march, distant. Cortes sincerely thanked them and we marched on to another town where, a short time before, several human beings had been sacrificed. My readers would be horrified, I know, at hearing the number of Indian women and men we found butchered along every road and in every town we passed, and I shall tell my story further without stopping to mention them.
Very early next morning Cortes sent six of the Indians to the caciques of Cempoala to say that we were approaching. We marched in best order, cannon and all arms ready for use and every man on guard. Not more than three miles from the town twenty Indians met us bearing cones of roses of a most delicious scent and deep red color, and these they gave to Cortes and those of us who were on horseback, adding that their cacique awaited us, but he was so stout he could not himself come to meet us. When Cortes had thanked them we marched into the town and were so astonished that we returned thanks to God for having allowed us to discover so admirable a place. It was larger than we had yet met, and like a luxurious garden. The streets were full of men and women who had gathered to see us. Quarters set apart for us were most comfortable and large enough for all. And the food they gave us and plums and maize cakes were so plentiful, and we were so famished, not having seen so much food
