Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/69

Rh and in order to duly impress the Tarascan nobles he received them in full state, richly dressed and seated in an arm-chair, with his officers standing on either side. They delivered the message of their king, who would soon personally place himself and his kingdom at the disposal of the white chief. Cortés assured them that it was well, for he would war upon all who failed to submit. After entertaining them for a few days with sham fights and similar impressive scenes, he distributed some presents and sent them home, accompanied by two Spaniards, who were instructed to penetrate to the shores of the great sea that was said to extend beyond Michoacan.

So alluring seemed the report of the nobles to their sovereign that he felt inclined to hasten and behold for himself the wonderful stranger; but his fears being roused by the council, with allusions to the fate of killed or captive princes of Mexico, he was induced to send instead his surviving brother Huiziltzin, well provided with presents, and attended by a large retinue, including more than a thousand servants. Cortés received him with great pomp, and seated him by his side, although but half content with the assurance of the king's early visit; nor were the presents equal to those tendered before. This induced him