( '57 ) 



of the palace of their king; this was immediately proceeded upon, and 

 during the time of its taking place, and in order to prevent any impedi- 

 ment occurring, he alfo ordered that Montezuma (hould be put in irons. 

 When this was doing, the unfortunate king could no longer fupprefs 

 his emotions at the indignity, but wept aloud. In this fituation he re- 

 mained until the execution was over, at which time Cortes, attended by 

 his five captains, went to his apartment, and with his own hands freed 

 him from the irons, affuring him that he was dearer to him than even 

 a brother, and that he trufted foon to be able to make his dominions 

 exceed double their prefent extent ; and alfo, that if he wifhed to go to 

 his palace, he was at pcrfed: liberty to do fo. Montezuma's fpirit was 

 now broke, and the tears ran down his cheeks while Cortes was fpeak- 

 ing ; he declined the offer with thanks, knowing well the emptinefs of 

 his v/ords, and added, that he confidered it moft prudent to remain 

 where he was, in order to prevent difturbance and infurredion in the 

 city. What we undcrftood and certainly was the cafe, was, that Cortes 

 had caufed the interpreters to fay that though he was inclined to releafe 

 him, the other officers never would allow it. As foon as Montezuma 

 had given his anfwer, Cortes threw his arms round his neck, and pro- 

 (efted that he loved him as himfelf. The king then afked of him his 

 page Orteguilla, a youth who had already learned the language, and 

 Cortes immediately complied with his requeft, whereby Orteguilla 

 afterwards remained about the perfon of the king, a circumftance veiy 

 ufeful both to him and to us. Montezuma was very partial to the 

 youth* from whom he was conflantly ufed to enquire particulars re- 

 lative to Europe, and* Orteguilla from his knowledge of the language, 

 was able to communicate to us whatever he obferved, that was of iip- 

 portance for us to know. Thus Montezuma remained amongfl: us, 

 treated with the greateft refped, no officer or foldier, nor even Cortes 

 himfelf, coming into his prefence, or pafling him, without pulling off 

 his helmet, and he always treated us mofl kindly and courteoufly. 



The officers of Montezuma who were jpublicly executed as I have 



related, 



