Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/651

Rh the dead to stay the pursuers, who now, according to Cortés, numbered over one hundred thousand. Several Spaniards were wounded, and one horse killed. The field being reaped, the victors entered the camp, which was divided into three parts, each large enough, it is said, to form a respectable town, well appointed, with hosts of servants, supplies, and paraphernalia. Laden with spoils they returned to the city to receive a well merited ovation. The citizens were afterward rewarded with several privileges for their loyal aid; deservedly rewarded, for without their coöperation the place could not have been captured without difficulty, since it lay between two rivers coursing through deep ravines, and was shielded on one side by a steep mountain range. Beside its natural strength the city was protected by a breast-work of masonry, which extended toward the mountain and down into the ravines, forming here a smooth facing of some twenty feet, and rising in other places into a distinct wall of great height and width, with a parapet. There were four entrances, wide enough for one horseman only, with staircase approaches, and with maze-like lappings of the walls, which rendered it difficult to force an entrance. Along the walls lay piles of stones and rocks ready for the foe. The population was estimated at five or six thousand families, supported in part by a number of gardens within the city, and subject to it were three towns in the valley, containing an equal number of people.

Four leagues south of Quauhquechollan lay Itzocan, a well built city, with a hundred temples, says