It was not his fault that they had been brought to this pass, but by the misconduct of others, during his absence.

At any rate, as they pointed out to their comrades, the only chance of escape was unity and obedience.
Cortez himself was, as always in a moment of great danger, calm and collected.

The thought of having to leave the city, to abandon all the treasures they had taken, was even more painful to him than to the soldiers.

It was not the loss of his own share of the booty, but of that of the emperor, that he regretted; for he felt that this, together with the downfall of all his plans, and the loss of the kingdom he had already counted won, would bring upon him the displeasure of his emperor, would give strength to his enemies at court, and would probably ensure his being recalled in disgrace.
Nevertheless, he saw that retreat was necessary, for the position could not be maintained.

Every day the defenses became weaker, the men more exhausted by fighting, and there would soon be no longer a morsel of bread to serve out to them.