To which they all agreed- and bowed. After this, he spoke of the
impassable woods and rivers; and convinced them, the more danger the
more glory. He told them that he had heard of one Hannibal, a great
captain, had cut his way through mountains of solid rocks; and
should a few shrubs oppose them, which they could fire before 'em? No,
'twas a trifling excuse to men resolved to die, or overcome. As for
bogs, they are with a little labor filled and hardened; and the rivers
could be no obstacle, since they swam by nature, at least by custom,
from the first hour of their birth: that when the children were weary,
they must carry them by turns, and the woods and their own industry
would afford them food. To this they all assented with joy.
Tuscan then demanded what he would do. He said they would travel
towards the sea, plant a new colony, and defend it by their valor; and
when they could find a ship, either driven by stress of weather, or
guided by Providence that way, they would seize it, and make it a
prize, till it had transported them to their own countries: at least
they should be made free in his kingdom, and be esteemed as his
fellow-sufferers, and men that had the courage and the bravery to
attempt, at least, for liberty; and if they died in the attempt, it
would be more brave than to live in perpetual slavery.
They bowed and kissed his feet at this resolution, and with one
accord vowed to follow him to death; and that night was appointed to
begin their march.
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