HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



37 



Tlafcalans againft the Spaniards. It is probable that 

 Cortes would not have riiked the execution of fuch 

 a fentence, if he had not fird obtained, as Herrera 

 exprefsly affirms, the confent of the fenate of Tlaf- 

 cala ; which was not difficult, confidering their feverity 

 in punifhing crimes even when committed by the molt 

 eminent perfons, and the particular hatred alfo which 

 they bore to that prince, whofe pride and arrogance of 

 character they could not endure. So alarming a punifli- 

 ment, which ought naturally to have inflamed the minds 

 of the Tlafcalans againfl the Spaniards, intimidated them 

 to fuch a degree, as well as the other allies, that from 

 that time forward they obferved more punctually the 

 articles of war, and kepfc under more fubordination to 

 thofe ftrangers who were their leaders ; the Spaniards 

 profiting even from their faults and mifconduct ; but the 

 Tlafcalans were not afraid to make many demon lira tions 

 of their efteem and veneration for that prince, bewailing 

 his death and difiributing his clothes as precious relics 

 among themfelves, and celebrating, as is probable, his 

 funeral with ufual honours. The family and property 

 of Xicotencatl were adjudged to the king of Spain, and 

 brought to Tezcuco. In his family were thirty wives, 

 and amongft his property a large quantity of gold. 



Alvarado and Olid continued their march towards 

 Tlacopan, where their object was to break the aqueduct 

 of Chapoltepec, to cut off the water from the Mexicans; 

 but they were unable to execute this meafure without 

 furmounting a powerful refiftance from the enemy, who, 

 having forefeen the blow, had made preparations both 

 by land and water for their defence. They were foon 

 defeated, and the Tlafcalans in purfuing them killed 

 twenty, and made feven or eight prifoners. Having 



fo 



