He was now fairly in the country, backed by the affection of his own men who knew his value, and the friendship of four tribes that looked to him for protection and loved him for his justice toward them.[6] All things thus far had been managed with great prudence, and it is strange that we find Cortes just at this time guilty of an act of great imprudence. His early education, however, may in a measure excuse it. He had before this rebuked Alvarado for stripping an idol at Cozumel, and now he was himself guilty of a greater outrage of the same kind, towards the natives. He had entreated the Chempoallans to leave off the bloody rites of their religion. The priests were greatly shocked at his proposal, and immediately roused the people to oppose it. Cortes now became angry--instantly ordered fifty of his men to arms, and started to invade the temple. The Cacique begged him to do no violence, but the Indian warriors seeing his determination, seized their weapons for a struggle. Cortes marched on and ascended the steps of the temple. Seeing the warriors gathered to oppose him, he seized the Cacique with his principal officers and the priests, and declared he would instantly kill them if any resistance was made. The Indians now laid aside their arms and looked on with tears and groans. Cortes entered their temple--their idols were thrown from the altars and broken in pieces. He commanded then that even the fragments should be burned. The priests now came forward in their long black mantles, with their hair reaching to the ground clotted with blood, and their ears torn and cut, gathered up the pieces and burned them in the midst of the temple. The next command was to wash and purify the place; and after this the holy cross was raised upon the altar, and Father Olmedo invited the people to worship. The poor Chempoallans submitted to this, for they were weak and needed his protection.