( ) 



Hereupon Cortes fent orders to the Tlafcalans to hold themfelves in 

 rcadinefs, and rejoining the chiefs and priefts of the town, he defired 

 them to be under no apprehenfion, but warned them not to deviate 

 from their obedience, on pain of inftant punifliment. He then de- 

 manded of them two thoufand of their warriors to accompany him on 

 his march, on the enfuing day ; this they readily promifed, thinking 

 that it would tend to facilitate their projedts ; they therefore took their 

 leave very well contented, and fent notice of our intentions to all thofe 

 concerned with them. Cortes then fent Donna Marina to bring back 

 the two priefts whom he had before fpoken to. In this Hie fuccecded, 

 and Cortes obtained from them the following intelligence. . 



They told him, that Montezuma, on our approach to Mexico, 

 had become very unfettled in his mind, fometimes ordering that we 

 fhould be received with honor, and at other times that we fhould not 

 be permitted to pafs; but that having lately confulted his gods, they 

 had declared, that here in Cholula we were all to be put to death, or 

 made prifoners, for which purpofe he had fent twenty thoufand of his 

 troops, one half of which number was in the city, and the other con- 

 cealed half a league from it. That the plan of their attack was fettled, 

 and that twenty of us were allotted to be facrificed to the gods of Cholula. 

 Cortes rewarded them handfomely, and enjoining ftrid; fecrefy, defired 

 them to bring to him all the chiefs, at the time he appointed. He then 

 fummoned a council of the ableft and wifeft foldiers of his army, fome 

 of whom were for returning immediately, and others propofed various 

 meafures, but at length all agreed in the neceffity of feverely punifhing 

 this treachery, as an example to other places. It was therefore deter- 

 mined, that we fhould carry on the appearance of our intended march, 

 preparing our baggage, and concealing our other meafures, and that 

 within the high walls of the courts where we were quartered, punifli- 

 ment fliould be inflidled on the Cholulans. With the ambaffadors of 

 Montezuma it was thought moft prudent to diflemble ; we therefore 

 told them of our having difcovered the treafon of the people, who had 

 afperfed Montezuma, as being the author of itj and we propofed 



. ■ to 



