for peace so that we might leave Mexico. But dawn had barely come when fresh squadrons of Mexicans attacked our quarters again with stubborn and excessive fury. Our cannon and firearms availed nothing.
At this moment of danger Cortes determined that the great Montezuma should speak to the mob from the roof and tell them they must stay their attacks and that we wished to leave the city. When they gave him this message the monarch is said from deep grief to have cried out, "What more does Malinche want of me!—of me, tired of life, to such misery has he brought me! I will neither see nor hear more of this man. I put no faith in his lies." And he refused to do as Cortes wished. Then the Padre de Olmedo and Olid spoke in reverence and affection and persuaded him to change his mind. "Alas!" answered the monarch, "it is now too late. I believe I can gain nothing towards ending the war, for they have raised up another cacique and are determined you shall die. I think that all of you will meet death here."
In the end, however, Montezuma under guard of our soldiers went to a battlement of the roof. Many of the chieftains recognized him and ordered their men to be silent and hurl no missiles. Montezuma then began addressing the people, and in most affectionate manner told them to cease warring. Four
