The people listened in horror. A religious panic spread from Caracas throughout Venezuela. People forgot that earthquakes had often happened before in many parts of the world, casting cities into ruins. They believed that God Almighty had condemned their struggle for Independence.
Many soldiers of the Patriot Army refused to fight any more against Spain. They deserted in numbers to Monteverde. In vain Miranda tried to rally his troops, he could no longer persuade them to believe in the justice of their cause. Superstitious terror had made cowards of them all.
Monteverde continued to advance rapidly. Miranda saw not only his ranks thinning daily, but the country that supplied food and cattle for his army, falling into the hands of the enemy.
Then came a final crushing blow:—
The strong Fortress of Puerto Cabello fell into the hands of Monteverde.
END OF THE ROMANCE
“Venezuela is wounded in the heart!” exclaimed Miranda in a deep voice as he read the despatch telling of the loss of Puerto Cabello.
It was Simon Bolivar, the fiery, impetuous, young Patriot, who had lost this important fortress and city to Monteverde. He was in despair, Bolivar said, because his own body had not been left under the ruins of that city.
But the fortress was irretrievably lost, and the tide of Fortune was turned against Independence. The cause of Venezuela seemed hopeless. Miranda was worn and weary. So he capitulated.
He capitulated to Monteverde, with the agreement that none of the Patriots should be made to suffer for their rebellion; and that any of them who so wished, might leave the country.