CHAPTER III

COUNCIL OF WAR--SPANIARDS EVACUATE THE CITY--NOCHE TRISTE, OR THE “MELANCHOLY NIGHT”--TERRIBLE SLAUGHTER--HALT FOR THE NIGHT--AMOUNT OF LOSSES

Council of War 158

Predictions of the Astrologer 159

Their Effect on Cortés 160

He decides to abandon the Capital 160

Arranges his Order of March 162

Spaniards leave the City 163

Noche Triste, or the “Melancholy Night” 164

The Capital is roused 165

Spaniards assailed on the Causeway 166

The Bridge wedged in the Stones 166

Despair of the Spaniards 167

Fearful Carnage 167

Wreck of Bodies and Treasure 169

Spaniards arrive at the Third Breach 169

The Cavaliers return to the Rescue 170

Condition of the Rear 171

Alvarado’s Leap 172

Sad Spectacle of the Survivors 174

Feelings of Cortés 174

Spaniards defile through Tacuba 176

Storm the Temple 176

Halt for the Night 177

Reflections of the General 178

The Loss of the Spaniards 179

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