[1041] Ixtlilxochitl states not wrongly that Tecocoltzin was chosen by general request, but he adds that while the political horizon was so cloudy the electors preferred that a legitimate heir like Ixtlilxochitl should not fill so dangerous a position; nor did the latter care to rule while the elder brother lived. Hist. Chich., 307; Hor. Crueldades, 11-13. Pretty good excuse for a prince who forcibly wrested half the domain from Cacama. Brasseur de Bourbourg assumes that he feared to be suspected of seeking a Spanish alliance merely to obtain the crown. Hist. Nat. Civ., iv. 409. But this design he had long harbored, as even the abbé intimates at times. He no doubt stood, with his strong character, as one of the powers behind the throne. Cohuanacoch does not appear to have had much influence.
[1042] Solis takes this opportunity to elaborate a few of his specimen speeches. Hist. Mex., ii. 315-16. ‘Fue el primero que en publico en Tezcuco se casò, y velò.’ Vetancvrt, Teatro Mex., pt. iii. 152.
[1043] Bernal Diaz differs somewhat, and gives the proportion of forces, attended also by Alvarado and Olid. Hist. Verdad., 121. The Tlascaltecs numbered about 4000, and the Tezcucans, according to Ixtlilxochitl, from 4000 to 6000.
[1044] Gomara assumes that they sought to allure the Spaniards into the town. Hist. Mex., 179.
[1045] So estimated by Cortés and others. Herrera reduces it to 5000.
[1046] Cortés states that he saw men cutting the dike as he entered the town, but did not consider the significance until the water rose and recalled it to him. Cartas, 174.
[1047] So says Cortés, while Bernal Diaz assumes that two men and one horse were lost, he himself receiving so severe a wound in the throat as to become an invalid for some time. Hist. Verdad., 121. Solis refers to the affair as a glorious victory.
[1048] Four, says Cortés, and Lorenzana enumerates several which may have embraced them. Hist. N. Esp., 196. Brasseur de Bourbourg confounds some with southern Chalco towns.
[1049] Duran states that the Chalcans had sent presents with offers of alliance before the Spaniards crossed the mountain border. Hist. Ind., MS., ii. 491. But this is doubtful. Ixtlilxochitl assumes that they appealed first to his namesake, as their suzerain, and he advised submission to Cortés. Mizquic and Cuitlahuac appear to have joined in the submission.
[1050] Bernal Diaz writes that two archers fell and seven of the foe. Owing to this incident Sandoval left orders that no reënforcements from Villa Rica should advance beyond Tlascala till further orders. Hist. Verdad., 122. Prescott wrongly assumes that this attack occurred on the march to Chalco.