y of their foes.

For some days the Spaniards were feasted and entertained in four
quarters of the city, which was really like separate towns divided from
one another by high walls, in each of which lived one of the rulers of
the republic, surrounded by his own vassals. But amid all these friendly
demonstrations the general never for a moment relaxed the strict
discipline of the camp, and no soldier was allowed to leave his quarters
without special permission. At first this offended the Tlascalan chiefs,
as they thought it showed distrust of them. But when Cortes explained
that this was only in accordance with the established military system of
his country, they began to think it admirable, and the young Xicotencatl
proposed, if possible, to imitate it. The Spanish commander now turned
his thoughts to the converting of the Tlascalans; but as they refused to
part with their own gods, though they were willing enough to add the God
of the Christians to their number, he took the advice of the wise Father
Olmedo, and abandoned the idea for the time. However, a cross was
erected in one of the great squares, and there the Spaniards held their
religious services unmolested, and it happened, strangely enough, that
they had scarcely left the city when a thin, transparent cloud settled
like a column upon the cross, wrapping it round, and continuing through
the night to shed a soft light about it. This occurrence did more for
the conversion of the natives than all the preaching of Father Olmedo.
Several of the Indian princesses were now baptized, and given in
marriage to the officers of Cortes. One, who was the daughter of
Xicotencatl, became the wife of Alvarado, who was always a great
favourite with the Tlascalans. From his gay manners, joyous countenance,
and bright golden hair, he gained the nickname of 'Tonatiuh,' or the
'Sun,' while Cortes, who hardly ever appeared anywhere without the
beautiful Marina, was called by the natives 'Malinche,' which you will
remember was her Indian name. While all this was happening, came yet
another embassy from Montezuma, loaded as usual with costly gifts. This
time he invited the Spaniards to visit him in his capital, assuring them
that they would be welcome. Further, he besought them to enter into no
alliance with the base and barbarous Tlascalans, but he invited them to
take the route of the friendly city of Cholula, where arrangements were
being made, by his orders, for their reception. The