Peace being thus restored, the army set out to march northwards to the

place where it had been decided to build the town. They crossed a river

in rafts and broken canoes which they found upon its bank, and presently

came to a very different scene from the burning sandy waste, which they

had left. The wide plains were covered with green grass, and there were

groves of palms, among which the Spaniards saw deer and various wild

animals, and flocks of pheasants and turkeys. On their way they passed

through a deserted village, in the temples of which they found records

in the picture-writing, and also, to their horror, the remains of

sacrificed victims. As they proceeded up the river they were met by

twelve Indians, sent by the cacique of Cempoalla to show them the way to

his town. The farther they went the more beautiful did the country

become. The trees were loaded with gorgeous fruits and flowers, and

birds and butterflies of every hue abounded. As they approached the

Indian city they saw gardens and orchards on each side of the road, and

were met by crowds of natives, who mingled fearlessly with the soldiers,

bringing garlands of flowers, in which they specially delighted, to deck

the general's helmet and to hang about the neck of his horse. The

cacique, who was tall and very fat, received Cortes with much courtesy,

and assigned to the army quarters in a neighbouring temple, where they

were well supplied with provisions, and the general received a present

of gold and fine cotton. But in spite of all this friendliness he

neglected no precautions, stationing sentinels, and posting his

artillery so as to command the entrance. The following morning Cortes

paid the cacique a visit at his own residence, and, by the aid of

Marina, a long conference was held in which the Spanish general gained

much important information, and promised to aid the Totonacs against

Montezuma, and prevent him from carrying off their young men and maidens

to be sacrificed to his gods. The following day the army marched off

again to the town of Chiahuitztla, which stood like a fortress on a crag

overlooking the gulf. Though the inhabitants were alarmed at first, they

soon became friendly, and the chiefs came to confer with Cortes and the

cacique of Cempoallo, who had accompanied him, carried in a litter. Just

then there was a stir among the people, and five men entered the

market-place where they were standing. By their rich and peculiar dress

they seemed to belong to a different race: their dark glossy hair was

tied in a knot at the top of the head, and they carried bunches of

flowers in their hands. Their attendants carried wands, or fans, to

brush away the flies and insects from their lordly masters. These

persons passed the Spaniards haughtily, scarcely deigning to return

their salutations, and they were immediately joined by the Totonac

chiefs, who seemed anxious to conciliate them by every sort of

attention. The general, much astonished, inquired of Marina what this

meant, and she replied that these were Aztec nobles empowered to receive

tribute for Montezuma.

Soon after the chiefs returned in dismay, saying that the Aztecs were

very angry with them for entertaining the Spaniards without the

emperor's permission, and had demanded twenty young men and maidens to

be sacrificed to the gods as a punishment. Cortes was most indignant at

this insolence, and insisted that the Totonacs should not only refuse

the demand, but should also seize the Aztec nobles, and throw them into

prison. This they did, but the Spanish general managed to get two of

them freed in the night, and brought before him. He then very cunningly

made them believe that he regretted the indignity that had been offered

them, and would help them to get away safely, and the next day would do

his best to release their companions. He also told them to report this

to Montezuma, assuring him of the great respect and regard in which he

was held by the Spaniards. Them he sent them away secretly to the port,

and they were taken in one of the vessels, and landed safely at a little

distance along the coast. The Totonacs were furious at the escape of

some of their prisoners, and would at once have sacrificed the

remainder, had not Cortes expressed the utmost horror at the idea, and

sent them on board one of the ships for safe keeping, whence he very

soon allowed them to join their companions. This artful proceeding had,

as we shall presently see, just the effect it was meant to have upon

Montezuma. By order of Cortes, messengers were now sent to all the other

Totonac towns, telling them of the defiance that had been shown to the

emperor, and bidding them also refuse to pay the tribute. The Indians

soon came flocking into Chiahuitztla to see and confer with the powerful

strangers, in the hope of regaining liberty by their aid, and so

cleverly had Cortes managed to embroil them with Montezuma, that even

the most timid felt that they had no choice but to accept the protection

of the Spaniards, and make a bold effort for the recovery of freedom.

Cortes accordingly made them swear allegiance to the Spanish sovereign,

and then set out once more for the port where his colony was to be

planted. This was only half a league distant, in a wide and fruitful

plain, and he was not long in determining the circuit of the walls, and

the site of the fort, granary, and other public buildings. The friendly

Indians brought stone, lime, wood, and bricks, and in a few weeks a town

rose up, which served as a good starting-point for future operations, a

retreat for the disabled, a place for the reception of stores, or

whatever might be sent to or from the mother-country, and was, moreover,

strong enough to overawe the surrounding country. This was the first

colony in New Spain, and was hailed with satisfaction by the simple

natives, who could not foresee that their doom was sealed when a white

man set his foot upon their soil.

While the Spaniards were still occupied with their new settlement they

were surprised by another embassy from Mexico. When the account of the

imprisonment of the royal collectors first reached Montezuma, his

feelings of fear and superstition were swallowed up in indignation, and

he began with great energy to make preparations for punishing his

rebellious vassals, and avenging the insult offered to himself. But when

the Aztec officers liberated by Cortes reached the capital and reported

the courteous treatment they had received from the Spanish commander, he

was induced to resume his former timid and conciliatory policy, and sent

an embassy consisting of two young nephews of his own and four of his

chief nobles to the Spanish quarters. As usual they bore a princely gift

of gold, rich cotton stuffs, and wonderful mantles of feather

embroidery. The envoys on coming before Cortes presented this offering,

with the emperor's thanks to him for the courtesy he had shown to the

captive nobles. At the same time Montezuma expressed his surprise and

regret that the Spaniards should have countenanced the rebellion. He had

no doubt, he said, that Cortes and his followers were the

long-looked-for strangers, and therefore of the same lineage as himself.

From deference to them he would spare the Totonacs while they were

present, but the day of vengeance would come. Cortes entertained the

Indians with frank hospitality, taking care, however, to make such a

display of his resources as should impress them with a sense of his

power. Then he dismissed them with a few trifling gifts and a

conciliatory message to the emperor, to the effect that he would soon

pay his respects to him in his capital, when all misunderstanding

between them would certainly be adjusted. The Totonacs were amazed when

they understood the nature of this interview; for, in spite of the

presence of the Spaniards, they had felt great apprehension as to the

consequence of their rash act, and now they felt absolutely in awe of

the strangers who even at a distance could exercise such a mysterious

influence over the terrible Montezuma.

Not long after the cacique of Cempoalla appealed to Cortes to aid him

against a neighbour with whom he had a quarrel. The general at once

marched to support him with a part of his force, but when they reached

the hostile city they were received in a most friendly manner, and

Cortes had no difficulty in reconciling the two chiefs to one another.

In token of gratitude the Indian cacique sent eight noble maidens,

richly decked with collars and ornaments of gold, whom he begged the

general to give as wives to his captains. Cortes seized the opportunity

of declaring that they must first become Christians, and be baptized,

since the sons of the Church could not be allowed to marry idolaters.

The chief replied that his gods were good enough for him, and that he

should at once resent any insults offered to them, even if they did not

avenge themselves by instantly destroying the Spaniards. However, the

general and his followers had seen too much already of the barbarous

rites of the Indian religion and its horrible sacrifices. Without

hesitation they attacked the principal teocalli, whereupon the cacique

called his men to arms, the priests in their blood-stained robes rushed

frantically about among the people, calling upon them to defend their

gods, and all was tumult and confusion. Cortes acted with his usual

promptitude at this crisis. He caused the cacique and the principal

inhabitants and the priests to be taken prisoners, and then commanded

them to quiet the people, threatening that a single arrow shot at the

Spaniards should cost them their lives. Marina also represented the

madness of resistance, reminding the cacique that if he lost the

friendship of the strangers, he would be left alone to face the

vengeance of Montezuma. This consideration decided him: covering his

face with his hands, he exclaimed that the gods would avenge their own

wrongs. Taking advantage of this tacit consent, fifty soldiers rushed up

the stairway of the temple, and dragging the great wooden idols from

their places in the topmost tower, they rolled them down the steps of

the pyramid amid the groans of the natives and the triumphant shouts of

their comrades, and then burnt them to ashes. The Totonacs, finding that

their gods were unable to prevent or even punish this profanation of

their temple, now believed that they were indeed less to be feared than

the Spaniards, and offered no further resistance. By Cortes's orders the

teocalli was then thoroughly purified, and an altar was erected,

surmounted by a great cross hung with garlands of roses, and Father

Olmedo said Mass before the Indians and Spaniards, who seem to have been

alike impressed by the ceremony. An old disabled soldier, named Juan de

Torres, was left to watch over the sanctuary and instruct the natives in

its services, while the general, taking a friendly leave of his Totonac

allies, set out once more for Villa Rica, to finish his arrangements

before departing for the capital. Here he was surprised to find that a

Spanish vessel had arrived in his absence, having on board twelve

soldiers and two horses, a very welcome addition to the tiny army.

Cortes now resolved to execute a plan of which he had been thinking for

some time. He knew very well that none of his arrangements about the

colony would hold good without the Spanish monarch's sanction, and also

that Velasquez had great interest at court, and would certainly use it

against him. Therefore he resolved to send despatches to the emperor

himself, and such an amount of treasure as should give a great idea of

the extent and importance of his discoveries. He gave up his own share

of the spoil, and persuaded his officers to do the same, and a paper was

circulated among the soldiers, calling upon all who chose to resign the

small portion which was due to them, that a present worthy of the

emperor's acceptance might be sent home. It is only another proof of the

extraordinary power which Cortes had over these rough soldiers, who

cared for nothing but plunder, that not a single one refused to give up

the very treasure which he had risked so much to gain.

[Illustration]

These are some of the wonderful things that were sent. Two collars made

of gold and precious stones. Two birds made of green feathers, with

feet, beaks, and eyes of gold, and in the same piece with them animals

of gold resembling snails. A large alligator's head of gold. Two birds

made of thread and feather-work, having the quills of their wings and

tails, their feet, eyes and the ends of their beaks of gold, standing

upon two reeds covered with gold, which are raised on balls of

feather-work and gold embroidery, one white and the other yellow, with

seven tassels of feather-work hanging from each of them. A large silver

wheel, also bracelets, leaves, and five shields of the same metal. A

box of feather-work embroidered on leather, with a large plate of gold

weighing seventy ounces in the midst. A large wheel of gold with figures

of strange animals on it, and worked with tufts of leaves, weighing

three thousand eight hundred ounces. A fan of variegated feather-work

with thirty-seven rods plated with gold. Sixteen shields of precious

stones, with feathers of various colours hanging from their rims, and

six shields each covered with a plate of gold, with something resembling

a mitre in the centre. Besides all this there was a quantity of gold

ore, and many pieces of richly embroidered cotton cloth and

feather-work. He accompanied this present with a letter to the emperor

in which he gave an account of all his adventures and discoveries, and

ended by beseeching him to confirm his authority, as he was entirely

confident that he should be able to place the Castilian crown in

possession of this great Indian empire. He also sent four slaves, who

had been rescued from the cage in which were kept the victims about to

be sacrificed, and some Mexican manuscripts.

Very soon after the departure of the treasure-ship Cortes discovered

that there was a conspiracy among some of his followers, who either did

not like the way the general arranged matters, or else were terrified at

the prospect of the dangerous campaign that was before them. They had

seized one of the ships, and got provisions and water stored, and were

on the eve of setting sail for Cuba, when one of their number repented

of the part he had taken in the plot, and betrayed it to Cortes, who at

once took measures for the arrest of the ringleaders, two of whom were

afterwards hanged. This affair showed the general that there were some

among his followers who were not heart and soul in the expedition, and

who might therefore fail him when he most needed them, and might also

cause their comrades to desert if there was any chance for them to

escape. He therefore determined to take the bold step of destroying the

ships without the knowledge of his army. Accordingly, he marched the

whole army to Cempoalla, and when he arrived there he told his plan to a

few of his devoted adherents, who entirely approved of it. Through them

he persuaded the pilots to declare the ships unseaworthy, and then

ordered nine of them to be sunk, having first brought on shore their

sails, masts, iron, and all movable fittings. When the news of this

proceeding reached Cempoalla, it caused the deepest consternation among

the Spaniards, who felt themselves betrayed and abandoned, a mere

handful of men arrayed against a great and formidable empire, and cut

off from all chance of escape. They murmured loudly, and a serious

mutiny was threatened. But Cortes, whose presence of mind never deserted

him, managed to reassure them, and to persuade them that he had only

done what was really best for everyone; and he so cunningly dwelt upon

the fame and the treasure which they were on the eve of gaining, that

not one of them accepted the offer which he made to them of returning to

Cuba in the only remaining ship. Their enthusiasm for their leader

revived, and as he concluded his speech they made the air ring with

their shouts of 'To Mexico! To Mexico!'

THE MARCH TO MEXICO

While he was still at Cempoalla, news came to Cortes from Villa Rica

that four strange ships were hovering off the coast, and that they

refused to respond to repeated signals made to them by Don Juan de

Escalante, who was in command of the garrison left in the town. This

greatly alarmed Cortes, who was continually dreading the interference of

his enemy, the governor of Cuba. He rode hastily back to Villa Rica,

and, almost without stopping to rest, pushed on a few leagues northwards

along the coast, where he understood the ships were at anchor. On his

way he met with three Spaniards just landed from them, and learned that

they belonged to a squadron fitted out by Francisco de Garay, who had

landed on the Florida coast a year before, and had obtained from Spain

authority over the countries he might discover in its neighbourhood.

Cortes saw he had nothing to fear from them, but he did wish he could

have induced the crews of the ships to join his expedition. The three

men he easily persuaded, but those who remained on board feared

treachery, and refused to send a boat ashore. Finally, by a stratagem,

Cortes succeeded in capturing three or four more, out of a boat's crew

who came to fetch their comrades, and with this small party of recruits

he returned to Cempoalla. On August 16, 1519, Cortes bade farewell to

his hospitable Indian friends, and set out for Mexico. His force

consisted of about four hundred foot and fifteen horse, with seven

pieces of artillery, and in addition to these he had obtained from the

cacique of Cempoalla thirteen hundred warriors, and a thousand porters

to carry the baggage and drag the guns. During the first day the army

marched through the 'tierra caliente,' or hot region. All around them

fruit and flowers grew in the wildest profusion, as indeed they did all

the year round in that wonderful climate; the air was heavy with

perfume, and bright birds and insects abounded. But after some leagues'

travel, over roads made nearly impassable by the summer rains, they

began to ascend gradually, and at the close of the second day they

reached Xalapa, from which they looked out over one of the grandest

prospects that could be seen anywhere. Down below them lay the hot

region with its gay confusion of meadows, streams, and flowering

forests, sprinkled over with shining Indian villages, while a faint line

of light upon the horizon told them that there was the ocean they had so

lately crossed, beyond which lay their country, which many of them would

never see again. To the south rose the mighty mountain called 'Orizaba,'

in his mantle of snow, and in another direction the Sierra Madre, with

its dark belt of pine-trees, stretched its long lines of shadowy hills

away into the distance. Onward and upward they went, and on the fourth

day they arrived at the strong town of Naulinco. Here the inhabitants

entertained them hospitably, for they were friendly with the Totonacs,

and Cortes endeavoured, through Father Olmedo, to teach them something

about Christianity. They seem to have listened willingly, and allowed

the Spaniards to erect a cross for their adoration, which indeed they

did in most of the places where they halted. The troops now entered upon

a rugged, narrow valley, called 'the Bishop's Pass,' and now it began to

be terribly cold, the snow and hail beat upon them, and the freezing

wind seemed to penetrate to their very bones. The Spaniards were partly

protected by their armour, and their thick coats of quilted cotton, but

the poor Indians, natives of the hot region and with very little

clothing, suffered greatly, and indeed several of them died by the way.

The path lay round a bare and dreadful-looking volcanic mountain, and

often upon the edge of precipices three thousand feet in depth. After

three days of this dreary travelling the army emerged into a more genial

climate; they had reached the great tableland which spreads out for

hundreds of miles along the crests of the Cordilleras, more than seven

thousand feet above the sea-level. The vegetation of the torrid and

temperate regions had of course disappeared, but the fields were

carefully cultivated. Many of the crops were unknown to the Spaniards,

but they recognised maize and aloes, and various kinds of cactus.

Suddenly the troops came upon what seemed to be a populous city, even

larger than Cempoalla, and with loftier and more substantial buildings,

of stone and lime. There were thirteen teocallis in the town, and in one

place in the suburbs one of the Spaniards counted the stored-up skulls

of a hundred thousand sacrificed victims. The lord of the town ruled

over twenty thousand vassals; he was a tributary to Montezuma, and there

was a strong Mexican garrison in the place. This was probably the reason

of his receiving Cortes and his army very coldly, and vaunting the

grandeur of the Mexican emperor, who could, he declared, muster thirty

great vassals, each of whom commanded a hundred thousand men. In answer

to the inquiries of Cortes, he told him about Montezuma and his capital.

How more than twenty thousand prisoners of war were sacrificed every

year upon the altars of his gods, and how the city stood in the midst of

a great lake, and was approached by long causeways connected in places

by wooden bridges, which when raised cut off all communication with the

country--and many other strange things which were not of a kind to

reassure the minds of the Spaniards. They hardly knew whether to believe

the old cacique or not, but at any rate the wonders they heard made

them, as one of their cavaliers said, 'only the more earnest to prove

the adventure, desperate as it might appear.'

[Illustration]

The natives were also very curious to know about the Spaniards, their

horses and dogs, and strange weapons, and Marina in answering their

questions took care to expatiate upon the exploits and victories of her

adopted countrymen, and to state the extraordinary marks of respect they

had received from Montezuma. This had its effect upon the cacique, who

presently sent the general some slaves to make bread for the soldiers,

and supplied them with the means of refreshment and rest, which they

needed so much after their toilful march.

The army rested in this city four or five days, and even at the end of

the last century the Indians would still point out the cypress tree

under the shelter of which the conqueror's horse had been tied. When the

journey was resumed, the way was through a broad green valley, watered

by a splendid river and shaded by lofty trees. On either side of the

river an unbroken line of Indian dwellings extended for several leagues,

and on some rising ground stood a town which might contain five or six

thousand inhabitants, commanded by a fortress with walls and trenches.

Here the troops halted again, and met with friendly treatment.

In their last halting-place Cortes had been advised by the natives to

take the route to the ancient city of Cholula, the inhabitants of which

were a mild race, subjects of Montezuma, and given to peaceful arts, who

were likely to receive him kindly. But his Cempoallan allies declared

that the Cholulans were false and perfidious, and counselled him to go

to Tlascala, a valiant little republic which had managed to maintain its

independence against the arms of Mexico. The tribe had always been

friendly with the Totonacs, and had the reputation of being frank,

fearless, and trustworthy. The Spanish general decided to try and secure

their goodwill, and accordingly despatched four of the principal

Cempoallans with a gift, consisting of a cap of crimson cloth, a sword

and a cross-bow, to ask permission to pass through their country,

expressing at the same time his admiration of their valour, and of their

long resistance of the Aztecs, whose pride he, too, was determined to

humble. Three days after the departure of the envoys the army resumed

its march, lingering somewhat by the way in hopes of receiving an answer

from the Indian Republic. But the messengers did not return, which

occasioned the general no little uneasiness. As they advanced the

country became rougher and the scenery bolder, and at last their

progress was arrested by a most remarkable fortification. It was a stone

wall nine feet high and twenty feet thick, with a parapet a foot and a

half broad at the top, for the protection of those who defended it. It

had only one opening in the centre, made by two semicircular lines of

wall overlapping each other for the space of forty paces, and having a

passage-way between, ten paces wide, so contrived as to be perfectly

commanded by the inner wall. This fortification, which extended for more

than two leagues, rested at either end on the bold, natural buttresses

of the chain of mountains. It was built of immense blocks of stone

nicely laid together without cement, and from the remains that still

exist it is easy to imagine what its size and solidity must have been.

This singular structure marked the limits of Tlascala, and was intended,

the natives said, as a barrier against Mexican invasions. The soldiers

paused amazed, and not a little apprehensive as to their reception in

Tlascala, since a people who were capable of such a work as that would

indeed prove formidable should they not be friendly. But Cortes, putting

himself at the head of his cavalry, shouted, 'Forward, soldiers; the

Holy Cross is our banner, and under that we shall conquer.' And so they

marched through the undefended passage, and found themselves in

Tlascala.

The Tlascalan people belonged to the same great family as the Aztecs,

and had planted themselves upon the western shore of Lake Tezcuco at

about the same period--at the close of the twelfth century. There they

remained many years, until they had, for some reason, incurred the

displeasure of all the surrounding tribes, who combined to attack them,

and a terrible battle took place. Though the Tlascalans were entirely

victorious, they were so disgusted by this state of things that they

resolved to migrate, and the greater number of them finally settled in

the warm and fruitful valley overshadowed by the mountains of Tlascala.

After some years the monarchy was divided, first into two, then four

separate states, each with its own chief, who was independent in his

own territory, and possessed equal authority with the other three in all

matters concerning the whole republic, the affairs of which were settled

by a council consisting of the four chiefs and the inferior nobles. They

were an agricultural people, and the fertility of their new country was

signified by its name--'Tlascala' meaning the land of bread. Presently

their neighbours began to be envious of their prosperity, and they were

frequently obliged to defend themselves against the Cholulans, and were

always successful. But when Axayacatl, king of the Aztecs, sent

demanding the same tribute and obedience from them which the other

people of the country paid him, threatening, if they refused, to destroy

their cities, and give their land to their enemies, they answered

proudly, 'Neither they nor their forefathers had ever paid tribute or

homage to a foreign power, nor ever would pay it. If their country was

invaded, they knew how to defend it.'

This answer brought upon them the forces of the Mexican monarch, and a

pitched battle was fought in which the republic was again victorious,

but from that time hostilities never ceased between the two nations,

every captive was mercilessly sacrificed, and the Tlascalan children

were trained from the cradle to hate the Mexicans with a deadly hatred.

In this struggle the Tlascalans received valuable support from a wild

and warlike race from the north, called the Otomies. Some of them

settled in the republic, and having proved themselves courageous and

faithful, were entrusted with the defence of the frontier. After

Montezuma became emperor of Mexico greater efforts than before were made

to subdue Tlascala. He sent a great army against it, commanded by his

favourite son, but his troops were defeated and his son killed. Enraged

and mortified, Montezuma made still greater preparations and invaded the

valley with a terrific force. But the Tlascalans withdrew to the

recesses of the hills, and watching their opportunity, swept down upon

the enemy and drove them from their territory with dreadful slaughter.

Nevertheless they were greatly harassed by these constant struggles with

a foe so superior to themselves in numbers and resources. The Aztec

armies lay between them and the coast, cutting off all possibility of

obtaining any supplies. There were some things, as cotton, cacas, and

salt, which they were unable to grow or manufacture, of which they had

been deprived for more than fifty years, and their taste was so much

affected by this enforced abstinence that they did not get used to

eating salt with their food for several generations after the conquest.

This was the state of affairs in Tlascala when the Spaniards reached

it, and it is easy to see how important it was to Cortes to form an

alliance with it, but that was not an easy thing to do.

The Tlascalans had heard about the Christians and their victorious

advance, but they had not expected that they would come their way. So

they were much embarrassed by the embassy demanding a passage through

their territories. The council was assembled, and a great difference of

opinion was found among its members. Some believed that these were the

white-skinned, bearded men whose coming was foretold, and at all events

they were enemies to Mexico, and might help them in their struggle

against it. Others argued that this could not be: the march of the

strangers through the land might be tracked by the broken images of the

Indian gods, and desecrated temples. How could they be sure that they

were not friends of Montezuma? They had received his embassies, accepted

his gifts, and were even now on their way to his capital in company with

his vassals. This last was the opinion of an aged chief, one of the four

rulers of the republic. His name was Xicotencatl, and he was nearly

blind, for he was over a hundred years old. He had a son of the same

name as himself, an impetuous young man, who commanded a powerful force

of Tlascalans and Otomies on the eastern frontier where the great

fortification stood. The old chief advised that this force should at

once fall upon the Spaniards. If they were conquered they would be at

the mercy of the Tlascalans, but if by any mischance his son should

fail, the council could declare that they had nothing to do with the

attack, laying the whole blame of it upon the young Xicotencatl.

Meantime the Cempoallan envoys were to be detained under pretence of

assisting at a religious sacrifice. By this time, as we know, Cortes and

his gallant band had passed the rocky rampart, from which, for some

reason or other, the Otomie guard was absent. After advancing a few

leagues he saw a small party of Indians, armed with sword and buckler,

who fled at his approach. He made signs for them to halt, but they only

fled the faster.

The Spaniards spurred their horses, and soon succeeded in overtaking

them, when they at once turned, and, without showing the usual alarm at

the horses and strange weapons of the cavaliers, attacked them

furiously. The latter, however, were far too strong for them, and they

would soon have been cut to pieces had not a body of several thousand

Indians appeared, coming quickly to their rescue. Cortes seeing them,

hastily despatched a messenger to hurry up his infantry. The Indians,

having discharged their missiles, fell upon the little band of

Spaniards, striving to drag the riders from their horses and to tear

their lances from their grasp. They brought one cavalier to the ground,

who afterwards died of his wounds, and they killed two horses, cutting

their necks through with one blow of their formidable broadswords. This

was a most serious loss to Cortes, whose horses were so important, and

so few in number.

The struggle was a hard one, and it was with no small satisfaction that

the Spaniards saw their comrades advancing to their aid. No sooner had

the main body reached the field of battle, than, hastily falling into

position, they poured such a volley from their muskets and cross-bows as

fairly astounded the enemy, who made no further attempt to continue the

fight, but drew off in good order, leaving the road open to the

Spaniards, who were only too glad to get rid of their foes and pursue

their way. Presently they met two Tlascalan envoys, accompanied by two

of the Cempoallans. The former, on being brought to the general, assured

him of a friendly reception in the capital, and declared the late

assault upon the troops to have been quite unauthorised. Cortes received

his message courteously, pretending to believe that all was as he said.

As it was now growing late the Spaniards quickened their pace, anxious

to reach a suitable camping-ground before nightfall, and they chose a

place upon the bank of a stream, where a few deserted huts were

standing. These the weary and famishing soldiers ransacked in search of

food, but could find nothing but some animals resembling dogs, which,

however, they cooked and ate without ceremony, seasoning their unsavoury

repast with the fruit of the Indian fig, which grew wild in the

neighbourhood. After several desperate battles with the Tlascalans,

Cortes finally won a great victory.

The next day--as he usually did after gaining a battle--the Spanish

commander sent a new embassy to the Tlascalan capital, making as before

professions of friendship, but this time threatening that if his offers

were rejected he would visit their city as a conqueror, razing their

house to the ground and putting every inhabitant to the sword. Of course

this message was given to the envoys by the aid of the Lady Marina, who

became day by day more necessary to Cortes, and who was, indeed,

generally admired for her courage and the cheerfulness with which she

endured all the hardships of the camp and raised the drooping spirits of

the soldiers, while by every means in her power she alleviated the

miseries of her own countrymen. This time, the ambassadors of Cortes

received a respectful hearing from the deeply dejected council of

Tlascala, for whom nothing remained but to submit. Four principal

caciques were chosen to offer to the Spaniards a free passage through

the country, and a friendly reception in the capital. Their friendship

was accepted, with many excuses for the past, and the chiefs were

further ordered to touch at the camp of Xicotencatl, the Tlascalan

general, and require him to cease hostilities and furnish the white men

with a plentiful supply of provisions.

[Illustration]

While the Tlascalan envoys were still in the camp came a fresh embassy

from Montezuma. Tidings had been sent to him of each step in the

progress of the Spaniards, and it was with great satisfaction that he

had heard of their taking the road to Tlascala, trusting that if they

were mortal men they would find their graves there. Great was his

dismay, therefore, when courier after courier brought him news of their

successes, and how the most redoubtable warriors had been scattered by

this handful of strangers. His superstitious fears returned with greater

force than ever, and in his alarm and uncertainty he despatched five

great nobles of his court, attended by two hundred slaves, to bear to

Cortes a gift consisting of three thousand ounces of gold and several

hundred robes of cotton and feather-work. As they laid it at his feet

they said that they had come to offer Montezuma's congratulations upon

his victories, and to express his regret that he could not receive them

in his capital, where the numerous population was so unruly that he

could not be answerable for their safety. The merest hint of the

emperor's wishes would have been enough to influence any of the natives,

but they made very little impression upon Cortes; and, seeing this, the

envoys proceeded, in their master's name, to offer tribute to the

Spanish sovereign, provided the general would give up the idea of

visiting the capital. This was a fatal mistake, and a most strange one

for such a brave and powerful monarch to make, for it amounted to an

admission that he was unable to protect his treasures. Cortes in

replying expressed the greatest respect for Montezuma, but urged his own

sovereign's commands as a reason for disregarding his wishes. He added

that though he had not at present the power of requiting his generosity

as he could wish, he trusted 'to repay him at some future day with good

works.' You will hear before long how he kept his word.

The Mexican ambassadors were anything but pleased at finding the war at

an end and a firm friendship established between their mortal enemies

and the Spaniards, and the general saw with some satisfaction the

evidences of a jealousy between them, which was his surest hope of

success in undermining the Mexican empire. Two of the Aztecs presently

returned to acquaint Montezuma with the state of affairs; the others

remained with the Spaniards, Cortes being willing that they should see

the deference paid to him by the Tlascalans, who were most anxious for

his presence in their city.

[Illustration]

The city of Tlascala lay about six leagues away from the Spanish camp,

and the road led through a hilly region, and across a deep ravine over

which a bridge had just been built for the passage of the army; they

passed some towns by the way, where they were received with the greatest

hospitality. The people flocked out to meet them, bringing garlands of

roses, with which they decorated the Spanish soldiers, and wreathed

about the necks of their horses. Priests in their white robes mingled

with the crowd, scattering clouds of incense from their censers, and

thus escorted the army slowly made its way through the gates of the city

of Tlascala. Here the press became so great that it was with difficulty

that a passage was cleared for it. The flat housetops were crowded with

eager spectators, while garlands of green boughs, roses, and

honeysuckle were thrown across the streets, and the air was rent with

songs and shouts and the wild music of the national instruments.

Presently the procession halted before the palace of the aged

Xicotencatl, the father of the general, and Cortes dismounted from his

horse, that the blind old man might satisfy his natural curiosity

respecting him, by passing his hand over his face. He then led the way

to a spacious hall, where a banquet was served to the whole army, after

which, quarters were assigned to them in a neighbouring teocalli, the

Mexican ambassadors being, at the desire of Cortes, lodged next to

himself that he might the better protect them in the city of their foes.

For some days the Spaniards were feasted and entertained in four

quarters of the city, which was really like separate towns divided from

one another by high walls, in each of which lived one of the rulers of

the republic, surrounded by his own vassals. But amid all these friendly

demonstrations the general never for a moment relaxed the strict

discipline of the camp, and no soldier was allowed to leave his quarters

without special permission. At first this offended the Tlascalan chiefs,

as they thought it showed distrust of them. But when Cortes explained

that this was only in accordance with the established military system of

his country, they began to think it admirable, and the young Xicotencatl

proposed, if possible, to imitate it. The Spanish commander now turned

his thoughts to the converting of the Tlascalans; but as they refused to

part with their own gods, though they were willing enough to add the God

of the Christians to their number, he took the advice of the wise Father

Olmedo, and abandoned the idea for the time. However, a cross was

erected in one of the great squares, and there the Spaniards held their

religious services unmolested, and it happened, strangely enough, that

they had scarcely left the city when a thin, transparent cloud settled

like a column upon the cross, wrapping it round, and continuing through

the night to shed a soft light about it. This occurrence did more for

the conversion of the natives than all the preaching of Father Olmedo.

Several of the Indian princesses were now baptized, and given in

marriage to the officers of Cortes. One, who was the daughter of

Xicotencatl, became the wife of Alvarado, who was always a great

favourite with the Tlascalans. From his gay manners, joyous countenance,

and bright golden hair, he gained the nickname of 'Tonatiuh,' or the

'Sun,' while Cortes, who hardly ever appeared anywhere without the

beautiful Marina, was called by the natives 'Malinche,' which you will

remember was her Indian name. While all this was happening, came yet

another embassy from Montezuma, loaded as usual with costly gifts. This

time he invited the Spaniards to visit him in his capital, assuring them

that they would be welcome. Further, he besought them to enter into no

alliance with the base and barbarous Tlascalans, but he invited them to

take the route of the friendly city of Cholula, where arrangements were

being made, by his orders, for their reception. The Tlascalans were much

concerned that Cortes should propose to go to Mexico, and what they told

him fully confirmed all the reports he had heard of the power and

ambition of Montezuma, of the strength of his capital, and the number of

his soldiers. They warned him not to trust to his gifts and his fair

words, and when the general said that he hoped to bring about a better

understanding between the emperor and themselves, they replied that it

was impossible; however smooth his words, he would hate them at heart.

They also heartily protested against the general's going to Cholula. The

people, they said, though not brave in the open field, were crafty; they

were Montezuma's tools, and would do his bidding. That city, too, was

specially under the protection of the god Quetzalcoatl, and the priests

were confidently believed to have the power of opening an inundation

from the foundations of his shrine, which should overwhelm their enemies

in the deluge, and lastly, though many distant places had sent to

testify their goodwill, and offer their allegiance, Cholula, only six

leagues distant, had done neither. This consideration weighed more with

the general than either of the preceding ones, and he promptly

despatched a summons to the city demanding a formal tender of its

submission. It was not long before deputies arrived from Cholula profuse

in expressions of goodwill and invitations to visit their city; but the

Tlascalans pointed out that these messengers were below the usual rank

of ambassadors, which Cortes regarded as a fresh indignity. He therefore

sent a new summons, declaring that if they did not at once send a

deputation of their principal men he would treat them as rebels to his

own sovereign, the rightful lord of these realms. This soon brought some

of the highest nobles to the camp, who excused their tardy appearance,

by saying that they had feared for their personal safety in the capital

of their enemies. The Tlascalans were now more than ever averse to the

projected visit. A strong Aztec force was known to be near Cholula, and

the city was being actively prepared for defence. Cortes, too, was

disturbed by these circumstances, but he had gone too far to recede

without showing fear, which could not fail to have a bad effect on his

own men, as well as on the natives. Therefore, after a short

consultation with his officers, he decided finally to take the road to

Cholula. This ancient city lay six leagues to the south of Tlascala, and

was most populous and flourishing. The inhabitants excelled in the art

of working in metals and manufacturing cotton cloth and delicate

pottery, but were indisposed to war, and less distinguished for courage

than for cunning. You will remember that it was in this place that the

god Quetzalcoatl had paused on his way to the coast, and in his honour a

tremendous pyramid had been erected, probably by building over a natural

hill, and on the top of this rose a gorgeous temple, in which stood an

image of the god bedecked with gold and jewels. To this temple pilgrims

flocked from every corner of the empire, and many were the terrible

sacrifices offered there, as, indeed, in all the other teocallis, of

which there were about four hundred in the city. On the day appointed,

the Spanish army set out for Cholula, followed by crowds of citizens,

who admired the courage displayed by this little handful of men in

proposing to brave the mighty Montezuma in his own territory. An immense

body of warriors had offered to join the expedition, but Cortes thought

it wise to accept only six thousand, and even these he left encamped at

some distance from Cholula, because the caciques of that city, who came

out to meet the Spaniards, objected to having their mortal enemies

brought within its walls. As the troops drew near the town they were met

by swarms of men, women, and children, all eager to catch a glimpse of

the strangers, whose persons, horses, and weapons were equally objects

of intense curiosity to them. They in their turn were struck by the

noble aspect of the Cholulans, who were much superior in dress and

general appearance to the other tribes they had encountered. An immense

number of priests swinging censers mingled with the crowd, and, as

before, they were decorated with garlands and bunches of flowers, and

accompanied by gay music from various instruments. The Spaniards were

also struck by the width and cleanliness of the streets and the solidity

of the houses. They were lodged in the court of one of the many

teocallis, and visited by the great nobles of the city, who supplied

them plentifully with all they needed, and at first paid them such

attentions as caused them to believe that the evil apprehensions of the

Tlascalans had been merely suspicion and prejudice. But very soon the

scene changed. Messengers came from Montezuma, who shortly and

pleasantly told Cortes that his approach occasioned much disquietude to

their master, and then conferred apart with the Mexicans who were still

in the Spanish camp, presently departing, and taking one of them away

with them. From this time the Cholulans visited the Spanish quarters no

more, and when invited to do so excused themselves, saying they were

ill. Also, the supply of provisions ran short, and they said it was

because maize was scarce. Naturally, Cortes became very uneasy at this

change, and his alarm was increased by the reports of the Cempoallans,

who told him that in wandering about the city they had seen several

streets barricaded, and in some places holes had been dug, and a sharp

stake planted upright in each, and branches strewn to conceal them,

while the flat roofs of the houses were being stored with stones and

other missiles. Some Tlascalans also came in from their camp to inform

him that a great sacrifice, mostly of children, had been held in a

distant quarter of the town, to secure the aid of the gods in some

intended enterprise, and numbers of the people had taken their wives and

children out of the city.

These tidings confirmed the worst suspicions of Cortes, but just then

the Lady Marina made a discovery which changed his doubts into

certainty. The wife of one of the Cholulan caciques had taken a great

fancy to the Mexican girl, and continually urged her to visit her house,

hinting mysteriously that she would in this way escape a great danger

which threatened the Spaniards. Marina pretended to be delighted with

this proposal, and glad of the chance of escaping from the white men,

and by degrees she thus won the confidence of the Cholulan, who

presently revealed the whole plot to her. It originated, she said, with

the Aztec emperor, who had bribed the caciques of Cholula, her husband

among the number, to assault the Spaniards as they marched out of the

city, and to throw them into confusion all sorts of obstacles had been

placed in their way. A force of twenty thousand Mexicans was already

quartered near the city to support the Cholulans, and the Spaniards

would, it was confidently expected, fall an easy prey to their united

enemies. A sufficient number of them were to be reserved to be

sacrificed in Cholula, and the rest led in fetters to the capital of

Montezuma. While this conversation was taking place, Marina was making a

show of collecting and packing up such dresses and jewels as she was to

take with her to the house of her new friend. But after a while she

managed to slip away without exciting her suspicion, and, rushing to the

general, told him all. Cortes at once caused the cacique's wife to be

seized, and she repeated to him the same story that she had told to

Marina. He was most anxious to gain further particulars of the

conspiracy, and accordingly induced two priests, one of them a person of

much influence, to visit his quarters, where by courteous treatment and

rich presents he got from them a complete confirmation of the report.

The emperor had been in a state of pitiable vacillation since the

arrival of the Spaniards. His first orders had been that they should be

kindly received, but on consulting his oracles anew he had obtained for

answer that Cholula would be the grave of his enemies, and so positive

of success were the Aztecs, that they had already sent into the city

numbers of the poles with thongs attached to them with which to bind the

prisoners. Cortes now dismissed the priests, bidding them observe the

strictest secrecy, which, indeed they were likely to do for their own

sakes. He also requested that they would induce some of the principal

caciques to grant him an interview in his quarters. When they came he

gently rebuked them for their want of hospitality, and said that the

Spaniards would burden them no longer, but would leave the city early

the next morning. He also asked that they would supply him with two

thousand men to carry his artillery and baggage. The chiefs, after some

consultation, agreed to this as being likely to favour their own plans.

Then he sent for the Mexican ambassadors, and acquainted them with his

discovery of the plot, saying that it grieved him much to find Montezuma

mixed up in so treacherous an affair, and that the Spaniards must now

march as enemies against a monarch they had hoped to visit as a friend.

The ambassadors, however, asserted their entire ignorance of the

conspiracy, and their belief that Montezuma also knew nothing of it. The

night that followed was one of intense anxiety; every soldier lay down

fully armed, and the number of sentinels was doubled; but all remained

quiet in the populous city, and the only sounds which reached their ears

were the hoarse cries of the priests who, from the turrets of the

teocallis, proclaimed through their trumpets the watches of the night.

With the first streak of morning light Cortes was on horseback,

directing the movements of his little band, part of which he posted in

the great square court. A strong guard was placed at each of the three

gates, and the rest had charge of the great guns which were outside the

enclosure, and so placed as to command the roads which led to the

teocalli. The arrangements were hardly completed before the Cholulan

caciques appeared, bringing a larger body of porters than had been

demanded. They were marched at once into the square, which was, as we

have seen, completely lined by the Spanish troops. Cortes then took the

caciques aside, and sternly and abruptly charged them with the

conspiracy, taking care to show that he knew every detail. The Cholulans

were thunderstruck, and gazed with awe upon the strangers who seemed to

have the power of reading their most secret thoughts. They made no

attempt to deny the accusation, but tried to excuse themselves by

throwing the blame on Montezuma. Cortes, however, declared with still

more indignation that such a pretence would not serve them, and that he

would now make such an example of them as should be a warning to the

cities far and near, and then the fatal signal--the firing of a gun--was

given, and in an instant every musket and crossbow was levelled at the

unhappy Cholulans as they stood crowded together in the centre. They

were completely taken by surprise, having heard nothing of what was

going forward, and offered hardly any resistance to the Spanish

soldiers, who followed up the discharge of their pieces by rushing upon

them with their swords and mowing them down in ranks as they stood.

While this dreadful massacre was going on the Cholulans from outside,

attracted by the noise, began a furious assault upon the Spaniards, but

the heavy guns opened fire upon them and swept them off in files as they

rushed on, and in the intervals of reloading the cavalry charged into

their midst. By this time the Tlascalans had come up, having by order of

Cortes bound wreaths of sedge about their heads that they might be the

more easily distinguished from the Cholulans, and they fell upon the

rear of the wretched townsmen, who, thus harassed on all sides, could no

longer maintain their ground. They fled, some to the near buildings,

which were speedily set on fire, others to the temples. One strong body

headed by the priests got possession of the great teocalli. There was,

as you remember, a tradition that if part of the wall was removed the

god would send a flood to overwhelm his enemies. Now the Cholulans

strove with might and main, and at last succeeded in wrenching away a

few stones, but dust, not water, followed. In despair they crowded into

the wooden turrets which surmounted the temple, and poured down stones,

javelins, and burning arrows upon the Spaniards as they came swarming up

the steps. But the fiery shower fell harmlessly upon the steel

head-pieces of the soldiers, and they used the blazing shafts to set

fire to the wooden towers, so that the wretched natives either perished

in the flames or threw themselves headlong from the parapet. In the fair

city, lately so peaceful and prosperous, all was confusion and

slaughter, burning and plundering. The division of spoil was greatly

simplified by the fact that the Tlascalans desired wearing-apparel and

provisions far more than gold or jewels; they also took hundreds of

prisoners, but these Cortes afterwards induced them to release. The work

of destruction had gone on for some hours before the general yielded to

the entreaties of the Cholulan chiefs who had been saved from the

massacre, and of the Mexican envoys, and called off his men, putting a

stop as well as he could to further violence. Two of the caciques were

also permitted to go to their countrymen with offers of pardon and

protection to all who would return to their obedience, and so by degrees

the tumult was appeased. Presently Cortes helped the Cholulans to choose

a successor to their principal cacique, who was among the slain, and

confidence being thus restored the people from the country round began

to flock in, the markets were again opened, and the ordinary life of the

city resumed, though the black and smouldering ruins remained to tell

the sad tale of the massacre of Cholula. This terrible vengeance made a

great impression upon the natives, and none trembled more than the

Mexican monarch upon his throne among the mountains. He felt his empire

melting away from him like a morning mist, for some of the most

important cities, overawed by the fate of Cholula, now sent envoys to

the Spanish camp tendering their allegiance, and trying to secure the

favour of the conqueror by rich gifts of gold and slaves. Again did

Montezuma seek counsel from his gods, but the answers he obtained were

far from reassuring, and he determined to send another embassy to Cortes

to declare that he had nothing to do with the conspiracy at Cholula. As

usual the envoys were charged with a splendid present of golden vessels

and ornaments, and among other things were artificial birds, made in

imitation of turkeys with plumage of worked gold; there were also

fifteen hundred robes of delicate cotton cloth. The emperor's message

expressed regret for the late catastrophe, and denied all knowledge of

the plot which had, he said, brought a retribution upon its authors

which they richly deserved; and he explained the presence of the Aztec

force in the neighbourhood by saying that there was a disturbance that

had to be quelled. More than a fortnight had passed since the Spaniards

entered Cholula, and the general had, after the city was once more

restored to order, tried to induce the people to give up their false

gods, but this they would not do willingly. However, he seized upon the

great teocalli of which all the woodwork had been burned, and built a

church of the stone that remained, and he opened the cages in which the

wretched victims about to be sacrificed were imprisoned, and restored

them to liberty, and then he thought it time to begin the march to

Mexico once more. So the allied army of Spaniards and Tlascalans set

out upon their journey through luxuriant plains and flourishing

plantations, met occasionally by embassies from different towns, anxious

to claim the protection of the white men, and bringing rich gifts of

gold to propitiate them. They passed between the two enormous mountain

peaks, Popocatapetl, 'the hill that smokes,' and Iztaccihuatl, 'the

white woman,' and presently encountered a blinding snow-storm, from

which they found shelter in one of the large stone buildings, put up by

the Mexicans for the use of travellers and couriers, and here they

encamped for the night. The next morning they reached the top of a range

of hills where progress was comparatively easy, and they had not gone

far when, turning sharply round the shoulder of a hill, they saw spread

out before them the lovely Mexican valley. The clearness of the air

enabled them to see distinctly the shining cities, the lakes, woods,

fields and gardens, and in the midst of all the fair city of Mexico rose

as it were from the waters of the great lake, with its towers and

temples white and gleaming, and behind it the royal hill of Chapoltepec,

the residence of the Mexican kings, crowned with the very same gigantic

cypress trees which to this day fling their broad shadows across the

land. The Spaniards gazed in rapture over the gay scene, exclaiming, 'It

is the promised land!' but presently the evidences of a power and

civilisation so far superior to anything they had yet encountered

disheartened the more timid among them, they shrank from the unequal

contest, and begged to be led back again to Vera Cruz. But this was not

the effect produced upon Cortes by the glorious prospect. His desire for

treasure and love of adventure were sharpened by the sight of the

dazzling spoil at his very feet, and with threats, arguments, and

entreaties he revived the drooping spirits of his soldiers, and by the

aid of his brave captains succeeded in once more rousing them to

enthusiasm, and the march down the slope of the hill was gaily resumed.

[Illustration]

With every step of their progress the woods became thinner, and villages

were seen in green and sheltered nooks, the inhabitants of which came

out to meet and welcome the Spaniards. Everywhere Cortes heard with

satisfaction complaints of the cruelty and injustice of Montezuma, and

he encouraged the natives to rely on his protection, as he had come to

redress their wrongs. The army advanced but slowly, and was soon met by

another embassy from the emperor, consisting of several Aztec lords

bringing a rich gift of gold, and robes of delicate furs and feathers,

and offering four loads of gold to the general, and one to each of his

captains, with a yearly tribute to the Spanish sovereign, if they would

even then turn back from Mexico. But Cortes replied that he could not

answer it to his sovereign if he were to return without visiting the

emperor in his capital. The Spaniards came in the spirit of peace as

Montezuma would see for himself; but should their presence prove

burdensome to him, it would be very easy for them to relieve him of it.

This embassy had been intended to reach the Spaniards before they

crossed the mountains, and the dismay of the Aztec emperor was great

when he learned that it had failed, and that the dreaded strangers were

actually on their march across the valley. They were so utterly unlike

anything he had ever known before, these strange beings, who seemed to

have dropped from another planet, and by their superior knowledge and

more deadly weapons overcome the hitherto unconquerable nations, though

a mere handful of men in comparison to the swarms of his own countrymen.

He felt himself to be the victim of a destiny from which nothing could

save him. All peace, power, and security seemed to be gone from him, and

in despair he shut himself up in his palace, refusing food, and trying

by prayers and sacrifices to wring some favour from his gods. But the

oracles were dumb. Then he called a council of his chief nobles, but a

great difference of opinion arose amongst them. Cacama, the emperor's

nephew, king of Tezcuco, counselled him to receive the Spaniards

courteously as ambassadors of a foreign prince, while Cuitlahua, his

brother, urged him to muster his forces and then and there drive back

the invaders, or die in the defence of his capital. But Montezuma could

not rouse himself for this struggle. He exclaimed in deep dejection, "Of

what avail is resistance when the gods have declared themselves against

us? Yet I mourn for the old and infirm, the women and children, too

feeble to fight or fly. For myself and the brave men around me, we must

face the storm as best we may!" and he straightway sent off a last

embassy, with his nephew at its head, to meet the Spaniards and welcome

them to Mexico. By this time the army had reached the first of the towns

built on piles driven into the lake, and were delighted with its fine

stone houses, with canals between them instead of streets, up and down

which boats passed continually, laden with all kinds of merchandise.

Though received with great hospitality, Cortes still was strictly on his

guard, and neglected no precaution for the security of his men. Before

he left this place a messenger came, requesting him to wait for the

arrival of the king of Tezcuco, who very soon afterwards appeared, borne

in a palanquin richly decorated with plates of gold and precious stones,

having pillars curiously wrought which supported a canopy of green

plumes. He was accompanied by a numerous retinue of nobles and inferior

attendants, and when he came into the presence of Cortes he descended

from his palanquin and advanced towards him, his officers sweeping the

ground before him as he did so.

The prince was a handsome young man, erect and dignified; he made the

usual Mexican salutation to people of high rank, touching the earth with

his right hand and raising it to his head, and said that he came as the

representative of Montezuma to bid the Spaniards welcome to Mexico, and

presented the general with three pearls of uncommon size and lustre.

Cortes embraced him, and in return threw over his neck a chain of cut

glass. After this exchange of courtesies, and the most friendly and

respectful assurances on the part of Cortes, the Indian prince withdrew,

leaving the Spaniards much impressed by his superiority in state and

bearing to anything they had before seen in the country.

Resuming their march along the southern shore of Lake Chalco, through

splendid woods, and orchards glowing with unknown fruits, the army came

at length to a great dyke or causeway four or five miles long, which

divided the Lake Chalco from Xochicalco on the west. It was a lance in

breadth at the narrowest part, and in some places wide enough for eight

horsemen to ride abreast, and was solidly built of stone and lime. As

they passed along it they saw multitudes of Indians darting up and down

the lake in their light pirogues, eager to catch a glimpse of the

strangers, and they were amazed at the sight of the floating islands,

covered with flowers and vegetables and moving like rafts over the

waters. All round the margin, and occasionally far out in the lake, they

saw little towns and villages half buried in foliage; and the whole

scene seemed to them so new and wonderful that they could only compare

it to the magical pictures of the old romances. Midway across the lake

the army halted at the town of Cuitlahuae, which was not large, but was

remarkable for the beauty of its buildings. The curiosity of the Indians

increased as the Spaniards proceeded, and they clambered up the causeway

and lined the sides of the road, so that the troops were quite

embarrassed by them, and Cortes was obliged to resort to commands, and

even menaces, to clear a passage. He found, as he neared the capital, a

considerable change in the feeling shown towards the government, and

heard only of the pomp and magnificence of Montezuma, and nothing of his

oppressions. From the causeway the army descended on a narrow point of

land which lay between the two lakes, and crossing it reached the royal

residence of Iztapalapan.

This place was governed by the emperor's brother, who, to do greater

honour to Cortes, had invited the neighbouring lords to be present at

his reception, and at the banquet which followed. The Spaniards were

struck with admiration, when, after the usual ceremonies had been gone

through, and a gift of gold and costly stuffs had been presented, they

were led into one of the gorgeous halls of the palace, the roof of which

was of odorous cedar-wood, and the stone walls tapestried with brilliant

hangings. But, indeed, this was only one of the many beautiful things

which they saw in this fairy city. There were gardens cunningly planted,

and watered in every part by means of canals and aqueducts, in which

grew gorgeous flowers and luscious fruits. There was an aviary filled

with all kinds of birds, remarkable for the brilliancy of their plumage

and the sweetness of their songs. But the most elaborate piece of work

was a huge reservoir of stone full of water and stocked with all kinds

of fish, and by this all the fountains and aqueducts were supplied. In

this city of enchantment the army rested for the night, within sight of

the capital into which Cortes intended to lead them on the morrow.

THE OCCUPATION OF MEXICO.

[Illustration: MONTEZUMA GREETS THE SPANIARDS]

With the first faint streak of dawn, on the morning of November 8, 1519,

the Spanish general was astir and mustering his followers, and as the

sun rose above the eastern mountains he set forth with his little troop

of horsemen as a sort of advanced guard, the Spanish infantry followed,

then the baggage, and finally the dark files of the Tlascalan warriors.

The whole number cannot have amounted to seven thousand, of which less

than four hundred were Spaniards. For a short distance the army kept

along the narrow tongue of land between the lakes, and then entered upon

the great dyke which crosses the salt waters of Lake Tezcuco to the very

gates of the capital. It was wide enough all the way for ten horsemen to

ride abreast, and from it the Spaniards could see many towns and

villages--some upon the shores of the lake, some built upon piles

running far out into its waters. These cities were evidently crowded

with a thriving population, and contained many temples and other

important buildings which were covered with a hard white stucco

glistening like enamel in the sunshine. The lake was darkened with a

swarm of canoes filled with Indians who were eager to gaze upon the

strangers, and here and there floated those fairy islands of flowers

which rose and fell with every undulation of the water, and yet were

substantial enough to support trees of a considerable size. At the

distance of half a league from the capital they encountered a solid

fortification, like a curtain of stone, which was built across the dyke.

It was twelve feet high, and had a tower at each end, and in the centre

a battlemented gateway through which the troops passed. This place was

called the Fort of Xoloc, and was afterwards occupied by Cortes in the

famous siege of Mexico. Here they were met by several hundred Aztec

chiefs in their gay and fanciful costume. Some of them wore broad

mantles of delicate feather embroidery, and collars and bracelets of

turquoise mosaic with which fine plumage was curiously mingled, while

their ears, underlips, and sometimes even their noses, were adorned with

pendants of precious stones, or crescents of fine gold. After the usual

formal salutations, which caused some delay, the march was resumed, and

the army presently reached a wooden drawbridge which crossed an opening

in the dyke, meant to serve as an outlet for the water, should it for

any reason rise beyond its usual height. As they left this bridge

behind them the Spaniards felt that they were indeed committing

themselves to the mercy of Montezuma, who might, by means of it, cut

them off from communication with the country, and hold them prisoners in

his capital. They now beheld the glittering retinue of the emperor

emerging from the great street which led through the heart of the city.

Amidst a crowd of Indian nobles, preceded by three officers of state

bearing golden wands, they saw the royal palanquin, blazing with

burnished gold. It was borne on the shoulders of nobles, and over it a

canopy of gorgeous feather-work, powdered with jewels and fringed with

silver, was supported by four attendants, also of high rank, who were

barefooted and walked with a slow, measured pace, with their eyes bent

upon the ground. As soon as the procession had come within a short

distance of the Spaniards the emperor descended from his palanquin, and

advanced under the canopy, leaning upon the arms of his nephew and his

brother. The ground before him was strewn with cotton tapestry by his

attendants, and the natives who lined the sides of the causeway bent

forward with their eyes fixed upon the ground as he passed, whilst some

of the humbler class prostrated themselves before him. Montezuma wore

the usual broad girdle and square cloak of the finest cotton, on his

feet were sandals with soles of gold, and leathern thongs ornamented

with the same metal. Both cloak and sandals were sprinkled with pearls

and precious stones, principally emeralds, and the green 'chalchivitl,'

which was more highly esteemed by the Aztecs than any jewel. On his head

he wore only a plume of royal green feathers, a badge of his military

rank. He was at this time about forty years of age, and was tall and

thin, and of a lighter complexion than is usual among his countrymen; he

moved with dignity, and there was a benignity in his whole demeanour

which was not to have been anticipated from the reports of his character

which had reached the Spaniards. The army halted as Montezuma drew near,

and Cortes dismounted and advanced to meet him with a few of the

principal cavaliers. The emperor received him with princely courtesy,

and expressed his satisfaction at seeing him in his capital. Cortes

responded by the most profound expressions of respect and gratitude for

all Montezuma's munificence to the Spaniards; he then hung round the

emperor's neck a chain of coloured crystal, making at the same time a

movement as if to embrace him, but was restrained by the two Aztec

lords, who were shocked at the idea of such presumption. Montezuma then

appointed his brother to conduct the Spaniards to their quarters in

the city, and again entering his litter was borne off amid prostrate

crowds in the same state in which he had come. The Spaniards quickly

followed, and with colours flying and music playing entered the southern

portion of the city of Mexico. The great wide street facing the causeway

stretched for some miles in nearly a straight line through the centre of

the city. In the clear atmosphere of the tableland it was easy to see

the blue mountains in the distance beyond the temples, houses, and

gardens which stood on either side of it. But what most impressed the

Spaniards was the swarm of people who thronged every street, canal, and

roof, and filled every window and doorway. To the Aztecs it must indeed

have been a strange sensation when they beheld the fair-faced strangers,

and for the first time heard their well-paved streets ringing under the

iron tramp of the horses--those unknown animals which they regarded with

superstitious terror. But their wonder changed to anger when they saw

their detested enemies, the Tlascalans, stalking through their city with

looks of ferocity and defiance.

As they passed along the troops frequently crossed bridges which spanned

some of the numerous canals, and at length they halted in a wide open

space, near the centre of the city, close to the huge temple of the

war-god. Facing the western gate of the temple enclosure stood a range

of low stone buildings, spreading over a large extent of ground, once a

palace belonging to the emperor's father. This was to be the lodging of

the Spaniards. Montezuma himself was waiting in the courtyard to receive

them. Approaching Cortes he took from one of his slaves a massive

collar, made of the shells of a kind of crawfish much prized by the

Indians, set in gold, and connected by heavy golden links; from this

hung eight finely-worked ornaments, each a span long, made to resemble

the crawfish, but of fine gold. This gorgeous collar he hung round the

neck of the general, saying: 'This palace belongs to you, Malinche'

(this was the name by which he always addressed him), 'and your

brethren. Rest after your fatigues, for you have much need to do so; in

a little while I will visit you again.' So saying, he withdrew with his

attendants. The general's first care was to inspect his new quarters.

The rooms were of great size, and afforded accommodation for the whole

army--the Tlascalans probably encamping in the outer courts. The best

apartments were hung with draperies of gaily coloured cotton, and the

floors were covered with mats or rushes. There were also low stools

carved from single pieces of wood, and most of the rooms had beds made

of the palm-leaf, woven into a thick mat, with coverlets, and sometimes

canopies of cotton. The general, after a rapid survey, assigned his

troops their respective quarters, and took as vigilant precautions for

security as if he expected a siege; he planted his cannon so as to

command the approaches to the palace, stationed sentinels along the

walls, and ordered that no soldier should leave his quarters under pain

of death. After all these precautions he allowed his men to enjoy the

banquet prepared for them. This over, the emperor came again, attended

by a few nobles; he was received with great deference by Cortes, and

with Marina's aid they conversed, while the Aztecs and the cavaliers

stood around in respectful silence. Montezuma made many inquiries

concerning the country of the Spaniards, its sovereign, and its

government, and especially asked their reasons for visiting Mexico.

Cortes replied that they had desired to see its great monarch, and to

declare to him the true faith professed by the Christians. The emperor

showed himself to be fully acquainted with all the doings of the

Spaniards since their landing, and was curious as to their rank in their

own country; he also learned the names of the principal cavaliers, and

their position in the army. At the conclusion of the interview the

Aztecs brought forward a gift of cotton robes, enough to supply every

man, even including the Tlascalans, and gold chains and ornaments, which

were distributed in profusion among the Spaniards. That evening Cortes

ordered a general discharge of artillery, and the noise of the guns and

the volumes of smoke filled the superstitious Aztecs with dismay,

reminding them of the explosions of the great volcano.

On the following morning he asked permission to return the emperor's

visit, and Montezuma sent officers to conduct the Spaniards to his

presence.

[Illustration: CORTES IN THE TEMPLE OF HUITZILOPOCHTLI]

On reaching the hall of audience the Mexican officers took off their

sandals, and covered their gay attire with mantles of 'nequen,' a coarse

stuff made from the fibres of the aloe, and worn only by the poorest

classes; for it was thus humbly that all, excepting the members of his

own family, approached the sovereign. Then with downcast eyes and formal

obeisance they ushered the Spaniards into the royal presence. They found

Montezuma surrounded by a few of his favourite chiefs, and were kindly

received by him; and Cortes soon began upon the subject uppermost in his

thoughts, setting forth as clearly as he could the mysteries of his

faith, and assuring Montezuma his idols would sink him in perdition.

But the emperor only listened calmly, and showed no sign of being

convinced. He had no doubt, he said, that the god of the Spaniards was

good, but his own gods were good also; what Cortes told him of the

creation of the world was like what he had been taught to believe. It

was not worth while to discuss the matter farther. He added that his

ancestors were not the original possessors of his land, but had been led

there by the great Being, who, after giving them laws, and ruling over

them for a time, had withdrawn to the region where the sun rises,

declaring on his departure that he or his descendants would some day

come again and reign. The wonderful deeds of the Spaniards, their fair

faces, and the quarter whence they came all showed that they were his

descendants. If Montezuma had resisted their visit to his capital, it

was because he had heard that they were cruel, that they sent the

lightning to consume his people, or crushed them to pieces under the

hard feet of the ferocious animals on which they rode. He was now

convinced that these were idle tales, that the Spaniards were kind and

generous,--mortals indeed, but of a different race from the Aztecs,

wiser, and more valiant. You, too, he added with a smile, have perhaps

been told that I am a god and dwell in palaces of gold and silver. But

you see it is false: my houses, though large, are of wood and stone; and

as to my body, he said, baring his tawny arm, you see it is flesh and

bone like yours. It is true that I have a great empire inherited from my

ancestors, lands, and gold and silver, but your sovereign beyond the

waters is, I know, the rightful lord of all. I rule in his name. You,

Malinche, are his ambassador; you and your brethren shall share these

things with me. Rest now from your labours. You are here in your own

dwellings, and everything shall be provided for your subsistence. I will

see that your wishes shall be obeyed in the same way as my own. Cortes,

while he encouraged the idea that his own sovereign was the great Being,

as Montezuma believed, assured him that his master had no desire to

interfere with his authority otherwise than, out of concern for his

welfare, to effect his conversion, and that of his people, to

Christianity. Before the emperor dismissed his visitors, rich stuffs and

ornaments of gold were distributed among them, so that the poorest

soldier received at least two heavy collars of gold, and on their

homeward way they could talk of nothing but the generosity and courtesy

of the Indian monarch. But the general was harassed by many anxious

thoughts. He had not been prepared to find so much luxury, civilisation,

and power. He was in the heart of a great capital which seemed like an

extensive fortification, with its dykes and drawbridges, where every

house might be converted into a castle. At a nod from the sovereign all

communication with the rest of the country might be cut off, and the

whole warlike population be at once hurled upon himself and his handful

of followers, and against such odds of what avail would be his superior

science? As to the conquest of the empire, now he had seen the capital,

it must have seemed to him a more doubtful enterprise than ever; but at

any rate his best policy was to foster the superstitious reverence in

which he was held by both prince and people, and to find out all he

could about the city and its inhabitants. To this end he asked the

emperor's permission to visit the principal public buildings, which was

readily granted, Montezuma even arranging to meet him at the great

temple. Cortes put himself at the head of his cavalry, and, followed by

nearly all the Spanish foot, set out under the guidance of several

caciques sent by Montezuma. They led him to the great teocalli near

their own quarters. It stood in the midst of a vast space which was

surrounded by a wall of stone and lime about eight feet high, ornamented

on the outer side by raised figures of serpents, which gave it the name

of the 'Coatepantli,' or 'wall of serpents.' This wall was pierced by

huge battlemented gateways, opening upon the four principal streets of

the city, and over each gate was a kind of arsenal filled with arms and

warlike gear. The teocalli itself was of the usual pyramidal shape, and

five stories high, coated on the outside with hewn stones. The ascent

was by flights of steps on the outside, and Cortes found two priests and

several caciques waiting to carry him up them as they had just carried

the emperor; but the general declined this compliment, preferring to

march up at the head of his men. On reaching the great paved space at

the summit, the first thing they saw was the stone on which the unhappy

victims were stretched for sacrifice; at the other end of the platform

stood two-towers, each three stories high, the lower story being of

stone, the two upper of carved wood. In these stood the images of the

gods, and before each stood an altar upon which blazed the undying

fires, the putting out of which was supposed to portend so much woe to

the nation. Here also was the huge drum, made of serpents' skins, struck

only on extraordinary occasions, when it sent forth a melancholy sound

that could be heard for miles--a sound of woe to the Spaniards in after

times. Montezuma, attended by a high priest, came forward to receive

Cortes. After conferring with the priests the emperor conducted the

Spaniards into the building, which was adorned with sculptured figures;

at one end was a recess, with a roof of timber richly carved and gilt,

and here stood a colossal image of Huitzilopochtli, the war-god. His

countenance was hideous; in his right hand he held a bow, and in his

left a bunch of golden arrows, which a mystic legend connected with the

victories of his people. A huge serpent of pearls and precious stones

was coiled about his waist, and costly jewels were profusely sprinkled

over his person. On his left foot were the delicate feathers of the

humming-bird, from which, singularly enough, he took his name, while

round his neck hung a chain of gold and silver hearts, as an emblem of

the sacrifice in which he most delighted. Indeed, even at that moment

three bleeding human hearts lay upon the altar before him. The next

sanctuary was dedicated to Tezcatlipoca, who, they believed, had created

the earth and watched over it. He was represented as a young man, and

his image of polished black stone was garnished with gold plates and

ornaments, among which was a shield burnished like a mirror, in which he

was supposed to see reflected all the doings of the world; and before

this shrine also lay five hearts in a golden platter. From the horrors

of this place the Spaniards gladly escaped into the open air, and Cortes

said, turning to Montezuma, 'I do not understand how a great and wise

prince like you can put faith in such evil spirits as these idols. If

you will but permit us to erect here the true cross, and place the

images of the Blessed Virgin and her Son in your sanctuaries, you will

soon see how your false gods will shrink before them.' Montezuma was

greatly shocked at this speech. 'These,' said he, 'are the gods who have

led the Aztecs on to victory since they were a nation, and who send us

the seed time and harvest. Had I thought you would have offered them

this outrage I would not have admitted you into their presence.' Cortes

then took his leave, expressing concern for having wounded the feelings

of the emperor, who remained to expiate, if possible, the crime of

having exposed the shrines of his gods to such profanation by the

strangers. On descending into the court the Spaniards took a leisurely

survey of the other buildings in the enclosure; there were several other

teocallis, but much smaller ones, in which the Spaniards saw implements

of sacrifice and many other horrors. And there was also a great mound

with a timber framework upon its summit, upon which were strung hundreds

of thousands of skulls--those of the victims who had been sacrificed.

Schools, granaries, gardens, and fountains filled up the remainder of

the enclosed space, which seemed a complete city in itself, containing a

mixture of barbarism and civilisation altogether characteristic of the

Aztec nation. The next day the Spaniards asked permission to convert one

of the halls in their palace into a chapel where they might hold the

services of their church. The request was granted, and while the work

was in progress some of them discovered what seemed to be a door

recently plastered over. As there was a rumour that Montezuma kept the

treasures of his father in this palace, they did not scruple to gratify

their curiosity by removing the plaster and forcing open the door which

it concealed, when they beheld a great hall filled with rich and

beautiful stuffs, articles of curious workmanship of various kinds, gold

and silver in bars or just as it had been dug from the earth, and many

jewels of great value. 'I was a young man,' says one of the Spaniards

who was allowed a sight of the treasure, 'and it seemed to me that all

the riches of the world were in that room.'

By Cortes' order the wall was built up again, and strict injunctions

were given that the discovery should be kept a profound secret. The

Spaniards had now been a week in Mexico, and the general's anxieties

increased daily. Cortes resolved upon a bold stroke. Calling a council

of his officers, he laid his difficulties before them, and, ignoring the

opinion of some who advised an immediate retreat, he proposed to march

to the royal palace and by persuasion or force to induce Montezuma to

take up his abode in the Spanish quarters. Once having obtained

possession of his person, it would be easy to rule in his name by

allowing him a show of sovereignty, until they had taken measures to

secure their own safety and the success of their enterprise. A pretext

for the seizure of the emperor was afforded by a circumstance which had

come to the ears of Cortes while he was still in Cholula. Don Juan de

Escalante, who had been left in charge of the Spanish settlement at Vera

Cruz, had received a message from an Aztec chief called Quanhpopoca

declaring his desire to come in person and tender his allegiance to the

Spaniards, and requesting that four soldiers might be sent to protect

him through the country of an unfriendly tribe. This was not an uncommon

request, and the soldiers were sent, but on their arrival two of them

were treacherously murdered by the Aztec; the others escaped, and made

their way back to the garrison. The commander at once marched with fifty

of his men and some thousands of Indians to take vengeance upon the

cacique, and though his allies fled before the Mexicans, the few

Spaniards stood firm, and by the aid of their firearms made good the

field against the enemy. Unfortunately, seven or eight of them were

killed, including Escalante himself, and the Indians who were taken

prisoners declared that the whole proceeding had been by Montezuma's

orders. One of the Spaniards fell into the hands of the enemy, but soon

died from his wounds. He happened to be a very big man of ferocious

appearance, and when his head was sent to Montezuma, the Aztec emperor

gazed upon it with a shudder, and commanded that it should be taken out

of the city, and not offered at the shrine of any of his gods. He seemed

to see in those terrible features a prophecy of his sure destruction.

The bolder spirits among the cavaliers approved of the general's plan,

and the next day, having asked an audience of Montezuma, Cortes made the

necessary arrangements for his enterprise. The principal part of his

force was drawn up in the courtyard; one detachment was stationed in the

avenue leading to the palace, to prevent any attempt at rescue by the

citizens. Twenty-five or thirty soldiers were ordered to drop in at the

palace by twos and threes, as if accidentally, and he took with him five

cavaliers on whose coolness and courage he could rely.

That they should all be in full armour excited no suspicion; it was too

common an occurrence. The Spaniards were graciously received by the

emperor, who by the aid of interpreters held a gay conversation with

them, and as usual presented them with gold and jewels. He paid Cortes

the compliment of offering him one of his daughters in marriage--an

honour which was respectfully declined, on the ground that he already

had one wife. But as soon as the general saw that his soldiers had all

come upon the scene he abruptly changed his tone, and accused the

emperor of being the author of the treacherous proceedings on the coast.

Montezuma listened in surprise, and declared that such an act could only

have been imputed to him by his enemies. Cortes pretended to believe

him, but said that Quanhpopoca and his accomplices must be sent for that

they might be dealt with after their deserts. Montezuma agreed, and,

taking his royal signet from his wrist, gave it to one of his nobles,

with orders to show it to the Aztec governor and require his immediate

presence in the capital, and in case of his resistance to call in the

aid of the neighbouring towns. When the messenger had gone, Cortes

assured the emperor that he was now convinced of his innocence in the

matter, but that it was necessary that his own sovereign should be

equally convinced of it. Nothing would promote this so much as for

Montezuma to transfer his residence to the palace occupied by the

Spaniards, as this would show a condescension and personal regard for

them which would absolve him from all suspicion. The emperor listened to

this proposal with profound amazement, exclaiming with resentment and

offended dignity:

'When was it ever heard that a great prince like myself willingly left

his own palace to become a prisoner in the hands of strangers?'

Cortes declared that he would not go as a prisoner, but would be simply

changing his residence. 'If I should consent to such degradation,' he

cried, 'my subjects never would.'

When further pressed, he offered one of his sons and two of his

daughters as hostages, so that he might be spared this disgrace. Two

hours passed in this fruitless discussion, till Velasquez de Leon,

impatient of the long delay, and seeing that to fail in the attempt must

ruin them, cried out, 'Why do we waste words on this barbarian? Let us

seize him, and if he resists plunge our swords into his body!' The

fierce tone and menacing gesture alarmed the emperor, who asked Marina

what the angry Spaniard said. She explained as gently as she could,

beseeching him to accompany the white men, who would treat him with all

respect and kindness, while if he refused he would but expose himself to

violence, perhaps to death.

This last appeal shook the resolution of Montezuma; looking round for

support and sympathy, he saw only the stern faces and mail-clad forms of

the Spaniards, and felt that his hour had indeed come. In a scarcely

audible voice he consented to accompany them, and orders were given for

the royal litter to be brought. The nobles who bore and attended it

could hardly credit their senses, but now Montezuma had consented to go

pride made him wish to appear to go willingly. As the royal retinue

marched dejectedly down the avenue, escorted by the Spaniards, the

people ran together in crowds, declaring that the emperor had been

carried off by force, and a tumult would have arisen had not he himself

called out to them to disperse, since he was of his own accord visiting

his friends, and on reaching the Spanish quarters he sent out his nobles

to the mob with similar assurances, bidding them all return to their

homes.

He was received with ostentatious respect by the Spaniards, and chose

the apartments which pleased him best, which were speedily furnished

with tapestry, featherwork, and all other Indian luxuries. He was

attended by his own household, and his meals were served with the usual

pomp and ceremony, while not even the general himself approached him

without due obeisance, or sat down in his presence uninvited.

Nevertheless it was but too clear to his people that he was a prisoner,

for day and night the palace was guarded by sixty sentinels in front and

sixty in the rear, while another body was stationed in the royal

antechamber. This was the state of affairs when Quanhpopoca arrived from

the coast. Montezuma received him coldly, and referred the matter to

Cortes, who speedily made an end of it by condemning the unhappy chief

and his followers to be burnt to death. The funeral piles were erected

in the courtyard before the palace, and were made of arrows, javelins,

and other weapons drawn by the emperor's permission from those stored

round the great teocalli. To crown these extraordinary proceedings,

Cortes, just before the executions took place, entered the emperor's

apartments, followed by a soldier bearing fetters in his hands. Sternly

he again accused Montezuma of having been the original contriver of the

treacherous deed, and said that a crime which merited death in a subject

must in some way be atoned for even by a king, whereupon he ordered the

soldier to fasten the fetters upon Montezuma's ankles, and after coolly

waiting until it was done turned his back and quitted the room.

The emperor was speechless under this last insult, like one struck down

by a heavy blow. But though he offered no resistance low moans broke

from him, which showed the anguish of his spirit. His faithful

attendants did their utmost to console him, holding his feet in their

arms, and trying to keep the irons from touching him by inserting their

own robes; but it was not the bodily discomfort that so afflicted him,

but the feeling that he was no more a king, and so utterly broken in

spirit was he that when Cortes came after the execution had taken place,

and with his own hands unclasped the irons, Montezuma actually thanked

him as if for some great and unmerited favour. Not long after the

Spanish general expressed his willingness that the emperor should if he

wished return to his own palace, but Montezuma declined the offer,

doubtless fearing to trust himself again to the haughty and ferocious

chieftains, who could not but despise the cowardly proceedings of their

master, so unlike the usual conduct of an Aztec monarch. Montezuma often

amused himself with seeing the Spanish troops go through their

exercises, or with playing at some of the national games with Cortes and

his officers. A favourite one was called 'totoloque,' played with

golden balls, which were thrown at a golden target, and the emperor

always staked precious stones or ingots of gold, and won or lost with

equal good-humour, and indeed it did not much matter to him, since if he

did win he gave away his gains to his attendants. But while Montezuma

thus resigned himself without a struggle to a life of captivity, some of

his kinsmen were feeling very differently about the matter, and

especially his nephew Cacama, lord of the Tezcuco, and second in power

to Montezuma himself.

[Illustration]

This prince saw with alarm and indignation his uncle's abject submission

to the Spaniards, and endeavoured to form a league with the other chiefs

to rescue him out of their hands. But they, from jealousy, declined to

join him, declaring themselves unwilling to do anything without the

emperor's sanction. These plots came to the ears of Cortes, who wished

at once to march upon Tezcuco and stamp out this spark of rebellion, but

Montezuma dissuaded him. He therefore sent a friendly message of

expostulation, which met with a haughty response, and to a second

message asserting the supremacy of the King of Spain Cacama replied that

'he acknowledged no such authority. He knew nothing of the Spanish

sovereign or his people, nor did he wish to know anything of them.' When

Montezuma sent to him to come to Mexico that this difference might be

adjusted, he answered that he understood the position of his uncle, and

that when he did visit the capital it would be to rescue it, as well as

the emperor himself and their common gods, from bondage, to drive out

the detested strangers who had brought such dishonour on their country.

This reply made Cortes very angry; but Montezuma, anxious to prevent

bloodshed, begged him still to refrain from declaring war against

Cacama, saying that it would be better to obtain possession of him

personally, which he could easily do by means of several Tezcucan nobles

who were in his own pay. So Cacama was enticed by these faithless chiefs

into a villa overhanging the lake, where he was easily overpowered and

forced into a boat, which speedily brought him to Mexico. Cortes

promptly fettered and imprisoned him, while Montezuma declared that he

had by his rebellion forfeited his kingdom and appointed his brother--a

mere boy--to reign in his stead. Now Cortes felt himself powerful enough

to demand that Montezuma and all his nobles should formally swear

allegiance to the Spanish sovereigns, and accordingly the emperor

assembled his principal caciques and briefly stated to them the object

for which he had summoned them.

'You all know,' said he, 'our ancient tradition--how the great Being,

who once ruled over the land, declared that he would one day return and

reign again. That time has now arrived. The white men have come from the

land beyond the ocean, where the sun rises, sent by their master to

reclaim the obedience of his ancient subjects. I am ready, for my part,

to acknowledge his authority. You have been faithful vassals of mine all

the years that I have sat upon the throne of my fathers; I now expect

that you will show me a last act of obedience, by acknowledging the

great king beyond the waters to be your lord also, and that you will pay

him tribute as you have hitherto done to me.' As he spoke the tears fell

fast down his cheeks, and his nobles were deeply affected by the sight

of his distress. Many of them, coming from a distance, and not having

realised what was taking place in the capital, were filled with

astonishment on beholding the voluntary abasement of their master, whom

they had reverenced as the all-powerful lord of the whole country. His

will, they told him, was their law now as ever, and if he thought the

sovereign of the strangers was the ancient lord of their country, they

were willing to swear allegiance to him as such. Accordingly the oaths

were administered with all due solemnity, and a full record of the

proceedings was drawn up by the royal notary to be sent to Spain. Cortes

now seemed to have accomplished most of the great objects of his

expedition, but towards the conversion of the natives he had made no

progress, and still the horrible sacrifices took place day by day. The

general could bear it no longer, but told the emperor that the

Christians could not consent to hold the services of their religion shut

in within the narrow walls of the garrison. They wished to spread its

light abroad and share its blessings with the people. To this end they

requested that the great teocalli should be given up to them as a fit

place where their worship might be conducted in the presence of the

whole city. Montezuma listened in consternation.

'Malinche,' said he, 'why will you push matters to an extremity that

must surely bring down the vengeance of our gods and stir up an

insurrection among my people, who will never endure this profanation of

their temple?'

Cortes, seeing that he was much agitated, pretended that the demand had

come from his followers, and that he would endeavour to persuade them to

be contented with one of the sanctuaries of the teocalli. If that were

not granted, they should be obliged to take it by force and to throw

down the idols in the face of the city. Montezuma, still greatly

disturbed, promised to confer with the priests, and in the end the

Spaniards were allowed to take possession of one of the sanctuaries, in

which, when it had been purified, an altar was raised, surmounted by a

crucifix and the imago of the Virgin; its walls were decorated with

garlands of fresh flowers, and an old soldier was stationed to watch

over it. Then the whole army moved in solemn procession up the winding

ascent of the pyramid, and mass was celebrated by Father Olmedo and

another priest, while the Aztecs looked on with mingled curiosity and

repugnance. For a nation will endure any outrage sooner than that which

attacks its religion, and this profanation touched a feeling in the

natives which the priests were not slow to take advantage of.

Soon the Spaniards noticed a change in Montezuma. He was grave instead

of cheerful, and avoided their society. Many conferences went on between

him and the priests and nobles, at which even Orteguilla, his favourite

page, was not allowed to be present. Presently Cortes received a summons

to appear before the emperor, who told him that his predictions had come

to pass, his gods were offended, and threatened to forsake the city if

the sacrilegious strangers were not driven from it, or sacrificed on

their altars as an expiation. 'If you have any regard for your safety,'

he continued, 'you will leave the country without delay. I have only to

raise my finger, and every Aztec in the land will rise against you.'

Cortes knew well enough that this was true, but, concealing his dismay,

he replied that he should much regret to leave the capital so

precipitately, especially when he had no ships to take him back to his

own country. He should also regret that if he quitted it under these

circumstances he should be driven to taking the emperor with him.

Montezuma was evidently troubled by this last suggestion, and finally

offered to send workmen to the coast to build ships under the direction

of the Spaniards, while he restrained the impatience of his people with

the assurance that the white men would leave their land as soon as they

were ready. This was accordingly done, and the work went forward at Vera

Cruz with great apparent alacrity, but those who directed it took care

to interpose as many delays as possible, while Cortes hoped in the

meantime to receive such reinforcements from Spain as should enable him

to hold his ground. Nevertheless the whole aspect of affairs in the

Spanish quarters was utterly changed; apprehension had taken the place

of security, and as many precautions were observed as if the garrison

was actually in a state of siege. Such was the unpleasant state of

affairs when, in May 1520, six months after his arrival in the capital,

Cortes received tidings from the coast which caused him greater alarm

than even the threatened insurrection of the Aztecs. The jealous

governor of Cuba was sending an expedition to attack Cortes.

It was the news of the arrival of this fleet at the place where he had

himself landed at first that had caused Cortes so much consternation,

for he at once suspected that it was sent by his bitter enemy the

governor. The commander of this second expedition, who was called

Narvaez, having landed, soon met with a Spaniard from one of the

exploring parties sent out by Cortes. This man related all that had

occurred since the Spanish envoys left Vera Cruz, the march into the

interior, the furious battles with the Tlascalans, the occupation of

Mexico, the rich treasures found in it, and the seizure of Montezuma,

'whereby,' said the soldier, 'Cortes rules over the land like its own

sovereign, so that a Spaniard may travel unarmed from one end of the

country to the other without insult or injury.'

Narvaez and his followers listened in speechless amazement to this

marvellous report, and the leader waxed more and more indignant at the

thought of all that had been snatched from Velasquez, whose adherent he

was. He now openly proclaimed his intention of marching against Cortes

and punishing him, so that even the natives who had flocked to this new

camp comprehended that these white men were enemies of those who had

come before. Narvaez proposed to establish a colony in the barren, sandy

spot which Cortes had abandoned, and when informed of the existence of

Villa Rica, he sent to demand the submission of the garrison. Sandoval

had kept a sharp eye upon the movements of Narvaez from the time that

his ships had first appeared upon the horizon, and when he heard of his

having landed he prepared to defend his post to the last extremity. But

the only invaders of Villa Rica were a priest named Guevara and four

other Spaniards, who formally addressed Sandoval, pompously enumerating

the services and claims of Velasquez, taxing Cortes with rebellion, and

finally demanding that Sandoval should tender his submission to Narvaez.

That officer, greatly exasperated, promptly seized the unlucky priest

and his companions, and, remarking that they might read the obnoxious

proclamation to the general himself in Mexico, ordered them to be bound

like bales of goods upon the backs of sturdy porters and placed under a

guard of twenty Spaniards, and in this way, travelling day and night,

only stopping to obtain relays of carriers, they came within sight of

the capital at the end of the fourth day.

Its inhabitants were already aware of the fresh arrival of white men

upon the coast. Indeed Montezuma had sent for Cortes and told him there

was no longer any obstacle to his leaving the country, as a fleet was

ready for him, and in answer to his astonished inquiries, had shown him

a picture map sent him from the coast, whereon the Spaniards, with their

ships and equipments, were minutely depicted. Cortes pretended to be

vastly pleased by this intelligence, and the tidings were received in

the camp with firing of cannon and other demonstrations of joy, for the

soldiers took the newcomers for a reinforcement from Spain. Not so

Cortes, who guessed from the first that they came from the governor of

Cuba. He told his suspicions to his officers, who in turn informed the

men; but, though alarm succeeded their joy, they resolved to stand by

their leader come what might. When Sandoval's letter acquainting him

with all particulars was brought to Cortes, he instantly sent and

released the bewildered prisoners from their ignominious position, and

furnished them with horses to make their entry into the capital, where,

by treating them with the utmost courtesy and loading them with gifts,

he speedily converted them from enemies into friends, and obtained from

them much important information respecting the designs of Narvaez and

the feelings of his army. He gathered that gold was the great object of

the soldiers, who were evidently willing to co-operate with Cortes if by

so doing they could obtain it. Indeed, they had no particular regard for

their own leader, who was arrogant, and by no means liberal. Profiting

by these important hints, the general sent a conciliatory letter to

Narvaez, beseeching him not to unsettle the natives by a show of

animosity, when it was only by union they could hope for success, and

declaring that for his part he was ready to greet Narvaez as a brother

in arms, to share with him the fruits of conquest, and, if he could

produce a royal commission, to submit to his authority. Of course Cortes

knew well enough that he had no such commission to show. Soon after the

departure of Guevara he resolved to send a special envoy of his own, and

chose Father Olmedo for the task, with instructions to converse

privately with as many of the officers and soldiers as he could with a

view to securing their goodwill; and to this end he was also provided

with a liberal supply of gold. During this time Narvaez had abandoned

his idea of planting a colony on the sea-coast, and had marched inland

and taken up his quarters at Cempoalla. He received the letter of Cortes

with scorn, which changed to stern displeasure when Guevara enlarged

upon the power of his rival and urged him to accept his friendly offers.

But the troops, on the other hand, listened with greedy ears to the

accounts of Cortes, his frank and liberal manners, and the wealth of his

camp, where the meanest soldier could stake his ingot and his chain of

gold at play, and where all revelled in plenty. And when Father Olmedo

arrived, his eloquence and his gifts soon created a party in the

interest of Cortes. This could not go on so secretly as not to excite

the suspicions of Narvaez, and the worthy priest was sent back to his

master, but the seed which he had sown was left to grow.

Narvaez continued to speak of Cortes as a traitor whom he intended to

punish, and he also declared he would release Montezuma from captivity

and restore him to his throne. It was rumoured that the Aztec monarch

had sent him a rich gift, and entered into correspondence with him. All

this was observed by the watchful eye of Sandoval, whose spies

frequented his enemy's camp, and he presently sent to Cortes saying that

something must speedily be done to prevent Villa Rica from falling into

the hands of the enemy, and pointing out that many of the Indians, from

sheer perplexity, were no longer to be relied upon.

The general felt that it was indeed time to act, but the situation was

one of great difficulty. However, he marched against Narvaez, defeated

and captured him, embodied his forces, and set out on his return to

Mexico, where he had left Alvarado in command.

On his march he received a letter from Alvarado, which conveyed the

startling news that the Mexicans were up in arms and had assaulted the

Spanish quarters, that they had overwhelmed the garrison with a torrent

of missiles, which had killed some and wounded many, and had burned some

brigantines which Cortes had built to secure a means of retreat, and it

ended by imploring him to hasten to the relief of his men if he would

save them or keep his hold on the capital. This was a heavy blow to

Cortes, but there was no time for hesitation. He laid the matter fully

before his soldiers, and all declared their readiness to follow him.