CHAPTER X.

RETURN OF CORTEZ--SIEGE OF TENOCHTITLAN--BRAVERY AND SUFFERINGS OF THE AZTECS. 161

Guatimozin prepares for a new invasion--Cortez approaches with a new army--Orders vessels built at Tlascala--Takes possession of Tezcuco--Makes liberal overtures to Guatimozin--Rejected with scorn--Determined spirit of Guatimozin--Success of Cortez in reducing some of the smaller towns--Narrow escape at Iztalapatan--General defection of the tributary cities--How accounted for--The Spanish fleet on the Lake--Genius of Cortez--Tenochtitlan invested--Preparations for the siege--Spirit of the Aztecs--Their supplies cut off--The Queen in her reverses--Famine--Distress in the city--Love stronger than hunger--The famishing fed--Desperation--an assault--an ambush--The tide of battle suddenly turned--Perilous position and severe loss of the Spaniards--Cortez narrowly escapes--Disastrous retreat.