Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/173

Rh When Montezuma heard this message of ours, and learned that we did not lay blame for the Cholulan disaster at his door, he again began to fast with his papas, and also to make sacrifices to his gods in order to learn If they would permit him to allow us to enter the city. The answer they gave was like their first—that he should allow us to enter the metropolis and then slay us at his pleasure. So it came about that Montezuma despatched six chiefs bearing gold and jewels, valued at about two thousand dollars, and several loads of richly embroidered stuffs. Introduced to the presence of Cortes, these caciques In reverence touched the ground with their hands and standing before our captain said, "Malinche, our ruler, Montezuma, sends you this present and begs you to accept it with the same kindness he bears you and your brothers. The troubles the people of Cholula caused you weigh grievously on him. Be assured of his friendship and go to his city whenever you like. He will receive you with honors. He can not entertain you as he might wish, because he has nothing to give you to eat, owing to his city standing In the midst of a lake, but he will endeavor to do all he is able, and has ordered all towns through which you pass to supply your every need."

We set out from Cholula with our usual precautions, a few of our cavalry in advance to examine