course generally. Meanwhile the servants had spread a dinner, which Bernal Diaz describes as sumptuous.[1]
In the afternoon Montezuma reappeared with a large suite. Seating himself beside Cortés,[2] he expressed his delight at meeting such valiant men, whose fame and deeds had already aroused his interest during their visits in the two preceding years at Potonchan and Chalchiuhcuecan. If he had sought to prevent their entry into the capital, it was solely because his subjects feared them, with their animals and thunder; for rumors had described them as voracious beings, who devoured at one meal what sufficed for ten times the number of natives, who thirsted for treasures and who came only to tyrannize. He now saw that they were mortals, although braver and mightier than his. own race, that the animals were large deer, and that the caged lightning was an exaggeration. He related the Quetzalcoati myth,[3] and expressed his belief that they were the predicted race, and their king the rightful ruler of the land. "Hence be assured," said he, "that we shall obey you, and hold you as lord lieutenant of the great king, and this without fail or deceit. You may command in all my empire as you please, and shall be obeyed. All that we possess is at your disposal.[4]
Cortés expressed himself as overwhelmed with these kind offers and with the many favors already received,
- ↑ Hist. Verdad., 65-6; Herrera, dec. ii. lib. vii, cap. v.; Sahagun, Hist. Conq., 25-6.
- ↑ Bernal Diaz states that the emperor always addressed him as Malinche, and, indeed, it was common among Mexicans to address persons by a name given them in later life in connection with some peculiarity, deed, or incident. Hence Cortés, as master of the prominent female interpreter, received a name implying that relationship.
- ↑ For which see Native Races.
- ↑ Cortés, Cartas, 86. This is in substance the speech of Montezuma, as given by native as well as Spanish records; yet it appears improbable that the emperor should have been so ready, at the first interview, and in presence of his courtiers, to humble himself so completely before a few strangers whom he regarded as mortals. See note 19. Myself, my wife and children, my house, and all that I possess, are at your disposal,' says the Spaniard, even in our day, to the guest whom he wishes to impress with his hospitality. Perhaps Montezuma was equally profuse with hollow words, which have been recorded as veritable offers.
