_Scene changes_. SCENE X.—THE MOUNTAIN TOPS. _With precipitous crags and a great cataract with river running down a deep gorge at the side_, _lined with rocks like walls_. _They have arrived at the last peak and stand at the foot of the precipice_, _looking up in despair_. _The Indian observing them a little amused_. DRAKE (_looks up with surprise and doubt_, _aside_). Does our way lead up that wall, of alternate cliff and forest? (_turning to_ CHIRUCA) Must we climb that bald peak, just kissed by the rising sun, and glowing in his beams like molten silver. Whilst night still holds possession of hill and valley? MOON. It seems to me, General, a mighty barrier to mark the limits of the world. CHIRUCA (_amused at their dismay_). Vasco Nunez climbed the very top, on the same errand, and a band of followers loaded with their heavy armour. They struggled over rock and precipice—through river and torrent—through morass and forest—and had to fight their way through hostile nations at every step. One half their Lion-dogs (_Leonicos_) as they call their bloodhounds, and a vast number of the band, perished by fatigue, hunger, and poisoned arrows. With difficulty he regained his ships with a mere handful of his followers. I shall, however, conduct you by easy paths and pleasant valleys, to a plateau, from which you shall behold the great Pacific reposing at your feet: and gangs of treasure-laden mules and llamas, with their escorts, worming their difficult way across the Isthmus. DRAKE (_with interest_, _surprise_, _and doubt_). Lead on my friend! CHIRUCA _turns and points_, _smiling maliciously_, _to the right_, _where there is deep chasm or gorge_, _with high cliffed sides like walls_, _through which rushes a foaming torrent from a cascade at the top_, _thundering over a shelf_. _Wild beasts playing about_; _a tiger watching the party on the opposite bank_. _A curious bridge_, _or rather rope_, _at a little distance_, _extended across with a sort of chair on it_—_all of bark_, _twisted and wrought_; _an Indian means of transit_. CHIRUCA (_pointing to the chasm_). Our way lies over here. _They all look with amazement and dismay at the yawning gulf_. _They confer and gaze again and again with various emotions_; _some jeering_; _some angry_; _some laughing_. CHIRUCA _smiling observes them_. DRAKE (_aside_). Easy paths! Pleasant valleys! Humph! You jest with us, Chiruca. MOON. By all the host of heaven Indian, you might as well tell us to jump from the verge of the earth into Jupiter or Saturn or our nearest neighbour among the stars, or as we should be then lunatics, into the moon. (_Laughter in which they all join_). CHIRUCA (_archly_). I must go foremost I see, and show you the way.