The fleet anchors.--Arrival of the canoes.--The two chiefs.--The legend.--The presents.--The interview.--The government of the empire.--Cortez lands.--Scene on the shore.--Visit of Governor Teutile.--Cortez's speech.--Teutile's uneasiness.--His reply.-- Embassadors to be sent to Montezuma.--Picture writing.--Military review.--The manoeuvres.--Terror of the natives.--Departure of the runners.--Police regulations.--Kindness of the natives.--Arrival of the embassy.--Message from Montezuma.--Chagrin of Cortez.-- Disaffection in the camp.--Second message from Montezuma.--The Ave Maria.--Curiosity of the natives.--The sermon.--Presentation of the crucifix.--Desertion of the huts.--The mutiny.--Shrewdness. --The mutineers outwitted.--Success of the scheme.--Enthusiasm.-- Council elected for the new colony.--Appearance of Cortez before the assembly.--The address.--Cortez lays down his commission.--He is induced to take it up again.--Remonstrance.--Mode of reasoning. --Envoys of Zempoalla.--Prospect of civil war.--Resolve to establish a colony at Quiabislan.--Beauties of the country, and refinement of the inhabitants.--Reception at Zempoalla.--Cortez offers his services.--Wrongs of the Totonacs.--Help implored.--Applause of the natives.--Erection of fortifications.--Building the town.--The lords from Montezuma.--Consternation of the Totonacs.--The penalty.-- Cortez's orders.--Power of Montezuma.--The Mexican lords arrested. --Perfidy of Cortez.--The lords are liberated.--Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz.--Embassy from Montezuma.--He adopts a conciliatory policy.--Amazement of the Totonacs. It was a beautiful afternoon in April when the fleet sailed majestically into the Mexican bay. Earth, sea, and sky smiled serenely, and all the elements of trouble were lulled into repose. As the ships glided over the smooth waters to their sheltered anchorage, a scene, as of enchantment, opened around the voyagers. In the distance, on grassy slopes, and in the midst of luxuriant groves, the villages and rural dwellings of the natives were thickly scattered. The shores were covered with an eager multitude, contemplating with wonder and awe the sublime spectacle of the fleet.