But at that time no words passed
between us, for all eyes were bent on the meeting between Cortes and
Guatemoc, between the conqueror and the conquered.
Still proud and defiant, though he seemed but a living skeleton,
Guatemoc walked straight to where the Spaniard stood, and spoke, Marina
translating his words.
'I am Guatemoc, the emperor, Malinche,' he said. 'What a man might do to
defend his people, I have done. Look on the fruits of my labour,' and
he pointed to the blackened ruins of Tenoctitlan that stretched on every
side far as the eye could reach. 'Now I have come to this pass, for the
gods themselves have been against me. Deal with me as you will, but it
will be best that you kill me now,' and he touched the dagger of Cortes
with his hand, 'and thus rid me swiftly of the misery of life.'
'Fear not, Guatemoc,' answered Cortes. 'You have fought like a brave
man, and such I honour. With me you are safe, for we Spaniards love a
gallant foe. See, here is food,' and he pointed to a table spread with
such viands as we had not seen for many a week; 'eat, you and your
companions together, for you must need it. Afterwards we will talk.'
So we ate, and heartily, I for my part thinking that it would be well to
die upon a full stomach, having faced death so long upon an empty one,
and while we devoured the meat the Spaniards stood on one side scanning
us, not without pity.
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