[9] Fernandez, lib. ii. c. 63.
[10] B. Diaz, c. 203.
[11] ‘After the death of Guatimotzin,’ says B. Diaz, ‘he became gloomy and restless; rising continually from his bed, and wandering about in the dark.’.—‘Nothing prospered with him; and it was ascribed to the curses he was loaded with.’
A circumstance, recorded by Herrera, renders this visit not improbable. ‘In May, 1528, Cortes arrived unexpectedly at Palos; and, soon after he had landed, he and Pizarro met and rejoiced; and it was remarkable that they should meet, as they were two of the most renowned men in the world.’ B. Diaz makes no mention of the interview; but, relating an occurrence that took place at this time in Palos, says, ‘that Cortes was now absent at Nuestra Senora de la Rábida.’ The Convent is within half a league of the town.
ADDITIONAL NOTES.
[a] Sung ere his coming—
In him was fulfilled the antient prophecy,
- - - - - venient annis
Secula seris, quibus Oceanus
Vincula rerum laxet, &c.
SENECA in Medea, v. 374.
Which Tasso has imitated in his Giemsalemme Liberata.
Tempo verrà, chie fian d’Ercole i segui Favola vile, &c. c. xv. 30.
[] To lift the veil that cover’d half mankind!
An introductory couplet is here omitted.