Chapter X Division of the Spoils—Cortes Attempts to Introduce Christianity—Narvaez is Sent by Velasquez to Depose Cortes—Cortes Advances against Him
Now that mighty Mexico had become a Spanish Province, Cortes next proceeded to allot the collected spoils. They were divided into five parts. One was assigned to the King of Spain; the second to himself, as commander; the third was set apart as indemnity for those who had paid for their own equipment; and the remainder was given to the army. The share for each soldier and sailor was not as large as had been expected, which caused general dissatisfaction, but Cortes promptly quieted them by presenting them with a part of the treasure which properly belonged to him.
The unfortunate Montezuma, as we have seen, had conceded all the demands made upon him, but to the great surprise of Cortes there was one which he firmly and steadfastly declined to yield. This was the abandonment of the religious belief of himself and his people. Neither flattery nor threats moved him. Cortes, no longer able to endure its hideous cruelties, went to Montezuma with some of his officers and demanded that room should be made for the Christian service in the principal temple. Montezuma was greatly surprised at the demand and replied that the Mexicans would never permit such a desecration of their temple, that resistance would be made, and much bloodshed would result, so great was their fear of the wrath of their deities. But when Cortes announced he would be satisfied if one tower were set apart for the Christian service, Montezuma answered that he would consult the priests about the matter. Their decision was favorable, and the use of one of the sacred towers was granted. The news occasioned great joy in the Spanish quarters. The sacred place was cleared of its revolting impurities, an altar was erected with a cross and image of the Virgin upon it, and the walls were newly decorated. The soldiers entered in festal procession, the mass was heard, and the _Te Deum_ sung with tears of gratitude. Thus the sweet tones of divine love and mercy mingled with the wild songs of the Indian priests in honor of Anahuak, a war god.
This unnatural situation could not long continue. The Mexicans were greatly outraged because their religion was trodden under foot. They realized more clearly than ever the haughty insolence of these strangers, and they began to consider plans for their removal. The priests and leading men, who were present at private interviews with the imprisoned Emperor more frequently than of late, implored revenge for their insulted deities, and Montezuma’s condition thus grew more dangerous and distressed. What should he do? Whither should he turn? At last he aroused himself and decided to take a middle course which wisdom pointed out as the safest. With this object in view, he summoned Cortes. The latter, whose suspicions had already been aroused by these private interviews of the priests and leading men with Montezuma, took the precaution of having twelve of his bravest men accompany him. His suspicions were confirmed when he entered Montezuma’s apartment and observed a seriousness of expression on his face which he had never seen before. He was still more surprised when Montezuma seized his hand, drew him aside, and in an almost menacing tone said to him that, as the object for which his master had sent him was now accomplished, he hoped he would hasten his departure.