Purchas his pilgrimes. part 3 In fiue bookes. The first, contayning the voyages and peregrinations made by ancient kings, patriarkes, apostles, philosophers, and others, to and thorow the remoter parts of the knowne world: enquiries also of languages and religions, especially of the moderne diuersified professions of Christianitie. The second, a description of all the circum-nauigations of the globe. The third, nauigations and voyages of English-men, alongst the coasts of Africa ... The fourth, English voyages beyond the East Indies, to the ilands of Iapan, China, Cauchinchina, the Philippinæ with others ... The fifth, nauigations, voyages, traffiques, discoueries, of the English nation in the easterne parts of the world ... The first part.

§. I Of the ancient Inhabitants of New Spaine, and of the sixe Linages of the Nauatlacas. Of the Mexican Exodus, and Aduentures by the way: the foundation of Mexico, their first King and Tribute.

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THe aneient and first Inhabitants of those Prouinces, which wee call New Spaine, were men very barbarous and sauage,* 1.1 which liued onely by hunting, for this reason they were called Chichimecas. They did neither sow nor till the ground, neither liued they together;* 1.2 for all their exercise was to hunt, wherein they were very expert. They liued in the roughest parts of the Mountaynes beast-like, without any policie, and they went all naked. They hunted wilde Beasts, Hares, Conies, Weezels, Mowles, wild Cats, and Birds, yea vncleane beasts, as Snakes, Lizards, Locusts and Wormes, whereon they fed, with some hearbs and roots. They slept in the Mountaynes, in caues and in bushes, and the wiues likewise went a hunting with their husbands, leauing their young children in a little panier of Reeds, tyed to the boughes of a Tree, which desired not to sucke vntill they were returned from hunting. They had no Superiours, nor did acknowledge or worship any gods, neither had any manner of Cere∣monies [ 60] or Religion.

There is yet to this day in New Spaine of this kind of people, which liue by their Bowes and Arrowes, the which are very hurtfull, for that they gather together in troopes to doe mis∣chiefe,

and to rob: neither can the Spaniards by force or cunning reduce them to any policie or obedience: for hauing no Townes nor places of residence, to fight with them, were properly to hunt after sauage beasts, which scatter and hide themselues in the most rough and couered places of the Mountaynes. Such is their manner of liuing euen to this day, in many Prouinces of the Indies. Those in New Spaine, which they call Ottomies, were of this sort,* 1.3 beeing commonly poore Indians, inhabiting a rough and barren Land, and yet they are in good numbers, and liue together with some order, and such as doe know them, find them no lesse apt and capeable of matters of Christian Religion, then others which are held to be more rich and better gouerned. Comming therefore to our subiect, the Chichimeca•• and Ottomies which were the first Inhabi∣tants [ 10] of New Spaine, for that they did neither till nor sowe the Land, left the best and most fertile of the Countrey vnpeopled, which, Nations that came from farre did possesse, whom they called Nauatalcas, for that it was a more ciuill and politicke Nation; this word signifies a people that speakes well, in respect of other barbarous Nations without reason. These second peoplers Nauatalcas, came from other farre Countreyes, which lye toward the North, where now they haue discouered a Kingdome they call New Mexico.* 1.4

There are two Prouinces in this Countrey, the one called Aztlan,* 1.5 which is to say a place of Herons: the other Tuculhuacan, which signifies a Land of such, whose Grandfathers were diuine. The Inhabitants of these Prouinces haue their houses, their Lands tilled, Gods, Customes, and Ceremonies, with like order and gouernment to the Nauatalcas, and are diuided into seuen Tribes [ 20] or Nations: and for that they haue a custome in this Prouince, that euery one of these Linages hath his place and priuate Territorie, the Nauatalcas paint their beginning and first Territorie in figure of a Caue, and say that they came forth of seuen Caues to come and people the Land of Mexico, whereof they make mention in their Historie, where they paint seuen Caues and men comming forth of them. By the supputation of their Bookes,* 1.6 it is aboue eight hundred yeeres since these Nauatalcas came forth of their Countrey, reducing which to our accompt, was a∣bout the yeere of our Lord 720. When they left their Countrey to come to Mexico, they stayed fourescore yeeres vpon the way; and the cause of this their long stay in their Voyage, was, that their Gods (which without doubt were Deuils, and spake visibly vnto them) had perswa∣ded them to seeke new Lands that had certaine signes. And therefore they came discouering the [ 30] whole Land, to search for these tokens which their Idols had giuen them; and in places where they found any good dwellings, they peopled it, and laboured the Land, and as they discouered better Countreyes, they left those which they had first peopled; leauing still some, especially the aged, sicke folkes, and the wearie, yea, they did plant and build there, whereof wee see the remainders at this day. In the way where they passed, they spent fourescore yeeres in this man∣ner of leisurely trauell, the which they might haue done in a moneth. By this meanes they en∣tred the Land of Mexico, in the yeere 902. after our computation.

These seuen Linages I haue spoken of, came not forth altogether:* 1.7 the first were the Suchimil∣cos, which signifie a Nation of the seeds of flowres. Those peopled the bankes of the great Lake of Mexico towards the South, and did build a Citie of their name, and many Villages. Long time [ 40] after came they of the second Linage called Chalcas, which signifies people of mouthes, who also built a Citie of their name, diuiding their limits and Territories with the Suchimilcos. The third were the Tepanecans, which signifies people of the bridge: they did inhabite vpon the banke of the Lake towards the West, and they increased so, as they called the chiefe and Metropolitane of their Prouince, Axcapuzalco, which is to say, an Ants Nest, and they continued long time mightie. After them came those that peopled Tescuco, which be those of Culhua, which is to say, a crooked people: for that in their Countrey there was a Mountaine much bending. And in this sort this Lake was enuironed with these foure Nations, these inhabiting on the East, and the Tepanecas on the North. These of Tescuco, were held for great Courtiers, for their tongue and pronunciation is very sweet and pleasant. Then arriued the Tlalluicans, which signifies men of [ 50] the Sierre or Mountaine. Those were the most rude and grosse of all the rest,* 1.8 who finding all the Plaines about the Lake possessed euen vnto the Sierre, they passed to the other side of the Mountaine, where they found a very fertile, spacious and warme Countrey, where they built many great Villages, calling the Metropolitane of their Prouince Quahunachua,* 1.9 which is as much to say, as a place that sounds the voice of an Eagle, which our common people call by cor∣ruption, Queruauaca, and at this day they call this Prouince, the Marquisate. Those of the sixt Generation, which are the Tlascaltecans, which is to say, Men of bread, passed the Moun∣taine towards the East, crossing all the Sierre, or Mountaine of Menade,* 1.10 where that famous Vul∣can is betwixt Mexico and the Citie of Angels, where they did find a good Countrey, making many buildings. They built many Townes and Cities, whereof the Metropolitane was called [ 60] by their name Tlascala. This is the Nation which fauoured the Spaniards at their entrie, by whose helpe they did winne this Countrey, and therefore to this day they pay no Tribute, but enioy a generall exemption. When all these Nations peopled these Countreyes, the Chinchime∣cans being the ancient Inhabitants, made no resistance, but fled, and as people amazed, they hid themselues in the most obscure of the Rockes. But those that inhabited on the other side of the

Mountaine where the Tlascaltecans had planted themselues, did not suffer, them in quiet, as the rest of the Chichimecans had done, but they put themselues in defence to preserue their Country, and being Giants as the Histories report,* 1.11 they sought to expell the last Commers, but they were vanquisht by the policy of the Tlascaltecans, who counterfeiting a peace with them, inuited them to a great banquet, and when they were busiest in their drunkennesse, there were some laid in ambush, who secretly stole away their weapons, which were great Clubs, Targets, Swords of wood, and other such armes. Then did they suddenly set vpon them, and the Chichimecans see∣king to defend themselues, they did want their armes, so as they fled to the Mountaines and Fo∣rests adioyning, where they pulled downe Trees, as if they had beene stalkes of Lettuces. But in the end, the Tlascaltecans being armed, and marching in order, they defeated all the Giants, not [ 10] leauing one aliue.* 1.12 We must not hold this of the Giants to be strange, or a fable; for at this day we finde dead mens bones of an incredible bignesse.

When I was in Mexico, in the yeere 1586. they found one of those Giants buried in one of our Farmes, which we call Iesus du Mont, of whom they brought a tooth to bee seene, which (without augmenting) was as bigge as the fist of a man, and according to this, all the rest was proportionable, which I saw and admired at his deformed greatnesse. The Tlascaltecans by this victorie remayned peaceable, and so did the rest of the Linages. These sixe Linages did alwayes entertaine amitie together, marrying their children one with another, and diuiding their limits quietly: then they studied with an emulation to encrease and beautifie their Commonweale. The barbarous Chichimecans, seeing what passed, began to vse some gouernment, and to apparell [ 20] themselues,* 1.13 being ashamed of what had passed: for till then they had no shame. And hauing a∣bandoned feare by their communication with these other people, they began to learne many things of them, building small Cottages, hauing some policy and gouernment. They did also choose Lords, whom they did acknowledge for their Superiors, by meanes whereof they did in a manner quite abandon this bruitish life, yet did they alwayes continue in the Mountaines diui∣ded from the rest.

* 1.14Three hundred and two yeeres after the former two Linages had left their Country, to inha∣bite New Spaine, the Country being now well peopled, and reduced to some forme of gouern∣ment, Those of the seuenth Caue or Line arriued, which is the Mexicane Nation, the which like vnto the rest, left the Prouince of Aztlan, and Teuculhuacan, a politike, courtlike, and war∣like [ 30] Nation. They did worship the Idoll Vitzliputzli, the Deuill that was in this Idoll spake, and gouerned this Nation easily. This Idoll commanded them to leaue their Country, promising to make them Princes and Lords ouer all the Prouinces which the other sixe Nations did pos∣sesse,* 1.15 that he would giue them a Land abounding with gold, siluer, precious stones, feathers, and rich mantels: whereupon they went forth, carrying their Idoll with them in a Coffer of Reedes, supported by foure of their principall Priests, with whom he did talke and reueale vnto them in secret, the successe of their way and voyage, aduising them of what should happen. He likewise gaue them Lawes, and taught them the customes, ceremonies, and sacrifices they should obserue. They did not aduance nor mooue without commandement from this Idoll. He gaue them notice when to march; and when to stay in any place, wherein they wholly obeyed him. The first thing [ 40] they did wheresoeuer they came, was to build a House or Tabernacle for their false god, which they set alwayes in the middest of their Campe, and there placed the Arke vpon an Altar, in the same manner as they haue vsed in the holy Christian Church. This done, they sowed their land for bread and pulses, which they vsed: and they were so addicted to the obedience of their god, that if he commanded them to gather, they gathered, but if he commanded them to raise their Campe, all was left there for the nourishment of the aged, sicke, and wearie, which they left purposely from place to place, that they might people it, pretending by this meanes, that all the Land should remaine inhabited by their Nation.

We may well iudge what this Vitzliputzli was, for that there was neuer seene nor heard speake of customes more superstitious, nor sacrifices more cruell and inhumane, then those which hee [ 50] taught them. To conclude, they were inuented by the enemie of mankinde. The Chiefe and Captaine whom they followed, was called Mexi, whence came the name of Mexico, and of the Mexican Nation.* 1.16 This people marching thus at leisure, as the other sixe Nations had done, peopling and tilling the Land in diuers parts, whereof there is yet some shewes and ruines: and after they had endured many trauels and dangers, in the end they came to the Prouince of Me∣chouacan,* 1.17 which is as much to say, as a land of fish, for there is great abundance in goodly great Lakes, where contenting themselues with the situation and temperature of the ground, they re∣solued to stay there. Yet hauing consulted with their Idoll vpon this point, and finding him vn∣willing, they demanded license to leaue some of their men to people so good a Land, the which he granted, teaching them the meanes how to doe it, which was, that when the Men and Wo∣men should be entred into a goodly Lake called Pascuaro, to bathe themselues, those which re∣mayned [ 60] on Land,* 1.18 should steale away all their clothes, and then secretly raise their Campe, and depart without any bruit, the which was effected, and the rest which dreamt not of this deceit (for the pleasure they tooke in bathing) comming forth and finding themselues spoyled of their

garments, and thus mocked and left by their Companions, they remayned discontented and vexed therewith: so as to make shew of the hatred they had conceiued against them, they say that they changed their manner of life and their language. At the least it is most certaine, that the Mechouacans haue beene alwayes enemies to the Mexicans, and therefore they came to con∣gratulate the Marquesse De Valle, after his victorie obtayned when he had conquered Mexico.

From Mechouacan to Mexico, are aboue fiftie leagues, and vpon the way is Malinalco,* 1.19 where it happened, that complayning to their Idoll of a woman that was a notable witch, which came in their company carrying the name of their sister to their god, for that with her wicked artes shee did them much harme, pretending by certaine meanes to bee worshipped of them as their goddesse: the Idoll spake in a dreame to one of those old men that carried the Arke, commanding [ 10] him to comfort the people, making them new and great promises, and that they should leaue this his sister with her family, being cruell and bad, raysing their Campe at mid-night in great si∣lence, leauing no shew what way they passed. So they did, and the Witch remayning alone with her family in this sort, peopled a Towne which they call Malinalco, the Inhabitants whereof,* 1.20 are held for great Sorcerers, being issued from such a mother. The Mexicans for that they were greatly diminished by these diuisions, and by the number of sicke and wearied persons, which they had left behinde, meant to repayre themselues, and to stay in a place called Tula, which signifies a place of Reedes. There their Idoll commanded them to stop a great Riuer, that it might couer a great Playne, and by the meanes he taught them, they did inuiron a little Hill called Coatepec, making a great Lake, the which they did plant round about with Willowes, Elmes, [ 20] Sapines, and other Trees. There began to breede much fish, and many birds came thither: so as it became a very pleasant place. The situation of this place, seeming pleasant vnto them, and being wearied with trauell, many talked of peopling there, and to passe no farther: wherewith the Deuill was much displeased, threatning the Priests with death, commanding them to re∣turne the Riuer to her course, saying,* 1.21 that hee would that night chastise those which had beene disobedient as they had deserued. And as to doe ill is proper to the Deuill, and that the diuine Iustice doth often suffer such to be deliuered into the hands of such a Tormentor, that choose him for their god; It chanced that about mid-night they heard a great noyse in one part of the Campe, and in the morning going thither, they found those dead that had talked of staying [ 30] there. The manner of their death, was, that their stomacks were opened, and their hearts pul∣led out. And by that meanes, this good god taught these poore miserable Creatures, the kindes of sacrifices that pleased him, which was, in opening the stomacke, to pull out the heart, as they haue since practised in their horrible sacrifices. Seeing this punishment, and that the Playne was dryed, the Lake being emptied, they asked counsell of their god what to doe, who commanded them to passe on, the which they did by little and little, vntill they came to Chapultepec,* 1.22 a league from Mexico, famous for the pleasantnesse thereof. They did fortifie themselues in these Moun∣taines, fearing the Nations which inhabited that Country, the which were opposite vnto them, especially for that one named Copil, sonne to this Sorceresse, left in Malinalco, had blamed and spoken ill of the Mexicans: for this Copil by the commandement of his mother, awhile after [ 40] followed the Mexicans course, labouring to incense the Tapanecas, and other neighbours against them, euen vnto the Chalcas: so as they came with a strong Armie to destroy the Mexicans. Co∣pil in the meane space stood vpon a little Hill in the middest of a Lake, called Acopilco, atten∣ding the destruction of his Enemies, and they by the aduice of their Idoll, went against him, tooke him suddenly, and slue him, carrying his heart to their god,* 1.23 who commanded them to cast it into the Lake, fayning that thereof did grow a plant called Tunal, where since Mexico was built. They came to fight with the Chalcas, and other Nations, hauing chosen for their Captaine, a valiant man, called Vitzilonilti, who in an encounter, was taken and slaine by the Enemies. But for all this, they were not discouraged, but fought valiantly; and in despight of their Ene∣mies they brake the squadrons, and carrying their Aged, their Women, and young Children in the midst of their battaile, they passed on to Atlacuyauaya, a Towne of the Culhuans,* 1.24 whom they [ 50] found solemnising of a Feast, in which place they fortified. The Chalcas, nor the other Nations did not follow them, but grieued to be defeated by so small a number of men; they being in so great multitudes retyred to their Townes.

The Mexicans, by the aduice of their Idoll, sent their Messengers to the Lord of Culhuacan,* 1.25 to demand a place to dwell in, who after hee had imparted it to his people, granted them the place of Ticaapan, which signifies white waters, to the end they should all perish there, being full of Vipers, Snakes, and other venemous beasts which bred in a Hill neere adioyning. But being perswaded and taught by their Deuill, they accepted willingly what was offered, and by their deuillish arte, tamed these beasts, so as they did them no harme; yea, they vsed them as meate, [ 60] eating them with delight and appetite. The which the Lord of Culhuacan seeing, and that they had tilled and sowed the Land, he resolued to receiue them into the Citie, and to contract ami∣tie with them. But the god whom the Mexicans did worship (as he is accustomed to do no good, but ill) said vnto his Priests, that this was not the place where hee would haue them stay, and that they must go forth making warres. Therefore they must seeke forth a Woman, and name her

the Goddesse of Discord.* 1.26 Whereupon they resolued to send to the King of Culhuacan, to demand his daughter to be Queene of the Mexicans, and mother to their god, who receiued this ambassage willingly, sending his daughter presently gorgeously attired and well accompanied. The same night shee arriued, by order of the murtherer whom they worshipped, they killed her cruelly; and hauing ••layed her artificially as they could doe, they did clothe a young man with her skin, and thereupon her apparell, placing him neere their Idoll, dedicating him for a Goddesse and the mother of their god, and euer after did worship it, making an Idoll which they called Toccy, which is to say,* 1.27 our grand mother. Not content with this crueltie, they did maliciously inuite the King of Culhuacan, the father of the young Maid, to come and worship his daughter, who was now consecrated a goddesse, who comming with great Presents, and well accompanied with his peo∣ple, he was led into a very darke Chappell where their Idoll was, that he might offer sacrifice to [ 10] his daughter that was in that place. But it chanced that the Incense that was vpon the harth, according to their custome, kindled in such sort, as he might discerne his daughters haire, and ha∣uing by this meanes discouered the crueltie and deceit, he went forth crying aloud, and with all his men he fell vpon the Mexicans, forcing them to retyre to the Lake, so as they were almost drowned. The Mexicans defended themselues, casting certaine little darts, which they vsed in the warres, wherewith they much galled their enemies. But in the end they got Land, and lea∣uing that place, they coasted along the Lake, very weary and wet; the Women and little Chil∣dren crying and making great exclamations against them and their god that had brought them into this distresse. They were inforced to passe a Riuer that could not bee waded thorow, and [ 20] therefore they aduised to make small Boates of their Targets and of Reedes, wherein they passed. Then afterwards, hauing left Culhuacan, they arriued at Iztacalco, and finally to the place where the Hermitage of Saint Anthony now is, at the entrie of Mexico, and to that quarter which they now call Saint Paul. During which time their Idoll did comfort them in their trauels, and in∣couraged them, promising great matters.

* 1.28The time being now come, that the Father of lyes should accomplish his promise made to his people, who could no longer suffer so many turnings, trauels, and dangers, it happened that some old Priests or Sorcerers, being entred into a place full of water-lillies, they met with a very faire and cleere current of water, which seemed to be siluer, and looking about, they found the Trees, Meadowes, Fish, and all that they beheld to be very white: wondering hereat, they remembred [ 30] a prophesie of their god, whereby he had giuen them that for a token of their place of rest, and to make them Lords of other Nations. Then weeping for ioy, they returned to the people with these good newes. The night following, Vitzliputzli appeared in a dreame to an ancient Priest, saying, that they should seeke out a Tunal in the Lake, which grew out of a stone (which as hee told them, was the same place where by his commandement they had cast the heart of Copil, sonne to the Sorceresse their enemie) and vpon this Tunal they should see a goodly Eagle, which fed on certaine small birds. When they should see this, they should beleeue it was the place where their Citie should be built, the which should surmount all others, and be famous through∣out the World. Morning being come, the old man assembled the whole people, from the grea∣test to the least, making a long speech vnto them, how much they were bound vnto their god; [ 40] and of the reuelation, which (although vnworthy) he had receiued that night, concluding that all must seeke out that happy place which was promised them; which bred such deuotion and ioy in them all, that presently they vndertooke the enterprise, and diuiding themselues into Bands, they began to search, following the signes of the reuelation of the desired place. Amid∣dest the thickest of these water-lillies in the Lake, they met with the same course of water they had seene the day before, but much differing, being not white, but red, like bloud, the which di∣uided it selfe into two streames, whereof the one was of a very obscure azure, the which bred ad∣miration in them, noting some great mysterie, as they said. After much search here and there, the Tunal appeared growing on a stone, whereon was a Royall Eagle, with the wings display∣ed towards the Sunne, receiuing his heat. About this Eagle were many rich feathers, white, red, [ 50] yellow,* 1.29 blue, and greene, of the same sort as they make their Images, which Eagle held in his tallants a goodly bird. Those which saw it and knew it to bee the place foretold by the Oracle, fell on their knees, doing great worship to the Eagle, which bowed the head looking on euery side. Then was there great cryes, demonstrations, and thankes vnto the Creator, and to their great god Vitzliputzli, who was their father, and had alwayes told them truth. For this reason they called the Citie which they founded ••here,* 1.30 Tenoxtiltan, which signifies Tunal on a stone, and to this day they carry in their Armes, an Eagle vpon a Tunal, with a bird in his tallant, and standing with the other vpon the Tunal. The day following, by common consent they made an Hermitage adioyning to the Tunal of the Eagle,* 1.31 that the Arke of their god might rest there, till they might haue meanes to build him a sumptuous Temple: and so they made this Hermi∣tage of Flagges and Turfes couered with straw. Then hauing consulted with their god, they re∣solued [ 60] to buy of their Neighbours, Stone, Timber, Lime, in exchange of Fish, Frogs, and young Kids, and for Ducks, Water-hens, Courlieus, and diuers other kindes of Sea fowles. All which things they did fish and hunt for in this Lake, whereof there is great abundance. They went

with these things to the Markets of the Townes and Cities of the Tapanecans, and of them of Tescuco their neighbours▪ and with policy they gathered together by little and little; what was necessarie for the building of their Citie:* 1.32 so as they built a better Chappell for their Idoll of lime and stone, and laboured to fill vp a great part of the Lake with rubbish. This done, the Idoll spake one night to one of his Priests, in these termes; Say vnto the Mexicans,* 1.33 that the Noble∣men diuide themselues euery one with their Kinsfolks and Friends, and that they diuide themselues into foure principall quarters, about the house which you haue built for my rest, and let euery quarter build in his quarter at his pleasure. The which was put in execution: and those be the foure principall quarters of Mexico, which are called at this day Saint Iean, Saint Mary the round, Saint Paul, [ 10] and Saint Sebastian. After this, the Mexicans being thus diuided into these foure quarters, their god commanded them to diuide amongst them the gods he should name to them, and that they should giue notice to euery quarter, principall of the other foure particall quarters, where their gods should bee worshipped. So as vnder euery one of these foure principall quarters, there vvere many lesse comprehended, according to the number of the Idols which their god commanded them to worship, which they called Calpultetco, which is as much to say, as God of the quarters. In this manner the Citie of Mexico Tenoxtiltan was founded,* 1.34 and grew great.

This diuision being made as aforesaid, some old Men and Ancients held opinion,* 1.35 that in the diuision, they had not respected them as they deserued: for this cause, they and their [ 20] Kinsfolke did mutinie, and went to seeke another residence: and as they went through the Lake, they found a small piece of Ground or Terrasse, which they call Tloteloli, where they inhabited, calling it Tlatellulco, which signifies Place of a Terrasse. This was the third diuision of the Mexicans, since they left their Country. That of Mechonacan being the first, and that of Malinalco the second. Those which separated themselues and went to Tlatellulco, were fa∣mous men, but of bad disposition: and therefore they practised against the Mexicans their neighbours, all the ill neighbourhood they could. They had alwayes quarrels against them, and to this day continues their hatred and old leagues. They of Tenoxtiltan, seeing them of Tlatellulco thus opposite vnto them, and that they multiplyed, feared that in time they might surmount them: hereupon they assembled in counsell, where they thought it good to choose a [ 30] King, whom they should obey, and strike terrour into their Enemies, that by this meanes they should bee more vnited and stronger among themselues, and their Enemies not presume too much against them. Being thus resolued to choose a King, they tooke another aduice very profitable and assured, to choose none among themselues, for the auoyding of dissentions, and to gayne (by their new King) some other neighbour Nations, by whom they were inuiro∣ned, being destitute of all succours. All well considered, both to pacifie the King of Culhua∣can, whom they had greatly offended, hauing slaine and slayed the daughter of his predecessor, and done him so great a scorne, as also to haue a King of the Mexican blood, of which genera∣tion there were many in Culhuacan, which continued there since the time they liued in peace amongst them; they resolued to choose for their King, a young man called Acamapixtli,* 1.36 [ 40] sonne to a great Mexican Prince, and of a Lady; daughter to the King of Calhuacan. Pre∣sently they sent Ambassadors with a great Present to demand this man, who deliuered their Ambassage in these termes; Great Lord, wee your Vassals and Seruants▪ placed and shut vp in the Weedes and Reedes of the Lake, alone, and abandoned of an the Nations of the World, led one∣ly and guided by our god to the place where wee are, which falls in the iurisdiction of your limits of Ascapusalco, and of Tescuco: Although you haue suffered vs to liue and remayne there, yet will wee not, neither is it reason to liue without a Head and Lord to command, correct, and gouerne vs, instructing vs in the course of our life, and defending vs from our Enemies: Therefore wee come to you, knowing that in your Court and House, there are Children of our generation, linckt and allied with yours, issued from our entrailes, and yours, of our bloud and yours, among the which wee haue [ 50] knowledge of a Grand-child of yours and ours, called Acamapixth. Wee beseech you therefore, to giue him vs for Lord, wee will esteeme him as hee deserues, seeing hee is of the Linage of the Lords of Mexico, and the Kings of Culhuacan.

The King hauing consulted vpon this point, and finding it nothing inconuenient to bee al∣lied to the Mexicans, who were valiant men, made them answere, That they should take his grand-child in good time, adding thereunto, that if he had beene a woman, hee would not haue giuen her, noting the foule fact before spoken of, ending his discourse with these wordes, Let my grand-child goe to serue your god, and be his Lieutenant, to rule and gouerne his Creatures, by whom we liue, who is the Lord of Night, Day, and Windes: Let him goe and be Lord of the Water and Land, and possesse the Mexican Nation, take him in good time, and vse him as my sonne and grand-child. [ 60] The Mexicans gaue him thankes, all ioyntly desiring him to marry him with his owne hand, so as hee gaue him to wife, one of the noblest Ladies amongst them. They conducted the new King and Queene with all honor possible, and made him a solemne reception, going all in generall forth to see the King, whom they led into Palaces which were then, but meane, and hauing seated them in Royall Thrones, presently one of the Ancients and an Orator

much esteemed amongst them, did rise vp, speaking in this manner, My sonne, our Lord and King, thou art welcome to this poore House and Citie, amongst these weeds and mud, where thy poore fa∣thers, Grand-fathers, and Kinsfolks, endure what it pleaseth the Lord of things created. Remember Lord thou commest hither to be the defence and support of the Mexican Nation, and to be the resem∣blance of our god Vitzliputzli, whereupon the charge and gouernment is giuen thee. Thou knowest wee are not is our Country, seeing the Land we possesse at this day is anothers, neither know we what shall be∣come of vs to morrow, or another day: Consider therefore▪ that thou commest not to rest or recreate thy selfe, but rather to indure a new charge vnder so heauy a burden: wherein thou must continually labour, being slaue to this multitude, which is fallen to thy lot, and to all this neighbour people, whom thou must striue to gratifie, and giue them contentment, seeing thou knowest we liue vpon their Lands, and within their limits. And ending, he repeated these wordes; Thou art welcome, Thou and the Queene our [ 10] Mistris, to this your Realme. This was the speech of the old man, which with other Orations (which the Mexican Histories doe celebrate) the Children did vse to learne by heart,* 1.37 and so they were kept by Tradition, some of them deserue well to bee reported in their proper termes. The King answering, thanked them, and offered them his care and diligence in their defence and aide in all he could. After they gaue him the Oath, and after their manner set the Royall Crowne vpon his head,* 1.38 the which is like to the Crowne of the Dukes of Venice: the name of Acama∣pixtli their first King, signifies a handfull of Reedes, and therefore they carry in their Armouries a hand holding many arrowes of Reedes.

* 1.39The Mexicans hapned so well in the election of their new King, that in short time they grew to haue some forme of a Commonweale, and to bee famous among strangers; whereupon their [ 20] neighbours mooued with feare, practised to subdue them, especially the Tapanecans, who had Az∣capuzalco for their Metropolitane Citie, to whom the Mexicans payed tribute, as strangers dwel∣ling in their Land. For the King of Azcapuzalco fearing their power which increased, sought to oppresse the Mexicans, and hauing consulted with his subiects, he sent to tell King Acamapixili, that the ordinarie tribute they payed was too little, and that from thenceforth they should bring Firre trees, Sapines, and Willowes for the building of the Citie; and moreouer, they should make him a Garden in the water,* 1.40 planted with diuers kindes of Herbes and Pulses, which they should bring vnto him yeerly by water, dressed in this manner, without fayling; which if they did not, he declared them his enemies, and would roote them out. The Mexicans were much troubled at this commandement, holding it impossible: and that this demand was to no other end, but to [ 30] seeke occasion to ruine them. But their god Vitzliputzli comforted them, appearing that night to an old man, cōmanding him to say to the King his sonne in his name, that he should make no dif∣ficultie to accept of this tribute, he would helpe them and make the meanes easie, which after happened: for the time of tribute being come, the Mexicans carried the Trees that were requi∣red, and moreouer, a Garden made and floating in the water, and in it much Mays (which is their Corne) alreadie grayned and in the eare: there was also Indian Pepper, Beetes, Tomates, which is a great sappy and sauourie graine, French Pease, Figs, Gourds, and many other things, all ripe, and in their season. Such as haue not seene the Gardens in the Lake of Mexico, in the middest of the water, will not beleeue it, but will say it is an inchantment of the Deuill whom they wor∣ship:* 1.41 But in truth it is a matter to bee done, and there hath beene often seene of these Gardens [ 40] floating in the water; for they cast earth vpon Reeds and Grasse, in such sort as it neuer wastes in the water; they sow and plant this ground, so as the graine growes and ripens very well, and then they remoue it from place to place. But it is true, that to make this great Garden easily, and to haue the fruits grow well, is a thing that makes men iudge there was the worke of Vitzliputz∣li, whom otherwise they call Patellas, specially hauing neuer made nor seene the like. The King of Azcapuzalco wondred much when he saw that accomplished which he held impossible, saying vnto his subiects, that this people had a great god that made all easie vnto them, and he said vn∣to the Mexicans, that seeing their god gaue them all things perfect, he would the yeere follow∣ing,* 1.42 at the time of tribute, they should bring in their Garden a wilde Ducke, and a Heron, sitting on their egges, in such sort, that they should hatch their young ones as they should arriue, without [ 50] fayling of a minute, vpon paine of his indignation. The Mexicans were much troubled and hea∣uie with this proud and strict command: but their god, as he was accustomed, comforted them in the night, by one of his Priests, saying, that he would take all that charge vpon him, willing them not to feare, but beleeue that the day would come, when as the Azcapuzalcos should pay with their liues this desire of new Tributes. The time being come, as the Mexicans carried all that was demanded of their Gardens, among the Reedes and Weedes of the Garden, they found a Ducke and a Heron hatching their egges, and at the same instant when they arriued at Azca∣puzalco their young ones were disclosed. Whereat the King of Azcapuzalco wondring beyond measure, hee said againe to his people, that these were more then humane things, and that the Mexicans began as if they would make themselues Lords ouer all those Prouinces. Yet did hee [ 60] not diminish the order of this tribute, and the Mexicans finding not themselues mightie enough, endured this subiection and slauerie the space of fiftie yeeres. In this time the King Acamapixtli died,* 1.43 hauing beautified the Citie of Mexico with many goodly buildings, streets, Conduits of

water, and great abundance of munition. He raigned in peace and rest fortie yeeres, hauing beene alwayes zealous for the good and increase of the Commonweale.

As he drew neere his end, he did one memorable thing, that hauing lawfull children to whom he might leaue the succession of the Realme, yet would he not doe it, but contrariwise hee spake freely to the Common-weale, that as they had made a free Election of him, so they should choose him that should seeme fittest for their good Gouernment, aduising them therein to haue a care to the good of the Common-weale, and seeming grieued that he left them not freed from Tribute and subiection, he dyed, hauing recommended his wife and children vnto them, he left all his people sorrowfull for his death.

[ 10]

Notes

• * 1.1

  L. 7. c. 2.
• * 1.2

  Chichimecas. Their sauage course of life.
• * 1.3

  Ottomies.
• * 1.4

  New Mexico.
• * 1.5

  Aztlan. Tuculhuacan.
• * 1.6

  Their begin∣nings 900. yeeres agoe▪ A.D. 720.
• * 1.7

  How the six Linages of Na∣uatalcas peo∣pled the Land of Mexico. Chap. 3.

  Suchimilcos. Chalchas. Tepanecans. Azcapuzalco. Tescuco. Culhua.
• * 1.8

  Tlalluicans.
• * 1.9

  Quabunachua▪
• * 1.10

  Tlascaltecans.
• * 1.11

  Giants.
• * 1.12

  Note of Gi∣ants.
• * 1.13

  Beginnings of ciuilitie.
• * 1.14

  Of the Mexi∣cans departure, of their iour∣ney and peo∣pling the Pro∣uince of Me∣chouacan Ch. 4.
• * 1.15

  Deuills emula∣tion of that worke of God in bringing Israel out of Egypt, and pas∣sing thorow the desert to Canaan.

  Tabernacle. Arke.
• * 1.16

  Mexi their Moses.
• * 1.17

  Mechouacan.
• * 1.18

  Pascuaro.
• * 1.19

  Of that which happened in Malinalco Tula, and in Chapul∣tepec. Chap. 5.
• * 1.20

  Witch forsa∣ken.
• * 1.21

  Deuils proud emulation in punishing dis∣obedience, and teaching mur∣therous sacri∣fices.
• * 1.22

  Chapultepec.
• * 1.23

  Metamorpho∣sis.
• * 1.24

  Atlacuyauaya▪
• * 1.25

  Of the warres the Mexicans had against them of Cul∣huacan. Chap. 6. Ticaapan.
• * 1.26

  Queene of Discord made b•• the King of Pride.
• * 1.27

  Toccy.
• * 1.28

  Of the foun∣dation of Mex∣ico. Chap. 7.
• * 1.29

  Eagle glorious adored.
• * 1.30

  Tenoxtiltan.
• * 1.31

  Tabernacle for their De∣uils Arke.
• * 1.32

  Stone Chap∣pell.
• * 1.33

  Oracle.
• * 1.34

  God of the quarters.
• * 1.35

  Of the sedition of those of Tla∣telulco, and of the first Kings the Mexicans did choose. Chap. 8.
• * 1.36

  Acamapixtli first King of the Mexicans.
• * 1.37

  How Orations were kept in memorie.
• * 1.38

  Crowne and coronation.
• * 1.39

  Of the strange 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Mexicans pay∣ed to them of Azcapuzalco. Chap. 9.
• * 1.40

  Garden in the water.
• * 1.41

  How made.
• * 1.42

  New Pharaoni∣call taxes.
• * 1.43

  Acamapixtli dyeth.