icers were
richly rewarded. The emperor even condescended to write a letter to
the little army in Mexico with his own hand, applauding the heroism of
the soldiers and the grandeur of their chieftain. This was one of the
greatest of the victories of Cortez. The depression of his enemies was
equal to his own elation. Velasquez was crushed by the blow. He
survived the tidings through a few months of gloom, and then sank into
the grave, the only refuge for those weary of the world.

When the envoys arrived in Mexico with the decision of the court, they
were received with universal rejoicing. Every soldier of Cortez felt
that his fortune was now made. But their intrepid commander was not
the man for repose. New discoveries were to be urged, new tribes
subjugated, and far-distant regions explored. Murmurs loud and deep
soon ascended from the disaffected, who now wished to repose from toil
in the enjoyment of their wealth and honors. Here is a specimen of
their complaints:

"I will now relate," says Diaz, "what Cortez did, which I
call very unfair. All those who were the dependents of great
men, who flattered him and told him pleasing things, he
loaded with favors. Not that I blame him for being
generous, for there was enough for all; but I say that he
ought to have first considered those who served his majesty,
and whose valor and blood made him what he was. But it is
useless detailing our misfortunes, and how he treated us
like vassals, and how we were obliged to take to our old
trade of expeditions and battles; for, though he forgot us
in his distribution of property, he never failed to call
upon us when he wanted our assistance. When we went to the
general with the request that he would give us some part of
the property which his majesty had ordered that we should
receive, he told us, and swore to it, that he would provide
for us all, and not do as he had done, for which he was very
sorry. As if we were to be satisfied with promises and
smooth words!"

Cortez had a very effectual way of escaping from such remonstrants. He
immediately dispatched such men as were troublesome on some important
expedition, where all their energies of mind and body would be
engrossed in surmounting the difficulties which they would be called
to encounter. A man by the name of Rangel, who had some considerable
influence, was complaining bitterly. Corte