The exhortation made by Cortez to the Indians of Tlaxcallan.

TOC

The nexte daye following, Cortes called before him all the Lordes, Captaynes, and principall persons of Tlaxcallan, Huexocinco, Chololla, Chalco, and of other townes, who were there presente at that time, saying as followeth. My Lords and friendes, you know the iourney which I haue nowe in hande, to morrowe God willing I will departe to the warre and siege of Mexico, and enter into the land of youre enimies and mine: And the thing that now I do require, and also pray, is, that you remayne faithfull and constant in your promise made, as hithervnto you haue done, and so I trust you will continue. And bycause I can not bring so soone my purpose to passe according to youre desire and mine, without the Vergantines which are now a making, and to be placed in the lake of Mexico, therefore I praye you to fauoure these workemen whiche I leaue héere, with suche loue and friendship, as héeretofore you haue done and to giue them all things necessary for their prouision, and I do faithfully promise to take away the yoke of bondage, which the inhabitantes of Culhua haue layde vpon you, and also will obteyne of the Emperoure great libertie and priuiledges for you.

All the Indians shewed countenance of obedience, and the chiefest Gentlemen aunswered in few words, saying, we will not onely fulfyll youre request, but also when your vessels are finished, we will bring them to Mexico, and we all in generall will goe with you, and truly serue you in your warres.