Large as was the summit of the pyramid, it would not give shelter to a half of our numbers, and if we desired to defend it some of the multitude herded round its base must seek refuge elsewhere.

Calling the leaders of the people together, I put the matter before them in few words, leaving them to decide what must be done.

They in turn consulted among themselves, and at length gave me this answer: that it was agreed that all the wounded and aged there, together with most of the children, and with them any others who wished to go, should leave the teocalli that night, to find their way out of the city if they could, or if not, to trust to the mercy of the Spaniards.
I said that it was well, for death was on every side, and it mattered little which way men turned to meet it.

So they were sorted out, fifteen hundred or more of them, and at midnight the gates of the courtyard were thrown open, and they left.

Oh! it was dreadful to see the farewells that took place in that hour.