Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/184

150 they had brought account of another with four ships. Each time he had wished to see them, and now that his wishes were fulfilled he was ready to render us service and provide for us with whatever he had; for assuredly we were those of whom his forefathers had spoken—a folk, who should come from where the sun rose and rule these lands. He no longer doubted since we had fought the battles, which he had seen in pictures true to life, against the Tabascans and Tlaxcalans.

In his turn Cortes said we should never be able to repay him the courtesies he had shown us, and it was indeed true that we came from where the sun rose and were subjects of a ruler who held many and great princes in his sway,—a king who, having heard of Montezuma and his power, had sent us to see him and beg him and his people to become Christians and adore one true God for their souls' salvation.

After this conference Montezuma presented our captain with some very rich gold baubles and three loads of cotton stuffs splendidly worked with feathers, and to every soldier two loads of mantles—all he gave seemingly with pleasure, and in all he did he showed good breeding. He further asked if we were all brothers and all subjects of our great king, and Cortes answered yes, brothers in affection and friendship. He ordered his stewards to give us