At another island, Pigafetta asserts that, by sifting the earth he found lumps of gold as large as walnuts and some as big as eggs even, and that all the vessels used by the king at his table were of the same precious metal. These are believed to have been gross falsehoods of Pigafetta's invention, in a view to procure for himself the command of a subsequent voyage of discovery. Magellan gratified two island-kings with the spectacle of a grand Catholic ceremony. He sprinkled them with sweet-scented water, and offered them the cross to kiss. On the elevation of the host he caused them to adore the Eucharist with joined hands. At this moment a discharge of artillery, arranged beforehand, was fired from the ships. The entertainment concluded with a hornpipe and sword-dance,--an exhibition which seemed to please the two kings highly. A large cross was then brought, garnished with nails and a crown of thorns. It was set up upon a high mountain, as a signal to all Christian navigators that they would be well treated in the island. The kings were also assured that if they prayed to it devoutly it would defend them from lightning and tempests. They had evidently suffered severely from the vagaries and violence of the electric fluid, and were delighted to be thus easily protected against its pernicious and destructive influence. [Illustration: LAMONARIA.] [Illustration: THE NATIVES OF BORNEO PREPARE TO ATTACK MAGELLAN.] CHAPTER XXIV. DISCOVERY OF THE PHILIPPINES--THE KING OF ZUBU WISHES THE KING OF SPAIN TO PAY TRIBUTE--HE FINALLY ABANDONS THE IDEA--A WHOLE ISLAND CONVERTED TO CHRISTIANITY--MAGELLAN PERFORMS A MIRACLE--A DUMB MAN RECOVERS HIS SPEECH--MAGELLAN INVADES A REFRACTORY ISLAND--HIS DEATH--ATTEMPTS TO RECOVER HIS BODY--THE CHRISTIAN ISLAND RETURNS TO IDOLATRY--THE SHIPS ARRIVE AT BORNEO--THE SAILORS DRINK TOO FREELY OF ARRACK--FESTIVITIES AND TREACHERY--VIVID IMAGINATION OF PIGAFETTA--THE FLEET ARRIVES AT THE MOLUCCAS--THE KING OF TIDORE--A BRISK TRADE IN CLOVES--THE SPICE-TARIFF--THE VITTORIA SAILS HOMEWARD--PIGAFETTA IS AGAIN IMAGINATIVE--ARRIVAL AT THE CAPE VERDS--LOSS OF ONE DAY--COMPLETION OF THE FIRST VOYAGE OF CIRCUMNAVIGATION--PIGAFETTA'S ROMANCE BECOMES VERITABLE HISTORY.