ezuma, the Aztec emperor
gazed upon it with a shudder, and commanded that it should be taken out
of the city, and not offered at the shrine of any of his gods. He seemed
to see in those terrible features a prophecy of his sure destruction.
The bolder spirits among the cavaliers approved of the general's plan,
and the next day, having asked an audience of Montezuma, Cortes made the
necessary arrangements for his enterprise. The principal part of his
force was drawn up in the courtyard; one detachment was stationed in the
avenue leading to the palace, to prevent any attempt at rescue by the
citizens. Twenty-five or thirty soldiers were ordered to drop in at the
palace by twos and threes, as if accidentally, and he took with him five
cavaliers on whose coolness and courage he could rely.

That they should all be in full armour excited no suspicion; it was too
common an occurrence. The Spaniards were graciously received by the
emperor, who by the aid of interpreters held a gay conversation with
them, and as usual presented them with gold and jewels. He paid Cortes
the compliment of offering him one of his daughters in marriage--an
honour which was respectfully declined, on the ground that he already
had one wife. But as soon as the general saw that his soldiers had all
come upon the scene he abruptly changed his tone, and accused the
emperor of being the author of the treacherous proceedings on the coast.
Montezuma listened in surprise, and declared that such an act could only
have been imputed to him by his enemies. Cortes pretended to believe
him, but said that Quanhpopoca and his accomplices must be sent for that
they might be dealt with after their deserts. Montezuma agreed, and,
taking his royal signet from his wrist, gave it to one of his nobles,
with orders to show it to the Aztec governor and require his immediate
presence in the capital, and in case of his resistance to call in the
aid of the neighbouring towns. When the messenger had gone, Cortes
assured the emperor that he was now convinced of his innocence in the
matter, but that it was necessary that his own sovereign should be
equally convinced of it. Nothing would promote this so much as for
Montezuma to transfer his residence to the palace occupied by the
Spaniards, as this would show a condescension and personal regard for
them which would absolve him from all suspicion. The emperor listened to
this proposal with profound amazement, exclaiming with resentmen