Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/363

Rh heard the good news and straightway ordered a reception room prepared, as well as could be done with mats and cloaks and cushions, and a good meal also of such food as he himself had. Soon after Sandoval and Holguin arrived with the monarch and led him between them to our captain—who received him with the utmost respect and embraced him affectionately. But Guatemoc said, "Malinche, I have done my duty in defending my city. I can do no more. I am a prisoner before you, taken by a stronger force. Now draw the dagger you have in your belt and kill me"; and when he had spoken he wept and sobbed, and the caciques with him lamented loudly. But Cortes, through Donna Marina and Aguilar, answered in most kind manner that he esteemed him, the monarch, all the more for his courage and bravery in defending his city, and it was to his honor and not shame; what he, Cortes, could have wished, however, was that he had made peace of his own free will, and saved the razing of the city and the death of so many Mexicans. But now, since this had happened and could not be remedied, he should no longer grieve, but compose his spirit and remain master of Mexico and its provinces.

Guatemoc and his caciques thanked Cortes for this promise, and then our captain asked after the monarch's wife and the other ladies, wives of caciques, who had come with Guatemoc. Guatemoc