HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



215 



riors, they went in crouds to the king, diffuading him 

 with tears and intreaties from undertaking fo dangerous 

 a war, which would iofallibly occafion the downfal of 

 their city and nation. " What can be done then," faid 

 the king, " to free us from thefe impending calamities." 

 Demand peace," replied the populace, from the 

 king of Azcapozaico, and make offers of fervice to him ; 

 and to move him to clemency, let our god be borne on, 

 " the fliouldcrs of the priefts into his prefence." So 

 great was their clamour, accompanied with threats, that 

 the prudent king who feared a fedition amongfl the peo- 

 ple which might prove more fatal in its confequences 

 than the war with the enemy, was obliged, contrary to 

 his wilhes, to yield to their requeft. Montezuma who 

 was prefent, and could not bear that a nation, which 

 boafted fo much of its honour, fliould purfue fo ignoble 

 a courfe, fpoke thus to the people. " O ye Mexicans, 

 what would ye do? Have ye loft all judgment ? How 

 has fuch cowardice ftole into your hearts ? Have you 

 forgot pofTibly that you are Mexicans, and defcendants 

 of thofc heroes who founded this city, and of thofe 

 brave men who have protected it in fpite of all our 

 enemies ? Change your opinions then, or renounce 

 the glory you inherit from your anceftors." Turning 

 afterwards to the king ; " How, fir, will you permit 

 fuch ignominy to ftain the character of your people ? 

 " Speak to them again, and tell them, that there is ano- 

 ther ftep to be taken before we fo weakly and diflio- 

 nourably put ourfelves into the hands of our enemies." 

 The king, who wiftied for nothing more ardently, ad- 

 drclTed the populace, recommending the counfel of Mon- 

 tezuma, which was at laft favourably received. The 

 king, then addreffing the nobility, faid, " Which of ye, 



" who 



