Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/744

624 the assembly that the oracles of their gods and heroic ancestors had above all to be listened to in so important a matter as the preservation of the homes and sacred temples intrusted to their care. He knew well what answer would come from the priests, whose possessions, wealth, and honors depended on the exclusion of invaders, aiming above all at the overthrow of their religion. "My people shall not fear the enemy," spake the war-god Huitzilopochtli, "for the allied hosts will not persevere long in the siege, and I will scatter the Castilians now as hitherto." This utterance suited many views, and the declaration for war was solemnized by sacrifices of human beings, including the four Spaniards lately captured.

Renewed efforts were made to fortify and supply the city, and canoes were collected to aid in the defence. With insolent assurance, derived from the oracles, corps of warriors would advance close to the Spanish camps and vent their feelings with insults and menaces, "Men of evil, you shall pay for your madness! Behold, the gods have already feasted on your bodies!" they cried, flinging in among the horrified soldiers pieces of their sacrificed comrades. "Our snakes shall drink your blood, and our tigers devour your flesh, though they are already satiated therewith. And you, infamous Tlascaltecs, slaves and traitors! you shall atone for your misdeeds; you shall die a bad death, and furnish flesh for our banquets! Behold!" And