Page:Letters of Cortes to Emperor Charles V - Vol 1.djvu/233

Rh wounded others. Moreover, after having fought, with me, they had sent their messengers, saying that what had happened had been without their Hcense or consent, and that certain communities had set themselves to do it without their participation, and that they had reproved them for it, and desired my friendship. Believing this to be true, I had told them that I was pleased, and that they would surely see me next day in their homes as in the houses of friends; and that likewise they had again attacked me on the road, and fought with me all day until night overtook us, notwithstanding that they had been required by me to keep the peace. I reminded them of all the other things they had done to oppose me, and many others which I shall leave immentioned, so as not to weary Your Highness. Finally they submitted and acknowledged themselves as subjects and vassals of Your Majesty, offering their persons and property for your royal service; and such they did and have done until to-day, and will always do, as Your Majesty will hereafter see.

I remained six or seven days without leaving that place and camp, because I did not dare to trust them. They besought me to come to a large city,  Description of the City of Tlascala where all the chiefs of the province lived, and even the chiefs themselves came to beseech me to come into the city, as I would be well received there, and better provided with everything necessary than in the camp. For they were ashamed that I should be so ill-lodged, as they considered me their friend, and they and I were vassals of Your Highness. In response to their prayers, I came to the city, which is about six leagues distant from the dwelling place and camp I had occupied, and is so large and admirable that, although much of what I might say I shall omit, the little which I shall say is almost incredible; for it is much larger than Granada, and very much stronger, having very