Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/346

226 the river, and above it Tizatlan, the residence of the blind chief.

It was here that the Spaniards entered on September 23d, henceforth a feast-day to its people. Through streets adorned with festoons and arches, and past houses covered with cheering multitudes, they proceeded to the palace of Xicotencatl, who came forward to tender the customary banquet. Cortés saluted him with the respect due to his age, and was conducted to the banquet-hall, after which quarters were pointed out in the courts 'and buildings surrounding the temple. Neat beds of matting and nequen cloth were spread for the troops. Close by were. the quarters of the allies and the Mexican envoys.

A round of invitations and festivities was tendered the guests in the several quarters; yet Cortés allowed no relaxation in the usual discipline and watches, greatly to the grief of the lords, who finally remonstrated against this apparent want of confidence. The Mexicans must have poisoned the mind of Malinche against them, they said. Malinche was becoming a recognized name for Cortés among the Indians. It seems strange that they should have fixed upon no higher sounding title for so great a leader than 'master of Marina,' as it implied, while the inferior Alvarado was dubbed Tonatiuh, 'the sun.' The Tlascaltecs had, however, another name for the general in Chalchiuitl, the term for their favorite precious stones, and also a title of Quetzalcoatl, 'the white god.' Cortés