The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo Vol. 2

1/25/22, 8:50 PM The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Memoirs of the Conquistador Bernal Diaz del Castillo written by himself, containing a true an…
The next place we came to was one of the suburban villages of Tezcuco, but I have
forgotten its name. Here we were furnished with excellent provisions and every other
necessary. On our road we destroyedsome idols which we found in a large building where
westopped. The next morning we entered Tezcuco itself, and it immediatelystruck us as
singular that we should neither meet with womennor children, but only with grown up men,
who all appeared very shy of us, as if they were about to commence hostilities.
Notwithstanding this we took up our quarters here, but Cortes gave strict commandsthat
none of the officers or men should stir out of the large courtyardsadjoining our quarters,
and to be altogether upon their guard, as the inhabitants did not appear very peaceably
inclined, and it wasnecessary we should first see how matters stood.
Alvarado and Oli with several soldiers, among which number I wasmyself, were ordered to
take possession of the great cu, which was veryhigh, and to take with us twenty musketeers
as a guard. From whichplace we were narrowly to watch the town and lake, of which we
had anexcellent view from this height. We had no sooner arrived at the topof the temple
than we espied the inhabitants of this and the surroundingtownships running off with all
they possessed; some fleeing to themountains, others again concealing themselves in those
parts ofthe lake which were thickly grown with reeds; the lake itself beingcrowded with
large and small canoes.
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Information of this was immediately forwarded to Cortes, who thendetermined to seize the
king of Tezcuco, who had sent him the golden banner, but was informed by the papas,
whom he had despatched tocall their monarch, that he had fled with several distinguished
personagesto Mexico.
In this way the first night passed away, during which time we kept a vigilant look out,
posted our sentinels in all directions, and made frequent patrols. The next morning, very
early, Cortes sent for thechief authorities of the town, of whom many were opposed to the
runawaymonarch, as they were at issue with him on various points respectingthe privileges
he exercised in governing the town. Whenthese made their appearance, he desired them to
detail every circumstance to him, and inquired of them how long Coanacotzin had been
king. They replied, that Coanacotzin, in order to raise himself to thethrone, had murdered
his elder brother, the former regent; and that this was done in secret understanding with
Cuitlahuatzin, who had attacked and driven us out of Mexico after the death of
Motecusuma;but that there were other persons in the town who had a nearer claimto the
crown of Tezcuco, particularly one young man, who was indeed the rightful heir. This
young man shortly after became a convert to Christianity, and was baptized with great
solemnity by father Olmedo,and named after his godfather, Don Hernando Cortes. [3] He
was thelawful son of the former prince of Tezcuco, Nezahal Pintzintli. [4] Hewas, therefore,
without any further delay raised to the throne, and installedwith all due solemnity, to the
great satisfaction of the inhabitants,who obeyed the new king with the best of good will.
That, however, he might be thoroughly confirmed in our holy religion, learn the art of
governing, and the Spanish language, Cortes gave him forstewards the bachelor Escobar,
and Antonio de Villareal, who wasmarried to the beautiful Isabella de Ojeda. The brave
Pedro SanchezFarsan, whose wife was the courageous and excellent Maria de Estrada,was
appointed commandant of the town, and he was particularly cautionednot to allow the king
to have any communication with theMexicans. This prince subsequently rendered us the
greatest services;and he was greatly esteemed and beloved by his subjects. The firstthing
Cortes required of him at present was a sufficient number ofhands to assist us in launching
the brigantines when they should be completed, and to lengthen and deepen the canals
where they were tobe launched; he then informed the king and chief personages ofTezcuco
for what he intended these vessels, and of his determinationto inclose Mexico on all sides.
They not only declared their willingnessto cooperate with us, but even sent messengers to
the neighbouringtownships, inviting them to seek our friendship, subject themselvesto our
emperor, and declare war against Mexico.
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