“Magnanimous General! Whether you are of the race of the immortals or not, you have the high Council of Tlaxcala in your power, and it gives you herewith the great symbols of its obedience. We have no desire to excuse the faults of our nation, but only express the hope that our sincerity will mitigate your anger. We have not only abandoned our purpose of making war upon you, but we have also decided to pray for peace. We know that Montezuma is seeking to secure you as an ally. But if you listen to him you must remember he is our enemy. We do not ask you to assist us against him. We are strong enough to defend ourselves, but it will grieve us if you believe his promises, for we know his deceitfulness and, although I am blind, I see a sure light revealing to me the disaster which will overtake you. You will have peace with us if Montezuma does not prevent it. Why should he restrain you? Why should you not grant our prayer? Why will you not honor our city with your presence? We are fully resolved either to win your friendship and confidence or to leave our freedom in your hands. Choose now which you prefer, for no middle course is of any avail to us. We must either be your good friends or your bondmen.” Who could resist such an appeal from such an old man? Cortes could not. He replied that he would grant their every wish. He asked only that they should furnish him people to carry the baggage and heavy ammunition. On the following morning six hundred burden bearers appeared who contested for the honor of carrying the heaviest loads. The entrance of the Spaniards into Tlaxcala resembled a triumph. The streets were filled with great multitudes. There was such shouting and jubilation that one could not hear himself speak. Young maidens covered the strangers with flowers. The priests appeared in their ceremonial robes and burned incense. The entire Council and the leaders of the people met them and welcomed them. Everywhere confidence, peace, and harmony prevailed. A fitting residence was ready for their sacred guest, whom they called Teules, or divinity. Cortes, as soon as he occupied it, stationed sentinels at all the approaches. This troubled the Tlaxcalans, who regarded it as a sign of distrust, but when they were informed that this was the custom of European soldiers, even in times of peace, they were no longer alarmed, and Xikotenkatl himself introduced the practice in his own army. Cortes recognized more and more the great advantage the friendship of this martial nation would be to him. He therefore ordered his men to treat them in a just and friendly manner, and he himself adopted every means in his power to strengthen the confidence and respect he had already gained.