Noble and citizen, priest and soldier, had all united in the common cause.
The assault was about to commence, when the Spaniards' artillery and musketry poured death into the crowded ranks.

The gates were at once thrown open, and Cortez at the head of his cavalry dashed out, followed by the infantry and the Tlascalan allies.

Confused by the slaughter made by the firearms, the Aztecs could offer no resistance to the onslaught.

The cavalry trampled them underfoot, and mowed them down with sword and lance.

The Spanish foot and Tlascalans following close behind carried on the work of destruction, and it seemed to the Spaniards that the fight was already over, when the Aztecs fled before them.
The movement of retreat, however, ceased the moment the Mexicans reached the barricades which they had thrown up across the streets; and forming behind these they made a gallant stand, while those upon the housetops poured showers of arrows, darts, and great stones down upon the advancing Spaniards.