Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/630

610 in October, on his own business, won over to their party Pedro de Aguilar, and wrote Ávila to return at once. His letter remained unanswered; but some days later, on a Sunday, and just before sunset, Alonso de Ávila entered the city at the head of a fantastic cavalcade, consisting of twenty-four men richly clad as Indian lords, and with masks in representation of divers personages. Thus Ávila appeared as Montezuma, and his attendants as members of the royal family and subordinate rulers. Riding through the town they reined up at the house of the marquis, where the sound of music was heard as at an entertainment. Dismounting, they entered and found present many ladies and gentlemen, invited guests, among whom was the visitador. The table cleared of European articles, the room was quickly transformed into the hall of a native prince, with native food, and furniture, and pottery, the performance assuming in every particular the character of an Aztec fête before the conquest. Then the marquis as his father, Hernan Cortés, and Alonso de Ávila as Montezuma, reënacted the first entry of the Spaniards into the Aztec capital, and passing the bounds of history in doing honor to the conqueror, they placed in the hands of the marquis and marchioness feather garlands in imitation of the copilli, or Aztez crown, saying, "This is indeed becoming to your señoría!" and "Accept the crown, marchioness!" In their hands Montezuma's attendants held flowers with couplets conspicuous, some on gallantry and love, others hinting at intended revolt. The motto on the xochitl given to Cortés bore words of encouragement, saying "Fear not."

In this way the conspirators might test the ground on which they stood; but it was dangerous sport, when taken in connection with the times, the