Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/559

Rh them to this plight. Perceiving, however, that unity of purpose alone could save them, they stifled regrets and showed Cortés that something must immediately be done to stay the onslaught, Lest the building fall about their ears. It was exceedingly disagreeable, but it must be done; the proud Spanish general must sue to the greatly injured captive king, pleading for his influence in behalf of peace. Montezuma had all these days been closely confined to his rooms brooding over the insults offered him, and apparently indifferent to the danger from without. When the message was brought he sullenly said, "Why does Malinche address himself to me, who care no longer for life? I will not listen to him, for he it is who has brought me into this plight." He intimated further that the promises of the general could not be relied upon, and that his words carried a double meaning. Olmedo and Olid, who had come to urge the request, had recourse to soothing words and persuasion, and succeeded in mollifying him somewhat. He replied, however, that it was probably too late to appease the Mexicans by promises. "They have now a new leader," he said, "who is resolved to spare no Spaniard, and I believe that you have all to die in this city." Nevertheless he yielded, and as befitted