He calls his men, and at the leader’s word,
Their presence answers quick, though sore depressed.
All further ventures would they now resign,
But lo! Pizarro traces with his sword
Along drear Gallo’s sand the telling line
From west to east, and thus his band addressed:—
“On that side, comrades, toil and hunger wait,
Battle and death,—for some their lives must lose,—
On this side, truly, safety lies,—but ah!
On that, the glory of a splendid state,
On this but poverty and Panama.
Now, as becomes the brave Castilian, choose!
“As for myself, I go towards the south;
Let who will follow!” and he passed that bound
Like Rubicon, enduring, though in sand!
Spurred by the doughty foot and daring mouth,
Then followed thirteen of his little band;
The die was cast,—at length Peru was found!
When powers that serve thee, flag, since foiled so long,
Summon them, soul! Draw what Pizarro drew;
Point to that land of riches, this of lack;
Speak as he spake, then cross the line as strong,
Leaving poor Panama behind thy back,
To find at last the glory of Peru!
In 1527, the Conquistador Francisco Pizarro was ordered to leave his exploration southwards and return to Panama. On the island of Gallo, he drew a line in the sand with his sword and said "There lies Peru with its riches; Here, Panama and its poverty. Choose, each man, what best becomes a brave Castilian." Thirteen of his men stayed with him.