st Mexico; the brigantines no longer feared the stakes
they had driven into the lake; the cavalry galloped without fear through
their streets, and they were threatened with the most terrible of
calamities, want of provisions and water. He now therefore demanded the
opinion of each person present, but more particularly of the papas, who
were acquainted with the wishes of their gods. He desired every one
fearlessly to speak his mind, and state his views of the matter.

Upon this, it is said, they declared themselves to the following effect:
"Great and mighty monarch! You are our lord and master, and the sceptre
you sway is in good hands. On every occasion you have shown great
penetration and power of mind, and you have deserved a crown, even had
it not been yours by inheritance. Peace is certainly an excellent thing,
but you must remember that, from the moment these teules set foot in
this country and in Mexico, our condition has daily grown worse.
Remember the many presents your uncle the late powerful Motecusuma
bestowed upon these teules, and the important services he rendered them,
and what treatment he received in return! Reflect on the fate of
Cacamatzin, the king of Tezcuco: and your uncle, how did he end his
days? What has become of your relatives the kings of Iztapalapan,
Cojohuacan, Tlacupa, and of Talatzinco? Have not even the very sons of
the great Motecusuma perished? All the gold and wealth of this great
city has vanished. Great numbers of the inhabitants of Tepeaca, of
Chalco, and even of Tezcuco, have been led away into slavery, and have
been marked in the face with a red-hot iron! Remember, therefore, above
all things, what our gods have promised you. Listen to their advice, and
put no trust in Malinche and his fine words. It is better to be buried
sword in hand under the ruins of this city than to submit to the power
of those who wish to turn us into slaves, and have prepared every
species of torture for us."

This speech the papas accompanied with the assurance that the gods, a
few nights ago, while they were sacrificing to them, had promised the
Mexicans victory.

"If," answered Quauhtemoctzin, rather sorrowfully, "these are your
wishes, let them be done! Make the most of the maise and other
provisions we have still left, and let us all die sword in hand! Let no
man presume, from this moment, to mention the word peace in my presence!
He who dares so to do I will put to death with my own hand."

Eve