by that last dish which he himself had prudently avoided, and others were quite prepared to echo so authoritative a statement, regardless of the evident cause, excessive indulgence in rich food and iced drinks.[1]
The following morning Ponce left Iztapalapan at an early hour, apparently in good health. His object was to avoid a public reception, but fully advised of his movements, Cortés met him at the entrance to the capital, attended by a long train of cavaliers. Both were most profuse with courtesies,[2] and as they advanced side by side toward the monastery, Ponce expressed his surprise at the greatness of the general's achievements in conquering so large and populous a country, with so many strong cities. After mass Ponce was conducted to his residence, which had been arranged with all possible elegance. Indeed the judge was quite delighted both with the house and host, and declared that the latter must long have been used to the life of a lord. Cortés spoke freely about the charges against him, and explained his acts so clearly that the other expressed himself convinced of his loyalty, and politely postponed the transfer of authority.
That same day the meddling friar, Ortiz, called on Cortés and mysteriously intimated that Ponce had power to behead him, and this might be done unless he took precautions. It is supposed that the Domini-
- ↑ Proaño ate from the same plate and felt no inconvenience, yet several vomited, 'Y juntamente con el bomito tuuieron camaras.' Gomara, Hist. Mex., 16-7. Only one became sick according to Bernal Diaz. Tapia's presence was chief cause for the suspicions. Hist. Verdad., 217. Lúcas testified afterward that he heard Tapia say to a friend, he would give Ponce a banquet, and if that sufficed not, another! Samaniego declared that he warned Ponce not to eat at the banquet, for rumors were abroad of intended poisoning. Proaño's plate was taken from him with the remark that a better part would be given him. This roused Ortiz' suspicions, and he immediately went out to reject the food, urging Proaño and Ponce to do the same. The latter could not, and he afterward told the witness that he believed the cream was poisoned. Zarate tells an equally damaging story. Cortés, Residencia, i. 161, ii. 316-20. Any one who examines the testimony during this residencia must admire the promptness with which witnesses swore to anything their memory had treasured from vague rumor.
- ↑ Ponce excused himself for a long time from taking the proffered hand of Cortés, till the latter insisted. Bernal Diaz, loc. cit.
