MARCH RESUMED--ASCENT OF THE GREAT VOLCANO--VALLEY OF MEXICO--IMPRESSION ON THE SPANIARDS--CONDUCT OF MONTEZUMA--THEY DESCEND INTO THE VALLEY Spaniards leave Cholula 221 Signs of Treachery 222 The Army reaches the Mountains 223 Wild Traditions 223 The great Volcano 224 Spaniards ascend its Sides 225 Perils of the Enterprise 226 Subsequent Ascent 227 Descent into the Crater 228 The Troops suffer from the Tempest 229 First View of the Valley 230 Its Magnificence and Beauty 230 Impression on the Spaniards 232 Disaffection of the Natives to Montezuma 233 Embassy from the Emperor 234 His gloomy Apprehensions 234 Silence of the Oracles 235 Spaniards advance 236 Death of the Spies 237 Arrival of the Tezcucan Lord 238 Floating Gardens 240 Crowds assembled on the Roads 241 Army reaches Iztapalapan 242 Its celebrated Gardens 243 Striking View of Mexico 245 CHAPTER IX ENVIRONS OF MEXICO--INTERVIEW WITH MONTEZUMA--ENTRANCE INTO THE CAPITAL--HOSPITABLE RECEPTION--VISIT TO THE EMPEROR