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.

CHAP. IIII. Mexican Antiquities gathered out of the Writings of IOSE∣PHVS [ 10] ACOSTA a learned Iesuite.

EVery Historie well written is profitable to the Reader: For as the Wiseman saith, That which hath beene,* 1.1 is, and that which shall bee, is that which hath beene: Hu∣mane things haue much resemblance in themselues, and some grow wise by that which happeneth to others. There is no Nation, how barbarous soeuer, that haue not some∣thing in them, good, and worthy of commendation; nor Common-weale so well orde∣red, that hath not something blame-worthy, and to bee controlled. If therefore there were no other fruit in the Historie and Narration of the Deeds and Gests of the Indians, but this com∣mon vtilitie, to be a Relation or Historie of things, the which in the effect of truth haue happened, it [ 20] deserueth to bee receiued as a profitable thing, neither ought it to bee reiected, for that it concernes the Indians. As wee see that those Authors that treate of naturall things, write not onely of gene∣rous Beasts, notable and rare Plants, and of Precious Stones, but also of wilde Beasts, common Hearbes, and base and vulgar Stones, for that there is alwayes in them some properties worthy obser∣uation. If therefore there were nothing else in this Discourse, but that it is a Historie, and no fables nor fictions, it were no vnworthy Subiect to be written, or read. There is yet another more particular reason, which is, that we ought herein to esteeme that which is worthy of memorie, both for that it is a Nation little esteemed, and also a Subiect different from that of our Europe, as these Nations bee, wherein wee should take most pleasure and content, to vnderstand the ground of their beginning, their [ 30] manner of life, with their happie and vnhappie Aduentures. And this subiect is not onely pleasant and agreeable, but also profitable, especially to such as haue the charge to rule and gouerne them; for the knowledge of their Acts inuites vs to giue credit, and doth partly teach how they ought to be intreated: yea, it takes away much of that common and foolish contempt wherein they of Europe hold them, sup∣posing that those Nations haue 〈◊〉〈◊〉 feeling of reason. For in truth wee cannot cleere this errour better, than by the true report of the Acts and deeds of this people. I will therefore as briefly as I can, intreat of the beginning, proceedings and notable deeds of the Mexicanes, whereby wee may know the time and the disposition that the high God would choose, to send vnto these Nations the Light of the Gospell of Iesus Christ his only Sonne our Lord, whom I beseech to second our small labour, that it may bee to the glorie of his Diuine greatnesse, and some profit to these people, to whom he hath imparted the Law [ 40] of his holy Gospell.

§. 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.

[ 50]

THe aneient and first Inhabitants of those Prouinces, which wee call New Spaine, were men very barbarous and sauage,* 1.2 which liued onely by hunting, for this reason they were called Chichimecas. They did neither sow nor till the ground, neither liued they together;* 1.3 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,* 1.4 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.* 1.5

There are two Prouinces in this Countrey, the one called Aztlan,* 1.6 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,* 1.7 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:* 1.8 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,* 1.9 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,* 1.10 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,* 1.11 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,* 1.12 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.* 1.13 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,* 1.14 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.

* 1.15Three 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,* 1.16 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.* 1.17 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,* 1.18 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,* 1.19 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,* 1.20 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,* 1.21 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,* 1.22 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,* 1.23 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,* 1.24 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,* 1.25 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,* 1.26 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.* 1.27 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,* 1.28 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.

* 1.29The 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,* 1.30 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,* 1.31 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,* 1.32 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:* 1.33 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,* 1.34 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,* 1.35 and grew great.

This diuision being made as aforesaid, some old Men and Ancients held opinion,* 1.36 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,* 1.37 [ 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,* 1.38 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,* 1.39 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.

* 1.40The 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,* 1.41 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:* 1.42 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,* 1.43 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,* 1.44 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]

§. II. Of the second King VITZILOVITLI; and of his Successours and their Acts vntill the Reigne of MOTEZVMA their last King.

THe Obsequies of the dead King performed, the Ancients, the chiefe of the Realme, and some part of the people assembled together, to choose a King, where the Ancients [ 20] propounded the necessitie wherein they were, and that it was m••••dfull to choose for chiefe of their Citie, a man that had pitie of age, of Widdowes, and Orphans, and to be a Fa∣ther of the Common-weale: for in very deed they should be the feathers of his wings, the eye-browes of his eyes, and the beard of his face, that it was necessary hee were valiant, being needfull shortly to vse their forces, as their God had prophesied. Their resolution in the end was to choose a sonne of the Predecessor, vsing the like good office in accepting his sonne for Successor, as hee had done to the Common-weale, relying thereon.

This young man was called Vitz••louitli, which signifieth a rich feather.* 1.45 They set the Royall Crowne vpon his head, and anointed him, as they haue beene accustomed to do to all their Kings, with an Ointment they call Di••me, being the same vnction wherewith they did anoint their [ 30] Idoll. Presently an Orator made an eloquent speech, exhorting him to arme himselfe with cou∣rage, and free them from the trauels, slauerie and miserie they suffered, being oppressed by the Azca∣puzalcos: which done, all did him homage. This King was not married, and his Counsell held opinion, that it was good to marry him with the Daughter of the King of Azcapuzalco, to haue him a friend by this alliance, and to obtaine some diminution of their heauie burthen of Tributes imposed vpon them, and yet they feared lest he should disdaine to giue them his Daughter, by reason they were his Vassals: yet the King of Azcapuzalco yeelded thereunto, hauing humbly required him, who with courteous words gaue them his Daughter, called Ay••nchiguall, whom they led with great pompe and ioy to Mexico, and performed the Ceremonie and Solemnitie of [ 40] Marriage, which was to tie a corner of the mans Cloake to a part of the womans Veile, in signe of the band of Marriage. This Queene brought forth a sonne, of whose name they demanded aduice of the King of Azcapuzalco,* 1.46 and casting Lots as they had accustomed (being greatly giuen to Southsayings, especially vpon the names of their children) hee would haue his Grand-childe called Chimalpopoca, which signifies A Target casting smoke. The Queene his Daughter seeing the contentment the King of Azcupazalco had of his Grand-childe, tooke occasion to intreate him to relieue the Mexicans, of the heauie burthen of their Tributes, seeing hee had now a Grand-childe Mexican, the which the King willingly yeelded vnto, by the aduice of his Counsell, granting (for the Tribute which they paid) to bring yeerely a couple of Duckes and some fish, in signe of subiection, and that they dwelt in his Land. The Mexicans by this meanes remained much eased and content, but it lasted little. For the Queene their Protectrix died soone after: [ 50] and the yeere following likewise V••tzilouitli the King of Mexico died,* 1.47 leauing his sonne Chi∣malpop••ca tenne yeeres old; he reigned thirteene yeeres, and died thirtie yeeres old, or little more. He was held for a good King, and carefull in the seruice of his Gods, whose Images hee held Kings to be; and that the honour done to their God, was done to the King who was his I∣mage. For this cause the Kings haue been so affectionate to the seruice of their Gods. This King was carefull to winne the loue of his neighbours, and to trafficke with them, whereby hee aug∣mented his Citie, exercising his men in Warrelike actions in the Lake, disposing them to that which he pretended, as you shall see presently.

The Mexicans for successor to their deceased King did choose his sonne Chimalpopoca,* 1.48 by com∣mon consent, although he were a child of ten yeeres old, being of opinion that it was alwayes [ 60] necessary to keepe the fauour of the King of Azcapuzalco, making his Grand-childe King. They then set him in his Throne, giuing him the Ensignes of warre, with a Bow and Arrowes in one hand, and a Sword with Rasors (which they commonly vse) in the right, signifying thereby

(as they doe say) that they pretended by Armes to fed them selues at libertie. The Mexicans had great want of water, that of the Lake being very thicke and muddie, and therefore ill to drinke, so as they caused their infant King to desire of his Grand-father the King of Azcapuzalco, the water of the Mountaine of Chapultep••c, which is from Mexico a league, as is said before, which they easily obtained, and by their industrie made an Aquaduct of faggoes, weeds and flagges by the which they brought water to their Citie. But because the City was built within the Lake, and the Aquaduct did crosse it, it did breake forth in many places, so as they could not enioy the water, as they desired, and had great scarcitie: whereupon, whether they did expresly seeke it, to quarrel with the Tapanecans, or that they were moued vpon small occasion, in the end they sent a resolute Ambassage to the King Azcapuzalco, saying, they could not vse the water which he had graciously granted them, and there••ore they required him to prouide them wood, lime, [ 10] and stone, and to send his Workmen, that by their meanes they might make a Pipe of stone and lime that should not breake. This message nothing pleased the King, and much lesse his subiects, seeming to be too presumptuous a message, and purposely insolent, for Vassals to their Lord. The chiefe of the Counsell disdayning thereat, said It was too bold, that not content with permission to liue in anothers Land,* 1.49 and to haue water giuen them, but they would haue them goe to serue them: what a matter was that? And whereon presumed this fugitiue Nation, shut vp in the mud? They would let them know, how fit they were to worke, and to abate their pride, in taking from them their Land and their liues.

In these tearmes and choller they left the King, whom they did somewhat suspect, by reason of his Grand-childe, and consulted againe anew, what they were to doe, where they resolued [ 20] and make a generall Proclamation, that no Tapanecan should haue any commerce or traffique with any Mexican, that they should not goe to their Citie, nor receiue any into theirs, vpon paine of death. Whereby we may vnderstand that the King did not absolutely command ouer his peo∣ple, and that hee gouerned more like a Consull, or a Duke, then a King; although since with their power, the command of Kings increased, growing absolute Tyrants, as you shall see in the last Kings.

The King of Azcapuzalco seeing the resolution of his subiects, which was to kill the Mexi∣cans, intreated them first to steale away the young King his Grand-childe, and afterwards doe what they pleased to the Mexicans. All in a manner yeelded hereunto, to giue the King con∣tentment, [ 30] and for pittie they had of the childe; but two of the chiefest were much opposite, in∣ferring, that it was bad counsell, for that Chimalpopoca, although hee were of their bloud, yet was it but by the Mothers side, and that the Fathers was to be preferred, and therefore they con∣cluded that the first they must kill was Chimalpopoca King of Mexico, protesting so to doe. The King of Azcapuzalco was so troubled with this contradiction, and the resolution they had ta∣ken, that soone after for very griefe he fell sicke, and dyed. By whose death the Tapanecans fi∣nishing their consultation, committed a notable Treason: for one night the young King of Mexi∣co sleeping without guard,* 1.50 or feare of any thing, they of Azcapuzalco entred his Palace, and slue him suddenly, returning vnseene. The morning being come, when the Nobles went to salute the King, as they were accustomed, they found him slaine with great and cruell wounds; then they cryed out and filled all their Citie with teares: and transported with choller, they present∣ly [ 40] fell to Armes, with an intent to reuenge their Kings death. As they ranne vp and downe full of furie and disorder, one of their chiefest Knights stept forth, labouring to appease them, with a graue admonition: Whither goe yee (said he) O yee Mexicans? quiet your selues, consider that things done without consideration are not well guided, nor come to good end: suppresse your griefe, consi∣dering that although your King be dead, the Noble▪bloud of the Mexicans is not extinct in him. Wee haue children of our Kings deceased, by whose conduct, succeeding to the Realme, you shall the better execute what you pretend, hauing a Leader to guide your enterprise: goe not blindly, surcease, and choose a King first, to guide and encourage you against your enemies: In the meane time dissemble discreetly, p••rforming the Funerals of your deceased King, whose bodie you set heere present, for [ 50] hereafter you shall find better meanes to take reuenge. By this meanes the Mexicans passed no farther, but stayed to make the Obsequies of their King, whereunto they inuited the Lords of Tescuco, and Culhuacan, reporting vnto them this foule and cruell fact, which the Tapanecans had committed, moouing them to haue pittie on them, and incensing them against their enemies, concluding that their resolution was to die, or to bee reuenged of so great an indignitie, intrea∣ting them not to fauour so vnjust a fact of their enemies; and that for their part, they desired not their aide of armes or men, but onely to be lookers on of what should passe, and that for their maintenance, they would not stop nor hinder the commerce, as the Tapanecans had done. At these speeches they of Tescuco and Culhuacan made them great shewes of good will, and that they were well satisfied, offering them their Cities, and all the Commerce they desired, that they desired, that they might prouide victuall and Munition at their pleasure, both by land and [ 60] water. After this, the Mexicans intreated them to stay with them, and assist at the election of their King; the which they likewise granted, to giue them contentment.

The Electors being assembled, an old man that was held for a great Orator, rose vp, who (as the Histories report) spake in this manner, The light of your eyes, O Mexicans, is darkened,* 1.51 but not of your hearts: for although you haue lost him that was the light and guide of the Mexican Common-weale, yet that of the heart remaines: to consider, that although they haue slaine one man, yet there are others that may supply with aduantage, the want we haue of him: the Mexican Nobilitie is not extin∣guished thereby, nor the bloud Royall decayed. Turne your eyes and looke about you, you shall see the Nobilitie of Mexico set in order, not one or two, but many and excellent Princes, Sons to Acamapixtli, our true and lawfull King and Lord. Here you may choose at your pleasure, saying, I will this man, and not that. If you haue lost a Father, heere you may find both Father and Mother: make account O Mexicans, that the Sunne is eclipsed and darkened for a time, and will returne suddenly. If Mexico [ 10] hath beene darkened by the death of your King, the Sunne will soone shew, in choosing another King. Looke to whom, and vpon whom you shall cast your eyes, and towards whom your heart is inclined, and this is he whom your God Vitzliputzli hath chosen. And continuing awhile this discourse, he ended to the satisfaction of all men. In the end, by the consent of this Counsell, Izcoalt was chosen King, which signifies a Snake of Rasors, who was Sonne to the first King Acamapixtli, by a slaue of his: and although he were not legitimate, yet they made choice of him, for that hee excee∣ded the rest in behauiour, valour, and magnanimitie of courage. All seemed very well satisfied, and aboue all, these of Tescuco, for their King was married to a sister of Iscoalts. After the King had beene crowned and set in his Royall Seat, another Orator stept vp, discoursing how the King was bound to his Common-weale, and of the courage he ought to shew in trauell, speaking [ 20] thus, Behold this day we depend on thee, it may be thou wilt let fall the burthen that lies vpon thy Soul∣diers, and suffer the old man and woman, the Orphlin and the widdow to perish. Take pittie of the In∣fants that goe creeping in the Ayre, who must perish if our enemies surmount vs: vnfold then, and stretch forth thy Cloake, my Lord, to beare these Infants vpon thy shoulders, which bee the poore and the common people, who liue assured vnder the shadow of thy wings, and of thy bountie. Vttering many other words vpon this subiect, the which, (as I haue said) they learne by heart, for the exercise of their children, and after did teach them as a Lesson to those that began to learne the facultie of Orators.

In the meane time, the Tapanecans were resolute to destroy the Mexicans, and to this end [ 30] they had made great preparations. And therefore the new King tooke counsell for the procla∣ming of Warre, and to fight with those that had so much wronged them. But the common people, seeing their Aduersaries to exceed them farre in numbers and munition for the warre, they came amazed to their King, pressing him not to vndertake so dangerous a warre, which would destroy their poore Citie and Nation: whereupon being demanded what aduice were fit∣test to take, they made answere, that the King of Azcapuzalco was very pittifull, that they should demand peace, and offer to serue him, drawing the••r forth those Marshes, and that hee should giue them houses and lands among his subjects, that by this meanes they might depend all vpon one Lord. And for the obtaining hereof, they should carrie their God in his Litter for an Intercessor. The cries of the people were of such force (hauing some Nobles that approoued [ 40] their opinion) as presently they called for the Priests, preparing the Litter and their God, to performe the Voyage. As this was preparing, and euery one yeelded to this treatie of peace, and to subject themselues to the Tapanecans, a gallant young man, and of good sort, stept out a∣mong the people, who with a resolute countenance spake thus vnto them, What meanes this O yee Mexicans, are yee mad? How hath so great cowardise crept in among vs? Shall wee goe and yeeld our selues thus to the Azcapuzalcans? Then turning to the King he said, How now my Lord, will you endure this? Speake to the people, that they may suffer vs to find out some meanes for our honour and defence, and not yeeld our selues so simply and shamefully into the hands of our enemies. This young man was called Tlacaellec, Nephew to the King,* 1.52 he was the most valiant Captaine and greatest Counsellor that euer the Mexicans had, as you shall see hereafter. Izcoalt encouraged by that his Nephew had so wisely spoken, retained the people, saying they should first suffer him to try [ 50] another better meanes. Then turning towards his Nobilitie, he said vnto them, You are all heere my Kinsmen, and the best of Mexico, he that hath the courage to carrie a message to the Tapanecans, let him rise vp. They looked one vpon another, but no man stirred nor offered himselfe to the word. Then this young man Tlacaellec rising, offered himselfe to goe, saying, that seeing hee must die, it did import little whether it were to day or to morrow: for what reason should hee so carefully preserue himselfe? he was therefore readie, let him command what he pleased. And although all held this for a rash attempt, yet the King resolued to send him, that he might there∣on vnderstand the will and disposition of the King of Azcapuzalco and of his people; holding it better to hasten his Nephewes death, then to hazard the honour of his Common-weale. Tla∣caellec [ 60] being readie, tooke his way, and being come to the Guards, who had commandement to kill any Mexicans that came towards them, by cunning or otherwise: hee perswaded them to suffer him to passe to the King, who wondred to see him, and hearing his Ambassage, which was to demand peace of him vnder honest conditions, answered, that he would impart it to his sub∣jects, willing him to returne the next day for his answere. Then Tlacaellec demanded a

pasport, yet could he not obtaine any, but that he should vse his best skill: with this he re∣turned to Mexico, giuing his words to the guards to returne. And although the King of Az∣capuzalco desired peace, being of a milde disposition, yet his Subiects did so incense him, as his answer was open warre. The which being heard by the Messenger, he did all his King com∣manded him, declaring by this ceremony, to giue armes, and annointing the King with the vnction of the dead, that in his Kings behalfe he did defie him. Hauing ended all, the King of Azcapuzalco suffering himselfe to be anointed and crowned with Feathers, giuing goodly armes in recompence to the Messenger,* 1.53 wishing him not to returne by the Pallace gate, whereas ma∣ny attended to cut him in peeces, but to goe out secretly by a little false Posterne that was o∣pen in one of the Courts of the Pallace. This yong man did so, and turning by secret waies, got [ 10] away in safetie in sight of the Guards, and there defied them, saying, Tapanecans and Azcapu∣zalcans, you doe your office ill, vnderstand you shall all dye, and not one Tapanecan shall remaine aliue. In the meane time the Guards fell vpon him, where he behaued himselfe so valiantly, that he slew some of them: and seeing many more of them come running, he retired himselfe gallant∣ly to the Citie, where he brought newes, that warre was proclaimed with the Tapanecans, and that he had defied their King.

The defie being knowne to the Commons of Mexico, they came to the King, according to their accustomed cowardise,* 1.54 demanding leaue to depart the Citie, holding their ruine certaine. The King did comfort and incourage them, promising to giue them libertie if they vanquished their enemies, willing them not to feare. The people replied. And if we be vanquished, what shall wee doe? If wee be ouercome, (answered the King) we will be bound presently to yeelde our selues into [ 20] your hands to suffer death, eate our flesh in your dishes and be reuenged of vs. It shall be so then (say they) if you loose the victorie, and if you obtaine the victorie, we doe presently offer our selues to be your Tributaries, to labour in your houses, to sowe your ground, to carrie your armes and baggage when you goe to the warres for euer, wee and our descendants after vs. These accords made betwixt the People and the Nobilitie (which they did after fully performe, either willingly or by con∣straint, as they had promised) the King named for his Captaine Generall Tlacaellec: the whole Campe was put in order, and into squadrons, giuing the places of Captaines to the most valiant of his kinsfolkes and friends: then did he make them a goodly speech, whereby he did greatly incourage them, being now well prepared, charging all men to obey the commandement of [ 30] the Generall whom he had appointed: he diuided his men into two parts, commanding the most valiant and hardie, to giue the first charge with him, and that all the rest should remaine with the King Izcoalt, vntill they should see the first assaile their enemies. Marching then in order, they were discouered by them of Azcapuzalco, who presently came furiously forth the Citie, carrying great riches of Gold, Siluer, and Armes of great value, as those which had the Empire of all that Countrie. Izcoalt gaue the signall to battaile, with a little Drumme he car∣ried on his shoulders,* 1.55 and presently they raised a generall showt, crying, Mexico, Mexico, they charged the Tapanecans, and although they were farre more in number, yet did they defeate them, and force them to retire into their Citie, then aduanced they which remained behinde, crying Tlacaellec, Victorie, Victorie, all sodainly entred the Citie, where (by the Kings commande∣ment) [ 40] they pardoned not any man, no not old men, women, nor children, for they slew them all, and spoiled the Citie being very rich.* 1.56 And not content herewith, they followed them that fled, and were retired into the craggie rockes of the Sierres or neere Mountaines, striking and ma∣king a great slaughter of them. The Tapanecans being retired to a Mountaine east downe their Armes, demanding their liues, and offering to serue the Mexicans, to giue them Lands and Gardens, Stone, Lime and Timber, and to hold them alwayes for their Lords. Vpon this con∣dition Tlacaellec retired his men and ceased the battaile, granting them their liues vpon the for∣mer conditions, which they did solemnely sweare. Then they returned to Azcapuzalco, and so with their rich and victorious spoiles to the Citie of Mexico. The day following the King as∣sembled the Nobilitie and the People, to whom hee laid open the accord the Commons had [ 50] made, demanding of them, if they were content to persist therein: the Commons made answer, that they had promised, and they had well deserued it, and therefore they were content to serue them perpetually. Whereupon they tooke an oath, which since they haue kept without contradiction.

This done, Izcoalt returned to Azcapuzalco (by the aduice of his Counsell) he diuided all the Lands and Goods of the conquered among the conquerours, the chiefest part fell to the King, then to Tlacaellec, and after to the rest of the Nobles, as they best deserued in the Battaile. They also gaue Land to some Plebeans, hauing behaued them selues valiantly; to others they distribu∣ted the Pillage, making small account of them as of cowards. They appointed Lands in com∣mon for the quarters of Mexico, to euery one his part, for the Seruice and Sacrifices of their Gods.* 1.57 This was the order which afterwards they alwayes kept, in the diuision of the Lands [ 60] and spoiles of those they had vanquished and subdued. By this meanes they of Azcapuzalco re∣mained so poore, as they had no Lands left them to labour, and (which was worse) they tooke their King from them, and all power to choose any other then him of Mexico.

Although the chiefe Citie of the Tapanecanes, was that of Azcapuzalco, yet had they o∣thers with their priuate Lords, as Tucuba and Cuyoacan. These seeing the storme passed,* 1.58 would gladly that they of Azcapuzalco had renewed the warre against the Mexicans, and seeing them danted, as a Nation wholly broken and defeated, they of Cuyoacan resolued to make warre by themselues; to the which they laboured to draw the other neighbour Nations, who would not stirre nor quarrell with the Mexicans. In the meane time the hatred and malice in∣creasing, they of Cuyoacan began to ill intreate the women that went to their Markets, mock∣ing at them, and doing the like to the men ouer whom they had power: for which cause the King of Mexico defended, that none of his should goe to Cuyoacan, and that they should receiue [ 10] none of them into Mexico, the which made them of Cuyoacan resolue wholly to warre: but first they would prouoke them by some shamefull scorne, which was, that hauing inuited them to one of their solemne Feasts, after they had made them a goodly Banquet, and feasted them with a great daunce after their manner, then sent them for their fruite, womens apparell, forcing them to put it on, and so to returne home like women to their Citie, reproaching them, that they were cowards and effeminate, and that they durst not take armes being sufficiently prouo∣ked. Those of Mexico say, that for reuenge they did vnto them a foule scorne, laying at the gates of their Citie of Cuyoacan certaine things which smoaked, by meanes whereof many women were deliuered before their time, and many fell sicke. In the end, all came to open war, and there was a battaile fought, wherein they imploied all their forces, in the which Tlacaellec, [ 20] by his courage and policie in warre, obtained the victorie. For hauing left King Izcoalt in fight with them of Cuyoacan, he put himselfe in ambush with some of the most valiant Souldi∣ers, and so turning about, charged them behinde, and forced them to retire into their Citie. But seeing their intent was to flie into a Temple which was very strong,* 1.59 he with three other va∣liant Souldiors, pursued them eagarly, and got before them, seising on the Temple and firing it, so as he forced them to flie to the fields, where he made a great slaughter of the vanquished, pur∣suing them two leagues into the Countrie, vnto a little hill, where the vanquished casting a∣way their weapons, and their armes a crosse, yeelded to the Mexicans, and with many teares craued pardon of their ouerweening folly, in vsing them like women, offering to be their slaues: so as in the end the Mexicanes did pardon them. Of this victory the Mexicans did carry away [ 30] very rich spoiles of Garments, Armes, Gold, Siluer, Iewels, and rich feathers, with a great num∣ber of Captiues. In this Battaile there were three of the principals of Culhuacan that came to aide the Mexicans, to win honour, the which were remarkeable aboue all. And since being knowne to Tlacaellec, and hauing made proofe of their fidelity, he gaue them Mexican deuises, and had them alwayes by his side, where they fought in all places very valiantly. It was ap∣parant that the whole victory was due to the Generall, and to these three; for among so ma∣ny captiues taken, two third parts were wonne by these foure, which was easily knowne by a policie they vsed: for taking a Captiue, they presently cut off a little of his haire, and gaue it to others, so as it appeared that those which had their haire cut, amonnted to that number, where∣by they wonne great reputation and fame of valiant men. They were honoured as Con∣querours, giuing them good portions of the spoiles and Lands, as the Mexicans haue alwaies vsed [ 40] to doe, which gaue occasion to those that did fight, to become famous, and to win reputation by Armes.

The Nation of the Tapanecans being subdued, the Mexicans had occasion to doe the like to the Suchimilcos,* 1.60 who (as it hath beene said) were the first of the seuen Caues or linages that peopled this Land. The Mexicans sought not the occasion, although they might presume as Conquerours to extend their limits, but the Suchimilcos did moue them, to their owne ruine, as it happens to men of small iudgement that haue no foresight, who not preuenting the mischiefe they imagined, fall into it. The Suchimilcos held opinion, that the Mexicans, by reason of their victories past, should attempt to subdue them, and consulted hereon among themselues. Some [ 50] among them thought it good to acknowledge them for superiours, and to applaud their good fortune, but the contrary was allowed, and they went out to giue them battaile: which Izcoalt the King of Mexico vnderstanding, he sent his Generall Tlacaellec against them, with his ar∣mie: the battaile was fought in the same field that diuides their limits, which two Armies were equall in men and armes, but very diuers in their order and manner of fighting; for that the Su∣chimilcos charged all together on a heape confusedly, and Tlacaellec diuided his men into squa∣drons with a goodly order, so as he presently brake his enemies, forcing them to retire into their Citie, into the which they entred, following them to the Temple whither they fled, which they fired, and forcing them to flye to the Mountaines: in the end they brought them to this point, that they yeelded with their arme acrosse.* 1.61 The Generall Tlacaellec returning in [ 60] great triumph, the Priests went forth to receiue him, with their musicke of Flutes, and giuing incense. The chiefe Captaines vsed other Ceremonies and shewes of ioy, as they had beene ac∣customed to doe, and the King with all the troupe went to the Temple to giue thankes to their false god.

The day following, the King Izcoalt went vnto the Citie of Suchimilco, causing himselfe to

be sworne King of the Suchimilcos: and for their comfort he promised to doe them good. In to∣ken whereof he commanded them to make a great Cawsey stretching from Mezico to Suchi∣milco, which is foure leagues, to the end there might be more commerce and trafficke among them.* 1.62 Which the Suchimilcos performed, and in short time the Mexican gouernment seemed so good vnto them, as they held themselues happy to haue changed their King and Common-weale. Some neighbours pricked forward by enuie, or feare, to their ruines, were not yet made wise by others miseries.

* 1.63Cuitlauaca was a Citie within the Lake: which though the name and dwelling be changed, continueth yet. They were actiue to swim in the Lake, and therefore they thought they might much indomage and annoy the Mexicans by water, which the King vnderstanding, he resol∣ued [ 10] to send his Armie presently to fight against them. But Tlacaellec little esteeming this warre, holding it dishonorable to lead an Armie against them, made offer to conquer them with the children onely: which he performed in this manner: he went vnto the Temple and drew out of the Couent such children as he thought fittest for the action, from tenne to eighteene yeares of age, who knew how to guide their Boates, or Canoes, teaching them certaine pollicies. The order they held in this warre,* 1.64 was, that he went to Cuitlauaca with his children, where by his pollicie he pressed the enemy in such sort, that he made them to flye; and as he followed them, the Lord of Cuitlauaca met him and yeelded vnto him, himselfe, his Citie, and his peo∣ple,* 1.65 and by this meanes he stayed the pursuite. The children returned with much spoyle, and many Captiues for their Sacrifices, being solemnely receiued with a great Procession, Musicke [ 20] and Perfumes, and they went to worship their gods, in taking of the earth which they did eate, and drawing bloud from the forepart of their legs with the Priests Lancets, with other su∣perstitions which they were accustomed to vse in the like solemnities. The children were much honored and encouraged, and the King imbraced and kissed them, and his kinsmen and allies accompanied them. The bruite of this victory ranne throughout all the Countrie, how that Tlacaellec had subdued the Citie of Cuitlauaca with children: the news and consideration where∣of opened the eyes of those of Tescuco, a chiefe and very cunning Nation for their manner of life: So as the King of Tescuco was first of opinion, that they should subiect themselues to the King of Mexico, and inuite him thereunto with his Citie. Therefore by the aduise of this Coun∣sell, they sent Ambassadours good Orators with honorable presents, to offer themselues vnto [ 30] the Mexicans, as their Subiects, desiring peace and amity, which was graciously accepted; but by the aduise of Tlacaellec he vsed a Ceremony for the effecting thereof, which was, that those of Tescuco should come forth armed against the Mexicans, where they should fight, and presently yeelde, which was an act and ceremony of warre, without any effusion of bloud on either side. Thus the King of Mexico became soueraigne Lord of Tescuco, but he tooke not their King from them, but made him of his Priuie Counsell; so as they haue alwaies maintai∣ned themselues in this manner vntill the time of Moteçuma the second, during whose raigne the Spaniards entred. Hauing subdued the Land and Citie of Tescuco, Mexico remained Lady and Mistris of all the Lands and Cities about the Lake, where it is built. Izcoalt hauing enioyed this prosperitie,* 1.66 and raigned twelue yeares, dyed, leauing the Realme which had [ 40] beene giuen him, much augmented by the valour and counsell of his Nephew Tlacaellec.

Forasmuch as the election of the new King, belonged to foure chiefe Electors, and to the King of Tescuco,* 1.67 and the King of Tacubu, by especiall priuiledge: Tlacaellec assembled these six personages, as he that had the soueraigne authority, and hauing propounded the matter vn∣to them, they made choise of Moteçuma, the first of that name, Nephew to the same Tlacaellec. His election was very pleasing vnto them all, by reason whereof, they made most solemne feasts, and more stately then the former. Presently after his election they conducted him to the Tem∣ple with a great traine, where before the diuine harth (as they call it) where there is continuall fi••e, they set him in his royall throane, putting vpon him his royall ornaments. Being there, the King drew bloud from his eares and legs with a Griffons talons,* 1.68 which was the Sacrifice where∣in [ 50] the diuell del••ghted to be honoured. The Priests, Ancients, and Captaines, made their Ora∣tions, all congratuling his election. They were accustomed in their elections to make great Feasts and Dances, where they wasted many lights. In this Kings time the custome was brought in,* 1.69 that the King should goe in person to make warre in some Prouince, and bring Captiues to solemnize the feast of his Coronation, and for the solemne Sacrifices of that day. For this cause King Moteçuma went into the Prouince of Chalco, who had declared themselues his enemies: from whence (hauing fought valiantly) he brought a great number of Captiues, whereof he did make a notable Sacrifice the day of his Coronation, although at that time he did not subdue all the Prouince of Chalco, being a verie warlike Nation. Manie came to this Coronation from di∣uers Prouinces, as w••••l neere as farre off, to see the feast, at the which all commers were verie [ 60] bountifully en••ertained and clad, especially the poore, to whom they gaue new garments. For this cause they ••roug••t that day into the Citie, the Kings tributes, with a goodly order▪ which cons••sted in S••uffes to make Garments of all sorts,* 1.70 in Cacao, Gold, Siluer, rich Feathers, great bur∣thens of Cotton, Cucumbers, sundrie sorts of P••••s••s, many kindes of Sea fish, and of the fresh

water, great store of Fruits, and Venison without number, not reckoning an infinite number of Presents; which other Kings and Lords sent to the new King. All this Tribute marched in or∣der according to the Prouinces, and before them the Stewards and receiuers, with diuers markes and Ensignes, in very goodly order: so as it was one of the goodliest things of the feast, to see the entrie of the Tribute. The King being crowned, he imploied himselfe in the conquest of ma∣ny Prouinces, and for that he was both valiant and vertuous, he still increased more and more, vsing in all his affaires the counsell and industrie of his Generall Tlacaellec, whom he did alwaies loue and esteeme very much, as he had good reason. The warre wherein he was most troubled and of greatest difficultie, was that of the Prouince of Chalco, wherein there happened great mat∣ters, whereof one was very remarkeable; which was, that they of Chalcas, had taken a brother [ 10] of Moteçumaes in the warres, whom they resolued to choose for their King, asking him verie curteously, if he would accept of this charge. He answered (after much importunitie, still per∣sisting therein) that if they ment plainely to choose him for their King, they should plant in the Market-place, a Tree or very high stake, on the top whereof, they should make a little scaf∣fold, and meanes to mount vnto it. The Chalcas supposing it had beene some ceremonie to make himselfe more apparant, presently effected it: then assembling all his Mexicans about the stake, he went to the top with a garland of flowers in his hand, speaking to his men in this manner, O valiant Mexicans, these men will choose me for their King, but the gods will not permit,* 1.71 that to be a King I should commit any treason against my Countrie, but contrariwise, I will that you learne by me, that it behooueth vs rather, to indure death, then to aide our enemies. Saying these words, [ 20] he cast himselfe downe, and was broken in a thousand peeces, at which spectacle, the Chalcas had so great horror and despite, that presently they fell vpon the Mexicans and slew them all with their Lances, as men whom they held too proud and inexorable, saying, they had diuellish hearts. It chanced the night following, they heard two Owles making a mournfull cry, which they did interpret as an vnfortunate signe, and a presage of their neere destruction, as it succee∣ded: for King Moteçuma went against them in person with all his power, where he van∣quished them, and ruined all their kingdome: and passing beyond the Mountaine Menade, he conquered still euen vnto the North Sea. Then returning towards the South Sea, he subdued many Prouinces; so as he became a mighty King: all by the helpe and counsell of Tlacaellec, who in a manner conquered all the Mexican Nation. Yet he held an opinion (the which was con∣firmed) [ 30] that it was not behoouefull to conquer the Prouince of Tlascalla, that the Mexicans might haue a frontier enemy, to keepe the youth of Mexico in exercise and allarme:* 1.72 and that they might haue numbers of Captiues to Sacrifice to their Idols, wherein they did waste (as hath beene said) infinite numbers of men, which should be taken by force in the wars. The honor must be giuen to Moteçuma, or to speak truly, to Tlacaellec his Generall, for the good order and pollicy setled in the Realme of Mexico, as also for the Counsels and goodly enterprises, which they did execute: and likewise for the number of Iudges and Magistrates, being as well ordered there, as in any Common-weale▪ yea, were it in the most flourishing of Europe. This King did also great∣ly increase the Kings house, giuing it great authoritie, and appointing many and sundry Offi∣cers, which serued him with great pompe and ceremony. He was no lesse remarkable touching [ 40] the deuotion and seruice of his Idols, increasing the number of his Ministers, and instituting new ceremonies, whereunto he carried a great respect.

He built that great Temple dedicated to their god Vitziliputzli,* 1.73 whereof is spoken in the o∣ther Booke. He did Sacrifice at the dedication of this Temple, a great number of men, taken in sundry victories: finally, inioying his Empire in great prosperitie, he fell sicke, and died, hauing raigned twentie eight yeares, vnlike to his successor Ticocic, who did not resemble him, neither in valour, nor in good fortune.

The foure Deputies assembled in counsell, with the Lords of Tescuco and Tacuba,* 1.74 where Tla∣caellec was President in the election, where by all their voices Tlacaellec was chosen, as deser∣uing this charge better then any other. Yet he refused it, perswading them by pertinent rea∣sons, [ 50] that they should choose another, saying, that it was better, and more expedient to haue another King, and he to be his instrument and assistant, as he had beene till then, and not to lay the whole burthen vpon him, for that he held himselfe no lesse bound for the Common∣weale, then if he were King; seeming to him, though he were not King, yet in a manner, that he commanded Kings, suffering him to carry certaine markes, as a Tiara or ornament for the head, which belonged onely to themselues: as in a Comedie he deserues most commendation▪* 1.75 that represents the personage that imports most. In recompence of his modesty, and for the re∣spect which the Mexican Electors bare him, they demanded of Tlacaellec (that seeing he would not raigne) whom hee thought most fit: Whereupon he gaue his voyce to a Sonne of the deceased King, who was then very young, called Ticocic: but they replied▪ [ 60] that his shoulders were very weake to beare so heauie a burthen. Tlacaellec answered, that his was there to helpe him to beare the burthen, as he had done to the deceased: by meanes whereof, they tooke their resolution, and Ticocic was chosen, to whom were done all the accustomed ceremonies.

* 1.76They pierced his nosthrils, and for an ornament put an Emerald therein: and for this reason, in the Mexican Bookes, this King is noted by his nosthrils pierced. Hee differed much from his Father and Predecessor, being noted for a coward, and not valiant. He went to make warre for his Coronation, in a Prouince that had rebelled, where hee lost more of his owne men then hee tooke captiues; yet he returned saying, that he brought the number of captiues required for the Sacrifice of his Coronation,* 1.77 and so hee was crowned with great solemnitie. But the Mexicans discontented to haue a King so little disposed to warre, practised to hasten his death by poison. For this cause he continued not aboue foure yeeres in the Kingdome. But this losse was well re∣paired by a Brother of the deceased, who was also sonne to great Moteçuma, called Axaya∣ca, who was likewise chosen by the aduice of Tlacaellec, wherein hee happened better then before. [ 10]

Now was Tlacaellec very old, who by reason of his age, was carried in a chaire vpon mens shoulders,* 1.78 to assist in counsell when businesse required. In the end he fell sicke, when as the King (who was not yet crowned) did visit him often, shedding many teares, seeming to loose in him his Father, and the Father of his Countrey. Tlacaellec did most affectionately recommend his children vnto him, especially the eldest, who had shewed himselfe valiant in the former warres. The King promised to haue regard vnto him, and the more to comfort the old man, in his pre∣sence hee gaue him the charge and ensignes of Captaine Generall, with all the preheminences of his Father; wherewith the old man remained so well satisfied, as with this content he ended his dayes.

The Mexicans made his Funerall as the Founder of that Empire, more sumptuous and state∣ly, [ 20] then they had done to any of their former Kings. And presently after Axayaca (to appease the sorrow which all the people of Mexico shewed for the death of their Captaine) resolued to make the voyage necessary for his Coronation. He therefore led his Armie with great expediti∣on into the Prouince of Tequantepec, two hundred leagues from Mexico, where he gaue battell to a mighty Army, and an infinite number of men assembled together, as well out of that Pro∣uince, as from their Neighbours, to oppose themselues against the Mexicans. The first of his Campe that aduanced himselfe, to the combate was the King himselfe, defying his enemies, from whom he made shew to flye when they charged him, vntill hee had drawne them into an Ambuscadoe, where many Souldiers lay hidden vnder straw, who suddenly issued forth, and they which fled,* 1.79 turned head: so as they of Tiquantepec remayned in the midst of them, whom they [ 30] charged furiously, making a great slaughter of them: and following their victorie, they razed their Citie and Temple, punishing all their Neighbours rigorously. Then went they on farther, and without any stay,* 1.80 conquered to Guatulco, the which is a Port at this day well knowne in the South Sea. Axayaca returned to Mezico with great and rich spoiles, where he was honourably crowned, with sumptuous and stately preparation of Sacrifices, Tributes, and other things, whi∣ther many came to see his Coronation. The Kings of Mexico receiued the Crowne from the hands of the King of Tescuco, who had the preheminence. Hee made many other Enterprises, where he obtained great victories, being alwayes the first to leade the Armie, and to charge the enemie; by the which he purchased the name of a most valiant Captaine: and not content to subdue strangers, he also suppressed his Subjects which had rebelled, which neuer any of his Pre∣decessors [ 40] euer could doe, or durst attempt. Wee haue alreadie shewed how some seditions of Mexico had diuided themselues from that Common-weale, and built a Citie neere vnto them, which they called Tlatelulco, whereas now Saint Iaques is.

These being reuolted, held a faction apart, and encreased and multiplyed much, refusing to acknowledge the Kings of Mexico, nor to yeeld them obedience. The King Axayaca sent to aduise them, not to liue diuided, but being of one bloud, and one people, to joyne together, and acknowledge the King of Mexico: wherupon the Lord of Tlatelulco made an answer ful of pride and disdaine, defying the King of Mexico, to single combate with himselfe: and presently mu∣stred his men, commanding some of them to hide themselues in the weeds of the Lake; and the better to deceiue the Mexicans, he commanded them to take the shapes of Rauens, Geese, and [ 50] other Beasts, as Frogges, and such like, supposing by this meanes to surprize the Mexicans as they should passe by the wayes and cawsies of the Lake. Hauing knowledge of this defie, and of his Aduersaries policie, he diuided his Armie, giuing a part to his Generall, the sonnne of Tla∣caellec, commanding him to charge this Ambuscadoe, in the Lake; and hee with the rest of his people, by an vnfrequented way, went and incamped before Tlatelulco. Presently he called him who had defied him, to performe his promise, and as the two Lords of Mexico, and Tlatelulco aduanced, they commanded their Subjects not to mooue, vntill they had seene who should bee Conquerour,* 1.81 which was done, and presently the two Lords encountred valiantly, where hauing fought long, in the end the Lord of Tlatelulco was forced to turne his backe, being vnable to in∣dure the furious charge of the King of Mexico. Those of Tlatelulco seeing their Captaine flye, [ 60] fainted, and fled likewise, but the Mexicans following them at the heeles, charged them furious∣ly; yet the Lord of Tlatelulco escaped not the hands of Axayaca; for thinking to saue himselfe, hee fled to the top of the Temple, but Axayaca followed him so neere, as hee seized on him with

great force, and threw him from the top to the bottome, and after set fire on the Temple, and the Citie.

Whilest this passed at Tlatelulco,* 1.82 the Mexican Generall was very hote in the reuenge of those that pretended to defeat him by policie, and after hee had forced them to yeeld, and to cry for mercy, the Generall said he would not pardon them, vntill they had first performed the Offices of those figures they represented, and therefore hee would haue them cry like Frogges and Ra∣uens, euery one according to the figure which he had vndertaken, else they had no composition: which thing he did to mocke them with their owne policie. Feare and Necessitie bee perfect Teachers, so as they did sing and cry with all the differences of voices that were commanded [ 10] them, to saue their liues, although they were much grieued at the sport their enemies made at them. They say that vnto this day, the Mexicans vse to jeast at the Tlatelulcans, which they beare impatiently, when they put them in minde of this singing and crying of beasts. King Azayaca tooke pleasure at this scorne and disgrace, and presently after they returned to Mexico with great joy. This King was esteemed for one of the best that had commanded in Mexico. Hee reigned eleuen yeeres.

Among the foure Electors that had power to choose whom they pleased to be King,* 1.83 there was one endued with many perfections, named Autzol. This man was chosen by the rest, and this election was very pleasing to all the people: for besides that he was valiant, all held him cour∣teous and affable to euery man, which is one of the chiefe qualities required in them that com∣mand, [ 20] to purchase loue and respect. To celebrate the Feast of his Coronation, hee resolued to make a Voyage, and to punish the pride of those of Quaxulatlan, a very rich and plentifull Pro∣uince, and at this day the chiefe of New Spaine. They had robbed his Officers and Stewards, that carried the Tribute to Mexico, and therewithall were rebelled. There was great difficultie to re∣duce this Nation to obedience, lying in such sort, as an arme of the Sea stopt the Mexicans pas∣sage: to passe the which Autzol (with a strange deuice and industry) caused an Iland to be made in the water, of faggots, earth, and other matter; by meanes whereof, both hee and his men might passe to the enemie, where giuing them battell, he conquered them, and punished them at his pleasure. Then returned he vnto Mexico in triumph, and with great riches, to bee crowned King, according to their custome. Autzol extended the limits of his Kingdome farre, by many [ 30] Conquests, euen vnto Guatimal••a, which is three hundred leagues from Mexico. Hee was no lesse liberall then valiant for when as the Tributes arriued which (as I haue said) came in great abundance, hee went forth of his Palace, gathering together all the people into one place, then commanded he to bring all the Tributes, which he diuided to those that had need. To the poore he gaue Stuffes to make them apparell, and meate, and whatsoeuer they had need of in great a∣bundance, and things of value, as Gold, Siluer, Iewels, and Feathers, were diuided amongst the the Captaines, Souldiers, and Seruants of his House according to euery mans merit. This Aut∣zol was likewise a great Politician, hee pulled downe the houses ill built, and built others very sumptuous.

It seemed vnto him that the Citie of Mexico had too little water, and that the Lake was [ 40] very muddie, and therefore hee resolued to let in a great course of water, which they of Cuyoacan vsed. For this cause hee called the chiefe man of the Citie vnto him, beeing a famous Sorcerer, hauing propounded his meaning vnto him: the Sorcerer wished him to bee well aduised what he did, being a matter of great difficultie, and that he vnderstood, if hee drew the Riuer out of her ordinary course, making it passe to Mexico, hee would drowne the Citie. The King supposed these excuses were but to frustrate the effect of his Designe, being therefore in choler, he dismissed him home, and a few dayes after he sent a Prouost to Cuyoacon, to take this Sorcerer: who hauing vnderstanding for what intent the Kings Officers came, he caused them to enter his house, and then he presented himselfe vnto them in the forme of a terrible Eagle,* 1.84 wherewith the Prouost and his companions being terrified, they returned without taking him. Autzol in∣censed herewith sent others, to whom he presented himselfe in forme of a furious Tigre, so as [ 50] they durst not touch him. The third came, and they found him in the forme of a horrible Ser∣pent, whereat they were much afraid. The King mooued the more with these doings, sent to tell them of Cuyoacan, that if they brought not the Sorcerer bound vnto him, hee would raze their Citie. For feare whereof, or whether it were of his owne free will, or being forced by the peo∣ple, he suffered himselfe to be led to the King, who presently caused him to bee strangled, and then then did he put his resolution in practice, forcing a channell whereby the water might passe to Mexico, whereby he brought a great current of water into the Lake, which they brought with great Ceremonies and Superstitions, hauing Priests casting Incense along the bankes, o∣thers sacrificed Q••ailes, and with the bloud of them sprinkled the channell bankes, others soun∣ding [ 60] of Cornets, accompanied the water with their Musicke. One of the chiefe went at∣tired in a habit like to their Goddesse of the water, and all saluted her, saying, that she was wel∣come. All which things are painted in the Annalls of Mexico: which Booke is now at Rome in the holy Library, or Vatican, where a Father of our Company, that was come from Mexico,* 1.85 did see it, and other Histories, the which he did expound to the Keeper of his Holinesse Library,

taking great delight to vnderstand this Booke, which before hee could neuer comprehend. Finally, the water was brought to Mexico, but it came in such abundance, that it had wel-neere drowned the Citie, as was foretold: and in effect it did ruine a great part thereof, but it was presently preuented by the industry of Autzol, who caused an issue to bee made to draw forth the water: by meanes whereof hee repayned the buildings that were fallen, with an exquisite worke, being before but poore Cottages. Thus he left the Citie inuironed with wa∣ter, like another Venice, and very well built: he reigned eleuen yeeres, and ended with the last and greatest Successor of all the Mexicans.

[ 10]

§. III. Of the Election of great MOTEZVMA, the last King of Mexico: his pompe and manner of gouernment, prodigious fore-war∣nings, of his ruine, and the Spanish Conquest.

WHen the Spaniards entred New Spaine, being in the yeere of our Lord 151••. Moteçu∣ma second of that name, was the last King of the Mexicans, I say the last, although they of Mexico, after his death, chose another King, yea, in the life of the same Mo∣teçuma, [ 20] whom they declared an enemy to his Countrey, as wee shall see hereafter. But he that succeeded him, and he that fell into the hands of the Marquesse de Valle, had but the names and titles of Kings, for that the Kingdome was in a manner all yeelded to the Spaniards: so as with reason we account Moteçuma for the last King, and so hee came to the period of the Mexicans power and greatnesse, which is admirable beeing happened among Barbarians. For this cause, and for that this was the season, that God had chosen to reueale vnto them the know∣ledge of his Gospell, and the Kingdome of Iesus Christ, I will relate more as large the Acts of Moteçuma, then of the rest.

Before he came to be King, hee was by disposition, very graue and stayed, and spake little, so as when he gaue his opinion in the priuy Counsell, whereas he assisted, his speeches and dis∣courses [ 30] made euery one to admire him, so as euen then he was feared and respected. He retyred himselfe vsually into a Chappell, appointed for him in the Temple of Vitzliputzli, where they said their Idoll spake vnto him▪ and for this cause hee was held very religious and deuout. For these perfections then, being most noble and of great courage, his el••ction was short and easie, as a man vpon whom all mens eyes were fixed, as worthy of such a charge. Hauing intelligence of this election, he hid himselfe in this Chappell of the Temple, whether it were by judge∣ment (apprehending so heauy and hard a burthen) as to gouerne such a people, or rather, as I be∣leeue, through hypocrisie, to shew that hee desired not Empery: In the end they found him, leading him to the place of Councell, whither they accompanied him with all possible joy: he marched with such a grauity, as they all said the name of Moteçuma agreed very well with [ 40] his nature, which is as much to say, as an angry Lord. The Electors did him great reuerence, gi∣uing him notice, that hee was chosen King: from thence hee was led before the hearth of their Gods, to giue Incense, where he offered Sacrifices in drawing bloud from his eares, and the calues of his legs, according to their custome. They attyred him with the Royall ornaments, and pier∣ced the gristle of his nosthrils, hanging thereat a rich Emerald, a barbarous and troublous cu∣stome: but the desire of rule, made all paine light and easie. Being seated in his Throne, hee gaue audience to the Orations and Speeches that were made vnto him, which according vnto their custome were eloquent and artificiall.

The first was pronounced by the King of Tescuco, which being preserued, for that it was lately deliuered,* 1.86 and very worthy to bee heard, I will set it downe word by word, and thus hee [ 50] said: The concordance and vnitie of voyces vpon thy election, is a sufficient testimonie (most noble young man) of the happinesse the Realme shall receiue, as well deseruing to be commanded by thee, as also for the generall applause which all doe shew by meanes thereof.* 1.87 Wherein they haue great reason, for the Empire of Mexico doth alreadie so farre extend it selfe, that to gouerne a World, as it is, and to beare so heauie a burthen, it requires no lesse dexteritie and courage, then that which is resident in thy firme and valiant heart,* 1.88 nor of lesse wisdome and iudgement then thine. I see and know plainly, that the mightie God loueth this Citie, seeing hee hath giuen vnderstanding to choose what was fit. For who will not beleeue that a Prince, who before his Reigne had pierced the ••ine Vaults of Heauen, should not likewise now obtaine those things that are earthly to relieue his people, aiding himselfe with his best iudgement, being thereunto bound by the dutie and charge of a King? Who will likewise beleeue that [ 60] the great courage which thou hast alwayes valiantly shewed in matters of importance, should now faile thee in matters of greatest need? Who will not perswade himselfe but the Mexican Empire is come to the height of their Souereigntie, seeing the Lord of things created hath imparted so great graces vn∣to thee,* 1.89 that with thy looke onely thou breedest admiration in them that behold thee? Reioyce then, O

happie Land, to whom the Creator hath giuen a Prince, as a firme Pillar to support thee, which shall bee thy Father and thy defence, by whom thou shalt be succoured at need,* 1.90 who will bee more th••n a brother to his subiects, for his pietie and clemenci••. Thou hast a King, who in regard of his estate is not inclined to delights, or will lye stretched out vpon his bed, occupied in pleasures and vices, but contrariwise in the middest of his sweet and pleasant sleep, he will suddenly wake for the c••re he must haue ouer thee, and will not feele the taste of the most sauourie 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hauing his spirits transported with the imagination of thy good. Tell me then (O happie Realme) if I haue not reason to say that thou oughtest reioyce, hauing found such a King; And thou noble young man, and our most mightie Lord, be confident, and of a good courage, that seeing the Lord of things created hath giuen thee this charge, hee will also giue thee force and courage to manage it: and thou mayest well hope, that hee which in times past hath vsed so great [ 10] bountie towards thee, will ••pt now deny thee his greater gift••▪ seeing he hath giuen thee so great a charge, which I wish thee to enioy many yeeres. King Moteçuma was very attentiue to this Discourse: which being ended, they say hee was so troubled, that endeuouring thri••e to answere 〈◊〉〈◊〉, hee could not speake, being ouercome with teares, which joy and content doe vsually cause, in signe of great humility. In the end being come to himselfe, he spake briefly, I were too blind, good King of Tescuco, if I did not know, that what thou hast spoken vnto me, proceeded of meere fauour,* 1.91 is pleaseth you to shew me, seeing among so many noble and valiant men within this Realme, you haue made choice of the least sufficient: and in truth, I find my selfe so incapeable of a charge of so great impor∣tance, that I know not what to doe, but to beseech the Creatour of all created things, that hee will [ 20] fauour mee, and I intreate you all to pray vnto him for me. These words vttered, hee beganne a∣gaine to weepe.

He that in his election made such shew of humility and mildnesse, seeing himselfe King,* 1.92 be∣gan presently to discouer his aspiring thoughts. The first was, hee commanded that no plebeian should serue in his house, nor beare any Royal Office, as his Predecessors had vsed til then▪ blaming them that would be serued by men of base condition, commanding that all the noble and most fa∣mous men of his Realme should liue within his Palace, and exercise the Offices of his Court, and House. Whereunto an old man of great authoritie (who had somtimes bin his Schoolemaster) op∣posed himselfe, aduising him▪ to be careful what he did, and not to thrust himselfe into the danger of a great inconuenience, in separating him selfe from the vulgar and common people, so as they [ 30] should not dare to looke him in the face, seeing themselues so reiected by him. He answered, that it was his resolution, and that he would not allow the Plebeians thus to goe mingled among the Nobles, as they had done, saying, that the seruice they did, was according to their condition, so as the Kings got no reputation, and thus he continued fir•••• in his resolution. Hee presently commanded his Counsell to dismisse all the Plebeians from their charges and offices, as well those of his Houshold as of his Court, and to prouide Knight••, the which was done. After hee went in person to an enterprize necessary for his Coronation. At that time a Prouince lying farre off towards the North Ocean, was reuolted from the Crown, whither he led the flower of his peo∣ple, well appointed. There he warred with such valour and dexteritie, that in the end hee sub∣dued all the Prouince, and punished the Rebels seuerely, returning with a great number of [ 40] Captiues for the Sacrifices, and many other spoyles. All the Cities made him solemne recepti∣ons at his returne, and the Lords thereof gaue him water to wash, performing the offices of ser∣uants, a thing not vsed by any of his Predecessors. Such was the feare and respect they bare him. In Mexico, they made the Feasts of his Coronation with great preparations of Dances, Comedies, Banquets, Lights, and other inuentions for many dayes. And there came so great a wealth of Tributes from all his Countreyes, that strangers vnknowne came to Mexico, and their very e∣nemies resorted in great numbers disguised to see these Feasts, as those of Tlascalla, and Mechona∣can: the which Moteçuma hauing discouered, he commanded they should be lodged and gently intreated, and honoured as his owne person. He also made them goodly Galleries like vnto his owne, where they might see and behold the Feasts. So they entred by night to those Feasts, as [ 50] the King himselfe, making their Sports and Maskes. And for that I haue made mention of these Prouinces, it shall not be from the purpose to vnderstand, that the Inhabitants of Mechonacan, Tlascalla, and Tapeaca, would neuer yeeld to the Mexicans, but did alwayes fight valiantly a∣gainst them; yea, sometimes the Mecho••acans did vanquish the Mexicans, as also those of Ta∣peaca did. In which place, the Marquesse Don Ferrand Cortes, after that hee and the Spaniards were expelled Mexico, pretended to build their first Citie, the which hee called (as I well re∣member) Segure dela Frontiere: But this peopling continued little: for hauing afterwards recon∣quered Mexico, all the Spaniards went to inhabite there. To conclude, those of Tapeaca, Tlascalla,* 1.93 and Mechonacan, haue beene alwayes enemies to the Mexicans; although Moteçuma said vnto Cortes, that hee did purposely forbear•• to subdue them; to haue occasion to exercise his men of [ 60] warre, and to take numbers of captiues.* 1.94

This King laboured to bee respected, yea, to be worshipped as a God. No Plebeian might looke him in the face; if he did, he was punished with death: he did neuer let his foot on the ground, but was alwayes carried on the shoulders of Noblemen; and if he lighted, they laid rich Tapistrie whereon hee did goe. When hee made any Voyage, hee and the Noblemen went as it were

in a Parke * 1.95 compassed in for the nonce, and the rest of the people went without the Parke, enuironing it in on euery side; hee neuer put on a garment twice, nor did eate or drinke in one vessell or dish aboue once▪ all must be new, giuing to his attendants that which had once serued him: so as commonly they were rich and sumptuous. Hee was very carefull to haue his Lawes obserued.* 1.96 And when he returned victor from any warre, hee fained sometimes to goe and take his pleasure, then would hee disguise himselfe, to see if his people (supposing hee were absent) would omit any thing of the feast or reception: If there were any excesse or defect, hee then did punish it rigorously.* 1.97 And also to discerne how his Ministers did execute their Offices, hee often disguised himselfe, offering gifts and presents to the Iudges, prouoking them to doe in-justice. If they offended,* 1.98 they were presently punished with death, without remission or respect▪ were they Noblemen, or his Kinsmen; yea, his owne Brethren. Hee was little conuersant with his [ 10] people, and seldome seene, retyring himselfe most commonly to care for the gouernment of his Realme. Besides that, he was a great Iusticier and very Noble, he was very valiant and happy, by meanes whereof, hee obtayned great victories, and came to this greatnesse, as is written in the Spanish Histories, whereon it seemes needlesse to write mere. I will onely haue a care here∣after to write what the Books and Histories of the Indies make mention of; the which the Spa∣nish Writers haue not obserued, hauing not sufficiently vnderstood the secrets of this Countrey, the which are things very worthy to be knowne, as we shall see hereafter.

It chanced th••t Mot••çuma hauing reigned many yeeres in great prosperitie, and so puft vp in his conceit, as he caused himselfe to be serued and feared, yea to be worshipped as a God, that the Almighty Lord began to chastice him, and also to admonish him, suffering euen the very Deuils [ 20] whom he worshipped, to tell him these heauy tydings of the ruine of his Kingdome, and to tor∣ment him by Visions, which had neuer beene seene; wherewith hee remayned so melancholy and troubled, as he was void of judgement.

* 1.99The Idoll of those of Ch••lol••, which they called Quetzacoalt, declared, that a strange peo∣ple came to possesse his Kingdomes. The King of Tescuco (who was a great Magitian, and had conference with the Deuill) came one day at an extraordinary houre to visit Moteçuma, assu∣ring him that his Gods had told him, that there were great losses preparing for him, and for his whole Realme: many Witches and Sorcerers went and declared as much, amongst which there was one, did very particulary foretell him what should happen: and as hee was with him hee told him that the pulses of his feete and hands failed him. Moteçuma troubled with these [ 30] newes, commanded all those Sorcerers to be apprehended: but they vanished presently in the Prison, wherewith he grew into such a rage, that he might not kill them▪ as hee put their wiues and children to death,* 1.100 destroying their Houses and Families. Seeing himselfe importuned and troubled with these aduertisements, hee sought to appease the anger of his Gods: and for that cause hee laboured to bring a huge stone, thereon to make great Sacrifices: For the effecting whereof hee sent a great number of people with Engins and Instruments to bring it: which they could by no meanes mooue, although (being obstinate) they had broken many Instruments. But as they stroue still to raise it, they heard a voyce joyning to the stone, which said they labou∣red in vaine, and that they should not raise it, for that the Lord of things created would no more suffer those things to be done there. Moteçuma vnderstanding this, commanded the Sacrifice [ 40] to be performed in that place, and they say the voyce spake againe: Haue I not told you, that it is not the pleasure of the Lord of things created, that it should bee done? and that you may well know that it is so, I will suffer my selfe to bee transported a little, then after you shall not mooue mee. Which happened so indeed, for presently they carried it a small distance with great facilitie, then afterwards they could not mooue it, till that after many Prayers, it suffered it selfe to bee transported to the entry of the Citie of Mexico, where suddenly it fell into the Lake, where seeking for it, they could not find it, but it was afterwards found in the same place from whence they had remooued it, wherewith they remayned amazed and confounded.

At the same time there appeared in the Element a great flame of fire, very bright, in the forme of a Pyramide, which beganne to appeare at midnight, and went still mounting vntill the Sunne [ 50] rising in the morning, where it stayed at the South, and then vanished away. It shewed it selfe in this sort the space of a whole yeere, and euer as it appeared the people cast forth great cryes as they were accustomed, beleeuing it was a presage of great misfortune. It happened also that fire tooke the Temple, when as no body was within it, nor neere vnto it, neyther did there fall any lightning or thunder: whereupon the Guards crying out, a number of people ranne with water, but nothing could helpe, so as it was all consumed; and they say the fire seemed to come forth of pieces of timber, which kindled more by the water that was cast vpon it. There was a Comet seene in the day time, running from the West to the East, casting an infinite number of sparkles, and they say the forme was like to a long tayle, hauing three heads. [ 60]

The great Lake betwixt Mexico and Tescuco, without any winde, earthquake, or any other apparant signe, began sudainly to swell, and the waues grew in such sort, as all the buildings neere vnto it fell downe to the ground. They say at that time they heard many voices, as of a

woman in paine, which said sometimes, O my children, the time of your destruction is come: and otherwhiles it said, O my children, whither shall I carry you that you perish not vtterly? There ap∣peared likewise many Monsters with two heads, which being carried before the King,* 1.101 sudainly vanished. There were two that exceeded all other Monsters▪ being very strange; the one was, the Fishers of the Lake tooke a Bird as bigge as a Crane, and of the same colour,* 1.102 but of a strange and vnseene forme. They carried it to Moteçuma, who at that time was in the pallace of teares and mourning, which was all hanged with blacke; for as he had many Pallaces for his recreation, so had he also others for times of affliction, wherewith he was then heauily charged and tormented, by reason of the threatnings his gods had giuen him by these sorrowfull aduer∣tisements. The Fishers came about noone setting this Bird before him, which had on the top [ 10] of his head a thing bright and transparent, in forme of a Looking-glasse, wherein he did be∣hold a warlike Nation comming from the East, armed, fighting, and killing. He called his Di∣uines and Astronomers (whereof there was a great number) who hauing seene these things, and not able to yeelde any reason of what was demanded of them, the Bird vanished away, so as it was neuer more seene: whereupon Moteçuma remained very heauy and sorrowfull. The other which happened, was a Laborer, who had the report of a very honest man; he came vnto him, telling him, that being the day before at his worke, a great Eagle flew towards him, and tooke him vp in his talents, without hurting him, carrying him into a certaine Caue, where it left him; The Eagle pronouncing these words, Most mighty Lord, I haue brought him whom thou hast commanded me: This Indian Laborer looked aboue on euery side, to whom he spake, but he [ 20] saw no man. Then he heard a voyce which said vnto him, Doost thou not know this man, whom thou seest lying vpon the ground? and looking thereon, he perceiued a man to lye very heauy asleepe, with royall ensignes, flowers in his hand, and a staffe of perfumes burning, as they are accustomed to vse in that Country: whom the Labourer beholding, knew it was the great King Moteçuma, and answered presently: Great Lord, this resembles our King Motezuma▪ The voice said againe, Thou sayest true, behold what he is, and how hee lies asleepe, carelesse of the great miseries and afflictions prepared for him. It is now time that he pay the great number of offences he hath done to God, and that he receiue the punishment of his tyrannies, and great pride, and yet thou seest how carelesse he lyes, blinde in his owne miseries, and without any feeling. But to the end thou maiest [ 30] the better see him, take the staffe of perfumes he holds burning in his hand, and put it to his face, then shalt then finde him without feeling. The poore laborer durst not approach neere him, nor doe as he was commanded, for the great feare they all had of this King. But the voice said, Haue no feare, for I am without comparison greater than this King 〈◊〉〈◊〉 destroy him, and defend him, doe there∣fore what I command thee. Whereupon the Laborer tooke the staffe of perfumes out of the Kings hand, and put it burning to his nose, but he moued not, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 shewed any feeling. This done▪ the voice said vnto him, that seeing he had found the King so sleepie, he should goe awake him, and tell him what he had seene. Then the Eagle by the same commandement, tooke the man in hs talents, and set him in the same place where he found him, and for accomplishment of that which he had spoken, he came to aduertise him. They say, that Moteçuma looking on his face, [ 40] found that he was burnt, the which he had not felt till then, wherewith he continued excee∣ding heauie and troubled.

In the foureteenth yeare of the raigne of Moteçuma,* 1.103 which was in the yeare of our Lord 1517. there appeared in the North Seas, Shippes, and men landing, whereat the Subiects of Moteçuma wondred much, and desirous to learne, and to be better satisfied what they were, they went aboord in their Canoes, carrying many refreshings of meates and stuffes to make apparrell, vpon colour to sell them. The Spaniards receiued them into their Shippes, and in ex∣change of their victuals and stuffes, which were acceptable vnto them, they gaue them chaines of false Stones, red, blew, greene, and yellow, which the Indians imagined to be precious stones. The Spaniards inforning themselues, who was their King, and of his great power, dismissed [ 50] them, willing them to carry those Stones vnto their Lord, saying, that for that time they could not goe to him, but they would presently returne and visite him. Those of the coast went pre∣sently to Mexico with this message, carrying the representation of what they had seene, pain∣ted on a cloath, both of the Shippes, Men, and Stones which they had giuen them.* 1.104 King Mote∣çuma remained very pensiue with this message, commanding them not to reueale it to any one. The day following, he assembled his Counsell, and hauing shewed them the painted cloathes and the Chaines, he consulted what was to be done: where it was resolued to set good watches vpon all the Sea coasts, to giue present aduertisement to the King of what they should discouer. The yeare following, which was in the beginning of the yeare 1518. they discouered a Fleete at Sea, in the which was the Marquise of Valle Don Fernande Cortes, with his companions, [ 60] newes which much troubled Moteçuma, and conferring with his Counsell, they all said, that without doubt, their great and auncient Lord Queztzal••oalt was come, who had said, that he would returne from the East, whither he was gone. The Indians held opinion,* 1.105 that a great Prince had in times past left them, and promised to returne. Of the beginning and ground of which opinion shall be spoken in another place. They therefore sent fiue principall Ambassadors

with rich presents, to congratulate his comming, saying, they knew well that their great Lord Queztzalcoalt was come, and that his seruant Moteç••ma sent to visite him, for so he accounted himselfe. The Spaniards vnderstood this message by the meanes of Marina, an Indian woman whom they brought with them which vnderstood the Mexican tongue. Fernande de Cartes fin∣ding this a good occasion for his entry,* 1.106 commanded to decke his Chamber richly, and being set in great state and pompe, he caused the Ambassadors to enter, who omitted no shewes of humili∣tie, but to worship him as their god.

They deliuered their charge, saying, that his seruant Moteçuma sent to visit him, and that he held the Country in his name as his Lieutenant, that he knew well it was the Top••lcin which had beene promised them many yeares since, who should returne againe vnto them. And there∣fore they brought him such Garments as he was wont to weare, when he did conuerse amongst [ 10] them, beseeching him to accept willingly of them, offering him many presents of great value. Cortes receiuing the presents, answered, that he was the same they spake of, wherewith they were greatly satisfied, seeing themselues to be curteously receiued and intreated by him. To con∣clude, the day after this Ambassage, all the Captaines and Commanders of the Fleete, came vnto the Admirall, where vnderstanding the matter, and that this Realme of Moteçuma was mighty and rich, it seemed fit to gaine the reputation of braue and valiant men among this people, and that by this meanes (although they were few) they should be feared and receiued into Mexico. To this end they discharged all their Artillery from their Shippes, which being a thing the Indians had neuer heard, they were amazed, as if heauen had fallen vpon them. Then the Spa∣niards beganne to defie them to fight with them:* 1.107 but the Indians not daring to hazard them∣selues, [ 20] they did beate them and intreate them ill, shewing their Swords, Lances, Pertuisans, and other armes, wherewith they did terrifie them much. The poore Indians were by reason here∣of so fearefull and amazed, as they changed their opinion, saying, that their Lord Topilcin came not in this troupe, but they were some gods (their enemies) came to destroy them. When as the Ambassadors returned to Mexico, Moteçuma was in the house of audience; but before he would heare them,* 1.108 this miserable man commanded a great number of men to be sacrificed in his presence, and with their bloud to sprinkle the Ambassadors (supposing by this ceremony) which they were accustomed to doe in solemne Ambassages) to receiue a good answer. But vnderstan∣ding the report and information of the manner of their Ships, Men, and Armes, he stood per∣plexed [ 30] and confounded: then taking counsell thereon, he found no better meanes, then to labor to stop the entry of these strangers, by Coniurations and Magicke Arts. They had accustomed often to vse this meanes, hauing great conference with the Deuill, by whose helpe they some∣times obtained strange effects. They therefore assembled together all the Sorcerers, Magitians, and Inchanters, who being perswaded by Moteçuma, they tooke it in charge to force this peo∣ple to returne vnto their Country. For this consideration, they went to a certaine place which they thought fit for the inuocation of their Deuils,* 1.109 and practising their Arts (a thing worthy of consideration) They wrought all they could; but seeing nothing could preuaile against the Chri∣stians, they went to the King, telling him that they were more then men, for that nothing might hurt them, notwithstanding, all their Coniurations and Inchantments. Then Moteçu∣ma aduised him of another policie, that faining to be very well contented with their comming, [ 40] he commanded all his Countries to serue these celestiall gods that were come into his Land. The whole people was in great heauinesse and amazement, and often newes came that the Spaniards inquired for the King, of his manner of life, of his house and meanes. He was exceedingly vexed herewith: some of the people and other Negromanciers aduised him to hide himselfe, offering to place him whereas no creature should euer finde him. This seemed base vnto him, and therefore he resolued to attend them, although it were dying. In the end he left his Houses and royall Prllaces to lodge in others, leauing them for these gods as he said.

I pretend not to intreate of the acts and deedes of the Spaniards, who conquered New Spaine, [ 50] nor the strange aduentures which happened vnto them,* 1.110 nor of the courage and inuincible valour of their Captaine Don Fernando Cortes: for that there are many Histories and Relations thereof, as those which Fernando Cortes himselfe did write to the Emperour Charles the fift, although they be in a plaine stile, and farre from arrogancy, the which doe giue a sufficient testimony of what did passe, wherein he was worthy of eternall memory, but onely to accomplish my in∣tention: I am to relate what the Indians report of this action, the which hath not to this day beene written in our vulgar tongue. Moteçuma therefore, hauing notice of this Captains victo∣ries, that he aduanced for his conquest, that he was confederate and ioyned with them of Tlas∣calla, his capitall enemies, and that he had seuerely punished them of Cholola his friends, he studi∣ed how to deceiue him, or else to try him in sending a principall man vnto him, attyred with the lake ornaments and royall ensignes, the which should take vpon him to be Moteçuma, which [ 60] fiction being discouered to the Marquise by them of Tlascalla (who did accompany him) he sent him backe, after a milde and gentle reprehension, in seeking so to deceiue him: whereupon Moteçuma was so confounded, that for the feare thereof he returned to his first imaginations

and practises, to force the Christians to retire, by the inuocation of Coniurers and Witches. And therfore he assembled a greater number then before, threatning them, that if they returned with∣out effecting what he had giuen them in charge, not any one should escape, whereunto they all promised to obey. And for this cause, all the Deuils officers went to the way of Chalco,* 1.111 by the which the Spaniards should passe, when mounting to the top of a hill, Tezcalipuca, one of their principall gods, appeared vnto them, as comming from the Spaniards campe, in the habit of Chal∣cas, who had his paps bound about eight fold with a cord of reedes, he came like a man beside himselfe, out of his wits, and drunke with rage and furie. Being come to this troupe of Witches and Coniurers, he stayed, and spake to them in great choller, Why come you hither? what doth Mo∣tecuma pretend to doe by your meanes? He had aduised himselfe too late: for it is now determined, that [ 10] his Kingdome and honour shall be taken from him, with all that he possesseth, for punishment of the great tyrannies he hath committed against his Subiects, hauing gouerned not like a Lord, but like a traitour and tyrant. The Inchanters and Coniurers hearing these words, knew it was their Idoll, and hum∣bling themselues before him, they presently built him an Altar of Stone in the same place, coue∣ring it with flowers which they gathered thereabouts, but he contrariwise, making no account of these things, began againe to chide them, saying: What come you hither to doe, O ye traitours? Returne presently and behold Mexico, that you may vnderstand what shall become thereof. And they say, that returning towards Mexico to behold it, they did see it flaming on fire. Then the De∣uill vanished away, and they not daring to passe any farther, gaue notice thereof to Motezu∣ma, whereat he remained long without speaking, looking heauily on the ground; then he said, [ 20] What shall we doe if god and our friends leaue vs, and contrariwise, they helpe and fauour our enemies? I am now resolute, and we ought all to resolue in this point, that happen what may, wee must not flye nor hide our seluer, or shew any signe of cowardise. I onely pittie the aged and infants, who haue nei∣ther feete nor hands to defend themselues. Hauing spoken this, he held his peace, being transpor∣ted into an extasie. In the end, the Marquesse approaching to Mexico, Motezuma resolued to make of necessity a vertue, going three or foure leagues out of the Citie to receiue him with a great maiesty, carried vpon the shoulders of foure Noblemen, vnder a rich Canapy of Gold and Feathers. When they met, Motezuma descended, and they saluted one another very curteously. Don Fernando Cortes said vnto him, that he should not care for any thing, and that he came not [ 30] to take away his Realme, nor to diminish his authority. Motezuma lodged Cortes, and his com∣panions in his royall Pallace, the which was very stately, and he himselfe lodged in other pri∣uate houses. This night the Souldiers for ioy discharged their Artillery, wherewith the Indians were much troubled, being vnaccustomed to heare such Musicke. The day following, Cortes caused Motezuma and all the Nobles of his Court to assemble in a great Hall, where being set in a high Chaire, he said vnto them, that he was seruant to a great Prince, who had sent them in∣to these Countries to doe good workes, and that hauing found them of Tlascalla to be his friends (who complained of wrongs and greeuances done vnto them daily by them of Mexico) he would vnderstand which of them was in the blame, and reconcile them,* 1.112 that hereafter they might n•• more afflict and warre one against another: and in the meane time, he and his brethren (which [ 40] were the Spaniards) would remaine still there without hurting them: but contrariwise, they would helpe them all they could. He laboured to make them all vnderstand this discourse, vsing his Interpreters and truchmen. The which being vnderstood by the King and the other Mexi∣can Lords, they were wonderfully well satisfied, and shewed great signes of loue to Cortes and his company. So it is, that by some occasions, many complaints, griefes, and iealousies grew on ei∣ther side. The which Cortes finding, & that the Indians mindes began to be distracted from them, he thought it necessary to assure himselfe, in laying hand vpon King Moteçuma, who was seized on, and his legges fettered. Truely this act was strange vnto all men, and like vnto that other of his, to haue burnt his Shippes, and shut himselfe in the midst of his enemies,* 1.113 there to vanquish or to dye. The mischiefe was, that by reason of the vnexpected arriuall of Pamphilo Naruaes at the true crosse, drawing the Country into mutiny, Cortes was forced to absent himselfe from [ 50] Mexico, and to leaue poore Moteçuma in the hands of his companions, who wanted discretion not had not moderation like vnto him: so as they grew to that dissention, as there was no meanes to pacifie it.

When as Cortes was absent from Mexico, he that remayned his Lieutenant,* 1.114 resolued to pu∣nish the Mexicans seuerely, causing a great number of the Nobilitie to be slaine at a maske, which they made in the Palace, the which did so farre exceed, as all the people mutined, and in a fu∣rious rage, tooke Armes to be reuenged and to kill the Spaniards. They therefore besieged them in the Palace, pressing them so neere, that all the hurt the Spaniards could doe them with their Artillerie and Crosse-bowes, might not terrifie them, not force them to retyre from their enter∣prise, [ 60] where they continued many dayes, stopping their victuals, not suffering any one to enter or issue forth. They did fight with stones, and cast Darts after their manner, with a kind of Lan∣ces like vnto Arrowes, in the which there are foure or sixe very sharpe Rasors, the which are such (as the Histories report) that in these warres, an Indian with one blow of these Rasors, al∣most cut off the necke of a Horse, and as they did one day fight with this resolution and furie,* 1.115

the Spaniards to make them cease, shewed forth Moteçuma, with an other of the chiefe Lords of Mexico, vpon the top of a plat-forme of the house, couered with the Targets of two Souldiers that were with them. The Mexicans seeing their Lord Moteçuma, stayed with great silence. Then Moteçuma caused the Lord to aduise them to pacifie themselues, and not to warre against the Spaniards, seeing that (he being a prisoner) it could little profit him. The which being vn∣derstood by a yong man, called Quicuxtemoc, whom they now resolued to make their King, hee spake with a loud voyce to Moteçuma, willing him to retyre like a Villaine, that seeing he had beene such a Coward, as to suffer himselfe to bee taken, they were no more bound to obey him, but rather should punish him as he deserued, calling him Woman for the more reproach, and then he began to draw his Bowe and to shoot at him, and the people began to cast stones at him, and [ 10] to continue their combate. Many say that Moteçuma was then hurt with a stone, whereof hee dyed. The Indians of Mexico affirme the contrarie, and that hee dyed as I will shew hereafter. Aluaro, and the rest of the Spaniards seeing themselues thus pressed, gaue intelligence to Cap∣taine Cortes, of the great danger they were in: who hauing with an admirable dexteritie and va∣lour, giuen order to Naruaes affaires, and assembled the greatest part of his men, hee returned with all speed to succour them of Mexico, where obseruing the time the Indians rest (for it was their custome in warre,* 1.116 to rest euery fourth day) Hee one day aduanced with great policy and courage, so as both he and his men entred the Palace, where as the Spaniards had fortified them∣selues: they then shewed great signes of ioy, in discharging their Artillerie. But as the Mexi∣cans fury increased (being out of hope to defend themselues) Cortes resolued to passe away se∣cretly [ 20] in the night without bruit. Hauing therefore made Bridges to passe two great and dange∣rous passages, about mid-night they issued forth as secretly as they could, the greatest part of his people hauing passed the first bridge, they were discouered by an Indian woman before they could passe the second, who cryed out their enemies fled, at the which voyce all the people ranne together with a horrible furie: so as in passing the second bridge, they were so charged and pur∣sued,* 1.117 as there remayned aboue three hundred men slaine and hurt in one place; where at this day there is a small Hermitage, which they vnproperly call of Martyrs. Many Spaniards (to pre∣serue the gold and jewels which they had gotten) perished, and others staying to carry it away, were taken by the Mexicans, and cruelly sacrificed to their Idols. The Mexicans found King Moteçuma dead, and wounded as they say with Poniards, and they hold opinion that that [ 30] night the Spaniards slue him with other Noblemen. The Marquesse in his Relation sent to the Emperor,* 1.118 writes the contrary, and that the Mexicans killed him that night with a sonne of Mo∣teçuma, which he led with him amongst other Noblemen, saying, that all the treasure of gold, stones, and siluer, fell into the Lake and was neuer more seene. But how soeuer, Moteçuma dyed miserably, and payed his deserts to the iust iudgement of our Lord of Heauen for his pride and tyrannie: his body falling into the Indians power, they would make him no Obsequies of a King, no not of an ordinarie person, but cast it away in great disdaine and rage. A seruant of his hauing pitie of this Kings miserie (who before had beene feared and worshipped as a God) made a fire thereof, and put the ashes in a contemptible place. Returning to the Spaniards that escaped, they were greatly tyred and turmoyled, the Indians following them two or three dayes very reso∣lutely,* 1.119 [ 40] giuing them no time of rest, being so distressed for victuals, as a few graines of Mays were diuided amongst them for their meate. The Relations both of the Spaniards and Indians agree, that God deliuered them here miraculously, the Virgin Mary defending them on a little Hill, whereat this day three leagues from Mexico, there is a Church built in remembrance thereof, called our Lady of succour. They retyred to their ancient friends of Tlascalla, whence (by their aide, and the valour and policy of Cortes) they returned afterwards to make war against Mexi∣co, by Water and Land, with an inuention of Brigantines, which they put into the Lake, where after many combats, and aboue threescore dangerous battailes, they conquered Mexico, on Saint Hippolitus day, the 13. of August, 1521. The last King of the Mexicans (hauing obstinately maintayned the warres) was in the end taken in a great Canoe, whereinto hee fled, who being [ 50] brought with some other of the chiefest Noblemen before Fernando Cortes, this petie King with a strange resolution and courage, drawing his dagger, came neere to Cortes, and said vnto him, Vntill this day I haue done my best indeuour for the defence of my people: now am I no farther bound, but to giue thee this dagger to kill me therewith. Cortes answered, that he would not kill him, nei∣ther was it his intention to hurt them: but their obstinate folly was guiltie of all the miserie and afflictions they had suffered, neither were they ignorant how often he had required peace and a∣mitie at their hands. Hee the commanded them to be intreated curteously. Many strange and admirable things chanced in this Conquest of Mexico: for I neither hold it for an vntruth, nor an addition, which many write, that God fauoured the Spaniards by many miracles.

It is most certaine by the Relations of many, and by the Histories which are written, that in [ 60] diuers battailes which the Spaniards had, as well in New Spaine, as in Peru, the Indians their ene∣mies did see a Horseman in the ayre, mounted on a white horse, with a Sword in his hand, figh∣ting for the Spaniards, whence comes the great reuerence they beare at the Indies to the glorious Apostle Saint Iames. Otherwhiles they did see in some battailes, the Image of our Lady, from

whom the Christians haue receiued in those parts incomparable fauours and benefits, &c. And therefore we ought not to condemne all these things of the first Conquerors of the Indies, as some religious and learned men haue done, doubtlesse with a good zeale, but too much affected. For al∣though for the most part they were couetous men, cruell, and very ignorant in the course that was to be obserued with the Infidels, who had neuer offended the Christians, yet can we not de∣nie, but on their part there was much malice against God and our Men,* 1.120 which forced them to vse rigour and chastisement.

Euery one may vnderstand by the Relation and Discourse I haue written in these Bookes, as well at Peru, as in New Spaine, when as the Christians first set footing, that these Kingdomes [ 10] and Monarchies were come to the height and period of their power. The Inguas of Peru, posses∣sing from the Realme of Chille beyond Quitto, which are a thousand leagues, being most abun∣dant in gold, siluer, sumptuous seruices, and other things: as also in Mexico, Moteçuma com∣manded from the North Ocean Sea, vnto the South, being feared and worshipped not as a man, but rather as a god. Then was it, that the most high Lord had determined that that stone of Daniel, which dissolued the Realmes and Kingdomes of the World, should also dissolue those of this new World.* 1.121 And as the Law of Christ came when as the Roman Monarchie was at her greatnesse: so did it happen at the West Indies, wherein wee see the iust prouidence of our Lord▪ For being then in the World, I meane in Europe, but one head and temporall Lord, as the holy Doctors doe note, whereby the Gospell might more easily bee imparted to so many People and [ 20] Nations: Euen so hath it happened at the Indies, where hauing giuen the knowledge of Christ to the Monarchs of so many Kingdomes, it was a meanes that afterwards the knowledge of the Gospell was imparted to all the people: yea, there is herein a speciall thing to be obserued, that as the Lords of Cusco and Mexico conquered new Lands, so they brought in their owne lan∣guage: for although there were (as at this day) great diuersitie of tongues, yet the Courtly speech of Cusco, did and doth at this day runne aboue a thousand leagues, and that of Mexico did not extend farre lesse, which hath not beene of small importance, but hath much profited in making the preaching easie, at such a time, when as the Preachers had not the gift of many tongues, as in old times. He that would know what a helpe it hath beene for the conuersion of this people in these two great Empires, and the great difficultie they haue found to reduce those Indians to [ 30] Chris•• which acknowledge no Soueraigne Lord, let him goe to Florida, Bresil, the Andes, and many other places, where they haue not preuayled so much by their preaching in fiftie yeeres, as they haue done in Peru and new Spaine in lesse then fiue. If they will impute the cause to the riches of the Country: I will not altogether denie it. Yet were it impossible to haue so great wealth, and to be able to preserue it, if there had not beene a Monarchie. This is also a worke of God in this age, when as the Preachers of the Gospell are so cold and without zeale, and Mer∣chants with the heat of couetousnesse and desire of command, search and discouer new people whither we passe with our commodities; for as Saint Augus••••ne saith, the prophesie of Esay is fulfilled, in that the Church of Christ is extended, not onely to the right hand, but also to the left: which is (as hee declareth) by humane and earthly meanes, which they seeke more com∣monly then Iesus Christ. It was also a great prouidence of our Lord, that when as the first Spa∣niards [ 40] arriued there, they found aide from the Indians themselues, by reason of their partialities and great diuisions.

This is well knowne in Peru, that the diuision betwixt the two brothers Atahualpa and Guas∣ca, the great King Guanacapa their father being newly dead, gaue entrie to the Marquesse Don Francis Pizarre, and to the Spaniards, for that either of them desired his alliance being busied in warre one against the other. The like experience hath beene in new Spaine, that the aide of those of the Prouince of Tlascalla, by reason of their continuall hatred against the Mexicans, gaue the victorie and siegniorie of Mexico, to the M••rquesse Fernando Cortes and his men, and without them it had beene impossible to haue wonne it, yea, to haue maintayned themselues within [ 50] the Country.

They are much deceiued that so little esteeme the Indians, and iudge that (by the aduantage the Spaniards haue ouer them in their Persons, Horses, and Armes, both offensiue and defensiue) they might easily conquer any Land or Nation of the Indies.

Chille stands yet, or to say better, Arauco and Tuecapel, which are two Cities, where our Spaniards could not yet win one foot of ground, although they haue made warre there aboue fiue and twentie yeeres, without sparing of any cost. For this barbarous Nation, hauing once lost the apprehension of horse and shot, and knowing that the Spaniards fall as well as other men, with the blow of a stone or of a dart, they hazard themselues desperately, entring the Pikes vpon any enterprise. How many yeeres haue they leuied men in new Spaine, to send against the [ 60] Chychymequos, which are a small number of naked Indians, armed only with bowes and arrowes? yet to this day they could not be v••••quished, but contrariwise, from day to day they grow more desperate and resolute. But what shall we say of the Chucos, of the Chiraguanas, of the Piscoco∣nes, and all the other people of the Andes? Hath not all the flower of Peru beene there, bringing with them so great prouision of Armes and Men as we haue seene? What did they? With what

victories returned they? Surely, they returned very happy in sauing of their liues, hauing lost their baggage and almost all their horses. Let no man thinke (speaking of the Indians) that they are men of nothing; but if they thinke so, let them goe and make triall. Wee must then attri∣bute the glorie to whom it appertaynes, that is, principally to God, and to his admirable dis∣position: for if Moteçuma in Mexico, and the Ingua in Peru, had beene resolute to resist the Spaniards, and to stop their entrie, Cortes and Pizarre had preuayled little in their landing, al∣though they were excellent Captaines. It hath also beene a great helpe to induce the Indians to receiue the Law of Christ, the subiection they were in to their Kings and Lords, and also the seruitude and slauerie they were held in by the Deuils tyrannies and insupportable yoke. This was an excellent disposition of the diuine Wisedome, the which drawes profit from ill to a good end, and receiues his good from an others ill, which it hath not sowen. It is most certaine that [ 10] no people of the West Indies haue beene more apt to receiue the Gospell, then those which were most subiect to their Lords, and which haue beene charged with the heauiest burthens, as well of Tributes and Seruices, as of Customes and bloudie Practises. All that which the Mexican Kings and those of Peru did possesse, is at this day most planted with Christian Religion, and where there is least difficultie in the Gouernment and Ecclesiasticall Discipline.* 1.122 The Indians were so wearied with the heauy and insupportable yoke of Satans lawes, his sacrifices and ceremonies, whereof wee haue formerly spoken, that they consulted among themselues, to seeke out a new Law, and an other God to serue. And therefore the Law of Christ seemed vnto them, and doth at this day seeme iust, sweet, cleane, good, and full of happinesse.

And that which is difficult in our Law, to beleeue so high and soueraigne Mysteries, hath beene [ 20] easie among them, for that the Deuill had made them comprehend things of greater difficultie, and the selfe-same things which hee had stolen from our Euangelicall Law, as their manner of Communion and Confession, their adoration of Three in One, and such other like, the which a∣gainst the will of the Enemie, haue holpen for the easie receiuing of the Truth by those who be∣fore had embraced Lyes. God is wise and admirable in all his workes, vanquishing the Aduersa∣rie euen with his owne weapon, hee takes him in his owne snare, and kills him with his owne sword. Finally, our God (who had created this People, and who seemed to haue thus long for∣got them) when the houre was come, hee would haue the same Deuils, enemies to mankinde, whom they falsly held for gods; should giue a testimonie against their will, of the true Law, [ 30] the power of Christ, and the triumph of the Crosse, as it plainly appeares by the presages, pro∣phesies, signes, and prodigies, here before mentioned, with many others happened in diuers parts, and that the same ministers of Satan, Sorcerers, Magicians, and other Indians haue con∣fessed it. And wee cannot denie it (being most euident and knowne to all the World) that the Deuill dareth not hisse, and that the Practises, Oracles, Answers, and visible Apparitions, which were so ordinarie throughout all this Infidelitie, haue ceased, whereas the Crosse of Christ hath beene planted, where there are Churches, and where the Name of Christ hath beene confessed. And if there be at this day any cursed minister of his, that doth participate thereof, it is in Caues, and on the tops of Mountaines, and in secret places, farre from the name and communion of Christians. The Soueraigne Lord be blessed for his great mercies, and for the glorie of his holy [ 40] Name; And in truth, if they did gouerne this people temporally and spiritually, in such sort as the Law of Iesus Christ hath set it downe, with a milde yoke and light burthen, and that they would impose no more vpon them then they can well beare, as the Letters Patents of the good Emperour of happy memorie doe command, and that they would imploy halfe the care they haue to make profit of these poore mens sweats and labours, for the health of their soules, it were the most peaceable and happy Christian part of all the World, &c.

Notes

• * 1.1

  L. 7. Eccles. 1.
• * 1.2

  L. 7. c. 2.
• * 1.3

  Chichimecas. Their sauage course of life.
• * 1.4

  Ottomies.
• * 1.5

  New Mexico.
• * 1.6

  Aztlan. Tuculhuacan.
• * 1.7

  Their begin∣nings 900. yeeres agoe▪ A.D. 720.
• * 1.8

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

  Suchimilcos. Chalchas. Tepanecans. Azcapuzalco. Tescuco. Culhua.
• * 1.9

  Tlalluicans.
• * 1.10

  Quabunachua▪
• * 1.11

  Tlascaltecans.
• * 1.12

  Giants.
• * 1.13

  Note of Gi∣ants.
• * 1.14

  Beginnings of ciuilitie.
• * 1.15

  Of the Mexi∣cans departure, of their iour∣ney and peo∣pling the Pro∣uince of Me∣chouacan Ch. 4.
• * 1.16

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

  Tabernacle. Arke.
• * 1.17

  Mexi their Moses.
• * 1.18

  Mechouacan.
• * 1.19

  Pascuaro.
• * 1.20

  Of that which happened in Malinalco Tula, and in Chapul∣tepec. Chap. 5.
• * 1.21

  Witch forsa∣ken.
• * 1.22

  Deuils proud emulation in punishing dis∣obedience, and teaching mur∣therous sacri∣fices.
• * 1.23

  Chapultepec.
• * 1.24

  Metamorpho∣sis.
• * 1.25

  Atlacuyauaya▪
• * 1.26

  Of the warres the Mexicans had against them of Cul∣huacan. Chap. 6. Ticaapan.
• * 1.27

  Queene of Discord made b•• the King of Pride.
• * 1.28

  Toccy.
• * 1.29

  Of the foun∣dation of Mex∣ico. Chap. 7.
• * 1.30

  Eagle glorious adored.
• * 1.31

  Tenoxtiltan.
• * 1.32

  Tabernacle for their De∣uils Arke.
• * 1.33

  Stone Chap∣pell.
• * 1.34

  Oracle.
• * 1.35

  God of the quarters.
• * 1.36

  Of the sedition of those of Tla∣telulco, and of the first Kings the Mexicans did choose. Chap. 8.
• * 1.37

  Acamapixtli first King of the Mexicans.
• * 1.38

  How Orations were kept in memorie.
• * 1.39

  Crowne and coronation.
• * 1.40

  Of the strange 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Mexicans pay∣ed to them of Azcapuzalco. Chap. 9.
• * 1.41

  Garden in the water.
• * 1.42

  How made.
• * 1.43

  New Pharaoni∣call taxes.
• * 1.44

  Acamapixtli dyeth.
• * 1.45

  Vitzilouitli e∣lected King.
• * 1.46

  Marriage ce∣remonie. Lots and Southsaying▪
• * 1.47

  Kings death.
• * 1.48

  Of Chimalpopo∣ca the third King, and his cruell death, & the occasion of warre which the Mexicans made, Chap. 11▪
• * 1.49

  Quarrell with the Tapanecans.
• * 1.50

  King murthe∣red.
• * 1.51

  Of the f••urth King called Izcoalt, and of the warre a∣gainst the Ta∣panecans. Chap. 12.
• * 1.52

  Tlac••ell••••s va∣lour.
• * 1.53

  Ceremonies of defiance.
• * 1.54

  Of the battaile the Mexicans gaue to the Tapanecans, and of the victorie they obtained. Chap. 13.
• * 1.55

  The Battaile.
• * 1.56

  Mexicans con∣quer.
• * 1.57

  Diuision of spoyles.
• * 1.58

  Of the warre and victory the Mexicans had against the Ci∣tie of Cuyoacan. Chap. 14.
• * 1.59

  Temple.
• * 1.60

  Of the warre and victory which the Mex∣icans had a∣gainst the Su∣chimilcos Ch. 15.
• * 1.61

  Temple filled.
• * 1.62

  Causey made.
• * 1.63

  Cuitlauaca.
• * 1.64

  Children in the Couent.
• * 1.65

  Captiues sa∣crificed.
• * 1.66

  Izcoalts death.
• * 1.67

  Of the fift King of Mexico, cal∣led Moteçuma, the first of that name. Chap. 16.
• * 1.68

  Griffons ta∣••ons.
• * 1.69

  Bloudy and di∣uellish institu∣tion.
• * 1.70

  Pompous so∣lemnity.
• * 1.71

  Horrible cou∣rage.
• * 1.72

  Tlascalla to Mexico, as Car∣thage to Rome.
• * 1.73

  Great Temple built.

  Deuillish de∣uotions.
• * 1.74

  How Tlacaellec refused to be King, and of the election and deedes of Ticocic. Chap. 17
• * 1.75

  Fit similitude.
• * 1.76

  Nosthrils pier∣ced.
• * 1.77

  King poysoned
• * 1.78

  Of the death of Tlacaellec, & the deeds of Axayaca the seuenth King of the Mexi∣cans. Chap. 18.
• * 1.79

  Tiquantepec razed.
• * 1.80

  Guatulco.
• * 1.81

  Royall com∣bate.
• * 1.82

  Tlatelulco fired.
• * 1.83

  Of the deeds of Autzol the eight King of Mexico. Chap. 19 The Picture story cals him Tiçocicatzi. Quaxulatlan.
• * 1.84

  Famous Sor∣cerer, or Indian Prote••••.
• * 1.85

  Mexican An∣nalls in the Vatican.
• * 1.86

  King of Tescu∣cos Oration.
• * 1.87

  Mexican great∣nes••e.
• * 1.88

  Their opinions of God and 9. Heauens.
• * 1.89

  Elegant Pros••∣popoeia.
• * 1.90

  Elegant Pros••∣p••oeia.

  Kings Office.
• * 1.91

  Motezuma answere.
• * 1.92

  How Mote••u∣ma ordered the seruice of his house, and of the warre he made for his Coronation. Chap. 21.

  Pride before the fall.
• * 1.93

  Seg••••a de la Frontiere.
• * 1.94

  Of the beha∣uiour and greatnesse of Motezuma. Chap. 22. His proud state.
• * 1.95

  Or betwixt railes.
• * 1.96

  His liberalitie.
• * 1.97

  His seueritie.
• * 1.98

  His policie to fift men.
• * 1.99

  Quetzacoalt.
• * 1.100

  His crueltie a true effect of the Deuils foretellings. God fore∣warneth men to bring them to repen∣tance: the De∣uill to fill them with feates, perfidious and cruell iealou∣sies, superstious shifts, and to maintaine his credit, by his diuining, see∣king to prooue his diuinity (al which is heere euident) in things which Gods iustice lets him know he will do•• to punish such impious pietie. Prodgies or Deuillish Mi∣racles.

  A Comet by day.
• * 1.101

  Monsters.
• * 1.102

  Prodigious Foule.
• * 1.103

  Of the newes Moteçuma re∣ceiued of the Spaniards arri∣ual in his Coun¦try, and of the Ambassage he sent them, Chap. 24.
• * 1.104

  Relation or writing by Pi∣ctures.
• * 1.105

  Effects of su∣perstitious le∣gends.
• * 1.106

  Cortes admits diuine worship agreeing more with his coue∣tous designes then Christian religion, which thriued there according to these begin∣nings.
• * 1.107

  Egregiam vero laudem.
• * 1.108

  Needes must they goe whom Deuill driues.
• * 1.109

  Protean shifts.
• * 1.110

  Of the Spani∣ards entrie in∣to Mexico. Chap. 25.
• * 1.111

  Tezcalipuca a Deuill-god.
• * 1.112

  Good fishing in troubled waters.
• * 1.113

  Cortes his two strange at∣tempts.
• * 1.114

  Of the death of Motezuma, and the Spani∣ards departure out of Mexico. Chap. 26.
• * 1.115

  Indian armies.
• * 1.116

  Fourth dayes rest in warre.
• * 1.117

  300. Spaniards lost.
• * 1.118

  And can you blame him to write the best of himselfe?
• * 1.119

  Succession of superstition. Royall cou∣rage.

  You here hear a Iesuit. Gold is a miracle-working God in couetous hearts. Quid. non mortali•• pectora cogit Auri sacro fa∣mes? this sacer∣rima fames wrought mira∣cles in all the Spanish Indies▪ and still doth at Saints shrines, and in European pil∣grimages, and Purgatorie vi∣sions, &c.

  Great is (cryed the shrine-ma∣kers) Diana of the Ephesians.
• * 1.120

  Si ego (might America say) digna sim hac contumeliâ maximè; At t•• (Hispane) in∣dignus qui face∣res tamen.
• * 1.121

  What diffe∣rence twixt Wordes and Swords, twixt Apostles and greedie Soul∣diers? The Prince of peace sent men not to kill, but to be killed, & came to bee a slaine Lamb, that the World might be saued; not to slay a World that himselfe might be a co∣uetous worldly sauer and con∣queror. Nimrod or Alexander had been fitter Preachers in this kinde then Peter and Paul•• their examples (not of these) did Cortes and Pizarro follow: and the Chri∣stianitie of those parts more sm••lls of the Sword then the Word, as the Iesuit in bookes de pro∣curanda Ind. sal. hath shew∣ed, as is shew∣ed sup. To. 1. l. 2. c. 1. in bayting the Popes Bull. A••gust. lib. 2. de com. euang. c. 36. This was the greatest helpe of the Spanish conquest. Indi∣an qua••rels made that ea∣sie which their gold made de∣sirable.

  Diuers Nati∣ons which the Spaniards could neuer conquer to this day.
• * 1.122

  Deuill insup∣portable.