Page:Travels in Mexico and life among the Mexicans.djvu/334

326 "The Capture of Cortés" at Xichimilco is strong and spirited. It brings to mind that dreadful day when the Aztecs wellnigh gained a victory, and Cortés himself, struggling in the grasp of brawny Indians, would have been hurried to the temple of sacrifice but for the opportune arrival of two of his brave soldiers. It is to be hoped that the sons of Mexico will henceforth break away from blindly copying saints, cherubs, angels, and ecclesiastics, and devote their genius to the study of the thousand stirring episodes in the history of their own country. Already we see that it was not in vain that the king of Spain established here this school of art; although its disciples owe him and his successors allegiance no longer, yet the world at large will receive the benefit.