He saw Xaraycts diamond lanks unfold, And Paraguay's deep channel paved with gold.
Book I. Line 435.
Some of the richest diamond mines are found on the banks of the lake Xaraya. The river Paraguay is remarkable for the quantities of gold dust found in its channel. The Rio de la Plata, properly so called, has its source in the mountains of Potosi; and it was probably from this circumstance that it received its name, which signifies River of Silver. This river, after having joined the Paraguay, which is larger than itself, retains its own name till it reaches the sea. Near the mouth, it is one hundred and fifty miles wide; but in other respects it is far inferior to the Maragnon.
No. 6
Soon as the distant swell was seen to roll, His ancient wishes reabsorb'd his soul;
Book I. Line 449.
The great object of Columbus, in most of his voyages, was to discover a western passage to India. He navigated the Gulph of Mexico with particular attention to this object, and was much disappointed in not finding a pass into the South Sea. The view he is here supposed to have of that ocean would therefore naturally recal his former desire of sailing to India.
No. 7
This idle frith must open soon to fame, Here a lost Lusitanian fix his name,
Book I. Line 491.