Class /- )?^;n Rnnk £^7 j .(1fi|^ythe vessel, and she soon made port: t ft) JSgd {t^^f^pther vessels 36 MONTEZUMA. already there, and their cargoes sold. Cortes has- tened ashore, and immediately sought the home of the governor, who was absent. * "You will find no trouble in obtaining a lib- eral grant of land," said his secretary. ** But I came to get gold, not to till the soil like a peasant," cried the young man. After all, however, gold was not to be picked up even in the new world, and the road for fresh adventure was not always open. Cortes was per- suaded to settle down to the management of a large grant of land, with the accompanying In- dian slaves. He now and then joined Ovando's lieutenant, Diego Velasquez, in cruel military expeditions, against insurgent natives. Thus the young adventurer served an apprenticeship in Indian warfare, which was of use to him in the future. He was fortunately prevented by an ab- scess in the knee, from embarking on Nicuesa's unhappy voyage to the mainland. The restless young soldier was only too glad to accompany Velasquez, when he undertook the conquest of the island of Cuba. When the un- happy natives were finally subjugated, and Velas- quez appointed governor of Cuba, Cortes received an office under him. They both soon became in- terested in a family of beautiful sisters, who had HERNANDO CORTES. 37 settled upon the island. Cortes fell in love with one of them, named Catalina Xuarez. It is said that he promised to marry her, but delayed to do it. The governor who was attached to her sister, attempted to force the marriage, but Cortes remained obstinate. Whether this story be true or not, Cortes certainly fell out with Velasquez, and is said to have joined a party of malcon- tents, who were for various reasons dissatisfied with the governor. They held secret meetings at the house of Cortes. Here it was determined to send their complaints to the authorities at His- paniola. With his usual fearless courage, Cortes undertook the dangerous passage of an interven- ing arm of the sea, in an open boat, that he might deliver the despatches. Before he started, however, Velasquez discovered the plot, and Cortes was seized, fettered and thrown into prison. It is even said that the governor would have hung him, had not his friends interposed. The young rebel finally contrived to loo^^en his fetters. He then forced a window with his irons, and having let himself down from the second story of the building in which he was imprisoned, he fled to a church, where he claimed the right of sanctuary. Velasquez was enraged, but he dared not v'^ 38 MONTEZUMA. late the sanctity of the church. He lay in wait however, hoping to catch the fugitive unawares. Cortes one day stood carelessly in front of the church, when three men suddenly sprang upon him, and again made him prisoner. He was now taken on board a vessel, which was to sail in the morning for Hispaniola, where he was to be tried. With great difficulty, Cortes succeeded that very night in passing his feet through the shackles. It was very dark, and he cautiously slipped upon deck and dropped into a boat that lay below. He pushed quietly off, but as he neared the shore, the waves became too rough for his little bark. He jumped out, and after a long battle in the surf, succeeded in reaching the beach, where he again fled for refuge to the friendly church. Here he made up his mind to marry Catalina Xuarez, and thus her family was brought to interfere in his behalf. The story is told that Velasquez was in the interior on a military expedition. He was one evening alone, when Cortes suddenly appeared before him fully armed. Startled, the governor asked the meaning of this. After a hot discus- sion the two men became reconciled, embraced, and >vhen a messenger arrived in great haste to inform Velasquez of the escape of his enemy, HERNANDO CORTES. 39 they were actually found sleeping in the same bed. Whether in this dramatic way or not, Ve- lasquez and Cortes were certainly reconciled, and the latter married Catalina. Cortes now became the master of a large plan- tation with the accompanying slaves, and was ap- pointed to the office of magistrate. He also em- ployed the slaves in digging gold, and in a short time had gained several thousand castellanos. ** God alone knows at the cost of how many In- dian lives," adds an old chronicler who was in advance of his time and people, in a hatred of slavery. Cortes, however, had no desire to be better than others. He thus spent a few quiet years in company with his wife ** with whom he lived just as happily," he said, '*as though she had been the daughter of a dutchess. CHAPTER IV. THE SAILING OF THE ARMADA. Velasquez, is said to have been "covetous of glory, and somewhat more covetous of wealth." A viceroy of a viceroy, he in his turn authorized voyages of gain and discovery into the more western regions. Cordova had sailed in 15 17, and discovered Yucatan, where he was astonished with the remarkable remains of a very ancient civiliza- tion, which are a wonder even to this day, but which he ascribed to the people then living there. He was everywhere met with a deadly hostility, for the terrible name of the Spaniard had preceded him. After suffering great priva- tions and the loss of half his men, Cordova re- turned, only to die soon after of his wounds. But he had brought back with him ornaments of wrought gold, and this was enough to excite the avarice and ambition of the numerous adven- turers who peopled the colonies of the new world. Velasquez eagerly fitted out a little squadron THE SAILING OF THE ARMADA. 4I which he placed in the hands of Juan de Gri- jalva. Sailing from Cuba in 1518, Grijalva also touched first the shores of Yucatan. He coasted along north meeting every v/here with resistance until he reached one of Montezuma's sea-coast provinces. Here the cacique was anxious to get some account of the strangers which he might send to Montezuma. Grijalva landed with his entire force in order to sufficiently impress the chief. A friendly meeting ensued in which they conversed as best they might by signs. The curious baubles of civilization were traded for the toys of semi- civilization, jewels, golden orna- ments and vessels of gold. Thus the news first reached Montezuma of the appearance upon his borders of white men with thick beards, in won- drous ships. Grijalva sent the treasures in a caravel back to Cuba, and continued his exploring voyage somewhat further along the coast. Meanwhile, great was the excitement in Cuba on the arrival of the rich cargo. When Grijalva finally reached the colony it was to be unjustly censured by the ambitious Velasquez for not planting a colony in the land of the Aztecs upon the spot, and to find a new fleet already fitting out for the pur- pose. Velasquez had sent his chaplain to Spain 43 MONTEZUMA. with, one fifth of the gold, the royal share, and begging permission to go on with the discoveries upon the main land. Without waiting, however, for this, he began to prepare for a new expedi- tion, fearing probably lest any one else should be before him. The governor now looked about him for some one to take command of the fleet, and at the same time bear a share of the expense. Here w^as just the opportunity which Cortes coveted. He had a warm friendship with Lares the royal treasurer and with Duero, the gover- nor's secretary. Through their influence he got himself recommended to Velasquez as the man for the command. Velasquez well knew him to be an experienced soldier in the wild warfare of the new world, and he therefore made Cortes captain-general of the new armada. Now indeed had Cortes reached his opportu- nity. He threw his heart and soul into the ven- ture. His own fortune was freely given, he mort- gaged his estates and borrowed from his friends to assist in fitting out the fleet. From this mo- ment the life of Cortes assumed a consequence which it had not before possessed. Instead of the wild, rebellious scapegrace, he became a man with a purpose. His friends were surprised to see in him traits which they had not suspected THE SAILING OF THE ARMADA. 43 in the genial, pleasure-loving young adventurer. He was thirty years of age, with bright eyes and handsome face, but rather small of stature, ambi- tious, avaricious, and somewhat unscrupulous as to the ends he used to bring about a desirable object, and with a not uncommon incongruity, chivalrously devoted to his religion. Neverthe- less, he was a remarkable leader of men, and pos- sessed a most wonderful tact both in the man- agement of friend and foe. There were so many incompetent actors in the colonization of the new world, that it gives the reader of history a real pleasure to turn to one man who always knew just what to do in an emergency. Cortes soon had an opportunity to use his tact. Vain of his new position and anxious to draw recruits to him, he had begun to wear a plume and to show other signs of rank. The jealous suspicion of Velasquez was aroused. Of course the viceroy in imitation of greater lords possessed a jester. This fellow found it exceeding- ly funny to throw gibes at Cortes. As Velasquez and Cortes were walking one day toward the port to inspect the preparations, the fool called out. ** Have a care, master Velasquez, or we shall have to go a hunting, some day, after this same captain of ours." 44 MONTEZUMA. "Do not listen to him," said Cortes, "he is n saucy knave and deserves a sound whipping." But the fellow persisted in crying out now and then, " I swear that I shall go with Cortes rnyself, to these rich lands, that I may not see you crying, master Velasquez, at the bad bargain you have made." Jealousy was already aroused against him. Cortes saw that he was in danger of losing his command. He took great pains to keep always near Velasquez, and to show him the utmost de- votion. Meantime, the preparations went rapidly forward. All was bustle in the little port of San- tiago. Recruits flocked in, and nothing was talked of but the selling of lands to buy arms and horses, the quilting of the cotton mail, so serviceable in Indian warfare, and the preparing of bread and salt pork for provision on ship- board. Some gentlemen on the island, among whom were the governor's relatives, were jealous of Cortes. They took every occasion to excite the suspicious disposition of Velasquez, and to remind him of their old feud, and of the probability that a man who had once rebelled, would be likely to take advantage of this new power. Velasquez began to regret his appointment. His manner THE SAILING OF THE ARMADA. 45 toward his captain-general became cold, and he told Lares and Duero, that he intended to re- move Cortes. They immediately informed Cortes, who saw that the venture upon which he had risked everything, was to be ruined at the outset. He was neither entirely prepared with vessels, men or stores, but he quickly took his resolu- tion. He went to the butcher of the town, and demanded his whole stock of meat. The man remonstrated with him, for the town would be destitute of meat for the following day. But Cortes insisted on having it, and threw down in payment a heavy gold chain which he wore around his neck. That very night the men were got quietly on board, and the little armada dropped down the bay. The town of Santiago awoke the next morning to find her much talked of fleet already getting under way. According to one story, Velasquez, informed of what had happened, sprang from his bed and having dressed himself hastily, rode down to the shore. Cortes, seeing him coming, entered an armed boat and approached within speaking distance. **And is it thus you part from me?" cried the governor. " Pardon me," answered Cortes, " time presses and there are some things that should- be done 46 MONTEZUMA. before they are even thought of. Has your Ex cellency any command?" The mortified governor had no commands. According to the other version of the story, after having so hastily prepared, Cortes went in the night and bade Velasquez farewell, leaving him no time to make a change in the command of his fleet. However this may be, Hernando Cortes sailed suddenly on the eighteenth of November, 1518, leaving Velasquez to the knowledge that he had appointed a most capable man to a post of trust, and had then succeeded in alienating him from his interest. He despatched letters to the com- mander of Trinidad, ordering him to arrest Cortes, for he was deposed from the command of the fleet, and another man had been appointed in his place. Meanwhile the fleet touched at Macaca, and Cortes helped himself to such provisions as could be procured from the royal farms, consider- ing it, he said, as **a loan from the king." Cortes next landed at Trinidad. He displayed his banner before his quarters. It was a red cross surrounded with blue and white flames, upon a black velvet ground, and the motto, " Let us fol- low the cross and in that sign shall we conquer." Volunteers immediately flocked under this THE SAILING OF THE ARMADA. 47 banner. More than a hundred men who had just returned from Grijalva's expedition, resolved to set out on this new one. A number of hidalgos, or gentlemen's sons, also joined Cortes' standard, and were welcomed with music and the thunder of cannon. Many of them had horses, and he who possessed a horse was considered rich in- deed. Cortes with his usual free-handedness, stripped himself of his gold jewelry, that he might buy a horse for a friend who was too poor to get one for himself. He busied himself, meantime, in procuring the necessary stores. A trading-vessel laden with grain was announced off the coast. Cortes imme- diately ordered her seized, and, having bought the vessel and the cargo upon credit, persuaded the owner also to join his expedition. This man was considered the richest man in the army, as he owned a ship, a horse and a negro. And now arrived Velasquez' despatches, order- ing the arrest of "Cortes. But the governor did not deem it wise to interfere with so powerful a party, lest the town itself might be overwhelmed and destroyed. Cortes finally went to Havana, desiring to get as many recruits as possible. Here he supplied his army with coats of quilted cotton, as a defense against Indian arrows. The 48 MONTEZUMA. army was divided into companies, and officers appointed. No partiality was shown, but the friends of Velasquez were appointed equally with his own. Cortes had set about gaining over the enemies among his men with wonderful tact, Diego de Ordaz, who was one of Velasquez' household, had been sent out in search of another ship, which Cortes had heard of, with orders to again join the fleet at a certain point, thus freeing the commander from an inconve- nient spy at a critical moment. Letters soon reached Barba, the governor of Havana, from Velasquez, to seize Cortes and stop the fleet. But the captain- general had already gained Barba's friendship, most of the soldiers were ready to die for Cortes, and written commands were of no avail. Barba wrote to Velasquez, saying that the popularity of Cortes was so great that he dared not execute his orders, as the town would be sacked, and the inhabitants car- ried off by force, if he attempted it. Cortes ac- companied this letter with one of his own, assur- ing Velasquez of his eternal devotion to his interest, and with the comforting news that he sailed the next day. CHAPTER V. THE BATTLE OF TABASCO. Cortes had cut the bridge behind him. He dared not return to Cuba unless it were after such a glorious success as should wipe out all past disobedience. A short but stormy voyage brought the little armada to the island of Cozu- mel, off the coast of Yucatan. The admiral's ship arrived last to find that the natives had already fled under the harsh treatment of Alva- rado, one of the captains, who had captured several of them and robbed their temple of its trifling ornaments. Cortes was greatly vexed at this impolitic course. He immediately called be- fore him the captives. His only interpreter was an Indian who on a previous voyage had been taken to Cuba and had thus learned a little Spanish. By this imperfect means Cortes man- aged to impress them with his friendliness and his desire that the natives should return. A more powerful argument was the valueless trifles with which he loaded them. The captives were 50 MONTEZUMA. then set free, and numbers of Indians soon flocked around the Spaniards anxious to trade common gold for new and rare baubles. It was one of the objects of this expedition to recover some Spaniards who were believed to be in captivity, the remains of a former disas- trous attempt at colonization. Two vessels were now sent in search of these captives; of whom Cortes had received some accounts from the natives. Meanwhile he explored the island. He found it but scantily populated with a poor and barbarous people. But what struck him with astonishment were the houses and temples of stone which are still there, the remains of some ancient civilization of which we have no history and for which the Spaniards, of course, could not account. The Spanish discoverers in the new world considered themselves on a crusade ; they were all. knights of the cross. Not the least enthusias- tic in this work was Cortes. He was horrified at the sight of idol-worship among the natives, Immediately the two missionaries who accom- panied him were set to work to persuade the Indians to allow their idols which were images of Satan himself to be thrown down. The natives would not listen to any such proposal, for were THE BATTLE OF TABASCO. 5 1 not these the gods who had always sent them rain and sunshine? They assured the Spaniards that, if they attempted such a thing, the vengeance of the gods would strike them like a thunderbolt. But with Cortes, if men would not be converted by persuasion, they must be converted by force. Without further ado, he commanded the idols to be demolished. Zealous Spaniards sprang upon them and rolled them headlong down the temple stairs amid the horrified groans of their worship- ers. A new altar was now hastily raised, an im- age of the Virgin placed over it and a crucifix erected. The two priests did what they could to enlighten the natives as to their new religion through the medium of their poor interpreter. And now the ships sent in search of the lost Spaniards had returned without any news of them, much to the disappointment of Cortes. The fleet set sail from Cozumel, but it had been out but a few hours when one of the ships sprang a leak and the Spaniards were forced to put back to port. They had not been long in port when a large canoe was seen approaching from the shores of Yucatan. There was a man in it who was to all appearances a native, dark and almost naked, like his companions. At sight of the white men his first words were, " God, 52 MONTEZUMA. Holy Mary, and Seville," in Spanish, and he sa- luted Cortes in the Indian style, by touching his hand to the ground and then to his head. He was, indeed, one of the captive Spaniards, and was received with the greatest joy by Cortes who embraced him and threw his own cloak over his bare shoulders. The man fell upon his knees to thank heaven for his deliverance. It was with difficulty that he could recall his own language. His name was Aguilar, and his story was a very curious one. He and some companions had been wrecked upon this coast eight years before. Two only of them had escaped from hardship or death at the hands of the savages. Aguilar was the slave of a cacique to whom he had made him- self very valuable. His master would hardly have parted with him, had it not been for the wondrous beads and bells which Cortes had sent by native messengers as a ransom for any of their countrymen who might be there. The other Spaniard had made himself an important man among the Indians by planning an attack which they had made upon Cordova's expedition. He had an Indian wife and children. Aguilar tried to persuade him to accompany him to Cortes' vessels. ** Brother Aguilar," said he, "I am married, I THE BATTLE OF TABASCO, 53 have three sons and am a cacique and captain in the wars. Go you, in God's name ; my face is marked and my ears bored. What would those Spaniards think of me if I went among them ? In other words he was a great man among the savages ; afhong the Spaniards he would be but an object of ridicule. Aguilar went alone in search of the friendly ships, and found them gone, for they had despaired of an answer from the embassy which they had sent in search of Span- iards. Aguilar's disappointment must have been bitter, indeed, but when he heard of the unex- pected return of the fleet he hastened joyfully to Cozumel. He was a most valuable acquisi- tion to Cortes, who was sadly in need of a good interpreter. Cortes next touched at the mouth of the Tabasco river, which he found too shallow to admit the fleet. With a part of his men he embarked in boats and the shallower vessels and began the exploration of the river. He could see the natives moving among the net work of mangrove trees which lined the bank, and was astonished to find their gestures anything but friendly. Though he had no especial interest in delaying at this spot, it was part of his policy never to appear intimidated. He encamped for 54 MONTEZUMA. the night on an island and awoke in the morn- ing to find the opposite banks lined with an immense concourse of savages, decked for battle. Upon the water's edge was a vanguard of canoes filled with warriors. Cortes landed a detachment of his forces upon a narrow road which led by a roundabout way to the town. He led the remainder in boats straight up toward the Indian canoes. Then, as his orders bound him to do, he caused a pompous notice of warning to be delivered to the Indians through the interpreter. This, however, was only answered with whoops of defiance and a shower of arrows. Having relieved their consciences the Spaniards fell to work. They were soon grappling with the Indians. Both white men and savages were quickly in the water up to their middles, fight- ing hand to hand. The savages retired and ad- vanced, harrassing their more cumbersome enemies who were forced to wade through very deep mud on shore. Cortes lost one of his buskins in this adventure and came out barefooted, but he gave the battle cry, ** St. lago," and the Spaniards sprang upon the Indians with redoubled vigor. They fell back behind a breastwork of timber, From this they were driven into their town. Rallying behind a barricade, the Indians now THE BATTLE OF TABASCO. 55 fought fiercely. The Spaniards called on the name of their patron saint, and the savages cried "kill the chief," at the same time filling the air with their hideous yells. Just at this moment the detachment which had been sent around by land rushed upon the scene, and the combined forces soon succeeded in driving the Indians, who fought bravely as they fell back. The Spaniards captured their village, but did not pursue them further. Cortes now gave three cuts with his sword on a great tree which stood in the centre of the town, announcing that he took possession of the place in his majesty's name, and was ready to defend his majesty's claim against any who should dispute it. This step was formally wit- nessed by a royal notary. Cortes' friends ad- mired the chivalric ceremony, but the friends of Velasquez murmured. The commander now pre- pared his quarters for the night in the temple. He posted sentinels and took every means to guard against surprise. An ominous silence reigned in the surrounding country. The In- dian interpreter, on whom Cortes had depended before the arrival of Aguilar, had fled and left his Spanish clothes hanging upon a tree. Now, indeed, Cortes was uneasy, for he knew that the 56 MONTEZUMA. enemy would be informed of the small numbers of the Spaniards and be undeceived with regard to their supposed marvelous power. Morning came and nothing had been seen of the enemy. Cortes sent out a detachment under Alvarado to reconnoiter. They soon came flying back with the Indians at their heels. Cortes sallied forth and drove back the pursuers, taking a few prisoners. From these he learned that the Indians were assembled in great numbers, de- termined on resistance. Cortes now made rapid preparations for battle. The wounded were sent on shipboard, while six cannons and the horses were landed. The animals were at first stiff from their long confinement, but a few hours exercise restored them to high spirits. Again night came on. It was a restless night for Cortes, on the eve of the first battle of his expedition. Several times he rose and made the rounds, to see that his sentinels were all at their posts. At break of day he aroused his men, tell- ing them that they would not wait for the enemy, but go to meet them. The command of the infantry was given to Diego de Ordaz, who was to march directly across the country to the enemy's encampment. Cortes himself, commanded the cavalry, and fetching a circuitous route THE BATTLE OF TABASCO. 57 would attack the enemy in the rear. All being ready, mass was said and the march began. Plnntations of Indian corn and cacao covered the ^ intervening country, which was intersected with numerous canals, rendering the progress of the army very toilsome. The cannons were dragged over narrow causeways, and the men plunged and. floundered on for several miles, until they came in sight of the dusky throng of warriors. The Indian forces were advantageously situated on a broad plain. As the Spaniards toiled slowly on- ward through a deep marsh, the yells of the natives arose, accompanied by showers of arrows and stones falling upon the defenceless heads of the infantry, and wounding many of them. When they succeeded in reaching firm land however, their artillery aimed at the dense, disorderly rank of. Indians, mowed them down in great numbers. Still undismayed, they threw up dust and leaves to conceal their losses, and, filling the air with their wild cries, made a fierce resistance. They pressed the Spaniards close. Now they were driven back, and again their immense numbers pressed forward, for they were brave warriors, much superior to the more effeminate natives who had been easily conquered upon the islands. The Spaniards were almost overwhelmed by num- 58 MONTEZUMA. bers. Every moment their position became more cramped, and they had not room to work their artillery effectively. Still the longed-for cavalry had made no appearance. Finally, they could see the distant Indians thrown into disorder. The agitation quickly communicated itself to the mass like a wave. The Spaniards* hearts leaped with joy as they heard the well-known battle-cry, *' San lago and San Pedro,*' *' St. James and St. Peter." Soon they could discern the helmets of their companions glaring in the sun, as the horse- men came dashing through the Indian ranks, dealing deadly blows on all sides. The brave natives could withstand even the terror of fire- arms, but these wondrous animals with their iron feet and their gayly-armed riders, so firmly seated that they seemed a part of them, filled them with superstitious dread. The battle was won, for it needed not the charge of the infantry to dispel the foe. Cortes wisely refrained from entangling himself farther by pursuit, for he had already ex- perienced great difficulty in reaching the battle- ground. He released the prisoners that had been taken, with a message to their countrymen to come immediately and offer submission, or he would ride, over the country and put man, THE BATTLE OF TABASCO. 59 woman and child to the sword. An embassy of the Indians quickly appeared with a present of twenty female slaves for the conquerors. By the exchange of beads and bells, food and cotton were procured from the natives, with a few gold ornaments. Cortes asked them where they got the precious metal. ** Mexico " was their answer. CHAPTER VI. DONNA MARINA. Gold-hunger was the passion of the white man who first explored the coast of the new world. Finding the precious metal so scarce at Tabasco, Cortes doubtless regretted his waste of time, the wounds of his men, of whom he had lost several, and the injuries of his horses. But, without knowing it, he had acquired something of more service to him than loads of gold. Among the twenty female slaves presented to the conquerors, was the daughter of an Aztec cacique or chief. Her father had died when she was a child, and her mother had married another chief, by whom she had a son. Desiring to secure the inheritance to the son, they had secret- ly sold the girl, pretending that she was dead, and celebrating for her's, the funeral of a slave child with mock sorrow. She was carried to Tabas- co where she was resold, and thus finally fell into the hands of the Spaniards. They, with the crooked piety of the day, insisted first on the baptism DONNA MARINA. 6 1 of the poor girls, who were given Christian names, and then distributed by Cortes among his cavaliers. The chiefs daughter was christened Marina, and fell to the share of a cavalier named Puertocarrero. Cortes also planned to bring about a hasty conversion of the Tabascans, at the same time that the slaves were baptized. The priests who accompanied the expedition did their best to ex^ plain their religion to the natives, who were ren?- dered docile converts by their late chastisement. The following day was Palm Sunday, and Cortes determined to celebrate it by a monster convefr sion. The priests led a brilliant procession of Spaniards bearing palm-branches, and followed by an immense concourse of Indians, to the large In- dian temple, where an altar had been erected, and an image of the virgin and child put in place of the old idol. Mass was celebrated and the chant was sung by the Spaniards. The ceremony was doubtless very impressive to the simple minds of the natives. But they were hastily treated only to the outside, and not to the essence of religion, of which last, indeed, the Spaniards were not good examples. The conquerors, however, doubt- less felt much satisfaction as they embarked for a more golden land, bearing with them the conse* crated palm branches. 62 MONTEZUMA. Marina, or Donna Marina, as she was always respectfully called, proved to be a remarkable woman. She had a fine figure, and was frank, prompt and fearless. More than this, she was very intelligent and quick in learning a new tongue. Deserted of her own kindred, she de- voted herself with warm affection to the Span- iards. By birth she spoke the Mexican tongue, and also learned the Tabascan, which was the only Indian language that Aguilar understood. Cortes could thus address his speech to Aguilar in Spanish, who translated it into Tabascan for Donna Marina, and she, in her turn, changed it into Mexican. By this roundabout route, the general was furnished with means of communica- ting with the Aztecs, without which he could not have carried out his great scheme. But Donna Marina soon learned to speak Spanish also. She was a person of great importance to the com- mander, who was scarcely ever seen without her. Finally, when her master returned to Spain, Cortes took her himself, and she became the mother of his son, Don Martin Cortes. After the conquest she was married to a cavalier. Accom- panying one of the expeditions of discovery, in which she was still valuable, Donna Marina is said to have met her mother and half brother. DONNA MARINA. 63 They were much terrified when they saw her, expecting to be punished for their former cruelty, but she freely forgave them, and made them a present of gold. This is, in brief, the domestic history of Donna Marina, who was destined to be the means of the downfall of her people. CHAPTER VII. THE SPANIARDS IN THE KINGDOM OF MONTEZUMA. Though for a year Montezuma had heard nothing of the strangers who had touched his coast, his mind was filled with vague apprehen- sions. He posted sentinels along the heights of the sea-coast, and ordered Teuhtlile, the cacique of the sea-coast province where Grijalva had landed, to send him a careful description of the strange beings when they returned. Accordingly, when a Spanish fleet again appeared upon the shores of Mexico in the spring of 15 19, the ships had scarcely anchored before a canoe filled with natives darted forth and paddled along-side of the admiral's ship. The Indians came fearlessly on board. Cortes was greatly disappointed when he found that the dialect which Aguilar had learned bore little resemblance to the Mexican tongue, and it was then that he discovered Don- na Marina's importance. Some one informed him that there was a w^oman among the slaves who understood Mexican. By the combination of the IN THE KINGDOM OF MONTEZUMA. 6$ two interpreters the commander was soon con^ versing freely with the natives. They told Cortes that they were subjects of a great king, called Montezuma, or as it was properly pronounced by the Indians, Moc-theu-zoma. Their king, they said, lived in the tablelands of the mountains, some seventy leagues in-land. Their province was a recent conquest of this great king and their local cacique, Teuhtlile, lived about eight leagues away. Cortes told them that he had come on a friendly mission and wished to see their cacique. He did not forget to inquire for gold. They answered that there was a great deal of it in the interior. Enough had now been discovered to induce the Spaniards to remain. They landed on the following day on the dreary, sandy beach where the modern city of Vera Cruz now stands. The Spaniards immediately set to work to make them a shelter from the burning tropical sun. They planted stakes in the ground on which they built a roof of branches covered with the mats and cotton cloth which the friendly natives brought them. Their fame spread far and wide in the neighboring country and the natives flocked to see them, bringing, with unbounded hospitality, offerings of flowers, fruits, vegetables and cooked 66 MONTEZUMA. dishes. They also brought little articles of gold^ which they were anxious to exchange for Span- ish gewgaws. A lively trade was constantly car- ried on, and the Spanish camp became a gay fair. Teuhtlile now announced by messengers that he would visit Cortes on the following day. He appeared at the appointed time with a throng of attendants. Cortes met him and conducted him to his tent. Father Olmedo, the chaplain, now celebrated mass, the more to impress the Indian governor. After mass, dinner was served, and Teuhtlile tasted for the first time European wines and confectionery. These two ceremonies having passed off solemnly and in silence, Aguilar and Donna Marina were introduced, and a conversa- tion began. " I have come in the name of the great Mon- tezuma," said Teuhtlile, " to inquire why you have come to his country?" " I have come," answered Cortes, " from the most powerful monarch in the world, whose em- pire is immense and who has kings and princes for his vassals. He has heard of the great Mon- tezuma and has sent me to him with a message and a present which I must deliver in person." "You are scarcely arrived in this country," cried Teuhtlile indignantly, "and yet you desire IN THE KINGDOM OF MONTEZUMA. 6y immediately to see our king ! I am surprised that there should be in the whole world another king as powerful as he. But you say it is so and I will make it known to my sovereign that he may do his messenger honor." Teuhtlile turned and addressed a word to his slaves who brought forward the present designed for Cortes. It was two loads of fine cotton garments, some mantles made of gorgeous feath- ers and a little wicker basket containing gold ornaments. Cortes in turn presented the gover- nor with glass diamonds, and brought forward a present which he designed for Montezuma. It was an arm chair, carved and painted, a crimson cap, a gold medal stamped with the figures of St. George and the dragon, some artificial jewels wrapped in perfumed cotton, and strings of cut glass beads which would be niuch admired in a country where glass was unknown. He asked Teuhtlile to send these to the king, and ask permission for the strangers to come and see him. Cortes saw that, while this conversation was going on, some Indians were busily occupied in painting on paper. They were the hieroglyphical painters of the country where the only writing was a system of picture representation. With 68 MONTEZUMA. rapid strokes they were delineating the general appearance of the white men, their grey-hounds, their guns, and their cannon-balls. This manu- script was to be sent to the great monarch that he might have some idea of the strangers who had landed on his coast. Cortes quickly saw that it was to his interest to have the pictures as astounding as possible. He ordered the cavalry out for exercise, finely caparisoned and wearing poitrals, or plates of armor on their breasts from which hung bells. '' If we could have a charge upon the sand hills," said Cortes it would be good ; but they will see that we sink into the mire. Let us go to the shore where the tide is going out and make a charge upon the wet sands, two abreast." After the cavalry charge the cacique was treated to a discharge of artillery at which he greatly wondered. The painters rapidly put down what they saw. Meantime a gilt helmet on the head of one of the soldiers, attracted the eye of the cacique. He said that he would like Montezuma to see it for it looked like one upon the head of the god Quetzalcoatl at Mexico. Cortes said that it should be sent to the king, and at the same time suggested that it might be returned filled with gold dust, for he IN THE KINGDOM OF MONTEZUMA. 69 wished to compare it with the gold of his own country. "Indeed," said he, "we Spaniards are troubled with a disease of the heart for which j^old is the only cure." Teuhtlile now took leave of the strangers promising to return shortly with the kings an- swer. He immediately forwarded the Spanish present, together with the paintings and an ac- count of his interview, to Mexico. Great was the concern of Montezuma when he thus received in- telligence of the arrival of the strange armada with its still stranger inhabitants, their horsemen and explosive cannons. He was in the greatest perplexity as to how to receive them. Brave warrior though he was, he dared not offer them hostility lest they should be indeed messengers of the gods. His superstition stood in the way of the defence of his country. When he con- sulted his idols, they or rather the priests, are said to have answered that the strangers were on no account to be admitted to the realm, but on the other hand some of his counsellors argued that it would be best to receive them well for if they were, as it seemed, supernatural creatures it would be of no use to resist them. In miser- able indecision, the unhappy monarch resolved 70 MONTEZUMA. to take a middle course. His own hospitable and open handed disposition could not refuse them a friendly reception upon his shores, though he determined to forbid any nearer approach to the royal presence. CHAPTER VIII. MONTEZUMA'S GIFT. The Spanish army suffered much from swarms of mosquitoes and the heat of the sun beating upon the bare sands. By order of Teuhtlile, many of the natives came and built them tents of boughs near the strangers, that they might supply them with food. Cortes and his officers were furnished with fish, cooked in various ways, corn cakes and the delicious fruits and vegeta- bles of the tropics. The common soldiers also easily procured all they wanted, in exchange for trifles. At the end of seven days, ambassadors re- turned with Montezuma's answer. Teuhtlile ac- companied them to the Spanish camp. He, with two Aztec nobles, headed a procession of nearly a hundred slaves, bearing Montezuma's present. The nobles saluted Cortes in the usual way, by touching their hands to the ground and then to their heads. Slaves swung censors of incense, while one of the ambassadors made a speech. ^2 MONTEZUMA. ** The king," said he, " congratulates you on your happy arrival in his country. He is glad to know that such brave men have landed in his kingdom, and of the news you bring him from' so great a monarch. In token of his pleasure at the gift which you sent, he returns it with this." Some slaves came forward and spread upon the ground fine mats and cotton cloths, upon which they laid, first, a great circular plate of gold ** as large as a cart wheel," and carved with various figures, in the midst of which was the sun. This was a sort of calendar or hieroglyphic representation of the Aztec cycle. There was a similar plate of silver, and then came the Spanish helmet, filled to the brim with gold dust. Some thirty loads of fine cotton cloth, collars of gold, crests of brilliant feathers and birds, and animals made of gold and silver, were laid before Cortes. The Spaniards looked on in open-eyed astonish- ment. Their delight at this display of rich mate- rial and fine workmanship was intense. " This present," said the ambassador, " my king sends you. You may remain upon his shores as long as is necessary to rest from your journey. But, as for your demand to visit his city, he must forbid you that, as the journey lies through the countries of enemies, and is exceed- MONTEZUMA'S GIFT. 73 ingly difficult. Nothing remains but for you to return." Swallowing his disappointment at Montezuma's refusal of a permission to visit him, Cortes offered his thanks for the king's magnificent pres- ent, "which makes me only the more desirous," said he, "to meet him in person. I dare not in- deed present myself before my own sovereign without having accomplished this, the object of my voyage. We who have sailed over two thou- sand leagues of sea, think little of the perils and fatigues of a short journey by land." Cortes had exhausted his own magnficence on his first present to Montezuma. He managed to gather together some fine Holland shirts, a Florentine goblet ornamented with gilt, and a few trinkets. These he requested the ambassador to take to his king, with the above answer. The noble received them rather coldly and departed. The general now saw that he had made a dis- astrous choice for a settlement. To this day, the entrance to Mexico is through a dangerous land of malarial fevers. Cortes had already lost thirty of his men, while he was in daily danger of los- ing his vessels from the fury of the north winds, which swept the coast from time to time. While waiting for Montezuma's answer, he therefore des- 74 MONTEZUMA. patched one of his captains, Francisco de Mon- tejo, in search of a better harbor and camping ground. Within ten days the Mexican embassy re- turned with a present of gold ornaments, valued at three thousand ounces of gold, ten bales of feather mantles and four jewels, resembling emer- alds, greatly prized by the Actecs, but entirely valueless among Europeans. Montezuma had sent word that he wished his visitor's happiness, but that he desired no more messages sent him, nor did he wish" to hear any more propositions to visit Mexico." Cortes answered courteously, but he turned to his men and exclaimed, " Truly this is a great monarch and rich ; yet it shall go hard but we will one day pay him a visit in his capital." At this moment the bell tolled for Ave Maria, and instantly all the soldiers dropped on their knees before a large wooden cross on the sandy beach. The Mexican ambassadors looked on with astonishment. Cortes, whose religion was strangely mixed with his avarice, immediately de- termined to make a first stroke against idolatry. He hinted to Father Olmedo that now was the time to deliver a sermon. The priest thereupon began explaining the mysteries of the Catholic MONTEZUMA'S GIFT. 75 faith, and informing the Mexicans that one of their objects in coming to this country was to abolish idolatry and human sacrifice. It is to be feared that the discourse did not have its desired effect. The ambassadors took a cold leave of the Spaniards. Montezuma was determined to rid himself of his pertinacious guests. He had ordered that the hospitable mode of victualling the army should be immediately discontinued. Consequently the invaders arose one morning to find the friendly array of native tents entirely deserted. The Spaniards were alarmed, and nightly expected an attack, but none was meditated by the indulgent king. Unfortunately, in his princely magnificence, the latter had let the Spaniards into the secret of his wealth, and at the same time shown his own indecision of character. CHAPTER IX. "THE RICH TOWN OF THE TRUE CROSS." The elation of the Spaniards at Montezunaa's rich gifts, was succeeded by discontent at the privations which they now suffered. Mont.ejo, however, returned in a few days to announce that he had discovered one passable harbor, and this was furnished with a pleasant camping ground. But now arose various troubles for Cor- tes. His men were not well-disciplined soldiers, accustomed to obey their officers, but a band of adventurers and gold-seekers, considering their general as an equal. Moreover, there was among them a party devoted to the interests of Velas- quez. The commission of Cortes from the gov- ernor had now indeed been fulfilled. Velasquez had not the power to authorize colonization, until he had received the authority from Spain, for which Cortes had not waited. But Cortes even now revolved great schemes in his mind, which would have frightened his followers had he im parted them Meantime, in the face of Monte ''THE RICH TOWN OF THE TRUE CROSS. 7/ zuma's displeasure and great power, it seemed indeed ridiculous to attempt to carry them out. At this juncture, five natives were seen ap- proaching the camp, of a different dress and ap- pearance from the Mexicans. They were ambas- sadors from Cempoalla, a town of the Totonacs, a people who had been recently conquered by the Mexicans. They brought the strangers a friendly greeting. Cortes found that they were dissatisfied with the Mexican rule, which they found very oppressive. This was joyful news to the general, who saw in the possibility of rebell- ion among Montezuma's subjects, an opening for his plans. He treated his guests with the great- est consideration, promising soon to visit their chief. But now his schemes seemed likely to be overthrown in his own camp. " It is time to return," muttered the soldiers, "and report what has been done to the governor of Cuba. What is the use of lingering on these barren shores, until we have brought the whole Mexican empire on our heads ? " To such complaints Cortes made soft answers, and thus calmed for a time the rising discontent. Had he not been the most wily of manoeuvrers, his enterprise must now have fallen through. But he had warm friends as well as persistent ene- 78 MONTEZUMA. mies, and he knew how to use his friends to the best advantage. The cavaliers, Puertocarrero, Olid, Avilla and Alvarado worked busily and secretly among the troops on behalf of the general. " Here we are," said they ; ** we have been persuaded to go on this expedition as colonists and now we find that Cortes has no commission except for trade. The friends of Velasquez want us to return to Cuba with what little we have gained, that the greedy governor may grasp it all and we remain as poor as we were before. Come let us form a colony for his majesty and elect Cortes captain." Secretly as these conferences were carried on, the friends of Velasquez soon got wind of them. They loudly remonstrated, accusing Cortes of being at the bottom of them, and demanding that he should immediately pre- pare to sail for Cuba. " Nothing is farther from my thoughts than to exceed my instructions," was Cortes concilia- tory answer. " I do indeed prefer to remain in the country and continue our profitable trade. But since the army thinks otherwise I shall cer- tainly defer to your opinion." Those who had most desired it were thun- derstruck when, on the following morning, procla- "THE RICH TOWN OF THE TRUE CRv>53." 79 mation was made for the army to prepare im- mediately to embark for Cuba. They now re- flected that they were likely to meet only rebuke, like Grijalva, on their arrival at the island. "We are betrayed by the general," cried Cortes* friends. They thronged around him. '' We came here," they exclaimed, " expecting to form a set- tlement, if the state of the country authorized it. Now it seems you have no commission from the governor to make one. But there are inter- ests higher than those of Velasquez, which de- mand it. These lands do not belong to him, but were discovered for the emperor. It is necessary to plant a colony to watch over his interests in- stead of wasting time in barter, or, still worse, of returning now to Cuba. If you refuse, we shall protest against your conduct as disloyal." Cortes appeared embarrassed. He meekly asked time for consideration, and promised to answer on the following day. At the appointed time he made the army a little speech declaring his willingness, as they demanded it, to settle a colony for the emperor. He then nominated a magistracy in which he took care to include Montejo, one of the opposite faction. They were sworn into office, and the new-born city dubbed Villa Rica de Vera Cruz, or The Rich Town, of So MONTEZUMA. the True Cross, one of the curious names of the Spaniards typical of their own mixture of avarice and religious zeal. The magistrates immediately assembled, and Cortes presented himself before them throwing his commission from Velasquez upon the table and tendering the resignation of his office as cap- tain-general. He then left the body to its delib- erations. In the course of an hour he was re- called, reinstated as captain-general. He was to have one fifth of the gold and silver hereafter procured from the natives. Cortes at first seemed reluctant to accept the office, but the Spanish proverb runs, *' you may entreat me to do that which I like to do," and he was again prevailed upon. Now, indeed, did the Velasquez party find themselves outwitted. Great was their angry dis- gust. They accused the opposite party of all kinds of villainy. The accusation was returned with interest, and the factions were likely to come to blows when Cortes interfered with the iron hand which had been so carefully concealed under a velvet paw in the late proceedings. He put the leaders of the opposition, Velasquez de Leon, a relative of the governor, his page, Esco- bar and Diego de Ordaz into irons, and sent "THE RICH TOWN OF THE TRUE CROSS." 8 1 them on board the vessels. He then occupied some of the rebellious troops, thus deprived of a head on a foraging expedition. While they were gone, every effort was made to gain over the men in favor of Cortes. " Gold which breaks the solid rocks," says Bernal Diaz, was lavished liberally, for Cortes was not above bribery, and when the foragers returned with plenty of poul- try and vegetables, and all had eaten heartily, the two factions consented to a reconciliation and, with the volatility of the Latin race, em- braced all around. With active address, Cortes devoted himself to winning the affections of his men. He soon brought out his prisoners and, leleasing them, succeeded in gaining them over to his interest. Much of this was done, it is said "by the softening effects of gold." Thus Mon- t jzunia's treasure served to bind together his cnenriic-i the more strono-^' CHAPTER X. CORTES DECEIVES MONTEZUMA. The artillery was now loaded into the vessels which were to coast as far north as Chiahuitzla, the port that had been chosen for the new settle- ment. Meanwhile, Cortes would march around by land, making his intended visit to the cacique of Cempoalla. The army soon left behind, the dreary sand-hills which had so .long bounded their horizon, and entered upon a fertile* country, clothed with the rank vegetation of the tropics, and abounding in game. They passed through several villages, which the inhabitants had de- serted at their approach. In the temples they found books of paper, made from the fibre of the magney, and to their horror, the remains of human sacrifice. As the Spaniards neared Cempoalla, they were met by a delegation of the principal citizens of the town, who presented Cortes and the cavalry with bunches of sweet-scented flowers. They in- vited the strangers to their town, and excused CORTES DECEIVES MONTEZUMA. 83 their cacique for not having come to meet them, as he was very fat and unwieldy. The Spaniards were met by crowds of natives before they reached the town. The women of the better class wore robes of fine cotton, reaching from the neck to the ankles. The men wore a wide sash about the loins, and all were adorned with ear, nose and lip jewels. The Spaniards had not yet seen a Mexican city. Some of the cavaliers galloped ahead to get a glimpse of Cempoalla. It lay glistening in the sun, the poorer houses white- washed, and the palaces covered with polished stucco. Instantly one of the cavaliers wheeled, put spurs to his horse, and returned to the army. *' The city is built of silver, the city is built of silver," cried he. A wave of excitement ran through the troops, for whom nothing was too romantic for belief in this new world. In a few minutes, however, they reached the "silver city," and all joined in a hearty laugh at the expense of the cavalier. In future, he was often reminded that anything white was silver in his eyes. The " fat cacique " as the Spaniards called him, met Cortes in the city square. He leaned for support on two at- tendants. He received the Spaniards courteously, and assigned them some of the public buildings 84 MONTEZUMA. to live in. They were delighted to find them- selves in very comfortable quarters, the better ap- preciated after their life in camp. They were' now feasted with maize bread and baskets of plums. Though he believed himself among friends, the wise general took every precaution for security. When the Spaniards were rested and refreshed, the "fat cacique," held an interview with Cortes. The general embraced the chief, who presented him with some gold and mantles. Cortes, as usual, made a speech in praise of his monarch and religion. The fat chief sighed, and made bitter complaints of the harshness of " the great Montezuma," whose tax-gatherers took from them all their treasure, and whose armies swept down upon a rebellious province, carrying away the young men and maidens for sacrifice. Cortes said that he would free him from this detestable yoke and the chief made a " discreet " answer, desir- ous not to compromise himself. On the following day the Spaniards moved on. The fat cacique sent with them several hun- dred Indians to carry their baggage. It was cus- tomary in this country where there were no beasts of burden, thus to aid friendly travellers on their way. CORTES DECEIVES MONTEZUMA. 85 .The town of Chiahuitzla was perched upon a rocky cliff. The inhabitants had fled at the approach of the Spaniards, but fifteen of the principal Indians met them in the public square, and told them that the people would return when they were reassured. The Spaniards had been here but a short time, when they were followed by the fat chief, born upon a litter. He wished, it seemed, to do further honors to his visitors. While they were conversing upon the tyranny of the Aztec king, a messenger rushed in, greatly excited, to tell the chief that Montezuma's tax- gathers were coming. The natives turned pale, according to the account, and went tremblingly to receive them. The royal tax-gatherers soon passed by the Spaniards with great pomp. They were five Mexican nobles. Their glossy, black hair was tied in a knot on top of their heads. They wore drawers and mantles, richly ornamented. Each one carried a bunch of flowers in his hand, of which he occasionally smelled with great dignity. They were attended by servants, who fanned them and carried their official rods, a sort of hooked stick with a cord fastened to it. They passed by Cortes without deigning to look upon him. The poor fat chief felt that they had come S6 MONTEZUMA. upon him at an inopportune moment. All haste was made to prepare lodgings and chocolate for these persons. Numbers of the principal citizens attended them at dinner, and were only too offi- cious in anticipating their wishes. When their lordships had refreshed themselves, they sent for the fat cacique and his fellow officers. They rep- rimanded them severely for receiving and enter- taining the Spaniards, contrary to Montezuma's express commands. In expiation, they were told that they must supply twenty slaves for sacri- fice in Mexico. The natives came to Cortes with the news of this fresh act of tyranny. He indignantly com- manded them to arrest and imprison the Aztec nobles. They were terrified at the idea, but Cortes was determined upon it, and the deed was finally done according to his wish. At midnight the wily general secretly released two of them and had them brought before him. " What country do you belong to, and why are you made prisoners?" innocently inquired the general through Marina. *' We are Montezuma's officers, and have been seized by the people of Chiahuitzla who were aided and abetted in it by you," haughtily an- swered the Mexican nobles. CORTES DECEIVES MONTEZUMA. 8/ " I assure you I know nothing of it, and am very sorry it has happened," answered Cortes. To prove this, he feasted them and treated them with the utmost kindness. He told them to go and tell Montezuma that he wished to be his friend and servant, promising at the same time that he would release their companions and reprimand the rebellious cacique. They told him that they dared not pass through the country of the rebels. Cortes then sent them by boat to a part of the coast which was not under the domin- ion of the " fat cacique." Great was the anger of the Totonacs at the escape of the two nobles. They were determined on sacrificing the remainder of their prisoners, of whom they had stood in such awe, but a few hours before. To prevent this, Cortes took the captive Mexicans under his own custody and put them on board his vessels where he left them unbound, and treated them with the utmost kindness, promising soon 'to release them entirely. The fat cacique and the other Totonac officers were now frightened at what they had done. It would be of no avail to beg the forgiveness of their affronted king. Cortes urged them to swear allegiance to the king of Spain. They complied, since he had them in a position where they could 88 MONTEZUMA. not do otherwise. The news spread rapidly through the surrounding country. There was a mixture of joy, amazement and terror in the feel- ings of the natives at the daring acts of their rulers. The Spaniards set about the building of their new city, half a league from Chiahuitzla. The ground for a church, square, arsenal, and fort were soon traced out, and the Spaniards went busily to work, assisted by the natives, to raise the build- ings. Most active among them all, carrying stones and digging foundations, was Hernando Cortes, inspiring all by his energy. Meantime swift couriers had brought Monte- zuma intelligence of the revolt among the Totonacs. With quick decision, this time, he mustered two armies, one to punish the rebels and a second to march against the Spaniards. Just as they were setting out from Mexico the two fugitive tax-gatherers arrived. Their report of the kindly offices of Cortes in their behalf molli- fied the king, and with subsiding indignation, his superstitious fears of the strangers returned. Re- suming his former half-way policy, Montezuma resolved for the present to forego any interference with his unwelcome visitors. He sent two young princes, his nephews, and some old nobles as am- CORTES DECEIVES MONTEZUMA. 89 bassadors to the Spanish camp. With his usual munificence he sent with them a valuable present of gold and feather mantles. ^ On arriving at the new Spanish settlement the ambassadors thanked Cortes in the name of their sovereign for his courtesy to the Mexican officers. They complained, however, that he had insti- gated the Totonacs to the rebellion for which the king would punish the latter at some future time. Montezuma, they said, was convinced that they were the strangers mentioned in an ancient prophecy and that their ancestors were the same as his own. For this reason he would spare the revolting province while they were there. Cortes, as was his wont, made soft speeches in answer. He entertained the young princes handsomely, taking care to display the wonders of his cavalry and the powers of his artillery before they left. He sent them away with a present of '* glass dia- monds" and liberated the three remaining pris- oners. The fat chief and his people were perfectly astounded when they heard of this friendly con- ference, where they had expected open rupture. Surely these strangers must be sons of the gods or hov/ could they thus terrify the dread Monte- zuma at such a distance ? CHAPTER XL THE IDOLS OF CEMPOALLA THROWN DOWN — CORTES DESTROYS HIS SHIPS. Cortes was now called upon to aid his In- dian allies against a neighboring town with which which they had a dispute. He immediately set out for the hostile town. On the way, one of his soldiers stole two fowls. Knowing that every- thing depended on preventing those outrages upon the natives which had ruined so many Span- ish colonies in the new world, Cortes instantly ordered the man hung. His life was saved, however, by Alvarado, who cut the wretch down with his sword before he was dead. Cortes was probably very willing that this should be done as he could not afford to lose a man. He found the Indians against whom he had marched, disposed to be friendly and succeeded in reconciling them with the natives of Cempoalla. When he returned the fat cacique proposed an alliance by marriage with the Spaniards that their friendship might be secured. He offered Cortes eight women, ■ FIimi!AHin)-©©IE^]l^ H CORTES DESTROYS HIS SHIPS. 9I daughters of principal men among the Totonacs. Seven of them, he said, were designed for his cap- tains, and the eighth, who was his niece, was for Cortes himself. The general thanked the chief, but said that the Spaniards could not accept the ladies until they had been baptized. Seizing this opportunity for abolishing idolatry among the natives, Cortes proposed the subject to the principal men of Cempoalla. They were horror-struck. They would not listen to any such thing. Unable to accomplish anything by per- suasion, Cortes turned to his men. " Come, let us prostrate these abominable idols, though it cost us all our lives," cried he. The zealous Spaniards sprang instantly to arms. Hardly waiting for the word of command they set out for the great temple of Cempoalla. The fat cacique dared not endure this insult. He immediately called his men to arms. The In- dian warriors rushed from every quarter toward their temple. Among them were the priests in their dark robes, franticly urging them to defend their religion. "Proceed not further in such a deed, for it will bring down destruction upon us, and upon you also," cried the cacique. "Since you will not do it yourselves, I am de- 92 MONTEZUMA. termined to hurl your false gods down the steps of the temple," answered Cortes. ''You are not worthy to approach them,** ex- claimed the chief. But the fanatic Spaniards were in no rnood to listen to remonstrances. With quick decision, Cortes caused the principal leaders of the Indians and among them the cacique, to be seized. " Now quiet your people," he commanded them, *' for if an arrow is shot against a Spaniard, you will all lose your lives." Marina also added her remonstrances, as to the futility of resistance, reminding the Indians that they had broken with Montezuma, and could not afford to break with Cortes. The fat chief submitted, covering his face with his hands, and exclaiming that the gods would avenge themselves. Fifty Spaniards immediately rushed up the steps of the temple. The fantastic idols, with their symbolical countenances and their sanctua- ries blackened with gore, were very horrible in the eyes of the Spaniards. They imagined that Satan himself must have appeared to the Indians, and furnished them a model for their images. With great zest they tore the huge idols from their foundations, and dashed them down the sides of the pyramid, amid the joyous shouts of CORTES DESTROYS HIS SHIPS. 93 the Spaniards, and the tears and groans of the natives. They then collected the debris and made a great bonfire of it. The insulted gods having offered no resist- ance, the Indians abandoned their fears, and turned eagerly to assist the Spaniards in building the new sanctuary. The walls of the temple were cleansed, native workmen covered them with fresh stucco, and a new altar arose, surmounted by a cross, which was hung with flowers. A proces- sion was now formed. The image of the virgin, adorned with flowers, was carried through the streets. Some of the principal heathen priests, dressed in robes of white followed, bearing candles. The procession finally climbed the pyramidal tem- ple, and deposited the image on the altar. Mass was celebrated by Father Olmedo, who made the Indians an eloquent speech, by which they were apparently much touched. The eight Indian women were now baptized and received by the Spaniards, who returned to the infant city of Villa Rica, having left an old and disabled soldier in charge of the shrine. It was with a good con- science that they turned their backs on Cempo- alla, feeling that they had dealt heathenism a severe blow, in persuading the natives to accept what they regarded as a more powerful idol. 94 MONTEZUMA, Cortes found, much to his surprise, a Spanish vessel in port. It was commanded by an adven- turer who had followed him to Mexico. He brought with him eleven men and two horses, an acceptable addition to the forces of the Span- iards. This man also brought the news that Ve- lasquez had received authority from Spain, to col- onize in the new world. Cortes now resolved to make an attempt to get some recognition from the emperor of his own discoveries and services, without which they would amount to nothing. He would send a vessel to Spain with an account of what he and his companions had done, and a rich present for the royal treasury. He resolved to* send more than the fifth of the newly-acquired treasure, to which the emperor had a right, that he might the more impress him with the riches of the country. For this purpose Cortes relin- quished his own share, and persuaded his officers to do the same, who in their turn, prevailed upon the soldiers to give up their portion of the gold and curiosities, that weight might be given to the proposed representations which were so necessary to their future aggrandizement and wealth. So great was the power of Cortes' example and in- fluence over these turbulent and avaricious adven- turers, that they relinquished their cherished CORTES DESTROYS HIS SHIPS. 9S plunder at his demand. Three letters were now addressed to the emperor, one by Cortes, one by his officers, and one by the men. They repre- sented the importance of their discoveries, the greed and injustice of Velasquez, prayed that he might not be allowed to interfere with them, and that their new organization with its officers might be confirmed. The cavaliers Puertocarrero and Montejo were chosen to convey this message to Spain. For this purpose one of the best vessels of the fleet was set apart, manned with fifteen seamen. To the treasure were added some native books to show their hieroglyphical writings and four native slaves who had been rescued from the cages in whi^ they were confined for sacrifice. The ship sailed from Villa Rica on the twenty-sixth of July 1519- The commanders had orders not to touch at Cuba. Montejo, however, wished to visit a plantation which he owned on the northern side of the island. Having stopped here, contrary to orders, a sailor got ashore and hastening through the island spread the tidings of the doings of Cortes everywhere. They speedily reached Velasquez who was transported with rage. He stormed at the men who had recommended Cortes for the post. He sent two swift-sailing vessels in 96 MONTEZUMA. pursuit of Cortes* ship. But she had already sped far out into the Atlantic. Unable to cap- ture the embassy, Velasquez appealed to the Hieronymite fathers in Hispaniola. Receiving no satisfactory answer from them, he resolved to .fit out a grand fleet, on his own account, to take possession of Mexico. He immediately began to busy himself with the preparations. Meantime a plot had hatched in the new colony. A number of soldiers with the priest, Diaz at their head, had plotted to seize a vessel and flee for Cuba where they would inform the governor of the situation of Cortes and of his in- tentions. The conspiracy had almost succeeded. Provisions and water had been secretly conveyed on board the vessel and the conspirators were on the eve of sailing when one of their number, re- penting, divulged the whole. His story was con- firmed by investigation. Two of the ringleaders were sentenced to die, another to have his feet cut ofl" according to the barbarous modes of pun- ishment of the day, and others were to be whip- ped. The priest escaped in virtue of his orders. Cortes is said to have wished that he did not know how to write when he signed the death warrants of these men. Like most successful gen- erals, however, he did not regard human lives CORTES DESTROYS HIS SHIPS. 9/ very highly when they stood in the way of his purposes. Cortes now saw that the vessels would be a fruitful source of trouble to him. They were always a tempting means for reaching home. He dared not march for Mexico and leave a garrison at Villa Rica lest 'it should desert him. He had already forfeited all hope in retreat without full success. He resolved to destroy his vessels and thus cut away retreat from his men. In this as in everything else he was very crafty. It is said that by use of gold he induced the pilots to re- port that the ships were worm-eaten and unfit for service. He managed that his friends should ad- vise him to destroy them. They were then dis- mantled of everything that could be of value and sunk. Whether the troops knew of Cortes' inten- tion before it was carried out, as one authority as- serts, or did not, as others assert, matters very lit- tle. They may have grumbled, but it was now of no use. The great mind of their leader was steadily intent on one large scheme, from which he would not be swerved. Cortes pacified the doubts and discontent of his men by his wonder- ful personal influence, and their minds turned to the great object before them. " To Mexico, to Mexico!" they cried. CHAPTER XIL FORWARD FOR MEXICO. Cortes was preparing to set out for the inte- rior, when serious apprehensions were raised in his mind, by the news that some strange vessels were hovering off the coast near Villa Rica, and made no answer to the signals from that post. Cortes was at Cempoalla. Alarmed lest Velasquez was about to interfere in his plans, he hastened immediately to Villa Rica. The commander of this post offered to go to the strange vessels in his place, while he rested. But this Cortes re- fused to do. ** A wounded hare takes no naps," said he, and hastened on without stopping to take food. He fell in with four Spaniards who had been sent ashore to reconnoiter. They said that their fleet had been sent by the governor of Jamaica, who had a royal commission- to discover new lands upon this coast. Relieved of his fears, Cortes set about persuading the men to join them. It was no hard matter to induce the Spanish adventur- FORWARD FOR MEXICO. 99 ers of the day to join an enterprise which prom- ised ample booty. They readily consented not only to join him themselves, but to assist him in entrapping their companions, for Cortes was ready, by fair means or foul, to add to his forces. The newly-acquired recruits, however, could not coax their wary companions by signs to approach the shore, while Cortes and his men were there. This commander now bethought himself of a stratagem. He caused four of his men to change clothes with the men from the ships. With the remainder of his forces, he then marched back toward Villa Rica, along the shore in full view of the vessels. When he had reached a point out of sight of the ships, he wheeled around and making his way through the woods, hid with his men near their disguised companions. These, early on the following morning, went down upon the shore, and made signs to those on shipboard. A boat immediately put off with six men. Two of them landed. Meantime the disguised soldiers were busily washing their faces in a little brook, that they might not be too closely seen. Those who were in the boat called to them. One of the disguised men answered them, telling them to come on shore. But the strange voice excited their suspicion, an^ they rowed off, leaving their lOO MONTEZUMA. two companions to their fate. The ships sailed away, and Cortes returned to Villa Rica, having gained six men by a petty strategem unworthy of so great a man, but altogether in accordance with the character of Hernando Cortes. He had been two nights and a day without sleep or food in prosecuting this adventure. On the sixteenth of August, 15 19, the Span- iards set out for the interior, determined " to see what sort of a thing this great Montezuma was, of whom they had heard so much." Cortes* forces amounted to about four hundred infantry and fifteen cavalry, with the addition of some Cempoallan Indians to act as guides and some two hundred of the native porters, who were necessarily greatly used in a country destitute of draught animals. They soon left the rich vegeta- tion of the tropics, and began climbing the rocky, mountain passes toward the interior. The tower- ing mountains above them, dark with pines, the white summit of Mt. Orizaba which serves as a beacon to sailors, many miles at sea, the deep valleys filled with rich and rank vegetation, into which they looked from rocky precipices, the beautiful plains of the hot sea-coast countries at their feet, with a faint strip of sea along the hori. zon; — none of these things interested the Spaniards FORWARD TO MEXICO. IQI SO much as the conquest which they planned, the gold after which they grasped, and the fame for which they strived, and which would cost many of them their lives. It was indeed a toil- some journey, forced forward as they were by their indomitable leader, and burdened with ar- tillery and stores. Day by day as they pressed upward, making but short stays in the native towns upon the way, but leaving behind them crosses in almost every place, the increasing cold struck upon them like a chill. In clambering through a high and rugged pass, indeed, they were assailed by a storm of sleet and hail from which the Spaniards suffered, even in their mail of quilted cotton, but which was almost intolera- ble to the half-naked natives of the hot countries. Some of them died by the way. The little Spanish army at last entered upon the region of the high tablelands. Here the cli- mate was temperate, and plantations of maize and the Mexican magney, known now as the cen- tury plant, from which the natives make a fer- mented liquor, a coarse cloth, and paper, were everywhere seen. So carefully did these people farm that they are said to have erected small towers in their cornfields, that they might watch the growing grain, and keep away the birds from 102 MONTEZUMA. the young plant. The Spaniards soon found themselves in a considerable city. The cacique of the place received them but coldly. Cortes asked him if he was a subject of Montezuma. *' Who is there that is not?" haughtily replied the chief. " I certainly am not," answered Cortes. " My king is the most powerful monarch in the world. He has princes for his vassals as great as Monte- zuma himself." " Montezuma has thirty vassals, each master of a hundred thousand men," boasted the cacique on his part. " His revenues are immense; for every subject, no matter how poor, pays some- thing. His capital is in a lake connected with the mainland by long causeways, intersected by drawbridges, so that all communication may be cut off." Cortes attempted to force his religion on this city. He was not seconded by Father Olmedo, however, who objected that the holy symbols, if erected in this place, would only be desecrated by a people who knew nothing of their meaning. Before leaving, Cortes took occasion to inquire of the cacique, if he had any gold, for he would like to send some to his king. ** I have gold," was the response, " but I will 4t FORWARD TO MEXICO. IO3 give you none lest it should displease Monte- zuma. Should he require it, my gold, myself, and all that I possess would be yours." Shortly after leaving this city, Cortes was obliged to decide between two routes to Mexico. One of these lay through the city of Cholula, and the cacique had advised him to take this road; but his Cempoallan allies warned him against the people of Cholula as treacherous. They advised the Spaniards to take the other road through the republic of Tlascala, which was in deadly enmity to Montezuma, and the more likely to make common cause with Cortes. He resolved on this route, and sent an embassy of four Cempoallans to Tlascala to announce his approach. He sent by them a present of a red cap, a sword, and cross-bow, with a complimentary letter, requesting permission to pass through their country. It was not to be supposed that the natives would understand the letter; but the mes- sengers knew the contents of it, and it served them as a credential. After the ambassadors had gone, the Spaniards rested a few days in the friendly country where they were. They always marched in battle order, and always slept on their arms, whether in the land of friend or foe. Their wary leader well knew 104 MONTEZUMA. that surprise was most to be feared in Indian warfare. ** We are few against many, brave comrades," he would often say. "Let us be ready, then, not as though we were going to battle, but as though we were already in the midst of it." Hearing nothing from their messengers, the Spaniards pushed on toward Tlascala. As they neared the mountain passes, a great wall suddenly rose within view. It was nine feet high, and reached from mountain side to mountain side, being six miles in extent. In the centre was a semi-circular bulge, where the wall overlapped leaving a narrow passageway for entrance, which could be guarded on both sides. CHAPTER XIII. A LION IN THE PATH. Montezuma had not rested content that Tlas- cala should remain independent almost in the very midst of his own possessions. More than once he had attempted to conquer the indomita- ble mountaineers. A great army had been sent against them commanded by his favorite son. But the Tlascalans had withstood Montezuma's forces, and killed his son. Enraged, the king made a great combination, raised several armies, and swept irresistibly through the valley. But the inhabitants had only retired into their moun- tain fastnesses, and suddenly poured down upon the king's armies from all sides. It was too much for them ; they were driven from the val- ley. Tlascala remained independent, but she was cut off from all intercourse with the provinces of the hot countries which were under the dominion of Montezuma. The Tlascalans were thus en- tirely deprived of salt, cotton, and cacao. The people had long since become accustomed to eat I06 MONTEZUMA. their food without salt, and to do without other articles of commerce. The news of the arrival of the Spaniards and their deeds had reached the Tlascalans. They were surprised, however, when Cortes requested permission to pass through their country. Tlas- cala seems to have been governed by four chiefs and a council. The Cempoallan ambassadors were received by this body, before which they deliv- ered their message. They were then requested to retire, and the subject was discussed. *' I am of opinion," said one of the chiefs^ '* that we ought to receive these strangers. Ac- cording to the account we have of them, they seem to be those heroes of whom tradition tells, arid of which the earthquake, the comet, and sev- eral other strange events of the last few years have been forewarnings. If they be indeed im- mortal, it will be of no use for us to attempt to oppose them." Xicotencatl, a very aged and influential chief, arose and replied : " Those men who demand en- trance to our land, appear to me rather as mon- sters, cast up by the sea because it could not en- dure them, than gods descended from heaven, as some have imagined. Is it possible they can be gods who greedily covet gold and pleasures ? A LION IN THE PATH. 107 And what ought we not to dread from them, in a country so poor as this, where we are even destitute of salt ? Let us then reject their de- mand, and fight them if they still insist. The council acted upon the old chiefs advice. Meantime Cortes had filed his army unresisted through the fortifications on th^ frontier of Tlas- cala. It was designed to defend her only easy pass from the Mexicans, and was now, in time of peace, without a garrison. The Tlascalans were doubtless already on the way to resist the Span- iards at this pass, and, had Cortes waited a little longer for the friendly answer which he confi- dently expected, he would have met a resistance which he could hardly have overcome. Unsus- picious of danger, he, with some of his cavaliers galloped a mile or two ahead of the army to get a view of the country. They soon espied some natives wearing plumes upon their heads and armed with shields and the curious swords of the country, made of a stout club or handle, in which were inserted at short distances small sharp blades of a hard mineral, called itzli. The In- dians fled at sight of the Spanish cavaliers. Un- able to persuade them of his friendly intentions, Cortes galloped in pursuit. Finding that they could not outrun the horses, the Tlascalans I08 MONTEZUMA. turned at bay and fought the Spaniards with such desperate ferocity that they killed two of their horses. They were now reinforced by an im-' mense body of Indians who were a little in their rear. There remained but eight of the Spanish cavalry to breast the desperate onslaught. They had great odds in their favor, however, and suc- ceeded in killing a number of the native warriors at the expense of several wounded men and horses. The Spanish infantry hastened to their relief, and at sight of them the Indians retreated. Shortly after this skirmish, two of the ambas- sadors whom Cortes had sent to the Tlascalan authorities returned with some of these people, who assured the general that they had no other intention but to receive him hospitably, and that they were not responsible for the recent attack which had been made on the part of the popu- lace. Cortes pretended to believe this declaration. The Spaniards secretly buried the two horses that the natives might not be encouraged to farther hostilities by the sight of them. Cortes very much regretted their loss, especially as the Indians would be undeceived as to the mortal nature of this strange animal. Night was coming on. The weary and famished soldiers marched but a league farther, and took up their quarters A LION IN THE PATH. IO9 by the side of a running stream. They passed a watchful night, relieving each other in standing guard. At early dawn the army was in motion. The Spaniards were soon joined by the two re- maining ambassadors, who reported that the Tlascalans were up in arms against the intruders. The ambassadors had been imprisoned; but they had managed to escape, being in great dread lest they should be sacrificed. The army had hardly moved two stones' throw farther when numbers of Indians began to appear. Cortes immediately brought forward Aguilar and Donna Marina, and attempted to make peaceful overtures. They were only answered, however, by showers of stones and arrows. The Spaniards were galled by their smarting wounds. Without further ceremony, Cortes shouted the battle-cry : " St. lago, and at them." A vigorous charge staggered the enemy. The Spaniards were soon driving the Indians before them. Elated with their easy victory, they were entrapped before they knew it. They found themselves drawn into a gorge where the rough ground impeded the movements of the cavalry. Before them was arrayed a great army of Indians, amounting to thousands, when we make a suffi- cient deduction from the accounts of the Span- no MONTEZUMA. iards, who are never to be depended on in their estimate of numbers on the opposite side. They were commanded by a courageous young general, Xicotencatl, son of the old chieftain, and all wore his colors, red and white. The Spanish troops were obliged to force their way in a compact column through the defile. They afforded a good target for Indian archers and for the slings which the natives used a great deal in battle, and which frequently did deadly work, and were the most dreaded of any Indian weapon by the Spaniards. They made them ** smart for it,*' however, when they had reached the open plain again. Nevertheless, the enemy closed upon them from every side. Rebuffed, they only rolled back again upon the little army like a mighty wave, until the men were so crowded together that they could scarcely move. The Tlascalans were especially ambitious to kill more of the strange animals which gave their enemy so much advantage. A fine horse-man, named Pedro de Moren, was charging amongst the Indians, levelling his spear always at their faces, as Cortes had ordered. A number of war- riors with their club-swords sprang upon him. They seized Moren's lance, and wounded him dangerously. With a thrust in the neck, they A LION IN THE PATH. Ill killed the horse. In a moment more, the rider would have been carried off for sacrifice. A few- Spaniards sallied forth to his rescue. Many of them could not leave their ranks, lest they be broken into by the enemy. They succeeded in bringing off the cavalier, but he afterwards died of his wounds. The dead horse was triumphantly secured by the natives, who carried it off to send it in pieces, as a trophy, to the various towns of Tlascala. But the Spanish artillery mowed down the ranks of the Tlascalans, and Cortes cried : ** If we fail now, the cross can never be planted in the land. Forw^ard comrades! When was it ever known that a Castillian turned his back on the enemy." Finally the Tlascalans drew off in good order, but with great loss, while the Spanish losses were small, owing in part to the desire of the Indians to capture their enemies alive. The Spaniards were too jaded to follow the enemy from the field. Several days were now spent in resting and in forays into the neighboring country, by means of which provisions were obtained, towns destroyed, and the people intimidated as much as possible. Two envoys were sent to the Tlascalan camps offering peace. " Tell your chief," answered the ferocious 112 MONTEZUMA. Xicotencatl, " that his men may pursue their way to Tlascala, where peace will be made with them by devouring their flesh and offering their hearts and blood to our gods. As for any farther an- swer, I will give it to him next morning in his camp.** This message sounded almost like a doom in the ears of the Spaniards, who seemed farther than ever from their great object, the Mexican capital. A large army of Indians lay near them, and they were little more than four hundred men, accompanied by some Indian allies. Cortes, how- ever, not to be caught in camp by Xicotencatl, mustered his forces before daylight, and gave the soldiers their directions. The Spaniards marched out in the early morning with the banner of the cross at their head. They had advanced but a mile or two, when they saw the great army of Tlascala spread out before them. The warriors were decorated with head-dresses of gay plumes. From their shields hung long feathers, and those of higher rank wore gay feather mantles. As the Spaniards approached, they heard the blowing and clanging of rude musical instruments. The two armies met, and almost immediately every Spaniard was pierced in some spot with darts or arrows. The ground was thickly strewn with A LION IN THE PATH. II3 them. Spaniard and Indian grappled foot to foot and hand to hand. The sword of steel and the sword of itzli struggled together. The Indian forces closed in on all sides of the little European army. Among them charged the cavalry, always aiming their spears at the eyes of the enemy. Their dense ranks were mowed down by cross- bow, cannon and musketry. Equal courage made the battle a long one, but superior arms and science must win the day. A quarrel between the several chieftains held aloof two- thirds of the Tlascalan forces from the assistance of XicotencatI and hastened the Spanish victory. The battle had been too hard won for a pur- suit. Every horse was wounded, and almost every man. No one was excused from duty under plea of a wound, unless it were a severe one. The Spaniards buried their dead in a sort of cave, which the natives used for a dwelling. They filled this up with earth to conceal their losses. Without* salt for their food or oil for their wounds, and shivering under the cold wind from the mountains, they awaited what next might happen. Cortes again sent an embassy to Tlascala, offering peace; but the indomitable little republic could not yet make up her mind to submit. The 114 MONTEZUMA. priests were consulted as to whether the enemy could be conquered. The oracles gave it out that they would not be invincible at night. The good sense of the Tlascalans probably told them that cavalry and firearms would not be so effect- tive in the darkness. But Cortes was not to be caught napping. His men slept on their arms, and their horses stood saddled and bridled beside them. A sentinel descried the dusky body of Indians approaching. The alarm was given, and the men sprang to arms. Meantime, the Indian forces stole along, partially hidden by the fields of corn. They neared the hill on which the Spanish adventurers lay encamped. Suddenly "St. lago! St. lago ! " rung through the air, and the Spaniards poured down the sides. The In- dians fled. It seemed to them that the Spaniards had divined their purposes by miracle. Another envoy to the city of Tlascala, now received a more favorable answer, but stopped on its return at the camp of Xicotencatl. This stub- born chief detained the messengers of peace, for he was still determined to conquer the intruders. Meantime the Spaniards were in a deplorable con- dition. Some fifty-five of their number had died from wounds, sickness, and cold. Cortes and Father Olmedo were both sick with fever, and A LION IN THE TATH. II5 the golden city. of Mexico seemed but a vision- ary dream after the experience of the last few days. Added to this, discontent arose in the camp. Some who had left good houses and plan- tations in the island of Cuba for this wild adven- ture began to long for home. They represented to Cortes that now was the time to return if they ever hoped to. They wished to retreat im- mediately to Villa Rica. They mourned over the loss of their ships; but suggested that one might be constructed to send to Cuba for aid. " Gentlemen," replied Cortes, " I believe there never existed braver soldiers than mine. If we persevere, our fame will exceed the most illus- trious of our predecessors. As to our return, it is true the natives we have left behind are now friendly; but, if we seemed to retreat, the very stones would rise up against us. Therefore, gen- tlemen, thus it is ; bad here, worse elsewhere. Better stay as you are, here in a plentiful coun- try. As to your complaints of losses and fatigues, such is the fortune of war, and we did not come here in search of pastimes and amusements." When they still murmured, Cortes cut them short by saying that according to the old song, "it was better to die at once than to live dishoa* ored." Il6 MONTEZUMA. A peaceful message was finally sent to the Spanish camp by Xicotencatl. The fifty messen- gers were suspected by the Cempoallan Indians of treachery. Cortes examined them separately, and was convinced that this was true. Spies were most unwelcome visitors in the present state of the Spanish camp. The only hope for Cortes was to persuade the enemy that he was uncon- querable. With the horrible cruelty of his time, he cut off the hands of seventeen of the messen- gers, and sent them back to Xicotencatl with the message that "let him come day or night, he would find out who the Spaniards were." This message had its designed effect. The Spaniards seemed to the natives to read all their thoughts. The sad plight of their messengers humbled the haughty chief. But he knew not what joy he gave the disheartened Spaniards, when his em- bassy of peace neared the Spanish camp. Four old men advanced to Cortes, and having touched their hands to the ground and offered incense, told the general that they never should have made war upon him, had they not thought that he was in reality an ally of Montezuma. They were followed by the brave Tlascalan general himself. He was a broad and muscular man, his face marked with deep lines, though but thirty- A LION IN THE PATH. II 7 five years of age. He made Cortes a small pres- ent of gold ornaments, for his people were poor, he said; they had neither salt nor cotton, much less gold. CHAPTER XIV. FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY. Montezuma had been informed of every movement of the Spaniards. He had watched their onward course with deep interest. It was with feelings of relief that he saw them turn to- ward Tlascala. He felt sure that, if they were men, this indomitable little nation would prove it by subduing them. But every Spanish victory fell like doom upon Montezuma. His supersti- tious awe of the strange intruders increased. He felt that he must destroy them if possible. Meanwhile he pursued the same conciliatory policy. He sent an embassy of six of his nobles or chiefs, accompanied by a retinue of two hun- dred natives, to the Spanish camp with a rich present, some thousands of ounces of gold, and a large amount of cotton cloth. These ambassa- dors told Cortes that Montezuma was willing to pay their king an annual tribute of gold, jewels, feather work, slaves, and cotton. Montezuma, they said, would like to see so great a general FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY. II9 AS Cortes; but his country was so poor, and the roads were so bad that he could not permit him to come to Mexico. Cortes expressed his thanks for the present, which he said he would repay with " good deeds." The ambassadors earnestly desired him not to go to the Tlascalan capital, for these peo- ple were treacherous. At the same time the Tlascalans whispered in his other ear that the Mexicans were in no wise to be depended on. Meantime the confidant of both parties was not a little pleased to see their mutual hatred of each other. The situation exactly suited the scheming disposition of Cortes. " I dissembled with both parties," said he, " expressing privately my ac- knowledgments to both for the advice they gave me, and giving each of them credit for more friendship towards me than I experienced from the other." At the invitation of its people, the Spaniards entered the city of Tlascala on the third of Sep- tember, 1 5 19. Men and women streamed forth from the city to meet and view these remarkable strangers. According to the pleasant custom of the country, they presented the Spaniards with wreaths of sweet flowers. Among the crowd were the wierd priests, bearing little pots in 120 MONTEZUMA. which they offered incense to the conquerors. The Spaniards were conducted to some spacious courts, around which were the apartments in- tended for their use. The people seem to have been inspired with real delight ; for, in these in- vincible warriors, they saw a strong hand to re- venge the oppressions of the Mexicans. But, in spite of his confidence in their friendship, Cortes did not relax one of his precautions. The can- nons were placed ready for defence, and a Span- ish soldier neither walked nor slept without his arms. The Tlascalans, jealous lest the Spaniards suspected their good faith, complained of this. But Cortes assured them that it was but a cus- tom of the Spaniard, never to be separated from his arms. Here, as at Cempoalla, Cortes attempted to force his religion on the people. He preached them a zealous sermon on the wickedness of their present practices and the beauties of his own re- ligion. The Tlascalans answered that they readily believed that his was a most excellent god, but they would by no means abandon their own an- cient gods. If the Spaniards threw them down, it would be at the expense of their lives. When Father Olmedo, who was a ** wise man," heard of this new outbreak of fiery zeal on the part of FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY. 121 the general, he told him plainly that he put little faith in " forced conversions." The destruction of the idols of the natives was but a fruitless violence ; for, if they were not convinced by argu- ments, they would find other means of continuing their idolatrous worship. CDrtes finally contented himself with procuring the use of one temple, which he cleared of its abominations and arranged for the worship of his soldiers. The tie of peace was here also confirmed by the gift of some of the chieftain's daughters to the Spanish officers. Montezuma, the fierce warrior and the crafty statesman of former years, an absolute monarch in the western world, in the heart of his strong- hold on Lake Tezcuco, was stupefied with dread at the approach of a new race of men. He saw them forming an alliance with his ancient enemy, and felt that he must do something to save his throne. As well as we can judge from the one- sided history which has come down to us, Mon- tezuma laid a plan to entrap and exterminate the white men. He now sent an embassy to Cortes urging him to come and visit him at Mexico and particularly warning him to form no alliance with the Tlascalans. This message was accompanied as usual with a rich present of wrought gold and the fine stuffs of the country. 122 MONTEZUMA. After three weeks rest in Tlascala, Cortes set out for Mexico, resolved to go by way of the city of Cholula. The Tlascalans had warned him not to go to this place. But the Spanish general was determined on the route. He sent to the people of Cholula, demanding their submission, for this city was the only one in the neighbor- hood which had not sent a friendly embassy to the Spaniards. The Cholulans sent back word that they were afraid to enter the country of the Tlascalans, who were their enemies ; but, if the Spaniards would only come to their city, they should be well received. Taking with them some two thousand Tlas- calan warriors, the Spaniards set out for Cholula. They were met by a procession of the chiefs and priests, who requested that the Tlascalans should not be allowed to enter their city, as they were enemies. Deeming this a reasonable request, Cortes commanded his allies to encamp outside of the city. The Spaniards admired the broad meadows and fields of maize through which they moved. Before them now rose the numerous shining, white towers, and the great pyramid of Cholula, the largest in all the country. This pyramid stands to-day, and, overgrown with vege- tation as it is, it looks almost like a natural hill. FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHEkY. 1 23 It IS built of brick and gravel, and was the espe- cial sanctuary of Quetzalcoatl, the god whose return had been long expected by the people of the country. The pyramid measured one thou- sand feet at the base, and two hundred feet in height. It was, like all the structures of its kind, divided into several stories. Crowds of pilgrims resorted yearly to Cholula to visit this great shrine. The Cholulans were skilled in useful arts, and especially in the manufacture of a very fine pottery, with which they furnished Montezuma's table. The reception of the Spaniards in this great city was cool, and they found themselves but poorly supplied with entertainment. Ambassa- dors arrived from Montezuma, who again refused the Spaniards permission to proceed to Mexico, and conferred privately with the chiefs of Cho- lula. The natives turned away from the Span- iards with hostile sneers. These,, and many such incidents aroused the suspicions of the alert gen- eral." ** Be on your guard," was his order to his men, *' for I suspect some great treachery." He quietly sent to a neighboring temple, and pro- cured two of the priests. After making them liberal presents, he asked them the cause of this 124 MONTEZUMA. extraordinary behavior. One of them said that ii he were released, he could persuade the chiefs to come and answer for themselves. He was per- mitted to go, and returned with several of the rulers. Cortes asked what this strange behavior meant, and demanded provisions for his army. The chiefs seemed embarrassed. They promised to send the Spaniards provisions, but confessed that Montezuma, who did not want the strangers to go farther, had forbidden it. Three Cempoallan Indians now sent for Cortes. They informed him that they had discovered pitfalls covered with wood and earth, and that, on looking into them, they had found them set with sharp stakes. Many of the roofs of the houses were filled with stones, they said, and they had seen a barricade in one of the streets. Just at this moment, eight Tlas- calans arrived with the intelligence that women and children were leaving the city in numbers, and that the Cholulans had sacrificed seven victims to the god of war on the preceding night. After hearing this ominous news, Cortes quietly returned, and concluded his interview with the chiefs who had been awaiting him. He announced his intention of setting out the next morning, amd asked of them-, two thou- sand warriors to accompany him. This they con- FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY. 12$ sented to, the more readily that it fell in with their plans. As far as we know, Montezuma had vacillated in regard to his treatment of the Spaniards. First he gave orders that they should be well re- ceived, and then that they should not be allowed passage. Finally, having consulted his gods, he was informed that the Spaniards were to meet their doom at Cholula. Inspired with fresh spirit he had dispatched a large body of troops, some of whom were within the city and some of whom were in readiness without. The plans were all laid. The Spaniards were to be entrapped and captured. Twenty of the victims were to be al- lowed to the Cholulans for sacrifice, the rest were to be taken to Mexico. By some means, Cortes induced the two priests in his power to confess the plot, for which he rewarded them handsomely. He now called a council of his men, some of whom proposed flight when they heard of the conspiracy. But Cortes laid his plans before them, enjoined every precau- tion, and dismissed them. There was in Cholula a chiefs wife who had taken a great liking to Donna Marina. She vis- ited the girl secretly, this same night, and, inti- mating that there was great danger in remaining 126 MONTEZUMA. with the Spaniards, invited Marina to return with her to her home, where she proposed to marry her to her son. With her usual presence of mind, Marina thanked her warmly, and said that she only desired to save her property, among which were probably many handsome presents, given her by the Spaniards. Meanwhile she managed to extract the whole secret from the woman. Having gathered together her effects, Marina asked her to watch them a minute for her. She then flew to Cortes, and told him all that she had learned. He immediately sent for the woman, and examined her. The general had now no doubt of the trap which had been laid for him. The Spaniards passed a wakeful night. Morning broke. There was an unusual hurry in the city. The Cholulan allies assembled eagerly in the wide court-yard where the Spaniards were quartered. •' See how anxious these traitors are to feast upon our flesh," cried Cortes. The stern soldiers must now give them a severe lesson if they ever meant to reach their goal. Having disclosed to the chief men the fact that he knew of their treachery, Cortes gave a signal, and the Spaniards fell upon the Cholulans with deadly slaughter. The Tlascalan allies rushed to the scene, and lent FRIENDSHIP AND TREACHERY. 12/ a ferocious aid. Several thousand natives are said to have died in this massacre. Even when the slaughter was over, the Tlascalans could not be restrained. They roamed over the city, making prisoners and plundering the houses. Cortes forced them to liberate many of the Cholulans, but they still retained a rich plunder of gold, mantles, cotton, salt, and slaves. Cortes now attempted to restore the city to peace. The fleeing inhabitants were induced to return, the regular successor of the late cacique, his brother, was appointed to the chieftaincy, and, in a few days, the streets of Cholula began to as- sume their usual busy activity. CHAPTER XV. THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. The news of the tragedy quickly reached Montezuma. He shut himself up in his palace and fasted for days, calling upon his gods. Cor- tes sent the king word by his own ambassadors, who had been in the city at the time of the massacre, that he could not believe so great a monarch to have been privy to the treachery of the Cholulans. Discouraged at the ill-success of his plan of trying to prevent the visit to Mexico, Montezuma now sent a present of gold plate and fine stuffs to Cortes, with an invitation to come to his capital. Meantime the Spaniards were making a short stay in Cholula. Cortes erected a cross upon the great pyramid, and proposed to throw down the time-honored idols of the city. But Father 01- medo interfered, and in consideration of their un- certain circumstances, the zealous Spaniards post- poned this outrage upon the feelings of the na- tives. Cortes now prepared to move on. His THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 1 29 Cempoallan friends asked permission to return, which was granted them. Meantime he accepted the offer of a thousand Tlascalans to accompany his army. Cortes took every precaution against surprise in the disposition of his forces, as he set out for Mexico. The Spaniards marched, according to the Spanish proverb, with " their beards over their shoulders." The first miles of their march lay through the fertile plains of the plateau of Puebla. Now they neared the two great moun- tains which guarded the valley of Mexico, Popo- catepetl, or *' the hill that smokes," and Iztacci- huatl, or " white woman." These mysterious mountains with their snowy summits were re- garded with awe by the natives. Popocatepetl, with its smoking crater, its playful way of show- ering stones, and its low rumblings, was very nat- urally regarded as a god, while the neighboring white woman was his giant wife. What was their astonishment then, when some of the adventurous Spaniards proposed ascending the volcano, Popo- catepetl, which is two thousand feet higher than Mt. Blanc. Cortes, ready to display the supe- riority of his men, encouraged the project. Nine Spaniards, headed by Diego de Ordaz, attempted the ascent. They pushed up through matted for- 130 MONTEZUMA. ests until these grew thinner and more stunted, and finally ended in dwarf trees, not as high as a man's knee. They climbed on until there was no vestige of vegetation left, and on up into the regions of eternal snow. The cold was almost insupportable, they were assailed by clouds of smoke, and the ground seemed crumbling away beneath them, from the strange noises which they heard. They turned back without reaching the summit. But they returned bearing as trophies, icicles, things unknown in the mild valleys below, and having been the first white men to set eyes on the distant city of Mexico. Cortes chose the shortest but roughest road across the mountains, which guarded the valley of Mexico, because Montezuma's messengers had urged upon him the more circuitous road, and the general was constantly on the look out for treachery. The Spaniards made a wearisome climb through the wild gorges, alrnost perishing under the cold mountain blasts. They fortunately found a hospitable shelter, built by the Mexicans for the accommodation of travellers. Here they rested for the night. In the morning they soon reached the highest point on their rough road. Now, for the first time, they looked down upon the longed-for goal, Montezuma's rich home. The THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 131 plateau of Mexico lay spread out before them, with its lakes and its innumerable white towns. There, too, was the fair city of Mexico, with its miles of flat roofs, its pyramids and temple towers. It seemed to be standing in the water, connected to the mainland only by narrow threads of causeway. ** It is the promised land," was the dehghted cry of the way-worn Spanish soldiers. After the first burst of admiration, however, their feelings were not those of exultation. It is an impossible undertaking, thought the more timid. How could this little handful subjugate '* the great Montezuma," whose city lay before them? Their first impulse was to turn back. Not so Hernando Cortes. His avarice and ambition were whetted by the beautiful sight before him. With a few inspiring words he reanimated his men, and all moved forward down the sides of the Sierra. As the Spaniards descended, they passed through several towns. The chiefs and people flocked to the banner of Cortes, and everywhere complained of the tyranny of Montezuma. As the Spaniards moved slowly on, attended by crowds of wonder- struck natives, they were met by another em- bassy from Montezuma. As usual, a rich present was poured into the treasury of Cortes, and ao 132 MONTEZUMA. companied by an entreaty from the king that the Spaniards would yet return. If they would do so, the king promised Cortes four loads of gold, with one apiece for each of his officers, and a yearly tribute to his monarch. This was but bribing the Spaniards to make themselves masters of such riches. How could he now turn back, mildly answered the general, when he had prom- ised his king to go himself and see Montezuma's city, and bring back an account of it. Montezuma, indeed, had intended that this message should reach the Spaniards before they entered the valley. When he heard that they were already there, his heart sank within him. He seems to us weak indeed. He felt himself in the hands of an irresistible fate. He might have known the power and unscrupulousness of the so- called civilized nations of Europe by experience from the way in which he was impressed by these few white men who invaded his dominions under the pretense of friendship. He fasted in seclu- sion. He took counsel with his lords. There was only one way now open to rid himself of the in- truders. He could entrap the strangers into the city, cut off the communications and exterminate them. Awed by their repeated and almost mirac- ulous victories, Montezuma dared not brave them THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 1 33 in open battle. He prepared one more embassy to meet and welcome the Spaniards, led, this time, by the king of Tezcuco, who was Monte- zuma's nephew. Meantime, Cortes was coming onward by easy stages, passing through various well-built cities and everywhere well received by the caciques, who made him valuable presents of gold. As they were preparing to set out in the early morning from Ajotzinco, the Spaniards were met by a courier who requested them to wait for the king of Tezcuco, who was approaching. Cacama, for that was his name, soon appeared, followed by a large retinue, and borne on a rich litter adorned with green plumes, its canopy supported by pillars of gold, and set with jew- els. When Cacama had descended, his attend- ants swept the ground before him. He ap- proached the Spanish general and gave the cus- tomary salutation. " Malinche," he began, for so the Aztecs called Cortes. This was as near as they could get to the name of Marina, and they named Cor- tes Marina's lord, from their being so often to- gether. Marina excited the curiosity of the natives, being a woman of their own nation and yet so devoted to the Spaniards. " Malinche, I !34 MONTEZUMA. am come, by the order of the great Montezuma, to attend you to the city," Cortes embraced the Indian lord, and pre- sented him with some large false jewels. The Spaniards moved on through a country very won- derful to them. Their road now lay along the lake shore. Here were many smaller cities built upon piles in the water. These towns which seemed to rest on the very surface of the lake, the floating islands, and the gayly dressed natives who darted here and there over the water in their canoes made the scene seem like fairy- land to the Spaniards, and they were tempted to rub their eyes to make sure that they were awake. They were conducted to the city of Iztapala- pan, of which Montezuma's brother was the chief, and here they were lodged for the night in pal- aces of stone. The Spaniards wandered through their quarters admiring the cotton hangings, the wood-work of cedar and the spacious courts. They walked out into the gardens, which seemed like an enchanted region; for here were beautiful shrubs and plants, wholly new to them, trees laden with fruit, flowers of the brightest colors, all manner of birds, and basins of water stocked with fish. The city of Iztapalapan was near the southern THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 1 35 entrance to Mexico. The Spaniards proceeded in the early morning of the eighth of Novem- ber, 1 5 19, along a causeway leading to Mexico. The lake was thronged with the canoes of the natives, eager to see these strange beings who were coming to their city. The natives crowded up on to the edge of the causeway, and pressed the Spaniards on every side. The Spaniards soon were met by a great embassy of Mexican digni- taries, richly dressed. The strangers were kept waiting nearly an hour, while the Mexicans each in turn performed the usual ceremony of saluta- tion before Cortes. The army then moved on amidst a dense crowd. As they crossed the wooden draw-bridge, they remembered the stories that they had frequently heard, that Montezuma only awaited their entrance into his strong city to put an end to them. Before the Spaniards, lay the broad, straight avenue which ran through the centre of Mexico, Down this street moved the richest retinue they had yet seen in the new world. Montezuma was coming to meet them. He was borne on a mag- nificent litter carried by nobles who bent their eyes on the ground. Before him walked three lords bearing wands of gold, and behind him was a long train of retainers. As he neared the 136 MONTEZUMA. strangers, the great monarch* alighted from his litter, and came forward, leaning on the arms of his brother and nephew, the lords of Iztapalapa, and Tezcuco. Over him was carried a rich canopy, ornamented with gorgeous, green feathers and fringed with gold and pendant jewels. All of Montezuma's subjects looked down- wards as he approached, with the exception of the princes of his family, and mantles were spread before him to tread upon. His dress, according to the custom of his people, was a girdle or sash and a great square cloak made of the finest cot- ton and sprinkled with jewels. He wore plumes upon his head and ** buskins" of jeweled gold on his feet, while his attendants, though richly dressed, went barefoot. As the king approached, Cortes dismounted from his horse, and moved forward alone to meet him. He would have embraced Montezuma, but the attendants prevented this desecration of the royal personage. Cortes, however, threw over his head a necklace of colored crystals. The king then touched his hand to the ground and brought it to his face. The two princes, his brother and nephew, did likewise, and the whole retinue followed, each Mexican saluting the Span- ish general in turn. An attendant presented THE ENTRY INTO MEXICO. 1 37 Cortes with two collars of periwinkle shells with gold pendants. After some complimentary pas- sages between the king and the general, the whole procession moved up the main avenue of the city. The crowds of Indians who thronged the street pressed themselves up against the walls, and lowered their eyes as Montezuma passed. Streets, canals, terraces, and house-tops were filled with people eager to see the strange white men. The Spaniards trembled, as well they might, when they thought of the possibility that these peaceful inhabitants might soon be turned against them in war. Montezuma conducted his guests to the palace of Axayacatl, the whole of which extensive build- ing he devoted to their use. The king led Cor- tes, by the hand to his apartment, and caused him to be seated on a piece of fine matting. " Malinche," said Montezuma, " you and your friends are at home ; now repose yourselves." With these words he left the Spaniards, who dis- posed their cannon to the best advantage, and took every precaution against a possible attack. They then sat down " with great satisfaction " to a sumptuous in^-^l CHAPTER XVI. MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. Having left the Spaniards time to dine and refresh themselves, the king, attended by his no- bles, again repaired to the palace of Axayacatl. Cortes advanced into the middle of the spacious saloon which had been assigned to him. Monte- zuma took him by the hand, and they both sat down together while the Aztec nobles and at- tendant Spaniards remained standing. Monte- zuma was at this time about forty years of age, tall, slender and well-proportioned. His hair was rather short, and he had but little beard. His face wore a grave expression, but he had pleasant eyes. " Malinche," said Montezuma, *' For a long time we have known, by means of our records, that we are not descended from the original in- habitants of this country. Our ancestors came from a distant land, and the prince of that land came to this country and lived among us for a while. We have long expected the return of his MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. 1 39 descendants from the country where the sun rises. From what you say of your sovereign, we conclude that he is that powerful king whom we ought to acknowledge." ** We certainly are those of whom it has been prophesied, great king," answered Coites. "We are the vassals of a most powerful monarch, called Don Carlos, who has many great princes subject to him. Having heard of the fame and grandeur of Montezuma, he has sent us in his name to tell the great Montezuma of the true religion, the holy Christian faith." " Whatever is mine is at your disposal," said the courteous Montezuma. *' Consider yourselves in your own land, in your own house. Rest and refresh yourselves after the toils and conflicts of your journey, for I have heard of them all from Tabasco to this place." Cortes offered profuse thanks. Montezuma now made a sign to his attendants, who brought forward the magnificent present which Monte- zuma never forgot, for he was anything but ava- ricous and grasping. To Cortes and his captains he gave gold, jewels, and bales of fine stuffs. Among the soldiers he distributed loads of rich mantles. " I am going to my other houses where I I40 MONTEZUMA. live," said the king. ** I will order that you be provided with everything for your entertainment." When he had gone, every Spaniard pro- nounced this a most noble and liberal prince. At sunset the Spanish artillery roared a salute. We may imagine the looks of terror with which the busy native population stopped in their various duties. Even Montezuma could hardly have avoided a terrified start. That night the invad- ing strangers slept on cool, canopied mats in the ancestral palace of Montezuma. In spite of the friendly demonstrations of the day, their guns guarded every entrance to the building, and their sentinels kept up a measured pace around its heavy walls. On the following day, Cortes requested per- mission to return Montezuma's visit. This was readily granted, and Aztec nobles were sent to escort him to the royal palace. He took with him four cavaliers, Alvarado, Sandoval, Velas- quez de Leon, and Ordaz, with five soldiers. They soon reached Montezuma's palace, for like the older building in which they were quartered, it stood near the great central temple of the city. The Spaniards were conducted through spacious court-yards, ornamented with fountains and filled with Aztec nobles waiting the pleasure MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. 141 of their king. They entered the great hall where Montezuma awaited them at the farther end seated on low cushions. The room was hung with tapestry of stained cotton, and roofed with spicy woods, while clouds of sweet incense filled the air. The nobles who attended the Spaniards had. drawn rough garments over their richer dress, be- fore they entered the royal presence. Now, with eyes cast down, they approached the king. Mon- tezuma received the Spaniards very graciously. With a great deal of compliment and ceremony on the part of the general and the king, the Spaniards were finally seated, and Cortes began his talk. He attempted to explain to Montezuma his religion, the life of Christ, the symbol of the cross, the creation of the world, and the wicked nature of his own idols. We may well imagine that this discourse did not at all please the Mexican king who was especially devoted to his religion. " Malinche," said he, *' I have already heard, through my ambassadors, of those things which you now mention and to which hitherto we have made no reply, because we have from the first worshipped the gods we now do, and consider them as just and good. So, no doubt, are yours. In regard to the creation of the world, our beliefs 142 MONTEZUMA. are the same, and we also believe you to be people who were to come to us from where the sun rises. There have been people from your country before this, upon our coasts. I wish to know if you are all the same people." " We are all subjects of the same king," re- plied Cortes. "If you were ever refused entrance to any of my cities," said Montezuma, ** it was not my fault, but because the people were afraid of you and believed that you carried the thunder and lightning in your hands. I am aware that the Cempoallans and Tlascalans have told you many strange things of me," and Montezuma laughed in a frank way, which charmed the Spanish sold- iers. " These people, I know, have informed you that I possessed houses with walls of gold, and that my carpets and other things in common use were of the texture of gold. But you now see that my houses are built like other houses of lime, stone, and timber. They have asserted, I know, that I was a god, or made myself one, and many other such things. But," and Montezuma opened his robes, ** you see that I am composed of flesh and bone like yourselves. See how they have deceived you. It is true I am a great king and inherit riches frorfi my ancestors; but, as for MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. I43 these ridiculous falsehoods, you must treat them with the same contempt I do the stories I have been told of your carrying the thunder and light- ning with you." Cortes answered by complimenting the king on his real grandeur and power. The usual pres- ent was now brought forward. Gold and ten loads — one must remember that men were the only pack-horses — of fine stuffs, were divided among Cortes and his officers. Montezuma gave the soldiers each two collars of gold and a num- ber of mantles. This was done with an affability and indifference which made him appear a truly magnificent prince, in the words of one of the soldiers who was present. It being now Monte- zuma's hour for dining, Cortes took his leave. The Spanish soldiers expressed their admiration of the king on their way home. Cortes had taken the greatest care to keep his men shut up within the palace of Axayacatl knowing that the offences which might ensue from their association with the natives would speedily ruin his schemes. In the perilous game which he was playing, he now deemed it neces- sary to get a better knowledge of the city and its resources. He had been four days in Mexico, when he requested permission to visit the great 144 MONTEZUMA. temple. Aguilar, Donna Marina, and a little page of the generals, who already understood something of the language, were sent to Monte- zuma's palace to make the request. The king readily consented. He knew of the Spanish en- mity to the Aztec idols, and fearing lest some violence might be offered to his gods, he re- solved to be there, to prevent it. Montezuma accordingly hastened, borne on his litter, to the great temple. He entered, with reverence, with- in the enclosure where the most of his youth had been spent. He passed across the polished pavement, by the low buildings devoted to the youth and to the priests, and the smaller tow- ers for the worship of minor deities, straight to the great temple. Here attendants awaited him who carried him up the long flights of steps. Having reached the summit, Montezuma retired to one of the sanctuaries for devotion. Meanwhile Cortes had left his quarters at the head of his cavalry and the most of his infantry. He marched first to the great market of the city. Here the Spaniards were struck with the immense variety of the merchandise offered for sale. One part of the market was devoted to the fresh meats, which consisted of wild game, turkey, fish and the flesh of a species of small dog. There MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. 1 45 was also a great variety of vegetables and fruits, Indian meal, salt, honey, and sugar made from the corn-stalk were also sold. Corn-bread, sweet pastry, and various other warm dishes were dis- played in the market for sale. Another quarter of the square was devoted to fine and coarse earthen-ware, painted wooden vessels, and tools of copper or bronze. There was also cotton in skeins and woven into every variety of cloth, dyed and undyed, the coarse fabric made from the fibers of the magney, and the paper made from the pulp of this plant. The magney also furnished, in its spikes, needles for the natives, and from its juice was made a fermented liquor cailed pulque, which is much used in Mexico to- day. Chocolate, tobacco, and liquid amber were offered for sale. There were many merchants in gold, silver, jewels, and feathers. Dressed deer- skins were also sold. Fire-wood was piled here and there, and stone and lime were deposited along the sides of the neighboring canals. Men sat in the market place hewing blades out of stone. Among the articles of merchandise in the market were slaves, fastened together by their collars attached to long poles. The Spaniards eyed this thriving scene with the utmost curiosity and admiration. 146 MONTEZUMA. Cortes now proceeded to the temple. The white men passed for the first time within the ** wall of serpents." They looked curiously at the gardens and strange buildings around them ; but they were especially struck with a near view of the great temple, second only in size to that of Cholula. At the foot of the pyramid were six priests and two nobles, who had been sent down by the king to carry the Spanish commander up the steps. Cortes politely declined, however. The strangers mounted flight after flight of steps winding around the temple at the top of each stairway. Some of the soldiers counted a hun- dred and fourteen steps to the summit. As Cor- tes reached the broad platform on top of the pyramid, Montezuma came out from one of the two sanctuaries, and advanced to meet the general. " I fear you are weary, Malinche, with climb- ing our great temple," said he. " The Spaniards are never weary," boasted Cortes. All turned now to admire the beautiful view which lay spread out before them. Montezuma pointed out the various objects of interest. Around them lay the busy, humming city with its flat-roofed houses and gay gardens, encircled everywhere with water. They could plainly see MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. I47 the great causeways which communicated with the land, and the aqueduct which brought sweet water from the hill of Chalpultepec. Canoes were constantly passing to and from the land, bearing provisions. In the distance could be seen the temple towers of many another city. Waving forests, long since destroyed by the hands of Europeans, lent beauty to the scene, and beyond all lay the rugged mountain barrier, while over all rose the glistening peak of Popocatepetl, with its somber cloud of smoke. The eyes of the strangers returned again to the white-washed brill- iancy of the city around them. The noise of the bustling market-place below rose up constantly, and could have been heard a league away, they thought. Adventurers who had seen Rome and Constantinople vowed that, for "regularity and population, they had never seen the like.** **What a spot this would be to erect the cross upon,*' exclaimed Cortes, turning to Father 01- medo. " Do not think of it, for it would certainly be very ill-timed in our present situation," answered the wiser priest. " Would you do me the favor to show me your gods," said the commander turning to Mon- tezuma, 148 MONTEZUMA. The king held a little consultation with his priests, and then led the way into the lower room of a spacious tower. Here stood the altar of Huitzilopotchli, the god of war. Over it was the " accursed idol," as the Spaniards called it. It was an immense image with a horrible sym- bolical face and great eyes which made the strangers shudder. It was bound around with serpents of gold, and its body was entirely cov- ered with ornaments of gold and jewels. In the right hand was a bow, and in the left a bunch of arrows. Around the neck hung a great chain of hearts made of gold and silver and decorated with precious stones. Before it stood a platter containing five human hearts, which were slowly burning with incense of copal. The walls and floor of the room were stained with human blood. In the second tower was the image of Tezcatli- poca, the creator of the world, made of a pol- ished black substance. - He- also was literally cov- ered with gold and jewels, and five human hearts were lying before him. The scent ■ was like that d£'. a slaughter-house, and the Spaniards hastened again into the fresh air. " I do not see," said Cortes to Montezuma, ** how so wise a prince as you can worship these absurd and wicked powers. Only let me place MONTEZUMA AND HERNANDO CORTES. I4.g crosses on the summits of these towers and the image of the holy virgin within, and you will be soon convinced of the vanity and deception of these idols." " I would not have admitted you into our temple," said Montezuma, much displeased, " had I thought that you would have insulted our gods, who are kind to us, give us health, rains in their season, good harvests, fine weather, victories, and whatever else we desire of them, and whom we are in duty and gratitude bound to worship." Seeing that he had made a false step, Cortes said that it was time for him to go. " It is," gravely answered the king. *' I must remain behind to expiate the insult which has been offered to the gods." The Spaniards descended to the pavement of the court, which was so polished that the horses could scarcely keep their feet. They roamed around for a while, looking at the religious houses and the smaller temples within the enclo- sure, and then Cortes led his men back to their quarters. CHAPTER XVII. MONTEZUMA TAKEN CAPTIVE. The sight of the abomination of Aztec idola- try seems to have awakened the enthusiasm of the Spaniards for their own religion. Cortes re- quested permission of Montezuma to build an altar in his own quarters. This was granted, and material was furnished him. While the Spanish carpenters were examining the palace for a suita- ble spot, they noticed a place where a door seemed recently to have been walled up. Cortes ordered it be privately opened. What a sight awaited the eyes of the Spaniards ! The door communicated with a room full of riches, a treas- ure which had been hoarded by Axayacatl, and had come down to Monteznma. The strange news was quickly spread in the army, and the soldiers all went to take a wondering look at tlie sight. Cortes then had the door carefully closed up as before, and the Spaniards concealed their knowledge of this treasure vault for the present. MONTEZUMA TAKEN CAPTIVE. 151 The altar was soon erected, and mass celebrated in the Mexican palace. Cortes' whole undertaking had been rash, ad- venturous, and romantic to an extreme. It seems as though nothing less than a miracle could extri- cate him successfully from the position in which he had now placed himself. Were he to under- take to return through a country where the bloodshed he had caused had made him many enemies and where anything like retreat would be the signal for war, and devote himself to the es- tablishment of his colony at Villa Rica, it would be to risk extermination from the natives, on the one hand, and with the certainty of his authority being wrested from him by the governor of Cuba, on the other. Again, were he to await for Span- ish vessels to take him home, that he might carry the news of his discoveries to his monarch, it would be but to be thrown into prison while others reaped the rich harvest. With his handful of men in the heart of this great Mexican capital, he could not hope to conquer anything by mere force. Moreover, he must act immediately, for he could not hope with a turbulent, licentious soldiery, such as had worked their own ruin in many another Spanish colony, and a force of the detested Tlascalans to long maintain his friendly 152 MONTEZUMA. footing with the Aztecs. "And, if Montezuma should take offence," said Cortes in his letter to the emperor, '* he was powerful enough to do us much harm, so much indeed that we might be utterly destroyed." Cortes played a desperate game, and he was entirely unscrupulous as to the means he used. He saw, with wonderful shrewd- ness, one way to acquire power over this empire and its riches. The Aztec was to be governed by terror. It was from fear that he served his monarch and from fear that he sacrificed to his gods. So much were these people under the sway of terror that the missionaries of future years found it very hard to compel them by love or persuasion. Montezuma's own absolute mon- archy was his ruin. Without a head the body was as nothing. Thus it was that the unscrupu- lous Spanish adventurer — for Cortes was this — with wonderful greatness in the conception of his plans, resolved on the hazardous attempt to cap- ture the great Montezuma himself. The Spaniards had been but a week in Mexico when Cortes took his resolution, and immediately acted upon it as was his habit. He called a coun- cil of his men, and laid the difficulties of their position before them. Some were for retreat, and various projects were proposed. But, when Cortes MONTEZUMA TAKEN CAPTIVE. 1 53 put forward his own bold proposition, the imagi- native minds of his followers took fire, and they joined him in the romantic project. *' It were bet- ter to die at once in such an undertaking than to risk our present precarious position," said one. "Yes," said another, ** though Montezuma is very liberal ; for no gift of his, .not even all his father's treasure, could compensate us for the alarms and distressing thoughts which fill our minds. Who knows but at any moment we might perhaps be poisoned in our food." Thus th« Spanish soldiers leconciled their easy consciences to an act of bad faith against a host whom they had found so gentle and affable, who had loaded them with gifts, and never refused one of their requests. Cortes appointed the following morning fof the execution of his plan. There was little sleep in the Spanish quarters that night. The soldiers prayed for assistance in their hazardous project, and Cortes was heard walking the floor. He had indeed an accusation ready with which to charge the king. While at Cholula he had received word that in a skirmish between one of Montezuma's provinces and the Cempoallans Juan de Escalante, the commander at the post of Villa Rica, with seven of his men had been killed. Up to the present time, Cortes had kept the knowledge of 154 MONTEZUMA. this affair from his men, dreading lest any dis- couragement should turn them back. Meantime, the head of one of the Spaniards, it is said, had been sent to Montezuma. Trembling at the sight, he had ordered it to be taken from the city. The natives who had been taken by the Spaniards in this skirmish, had accused Montezuma of instigat- ing the trouble. Now Cortes, in reaHty, cared not the value of a chestnut for the whole thing, in the words of the old chronicler. But he saw in this event a useful pretext for the adventure of the following morning. At break of day everything was astir in the Spanish camp. Cortes made a careful disposition of his forces within the quarters, that they might be prepared in case of trouble. He then sta- tioned soldiers at the street corners between his abode and the king's palace for ready com- munication. Choosing Alvarado, Sandoval, Leon, Lugo, and Avila, with Aguilar, and Donna Marina to accompany him, Cortes sent word to the king that he was about to pay him a visit. Monte- zuma immediately prepared to receive the Span- iards, it being no unusual thing for them to re- quest an interview. The small band of Spaniards entered his audience hall, as usual, fully armed. Cortes and Montezuma carried on for some time MONTEZUMA TAKEN CAPTIVE. 155 a "sportive" conversation through the two inter- preters, and the king, with his usual munificence, gave the general gold, and even offered him his daughter. At last Cortes said : " I have been informed of the fate of some of my Spaniards who were killed at Almeria, and that the governor, Qualpopoca, alleges, in defence of his conduct, that whatever he has done wa.s in pursuance of orders from you, which, as your vassal, he could not disregard. I do not believe this can be true ; but, nevertheless, in order to clear yourself from the imputation in the eyes of my king, it seems to me proper that you should send for Qualpopoca and the other principal men of his city who have been concerned in the slaughter of the Spaniards, that the truth of the matter may be known and these men punished." Montezuma immediately called some men, and, unclasping from his arm a small stone pen- dant carved with the image of the war god, which seems to have been his seal, gave it to them, ordering them to bring the offenders of his sea-coast province to Mexico. His officers de- parted instantly, leaving Cortes but little pretext, certainly, for what he was about to do. *' I am much gratified with your diligence in this matter," said Cortes, "since I must render an 156 MONTEZUMA. account to my king of those who have been killed. Meantime, I must request you to come to my quarters until the truth is ascertained." 1 Montezuma was for a moment perfectly as- tounded at the impudence of this demand. A pallor overspread his face. Then, summoning up all his dignity, he said : " I am not a person to be put in prison. Even if I were to consent, my subjects would not suffer such a thing." "I beg you will not be annoyed at my re- quest," said Cortes ; '^ for you will not be treated as a prisoner, but will be in full possession of your liberty. You will enjoy the service of your subjects, who will continue to be at your com- mand. You have only to select an apartment such as would please you in the palace which I occupy, where you will be at your ease, and may rest assured that nothing will be allowed to give you pain or inconvenience, while, in addition to your own servants, my companions will cheerfully obey all your commands. The conversation was a prolonged one. Cor- tes gave, as the Spaniards thought, good reasons why Montezuma should comply, while the king certainly gave better reasons why he should not. The Spanish cavaliers grew impatient. The longer the discussion was prolonged, the greater MONTEZUMA TAKEN CAPTIVE. 1$? risk they ran, and, if they did not carry out their project, the proposal of it would ruin them. " Why waste words ? " cried Velasquez de Leon, who had a gruff voice. "Let him yield himself prisoner, or we will plunge our swords into his body. Better we should assure our lives now, or, if we must die, let us die in the at- tempt." The rough tone of the Spaniard struck harshly on the ear of Montezuma. He asked Donna Marina what he had said. It was a gen- tl'.* woman's voice that interpreted the hard words to him. '* I beg that your majesty will immediately consent," said Marina, '' and go where you will meet all respect and honor; for I perceive that if you hesitate, they are resolved to put you to death." " I have three legitimate children, a son and two daughters," said Montezuma, with a last effort. "Take them as hostages, in my place, but do not expose me as a prisoner before my own people." " Nothing but what we originally proposed will do," answered the stern general. Montezuma finally expressed his willingness to go. He immediately gave orders that his rooms 158 MONTEZUMA. should be handsomely fitted up in the old palace. The Spaniards asked his pardon for what had passed, and begged that he would tell his follow- ers that it was done by his own free will, and according to the mandates of his gods. The weak and gentle king, who seems, from the first, to have been so strangely under the influence of the white men, was overwhelmed with grief. His nobles came to him stripped of their robes, which they carried on their arms. With tears in their eyes and amid a solemn silence, they placed him on his litter of state, and, with bowed heads, car- ried him from his own palace, which he was never again to enter. There was some little dis- turbance in the streets at this strange sight, but Montezuma with quick pride, as though the re- moval was made of his own free will, ordered quiet. He was received in the palace of Axaya- catl with due respect, and conducted to his apart- ments, which had been furnished with all the luxuries of a Mexican palace, tapestries of fine cotton and feather work, mats, canopies, and low seats. CHAPTER XVIII. MONTEZUMA AS A PRISONER. The king was soon waited on by his relatives and the nobles of Mexico. They were astonished at this strange step, and inquired if they were to attack the Spaniards. But Montezuma said that he had only come here for a few days visit, of his own accord, and they were forced to accept this explanation. He held court and was at- tended here, just as he had been in his old pal- ace. Those of his women and of his family whom he wished to see, visited him or remained with him, and his officers came as usual to learn his commands in regard to the government of the kingdom. Ambassadors, chiefs, and princes frequently waited on Montezuma. No matter how high their position, they always put on the robe of coarse neguen, and approached the king with downcast eyes, making the usual formal obeisance. The Spaniards also paid the greatest respect to the captive king. A soldier never entered Montezuma's presence without doffing l6o MONTEZUMA. his hat. Even Cortes observed this respectful courtesy, and neither he nor his men sat down in the presence of the king. After some fifteen or twenty days Qualpopoca arrived, borne on a litter and accompanied by some fifteen men who had been implicated in the affair with the Spaniards. They entered the royal presence with the usual signs of respect ; but Montezuma referred them to the Spanish general, as he was probably obliged to do. It did not take long, for Cortes to examine them, and sentence them to be burnt. It must be re- membered that such cruel punishments were com- mon in that day. When the offenders learned their fate, they confessed that they had been acting under the orders of Montezuma. When the execution was about to take place, Cortes entered the apartment of Montezuma with a stern countenance, accompanied by a soldier bearing irons. He caused Montezuma to be shackled, and abruptly left the room. The indig- nity was terrible to the Aztec king. He uttered groans from time to time. His attendants are said to have taken his feet in their arms, and in- serted their mantles between his flesh and the Iron, and wept over them. Meanwhile, the execution took place in the MONTEZUMA AS A PRISONER. l6l public square in sight of the natives. The suf- ferers themselves bore their tortures with the same unflinching fortitude displayed by our northern Indians. The Spaniards were all under arms and the Mexicans offered no resistance. Cortes was holding the weapon of terror over them, as well as over Montezuma. When the execution was over, Cortes returned and, kneeling down before the cruelly humiliated king, loosened his bonds. With those soft words which he knew so well how to apply after harsh treatment, he assured Montezuma that he loved him like a brother. The Spanish general now ostentatiously offered the king his liberty, but Montezuma understood well the emptiness of his words. It is even said that the interpreters in- formed him at the same time that they made the offer, that, though Cortes would permit him to leave, his captains would not. Montezuma an- swered that he would remain where he was, in order to prevent insurrection and bloodshed in the city. The tears ran down his cheeks as he spoke. On hearing this answer, Cortes threw his arms around Montezuma's neck, and *' protested that he loved him as himself." The king, it is said " was wise enough to know the worth of" such protestations. Under l62 MONTELUMA. this ostentatious pantomine, did the Spanish ad- venturer and the Mexican king hide their real thoughts, and hopes, and fears. Montezuma is almost incomprehensible from the one-sided ac- counts that we have of him. The Spaniards themselves, from previous accounts, had expected to find him hard and haughty. On the contrary, he was gentle and almost effeminate. He was perhaps like his people, patient until aroused, — then fierce and persistent. But Montezuma, was the first to be caught and crushed by the on- coming wave of European civilization, which was to sweep over the continent. It being necessary to place a new governor at Villa Rica, Cortes appointed one Grado, a man of but little courage, who had been always one of the chief ones in besetting the general to return. " Now, Senor de Grado," ironically ex- claimed Cortes, " go and possess your wishes ; you are commandant of Villa Rica, and mind I charge you on no account to go out and fight the wicked Indians, nor let them kill you as they did Juan de Escalante." " All the world could not have got him to put his nose out of the town," says Bernal Diaz. Such a man as this was hardly to be trusted even with a post where there was nothing to MONTEZUMA AS A PRISONER. 163 be done. He soon intrigued to place Villa Rica in the hands of Velasquez. Cortes found it very important to have a trustworthy officer at that post for the incensed governor of Cuba was likely at any time to try to wrest the settlement out of his hands. He accordingly recalled Grado, and appointed Gonzalo de Sandoval, a courageous young cavalier, in his place. Montezuma was now uniformly treated with the greatest respect. He requested of Cortes a page, who with the quickness of youth had learned the Mexican tongue. He kept this page constantly about him and amused himself by the hour in questioning him with regard to the peculiarities of Europe. When Montezuma arose in the morning he first attended his devotions. Having eaten a light breakfast of vegetables, he then transacted the business of his realm for an hour or more. Immediately after the cele- bration of mass, Cortes always waited on him attended by all his officers, and asked him if he had any commands for them. The king usually thanked him, and said that " he found everything perfectly to his satisfaction." Cortes would then remain for a while in the company of the king. Sometimes they engaged in a discussion u-pon the religion of the Spaniards or the power of 164 MONTEZUMA. their emperor. Sometimes they played together a game called totoloque. It consisted in throw- ing little golden balls at certain figures made of gold. Montezuma staked valuable trinkets, such as jewels. If the king won he always gave his winnings, to the soldiers of the Spanish guard which was constantly in his apartment. Cortes, in turn, gave his winnings to Montezuma's attendants. On one occasion, Cortes and Alva- rado were playing against the king and his nephew. Montezuma had nick-named Alvarado Tonatiuh, or *'the sun," on account of his hand- some face. " I will not permit Tonatiuh to mark," said the king jokingly, " because he does not always say what is true." The Spaniards immediately burst into a laugh at the expense of the handsome cavalier; for he was much given . to exaggeration. Such simple anecdotes, told by the soldier who was present, give us an insight into the daily life of the captive Mexican king. Montezuma soon made himself greatly ad- mired by the Spanish soldiers. A day never passed without his lavishing presents upon his guard. He was particularly fond of Velasquez de Leon, who was the captain of his guard, and MONTEZUMA AS A PRISONER. 165 •was very attentive to the king. One night a soldier of the guard spoke disrespectfully of the king within his hearing. Montezuma was highly offended. He questioned his Spanish page as to who the man was. The youth assured him that he was but '* a man of low birth, who knew no better." At this the king became very curious about rank among the Spaniards, and put many questions to his page. On the next day he caused the rude soldier to be brought before him. Having rebuked him, he gave him a present of gold. The fellow was more im- pressed by the gold than by the rebuke. The following night, when he was again upon guard, he was guilty of the same piece of rudeness, hoping he would again get a present. Highly incensed, Montezuma complained to Velasquez de Leon who immediately administered a severe reprimand to the speculative soldier. At another time, a man who did not relish the rigorous duties which the guarding of so valuable a captive imposed upon them cried out, *' Curse this dog of an Indian, who gives us so much trouble." Montezuma, having over heard this rough speech, succeeded in discovering what it meant. He complained of it to Cortes who sentenced l66 MONTEZUMA. the man to a severe whipping. This example had a good effect, and, after this, the guard kept silence to the great satisfaction of the punctilious king. Montezuma soon learned to know the soldiers, and called them all by name, treating them with the greatest kindness. CHAPTER XIX. INSURRECTION OF THE MEXICAN PRINCES. In spite of his great hostage, Cortes felt un- easy lest he should sometime find himself caught, shut up within the city of Mexico, without any means of reaching the mainland. He therefore asked Montezuma's permission to build two ves- sels for pleasure sailing on the lake. The king was pleased with the idea of seeing an example of the white man's sailing craft, and readily con- sented. Iron and rigging were brought from Villa Rica, where the salvage from the destroyed ships had been stored. Montezuma granted wood and carpenters. The army possessed in Martin Lopez a good ship builder, who superintended the native carpenters, and the work went rapidly ahead. Montezuma's pride was great. He could not bear that his own people should know of his hu- miliating position. He held court, and lived ex- actly as he had formerly done ; but one thing plainly showed that he was a prisoner. The de- 1 68 MONTEZUMA. vout king was no longer seen worshipping in the great temple. One day, Montezuma requested permission of Cortes to visit the temple, ** in order," he said, *' that my subjects may see that I live among you by the order of my gods and by my own choice." *' You may go," sternly answered the general, *' but, in doing so, it is your business to beware how you do anything whereby you may lose your life ; for I will send a guard of soldiers with you, to whom I will give strict orders to kill you, instantly, in case there appears anything like a commotion." Cortes had also forbidden any human sacrifice on this occasion ; but four victims had been killed the night before, probably in anticipation of the event. It was not in the power of the Span- iards in their own precarious position to enforce such rules very strictly. Montezuma's state- litter was brought : obsequious nobles attended him with bare feet and downcast eyes. A hundred and fifty soldiers, under Velasquez de Leon, Al- varado, Avila, and De Lugo, were drawn up as an escort. Before starting, the king scattered gifts to Mexicans and Spaniards alike. The procession then set out with great pomp. The Mexicans again saw their monarch in public, but he was INSURRECTION OF THE MEXICAN PRINCES. 169 under the stern eye of the white man. Again the Spaniards entered the *' wall of serpents," again the clatter of horses hoofs, a strange sound on the pavements of Mexico, worn only by the in- cessant tramp of human feet, resounded in the sacred precincts of priest and idol. Montezuma was received at the foot of the temple by the priests. They assisted him up the stairways. We can imagine something of his petitions before his gods. When he had performed his devotions, Montezuma descended, and was borne back ao-ain. He returned in great good hunior, and distributed presents among all who had attended him. Meantime the new ships were finished and launched. Awnings were stretched over their decks, and they were manned with experienced sailors. Montezuma had expressed a desire to hunt again in his private hunting grounds. They were on the opposite shore of Lake Tezcuco, and Cortes proposed to convey the king and his at- tendants there, on board of the new ships. Mon- tezuma was pleased to try for himself the strange vessels. The king and his suite were put on board the swiftest sailing brigantine, while his son and a number of nobles occupied the other one. Two hundred soldiers were ordered out for the occasion, under command of De Leon Al- I/O MONTEZUMA. varado, Olid, and Avila, all of them "men with blood in their eyes," as Bernal Diaz expresses it. A fleet of smaller boats surrounded the ships. The wind was fresh, and the sailors took delight in exhibiting their skill before Montezuma. The canvas filled, and, the little vessels got under way. They sped over the lake, leaving the na- tive canoes far behind them. How exhilarating the speed of motion must have been to Monte- zuma, who had never been carried in anything swifter than a litter or a canoe. He watched with delight the skilful manipulation of the boats by the sailors. Arrived at his hunting ground, the king amused himself for a time with this, his favorite sport. Having killed a quan- tity of deer and rabbits, he returned again to the vessels. The artillery was discharged on the homeward voyage, for his amusement. " He de- lighted us all," said Bernal, *' by his affable and friendly behavior." One day a hawk flew through the. king's apartments, pursuing a smaller bird. The Span- ish officers admired the beauty of the bird of prey. Montezuma was curious to know of what they were talking. Their conversation was ex- plained to him and also how the Europeans tamed hawks and h\inted with them. The king INSURRECTION OF THE MEXICAN PRINCES. 171 sai I he would have the hawk caught for them. He gave directions to his hunters, who by the following morning had caught the bird and brought it to the Spanish officers. "It is not possible," says the soldier Bernal Diaz, " to de- scribe how noble Montezuma was in everything he did, nor the respect in which he was held by every one about him." Meantime, what were the Mexican people doing that they were so patient under this foreign rule? They, too, perhaps, were oppressed by the dread superstition which weighed upon the mind of their king. But there was discontent among the nobles at Montezuma's attitude. His nephew, Cacama, king of Tezcuco, being now certain that Montezuma was a prisoner and heiiring that he had opened the royal treasure- vault in his father's palace, was especially dis- gusted with the state of affairs. Cacama was an ambitious young man, and he formed a conspiracy with some princes and nobles to deliver the kingdom from the hands of the Spaniards. He fell into a dispute with one of the princes, however, as to which of them should have Montezuma's throne. By this means the plot reached the ears of Cortes and Montezuma The king immediately forbade any such step 172 MONTEZUMA. Cortes proposed to him to head with his troops a Mexican army which should march upon and destroy the city of Tezcuco ; but Montezuma would not listen to such a proposal. Cortes then sent a friendly message to Cacama asking him to desist from his warlike preparations, as he wanted to be a friend to him. " I am not to be duped like others by plausible words," was Cacama's response. ** I expect soon to see you, and then you may say what you will to me." Cortes again sent word to Cacama that, if he proceeded in hostilities, he would cause the loss of the king's life. Cacama answered that he cared neither for Montezuma, nor for Cortes ; for he was determined to persevere. Cortes now laid some plans before Montezuma to which the king agreed. He sent his nephew word that he was in the Spanish quarters of his own free will and in accordance with the advice of his gods. But the king of Tezcuco understood perfectly well the way in which such a message had been obtained. He boldly answered that he was de- termined to attack the Spaniards within four days. Cacama said openly that his uncle was but '*a pitiful king, no better than a hen." As for him, *' he was determined to avenge the INSURRECTION OF THE MEXICAN PRINCES. 173 wrongs of Montezuma and of his country, and that, if in so doing, the throne of Mexico fell to his lot, he would liberally reward his sup- porters." Some of the nobles had scruples against acting thus without the consent of their monarch. They proposed to send to Montezuma for instructions; but Cacama, enraged, made several of them prisoners and thus intimidated the rest. He also sent a message to Montezuma, reproaching him for falling into disgrace by connecting himself with wizards and magicians whom he would speedily put to death. Montezuma was incensed at his nephew's in- solent message, and this served to further the plans of Cortes. The king took the seal from his wrist, and sent it to certain dissatisfied Tez- cucan nobles, telling them to capture Cacama and bring him there. Montezuma laid a plot by which Cacama was induced to attend a conference of nobles in a certain palace of his, which over- hung the lake so that boats could pass under it. Canoes were stationed in readiness, and, at an appointed moment, Cacama was seized and hurried into a boat before a rescue could be attempted. An escort of boats hastened him over the lake: he was placed in a litter and borne to Montezuma's apartments. This king after 1/4 MONTEZUMA. reprimanding him, delivered him into the hands of Cortes, who found himself in possession of another valuable hostage. Cortes now suggested to Montezuma that he should appoint a younger brother of Cacama's to the throne of Tezcuco, which was accordingly done. Some of the con- federate nobles were arrested, and the Spaniards had escaped another danger. Cortes now pressed Montezuma to give in his allegiance to the emperor of Spain. The king promised to summon his vassals for this purpose. He sent messengers to every part of his king- dom, and within ten days nearly all the caciques were assembled. Some few refused to attend so humiliating a meeting. Montezuma's page was the only Spaniard present. The king spoke. •* You all know," said he, " that in our ancient prophecies we are told that, from those parts where the sun rises, men were to come to rule the country, and with their advent our empire should cease. I believe these men to be those spoken of in the prophecies. I have sacrificed to my gods, requesting an answer, in vain. They have but referred me to former answers. Where- by I conclude their will to be that obedience should be yielded to the king of these strangers. I now beseech you to give them some token of INSURRECTION OF THE MEXICAN PRINCES. 1 75 submission. They require it of me. Let no one refuse. For eighteen years that I have reigned, I have been a kind monarch to you. You have been faithful subjects to me. Since my gods will have it so, indulge me by this one instance of obedience." Montezuma concluded his speech, bowed down with grief. The caciques sighed and wept. They said that they would do whatever he desired. He then sent word to Cortes that he and h's vassals would tender formal submission on the following day. This meeting was attended by Cortes and the principal men of his little army. As on the day before, Montezuma addressed the nobles, asking them to give their allegiance to the Spanish monarch. His voice was broken by tears and sobs, " more than becomes a man to exhibit," said Cortes. For some time after Mon- tezuma stopped speaking, his vassals wept so that they could not answer him. Even the stern Spaniards could not keep back their tears at such a sight. The Aztec lords finally swore al- legiance to the Spanish emperor, and this 3^t was duly recorded by a royal notary. CHAPTER XX. DIVISION OF TREASURE. It is easy to conjecture that the first use that the Spanish plunderers made of this newly-ac- quired power over the Mexicans was to procure gold. Cortes learned from the king the position of his most valuable gold mines, and sent out men to explore them. He also represented to Montezuma that a contribution from the Mexican empire would be very acceptable to the Spanish emperor. We may well believe that Montezuma could not do otherwise than act on the sugges- tions of the Spanish general. He immediately sent out his officers to collect taxes, at the same time telling Cortes that he must not expect much gold from those provinces which did not possess gold mines. Within twenty days, a rich tribute had been collected. Montezuma imme- diately summoned a meeting of the Spaniards and, turning it over to them, said : *' Take this gold, which is all that could be col- lected on so short a notice, and also the treasure DIVISION OF TREASURE. 1 77 which I derive from my ancestors, and which I know you have seen. Send it to your king, and let it be recorded in your annals that this is the tribute of Montezuma. What I now give you is the last of the treasure that remains with me." The Spanish soldiers doffed their helmets, and expressed their thanks. The secret treasure vault was opened, and all its riches surrendered to the Spaniards. This last great gift of the Mexican king was estimated at a hundred thousand ducats in value. Much of the gold had been worked up in a fantastic manner by the Aztec goldsmiths. The Spaniards were three days busily employed in separating it in pieces, which made three great piles on the floor. Much of the gold was melted into bars, while that of the finest workmanship was reserved as it was. The soldiers clamored for an immediate divis- ion of the spoil, which was destined to prove only an object of contention. A fifth of the treas- ure was laid aside for his majesty, another fifth for Cortes, a portion to pay for the expenses of fitting out of the fleet in Cuba, and in payment for the ships, another portion for the expenses of the agents who had been sent to Spain, still anothei portion for the soldiers at Villa Rica, and another for the captains and the priests. Double 1/8 MONTEZUMA. shares were also apportioned the cavalry, musket- eers, and cross-bowmen, and, as may be imagined, what was left for the common soldiers was but small, compared with their high expectations. Loud murmurs arose. Some would not stoop to pick up what had been allotted them. Those who were loudest in their complaints were secretly si- lenced by Cortes, with bribes. Cortes and his captains had much of their gold made into heavy chains by Montezuma's goldsmiths. The general also had a service of plate made for his use. Some of his favorites had lined their pockets well. Cards were manufactured of drum heads, and deep gambling went on day and night in the Spanish camp. The ill-gotten treasure worked nothing but evil to those who had grasped it. It had been " badly divided," says Bernal Diaz, and was "worse employed." When the smothered discontent burst into flames, Cortes called his men together, and, says the soldier chronicler, " gave us a great many honied words, which he had an extraordinary facility for doing." He wondered, he said, " how men could be so solicitous about a little paltry gold, when the whole country will soon be ours, with all its rich mines of which there is enough to make you all great lords and princes." DIVISION OF TREASURE. 1 79 Velasquez de Leon, having some very large chains and ornaments in the hands of the gold- smiths, was accused by the treasurer of having unfairly possessed himself of gold before the di- vision of the treasure. De Leon declared that Cortes had given it to him. He and the treas- urer fell to quarrelling, and drew their swords. Before any one could interfere, they had dealt each other several blows. Cortes immediately arrested them both. He released the treasurer, on account of his office, and privately desired Velasquez De Leon to submit for the sake of ap- pearances. Montezuma heard the clanking of the prisoner's chains, as he walked up and down his apartment. He inquired who it was, and when he found that it was Velasquez De Leon, for whom he entertained a friendship, the kind- hearted king interceded with Cortes in his behalf. " Oh, Velasquez is a mad fellow," said the general, laughing, "and, if I did not keep him confined, he would go up and down the country robbing the king's subjects of their gold." ** If it is only on that account that he is im- prisoned," said Montezuma, "I will supply his wants. So, I beg of you to release him." Cortes acceded, but pretended to do so only for the king's sake. He made a feint of banish- I80 MONTEZUMA. ing De Leon; but this cavalier was only gone some six days when he returned, richer than ever by means of the king's bounty. i The Spaniards had long watched with impa- tience the open idolatry of the Mexicans. Em- boldened by his great power, Cortes determined to plant the symbols of his religion upon the very summit of the great temple. He waited upon Montezuma to inform him of his intentions. The king earnestly begged to be allowed to con- sult his priests. Seeing his agitation, Cortes mo- tioned the Spanish soldiers from the room, and, retaining only Father Olmedo, held a private in- terview with Montezuma. The king", after a lonsf conversation, sorrowfully consented to allow an altar and crucifix to be placed upon the great temple, on condition that no damage should be done the idols. He was present at the ceremony, which he in no wise relished. Whether the idols were left unmolested at this time or not is un- certain ; for there are two accounts of the event, which differ in this respect. Human nature will endure any thing rather than an attack on its prejudices. Their king might be seized, their nobles imprisoned, their revenues appropriated; but that the great struc- ture reared to the honor of Huitzilopotchli, whom DIVISION OF TREASURE. l8l their fathers had worshipped, should be desecrated by strangers touched the most sacred prejudices of every man, woman, and child in Mexico. Every little source of personal irritation in the conduct of the Spaniards was added to the religious insult. The priests fanned the smoth- ered flame. It was not to be expected that they would see the sacred precincts of their temple invaded without indignation and resent- ment. Montezuma was himself faithfully devoted to the belief of his fathers. He became moody and silent. He was frequently seen to hold conferences with his priests and chiefs, to which even the favorite page was not admitted, Affairs assumed a gloomy aspect for the Spaniards. They were in a state of constant alarm. Montezuma went into the court yard one day, accompanied by some of his nobles, and sent a message to Cortes, summoning him into his presence. The general was surprised, He had visited Montezuma daily but the king had never before sent for him. " I do not like this novelty," said he. *' Please God there may be no mischief in it." He immediately went to Montezuma. " Malinche, my gods are angry with me," said the king in much distress. *' I am grieved 1 82 MONTEZUMA. that it is so ; but it is their determination that you shall be put to death or expelled from Mexico. I am your friend, as you well know, and I implore you on no account to run the risk ; but to save your lives while you may.** The kind-hearted king could not find it in his heart to prove treacherous to these strangers, for whom he had formed a certain attachment. Cortes could with difficulty conceal his uneasiness. But he immediately expressed his readiness to leave Mexico. •* There are two things, however, that I have to regret in such a case," he added, with great presence of mind. " One is that I have no ships, and must build them before I can leave." " I will furnish carpenters to assist you," said Montezuma. " The other objection is," continued Cortes, " that I will have to take your majesty with me if I go." This announcement produced great distress and dejection on the part of the king. " I entreat your majesty," said Cortes, " that you will restrain your priests and warriors, and endeavor to appease your gods, provided it is not by human • sacrifice, until I can build three ships. If this is not acceded to, we are all resolved to die to the very last man,* DIVISION OF TREASURE. 1 83 Accordingly Spanish ship-builders and native carpenters were sent to Villa Rica to build the ships, and Cortes gained a respite, in which he probably hoped to find some better road out of his difficulties. A dark cloud seemed gathering over the Spaniards. Donna Marina daily gained some new piece of menacing information. Mon- tezuma's Spanish page also was dejected, and fre- quently in tears from the portentous hints which constantly reached him from those nearest the person of Montezuma. The little band of Span- iards kept a wearisome watch. They slept in their armor, and their horses stood always saddled and bridled. So accustomed did they become to these habits of watchfulness, that Bernal Diaz says that, long years after, he always got up several times during the night, and walked back and forth as he used to do when on guard. CHAPfER XXI. ^ELASQUKZ INTEFERES. It was n which threw him into a high fever, from which, however, his good constitution brought him out in safety. The Spaniards were now attacked by fresh anxieties. It seems that, on his journey to meet Narvaez, Cortes had left a goodly amount of gold at Tlascala, together with some invalids. He made haste to inquire for these, and learned that a party of five horse and forty-five infantry had arrived there from Villa Rica with provisions, on their way to Mexico. They had taken with them the invalids and the chests of gold. The whole party had been robbed and cut off by the Aztecs, on their road to Mexico. Cortes also received various accounts of Spaniaj^ds who 258 MONTEZUMA. had undertaken the journey, supposing every- thing to be as peaceable as heretofore, and had met their death on the way. This increase of their losses was very depressing to the Spaniards, especially as they did not know but the natives might have risen and destroyed the colony at Villa Rica, their last stay. Cortes immediately despatched messengers with Indian guides, having directions to avoid the beaten road, to the garri- son. They ascertained the safety of the Span- iards at this place, though the news they brought to the little garrison filled it with sorrow. Meantime, Cuitlahua was doing all in his power to save his kingdom from the invaders. As is frequently the case with governments where the countjy is ruled by tyranny, the re- moter provinces took the occasion of this dis- traction of the king's forces, to throw off his yoke. Cuitlahua, never-the-less, made every effort to strengthen his frontiers. Determined on the expulsion of the Spaniards, he resolved to try to affect an alliance with the Tlascalans. He sent an embassy to the little state, representing that the white men were their common enemies and the enemies of their common gods, and proposing an alliance to destroy them, in this, the hour of their weakness. The Tlascalan chiefs held a MAKING A FRESH START. 259 council. The young Xicotencatl, who had never overcome his enmity for the Spaniards, was hotly in favor of accepting the proposition of the Mexi- cans. But the old Maxixca stoutly withstood the tide in favor of treachery to the white men. The chieftains had a fierce quarrel, and the older one is said to have kicked the younger one down the steps of the council hall. Cuitlahua's proposition was rejected. The Spaniards got some wind of the affair, which added to their anxieties ; for Xicotencatl still headed a party in Tlascala, op- posed to the white men. After three weeks of rest in Tlascala, Cortes began to meditate a fresh campaign against the Mexican empire. He no sooner laid his plans be- fore his troops, than murmurs of opposition arose. The rennnant of Narvaez* soldiers, longing for their plantations and mines in Cuba, had thought that their disasters had put an end to any farther ambitious schemes on the part of their com- mander. The discontents found a leader in Cortes' friend Duero, who loudly cursed the day he had embarked on such a business and the gold that had been lost in the Mexican ditches. Finding that Cortes took no notice of their noisy complaints, they drew up a petition headed by the name of Duero. They begged the general to 26o • MONTEZUMA. proceed immediately to Vera Cruz where, at least, his forces would be united and with ships at their disposal, before the natives discovered their weak- ness, and attacked them separately. Cortes read the paper. But he was '* determined " as he says, *^* by no means to go down to the seaboard ports, preferring to encounter every toil and danger that could possibly lie in our way." He was con- vinced that to display the least faint-heartedness, especially before the Tlascalans, would be ruin- ous. He told his men so, declared that " fortune favors the brave," and that, as they were Chris- tians in, the service of their king, heaven would not suffer them to utterly lose, " so noble a land." The malcontents accepted their general's answer with very ill grace; but Were obliged to content themselves, for the present, with grumbling at those of Cortes' veteran men who were staunch in their allegiance to him. " You have nothing to lose but your lives," said the Cuban land- owners. Cortes resolved to strike his first blow at the Mexican province of Tepeaca, bordering on those of Tlascala and Cholula. It was here that some of the Spaniards had been waylaid and murdered. On Cortes* first passage through their country, these natives had readily offered their allegiance - MAKING A FRESH START. 26 1 bit when the tide had turned against him they had taken the Mexican side, and Cuitlahua had placed garrisons within their territory. To secure Tepeaca was especially important, aside from mo- tives of revenge; for this province lay on the direct route from Villa Rica to Mexico, A'hich it was necessary for Cortes to coinmand in order to carry out his further plans. The Spaniards, accordingly, marc])«*d from Tlascala, resolved to retrieve their old reputation for success. They Were accompanied, ai» usual, by numbers of their allies who were very eager to fight the Aztecs at any point. The Tepeacans iliet them at their borders with a large force, and gave battle. The battle ground was open corn fields. The Spaniards had now neither artillery nor firearms, but they had still a small band of the dreaded horsemen. They charged in every direction over the level fields, which favored their movements. The natives found themselves helpless against such warfare, and were speedily routed. The city of Tepeaca was thus by a bold move reduced to submission. There Cortes took up his quarters. He made the rebellion "of the people," as he styled it, an excuse to make slaves of num- bers of captives. Warriors they did not want^^ 262 MONTEZUMA. but women and boys were cruelly branded with a hot iron, according to the custom of the time, and divided among the conquerors. One fifth was reserved for the emperor of Spain, another fifth for Cortes, and the remainder were distrib- uted much in the same way as Montezuma's gold. Again it was complained that Cortes used corrupt measures to secure the better part of this spoil to himself and his favorites, while the dis- abled and ugly were left for the soldiers. Cortes established a post at Tepeaca which he named Segura de la Frontera, " security of the Fron- tier." Cuitlahua had taken pains to establish a large army at a neighboring mountain pass. They were encamped near the strongly-fortified city of Huacachula, where a Mexican garrison had also been placed. The people of this city, willing to conciliate the conquerors and aggravated by the arrogance of the Mexican warriors quartered upon them, sent Cortes a message, excusing their attitude of apparent hostility, and offering to as- sist in ousting the garrison within their city, if Cortes would send a force for that purpose. He, of course, gladly accepted the proposition, and detached Christoval de Olid, with two hundred men and a large force of Tlascalans, to reduce MAKING A FRESH START. 263 the city. They were joined on their march, by a great number of Indians, both from this province and from that of Cholula, who displayed such alacrity to join the attack on the Mexicans, that the Spaniards became suspicious of treachery. Olid suddenly turned about, and marched for Cholula. From here, he sent some of the sus- pected Indian leaders, captive to Cortes. The general, after making a careful examination, came to the conclusion, that there was nothing in the rumor, and that, at any rate, it would not do to exhibit any fear of the natives, in abandoning the enterprise. Cortes accordingly marched to Cho- lula, where he joined Olid. He now made an arrangement for the co-operation of the inhabi- tants of Huacachula. Cortes and his men were on the march before daybreak, the following morning. Meantime, the Mexican garrison had sent out scouts, according to custom, and, receiving no warning, was en- tirely unsuspicious of any danger. The inhabi- tants, in fact, had captured the scouts to prevent any alarm. About ten o'clock, the Huacachu- lans, receiving intelligence that the Spanish army was approaching, pounced upon the Mexicans within their city. They had already made some forty prisoners when Cortes' men hurried to the 264 MONTEZUMA. scene. The noise of combat filled the streets of the city. An Indian guided the army to the principal quarters of the Mexicans, which were be- ing stormed. The natives had already taken the terrace and upper story of the building; but the Mexicans within fought so bravely, that the as- sailants had been unable to. force an entrance to the main building. Cortes soon accomplished this: the furious natives rushed in upon the Mexicans, who resisted to the last man. Cortes had wished to save some of them alive, that he might get from them some information with regard to the movements of Cuitlahua. But he could rescue only one, and he was " more dead than alive." The main army of the Mexicans was sta- tioned immediately beyond the city, on a hill. Some fugitive Mexicans who had escaped the slaughter within Huacachuia fled toward the encampment. But the army had already been roused by the noise of conflict, and was advanc- ing to the scene of battle when they were met by the fugitives. The army was composed, most- ly, of the wealthier Mexicans. They were richly decked with gems, gold, and brilliant feathers, and presented the finest appearance of any Az- tec warriors the Spaniards had yet seen. Before MAKING A FRESH :START. 265 the latter had discovered their presence, they had ah-eady fired a quarter of the town. On being informed of this, Cortes advanced, and charged them with only his cavalry, his infantry being much fatigued. When the Spanish horsemen dashed upon them at full speed the Mexicans retreated,, drawing the cavalry after them into a narrow pass. Still the Spaniards hotly pursued up the face of a rugged acclivity. When they had reached the summit the heat of the sun under this southern sky, had so prostrated horse and man, that neither Mexicans nor Spaniards could advance or retreat. Some of the men and several of the horses fell dead. The Indian allies of the Spaniards, however, eager for battle, had followed up the pursuit. Arriving upon the scene, fresh and ferocious, they drew the Span- iards with them in a head-long charge, which put the Mexicans to flight doing them much injury. The victors pursued, and soon reached the deserted camp of the Mexican army. Here they found rich booty in slaves and stores, to which the assembled natives, who had hastened in numbers to join the pursuit, helped them- selves plentifully. After a few days rest Cortes marched to a city some twelve miles distant, called Iztucan, 266 MONTEZUMA. where a Mexican garrison had been stationed, and which was devoted to the interests of Mexico, its cacique being a relative of Monte- zuma. Such multitudes of natives followed the victorious Spaniards on their march, that Cortes asserts that they covered the hills and valleys almost as far as one could see. The city of Iztucan was almost entirely surrounded by a bend in the river which ran near it. Warned of the army's approach, the inhabitants had sent away their women, children, and old people, while the warriors remained to defend it. They bravely attempted its defence, but they soon saw that the Spaniards had been informed of the weakest side of their city. Having gained an entrance, the invaders pursued the defenders, over the walls of the city, and across the river. The natives destroyed the bridges behind them, how- ever, thus checking for a moment the pursuit. The Spaniards and their allies, soon followed, swimming and effecting a crossing as best they might. They pursued the fugitives some miles, and then returned to the rich plunder of the conquered town. Cortes' victories made him a hero among the natives, who were eager to follow a standard which led to rich spoil. A wide and populous MAKING A FRESH START. 267 tract of country owned submission to him. He became umpire in all the difficulties of the people. He was now no longer a fugitive, fleeing from the enemy and dependant on his" Tlascalan allies for support and protection. About this time Maxixca, the chief who had befriended the Spaniards in the Tlascalan coun- cils, died. The small -pox had been brought over by a negro on board of Narvaez* fleet. It had been communicated to the Cempoallan In- dians, and had spread over the country. This European plague was a most terrible scourge among the natives, who knew nothing of its treatment. It had reached Tlascala, and carried away the friendly old chief, much to the sorrow of the Spaniards. Cortes and his officers put on mourning on the occasion. It soon spread to Mexico, where the king, Cuitlahua, fell a victim to this subtile ally of the white man. The disease travelled on toward the Pacific coast, killing off the natives in immense numbers. The small-pox was so prevalent in the provinces now owning allegiance to the king of Spain, that Cortes was frequently called upon to appoint a new cacique for some town whose chief had died of this disease. Cortes now allowed a number of Narvaez' ^68 MONTEZUMA. old officers, who were very importunate, to return to Cuba, furnishing them with provisions and a good vessel, and sent Alvarado to escort them to the coast. He said that he would rather be without such unwilling service. Many of the sold- iers had become reconciled to another fortune-hunt- ing campaign, since the victories of the past few weeks. All Cortes* plans looked toward the re-taking of Mexico. He resolved never to be caught again on the fatal causeways unprotected. He felt the necessity of vessels, in besieging the capital. He formed the plan of building thirteen small brigantines in Tlascala and transporting them over the mountains to the valley of Mexico. He had no sooner conceived this plan than he sent Martin Lopez to Tlascala to begin the work. The governor of Cuba had heard nothing from the main-land since he had sent his last expensive expedition. Certain, however, that Narvaez was in command of the colony, he sent a small vessel to Villa Rica, loaded with stores, under command of Barba, the former commander at Havana. The captain bore letters to Narvaez, in which the' governor gave orders that, if Cortes was not already dead, he should be forwarded to Cuba, that he might be sent on MAKING A FRESH START. 269 from there to Spain. When Barba's vessel enter- ed the harbor of Villa Rica the commander of this post went out in a boat to meet him. His crew carried concealed arms with them. He boarded Barba's vessel, and having saluted the captain inquired courteously after the health of the governor of Cuba. " Very well," responded Barba. " How is Narvaez, and what has become of Cortes ? " " Oh, Cortes is a fugitive," said the com- mandant, " and Narvaez is well established arid in possession of great riches." Whereupon, Barba decided to go on shocQ. But he had no sooner descended with the com- mandant into his boat than he found l-'imseU a prisoner of Cortes. Barba, however, lad of old befriended Cortes in his disobedien /.•. He and his crew of thirteen soldiers and tw< horses were ready enough to join him in his adven- tures. Cortes welcomed them handsonr .*/.y, and Barba informed him that he might e3 ^^ect an- other small vessel in a short time. This hip soon put in at Villa Rica. Her captain and crew of eight soldiers and one horse were added, by the same ruse, to Cortes' httle army. d'eat was the joy of the Spaniards at these small though unexpected recruits. 270 MONTEZUMA. But Cortes' good fortune did not stop here. The governor of Jamaica had pursued his pur- pose of establishing a colony within the limits of Cortes' discoveries. He had sent vessels to the river Panuco, some few degrees north of Villa Rica, for this purpose. But the Indians had resisted the Spaniards, who had lost many of their number and were obliged to flee to Villa Ric a for relief. Vessels destined for this colony rea;hed Villa Rica from time to time. Thus Garay was adding to Cortes' forces, while he supposed he was establishing a rival colony. One vessel contained some seventy sickly soldiers, many of whom died. Another one contained some fifty men and seven horses. These re- cruits were so plump in appearance that Cortes' men dubbed them '' the sirloins." Still another vessel arrived, under the command of a man known as *' Old Ramirez," with some forty men and ten horses. These soldiers wore ex- ceedmgly thick and clumsy cotton armor, and were nicknamed *' the pack-horses." Cortes alsc despatched vessels to St. Domingo, for re-inforce^ ments. CHAPTER XXIX. IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO AGAIN. CUITLAHUA had reigned but three or four months, but his reign had been a glorious one for the Mexicans, in that he had led them in the expulsion of the hated strangers from their land. A new king was elected in the usual manner. Guatemozin, a nephew of the last king and of Montezuma, was appointed to the throne. He was a fine-looking young man, about twenty -five years of age. He took hold of the reins of government with courage. His rule was despotic, and he soon made himself so terrible to his own subjects that they trembled in his presence. On ascending the throne, he was married to his cousin, a beautiful daughter of Montezuma. Guatemozin was informed, through spies, of the movements of the enemy. He immediately made active preparations for resistance and defense. Having finished his conquests in the neighbor- hood of Tepeaca, Cortes left a small garrison at 272 MONTEZUMA. this post, and returned to Tlascala. Lopez, the shipwright, and *' Old Ramirez," who was a car- penter, were busily at work at the new ships. Cortes now sent to Villa Rica for sails, rigging, and iron, together with several smiths who were there. Pitch, the use of which was unknown to the natives, was procured from the neighboring mountains. Cortes also had his arms repaired, and made such addition to his stock as he could. Having procured saltpetre, he desired to get sul- phur, for the purpose of manufacturing powder. The daring cavalier, Montano, undertook to as- cend the volcano of Popocatepetl, to procure this article. Montano and his party pushed up to the very edge of the crater. The leader was let down in a basket into this smoking pit, and scraped sulphur from the sides of the crater. This operation was repeated a number of times, until sufficient sulphur had been procured in this hazardous way. Montano was afterwards rewarded with a patent of nobility for his daring deed. Preparations were well advanced by Christ- mas. Cortes reviewed his troops, and found that he had some five hundred and fifty men, forty of whom were cavalry, and eighty cross-bow-men and musketeers. The artillery consisted of some eight or nine field-pieces. IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO AGAIN. 273 The Spaniards began their march for Mexico on the very last days of 1520, leaving the ship- builders and most of the Tlascalan forces to fol- low when the vessels should be finished. Cortes had chosen the most rugged route across the mountains, knowing that the Mexicans would lie in wait for him, and thinking them less likely to protect this pass. The road was indeed so steep and rough that it was almost impassable for an army. A toilsome climb finally brought the Spaniards to the summit of the ridge. They suf- fered severely from cold at this elevation, and they looked anxiously for an attack in the nar- row defile. As they began to descend, they found the huge trees felled across the road, to obstruct the passage. The cavalry climbed over their trunks with difficulty. Cortes and his horsemen, having passed these obstructions, waited for the army to come up. They looked down upon the beautiful valley of Mexico, which lay at their feet, with satisfaction that they had overcome so many difficulties. This was tem- pered, however, with sorrow, as they distin- guished the disastrous battle-ground of the sad night. " We will never leave the country again with out victory, though it cost us our lives," they said. 274 MONTEZUMA. The rear had come up now, and the Spaniards again resumed their march. Now they could see the smoke of beacon fires, rising from the hills and showing that the natives had discovered their approach. At every turn in the road the Span- iards looked for a Mexican force. But none ap- peared. The passage was once, indeed, blocked by a body of native warriors, but a charge or two from the cavalry speedily dispersed them. The Mexicans were learning that dread of meet- ing Europeans in the open field so characteristic of our northern savages. Then, too, the nation was at this time ravaged by the small-pox. Having descended into the valley, the Span- iards took the route to the city of Tezcuco, which was across the lake from Mexico, and which Cortes had chosen for his headquarters. They encamped for the night in a small Indian village. In the midst of an enemy's country, the Span- iards felt themselves in great peril. Cortes him- self joined the watch for the first quarter of the night. The march was resumed in the morning. Tezcuco was the second city in importance in the valley, and the Spaniards were not without fears as to their reception here. The unfortunate king of this province, Cacama, had died in the IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO AGAIN. 2/5 battle of the sad night. A brother had suc- ceeded to the throne, putting to death the younger brother whom Cortes had placed there. The Tezcucans dared not resist the Span- iards. They therefore sent a deputation of nobles bearing a standard of gold, to meet the army with a peaceable message. The sight of this embassy was a great relief to the Spaniards. Cortes, how- ever, received the ambassadors, whom he knew well, very sternly, for it was in their province that his forty-five men with their treasure had been taken. Cortes answered their proposal of peace by accusing them of the deed and demanding the restoration of the gold. The ambassadors an- swered that the Mexicans had taken the gold from them, and desired the Spaniards to take up their quarters in some towns near their city. Cortes replied that he would not stop until he had marched into Tezcuco. The messengers then went away, ostensibly to prepare lodgings for the Spaniards. The army was met in the suburbs, by natives who furnished it with a good dinner. It was, therefore, noon when the Spaniards entered Tezcuco. They noticed that the streets seemed almost deserted. Cortes marched for the royal palace, where he took up his quarters. The building was very large, and easily accommodated 276 MONTEZUMA. the whole army. Cortes assembled his men im mediately, and caused proclamation to be made that no one should leave his quarters without permission, under pain of death. He was anxious that the inhabitants might receive no insult from the soldiery, and might be made to feel secure. In the course of the afternoon, several Span- iards ascended a temple, and took a survey of the city. Behold, the people were all leaving it I The inhabitants were carrying their children and effects into the woods and to the reedy banks of the lake, where canoes awaited them. On hearing this, Cortes sent to secure the king as a pledge for the return of his people. But he had fled betimes across the lake to Mexico, taking with him his movable treasure. He had sent the embassy and provided the army with a dinner, merely that he might give the inhabi- tants the more time to evacuate the city. It was already night and too late for Cortes to put any stop to the flight. He turned the event to account, as best he could, by raising another brother of this numerous family to the throne, through whom he rul^d, and induced a small portion of the inhabitants to again return to the city. The youth soon died, however, and Cortes used for his interests still another brother, .IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO AGAIN. 2/7 with the unpronounceable name of Ixtlilxochitl. This prince was a remarkable young warrior. His father is reputed to have been a great king, though his history, as written by a Mexican descendant, savors too much of Spanish ideas and Spanish romance to be taken for fact. On the birth of this particular prince, the astrology of the land indicated, according to tradition, a disastrous future for the child. It is said to have been predicted that the boy would unite with his country's enemies to overthrow it. The king was advised to put him to death, but he answered, that if his child were destined to co- operate with the sons of the gods, who were to come from the east, he would not interfere. VV'- suspect that this prophesy was invented after it had been fulfilled. The boy is said to have errly shown a spirit of insubordination, and when certain councillors repeated the advice which had been given at his birth he led a party of juvenile warriors to their buildings, and put them to death. His father, however, had forgiven him when he defended himself as acting the part of a warrior. On the death of his father, this irrepressible youth had contested the tlirone with his brother, Cacama. Montezuma had taken the part of the latter, but the matter was not settled 278 MONTEZUMA. until some of the mountain territory had been ceded to Ixtlilxochitl. The young chief had made himself famous as a warrior when very young. Willing to oppose Montezuma, when Cortes had first entered the valley he had formed an alliance with the Spaniards. Cortes now made him lord of Tezcuco, and he was destined to be of great service to the Spaniards. The secret of Cortes' success, with an army so small, lay in the fact that he took under his wing all the malcontents and rebels of the coun- try, and forced minor provinces into submission before he struck a blow at the central power thus enfeebled. By this means, he was furnished with provisions and recruits. Under the influence of terror, some of the neighboring towns now sent in their submission to the Spaniards. When Guatemozin heard of this he sent messengers to them, asking the meaning of such conduct, whether it were from fear, in which case they ought to feel more fear of the Mexican armies, or whether it were from the wish to retain their lands, in which case he offered them larger pos- sessions in his dominions. But his messengers were seized, and sent to Cortes. The general was willing to bring about the subjection of Mexico peaceably, if possible. He treated the Mexican IN THE VALLEY OF MEXICO AGAIN. 279 messengers handsomely, and sent them back with a message, desiring the old relations of friend- ship, and promising pardon for past offences. But Guatemozin had no intention but to defend his city to the last. CHAPTER XXX. THE IZTAPALAPANS OUTWIT CORTES. ^'ORTES resolved to strike his first blow at the city of Iztapalapan, which had been the pri- vate domain of Cuitlahua, -and whose inhabitants entertained an especial enmity for the Spaniards. The city was situated on a narrow tongue of land between the fresh water lake of Xochicalco and the salt lake of Tezcuco. Part of its houses were b^ilt on the land, and part on piles in the water. The fresh water lake was lower than that of Tezcuco, the waters of which were kept from overflowing the lower region by means of a dike. Iztapalapan was especially remarkable for its fine gardens, in which Cuitlahua had taken great pride. Leaving Sandoval in command of a strong garrison at Tezcuco, Cortes marched toward Izta- palapan, with two hundred Spaniards and some thousands of Indian allies. Before they reached the city a native force assailed them both by land and from the water, which was speedily THE IZTAPALAPANS OUTWIT CORTEZ. 28 1 covered with Indian canoes. The Spaniards fought them, and diove them back. The na- tives ralHed, and again the Spaniards drove them before them. The battle was kept up into the very streets of the city. Meantime, Cortes had noticed some Indians at work upon the dike of Lake Tezcuco. He thought no more of it, how- ever. Flushed with victory, the Spaniards and their allies rushed hotly into the city. The lat- ter, like other barbarous forces, were perfectly uncontrollable in the hour of victory. They slaughtered and plundered without stint. The inhabitants had fled to the houses on the water. The enemy waded out after them. From here most of them escaped in canoes across the lake. Those who did not escape were put to the sword. And now the men devoted themselves to the spoil. They sacked the houses, and left many of them in flames. Night came on, and they were still busy at their work, so busy that they did not at first notice a rising of the sur- rounding water. The stealthy but rapid over- flow soon became so important as to attract at- tention. Then for the first time the meaning of the busy workmen on the dike flashed upon the mind of Cortes. The brave Iztapalapans had thought to drown the hostile army in flooding 282 MONTEZUMA. their homes. The retreat was hastily sounded, and the army, laden with plunder, pushed for the shore^ chased by the rising waters. They strug- gled and waded forward, dropping their spoil by the way. Some of the Indians lost their footing, and were drowned in the lake. The main army finally reached dry land, having lost their rich plunder and spoiled their powder. They were, moreover, supperless, wet, and cold, while, most provoking of all, the Indians mocked them from their canoes. They had made their escape none too soon, however. Three hours later, they would have been cut off from flight. When day dawned, the Spaniards saw that the two lakes were on a level. A great number of Mexicans had sallied forth in their canoes,^ ex- pecting to see the Spaniards caught by the water. They gave battle, killed several men and horses, while the Spaniards could do them little harm as they escaped easily in their canoes. The In- dians followed the Spanish army with harassing attacks around the borders of the lake to Tezcu- co, which the latter reached in no very pleasant humor. Every now and then some Indian province sent a friendly message to Cortes. The people of Otumba, where the Spaniards had fought the last THE IZTAPALAPANS OUTWIT CORTEZ. 283 desperate battle of their retreat, now sent in their submission with a request for protection from Guatemozin's revenge. Cortes' forces were so small that he was unable to comply with such requests ; but he endeavored to stir the native provinces up to the defence of themselves and of each other. The city of Chalco, situated on the fresh-water lake, was, however, of especial im- portance, as it lay on the road between Villa Rica and Mexico. These people offered to join the al- liance but begged for assistance against the Mexi- cans. Cortes, accordingly, sent a detachment of Spaniards and the Tlascalans under Sandoval, to their aid. The young cavalier, after a brisk skir- mish with the enemy, succeeded in relieving the people of Chalco from them for a time. And now the brigantines had been completed and it remained to transport them in pieces to Tezcuco. This was a dangerous undertaking, since Guatemozin would destroy them if he could. The Tlascalans assembled their warriors in great numbers for the duty. They sent word to Cortes that they were about to start. The general im mediately sent a detachment under Sandoval to escort them over the mountains. On his way to meet the Tlascalans, Sandoval had undertaken to chastise an Indian town whose inhabitants had 284 MONTEZUMA. captured the forty-five Spaniards at the time of the siege of Cortes. There could be no doubt of the fate of these unfortunate men, for their arms and accoutrements were found hanging in the In- dian temples together with the horses' skins dried and their shoes hung up as trophies. In one house Sandoval's men found this sentence, traced on a white wall with a piece of charcoal: — " Here the unfortunate Juan Juste was a prisoner." These words filled the hearts of the Spaniards with grief. They went eagerly to the attack on the town. The inhabitants fled at their approach. The Spaniards rode into the town, killing the warriors and capturing the women and children for slaves. Sandoval was moved by compassion for the unhappy people. He ceased the pursuit, endeav- ored to gather together the remaining inhabitants, and left them in possession of the town. Sandoval marched on across the frontier to a Tlascalan town where he found the brigantines and . their escort awaiting him. The following day, the great force began their march for Tezcuco. According to Cortes' account, thou- sands of men were engaged in transporting the beams and timbers of the vessels. Eight Spanish cavalry and a hundred Spanish foot led the van. THE IZTAPALAPANS OUTWIT CORTEZ. 285 The porters were guarded on either side by na- tive warriors, while another Spanish guard and a large army under the Tlascalan chief, Chichime- catl, brought up the re^r. This chief had at first commanded the van, but had been ordered to the rear, as the planks were under his especial guard, and it was feared that in the van, which was the post of the most danger, they would be an em- barrassment in case of attack. But Chichimecatl, who courted danger, was- greatly offended at this arrangement. When his vv^ounded pride was finally pacified by his being assured that the rear was in reality the most dangerous post, he was unwilling that any Spaniards should remain with him in the rear guard as he wanted the honor all to himself. After three days march, the army reached Tezcuco in safety, marching to the noise of Indian drums. There was great rejoicing among the Spaniards at the arrival of their brigantines. It took more than six hours for the line of war- riors to march into the city. Nothing remained now but to have them put together. Cortes had always to keep a strong guard over his little dock- yard , for the Mexicans were bent on destroying the vessels, and more than once made attacks, and attempted to set them afire. 286 MONTEZUMA. He expressed the warmest thanks to the Tlas- calan chieftains, and provided them with fine quarters and handsome entertainment. ** We only await your commands,** said the eager chiefs. ** We and our people have come determined to be revenged or die." ** I beg you will first rest yourselves,** answered Cortes, "and I assure you I will sbon give you your hands full." CHAPTER XXXI. CORTES RECONNOITRES. The brigantines were to be finished before the final blow could be struck at Mexico. Cortes resolved to use this to the best purpose in lopping off branches of Guatemozin's kingdom. Three or four days after the arrival of the Tlas- calans, Cortes ordered them to be in readiness, together with some three hundred of his own troops. The army marched forth in the early morning, ignorant of its destination; for Cortes feared that the Mexicans would get some inkling of his plans through the Tezcucan Indians, who were none too faithful to the Spaniards. The army marched all day. Just as night was coming on, they met a Mexican force. A brisk charge of cavalry drove the latter into the woods. The nimble-footed Tlascalans kept up the pur- suit until many were slain. The army then en- camped for the night, Cortes enforcing a strict watch. He resumed his march on the follow- ing day. His route lay along the shore of the 288 MONTEZUMA. salt lake and around some smaller lakes north of it. The army approached a village, built on piles in the water, where they understood that the enemy was in force. Cortes resolved to make an attack. But he discovered that the only causeway which led to the town had been broken. The Aztecs rushed out to meet the Spaniards in their canoes which were shielded by strong wood- en screens, rendering the fire of Spanish mus- ketry quite unavailing. The Spaniards and their allies began to fear the entire failure of the at- tack. At this juncture, some friendly Indians in- formed Cortes of a ford. The army then began wading for the village, Cortes and a detachment keeping guard from the land side. The men rushed into the town, slaughtering the inhabi- tants and driving them to their boats. After a time they returned to shore bringing with them a booty of the valuables of the country, mantles, salt, gold, and slaves. Cortes marched a league farther, and encamped for the night. He had scarcely resumed his march in the morning when the Aztecs again attacked him. The Spaniards drove the enemy, and came upon a large and beautiful city which was entirely de- serted. Here they encamped for the night. The CORTES RECONNOITRES. 289 next town they came to was also deserted, and they marched right through this and on to the city of Acapuzalco, which was famous for its gold smiths. The inhabitants had fled, however, tak- ing their valuables with them. The Spaniards in their course around the lakes had now reached the neighborhood of the capital, which Cortes wished to reconnoitre. He pushed on, therefore, toward Tacuba, the scene of the night retreat from Mexico. The Mexi- cans had stationed a force to guard this city. The Spaniards were forced to cut their way through .the enemy. Arrived at the city, the whole army took up its quarters for the night in the palace at Tacuba. The allies began pil- laging and destroying the city by fire on the fol- lowing day. Cortes spent six days in the city of Tacuba, occupied constantly in skirmishes with the Mexicans. These warriors and the Tlascalans were hourly exchanging threats and bravadoes and sometimes meeting each other in single combat. Guatemozin succeeded in drawing Cortes into a trap. In one of their engagements, the Mexi- cans made a feint of retreating across the cause- way, drawing the Spaniards after them. Sud- denly Cortes found himself surrounded by vast numbers of Indians upon the causeway and in the 290 MONTEZUMA. water. Five Spaniards fell dead, and numbers were wounded. A Spanish ensign was thrown into the water, and the Mexicans were dragging him to their canoes, that they might reserve him for sacrifice. By a superhuman effort he wrenched himself from their grasp, and escaped still hold- ing his colors. The Mexican warriors tauntingly invited the Spaniards to re-enter Mexico. *' Go in ! go in, and enjoy yourselves ! *' they cried. And again, " Do you think there is a sec- ond Montezuma to do your bidding?** Cortes still hoped to effect a compromise. He beckoned for silence. Spaniards and Mexi- cans ceased, for a moment, their taunts and fight- ing. " Why are you so foolish," said he, *' as to seek your own ruin ? If there is any one of your principal chiefs among you, I would like him to make his appearance, for I wish to speak him." *' Oh, we are all chiefs," cried the derisive war- riors. '* Say what you please." Cortes was silent. The Mexicans then began to load him with reproaches. *' Let them die of hunger," cried a Spanish soldier. " Let us not suffer them to leave the city.** ** We are in no want,'* retorted the Mexicans, CORTES RECONNOITRES. 29I "and when we get out of food we will eat you and the Tlascalans." One of them reached out some corn cakes in derision. "Take these," he cried, ** for we have an abundance besides." Then they began to utter their war cries, which Cortes says are *' certainly terrible to hear." They attacked the Spaniards with redoubled fero- city, and Cortes saw that his imprudence had gotten him into a dangerous position. He or- dered a retreat from the causeway. Inch by inch, the Spaniards fell back, fronting the enemy and giving battle all the time. Having accomplished his main purpose, a par- ky with the Mexicans, Cortes began the return march for Tezcuco. When the Mexicans discov- ered this, they thought he was retreating from fear, and they fell upon his flanks in great num- bers. Cortes adopted their own tactics, to rid himself of this annoyance. He placed some twenty horsemen, under his own lead, in ambush, at the rear of the army. Shortly after, the Mexi- can warriors came rushing by in pursuit of the Spanish army. Waiting until the enemy had passed, Cortes gave the signal, and the cavalry ruihed upon their rear " in very handsome style," as Cortes says. The allies faced about, and joined the attack. The Mexicans were so se- 292 MONTEZUMA. verely punished that they gave up the idea that this was a panic-stricken army which could be braved without danger. Cortes encamped on the last night in a pretty little village, a few miles from Tezcuco. Arrived on the following day at headquarters, he found the garrison, which had heard nothing froni him, delighted at his return. The Tlascalans were now anxious to return home with their plunder, which was very considerable. Cortes did not refuse them this, and probably it would have been useless to do so. These wild warriors had many characteristics in common with the savages of our own country. Quatemozin had many strong garrisons around the edge of the valley and in the surrounding mountains. The people of Chalco were especially menaced by these posts, and they again sent an appeal to Cortes. The general immediately dis- patched Sandoval with some twenty horse, and three hundred foot to their assistance. This cav- alier hastened to Chalco, where he was joined by a' large force of Indian allies. From here the army set forth for Huaxtepec, the principal Mex- ican garrison in the neighborhood. Sandoval was met on the way by a Mexican army advanc- ing in three columns, to the wild sound of their CORTES RECONNOITRES. 293 musical instruments. Cavalry was the Spaniards' main weapon in war with the natives, and a cav- alry charge usually opened the battle, and was frequently sufficient to disperse the enemy. San- doval now put himself at the head of his cavalry. *'St. lago for us! Comrades, fall on!" cried the young commander. A brisk charge broke the main Mexican col- umn, but the warriors rallied and again presented an unbroken front. The ground was rough and very unfavorable to cavalry, so Sandoval ordered up his musketeers and cross-bow-men to engage the enemy in front. The troops armed with sword and buckler were to turn the flanks of the Mexicans, while the cavalry were to act under their leader as opportunity presented. The In- dian allies were also brought forward to the attack. The united forces finally forced the enemy to retreat, but only to a second and stronger position, very unfavorable for the cav- alry. The Spanish army finally dislodged the brave Mexican warriors, and pursued them to the town. The Spaniards now chose an encampment for the night. The soldiers were busy in the usual camp duties, and the horsemen were seek- ing forage for their horses, when the cry arose : *' To arms! to arms! the enemy is coming.". 294 MONTEZUMA. The whiz of stones and arroVs and the fearful war cry rang through the air. Every man, In- dian and Spaniard, sprang for his arms, and to- g(jther they rushed upon the enemy. After a severe skirmish, the Mexicans were driven back. But Sandoval's blood was up, and, with an impetu- ous pursuit, he drove them completely from the town. He took up his quarters for the night in a garden where the air was laden with sweet scents. The morning discovered this to be a beautiful spot, the finest garden the Spaniards had seen in the new world, ornamented with handsome buildings, a cool stream running through it, decked with beds of flowers, and with trees of many kinds. Here the weary and wounded Spaniards rested for two days. Sandoval next marched upon the town of Acapichtla, defended by another strong Mexican garrison. This town was built upon a rocky height, inaccessible to cavalry. The army no sooner approached than the inhabitants hurled down missiles upon their heads. The allies drew back at the idea of making the steep ascent to this fortress in the face of the enemy. But some of the cavalry dismounted, others were left as a guard in the plain, while the Spaniards led the way up the steep. With determined efforts, they CORTES RECONNOILRES. 295 scaled the heights, closely followed by their In- dian allies. Sandoval and a number of his men were wounded in the ascent. But they fought their way into the town. The allies now made up for their previous tardiness, by saving the Spaniards the trouble of putting the garrison to death. The Spaniards, on their part, were only too willing to devote themselves to the search after gold and the capture of women and chil- dren for slaves. The army returned in triumph to Tezcuco, well loaded with spoil. When Guatemozin heard of these losses, he was greatly enraged against the people of Chalco, and resolved to punish them for their rebellion. The Spaniards had no sooner turned their backs than some two thousand canoes came swiftly down the lakes to Chalco, bearing: an avendnp- army. Sandoval had not had time to make a report to Cortes when fresh complaints came from the inhabitants of Chalco that the Mexicans were upon them. Cortes, thinking that Sando- val had not executed his commission well, flew into a violent passion, and ordered Sandoval back to Chalco without hearing him out. The brave young officer obeyed, indignant at his command- er's injustice. Forced to it, the people of Chalco had 296 MONTEZUMA. summoned their allies, marched forth, met the Mexicans, and repulsed them. The battle was over when Sandoval arrived, so he marched back again to Tezcuco. Cortes had forgotten his momentary anger, and was delighted with the event ; but Sandoval turned away, and refused to speak to him. Cortes, however, was too wise a general to omit making ample amends to the most valuable of his officers. The road was now open between the garrison at Villa Rica and the headquarters at Tezcuco. Great was Cortes' delight to hear, about this time, of the arrival of three vessels containing fresh recruits. These probably came from St. Domingo, where Cortes had sent for recruits. CHAPTER XXXII. FOKTS UPON ROCKS. SOME NARROW ESCAPES. The Mexicans could not endure the de- fection c>f Chalco, especially as the province was a corn country, and both sides felt it important for supplies. Only a few days had passed when an embassy arrived from this place. The mes- sengers spread before Cortes a large white cloth, on which was traced a map of the country about their city, representing the various towns from which the enemy designed to attack them. Early in April, 1521, Cortes marched at the head of some three hundred and thirty Spaniards and a large force of Tezcucan Indians. He designed to make a circuit around the southern end of the valley, chastising his enemies, and relieving the inhabitants of Chalco from their apprehensions. He marched through this city, gathering native recruits. Indeed the largest numbers of Indians which had ever marched after Cortes now flocked to his standard, at- tracted by his friendly treatment of them, but 2*^8 MONTEZUMA. more than all by his reputation for success and the prospect of plunder. Cortes marched to the southward, and entered the mountain passes, held by the Mexicans, who were wont to sweep down upon the rebel- lious provinces in the valley at any moment. The route lay between two high, rocky cliffs upon the summits of which was here and there a fortress. The garrisons of these posts greeted the hostile army with loud taunts and reproaches. But Cortes would not be enticed away from his main purpose. The army passed on, through a deserted town. The inhabitants had fled to their rocky defenses, where they felt themselves safe in inviting the revenge of the enemy. The army now entered a plain from which rose a steep acclivity, on the summit of which stood a fort. Here the women and children of the country had taken refuge, and here they were guarded by their hardy warriors. At the approach of the army, they sounded the alarm, and signalled to other heights by means of smoke. As the Spaniards approached the place, showers of stones darts, and arrows, fell upon their heads, doing them much injury. Cortes did not like to pass by, laying himself open to a suspicion of cowardice both from his enemies and his allies. He resolved FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 299 to give the garrison "something they would not relish," as he expresses it. He caused the rock which was about a league in circumference to be reconnoitred. The ascent seemed almost perpendicular at any point. The thought of taking it, said Cortes, "seemed like madness." He could, indeed, have besieged it, and forced the garrison to surrender by starvation ; but he had not the time to spend. He made the mad resolve to storm it. He ordered his men to ascend, under the lead of an ensign, named Christoval Corral, while the cavalry remained to keep guard on the plain. The brave soldiers began to scramble up from ledge to ledge. The Indians above rolled down large masses of rock. Sometimes they fell among the clambering sol- diers, sometimes they bounded from ledge to ledge, skipping the Spaniards. An immense rock fell upon the head of one soldier who was provided with a helmet, and killed him instantly. A moment after two more soldiers were crushed. Still the Spaniards clambered up, wounded, if not killed by the rolling stones. Another soldier fell and then two more. Corral still kept the lead. He had received a wound on the head, his face was covered with blood, and the colors which he bore were in tatters. Close behind 300 MONTEZUMA. him, followed Bernal Diaz with all the ardor of youth. They sheltered themselves in the con- cavities of the rock, and worked their way' upwards from hollow to hollow. Presently Corral called out : '' Oh, Signor Bernal Diaz, here is no advanc- ing. Remain under cover, for it is as much as I can do to keep my hold and preserve myself from falling." Diaz looked back. There were Barba and two soldiers following up under shelter of the projec- tions in the face of the rock. *' It is of no use to advance," shouted Diaz, " it is impossible to climb much farther." " Stop your talking, and proceed," answered Barba. Piqued at this rejoinder, Diaz climbed some- what higher. ** Now we will see how you will do," he retorted. Just then a rolling rock crushed one of Barba's men, and he dared not stir farther. "Tell the general that it is impossible to pro- ceed farther, and that even the descent is very dangerous," called out Corral to those below. Cortes could not see the climbers because of the inequalities in the rock. The cavalry had not been without a share in the danger. Three of the horsemen were killed and seven wounded FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 301 by the masses of rock which had bounded down the hill-side and into the plain. When, therefore, Corral's words had passed down the line of clam- bering soldiers, he gave signals to descend. The survivors reached the ground covered with blood and bruises. Numbers of warriors had been collecting in the plain below, preparing to attack the rear of the Spanish army. Cortes led his men in a charge upon them. The cavalry galloped two or three miles across the plain, charging to the right and then to the left. They discovered another cliff surmounted by a fortress, and this one seemed more accessible. Cortes decided to move on to this position, especially as his men were suffer- ing for water and could find none where they were. It was with " sad enough feelings," how- ever, that they abandoned this fort, defeated. They encamped for the night without having found water either for man or horse. The enemy added to the discomfort of their situation by making the night hideous with their drums, trum- pets, and cries. In the morning, while the horses were being led several miles away for water, Cortes recon- noitred. This cliff also seemed very difficult of ascent but Cortes found that it was commanded 302 MONTEZUMA. by a neighboring eminence. He immediately sent a detachment to gain this point, while he led the ascent up the main hill. The garrison concen- trated all its forces upon the defense, rolling stones down on the heads of the assaulting party. These, on their part, toiled up the sides of the rock, and the events of the day before seemed likely to be repeated. But the other detachment had already gained the neighboring eminence, from which they poured a steady fire in upon the gar- rison. The Indians soon threw down their arms and signalled their surrender. Several chiefs de- scended to confer with Cortes. He treated them very kindly and promised to pardon them if they would induce the garrison, which he had aban- doned with so much regret the day before, to sur- render. The capitulation of both garrisons was thus speedily brought about. Meantime, some hardy soldiers clambered to the top of the rock. They found that the summit of the cliff extended into a wide plain. A large number of women and children had taken refuge in the fortress with their valuables packed in bales. Cortes rested here several days, sending the wounded back to Tezcuco. He then returned in the direction of Huaxtepec, which had formerly surrendered to Sandoval. He was well received FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 303 by the cacique of the place, and the army was entertained in the beautiful gardens which the Spanish general had not seen before. From here the general again entered the mountains, and de- scended the southern slope of the Cordilleras, toward a large town called Cuernavaca. which he designed to take if possible. This city was very strongly situated. It was surrounded on three sides by deep gorges. The sides of these rocky ravines are almost perpendicular. They are thus entirely protected from the cold moun- tain breezes, their rocky walls reflect the heat of a southern sky, and the bottom is filled with a rich tropical vegetation, furnishing the people of the country with the fruits of the tropics, in a temperate region. Cortes found himself on the brink of one of these dizzy ravines, which lay be- tween him and the city. The place was provided, indeed, with wooden drawbridges, but these were raised. Cortes and the cavalry made a circuit of several miles, in search for an entrance. Mean- time, some Spanish foot and Tlascalan Indians were also looking for a pass. They found a place where two trees, overhanging the gorge from op- posite sides, met. One of the nimble Indians tried this hazardous passage, and crossed. Span- iards and Tlascalans followed to the number of 304 MONTEZUMA. about thirty. Three of the men who attempted to cross in this way fell into the ravine belovv. Bernal Diaz, who was one of the party, says that the attempt was so frightful that in crossing he lost his sight from dizziness, and narrowly escaped falling. The sight of these few men frightened the inhabitants, who thought that the enemy were upon them. They began to flee. While this was going on Cortes and the main Spanish army were engaged with the warriors across the intervening gulf. These annoyed the Spanish troops by stones, arrows, and darts. Meantime, the men who had crossed over on the trees, came up in the rear of the defenders, and began to /* cut and slash at them " vehemently. Deceived, like the inhabi- tants, with the idea that the Spaniards had crossed in numbers, the Indian warriors began to fly. Cortes now galloped to the mountain side of the city, and, having discovered the entrance, un- defended led his army in. They pursued the in- habitants, destroying them and driving them into the mountains. The town was set afire. Finally the Indian chiefs came to offer their submission. The army slept that night in the gardens of the city. On the following day, Cortes turned again toward the valley of Mexico. The weather was FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 305 sultry, and the army suffered greatly from thirst, for there was no water to be found in the coun- try. The Indians fainted on the road, and one Spaniard died by the way. Cortes now directed his march through the valley to the city of Xochimilco, built upon the fresh water lake, some ten or fifteen miles from Mexico. Xochimilco had a large and intelligent popula- tion. The people had been informed of the ap- proach of the Spaniards, and they had labored vigorously to defend themselves. They had de- stroyed the bridges to that part of their city which stood over the water and defended the land side by digging canals. Cortes found these points guarded by an immense body of warriors when he approached the city. He advanced to the attack. The Indians were mowed down by cross-bows and musketry. The Spaniards plunged into the water, and made their way across, some of them losing their lives in the attempt. Mean- time, Mexican forces attacked the flanks of the Spanish army. The battle lasted a half hour vvhen the Spanish cavaliers drove the warriors be- fore them through their own streets. For a time the battle seemed won, but tlie natives were gathering for a fresh attack. They hoped to surround the Spaniards, and cut them ofl 3o6 MONTEZUMA. from retreat. The latter were somewhat off their guard when a fresh force swept down upon them. Cortes led six horsemen who happened to be at hand against the enemy. The natives fled from fear of the horses. The seven cavaliers galloped beyond the limits of the city in their hot pursuit. They dared brave almost any number of Indians, who stood greatly in dread of their horses. But the Aztecs were courageous. Frequently they turned and waited to meet the cavaliers with sword and shield. Suddenly the horsemen found themselves mixed up in a throng of warriors. Cortes was separated from his companions. His good horse *' rode tired under him," and could not be spurred to a vigorous charge. Here was a prize, indeed, for the brave Aztec warriors. They sprang upon the general. His weary horse fell. He endeavored to defend himself with his lance. But of no avail. It was but a moment's work. The Indians had hold of him. They were dragging him away for sacrifice when suddenly some Tlascalans rushed in to his rescue. Five of his servants came up at this moment, and to- gether they beat away the enemy, raised the fallen horse and assisted Cortes to mount. He had had a narrow escape, Meantime the other Spaniards, divided into FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 307 bociies, had been engaged in beating off the Aztec attack in other quarters of the city. Some parties of them, hearing the unusual outcry in the quar- ter where Cortes was fighting, hurried to the spot, and found the little band of cavalry very much embarrassed among the canals and beset by Indians. The Spaniards forced the enemy to give ground, and brought off the horsemen, who rode back greatly exhausted. Other detachments of the cavalry also came in severely wounded. It was almost night, and the Spaniards were ready to drop with fatigue ; but Cortes ordered the bridges which had been destroyed to be filled up with stone and brick, that the cavalry might have free passage in case of an attack. He then posted strong guards, and the army took up their quarters within the city for the night. Meantime, Guatemozin had heard of the state of the city, and had immediately sent a large force to the rescue. In the morning Cortes ascended a temple. He saw some two thousand canoes, as he thought, filled with Mexican war- riors and coming to the rescue of Xochimilco. The advance guard brandished swords taken from the Spaniards on the fatal night retreat. At the same time a large force attacked the army from the rear. But the Spaniards repulsed 308 MONTEZUMA. them at every point. The cavalry were kept busily charging here and there. Two of the swords were retaken. Some prisoners who were captured confessed that the design of the Mexi- cans was to wear the Spaniards out by inces- sant attacks. The latter were now destitute of powder, and obliged to make arrows for their cross-bows as they used them. Cortes decided to abandon the city. He first ordered the houses to be destroyed, as far as possible, by fire. Eager for spoil, some of the Indian allies and Spanish troops had obtained information of a store of riches which had not been hidden by the inhabitants in some houses approached by a causeway. They made a journey there, and returned loaded with fine cloths and other valuables. Others immediately made the attempt. They were attacked, however, in their isolated position by a body of Mexicans. Many of the Spaniards were badly wounded, and four of them were carried away alive. These unfortunate men* were taken to Mexico. Here Guatemozin interviewed them, and obtained information of the small numbers of the Spaniards and their recent losses in killed and wounded. The king then ordered their feet and hands to be cut off, and they were carried around from city to FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 309 city in this condition, to strike terror to those who should rebel against him. They were finally put to death. Cortes drew up his troops in a public square, and arranged the order of march, placing bodies of cavalry in the van, at the rear, and in the centre. He made his men a little speech, re- minding them of their danger, and advising them to leave their plunder behind. "Oh, we are able to defend our properties, our persons, and yours also," answered the men. So the baggage was taken along. When the people of Xochimilco saw the army march away, they believed it was from fear and fell upon the rear in great numbers. Cor- tes again planned an ambuscade of his cavalry. He rushed out upon the enemy at the head of his men, and pursued them some distance. But they had been sharper than he this time, and during the pursuit he fell into an Indian ambus- cade. The Aztecs sallied out in their turn, wounded all the horsem.en, and carried off two of Cortes' attendants, young men of whom he was very fond. The horsemen themselves escaped with difficulty. Cortes joined the main army, .sbpdding tears at the loss of his men. The Spaniards were now nearing Mexico. 3IO MONTEZUMA. Swarms of warriors attacked them from the lake. They made a raid upon the Indian porters, who carried the plunder. But the Spaniards threw their lances first to one side and then the other, beatirfg them off. When they passed through Tacuba, it was raining heavily, and a halt was ordered, that the soldiers might shelter themselves in the buildings. Cortes, with his captains and Father Olmedo, ascended the temple to get a view of Mexico. The numerous towns rising out of the water, the darting canoes, and the city itself made the sight a charming one. All admired the scene but Cortes, who was still sad and moody. Father Olmedo tried to console him for his recent loss. "Those things are but the fortune of war, general," said one of his men. " I am only sad," answered Cortes, *' to think of the dangers and fatigues that we shall have to go through. But I shall shortly put my hand to the task." The wayworn army finally reached Tezcuco. And here a new danger threatened the grand schemes of Hernando Cortes. A conspiracy had grown in the army under the leadership of an ad- herent of the governor of Cuba, named Villa- fana. The conspirators were to give Cortes a FORTS UPON ROCKS, NARROW ESCAPES. 3II letter purporting to be sent from his father by a vessel which had newly arrived on the coast. While he was reading it, they plotted to assas- sinate him and his trusty officers with their poniards. At the last moment, a soldier whose heart failed him revealed the plot to Cortes. The latter immediately went to the quarters of Villa- fana, accompanied by his faithful friends. They found the villain with some of the conspirators. Cortes caused them all to be seized. He then took from the bosom of Villafana a paper contain- ing the signatures of all the conspirators. Having read this paper he destroyed it, in consideration of those concerned. The leader was tried, con- fessed his guilt, and was put to death. Of the others who had been captured, some were put in prison for a short time, but without further pun- ishment, enough having been done for an exam- ple. Cortes now thought it prudent to appoint a body guard. With admirable policy, he always treated the conspirators with great attention. They, on their part, knew that he knew of their guilt, but dared not show a sign which would mark them before their comrades ; and, though Cortes was uniformly friendly, he knew against whom he had to guard. CHAPTER XXXIII. Si^ANISH BRIGANTINES AND MEXICAN CANOES. Cortes considered his little fleet of brigan- (ies, propelled by sail and oar, as the " key to the war." They were finished now, and a good canal had been constructed, by Indian workman, for their transportation from the royal gardens to the lake. Cortes held a general muster of his forces. He found that they amounted to eighty cavalry and some eight hundred foot. He had three large cannons and fifteen small, brass field-pieces. He was now well supplied with powder and with copper-tipped lances made by the friendly natives from a pattern which he had furnished them. Though many of Cortes' men had been sailors, none of them were willing to serve at the oars on the brigantines. Cortes selected those who were natives of sea coast towns, and manned his fleet with them. Many of them objected that they were " gentlemen " and therefore exempt from such menial labor, but Cortes paid no at- SPANISH BRIGANTINES, MEXICAN CANOES. 313 tention. Each little vessel was provided with one of the brass field-pieces by way of artillery. Cortes had sent word to Tlascala and the other allied provinces that he was now ready to strike the final blow. The Tlascalan forces ar- rived at Tezcuco a few days earlier than Cortes had appointed. They marched through the streets in all the bravery of their war costumes, shouting " Castile and Tlascala ! " To completely invest Mexico, which was ap- proached by three long causeways Cortes sepa- rated his forces into three divisions. The first division, under Alvarado, was to occupy Tacuba, and thus secure the causeway of the fatal retreat ; the second, under Olid, was to take up its quarters at the town of Cojohuacan, over-looking the south- ern causeway, while the third under Sandoval was to attack Iztapalapan, as Cortes dared not leave so strong a post in his rear. To each of these divisions was added an Indian force amounting to from twenty to thirty thousand men, if we may credit Cortes. The general himself took command of his little fleet, which was to complete the in- vestment by guarding the water side of Mexico. Cortes had several objects to accomplish be- fore he began the seige. He wished to cut off the city's supply of sweet water, and totally demolish 314 MONTEZUMA. Iztapalapan, which was too strong a post to leave in his rear. The two divisions under Alvarado and Olid marched to where the great aqueduct, built of wood, stone, and mortar, a monument of the civilization of the Mexicans, crossed the lake. This was stoutly defended by the inhabitants of the city, both by water and by land. But des- perately brave as they were,- they could not cope with the superior science of the Europeans. The Spaniards captured the aqueduct, and broke it. The captains now turned their forces toward the causeway, resolved to capture, if possible, one bridge upon it. Their advance was met by im- mense numbers of warriors, swarming upon the causeway and darkening the water with their ca- noes. Every moment, fresh re-inforcements arrived, for the Mexicans were determined in the defense of their city. Their first volley of arrows killed three and wounded thirty Spanish soldiers. But the Spanish army advanced, the Mexicans reced- ing before them in order to draw them on. And now the Spaniards found themselves upon the open causeway, their crowded mass making an ex- cellent target for the Mexican warriors in their canoes. These were so well defended by stout wooden shields that the Spaniards were unable to repay them with any effect. The allies proved SPANISH BRIGANTINES, MEXICAN CANOES. 315 only an encumbrance. As for the cavalry, when they made a charge along the causeway, they were soon bro.ught up against a stout barricade defended by Indians armed with long lances. The infantry proved no more effective, for when they advanced against the Mexican army upon the causeway it melted away before them, the war- riors throwing themselves into the water on either side. Unable to cope with these slippery forces which momentarily increased, the army retired from the causeway pursued by the Mexicans. Olid now moved on to Cojohuacan. Alvarado took up his quarters at Tacuba, occupied in daily encounters with the enemy. Olid found the southern causeway as well guarded as that of Tacuba. The two forces scoured the country in the neighborhood with their cavalry, capturing a great deal of corn. But they were pressed hard from the lake side by the brave Mexicans, and longed for the arrival of Cortes with his fleet. Meantime Sandoval had been despatched to Iztapalapan. On his arrival at this city, he im- mediately began to attack the inhabitants and set fire to the houses. He secured that quarter which was built, on the land, but the warriors made a brave defense of their city. Sandoval was fighting them hard when a column of smoke was 3l6 MONTEZUMA. seen to rise from a rocky island in the lake. Im* mediately smoke could be seen upon the summits of innumerable hills and temples, and the Indian warriors began to draw off. This rising smoke was a signal, indicating that the Mexicans had discovered the approach of Cortes' fleet. By the aid of sail and oar the little vessels had sped down the lake about the first of May 1 521. Near the southern shore, a steep, rocky island rose out of the water. A body of Mexican warriors, together with some inhabitants of the lake shore, held this spot, and it was here that the first smoke signal was given. As the vessels passed close under the rock, they were greeted by volleys of stones and arrows from its summit. Cortes immediately changed his course, landed a hundred and fifty warriors, and clambered up the steep sides of the rocks over the entrenchments on its summit. The Spaniards put every warrior to the sword, but spared the women and chil- dren who had taken refuge here. This rock was was named for Cortes after he had received a title of nobility. It was called '' the rock of the Mar- quis." The signals of smoke had aroused Mexico as well as the other cities of the lake. The war- riors gathered in their canoes from every quar- ter to destroy the fleet. Suddenly the Spaniards SPANISH BRIGANTINES, MEXICAN CANOES. 317 descried an immense fleet of canoes in the dis- tance. Cortes said, as nearly as he could judge, they amounted to five hundred boats. They had scarcely ended their battle with the garrison of the rock. Cortes and his men instantly hurried on board their vessels. He ordered his captains by no means to move, but to remain where they were, thus encouraging the Indians to believe that they shrank from the encounter. The fleet of canoes came directly on toward the vessels until within two bowshots when they suddenly stopped and rested quiet, facing the Spanish boats. The hostile fleets remained thus for some time look- ing at each other. Cortes was very anxious to achieve a signal victory at this encounter, that the Mexicans might learn to dread his brigantines. Suddenly a favorable wind came from the land. Cortes took advantage of it to make an impressive descent upon the enemy. The canvas filled, and the Spanish vessels swooped down upon the lines of light canoes, breaking those they encountered into splinters, and sweeping the water with their artillery. At this destructive shock the Indians fled. The swifter brigantines bore down upon them upsetting the canoes to right and left. *' We destroyed many of the enemy in a style worthy of admiration," says Cortes with the enthusiasm 3 I 8 MONTEZUMA. of a general to whom human Hfe is of little ac count. For *' three long leagues " the brigantines pursued their prey, until the Indians had sheltered themselves among the houses of Mexico. Alvarado's division, out of sight behind the city, did not see the approach of the fleet, but Olid's men were in full view of this water battle. They were inspired with fresh courage when they saw the swift little vessels scattering all before them. They took up their march for the cause- way, at which they had heretofore been defeated. They attacked the distracted Mexicans with such force as to gain many of the trenches and barri- cades by which they were sheltered, and passed horse and foot over some of the bridges on this long reach of causeway. Spaniards and Tlasca- .lans pursued the enemy, until they were checked by some towers containing a Mexican garrison. It was already evening when Cortes called to- gether his vessels from the pursuit, and sailed toward the long causeway, where the battle was raging This causeway branched, before it reached the shore, into two. At the point of junction, where a broad low wall was built out into the water, were the towers containing idols which had checked Olid's men. The place was called Xoloc. Cortes sailed directly for this spot. With great SPANISH BRIGANTINES, MEXICAN CANOES. 319 Spirit, the Mexican garrison defended the towers. But their courage could not avail against the ordnance of the Spaniards. Cortes captured the towers, and immediately landed his three heavy cannon. The whole length of the causeway be- tween Xoloc and the city was black with Mexican warriors, while the neighboring waters swarmed with canoes. He leveled one of the guns, and thus raked the causeway with terrible effect. Though Cortes had previously meant to take up his quarters on land with Olid, he now resolved upon this position. Having assembled the brig- antines near the towers, he sent to Olid's forces, and procured a detachment for this post. He seems to have been ignorant in his investment, of the city of the northern causeway, by which the Mexicans still had free communication with the land. To cut off all communication with the land in such a city was indeed almost impossi- ble. Under cover of the darkness, canoes still carried provisions and water to the city. CHAPTER XXXIV. CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. Cortes had no intention of sitting down quietly to await the effects of a slow siege. This indeed would have been quite impossible to enforce with the means in his power. He resolved that a blow should be struck at Mexico every day. The Mexicans themselves were not slow in the defense of their city. Cortes had scarcely stationed himself at the towers of Xoloc, when he was attacked, that very night, by a a multitude of warriors. He says that these people seldom attacked by night unless certain of victory, but they broke through this custom more than once during the siege of Mexico. This time their intended blow was warded off by a steady fire from the brigantines and the Spanish musketeers. Morning had scarcely dawned, when Cortes* camp was again surrounded by Mexican warriors. He says that as far as the eye could reach, both along the causeway and over the water, CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 32 1 nothing but human beings could be seen. They filled the air with such frightful howls that Cortes declares it seemed as though the world would come to an end. With the aid of their superior arms, the Spaniards drove them along the causeway, stormed an entrenchment which de- fended a bridge, and crossed the bridge. They drove the Mexicans almost to the city for refuge. The artillery of the little vessels swept the water of canoes on the eastern side of the causeway, but the Mexican boats swarmed on the other side, annoying the Spaniards greatly from this vantage point. To prevent this Cortes had the causeway opened near his encampment, that some of the brigantines might pass through to protect the other side. The vessels now gave chase to the canoes from both sides of the causeway, pursuing them into the suburbs of the city. They had not dared before to enter the city, on account of the shallow water, and the knowledge that the natives had driven stakes under the water to entrap the vessels. The captains now, however, discovered some broad canals, by which they pushed into the city, setting the houses afire and burning a consid- erable portion of the suburbs. The first day was spent in this manner. 322 MONTEZUMA. On the following day, Sandoval left Iztapala- pan, and marched to a small town on the lake called Mexicaltzinco, part of which was ap- proached by a causeway. Sandoval had an en- gagement here with the Indians, in which he destroyed the most of their town. While he was engaged in this work, a detachment of warriors was sent from Mexico to destroy the causeway be- hind the Spaniards, and cut off their retreat. The warriors speedily made a breach in the causeway placing their enemies in a perilous position. But Cortes was informed of the situation of his captain, and sent two brigantines to his assistance. These brigantines were placed in the breach, and formed a bridge, over which the army passed in safety. Having arrived at Cojohuacan, Sandoval left his infantry here, and, accompanied by ten cava- liers, galloped out on the causeway where Cortes was fighting a battle with the Indians. Horsemen were unable to act on the obstructed causeway, endangered as it was by the long lances with which the Mexicans had supplied themselves for this purpose. The cavaliers accordingly dis- mounted, and threw themselves into the conflict. The Mexicans battled bravely, but Cortes' can- non did them much injury. Canoes and footmen were beaten back again and again with such CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 323 slaughter that they dared not approach the Spaniards, and the bold warriors showed more fear than they had manifested before. Many of the Spaniards were wounded, however. Among them was Sandoval, pierced in the foot with an Indian lance. Meantime, Alvarado had discovered the un- guarded causeway to the north of the city upon which the inhabitants passed back and forth freely. He informed Cortes of this, who imme- diately ordered Sandoval's division to Tepejacac, an Indian village at the head of this causeway. Wounded as he was, Sandoval set out for this post. The Spaniards indeed were rarely excused on account of wounds, of which almost every sol- dier had his share. Since it was quite impossible for the other divisions to act without aid from the water, on account of the swarms of hostile canoes, Cortes sent four brigantihes to the aid of Alvarado and two to the aid of Sandoval. The Mexicans were now forced to combat the three invading armies from the land alone. Cortes had battled for six successive days on the causeway, advancing, storming entrenchments, gaining broken bridges and filling them up, retir- ing at night, and returning again in the morning 324 MONTEZUMA. to find fresh breaches and new entrenchments. He now resolved on a concerted attack upon the city. He ordered Alvarado and Sandoval to advance toward Mexico from their different posi- tions, Olid was obliged to use part of his force in defending Cortes' rear; for some of the Indian allies, drawn from neighboring cities had rebelled, and threatened an attack from that quarter. Cortes sallied forth on foot in the early morn- ing. His troops marched along the causeway, where they soon met an obstacle. The Mexicans had made a breach, the length of a lance in width. On the farther side of this opening, they had thrown up a barricade, from which they de- fended the opening. A sharp battle ensued at this point. The brigantines which had moved along protecting the flanks of the army were now brought into play. Two of them were moved up along side of the defenders who could not long withstand their brisk cannonade. The gap was now quickly filled up and the army moved on. They had soon reached the entrance of the city, where stood some towers devoted to the worship of idols. At the base of this structure a large bridge had been raised, and a wide " street of water," as Cortes calls the canals, flowed be- tween the Spaniards and the city. This also was CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 325 defended by a strong entrenchment. The Mexi- cans immediately began to attack the Spaniards. But the brigantines were again brought up, and cleared the way. As soon as the enemy began to fly, the crews sprang upon the causeway, the little vessels were placed side by side in the opening, and the Spaniards passed across them followed by a large force of their Indian allies. The rear of the army then set to work to fill up the breach under Cortes' directions. Meantime, the Spaniards in front had advanced, and gained a new entrench- ment by a brisk charge, for it contained no water. The army pushed on along the street at the heels of the Mexicans. Again they reached an- other large canal on the opposite side of which was a strong barricade of sun-dried brick. One beam was left across the opening. In a mo- ment's time the nimble Indians had sped across this, and drawn it after them. The brigantines had not been able to advance into the town on account of the shallow water. The Spaniards could not cross without throwing themselves into the water, which they might perhaps have at- tempted had it not been for the fierce defenders on the other side. The Mexicans attacked the enemy courageously from the barricades and from the neighboring buildings. Cortes now hastened 326 MONTEZUMA. his archers and musketeers to the spot, and brought up two cannon. With these he soon raked the street to the destruction of the Mexicans and their barricade. The battle lasted for two hours at this spot. No sooner did the enemy give way, than the foremost Spaniards threw themselves into the water, and waded over. At sight of them the last remnant of the Mexicans fled. Cortes immediately set about having this opening filled up. The Spaniards and their Indian friends pushed eagerly forward for some two bowshots. Here they were met by another bridge, but this had not been raised, for the Mexican, had not im- agined the enemy could reach this point. Nor had the Spaniards themselves expected to accom- plish so much. This bridge led into the great central square. There stood the great temple, and there were the well remembered palaces of Axayacatl and of Montezuma. The square was thronged with Mexicans. Cortes placed a heavy cannon at its entrance and opened fire upon the dense mass of Indians. So crowded was the square, that though many fell at the mouth of the cannon, no visible effect was made upon the mass. The Spaniards and their allies poured into the square, and the Mexicans fled within the ** wall CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 327 of serpents " around the temple. The hostile army soon forced them from this refuge. The' Mexicans, indeed, seemed to have been overcome with panic at the sight of the Spaniards again within the very heart of Mexico. The Spanish army now took possession of the inclosure with its temples and towers. But if the Mexicans had for a moment lost their courage, it was but for a moment. They rallied, returned to the temple, attacked the enemy, expelled them from the temples, from the courts, and finally from the whole inclosure. Exposed to great loss and danger, the Spaniards were driven into the square and from the square into the street. They were forced to abandon their cannon. A general rout was imminent, and the Spaniards were likely to fall victims to Mexi- can revenge when severaL horsemen galloped upon the scene. At a charge /rom the dreaded cavalry, the enemy began to fall back. These were soon joined by six more horsemen who formed an am- buscade, and rushing suddenly upon the Mexicans despatched thirty of them. The tide had turned again. The Mexicans were put to flight, and the Spaniards regained possession of the temple court. Some ten or twelve of the principal in- habitants of the city fled for refuge up the great 328 MONTEZUMA. temple. But they were pursued by a few Span- iards, who overcame them, and killed every man. It was already evening, and Cortes ordered a retreat. His army was collected, and began to move down the street. But the Mexicans re- gained their courage, and rushed to the pursuit. They attacked the rear of the army furiously. It became necessary to station the cavalry in the rear. The crossings having been filled up, the horse could act freely. Again and again the cavalry charged upon the Mexicans, destroying numbers of them with their lances. But in spite of their losses the Mexicans renewed the attack. Cortes compares them to rabid dogs. In order to secure their retreat, the Spaniards were obliged to capture some fine houses, from whose elevated terraces the Indians annoyed them greatly. They left these houses in flames. The Mexicans fol- lowed them almost to their very encampment. Meanwhile, the battle was going on as fero- ciously at each of the other causeways. Guate- mozin found means to combat the Spaniards at every one of these points. Alvarado's division suffered the most severely. Here, as at the other causeways, each day's work had to be done ovei again on the following day. It was quite impos- sible to hold the bridges when they had been CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 329 secured, so that they had every day to be re- taken and filled up again. The horses were use- less so long as the causeway was daily defended by breaches and entrenchments bristling with long lances. When the Spaniards attempted to e/iter the city from this quarter, they were met with such storms of arrows and stones from the housetops as to drive back the men on the causeway and the brigantines. Finding that he gained but little and lost much, Alvarado resolved to change his camp from Tacuba, to a place where the causeway wid- ened, and some towers for idols stood. He left his cavalry and Indian allies at Tacuba, to secure his rear. Here the maize bread upon which the army subsisted was made and forwarded to the camp. The Spaniards then made a slow advance, tearing down the houses, which were difficult to set afire on account of their standing in the water. They filled up the canal crossings as they proceeded, and guarded every pass thus gained night and day. The duty of guarding in so small a force became very irksome to the weary Spaniards. It was the rainy season. The constant tramp of the army rendered the causeways very muddy. The soldiers marched, fought, and labored all day, 330 MONTEZUMA. returned to their shelterless camp at night, to dress their wounds as best they might, and eat their provisions of corn cakes with herbs, and sometimes the addition of Indian figs. Their night's rest was broken by the guard duty, or the war-cry of the enemy, and the rush to arms. After the last great effort, Cortes had re- mained in camp three days. During this time more allies had flocked to his standard, impressed by his success. The young chief Ixthilochitl, had joined Cortes with a large force. These In- dians carried all the ferocity of savage war into the struggle. In the raids upon the city, they cut off the flesh of dead Mexicans, and displayed it before the inhabitants, assuring them that they intended to eat it, which they indeed did. On the other hand, such food furnished suste- nance for the Mexicans. They had allies in many neighboring cities which still held to their allegiance, and furnished fresh recruits for the war, at the beating of the great drum upon the temple. But it was not without dismay that the Mexicans saw the people of Tezcuco, Chalco, Xochimilco, and Otumba, attacking their city and calling out the names of their several provinces. Cortes had resolved to strike another telling blow, that he might, if possible, bring the enemy CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 33! to terms. He never omitted his religious observ- ances. This morning, as before all his other great undertakings, mass was said, and Cortes marched out on the causeway accompanied by 3ome fifteen or twenty cavalry, three hundred infantry, and an " infinite host " of Indian allies as he says. The army had advanced three bow- shots along the causeway, when it was met by an advancing Mexican force. Guatemozin had not wasted his three days of respite from this quarter. The breaches had been cleared of the debris with which Cortes had filled them, fresh barricades had been constructed, and every thing rendered more impassable than before. Again the Spanish brigantines advanced, pouring a fire of cannon shot and musketry, from their decks, upon the Mexican army. These car- ried great destruction into the Mexican ranks, and at last the defending army retreated behind the next barricade. The Spanish army pushed slowly on in the face of such resistance, building bridges behind them and capturing breaches before. As the Spaniards entered the city, where the brigan- tines could not follow, they only carried the canals with great hazard and labor. Again the Spaniards pushed their way into the great square of Mexico, driving the inhabi- 332 MONTEZUMA. tants before them. There Cortes ordered a halt while he finished the work of filling up the canals in the rear. It was nearly evening before this was accomplished. Meantime, the exasperated Mexicans attacked the Spaniards again and again in the pubhc square. Cortes was obliged to lead the cavalry to the assistance of his men. He scoured the neighboring streets, driving the in- habitants at the point of the lance into the water. Thinking to dismay the Mexicans and drive them to submission, before they suffered farther, Cortes ordered the great palaces of the square to be destroyed. He said that it grieved him much, but, as it grieved the enemy more, he resolved to do it. The soldiers went at the work with zest. Especially did they enjoy the destruction of the scarred and battered palace of Axayacatl, the scene of their past sufferings. The walls were mostly of stone; but the supports were beams of wood, and there was a great deal of wood work on the inside. This was soon in a blaze, and crash after crash announced the fall of the walls. Near the palaces stood Montezuma's aviaries, ** gay and elegant " buildings, according to Cortes. He set fire to these structures also. The Mexicans saw this destruction of their finest edifices with great sorrow and dismay. But they were not daunted; CAPTURING THE CAUSEWAYS. 333 they never once thought of submitting to the hard conquerors. Night had come on and Cortes ordered a retreat. The Spaniards had no sooner turned their back upon the square than the Mexicans rushed upon them in pursuit. The Spanish cav- alry turned and charged them, overtaking them and piercing them with their lances. Still they attacked the rear, again and again, filling the air with their war-cries. CHAPTER XXXV. A MEXICAN VICTORY. Never had there been so strange a siege as the siege of Mexico, and never was city more desperately defended. Cortes hourly expected the inhabitants to sue for peace, but still no such message came. The warriors only increased in fury. Cortes had cut off, as far as possible, all communication with the mainland, by keeping his vessels cruising about the city night and day. In this way many canoes and prisoners were cap- tured. The Mexicans, on their part, tried every means to capture the Spanish vessels. Once they chose a place where they planted stakes under the water. Near here they placed some thirty canoes in ambush among the reeds. One or two canoes then paddled out as decoys. The cap- tains of two brigantines saw them, and pursued. The natives in the canoes appeared greatly frightened, and paddled rapidly for shore. The brigantines swooped down upon them, but only to stick fast on the hidden piles in the water. A MEXICAN VICTORY. 335 Instantly the concealed canoes pushed out from the reeds, and surrounded the vessels, attacking the crews. Both of the captains were killed, one of whom was Barba, and the brigantines fell into the hands of the natives. Cortes was as much exasperated as the Mexicans were de- lighted at this event. One night, as the brigantines were scouring the lake, they captured some important prisoners, from whom Cortes learned that the Mexicans had laid another ambuscade for his vessels. He imme diately sent six of his vessels with muffled oars to a certain place on the lake shore, where they were concealed by the tall reeds and the dark- ness. A single brigantine was then sent out as if in search of canoes. Desirous of capturing her, the Mexicans played their old trick of send- ing out several canoes, apparently loaded with provisions for the city. The brigantine gave chase. The canoes fled, as before, for their ambuscade. The brigantine pursued, but, as she neared the trap, held off as if from some sus- picion. The canoes in ambuscade then rushed out to the attack. Immediately the brigantine gave the signal of two shots, when the six con- cealed vessels pushed out from their hiding-place. They ran down several canoes, and dispersed the 336 MONTEZUMA. rest, returning with many prisoners. Thus Gortes cured the Mexicans of ambuscades on the water. Guatemozin's forces advanced in three bodies upon Alvarado's divisions. An army of his allies engaged Alvarado and the cavalry in the rear at Tacuba. A band of Mexicans then approached along the street and another over the ruins of the buildings which the Spaniards had destroyed. The Spaniards themselves advanced to meet them at a barricade which the Mexicans had thrown across the way. They stormed the barricade and captured it. Just on the other side they found a broken bridge. But the Spaniards plunged in and waded up to their necks through the water. They sprang out on the other side, and continued the pursuit, without waiting to fill up the canal, as Cortes had ordered them always to do. The Mexicans, being re-inforced, suddenly turned upon them, and attacked them from street and house- top. Forced back, the Spaniards made an orderly retreat to the broken bridge. But they found this place taken possession of by the Mexican canoes. The Spanish brigantines were unable to approach; for the Mexicans had previously fortifi- ed the spot with hidden piles, and the brigantines lost two men in attempting to pass. The Span- iards threw themselves into the water to either A MEXICAN VICTORY. 337 side of the causeway, and attempted to wade over. But they found themselves caught in a trap. The whole thing had been preconcerted among the Mexicans, and pits had been dug in the lake bottom to trip up the waders. Those who could not swim were helpless. Most of the Spaniards were wounded, and five men were taken alive by the Mexicans. Having learned a lesson by this defeat, Alva- rado's men spent four days in filling up this dis- astrous breach. They established their advanced post at this point, and the Mexicans established one opposite. In the night, when the latter kept guard, they built a great fire in front, so that the enemy could not see them, except when their dusky forms appeared, renewing the fire, which was sometimes extinguished by the rains. Meantime, Cortes had followed up his last suc- cessful attack on the following day. But though the Spaniards were early on the march, the Mexi- cans had already cleared away the bridges at two of the canals. More determined than ever, they faced the enemy on the brink of these gaps. There was nothing for the Spaniards, but to throw themselves into the water and swim to the opposite side, where the Mexicans opposed their landing, slashing with sword and knife and 338 MONTEZUMA. thrusting them down with lances. It took from eight o'clock in the morning until one in the afternoon to gain these two passes, so despe- rately did the Mexicans defend them. The Span- iards pushed on to the square, and there re- mained only time to gain two canals down the broad and noble street to Tacuba, which Alva- rado was forcing at the other end. Leaving the houses of this quarter in flames, the Spaniards began their retreat, for it was now night. On came the Mexicans at their heels. So impetu- ously did they pursue that one would think them to be the victors and the Spaniards the vanquished. Sometimes the Spanish rear would wheel upon them, and capture some dozen of the boldest pursuers. Again the cavalry would drop behind some ruined walls, and wait while the flying army hurried by with the Mexicans in close pursuit. Then they would sally forth, strik- ing their lances to the right and left among the brave Indian warriors. But, though they always suffered for it, Cortes says " their conduct was certainly worthy of admiration;" for no matter how great their losses, they never relaxed their pursuit, until they had seen the Spaniards out of the city. But, one by one, the cities of the valley were i A MEXICAN VICTORY. 339 dropping away from Guatemozin. They began to dread the vengeance of the Spaniards and their allies, while they saw no chance of succor from Mexico. From time to time, they sent in allegiance to Cortes. He always accepted it with the proviso that they should prove their sincerity by assisting in the war against the capital. He hoped to daant the courage of the Mexicans by turning their own neighbors against them. But Guatemozin, on his part, had resolved to wear the Spaniards out by continual attacks. On the very anniversary of their former entry into Mex- ico, he attacked them by night. These attacks were repeated again and again. The few soldiers who fell at every engagement must have grad- ually thinned the ranks of the Spaniards. Day after day, Cortes continued his raids within the city. The Spaniards always came off victorious, slaying great numbers of the inhabi- tants, with cannons, muskets, and cross-bows. Every hour Cortes looked for proposals of peace, but still none came. He resolved to make an attack every day, until he had reduced the city to submission. He gathered recruits of warriors in their canoes from the lake cities in alliance with him. He sent his brigantines with detach- ments of these canoes to the several quarters of 340 MONTEZUMA. the city, with orders to accomplish as much de- struction as they could. The captains then marched from their several positions to the at- tack. Cortes again led his forces down the broad avenue by which he always entered, and which was this time unbroken by fresh breaches. Ar- rived at the public square, he turned into, the street that leads to Tacuba, sending detachments of his men into the streets on either side of him, by way of defending his operations. Cortes then took three canals, and had them filled up. Night came on, and his forces returned to camp with much spoil. This day Alvarado and Sandoval were also successful in their advance toward the heart of the city. For once, the Mexicans had seemed intimidated, and the Spaniards believed that they had virtually gained three-fourths of the city. Cortes was quite certain the Mexicans would now^sue for peace. But no sign of sub- mission came. Nevertheless, the Spaniards re- turned with light hearts to camp, feeling that their task was nearly finished. The men of Alvarado's detachment were be- coming jealous of Cortes' troops having entered the other end of the street up which they were bravely pushing their way. The Mexicans were still in possession of the great market place of 1 A' MEXICAN VICTORY. 34I the city, which the Spaniards had so much ad- mired in the days of Montezuma. The men of both divisions were ambitious of the glory of first capturing this square. Fired by their successes, many of the Spaniards thought that the victory would be gained, if the market place was cap- tured. Cortes, however, was cautious about at- tempting a spot where he saw so many obstruc- tions that his men did not think of. This part of the city was intersected with many canals, every one of which was a serious obstacle to the progress of the army. But he finally called a council of war, at which this move was decided upon. Cortes sent messages to Alvarado and to Sandoval to join forces and attempt to reach the market place from the causeway of Tacuba, while he made the attempt from the southern causeway. Nevertheless, he told them that he did not oblige them to take a single step which might lead to disaster, for he well knew that these brave men would follow his orders, though it cost them their lives. The Spaniards were in movement early the following morning. Seven brigantines, with a large number of Indian canoes, were sent on their usual destructive expedition around the suburbs of the city. Cortes marched directly into Mexico, 342 MONTEZUMA. his forces somewhat augmented by a detachment from the other divisions of his army. Arrived within the city, he divided his men into three bodies, with which he proposed to take the three streets which terminated in the great market place. Alderette, the king's treasurer, with sev- enty Spaniards and a large force of Indians — to which was added seven or eight cavalry as a rear guard, and a dozen men with pick-axes to fill up the canals^was to march up the widest avenue. Two captains were ordered to charge up the second ; with a body of eighty Spaniards and another large force of allies. Cortes then under- took the narrowest and most difficult street a- foot, with some hundred infantry and the addi- tional Indian force. For a time the parallel armies in the several streets carried all before them. Already they were nearing the great square. Cortes had drop- ped behind to settle some difficulty among the Indian allies. The division in the main avenue sent him word that they had almost reached their goal, and wanted permission to proceed ; for they could now hear the noise of the combat of Alvarado and Sandoval, at the other side of the city. " By no means go forward without leaving 1 A MEXICAN VICTORY. 343 your bridges well filled up, so that, if it become necessary to retreat, there may be no obstacle in the road, for in this lies all the danger," was the general's message in return. The Spaniards sent back word : " All that we have gained is in good condition. You may come and see for yourself." They hurried on. But Cortes suspected, from the rapidity of their progress, that some- thing was wrong. Accompanied by some fifteen or twenty Spaniards, he went to examine the wide avenue over which they had passed. It was as he had feared. The hot-headed soldiers had left a breach behind them, some ten or twelve paces in width. The water at this point was ten feet deep. The soldiers had indeed thrown in wood and reeds, and, having crossed it carefully and a few at a time, this slight bridge had sustained them. As Cortes said, " they were so intoxicated with the pleasure of victory, that they thought it sufficiently firm." And on they went. As Cortes reached this spot, he suddenly heard an unusual din of war-like cries, and the lush of feet. The Spaniards and allies were re- treating in hot haste down the street, and the Mexicans were after them " like dogs in pursuit." " Hold ! hold ! " cried Cortes in despair. 344 MONTEZUMA. But it was of no use. Already the water of the canal was filled with Spaniards and Indian allies. So densely were they packed that Cortes said there did not seem to be room for a straw to float in it. The Mexicans were so fierce in their pursuit that they threw themselves into the water after the Spaniards. And now the Mexican canoes seemed to spring from the bot- tom of the water, so suddenly did they appear upon the scene. It was but the affair of a moment, when Cor- tes saw his men being killed or carried off alive by the enemy. The way in which he could do the most good was to save as many men as pos- sible. He and those who were with him gave their hands to the drowning men, and drew them from the water, some wounded, some half- drowned, and most of them unarmed. As they were rescued, Cortes sent them on. So bent were these few Spaniards on saving their com- rades, that they did not notice the swift gather- ing of a cloud of Mexican warriors. Already they are pressing upon Cortes and his few com- panions, but the general is so eager in giving his hands to sinking men that he has not noticed them. Several Mexicans rush forward and seize him. They are about to bear him off. They ar" A MEXICAN VICTORY. 345 to be revenged, their country is to be saved, and the war-god will rejoice in a victim to his taste. But a brave Spanish youth sprang forward : brought his sword down upon the arms of the captors, cutting them off at one blow, it is said, when he was slain by the Mexicans. Quinones^ the captain of Cortes' body guard, now rushed to the scene, and rescued Cortes from his assail- ants. " Let us leave this place and save your life," said Quinones ; " for you know that without you, none of us can escape." But Cortes would not. He wished to remain by his men, though he was already wounded in his leg. Without further ado, the faithful cap- tain took the general up in his arms, and carried him away. At this moment Cortes felt that he would rather die than live; but, urged by his companions, he joined them, and they made their way through the enemy with sword and buckler. Just then a devoted servant of the general was seen pushing forward on horseback, but a lance thrown from a neighboring terrace struck him in the throat and killed him. Another servant brought Cortes a horse to ride, and he mounted to take the command of the retreat. The melee of flying, disabled, unarmed Spaniards and In- 3 f6 MONTEZUMA. dians had crowded forward to where the street was narrow and surrounded upon either side by canals. These swarmed with Mexican canoes. The warriors were engaged in killing and cap- turing men from either side. The mud on the street had become so deep that it was almost impossible to stand. Many were jostled into the water by the panic-stricken crowd. Cortes extricated his men as best he could from this fatal trap. Arrived at the wide street of Tacuba, he got the remnant into something like order, and, joining some eight or nine cav- alry'-, protected the rear, which was hotly beset by the victorious Mexicans. Falling back to- ward the public square, Cortes sent word to his two other divisions to effect their retreat as reg- ularly as possible. This they did without loss, for they had not left any breaches in their rear. Cortes* army was soon assembled in the great square. They were attacked upon all sides by the Mexicans. The Spaniards could discern the burning of perfumed incense on the great temple, in honor of their victory. Chagrined and dis- heartened, the army made their way back to camp, it being much earlier in the day than their usual return. As for Sandoval and Alvarado, they had been A MEXICAN VICTORY. 347 at^ first victorious, and had pushed their way bravely on. But no sooner had the Mexicans de- feated Cortes than the victors marched to this part of the city, displaying much pomp, plumes, and strange devices. They threw before the Spaniards some bleeding heads. " Here are the heads of Malinche and his offi^ cers," they cried. "This will soon be your fate.'* With this, they rushed upon the Spaniards, grappling with them foot to foot. They were forced to retreat. As they fell back, they heard the sound of the great serpent-skin drum, an- nouncing the sacrifice of some of their comrades upon the summit of the great temple. A shrill horn, by which Guatemozin urged on his warriors, now sounded, and the Mexicans redoubled the fury of their pursuit. But the Spaniards escaped in safety to their camp, where they anxiously wondered whether Cortes were indeed dead, and whether there was anything left of his army. Even the brigantines were defeated on this day. Two of them failed to return, and Cortes' heart sank within him at the thought that they too were lost. CHAPTER XXXVI. HOPE FOR MEXICO. The Mexicans were filled with joy at this signal victory. The city resounded with the noise of drums and horns and the shouts of re- joicing. Her warriors took fresh courage. They tore away the bridges, built with so much labor by the Spaniards ; they raised anew the entrench- ments and defensive works ; they advanced their posts again to the limits of the city. Their guard, indeed, built its watch-fires fairly in the face of Cortes' camp. But the Spaniards, weary, wounded, and destitute of arms, were too much discomfited to oppose them. The Mexicans gained fresh hope. Their gods, appeased by the living victims which daily graced their temples, promised them a complete victory over the enemy within eight days. Guatemozin sent mes- sengers to the provinces, bearing several heads of Spaniards and two horses' heads as credentials, with word that the people were by no means to make peace with the strangers, for he would soon put an end to them. HOPE FOR MEXICO. 349 On the day of the defeat, Sandoval had re- turned to his quarters. The Mexicans had thrown before him the heads of his slain com- rades. The cool, young commander was not to be terrified, however. He warned his men to keep a good countenance. Leaving them safe in their camp, he mounted his 'fine battle- horse, and gaU loped along the lake-shore toward the camp of Cortes, determined to ascertain the extent of the disaster. Several times he was assailed by the enemy, who had become very bold, but he pushed on unharmed. "I bring you my condolence, General, for your losses, and how is it that such a disaster has come upon you?" asked Sandoval, as he rode into camp. *'Son Sandoval," Cortes answered the young man affectionately, and with tears in his eyes, ** it is for my sins that I have merited such a misfor- tune. But the fault is with the treasurer Al- derette, who was ordered to fill up the bad pass where the enemy threw us into confusion." " The fault lies with Cortes himself," loudly exclaimed Alderette, with the freedom of this camp of adventurers. " He never gave me any such orders ; but hurried us on after the enemy calling out, ' Forward, gentlemen, forward.* " 350 MONTEZUMA. A hot dispute ensued between the general and his officer, in this moment of disappointment and chagrin. Just then, the two missing brigan- tines came in sight. Though Cortes had be- lieved them lost, he had kept up a stout heart and a cheerful face in the presence of his com- rades, maintaining that they would return. He could not now conceal his joy at this relief from his fears. He turned to Sandoval. ** I shall have to ask you," said he, " to take charge of our affairs, for I am at present unable to do so. Go now to Alvarado's quarters at Tacuba, for I fear the weight of the enemy's at- tack will fall upon this post." In the reports which Cortes sent to these other posts, he at first concealed the real extent of his losses, fearing to discourage his men. So far as we can judge from the comparison of the chronicles we have of these days, even in hife let- ters to the emperor, Cortes was too apt to con- ceal or underrate his losses in battle, and to exag- gerate the numbers of his allies and of his ene- mies. He stated the loss of this battle at twenty- five to his men, and in his letter at thirty-five or forty, while Bernal Diaz states it at seventy-two. The last number is probably nearer the truth. From forty to sixty of these were taken alive. HOPE FOR MEXICO. 351 Aid seven horses and two field pieces captured. Cortes lumps the loss of his allies at more than A thousand, and there were probably many more of them killed than of the Spaniards, as their numbers were very much greater. Sandoval galloped for Tacuba. It was even- ing when he arrived there, but he found the Spaniards hard pressed, repelling a Mexican at- tack. Bernal Diaz says that he, with other Span- iards, was at this time standing, waist deep, in the water, defending a vessel which had got aground, and which the Mexicans were trying hard to capture. Two of her crew were already killed and many of them wounded. Just as San- doval rode up, with one united effort the soldiers got her afloat again. The Mexicans continued their attack with redoubled fury. Sandoval re- ceived a blow in the face with a stone. He saw there was no time to be lost. " Retreat, gentlemen, retreat, if you do not want all the cavalry to be destroyed," he cried. They made their way back. The Mexicans followed them, unmindful of the destruction of the Spanish artillery which swept the causeway. Arrived at camp, the Spaniards were allowed a little respite. They were eagerly recounting and comparing the events of the day at the different 352 MONTEZUMA. posts, when the horrid sound of the great drum of Mexico struck upon their ears, followed by the clashing and blowing of Aztec musical instru- ments. This camp was much nearer the great square than the others. Every Spaniard turned, and looked toward the temple. By the glare of the fires on its summit, the wild priests of Huit- zilopotchtli, could be seen winding up the temple stairs, to the sound of their mournful music. They drove some victims before them. When they had reached the summit, the Spaniards could discern the white bodies of some of their com- rades among the prisoners. These were decora- ted with plumes, and made to dance before the sanctuaries. Finally they were laid upon the stone, and sacrificed. The sensations of the Span- iards, who could not withdraw their, eyes from this scene, were sickening. Never had the hor- rors of battle affected them as this horrible rite did. Every man put up a prayer to heaven to be saved from such a fate. Bernal Diaz said that he never afterwards entered battle without a sink- ing feeling about his heart. Night after night, the Spaniards heard the sound of the " accursed drum " until all the vic- tims had been executed. The mangled remains HOPE FOR MEXICO. 353 of these rites, were thrown among the allies by the Mexicans. " This will soon be your fate. The gods have promised it, that in eight days we shall conquer," they cried. And these gods were the gods of the allies. The promises of the deities conveyed through their priests had a real significance to them. They dared not await the expiration of the time. Indian-like and, indeed, human-like they were as greatly discouraged by defeat as they had been impressed by victory. They stole away in bands. Their forces melted like ice in the sun. Ixthilxochitl, whose unpronounceable name Bernal Diaz softens into Suchel, alone re- mained with Cortes' division, with some forty of his followers. A chief and some fifty followers, now composed Sandoval's force of allies, while the brave Tlascalan, Chichimecatl, with some eighty followers, still stood by Alvarado. Even these few men wavered in their faithfulness. Cortes asked them why their countrymen had deserted him. " The gods of the Mexicans have predicted your destruction," they solemnly answered ; and added, '* We see you all wounded, many are killed, our own loss is great, and Xicotencatl, from the first foretold that we should all lose our 354 MONTEZUMA. lives. Therefore, considering you as lost, our war- riors have forsaken you." Cortes inwardly admitted that all this was much too true ; but he put a cheerful face on the matter, ridiculed the Mexican predictions, and managed to induce this handful to stay by him. There was for a time a cessation of attacks on the part of the Spaniards, who needed rest, but by no means on the part of the Mexicans. The Spaniards had always to be on the defen- sive. Every fresh sacrifice was followed by a furious attack from the Mexicans, whose bitter hatred seemed renewed by this barbarous rite. Against Alvarado's division, which was on the shortest avenue to their city, they especially di- rected their hostilities. At this post, the entire force of infantry kept guard on the causeway by night, flanked by the brigantines. Half of the cavalry patrolled in Tacuba, half on the cause- way. In the day-time they must be always in readiness for the enemy. CHAPTER XXXVII. THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. " Cut off the provisions and water of the Mexicans. There are so many warriors ; how can they subsist ? Their provisions must at some time be used up; the water they get from wells is salt ; and they have no resource but from the frequent rains. Fight them by hunger and thirst, and do not throw away your men." Such was the advice that the young chief of the unpronounceable name gave to Cortes. The idea of waiting for hunger to do the work, was mot a new one to the Spaniards; but they had been too impatient to await a protracted siege, with enemies behind them and the uncertainty of what was going on with regard to the con- quest of Mexico in the old world to goad them forward. Cortes was revolving a new plan of operations in his mind. But he was destitute of powder and other military stores. While the Spaniards were in the midst of their discomfi- ture and discouragement, messengers came to 35^ MONTEZUMA. Cortes from two allied provinces, complaining of the inroads of Mexican provinces and calling for assistance. As Cortes says, the Spaniards were, indeed, '' in a situation rather to require succor than to give it." But he felt that once to ap- pear to waver, once to show a sign of weakness, would be their ruin. His officers were greatly opposed to his sending away any of his force ; but in spite of this, Cortes sent detachments under Tapia and Sandoval to the assistance of his allies. Both of these officers met the enemy in battle, came off victorious, and returned in a short time, having reduced the threatening Mexi- can provinces to submission. Fortunately for the schemes of Cortes, a ship of Ponce de Leon, the discoverer of Florida, was driven from this peninsula to Villa Rica. She was loaded with ammunition, and thus Cortes was supplied with powder and cross-bows for his further operations. For forty-five days, the Spaniards had be- sieged the city of Mexico. The whole surround- ing country had submitted to them, in so much that there was not a friendly town left around the lake shore, from which the people of Mexico could procure corn, meat, fruit, or water. The Spaniards assured them that they would never THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. 357 cease to carry on the war by land or water, until the city submitted. But in vain. Never had the Mexicans shown fewer signs of weakness, never had they displayed greater spirit. Cortes resolved no longer to risk the lives of his men over the treacherous canals, so laborously filled up by the Spaniards and so industriously cleared away by the Mexicans. He would raze Mexico to the ground as he advanced, her ruins should fill up her water courses, so that they could no longer be opened. It was not without sorrow that the stern conqueror came to this conclusion, for he enthusiastically declares that " Mexico was the most beautiful object in the world." The eight days of the Mexican prediction had expired, and still the Spaniards invested Mexico. The Tlascalans began to be ashamed and returned to the war. Ixthilochitl induced numbers of Tezucan warriors to enter the field, and Cortes found himself prepared for a fresh attempt. While these preparations were going forward in the Spanish camp, the Mexicans were busily concerting plans for their future defense, open- ing bridges, building barricades, and covering the public square and some of the streets with huge stones, to impede the movements of the cavalry. Before renewing his attacks, Cortes resolved 358 MONTEZUMA. to make one more attempt to bring the Mexi- cans to terms. He held three men of consequence prisoners, and he proposed to these to carry a message for him to their king. They refused, saying that Guatemozin would certainly put them to death, if they appeared with such an errand. After some difficulty Cortes prevailed upon them to carry his message. With tears they asked him for a letter, which though it could not be read, would serve as their credentials. Cortes supplied them with one. ** Tell your king," said he, ** that, from the affection I bear the family of the great Monte- zuma, and in order to prevent the destruction of Mexico and the loss of lives, I am willing to treat for peace. He must know that, as his people are cut off from all provisions and water, and as all the nations which were formerly subject to Mexico, are now our allies, we will certainly soon conquer." When this message was first delivered to Gua- temozin, he appeared greatly enraged. But, re- covering his temper, he called a council of the nobles and priests of the city. The hope- lessness of their position, the desertion of his subjects from without and the distress within, were all freely discussed. There were those who were in favor of suing for peace, and the young THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. 359 king, perhaps, was inclined that way. But the priests, whose influence lay in the religion which the Spaniards sought to destroy, were opposed to submission in any form. " Look at the conduct of these strangers from the first," said they. "See how they treated your uncle, the great Montezuma, Cacama, and the various other princes who were in their power. Think how they have grasped and wasted the wealth of the kingdom, and branded as slaves, others whom they have conquered. This Ma- linche is always insidious in his offers. Remem- ber your own fame as a warrior and the promises of the gods, and never submit to him." This speech touched Guatemozin's sense of honor so adroitly, that he determined never to be found in the position in which Montezuma had placed himself. He turned his attention to the saving of the remaining provisions, the procuring of water, and the endeavor to procure assistance by means of canoes sent out at night. For two days the Spaniards waited for an answer to their embassy, and it came. The Mexicans poured out, like roaring lions in a fresh attack upon Alva- rado's camp. " Cowards ! cowards ! " cried they. " Peace is for women, and arms for men.'* 360 MONTEZUMA. Meantime, Cortes had been making his prepa- rations for the final attack upon Mexico. He called together the chiefs of his Indian allies, and requested them to join him with a large number of men, provided with the coa, a wooden tool which was used as a hoe among the natives. Again the Spanish armies marched into the city, again the brigantines and their fleet of Indian canoes attacked the outskirts of Mexico. Cortes had scarcely begun hostilities when the Mexi- cans made signs from behind a canal and en- trenchment for a parley. They told the general that some one had gone to call Guatemozin. Cortes ordered his men to desist from fighting and exchanging taunts with the enemy. For more than an hour he waited, when Guatemo- zin's answer came in showers of arrows, darts, and stones. Whereupon the Spaniards attacked and captured the canal and entrenchment. They found their movements greatly embarrassed by the large stones which the Mexicans had placed in the streets. At four points the work of destruction was now going forward. The various divisions of Spaniards and allies drove the brave Mexicans from their defenses. The Indian workmen then leveled the buildings, and filled the canals as THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. 361 they were captured with the ruins. The Mexi- cans were exasperated beyond measure to see the monuments of their skill, toil, and wealth burned and destroyed by the people of their own race. *' You will have the labor of rebuilding all these," they cried to the destroyers ; " for, if we prevail, you know it will be so, and, if the Span- iards prevail, you will still have to rebuild for them." Alvarado was the first to reach the great tem- ple this time. It was stoutly defended by the Mexicans. They were headed by their fierce priests. Once or twice they drove the Spaniards down the temple stairs. Others fought the Spaniards from below. But at last the strangers have again taken the great temple. Cortes, from where he is battling, some distance away, sees smoke arising from its summits. He trembles for a moment, as he thinks that this may be a new sacrifice of human beings. But no, the sanc- tuaries are in a blaze. Alvarado had taken the the temple. Heaven be praised ! For the Span- iards really believed that they were serving God as well as their king. Day after day, Cortes entered the city. Each day the work of destruction progressed farther. Each evening, as he retired, the Mexicans fol- 362 MONTEZUMA. lowed fast at his heels, believing he was inspired by fear. The din of battle filled the air contin- ually. The shouting, calling and whistling of the enemy, the blowing and clashing of their instru- ments of music, the tramp and rush of feet hither and thither, the destructive hammering at the buildings, the rumble of falling walls, the roar of flames, the crash of a roof going in, the reports of cannon and musketry, and the constant fling- ing back and forth of taunts filled the air. Even the night was made hideous by the Mexi- cans, for savage warriors always think to impress the enemy by much use of the lungs. More than once Cortes planned an ambuscade to rid himself of the pursuing Mexicans, and also to do them as much injury as possible. Once he placed a force in hiding, and, at the time of re- treating from the city, arranged that the cavalry should make a motion as if about to attack the Mexicans, and then retreat with an appearance of faint-heartedness. The least want of courage was noted by these fierce warriors. They rushed after the retreating army with the utmost fury, shout- ing as though they had gained a great victory, As they passed a cross street where the ambush was laid, a musket was fired as a signal, and, with the usual watch-word, the Spaniards fell upon THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. 363 their prey, slaughtering them in great numbers. The consternation of the Mexicans was so great at this disaster, that they did not shout once during the whole evening. The Spaniards lost a * horse on this day. Her rider being unhorsed, the animal fled to the enemy, who met her with such a shower of missiles, that the poor creature turned back again, and returned to the Spanish camp, where she soon after died. The loss of a horse was always a serious one ; but the Span- iards were thankful that the animal had not died among the Mexicans, for such an event always caused them great joy and exultation. The Mexicans were now entirely destitute of food. Their meals of human flesh were scanty, since they had no longer the power to do the enemy any serious damage. They were famished and disheartened. Already they were perishing of hunger. Throngs of people fished by night in the canals, and poured over the ruined portions of the city, in search of roots and herbs to gnaw. But they never once thought of capitulating to be branded as slaves by the Spaniards. Guate- mozin did not once think of submitting to be- come a tool, like Montezuma, in the hands of the white man. Now that the cause of Mexico seemed hope- .3t)4 MONTEZUMA. less, the Spaniards were in no want of allies for their work of destruction. The natives flocked in ' great numbers to the Spanish standard, espe- cially as there was much plunder to be gotten within the city. Having heard from prisoners that the miserable inhabitants swarmed over the city at night to procure food, Cortes resolved to strike a blow which would do them as much in- jury as possible, hoping thus to bring them to terms. Before daylight, the Spanish army was on the move, and the brigantines sailed forth to- ward the canals, by which they could enter Mex- ico. The Spaniards stole in to the city, hid themselves in ambush, and when day dawned rushed forth, and attacked "the enemy" — a mis- erable multitude of people in search of food, most of them unarmed, many of them women and children. More than eight hundred of them were either killed or taken, according to Cortes. The Spaniards now made their usual destructive progress in the city, this time unmolested by the Mexican warriors who were stunned by the blow just dealt them. The Spanish army returned to camp, laien with spoil. At last the three divisions of the army met. The Mexicans had long fortified themselves in a great pile of buildings surrounded by canals. THE DESTRUCTION OF MEXICO. 365 Guatemozin had used this structure as his palace. The Mexicans were driven from this post, and the buildings destroyed. The day was busily spent in filling up canals level with the ground. Three-quarters of the city was now in the posses- sion of the Spaniards. The people had retired to the strongest portion of Mexico, toward the open lake. The houses of this quarter were poor buildings standing on piles in the water The Spaniards pushed on toward the market- place, the last stronghold of the Mexicans. They captured, with much fighting and severe labor, a great *' street of water " which they filled up. ** Nothing was to be heard on either side of the principal street," says Cortes' " but the burning and demolition of houses, which it was painful to be- hold ; but our purposes required it, and it was ne- cessary to proceed in this way." Finally, nothing but a canal and an entrenchment remained be- tween the Spaniards and the great market. Early one morning they rode toward the spot which was defended by the indomitable Mexicans. An en- sign and several Spaniards sprang into the water and began making their way across. Immediately the Mexicans fled. The water was speedily filled up, and the cavalry passed over. They galloped into the market-place, admiring the arcades which 366 MONTEZUMA. surrounded it and which were still filled with Mexicans. The ground was strewn with half- eaten roots and bark, which told the tale of dire famine. Cortes ascended a tower which adjoined the market-place, where he found the heads of some Spaniards and Tlascalans. He now sur- veyed the city. The smoking ruins which marked the portion the Spaniards had captured, comprised seven eighths of Mexico. The Mexicans were huddled together in the small houses which re- mained to them. Considering that so many peo- ple could not live in so small a space and that they were already much reduced by famine, he resolved to discontinue hostilities for a few days, in hopes that the people might be induced to submit. CHAPTER XXXVIII. THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. Cortes said that it gave him much sorrow to continue to harass the Mexicans. This was un- doubtedly true, but he had another reason, as he himself admits, which made him anxious to bring the Mexicans to terms before hostilities had gone any farther. He had no doubt that they had much riches in their possession which he was anxious to secure. If he reduced the people by force, they would very likely throw their treas- ure into the water rather than allow the Span- iards to get it. What was procured would fall into the hands of the plundering Spanish soldiery and the Indian allies, who would be very unlikely to deliver it over to the authorities, especially in the light of past transactions in the division of treasure and slaves. But, though the Mexicans were dying like sheep of hunger and thirst, their bodies were thrown for concealment into the water, and the survivors still held out. Cortes had kept his carpenters busy for some 368 MONTEZUMA. fifteerx days on a battering-engine. By means of this machine, he hoped to supply the place of powder, which was running very low, and frighten the Mexicans into submission. This engine was erected in the centre of the market-place where there was a sort of raised building designed for the public games and amusements of the people, who occupied the arcades on such occasions. The whole thing proved a miserable failure. The car- penters did not understand the making of such a machine and the battering-engine refused to bat- ter. The Spaniards covered up their failure from the Mexicans by pretending that out of compas- sion for them they refrained from using this ter- rible engine. The Mexicans kept at a safe dis- tance from it, but were by no means frightened into submission by it. Hostilities had been suspended for three or four days and now numbers of women and chil- dren, wretched objects, dying of hunger or wan- dering about with haggard looks, filled the streets. Cortes says it was " the most melancholy specta- cle in the world," and he ordered that no harm should be done them. Still the warriors kept A'ithin their defences in their miserable *' nook " of the city. Cortes sent Guatemozin proposals of peace, THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. 369 but the king had no intention of accepting them. Most of the day was frittered away in this man- ner. Finally, the Mexicans themselves opened hos- tilities. Cortes then warned them that he would reduce them to still narrower quarters. He sent Alvarado to make an attack at one point while he made an attack at another. They went on foot, for it was impossible for cavalry to enter this quarter of the city. Hopelessly, but still bravely, the Mexicans resisted. Great numbers of them were killed and made prisoners, while the remain- der were forced into still straighter quarters. It was in vain for the Spaniards to reprove their allies. They had let loose a wild beast, and could not restrain it from wholesale cruelty. The Mexicans had now no resting place but on the bodies of the dead. The people were wil- ling enough to lay down their arms. The mat- ter lay only with Guatemozin and a few chiefs. On the following day, the Mexicans, seeing the great Spanish and Indian army arrayed against them, called upon the Spaniards to bring Cortes there immediately. Cortes had now become scep- tical as to the Mexican desire for peace. But he went to a canal on the opposite side of which stood the haggard warriors of the enemy. A parley ensued. The Mexicans said that Guatemo- 370 MONTEZUMA. zin was afraid to risk a conference with the Span, iards. Cortes assured them with the most solemn oaths that he would do the king no harm. But nothing came of it. Two Mexican nobles played the farce of taking some bread and cherries from an enormous bag and eating. So persistently did they try to hide their own misery. Making another effort, Cortes sent a prisoner of rank to Guatemozin with offers of peace. It is said that the exasperated king ordered him killed when he delivered his message. At any rate, the only answer that Cortes got was the war-cries of the Mexicans. ** Death is all we wish," they cried. With that they let fly a shower of arrows and stones, and began to fight more furiously than ever. One Mexican, who carried a Spanish sword on the end of a long pole, killed a horse with it. But it was not hard for the Spaniards to repay them dearly for this. The next day the Spaniards rode through the city, not seeking this miserable warfare with dy- ing men. Having waited in vain for any offers of peace, Cortes rode up to an entrenchment, and addressed some chiefs whom he had known of old. ** Since you see yourselves," said he, "in such THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. 37 1 a desperate situation and know well that, if I pleased, in one hour none of you would be left alive, why will not your king come and confer with me, on my promising not to injure him ? If he will but seek peace, you shall all be well received and treated by me," " We are fully conscious of our hopeless condi- tion," said the Mexicans with tears in their eyes. " We will go and speak with the king, and return instantly," They soon came back and said : — " As it is already evening, Guatemozin can not come now to confer with you. But, in the middle of next day, he will meet you in the market place, at all events." The Spaniards then returned to camp. Cortes caused a carpeted seat to be prepared in the building in the centre of the square, for the re- ception of Guatemozin and his nobles. He also ordered a repast to be prepared. In the morning the besieging armies moved as usual into the city Cortes cautioned his men to be on their guard, lest the Mexicans shoulci yet meditate some treachery.. Arrived at the square, Cortes sent a message to Guatemozin reminding him of his appointment. But Guatemozin did not come. Five of t> e principal chiefs of the city came in hin 5.tead, ind excused the king, saying that he 372 MONTEZUMA. dared not confer with the Spaniards. Cortes feasted these ambassadors, and the voracious way m which they ate testified to the privation theyi had undergone. After they had eaten, Cortes sent them back to Guatemozin with a present of food and another request that he would meet him. In two hours they returned with a present of fine mantles from their king and the news that he would by no means come, and did not wish to confer with the Spaniards. Cor- tes answered that he could see no reason why the king should fear to come before him, when he saw that he treated his caciques well, though he knew them to be the chief promoters of the war. He begged them to return again, and bring about an interview with Guatemozin, if pos- sible, for it would be greatly to his interest. They consented, and promised to bring his an- swer on the following day. Early the next morning the Mexican caciques came to the Spanish camp. They asked Cortes to go again to the market place, where Guate- mozin would meet them. Cortes immediately mounted his horse, and, taking the Spaniards with him ; ordered his allies to remain without the city, for in case peace was concluded, he would not want them. He was determined to concludeT the THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. 373 matter in some way to-day. He ordered Alva- rado to be in readiness, and gave Sandoval and his men charge of the little fleet, that everything might be prepared for the last blow, in case the Mexicans still held out. Gortes galloped through the city into the market-place, but found no one there. For three or four hours, the restless cava- liers waited here, but Guatemozin did not appear. They were deceived again. Gortes sent for the allies and Alvarado's division. Sandoval was ordered to attack the Mexicans by water. In a short time this poor remains of Mexico was sur- rounded on all sides. The Spaniards and allies sprang over the few ditches and entrenchments that remained to the Mexicans. It was not an attack, for the starving inhabitants were now des- titute of stones, arrows, or darts. Soon the pierc- ing cries and lamentations of women and children filled the air. Even the stern hearts of the Span- iards were moved. They would fain have put a stop to the indiscriminate slaughter which their allies carried on. Gortes says they had more to do to restrain their allies, than to fight the ene- my ; for, he declares, ** the people of this coun try are addicted to a cruelty exceeding what had ever been known in any generation." They not only attempted to restrain them from cruelty, but 374 MONTEZUMA. from carrying off wholesale the rich plunder which had been gathered together in this quarter. But, as Cortes says, they were but a few hundred men, while the allies amounted to thousands. A hun- dred and fifty thousand, he states it. Accord- ing to him, forty thousand souls were killed or made prisoners on this day. Still the city was not yet taken : still the survivors held out. The pestilential odor from the dead bodies which had lain for a long time in the streets of this quarter of the city, drove the Spaniards back. They withdrew until the following day. The thirteenth of August, 1521, dawned. Cor- tes made his dispositions for a final attack. He ordered Sandoval, with the brigantines, to enter a small basin of water within the quarter of the city where the Mexicans still were. Taking with him three field-pieces, he met Alvarado within the ruined city. The land forces were to drive the enemy toward the brigantines, whose captains were ordered to keep a strict lookout for Guate- mozin; for, if he were captured the war would be at an end. Before beginning operations, Cortes ascended a building overlooking the Aztec quar- ter, and addressed some of the principal men, "Why does your lord refuse to come to me," said he, " when you are reduced to such ex- i THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. 375 tremities? There is no good cause why you should all perish. Go and call him and have no fears." They went, and, after some time returned, with a warrior of great importance, Guatemozin's main counsellor. Cortes treated him with the greatest kindness, and endeavored to persuade him that there was no cause for fear. *'Guatemozin will by no means come into your presence," answered the warrior. ** He pre- fers rather to die. This determination grieves me much, but you will have to do your will." " Very well," answered Cortes, '* return to your friends, and prepare for the war which I will con- tinue until your destruction is completed." While the conference went on, many of the Mexicans were crowded together on piles of the dead, and some were swimming about and drown- ing in the water, still defended by Mexican canoes. The sufferings of the people were so excessive that many of the poor creatures sought refuge with the Spaniards, plunging into the water in their eagerness to reach them. Cortes stationed Spaniards at various points, to prevent, as far as possible, the allies from murdering these wretched creatures, but it was of little avail. Evening was coming on before Cortes could make up his mind 37^ MONTEZUMA. ta fight the warriors, still remaining in their pesti- lential quarter, vainly trying to hide their misery. Cortes ordered the cannon to be leveled at them. But the allies were more effective than cannon. The last charge was sounded, the last attack made. Some of the wretched Mexicans were drowned; some perished at the hands of the al- lies : some fell into the power of the more merci- ful Spaniards. The brigantines pushed into the small basin of water, and broke through the Mexi- can canoes, the warriors in them daring to offer no resistance. Guatemozin was determined not to place him- self in the hands of the men who had offered in- sults to Montezuma in the height of his power. Sandoval with his fleet was approaching, destroying the houses as he proceeded. Already he was near- ing Guatemozin's quarters. The chief with his wife and children, and his principal nobles, hastened into some large pirogues, reserved for the purpose, and began their flight across the lake. They made for the shore in various directions. Informed of this movement, Sandoval ordered his vessels to the pursuit. A captain named Garci Holquin com- manded the swiftest sailer of the fleet. He marked a large pirogue distinguished from the others by a peculiar awning and ornaments. He I THE CAPTURE OF GUATEMOZIN. 377 bore down upon this boat. When he neared her he made signs to the crew to "bring to." But they only pulled the harder for shore. He then ordered his cross-bow-men and musketeers to take aim at her. The people in the boat made signs not to fire. The Spaniards sprang on board and captured Guatemozin and his family and atten« dants. Holquin showed the king the greatest re- spect and feasted him on the poop of his vessel. Being informed of the capture of the king, Cortes ordered him to be brought to him. Mean- time he prepared for a state reception, cis best he could, by making a seat, laying down cloths and mantles, and preparing refreshments. When the royal prisoner appeared, Cortes moved for- ward to meet him, and embraced him. " Malinche," said Guatemozin with tears in his eyes, " I have done my duty in the defence of my kingdom and my people. My efforts have failed, and I am now brought before you a pris- oner." He laid his hand on a poniard which Cortes wore at his side. " Strike me to the heart," said he. The war was ended. The country was con- quered. The kingdom of Montezuma and the region about it was henceforward New Spain. After seventy-five days of siege and incessant 378 MONTEZUMA. battle, Mexico was taken; but she was no longer Mexico, she was but a heap of ruins lapped by the waters of the lake. As a fitting end to this great tragedy, the fall of a people, there was a frightful thunder storm during the night that fol- lowed. But so deafened had the Spaniards be- come by the din of battle, that Bernal Diaz as- serts that they could not hear the thunder. He says it was as though they had been for an hour in a steeple, with the bells ringing about their ears. CHAPTER XXXIX. CONCLUSION. Mexico rose on its ruins, a European city Again the central square was surrounded by fine buildings. But now a great cathedral took the place of the pyramid temple of Huitzilopotchli. The foundations of this Christian temple were laid with the broken images of the old deities. Where, the ancient palace once stood, Cortes reared him a palace of hewn stone, in which seven thousand beams of cedar are said to have been used. It afterwards became the palace of the viceroys of Mexico, while Cortes' descend- ants, the dukes of Monte Leone, erected another on the very site of Montezuma's palace. And who rebuilt this beautiful city within less than four years? Surely not the handful of Spaniards who were most of them hidalgos, or gentlemen's sons, and couldn't tarnish their honor with any work but that of fighting. The natives of the country, many of them the very allies who had so carefully riveted the yoke around their own 38o MONTEZUMA. necks, toiled to rebuild Mexico, as the Mexicans had predicted. They became slaves, for the ad- venturers did not go there to work, and must enrich themselves in some way. The home gov- ernment objected to the giving away of the in- habitants with the land , but her colonies were bound to enrich themselves, and the royal reve- nues from them, were certainly very comfortable. A good monk who was an eye-witness at the rebuilding of Mexico says that the natives suf fered greatly from what he calls the " ten plagues of New Spain." These were, the small pox, the slaughter during the conquest, a great famine which took place after the capture of the city, the Indian and negro overseers, the excessive tributes and services demanded from them, the gold mines, the rebuilding of Mexico, the mak- ing of slaves to work in the mines, the transport service for the mines, and the dissensions among the Spaniards themselves. Mexico stands to-day, a beautiful city, but she no longer stands in the water. The Span- iards soon deprived New Spain of her fine forests. Springs and streams dried up in the scorching sun, and Lake Tezcuco retired within its banks, leaving a broad margin of' barren land, white with salt deposits, and Mexico high and dry. CONCLUSION. 381 And what became of Guatemozin ? The Span- iards had been much disappointed with the treas- ure they found in Mexico. It amounted only to the " paltry sum of three hundred and eighty thousand crowns." There were all sorts of mur murs among the soldiers. Cortes was accuse of having taken " one fifth as general and the other fifth as king." The white wall of the In- dian building which he occupied was scribbled all over with libelous squibs. The mildest of them ran — "Alas ! how sad a soul I bear, Until I see what is my share," Cortes wrote under these sCrawls, '' A white wall, the paper of fools." The next morning, "and for truths," was added. Finally the thing became so scandalous that Father Olmedo told Cortes that he must put an end to it, which he accordingly did. The avaricious Spaniards were sure that Guatemozin had thrown rich treasure into the lake. Some of them, among whom was the royal treasurer, proposed that Guatemozin should be tortured until he confessed where he had hidden his riches. Cortes refused to do this after the promises of protection which he had made the unfortunate 382 MONTEZUMA. king. It was then insinuated that Cortes was re- serving the knowledge of this secret for himself, that he might secure the treasure. Goaded by the accusations of his men, Cortes finally con- sented to this act of cruelty, which will always be a blot upon his name. Guatemozin and the cacique of Tacuba, who had been captured with him, were put to the torture. In the agony of suffering, the cacique of Tacuba is said to have appealed to Guatemozin, for permission to confess what he knew. "Am I taking my pleasure in my bath!" an- swered the brave young Mexican. - All that they could wring from them was that some treasure had been thrown into the water. At last, out of pure shame, Cortes released them. Divers were taken to the part of the lake desig- na<-ed in the confession, and the bottom was dili- gently searched. Some small pieces of gold were recovered, but the avarice of the Spaniards was by no means satisfied. A large wheel of gold, probably representing the calendar, like those which Montezuma have given to Cortes, was afterwards found in a deep basin of water in the gardens of Guatemozin's palace. The Spaniards had to content themselves with this. Guatemozin was kept a prisoner by Cortes. CONCLUSION. 383 The conqueror with his small force, had more than once to suppress revolts in distant prov- inces, and was continually in dread of a rising among the whole people, under the new order of things. On one of his journeys to a distant province, Cortes, having his distinguished captive always with him, discovered, as he thought, some indications of a plot on the part of Guatemozin. There was undoubtedly a plan for rising among the Indians. Guatemozin, when examined, con- fessed this, but denied that he had any part in it, while the cacique of Tacuba, his companion in suffering, said that they had committed no further treason, than to say that death would be preferable to the life they led on this hard march. But Cortes chose to consider them guilty, and sentenced them to death. " Malinche," said Guatemozin, *' now I find in what your false promises have ended. Better that I had fallen by my own hands, than to have trusted myself to your power, in my city of Mex- ico. Why do you thus unjustly take my Hfe ? " The unfortunate princes were hung to a great tree. And the conqueror himself; what reward did he get from the king for whom he had gained a new kingdom? And did he "live happy ever 3S4 MONTEZUMA. after,'* according to the ending of the old stories ? He founded a noble house ; he became the pos- sessor of immense estates in New Spain, and lived like a small monarch himself. His first wife died shortly after her arrival in Mexico, and he married a lady of noble descent. He presented her with some beautiful Mexican jewels, which the queen is said to have envied her. On his first return to Spain, he was received with all the honors befitting a great conqueror. But his life was no more peaceful than that of Columbus. The vice-royalty of the new kingdom was not given to Cortes. It was not the policy of the Spanish government to place this office in the hands of a great military captain, and especially one who had shown himself so capable of slip- ping away from authority. He was kindly per- mitted to fit out voyages of discovery along the Pacific coast in search of that magot of discover- ers, a northwest passage to the East Indies, at his own expense. He involved himself in debt in these enterprises, and, on his second return to Spain, was received with coldness at court, and suddenly died there. Few monuments now remain of the days of Montezuma. The great pyramid of Cholula still stands, overgrown with vegetation and surmounted CONCLUSION. 385 by a chapel. An immense circular stone, weigh- ing more than twenty-four tons and known as Montezuma's watch, is worked into the wall of the cathedral at Mexico. It is carved with sym- bolical figures, and is probably one of those cal- endars, of which some were made of gold. Frcm the nature of the rock, it must have been trans- ported some forty or fifty miles by men alone. The descendants of the Mexicans are now free from slavery, and they are said to still pay honor to those among them who belong to caciques' families, in contradistinction to their vassals, showing the strength of their old customs. More than one noble Mexican house boasts of the blood of the unhappy Montezuma. THE END.