The Spaniards imitated their example. It was a
perilous effort for an armed man to make his way over this aerial
causeway, swayed to and fro by the wind, where the brain might
become giddy, and where a single false movement of hand or foot
would plunge him into the abyss below. Three of the soldiers lost
their hold and fell. The rest, consisting of some twenty or thirty
Spaniards, and a considerable number of Tlascalans, alighted in safety
on the other bank. There hastily forming, they marched with all
speed on the city. The enemy, engaged in their contest with the
Castilians on the opposite brink of the ravine, were taken by
surprise,- which, indeed, could scarcely have been exceeded if they
had seen their foe drop from the clouds on the field of battle.
They made a brave resistance, however, when fortunately the
Spaniards succeeded in repairing one of the dilapidated bridges in
such a manner as to enable both cavalry and foot to cross the river,
though with much delay. The horse under and Andres de Tapia,
instantly rode up to the succour of their countrymen. They were soon
followed by Cortes at the head of the remaining battalions; and the
enemy, driven from one point to another, were compelled to evacuate
the city, and to take refuge among the mountains. The buildings in one
quarter of the town were speedily wrapt in flames. The place was
abandoned to pillage, and, as it was one of the most opulent marts
in the country, it amply compensated the victors for the toil and
danger they had encountered.
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