them to this plight. Perceiving, however, that unity of purpose alone could save them, they stifled regrets and showed Cortés that something must immediately be done to stay the onslaught, Lest the building fall about their ears. It was exceedingly disagreeable, but it must be done; the proud Spanish general must sue to the greatly injured captive king, pleading for his influence in behalf of peace.[1] Montezuma had all these days been closely confined to his rooms brooding over the insults offered him, and apparently indifferent to the danger from without. When the message was brought he sullenly said, "Why does Malinche address himself to me, who care no longer for life? I will not listen to him, for he it is who has brought me into this plight." He intimated further that the promises of the general could not be relied upon, and that his words carried a double meaning. Olmedo and Olid, who had come to urge the request, had recourse to soothing words and persuasion, and succeeded in mollifying him somewhat.[2] He replied, however, that it was probably too late to appease the Mexicans by promises. "They have now a new leader," he said, "who is resolved to spare no Spaniard, and I believe that you have all to die in this city."[3] Nevertheless he yielded, and as befitted
- ↑ 'Fue acordado de demandalles pazes para salir de Mexico, . . . .acordò Cortes, que el gran Monteçuma les hablasse." Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 104. Muteczuma. . . .dijo que le sacasen. . . .y que él hablaria á los capitanes.' Cortés, Cartas, 129-30. The latter statement may be Herrera's authority for saying that Montezuma was the first to propose speaking to the Mexicans. dec. ii. lib. x. cap. x. Observing Cuitlahuatzin's regal authority over the besieging forces, Montezuma was seized with a fit of jealous alarm for throne and life. 'Chiamò Cortès, . . . .pregandolo instantemente di non differir più la sua partenza.' Clavigero, Storia Mess., iii. 124. This implies that the emperor was not aware of the vain efforts made to open communication with the mainland, or even to approach it. Cortés had to urge him in any case to speak to his subjects, an unwelcome task in view of his declining influence and of the merely partial success of the former appeal.
- ↑ Among other reasons it was represented that Cortés was not to blame for the late massacre. 'Que si la indignacion de los mexicanos podia templarse con el castigo de los culpados. . . .le prometia castigar.' So says the native version of Tezozomoc, Recop. tradiciones, MS., cap. vi.; Chimalpain, Hist. Conq., 287-8.
- ↑ 5 He felt no eagerness to plead in behalf of those who had caused all his misfortunes, and he was only too conscious that his pusillanimity must have
