And he bade them have full confidence,
that He, who had carried them safely through so many perils, would not
now abandon them and his own good cause, to perish by the hand of
the infidel. His address was brief, for he read in their looks that
settled resolve which rendered words unnecessary. The circumstances of
their position spoke more forcibly to the heart of every soldier
than any eloquence could have done, filling it with that feeling of
desperation, which makes the weak arm strong, and turns the coward
into a hero. After they had earnestly commended themselves, therefore,
to the protection of God, the Virgin, and St. James, Cortes led his
battalions straight against the enemy.
It was a solemn moment,- that in which the devoted little band,
with steadfast countenances, and their usual intrepid step,
descended on the plain to be swallowed up, as it were, in the vast
ocean of their enemies. The latter rushed on with impetuosity to
meet them, making the mountains ring to their discordant yells and
battle-cries, and sending forth volleys of stones and arrows which for
a moment shut out the light of day. But, when the leading files of the
two armies closed, the superiority of the Christians was felt, as
their antagonists, falling back before the charges of cavalry, were
thrown into confusion by their own numbers who pressed on them from
behind. The Spanish infantry followed up the blow, and a wide lane was
opened in the ranks of the enemy, who, receding on all sides, seemed
willing to allow a free passage for their opponents.
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