Exultation of the Totonacs.--The eight maidens and their baptism. --Endeavors to induce the acceptance of Christianity.--The result. --Fanaticism of the Spaniards.--Destruction of the idols.--Dismay of the Indians.--Celebration of mass.--The harangue.--The change. --Emotions of the natives.--They accept the new idols.--Cortez's embarrassment respecting his commission.--The letter.--Anticipations of wealth.--Presents.--Embassadors sent to the king.--Punishment of the conspirators.--Disturbing developments.--Destruction of the fleet.--Indignation of the soldiers.--Cortez wins the approval of his men.--Preparations for the journey.--The departure and march to Mexico.--Arrival of a strange vessel.--Capture of prisoners.--The stratagem.--The re-enforcement.--They arrive at Jalapa.--Naulinco. --Erection of the cross.--Ascent of the Cordilleras.--The city of Tlatlanquitepec.--Indications of idolatry.--A cold reception.-- Cortez's mission.--His commands, and their refusal to obey.--Advice of Father Olmedo.--Arrival at Xalacingo.--Friendly treatment.-- Embassadors to the Tlascalan capital.--They are seized, but escape. --The Spaniards determine to force a passage.--The attack.--The Tlascalans forced to retire.--Destruction of the provisions.--The sacrament.--Chivalry of the barbarians.--A supply of provisions.-- Encounter the enemy.--Confession.--Release of the captive chiefs. --Tlascalan mode of making peace.--Cortez prepares for battle.--The battle.--Courage of the enemy.--The natives vanquished.--Surprise at the small losses of the Spaniards.--Courage of the Spaniards accounted for.--The midnight foray.--The Tlascalans sue for peace. --Cruel treatment of the embassadors.--The Tlascalans subdued.--Speech of the commander-in-chief.--They march to the city of Tlascala.-- Appearance of the city.--Treatment of the vanquished natives.--Peril of Cortez's army.--Murmurs dispelled.--Population of the city. The Totonacs were now exceedingly exultant. They were unwearied in extolling their allies, and in proclaiming their future independence of their Mexican conquerors. They urged other neighboring provinces to join them, and become the vassals of the omnipotent Spaniards. They raised a strong army, which they placed under the command of Cortez to obey his bidding. To strengthen the bonds of alliance, the cacique of Zempoalla selected eight of the most beautiful maidens of his country, all of the first families, to be united in marriage to the Spanish generals. Cortez courteously but decisively informed the chief that, before such union could be consummated, these maidens must all renounce idolatry and be baptized. The Totonacs, without much apparent reluctance, yielded. Emboldened by this success, Cortez now made very strenuous efforts to induce the chief and all the tribe to abandon their idols and the cruel rites of heathenism, and to accept in their stead the symbols of Christianity.