Cortés, Hernán, 1485-1547 -- Juvenile literature; Mexico -- History -- Conquest, 1519-1540 -- Juvenile literature
The victory was complete. While the air was full of the shouts of the
victors Cortes seated himself and, after throwing a richly embroidered
cloak about his shoulders, received the congratulations of his officers
and soldiers. He graciously permitted the common soldiers to kiss his
hand, paid special distinction to the officers, and cordially greeted
those of the enemy who had once been his friends. Indeed he treated them
in such a considerate manner that those who but a short time since had
fought against him became his friends. In this way his little army was
increased by the addition of eight hundred fresh and well-armed
soldiers, an increase which secured for him the most powerful army yet
seen in that part of the world. As soon as the wounded Narvaez came to
himself it was with a deadly feeling of humiliation that he found
himself chained hand and foot and in the power of the enemy for whom he
had had so much contempt. Cortes desired to see him without his
knowledge so that he might not seem to be gloating over his misfortune,
but as soon as he entered the room the respect shown by the soldiers in
attendance betrayed his presence. The proud Narvaez turned to him and
said: “Señor Cortes, you have cause to congratulate yourself upon the
good luck which has made me your prisoner.” Such haughtiness seemed to
need some reproof, so Cortes replied: “All that God does is well done;
meanwhile, I assure you that I consider the victory just won and your
capture as among my slightest achievements.” Cortes kept him bound and
had him taken to Vera Cruz.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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