Note XXIV-7 — Chapter XXIV · DOWNFALL OF THE QUICHÉ NATION. April, 1524.

It is possible that Oxib Quieh was hanged, and not burned, though Alvarado makes no mention of such weakness on his part, but states distinctly 'Yo los quemé.' Relacion, i. 159. Bernal Diaz, however, asserts that through the intercession of Fray Bartolomé Olmedo a respite of two days was granted the unfortunate king, during which time he was converted and baptized, and that his sentence was commuted to hanging. Hist. Verdad., 175. This view is taken by Salazar y Olarte, Conq. Mex., 125-6, and Juarros, Guat., ii. 253, but not by Ixtlilxochitl, Horribles Crueldades, 67. At the trial of Alvarado this act of barbarity constitutes one of the charges, and the testimony tends to prove that no exception was made in favor of any one of the victims. The witness Francisco Flores, mentioned in note 5, this chapter, states that one of the nobles was spared, because he had disclosed the plot. His testimony may, however, be founded on a respite granted to Oxib Quieh, incorrectly understood by Flores. Ramirez, Proceso contra Alvarado, 32. Alvarado informed Cortés that the victims made full confession of the plot before they were put to death, and his use of the expression 'Como parecera por sus confesiones' would seem to indicate that the confessions were taken down in writing and forwarded to Cortés. Relacion, i. 159. In conclusion, Brasseur de Bourbourg says that only the monarch and the heir presumptive were burned, which is at variance with Juarros' expression, 'Ni las muertes de sus primeros capitanes, ni las de sus dos Reyes, executadas por los Castellanos,' Guat., ii. 253, and also with the testimony of Flores, who says, 'E los prendio a todos ... e despues los quemo.' Ramirez, Proceso contra Alvarado, 32. Las Casas affirms they were burned alive without any form of trial. Regio. Ind. Devastat., 35.