THE EMBASSY FROM THE SHORE—THE NEW INTERPRETER—MARINA—HER APPEARANCE AND QUALITY—HER ROMANTIC HISTORY—SHE CLEAVES TO THE SPANIARDS AND TO CORTÉS—AND BECOMES ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERS OF THE CONQUEST—THE SPANIARDS LAND AND FORM AN ENCAMPMENT—THE GOVERNOR COMES WITH PRESENTS—THE SPANIARDS ASTONISH THE NATIVES—WHO REPORT ALL TO MONTEZUMA—CORTÉS SENDS THE MONARCH PRESENTS—COUNCIL CALLED IN MEXICO—MONTEZUMA DETERMINES NOT TO RECEIVE THE STRANGERS—RECIPROCATES IN PRESENTS A HUNDREDFOLD—CORTÉS PERSISTS—MONTEZUMA DECLINES MORE FIRMLY—OLMEDO ATTEMPTS CONVERSION—TEUHTLILE, OFFENDED, WITHDRAWS HIS PEOPLE FROM THE CAMP OF THE SPANIARDS. Under San Juan de Ulua the fleet of Cortés rests at anchor, lying lazily there, its fiery purpose clothed in peaceful white, like a snow-capped volcano basking in the sunlight. The ships had been watched from afar by expectant eyes; and now from the wondering multitude that lines the Chalchiuhcuecan[149] shore come two large canoes, whose occupants step to the deck of the flag-ship and reverentially ask for the Tlatoani. Their language is new to Aguilar; none of the company can understand it. What is to be done? Modestly speaks one of the female slaves, “These are Mexicans, sent by Cuitlalpitoc,[150] cacique of the nearest town, to welcome the white chief and offer their devotion. They would likewise know whence he comes, and why.” Instantly all eyes are on the speaker, who under their continued gaze draws back, abashed at her own temerity, while the warm blood mantles beneath its clear olive confine, and the breath comes inconstant between parted lips. Cortés regards her as she stands there unconscious of the important service she has rendered him; for possessed she the power of Thetis, to assume any form she pleased, the fair interpreter could not at this juncture have appeared before the chief in any other aspect half so fascinating. Who is she? The one baptized Marina, at Tabasco; and who, being the greatest lady there, was given to Puertocarrero, the greatest gentleman present. Why had she been given to Puertocarrero? Why had not the chief chamberer himself taken her? Cortés had weightier matters on his mind. He was playing for empire, and would not now stop to divide the petty winnings with his men. By and by right royally will he reward the unsanctified within him for its abstinence. As for this girl, he seems now for the first time to see her.[151] Had Marina, the slave, been born in other lands, under different auspices, to what exalted sphere might not her personal loveliness and beauty of character have entitled her!