Lives of Vasco Nunez De Balboa And Francisco Pizarro

e had translated the Spanish colony to the other side of the Isthmus, to the site on which Panama was founded: but neither this disposition, so much more favourable for discoveries to the east and south, nor the frequent reports they received from the rich regions, since known under the name of Peru, had availed to stimulate these men, audacious and active as they were, to attempt their investigation or conquest. None had resolution to risk the expenses, or confront the difficulties, in which this great enterprise must naturally involve them. Even the extraordinary man, who was destined to conquer them all, was ignorant of his own powers, and, which seldom happens with men of his temper of mind, Pizarro had already passed the meridian of life, without having been signalized by any act, which might announce the destroyer of a great empire, and the rival of Hernan Cortes. Not, that in strength, fortitude or diligence, he was overmatched by any, or even equalled by many, then employed on the Terra Firma. But, content with the limits assigned him as a subaltern, his character was apparently devoid of ambition and daring, and well satisfied in meriting the confidence of the governors, he either would not, or could not, compete with them in honours or fortune. This circumspection might be derived from the timidity caused by the consciousness of his own low origin, if all was true which was then related on the subject, and which has since been repeated by differ...