ed for a
moment that it was Velasquez, the governor's relative, who had feed the
jester with a few pesos to utter these complaints, all emanating from a
bad feeling. Everything this fool had predicted, however, took place to
the very letter, and only proves that fools often speak the truth. It is
nevertheless certain that the appointment of Hernando Cortes was
pleasing in the eyes of God, a blessing to our holy religion, and of the
first importance to his majesty, as will be clearly proved in the
sequel.

CHAPTER XX.

_Of the designs and plans of Hernando Cortes after he had obtained
the appointment of captain._

After Hernando Cortes had thus been appointed captain, he immediately
set about to collect all manner of arms and ammunition, consisting of
matchlocks, crossbows, powder, and the like; in the same way he took
care to provide a large stock of goods for barter, and other necessaries
requisite for our expedition. He was now also most particular in
adorning his outward person, more than ordinarily: he stuck a bunch of
feathers in his cap, to which he fastened a golden medal, which gave him
a very stately appearance. Notwithstanding all this he was at that time
greatly pinched for money to purchase the things he required, being, in
addition, head and ears in debt: for, though his commendary was a
lucrative one, and his gold mines very productive, he required it all
for his own person and the dress of his young wife. For the rest his
countenance was most winning, his conversation agreeable, while he was
beloved by every one. He had been twice Alcalde of Santiago de Boroco,
where he resided, which is esteemed a great honour in these parts. When,
therefore, his friends among the merchants, Jaime Tria and a certain
Pedro de Xeres, heard of his appointment, they lent him 4000 gold pesos
and other merchandise, upon the income arising from his commendary. With
this money he bought a state robe with golden trains, ensigns bearing
the arms of our sovereign the king, on each side of which was the figure
of a cross, beneath this a Latin inscription, the meaning of which was:
"Brothers, let us in true faith follow the cross, and the victory is
ours!" He then made known by sound of drum and trumpet, in the name of
his majesty and Diego Velasquez the governor, that all those who felt
inclined to accompany him to the conquest and colonization of the
newly-discovered countries, should have a share in the gold, si