Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/92

64 die at the time, and they published that the dead girl was their daughter and heir. The Indians to whom they gave the girl did not keep her, but passed her to the people of Tabasco, and they, as we see, to Cortes.

In our conquest of New Spain this woman was a most valuable help. Through her only, under the protection of God, did we accomplish many things. Without her we never should have understood the Mexican language. She knew the language common to Mexico and the language of Tabasco. Aguilar merely understood the language of Yucatan. Donna Marina, therefore, would first make facts understood to Aguilar, who would translate what she said into Spanish. It came to pass that she had the most extensive influence in New Spain and did with the Indians what she pleased.

The five days we stayed in this place, partly to cure our wounds, Cortes used to draw the caciques to him by kindly talks, telling them of our king and the advantage they would gain in obedience to him, and, as to the future, whatever might be their needs, if they would let him know, no matter where he might be, he would come to their aid. For this promise the caciques—the first of the peoples of New Spain to submit to his power—thanked him and solemnly declared themselves vassals of our great emperor.

Donna Marina had a most extensive influence in New Spain, and the Indians obeyed her without question.