nes of their friends, still writhing
in anguish, and to wail the funeral dirge in the desolate homes of the
widow and the orphan. Seldom, in the history of the world, has such a
whirlwind of woe so suddenly burst upon any people. How long they
continued to cherish a religion introduced by such harbingers we are
not informed.

The sun shone brightly on the broad Mexican Gulf, and zephyrs laden
with fragrance from the luxuriant shores swelled the flowing sheets.
As the fleet crept along the land, the temples and houses of the
natives, and their waving fields of grain, were distinctly visible
from the decks. Many a promontory and headland was covered with
multitudes of tawny figures, decorated with all the attractions of
barbarian splendor, gazing upon the fearful phenomena of the passing
ships. Cortez continued his course several hundred miles, sweeping
around the shores of this magnificent gulf, until he arrived at the
island of San Juan de Ulua. He was seeking this spot, which Grijalva
had visited, and here he dropped his anchors in one of the harbors of
the empire of Mexico.

CHAPTER IV.

FOUNDING A COLONY.

The fleet anchors.--Arrival of the canoes.--The two chiefs.--The
legend.--The presents.--The interview.--The government of the
empire.--Cortez lands.--Scene on the shore.--Visit of Governor
Teutile.--Cortez's speech.--Teutile's uneasiness.--His reply.--
Embassadors to be sent to Montezuma.--Picture writing.--Military
review.--The manoeuvres.--Terror of the natives.--Departure of the
runners.--Police regulations.--Kindness of the natives.--Arrival
of the embassy.--Message from Montezuma.--Chagrin of Cortez.--
Disaffection in the camp.--Second message from Montezuma.--The
Ave Maria.--Curiosity of the natives.--The sermon.--Presentation
of the crucifix.--Desertion of the huts.--The mutiny.--Shrewdness.
--The mutineers outwitted.--Success of the scheme.--Enthusiasm.--
Council elected for the new colony.--Appearance of Cortez before
the assembly.--The address.--Cortez lays down his commission.--He
is induced to take it up again.--Remonstrance.--Mode of reasoning.
--Envoys of Zempoalla.--Prospect of civil war.--Resolve to establish
a colony at Quiabislan.--Beauties of the country, and refinement of
the inhabitants.--Reception at Zempoalla.--Cortez offers his
services.--Wrongs of the Totonacs.--Help implored.--Applause of the
natives.--Erection of fortifications.--Building the town.--The lords
from Montezuma.