HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



331 



cans who were encamped near the city, had con- 

 certed to maffacre all the Spaniards. Not contented 

 with thefe difcoveries, he charged Marina to life all her 

 art to bring two priefts to his dwelling, who confirmed 

 all that had been communicated to her by her female 

 friend* 



Cortes, finding himfelf in fuch hazard of ntter de- 

 finition, refolved to adopt the moil effectual means for 

 his fafety. He ordered the principal perfons of the city 

 into his prefence, and told them, that if they had any 

 quarrel againft: the Spaniards, to declare it frankly, as 

 became men of honour, and he would give them fuitable 

 fatisfa&ion. They replied, that they were already fa- 

 tisfied with his conduct, and ready to ferve him ; that 

 whenever he chofe to depart, he mould be abundantly 

 provided with every thing that was necefTary for his jour- 

 ney j and alfo troops of war for his fecurity. Cortes 

 accepted their offer, and fixed the next day for his de- 

 parture. The Gholulans were content, as it appeared 

 that every thing would turn out favorable to their trea- 

 cherous defign ; but in order to enfure that ftill more, 

 they facrificed to their gods ten children, five of each 

 fex. Cortes called together his officers, unfolded to 

 them the perfidious intentions of the Cholulans, and or- 

 dered them to give their fentiments. Some were of opi- 

 nion that their danger mould be fhunned, by retreating 

 to the city of Huexotzinco, which was hardly nine miles 

 diftant, or to Tlafcala ; but the majority referred them- 

 felves to the determination of the general. Cortes gave 



the 



(e) Bernal Diaz fays, that tfie Mexican army, according to what he knew, 

 cOnfifted of twenty thoufand men. Cortes affirms, that the lords of Cholula 

 confeffed to him, that that army was not compofed of lefs than fifty thoufand 

 men. 



