Now as the husband of Otomie, you are a lord among the lords, having honour and great possessions, and as such be seated by your brother Guatemoc, and join our council.' I did as he bade me, and Otomie withdrew from our presence.

Then Cuitlahua spoke again, no longer of me and my matters, but of the urgent affairs of state.

He spoke in slow words and weighty, and more than once his voice broke in his sorrow.

He told of the grievous misfortunes that had overcome the country, of the death of hundreds of its bravest warriors, of the slaughter of the priests and soldiers that day on the teocalli, and the desecration of his nation's gods.

What was to be done in this extremity?
he asked.