[7] An arrow tipped with red feathers was the sign of war.
[9] It is idle for Antonio de Solis to attempt to justify the action of Cortes; it is not to be justified.
[10] This may help to explain the horrid massacre of Cholula.
[11] Bernal Diaz declares that there was no such readiness of agreement between Cortes and Montezuma. His story is, that when Cortes consented to leave the city, desiring, as a condition, that the King should use his influence in inducing his people to lay down their arms, Montezuma instantly refused--bursting into tears, and uttering many reproaches against the Spanish commander. Father Olmedo and Christoval de Olid then tried to persuade the King, but he answered that his remonstrances would produce no effect upon his people: they had chosen another King, and would not allow a single Spaniard to leave the city alive. At length, however, after great difficulty, he was prevailed on to address the Mexicans.
[12] This spirited attack and defence of the temple was considered of such high importance among the Indians, that it was perpetuated by lively representations in the paintings of both Tlascalans and Mexicans.
Connected with this attack, a beautiful story is told by some historians of the devoted patriotism of two Mexican youths of noble rank. Finding Cortes about to gain the tower, they resolved to sacrifice themselves for the good of their country, by involving in their own death that of the Spanish leader. With this design, they advanced to Cortes, and pretended to kneel down, as if demanding quarter: when suddenly seizing him, they dragged him to the edge of the upper area, resolved to hurl themselves down, and drag him in their fall. Cortes, by a desperate effort, broke from their grasp, and the youths perished in their unsuccessful attempt.
[13] The place where this happened still goes by the name of “_Salto de Alvarado_,” or Alvarado’s Leap; and this dreadful night is still spoken of in New Spain as “_Noche triste_,” or the Night of Sorrow.
[14] It is said that in this battle, a woman, called Maria de Estrada, particularly distinguished herself. With her lance and shield, she was seen in the midst of the conflict, bearing herself with extraordinary courage.