"That," said Ralegh, "is because those adventurers were ignorant
alike of the country and of the art of conciliating its
inhabitants. Were I permitted to go, I would make Guiana to
England what Peru has been to Spain."
That statement, reported to James in his need, was enough to fire
his cupidity, and when Ralegh had further added that he would
guarantee to the Crown one-fifth of the treasure without asking
any contribution towards the adventure either in money or in
ships, he was permitted to come forth and prepare for the
expedition.
His friends came to his assistance, and in March of 1617 he set
sail for E1 Dorado with a well-manned and wellequipped fleet of
fourteen ships, the Earls of Arundel and Pembroke standing
sureties for his return.
From the outset the fates were unpropitious. Disaster closed the
adventure. Gondomar, the Ambassador of Spain at Whitehall, too
well-informed of what was afoot, had warned his master. Spanish
ships waited to frustrate Sir Walter, who was under pledge to
avoid all conflict with the forces of King Philip. But conflict
there was, and bloodshed in plenty, about the city of Manoa,
which the Spaniards held as the key to the country into which the
English adventurers sought to penetrate.
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