The head of this party was the young chief Xicotencatl, who had led the Tlascalan armies in the desperate resistance they offered to the Spaniards, on their first coming.

When the ambassadors had made their offers, he rose and urged his hearers to assent to the proposal; saying that it were better to unite with their kindred, and those of their own language, faith, and custom, than with these fierce strangers.
The young warriors enthusiastically agreed; but, happily for the Spaniards, the four great chiefs, one of whom was the father of Xicotencatl, were opposed to the proposal.

Maxixca especially combated the idea.
"The Aztecs," he said, "are always false in speech, and false in heart.

It is fear that drives them, now, to offer their friendship to the Tlascalans; and when the cause for fear has passed, they will again be hostile.

What?
Are we to sacrifice the white men to the gods--the men who have fought with us side by side against our enemies, and who are now our guests?
Were we to act thus, it would be an act of the grossest perfidy." Xicotencatl replied; but Maxixca, losing his temper, seized him and, with sudden violence, thrust him from the chamber.