But at that time no words passed between us, for all eyes were bent on the meeting between Cortes and Guatemoc, between the conqueror and the conquered.
Still proud and defiant, though he seemed but a living skeleton, Guatemoc walked straight to where the Spaniard stood, and spoke, Marina translating his words.
'I am Guatemoc, the emperor, Malinche,' he said.

'What a man might do to defend his people, I have done.

Look on the fruits of my labour,' and he pointed to the blackened ruins of Tenoctitlan that stretched on every side far as the eye could reach.

'Now I have come to this pass, for the gods themselves have been against me.

Deal with me as you will, but it will be best that you kill me now,' and he touched the dagger of Cortes with his hand, 'and thus rid me swiftly of the misery of life.' 'Fear not, Guatemoc,' answered Cortes.