THE CREDULITY OF MONTEZUMA 29.5 



would permit no other offerings to the Divinity than the 

 first fruits of the harvest. From Cholula he proceeded 

 to the mouth of the river Groasacoalco, where he disap- 

 peared, declaring however, that he would return soon, to 

 govern the Cholulans again, and renew their happiness. 



The unhappy Montezuma thought he recognised the 

 posterity of this saint in the soldiers of Cortez ! " We 

 know by our books," said he in his first interview with 

 the Spanish General, " that myself and those who inhabit 

 this country are not natives, but strangers who came from 

 a great distance. We know also that the chief who led 

 our ancestors hither, returned for a certain time to his 

 primitive country, and thence came back to seek those 

 who were established here. He found them married to 

 the women of this land, and living in cities which they 

 had built. Our ancestors hearkened not to their ancient 

 father, and he returned alone. We have always believed 

 that his descendants would one day come to take, posses- 

 sion of this country. Since you arrive from that region 

 where the sun rises, and, as you assure me, you have 

 long known us, I cannot doubt, but that the king who 

 sends you, is our natural master." So far Cortez in his 

 first letter. How far he and his soldiers resembled Quet- 

 zalcoatl, the Mexican Prince of Peace, the readers of 

 Mexican history must judge for themselves. 



Cholula in its glory was one of 



" The Delphian vales, the Palestine^, 

 The Meccas of the mind." 



It was the holy city of the ancient Mexicans, who re- 

 sorted thither from the most distant parts of the empire. 



