ad been
meaningless or evasive. Several of them were of that class of quiet
citizens, unaccustomed to any enterprises but those of trade, who are
always slow to peril wealth by a direct issue with their despotism.
They felt the truth of Bolivar's assertions. They knew that their
treasures were only so many baits and lures to the cupidity and
exactions of the royal emissaries, but they still relied on their
habitual caution and docility to keep terms with the tyranny at which
they yet trembled. When, in the warmth of his enthusiasm, Bolivar
depicted the bloody struggles which must precede their deliverance,
they began indeed to wonder among themselves how they ever came to
fall into that mischievous philosophy of patriotism which had involved
them with such a restless rebel as Bolivar! Others of the company were
ancient hidalgos, who had been men of spirit in their day, but who had
survived the season of enterprise, which is that period only when the
heart swells and overflows with full tides of warm and impetuous
blood.

"Your error," said he, in a whisper to Senor Don Joachim de
Zalabariata, "was in not bringing young men into your counsels."

"We shall have them hereafter," was the reply, also in a whisper.

"We shall see," muttered the Liberator, who continued, though in
silence, to scan the assembly with inquisitive eyes, and an excitement
of soul, which increased duly with his efforts to subdue it. He had
found some allies in the circle. Some few generous spirits, who,
responding to his desires, were anxious to be up and doing. But it was
only too apparent that the main body of the company had been rather
disquieted than warmed. In this condition of hopeless and speechless
indecision, the emotions of the Liberator became scarcely
controllable. His whole frame trembled with the anxiety and
indignation of his spirit. He paced the room hurriedly, passing from
group to group, appealing to individuals now, where hitherto he had
spoken collectively, and suggesting detailed arguments in behalf of
hopes and objects, which it does not need that we should incorporate
with our narrative. But when he found how feeble was the influence
which he exercised, and how cold was the echo to his appeal, he became
impatient, and no longer strove to modify the expression of that scorn
and indignation which he had for some time felt. The explosion
followed in no measured language.

"Men of Bogota, you are not worthy to be free. Your