Note 1066 — Chapter XXXI · PRELIMINARY CAMPAIGNS. March-May, 1521.
Reading edition
This incident was commemorated by some poetic follower in a ballad which became a favorite with the conquerors:
En Tacuba está Cortés, Con su esquadron esforçado, Triste estaua, y muy penoso, Triste, y con gran cuidado, La vna mano en la mexilla, Y la otra en el costado.
Which may be translated literally:
In Tacuba stands Cortés, With his troopers strong and brave: Sad he was and deeply grave; Sad, and heavily oppressed. With one hand his cheek he pressed; Against his side, the other.