended to take down their names, and went off to the opposite
camp, where I found all the combatants on foot, ready to march and
fight against their enemies. I stopped them, saying:
"The battle is over--your enemies are disarmed. You, too, must give
me up your arms, or else immediately embark in your canoes, and go
home. If you do not obey me, I will give back their arms instantly to
your opponents, and I will put myself at their head to fight against
you. Perform what I command you; I promise you all shall be forgotten."
There was no room for hesitation. The Indians knew that I did not
allow much time for reflection, and that my threats and chastisements
followed each other closely. Shortly after, they all embarked in
their canoes. I remained on the beach alone, with my lieutenant,
until I had almost lost sight of this small fleet. I then returned
to the other camp, where I was impatiently expected. I announced to
the Indians they had no longer any enemies, and that consequently
they could go back quietly to their village.
But a few days elapsed, as may be seen, without my having new dangers
to encounter. I was accustomed to them: I relied upon my star, and
triumphed from all my imprudences. My Indians were blindly submissive
to me. I was so certain of their fidelity, that I no longer took
against them the precautions which I considered necessary during the
first year of my residence at Jala-Jala.
My Anna took part every day more and more in my labours, anxieties,
and even in some of my dangers. Would it have been possible not to
have loved her with deeper affection, than that which one feels for a
companion leading a peaceful and insignificant life? With what gladness
she received me after the shortest absence! Joy and satisfaction
shone on her face, her caresses were as a balsam that healed all my
lassitude, and even the reproaches she addressed me so gently, for the
uneasiness I had caused her, fell upon my heart us drops of beatitude.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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