There was something affecting even to the iron-hearted conqueror in the
situation and demeanour of the poor infidel, thus beseeching, and
evidently with as much sincerity as simplicity, a death of honour after
a life of patriotism; and Cortes would have renewed his caresses and
assurances of friendship, had not his ears been that moment struck by
voices without, pronouncing the name of Juan Lerma, with brutal
execrations. He signed to those cavaliers who had conducted the monarch
to his presence, to lead him away; and a moment after, Juan Lerma was
conducted up to his footstool. Dejected, spiritless, overcome perhaps by
the ferocious calls for vengeance which had heralded his steps to the
palace, as well as by the exhaustion of long bodily suffering, he did
not raise his eyes from the floor, until he heard the voice of Cortes
pronounce the faltering words,--