He was a handsome man. His courtly manners, charm, and eloquence, his burning words of Patriotism, everywhere aroused sympathy. He told of the sufferings of his countrymen, and of the great commercial opportunities which Spanish America offered to whatever friendly Nation would help to gain her Freedom.
Everywhere he was received with attention. The Empress Catherine the Great of Russia became his friend. William Pitt gave him many assurances that England would aid him if possible; while our own Alexander Hamilton wrote him, that he hoped the United States might soon come forward openly to the support of Spanish-American Independence.
Time and again, it seemed as though Miranda were succeeding. But on each occasion international politics interfered, and the Governments withdrew their encouragement.
Spain feared Miranda. She pronounced him a fugitive from justice. Her spies followed him. They searched his papers; and would have seized him and carried him back to Spain, had they not been afraid of his powerful friends in Russia and England.
In Miranda’s London home, many Spanish-American Patriots met together, and joined a secret society founded by him. They planned to free Spanish America; and they swore to give their lives and their all to the aid of their Country.
Many years passed by. Miranda was over fifty. Yet he had not struck a single blow for Venezuela. He determined to wait no longer for foreign aid. He believed that the time was ripe to declare the Independence of Spanish America. He believed that the people there were waiting eagerly for him to raise Liberty’s standard against Spain.
He had no funds, so he pledged his precious library, which, during so many years, he had collected with such pains, industry, and affection.
Then, with the money thus raised, he sailed for the City of New York.
THE MYSTERY SHIP
Hail! the Red, Yellow, and Blue!
The Tri-Colour that flew
On the winds of the Spanish Main,
Striking the heart of Spain,
Breaking the Tyrant-chain,
With its message of Freedom true!
The Red, the Yellow, the Blue!