over his head. Cortez alighted from his horse and advanced alone to meet the chieftain whom he had so long desired to see. As the representative of his king he would have given to Montezuma those brotherly greetings common among the European sovereigns of that day, but the attendant chiefs instantly checked what they considered undue familiarity. A glittering collar of pearls and crystal which Cortez took from his own neck and threw over Montezuma's shoulders was graciously accepted, however.
In the Mexican ceremony of touching the ground which followed, Montezuma headed the long procession that filed by the Spanish commander. Not an eye was lifted from the ground as with measured step and great dignity the natives passed the strangers whose mighty exploits and mysterious errand to their shores had been for months the theme of every tongue. Montezuma soon returned, and after directing his brother to remain with Cortez he at once re-entered his litter and was borne away.
A spacious building in the centre of the city and opposite the great temple had been assigned to the Spaniards for their use during their stay; here the great chieftain awaited his guests. Taking Cortez by the hand, he led him into a saloon and seated him on a piece of rich carpeting with which the floor was spread, telling him to wait until he should return.
Montezuma soon reappeared accompanied by attendants laden with many costly and substantial gifts, among which, says Cortez, were "five or six thousand pieces of cotton cloth very rich and of varied texture and finish." The soldiers had all been dismissed to their quarters, and, with a few of his officers, Cortez was alone. Taking his
