Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/326

306 even to the neglect of his own comfort and advantage — a marked contrast to the absorbing selfishness, insatiate greed, and relentless cruelty of nearly all the adventurers who overran the new region, and controlled the destiny of its peoples. And now after his multitudinous dangers and strange adventures, he reached the shores of Spain only to die of disease and find a grave in the soil which gave him birth.

The news of the arrival of Cortés created quite a revulsion of feeling at court, where his presence was entirely unexpected. The prestige of success with high honors and reputed wealth drove calumniators for the moment to the wall. Doubts and suspicions were dispelled, and one vied with another to honor the so lately assailed soldier. The court was then at Toledo, and the king ordered the towns along the way to receive the hero with suitable demonstrations. Crowds thronged the line of march to behold the famous captain, and to gaze at the strange retinue. The Indians in flowing plumage and gaudy ornaments had been seen frequently enough since Columbus first brought them to Spain, but the tumblers and athletes, the albinos and monstrosities, were new, and most of the animals, while curious interest was attracted by the plants and merchandise, and the heavy coffers that betokened rare treasures raised eager expectation. All this, however, served but as a frame to the picture of the leader, who was conspicuous by his dignified bearing and simple elegance of dress.

On approaching Seville he was met by the powerful duke de Medina Sidonia and conducted with great pomp to his castle, receiving in return for his own presents several fine Andalusian horses. From here he proceeded to Guadalupe to hold a novena at this