d.
With the Spaniards the charm of novelty was over. Insects annoyed
them. They were blistered by the rays of a meridian sun, reflected
from the burning sands of the beach. Sickness entered the camp, and
thirty died. Disaffection began to manifest itself, and some were
anxious to return to Cuba.

But the treasures which had been received from Montezuma, so rich and
so abundant, inspired Cortez and his gold-loving companions with the
most intense desire to penetrate an empire of so much opulence. They,
however, waited patiently ten days, when the embassadors again
returned. As before, they came laden with truly imperial gifts. The
gold alone of the ornaments which they brought was valued by the
Spaniards at more than fifty thousand dollars. The message from
Montezuma was, however, still more peremptory than the first. He
declared that he could not permit the Spaniards to approach his
capital. Cortez, though excessively vexed, endeavored to smother the
outward expression of his irritation. He gave the embassadors a
courteous response, but, turning to his officers, he said,

"This is truly a rich and a powerful prince. Yet it shall go hard but
we will one day pay him a visit in his capital."

"At this moment," says Diaz, "the bell tolled for the Ave
Maria, and all of us fell upon our knees before the holy
cross. The Mexican noblemen being very inquisitive to know
the meaning of this, Cortez hinted to the reverend father
Olmedo the propriety of a sermon, such as should convey to
them the truths of our holy faith. Father Olmedo accordingly
preached, like an excellent theologian which he was,
explaining the mysteries of the cross, at the sight of which
the evil beings they worshiped as gods fled away. These
subjects, and much more, he dilated upon. It was perfectly
explained to the Mexicans and understood by them, and they
promised to relate all they had seen and heard to their
sovereign. He also declared to them that among the principal
objects of our mission thither were those of putting a stop
to human sacrifices, injustices, and idolatrous worship; and
then, presenting them with an image of our Holy Virgin, with
her son in her arms, he desired them to take it with them, to
venerate it, and to plant crosses similar to that before them
in their temples."

The embassadors again retired with dignity and with courtesy, yet with
reserve indicativ