Note XXIII-5 — Chapter XXIII · CONQUEST OF GUATEMALA BEGUN. February-March, 1524.

Vazquez describes both the natural difficulties and the artificial defences of this pass as offering the greatest obstacles to the invaders. The gorge had been protected by palisades and ditches, and only by the most indefatigable exertions, now destroying trenches and stone barricades, now climbing rugged steeps by help of feet and hands, were the Spaniards able to reach the plain above. Moreover, the devil was at hand to help his own, and he wrought against the good Spaniards by means of diabolical transformations in lightning and whirlwinds, and otherwise convulsed elements; and by fearful apparitions and transformations into wild beasts. Chronica de Gvat., 5. This, from Fray Francisco's description, will enable the reader to form some opinion of the religio-historical narration representing this achievement.