of natives who swarmed in from every side
street and lane, by those in canoes upon the canal, and by the showers
of huge stones from those upon the house-tops, that his losses had been
severe. Earlier in the day he had caused a number of houses to be burned
to rid himself of some of his tormentors, but the Aztecs could probably
better afford to lose a hundred men than the Spaniards one, and the
Mexican ranks showed no signs of thinning. At length, exhausted by toil
and hunger, the Spanish commander drew off his men, and retreated into
his quarters, pursued to the last by showers of darts and arrows; and
when the Spaniards re-entered their fortress, the Indians once more
encamped round it; and though through the night they were inactive,
still they frequently broke the stillness with menacing cries and
insults.

'The gods have delivered you into our hands at last!' they said.
'Huitzilopochtli has long cried for his victims. The stone of sacrifice
is ready--the knives are sharpened. The wild beasts in the palace are
roaring for their feast.' These taunts, which sounded dismally in the
ears of the besieged, were mingled with piteous lamentations for
Montezuma, whom they entreated the Spaniards to deliver up to them.
Cortes was suffering much from a severe wound and from his many
anxieties, and he determined to induce Montezuma to exert his authority
to allay the tumult. In order to give greater effect to his appearance
he put on his imperial robes. His mantle of blue and white was held by a
rich clasp of the precious 'chalchivitl,' which with emeralds of
uncommon size, set in gold, also ornamented other portions of his dress.
His feet were shod with golden sandals, and upon his head he wore the
Mexican diadem. Surrounded by a guard of Spaniards and preceded by a
golden wand, the symbol of sovereignty, the Indian monarch ascended the
central turret of the palace. His presence was instantly recognised by
the people, and a magical change came over the scene: the clang of the
instruments and the fierce cries of the assailants ceased, and many in
the hushed throng knelt or prostrated themselves, while all eyes were
turned with eager expectation upon the monarch whom they had been taught
to regard with slavish awe. Montezuma saw his advantage, and in the
presence of his awestruck people felt once more a king. With his former
calm authority and confidence he addressed them:

'Why do I see my people here in arms against the pala