ues, elders, and papas were expecting us
with impatience. Cortes answered, that he would comply with his request
as soon as possible; for the present he had still some business to
transact with the ambassadors of Motecusuma, and as soon as he had
finished this he would visit them. He then continued to address them in
a harsher tone of voice, and mentioned the repeated attacks they had
made upon us. He would certainly bear them no malice, and freely forgave
all the past, but they must sacredly observe the peace which he had
granted them, and show no inconstancy in their conduct. If they did he
would assuredly destroy their town and put all the inhabitants to the
sword, and no longer listen to them, but carry on a war of extirpation
to the very last. Xicotencatl, and all the distinguished personages who
were with him, assured Cortes they would faithfully abide by their
promise, and that they were ready to offer themselves as hostages in
proof of their sincerity. Upon this followed various other discourses
between Cortes, Xicotencatl, and the principal men of his suite. We
presented them with blue beads for themselves, the elder Xicotencatl and
most of the other caziques, with the assurance that we intended soon to
visit their metropolis, which we desired they would announce to their
countrymen.

The Mexican ambassadors were present during the whole of this interview,
and heard the friendly offers which the Tlascallans made us of their
services; and were not at all pleased with the peace we had concluded,
and easily foresaw it would prove disadvantageous for their country.
When, therefore, Xicotencatl had taken his leave, they remarked rather
smilingly to Cortes, that he should not repose any trust in their
assurances of friendship and kind offers. All this was sheer deceit,
and nothing but treachery was hidden in their sentiments. They merely
wished thereby to entice us into their town, when they could fall upon
us unawares and destroy us all. We should remember how often they had
attacked us with their whole army, but finding open force of no avail,
they now, after so many of their numbers had been killed and wounded,
would try their chance with fine words and a pretended show of peace.

To this Cortes answered with an air of determination, that he no way
troubled himself about their intentions. If their suspicions proved true
he would put the Tlascallans all to death. They might attack him by
night or day, in the open