[762] Solis supposes, however, that the two met in friendly intercourse, and takes Bernal Diaz and Herrera to task for asserting the contrary. Hist. Mex., ii. 112-14. He refers to Cortés’ friendly message from Tezcuco, which is doubtful, and to Gomara, who certainly allows Cortés to refer to Montezuma and his courtiers as ‘dogs.’ Hist. Mex., 153. In the testimony during Cortés’ residencia the discourtesy is asserted. Cortés, Residencia, i. 42 etc. Clavigero suggests ‘ch’era d’uopo il far sembianza di credere il Re colpevole dell’inquietudine.’ Storia Mess., iii. 121.
[763] Native Races, ii. 134-6; v. 462-4; ‘Il y joignait, comme de coutume, la charge du grand prêtre de Huitzilopochtli.’ Brasseur de Bourbourg, Hist. Nat. Civ., iv. 309. Gomara assumes that Cortés orders a chief to open the market. He, offended at the insults used, goes only to rouse the people. Hist. Mex., 153. Ixtlilxochitl supposes that the chief is offended at the reprimand administered for delaying to open the market. Hist. Chich., 301. ‘Mandò Hernando Cortes llamar a los mas principales caualleros, hizoles vna larga platica diziẽdo, que les perdonaua lo passado, con que para adelãte fuessen ... amigos: ... sin responder ... se fueron.’ Herrera, dec. ii. lib. x. cap. viii.
[764] Duran enumerates some of the provinces summoned, as Xilotepec and Matlaltzinco. ‘Mandó llamar á ... Encantadores y Hechiceros para que los asombrasen y los mostrasen algunas visiones de noche, ... para que alli muriesen de espanto.’ Hist. Ind., MS., ii. 462-6.
[765] Cortés describes first a brief attack, then a sally, succeeded by a fresh assault on the fort, while Bernal Diaz and Herrera let a force advance against the Indians before they reached the palace. I follow Cortés as the chief guide, because his account of all this period was written while quite fresh in his mind, and appears the most sensible and correct, while the other versions depend more or less on faint recollection and hearsay. Cortés as a rule did not wait till the enemy approached, but he may not have been prepared for the sudden attack. Yet it is probable that he wished in his report to lay the responsibility of the attack upon the enemy. I do not think Cortés inclined to misrepresent in general or without an object.
[766] For war customs see Native Races, ii. 400-32.
[767] ‘Sinistræ manus digitis duobus mutilis.’ Peter Martyr, De Insvlis, 5. Cortés also says ‘quedé manco,’ Cartas, 142, 131, yet Cano ridicules the statement, and declares ‘nunca fué manco dellos ni le faltan.’ Oviedo, iii. 551-2.
[768] Cortés, Cartas, 128-9. Bernal Diaz speaks of a sally by Ordaz, with 400 men, before the natives reach the fort. He is sorely beset, as related, and retires with a loss of 23 soldiers. Hist. Verdad., 102-3. Herrera’s account, as usual, is confused. After Rio returns wounded to report the uprising of warriors, five horsemen rally to reconnoitre. The following day Ojeda and Marquez set out to forage, and come to announce the approach of assailants. Two hundred men now make a sortie and kill a multitude without losing a man. dec. ii. lib. x. cap. viii. It is useless to follow this author here except for incidents.
[769] Bernal Diaz places the dead at 35 soldiers, besides a large number of allies. Eight fell during the first discharge upon Ordaz’ party and fifteen more before he regained the fort, while of the 46 wounded among the garrison twelve died. Hist. Verdad., 103. Cortés, with his usual prudent suppression of evil news, allows four deaths and over 80 wounded. He never refers to those who die of wounds. Gomara follows him. Hist. Mex., 153.
CHAPTER XXIV.
FIGHT UPON THE TEMPLE SUMMIT.
June, 1520.
The Natives Continue the Assault—Their Fierce Bravery—The Spaniards Build Turrets—Still the Mexicans Prove too Strong for Them—Montezuma Called to Intercede—He is Insulted and Stoned by his Subjects—Cortés Attempts Egress by the Tlacopan Causeway—Failure of Escobar to Take the Pyramid—Cortés Gains the Slippery Height—The Gladiatorial Combat there.