[58] Pizarro y Orellana, _Varones Ilvstres_, 67, states that he was supported at college by Monroy and Rodriguez. It is possible that his proud spirit chafed under this dependence, or that he felt too deeply his position as a poor student among the wealthy youth there congregated; or that this aid was withdrawn owing to the turbulent character here developed by the young man. These views find support in _Gomara_, _Hist. Mex._, 4: ‘Boluiose a Medellin, harto o arrepentido de estudiar, o quiça falto de dineros.’ While admitting the want both of money and inclination for study, Torquemada, i. 345, states that a quartan fever came on as he was preparing for the study of law, and was the chief cause of his leaving the college. Las Casas, _Hist. Ind._, iv. 11, gives him the honors of a bachiller, and as having studied law, both of which statements are unlikely, considering his short course. ‘Aprendiendo gramática’ implies a course of study in Latin and Greek, as well as rhetoric, which it required three years to complete. _Plan de Estudios de la Universidad de Salamanca_, quoted by Folsom, in _Cortés’ Despatches_, 10. According to Peralta, ‘asento con un escribano, ... y aprendió á escrebir,’ etc. in Valladolid. _Not. Hist._, 56. [59] Verses which were tolerably good, and even procured him some fame. _Anales_, 220. ‘Quando hablaua con Letrados, y hombres Latinos, respondia á lo que le dezian en Latin.’ Bernal Diaz, _Hist. Verdad._, 238. The combined qualities of scholar and general have called up a not inappropriate comparison between Cortés and Cæsar. See _Helps’ Span. Conq._, and other authorities. [60] Some claim him for a relative of Cortés. See _Pizarro y Orellana_, _Varones Ilvstres_, 70; _Solis_, _Hist. Mex._, i. 45; _De Rebus Gestis Ferdinandi Cortesii_, in _Icazbalceta_, _Col. Doc._, i. 312. [61] ‘Anduvo se a la flor del berro, aun q̄ no sin trabajos y necessidades cerca de vn año.’ _Gomara_, _Hist. Mex._, 5. ‘Squandered his means at Valencia with bad companions,’ is the term used in _Sandoval_, _Hist. Carlos_, i. 161. [62] Torquemada, i. 346, sees in the bird a messenger from God to conduct safely his chosen instrument for converting the natives of the New World. Pizarro y Orellana, _Varones Ilvstres_, 69-70, recognizes the Holy Ghost, who assumed this form, and comments on similar appearances elsewhere. How goodly a thing is faith! [63] He assisted in the pacification of Higne, Bauruco, Daiguao, Iutagna, Jaraguá, and Amguayagua. _Cortés_, _Memorial_, in _Col. Doc. Inéd._, iv. 220.