Tlascalan army were placed at Cortes's disposal. He occupied them by
sending expeditions in every direction, thus restoring their morale and
punishing the savage tribes who had revolted against the Spanish rule
and had returned to their old allegiance to the Aztec emperor. The
punishments were fearful. The resources of the Mexicans were gradually
cut off and by the end of the year the Aztecs realized that they would
have to fight their last battle alone. These successful campaigns
reestablished the prestige which the Spaniards had lost. The people
everywhere knew that they were no longer gods, but they now enjoyed a
higher reputation, that of being invincible.

Cortes was resolved to attack Mexico. With a {193} prudence as great
as his determination he decided to neglect no precaution which would
insure his success. He caused to be built a number of brigantines by
which he could secure the command of the lake, and thereby give access
to the city for his troops and allies. These brigantines were built at
Tlascala under the supervision of the sailors of the expedition. The
rigging of the ships, which had been destroyed, was useful in fitting
them out. They were built in pieces and arrangements were made to
carry them over the mountains and put them together at the lake when
the campaign began. Guns and provisions were also amassed. Powder was
brought from Cuba and it was also made by means of the sulphur deposits
of the volcanoes round about. The troops were daily drilled and
trained. Daily prayers were held, and every effort was made to give
the forthcoming campaign the spirit of a crusade. The strictest moral
regulations were promulgated. In short, nothing was left undone to
bring about the downfall of Mexico.

On his part, Guatemoc was not idle. He summoned to his assistance all
the tribes that remained loyal to him, especially those to the west,
not subjected to the Spanish attack. He strove by bribery to detach
those who had given their adherence to Cortes. Vast numbers of allies
assembled in Mexico, which was provisioned for a siege. Everything
that occurred to the minds of these splendid barbarians was done.
After having done all that was possible, with resolution which cannot
be commended too highly, they calmly awaited the onset of the Spaniards.

On Christmas day, 1520, Cortes took up the march over the mountains
again for the great city of the cactus rock.

{194}

XII. The Siege and