The Aztecs--disheartened at the manner in which all the defenses on which they relied had been captured by the Spaniards, and by their presence in the heart of the city--for some time desisted from their efforts; but they were roused to fury, as a body of Spaniards rushed up the winding terraces to the summit of the great temple, and hurled the priests from its summit.
Then, with a yell of fury, they threw themselves upon their enemies.

Their headlong rush swept the Spaniards back into the square, when they were attacked by bodies of natives, pouring down every street.

For once the Spaniards lost their presence of mind, fell into disorder, and were swept before the torrent, down the street which they had just traversed.
In vain Cortez attempted to stem the stream.

The panic spread to the allies, and the whole mass were flying before the natives; when a body of cavalry came up and plunged into the crowd.

The natives were shaken by the appearance of the enemies they feared so much; and Cortez, taking advantage of the confusion, rallied his followers, and again drove the Aztecs back into the square.
Night was now at hand and, dragging off the cannon which had been abandoned in their flight, the force marched off in good order, though hotly pressed by the natives, and retired to Xoloc.