between Estrada and Albornoz, who on one occasion went so far as to draw the sword on each other before the town council. They were warned to desist, or their commissions would be revoked. This had no effect, and on reaching Espíritu Santo, Cortés received an urgent demand for a remedy in the matter; his presence was imperative. Salazar and Chirinos were not displeased at the success of their machinations. The condition of affairs was now more favorable for their return, and they certainly would never proceed farther than Goazacoalco. By stirring the discord and using their influence over the weaker Albornoz, they might emerge into a commanding position. There were even better prospects, for if they could so readily procure the appointment of their associate, their own could be obtained, and for this, indeed, they had been striving. None could have shown greater attention to Cortés than they, particularly Salazar, who always doffed his hat in addressing him, says Bernal Diaz; ever obsequious and intent on flattery. Finding his importunities unavailing for Cortés' return,[1] he did not fail to detract from the character of the rulers at Mexico, and to insidiously urge his own ability and devotion.
Cortés was a good judge of human nature, much of his success being in fact due to this instinct, yet he often misplaced his confidence. Like many men of genius, he was irregular, erratic in certain lines of
- ↑ According to the custom he gave them a poetic form, singing:
Ay tio, boluámonos,
Ay tio, boluámonos.To which Cortés replied:
Adelante mi sobrino,
Adelate mi sobrino,
Y no creais en agueros,
Que sera lo que Dios quisiere,
Adelante mi sobrino.Which may be translated:
Alas, uncle, let us return,
Alas, uncle, let us return.Reply:
Onward, my nephew,
Onward, my nephew,
In vain omens put no trust:
What God wills to happen, must.
Onward, my nephew.Bernal Diaz, Hist. Verdad., 196
