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.

The hill called Popocatepec.

[ 40] THere is a hill eight leagues from Chololla, called Popocatepec, which is to say, a hill of smoake, for many times it casteth out smoake and fire. Cortes sent thither ten Spaniards, with ma∣ny Indians, to carry their victuall, and to guide them in the way. The ascending vp was very troublesome, and full of craggie rocks, They approached so nigh the top, that they heard such a terrible noise which proceeded from thence, that they durst not goe vnto it, for the ground did tremble and shake, and great quantity of ashes which disturbed the way: but yet two of them who seemed to be most hardie, and desirous to see strange things, went vp to the top, be∣cause they would not returne with a sleeuelesse answer, and that they might not be accounted cowards, leauing their fellowes behinde them, proceeding forwards. The Indians said, what meane these men? for as yet neuer mortall man tooke such a iourney in hand.

These two valiant fellowes passed through the Desart of Ashes, and at length came vnder a [ 50] great smoake very thicke, and standing there a while, the darkenesse vanished partly away, and then appeared the vulcan and concauity, which was about halfe a league in compasse, out of the which the ayre came abounding, with a great noise, very shrill, and whistling, in such sort that the whole hill did tremble. It was to be compared vnto an Ouen where Glasse is made. The smoake and heate was so great, that they could not abide it, and of force were constrained to returne by the way that they had ascended: but they were not gone farre, when the vulcan be∣gan to lash out flames of fire, ashes, and imbers, yea and at the last, stones of burning fire: and if they had not chansed to finde a Rocke, where vnder they shadowed themselues, vndoubtedly they had there beene burned. When with good tokens they were returned where they left [ 60] their fellowes, the other Indians kissed their garments as an honour due vnto gods. They presen∣ted vnto them such things as they had, and wondred much at their fact.

The simple Indians thought, that that place was an infernall place,* 1.1 where all such as gouer∣ned not well, or vsed tyrannie in their offices, were punished when they died, and also beleeued, that after their purgation, they passed into glory. This Vulcan is like vnto the Vulcan of Sicilia,

it is high and round, and neuer wanteth snow about it, and is seene afarre off in the night, it la∣sheth out flames of fire. There is neere about this Hill many Cities, and Huexoxinco is one of the nighest. In tenne yeeres space this strange hill of working did expell no vapour or smoke: but in the yeere 1540. it began againe to burne, and with the horrible noyse thereof, the Neighbours that dwelt foure leagues from thence were terrified, for the especiall strange smoakes that then were seene, the like to their Predecessors had not beene seene. The ashes that proceeded from thence came to Huexozinco, Quelaxcopan, Tepiacae, Quauhquecholla, Chololla, and Tlaxcallan, which standeth ten leagues from thence, yea some say, it extended fifteene leagues distant, and burned their hearbes in their Gardens, their Fieldes of Corne, Trees, and cloathes that lay a drying.

He left the way that the Mexicans had perswaded him to come, for it was both euill and [ 10] dangerous, as the Spaniard which went to the Vulcan had seene, he went another plainer way, and neerer. He ascended vp a Hill couered with snow, which was sixe miles of height, where if the 30000. Souldiers had waited for them, they might easily haue taken them, by reason of the great cold: and from the top of that Hill, they discouered the Land of Mexico, and the great Lake, with his Villages round about, which is an exceeding goodly sight. But when Cortes saw that beautifull thing, his joy was without comparison.

There came twelue Lords from Mexico, among whom was Cacama, Nephew to Mutezuma, who was Lord of Tezcuco, a young man of fiue and twentie yeeres of age, whom the Indians did much honour: he was carried vpon their shoulders, and when they set him downe, one went be∣fore with a Broome to sweepe the dust out of his way. In this order hee came to Iztacpalapan. [ 20] Euery two houres came messengers betwixt Cortes and Mutezuma: then came Cuetleuac Lord of that Towne, with the Lord Culhuacan his Kinsman to receiue him, who presented vnto him slaues, garments, and feathers, and to the value of foure thousand Duckets in Gold. Cuetualac receiued all the Spaniards into his owne house, which hath very faire Lodgings all of stone, and Carpenters worke, exceeding well wrought, with high and low roomes, with all kind of ser∣uice: The chambers were hanged with cloth of Cotton very rich, after their manner. There were faire Gardens replenished with many sweet flowres, and sweet trees garnished with Net∣worke, made of Canes, and couered with Roses and other fine hearbes▪ with sundry ponds of sweet water. There was another Garden very beautifull of all sorts of fruits and hearbes, with a great pond walled with lime and stone, and was foure hundred paces square, made with faire [ 30] steps to descend vnto the bottome in many places, and was full of diuers kinds of fishes, and ma∣ny kind of water Birds, which sometimes couered the pond, as Guls, and Mewes, and such like. Iztacpallapan is a Towne of 10000. housholds, and is planted in a Lake of Salt-water, the one halfe of the Towne built on the water, and the other on the Land.

From Iztacpallapan to Mexico is two leagues all vpon a faire Calsey, vpon the which eight Horsemen may passe on ranke,* 1.2 and so directly straight as though it had beene made by line. And whosoeuer hath good eye-sight might discerne the gates of Mexico from thence. Coyoacan is a Towne of sixe thousand dwellers, Vizilopuchtli is of fiue thousand. These Townes are planted in the Lake, and are adorned with many Temples, which haue many faire Towres, that doe [ 40] beautifie exceedingly the Lake. There is great contractation of Salt, which is made there, and from thence is carried abroad to Faires and Markets, which thing was a great rent to Mutezu∣ma. Vpon this Calsey are many drawne Bridges built vpon faire arches, that the water passeth thorow.

Cortes passed this Calsey with 400. Spaniards, and 6000. Indians his friends: their passage was with much adoe, by reason of the great multitude of Indians which came to see him, and com∣ming neere the Citie, there adjoyned another Calsey with a broader passage, where standeth a strong Bulwarke of stone, of the heigth of two fathome with two Towres on each side, and two gates very strong. Here at this Fort came three thousand Courtiers and Citizens to receiue him, and euery of them touched the ground with his right hand and kissed it, and passed forwards in [ 50] the order as they came. These salutations endured an houre and more. From the Bulwarke the Calsey lyeth directly, and before the entrance into the street there is another draw Bridge made of timber ten paces broad, vnder the which the water passeth too and fro. At this Bridge came Mutezuma to receiue Cortes vnder a Canopie of greene feathers and gold,* 1.3 with much Argentery hanging thereat, which Canopie foure Noble-men did carrie. And the two Princes Cuetlauac and Cacama his Nephewes, did leade him by each arme: all three were rich apparelled and all of one fashion, except Mutezuma, which had a paire of shooes of gold beset with precious Stones, and the soles were tyed to the vpper part with latchets, as is painted of the Antikes. His Gentlemen went by two and two, layng downe and taking vp Mantles and Couerle••s vpon the ground, because his feet should not touch the same: then followed him as in Procession, 200. [ 60] Noblemen bare-footed, with garments of a richer Liuery then the first three thousand. Mute∣zuma came in the middest of the street, and the others came behind him as nigh the wall as they might, their faces towards the ground, for it was a great offence to looke him in the face. Cortes alighted from his Horse, and according to our vse went to embrace him, but the Princes who led

him by the armes, would not suffer him to come so nigh, for they held it for sinne to touch him, but yet saluted each one the other.

Cortes put about Mutezuma his necke a coller of Margarites, Diamonds, and other stones all of glasse. Mutezuma receiued it thankfully, and went before with one of the Princes his Ne∣phewes, and commanded the other to leade Cortes by the hand, next after him in the midst of the street: and proceeding forward in this order, then came the Gentlemen in the richest Liue∣ry to welcome him, one by one, touching the ground with their hands, and after returned to their standing. And if the Citizens had come as they requested, all that day would not haue serued for salutations. The coller of glasse pleased well Mutezuma, and because hee would not [ 10] take without giuing a better thing▪ as a great Prince, hee commanded to be brought two collers of red Prawnes, which are there much esteemed,* 1.4 and at euery one of them hanged eight Shrimps of gold, of excellent workmanship, and of a finger length euery one, he put these collers with his owne hands about Cortes his necke, the which was esteemed a most great fauour, yea and the Indians maruelled at it. At this time they were come to the street end, which was almost a mile long, broad, streight, and very faire, and full of houses on each side, in whose doores, win∣dowes and tops, was such a multitude of Indians to behold the strangers, that I know not who wondred most, our men to see such a number of them, or else they to see our men, their Ordnance and Horses, a thing so strange vnto them. They were brought vnto a great Court or house of I∣dols, which was the Lodging Axaiaca, at the doore whereof, Mutezuma tooke Cortes by the [ 20] hand, and brought him into a faire hall, and placed him vpon a rich Carpet, saying vnto him, Sir, now are you in your owne house, eate and take your rest and pleasure, for I will shortly come and visit you againe. Such (as you heare) was the receiuing of Hernando Cortes by Mutezuma a most mightie King, into his great and famous Citie of Mexico, the eight day of Nouember, 1519.

The house where the Spaniards were lodged was great and large,* 1.5 with many faire chambers sufficient for them all: it was neate, cleane matted, and hanged with Cloth of Cotton, and Feathers of many colours, pleasant to behold. When Mutezuma was departed from Cortes, hee beganne to set his house in order and placed the Ordnance at his doore, and hauing all his things in good sort, he went to a sumptuous Dinner that was prepared for him. Assoone as Mu∣tezuma had made an end of his Dinner, hearing that the Strangers were risen from the Table, [ 30] and reposed a while, then came hee to Cortes, saluting him, and sate downe by him. He gaue vnto him diuers Iewels of Gold Plate, Feathers, and many Garments of Cotton, both rich, well wouen, and wrought of strange colours, a thing comely, that did manifest his great∣nesse, and also confirme their imagination. This gift was deliuered honourably, and then be∣ganne his talke as followeth: Lords and Gentlemen, I doe much reioyce to haue in my house such valiant men as yee are, for to vse you with courtesie, and intreate you with honour, according to your desert and my estate. And where heretofore I desired that you should not come hither, the onely cause was, my people had a great feare to see you, for your gesture and grimme beards did terrifie them, yea, they reported that yee had such beasts as swallowed men, and that your com∣ming was from Heauen, bringing with you Lightning▪ Thunder, and Thunder-bolts, wherewith [ 40] you made the Earth to tremble and to shake, and that yee slue therewith whom yee pleased. But now I doe see and know that you are mortall men, and that yee are quiet and hurt no man: also I haue seene your Horses, which are but your Seruants, and your Gunnes like vnto shooting Trunkes. I doe now hold all for Fables and Lyes which haue beene reported of you, and I doe also accept you for my meere Kinsman. My Father told mee that hee had heard his forefathers say, of whom I doe dis∣cend, that they held opinion how they were not Naturals of this Land, but come hither by chance, in companie of a mightie Lord, who after a while that hee had abode here, they returned to their naturall soyle: After many yeeres expired, they cam•• againe for those whom they had left heere behind them,* 1.6 but they would not goe with them, because they had here inhabited, and had Wiues and Children, and great gouernment in the Land. Now these mightie Lords seeing that they were so stubborne, and would not returne with them, departed from them sore displeased, saying, that hee would send [ 50] his Children that should both rule and gouerne them, in Iustice, Peace, and ancient Religion. And for this consideration, wee haue alwayes suspected and beleeued, that such a people should come to rule and gouerne vs, and considering from whence you come, I doe thinke that you are they whom wee looked for, and the notice which the great Emperour Charles had for vs, who hath now sent you hither. Therefore Lord and Captaine, bee well assured, that wee will obey you, if there bee no feyned or deceitfull matter in your dealings, and will also diuide with you and yours all that we haue. And although this which I haue said were not onely for your vertue, fame, and deeds of valiant Gentle∣men, I would yet doe it for your worthinesse in the battailes of Tauasco, Teocazinco, and Chollolla, being so few, to ouercome so many.

[ 60] Now againe, if yee imagine that I am a God, and the walls and rooffes of my houses, and all my ves∣sell of seruice, to be of pure Gold, as the men of Zempoallan, Tlaxcallan, and Huexozinco, haue infor∣med you, it is not so, and I iudge you to bee so wise, that you giue no credit to such Fables. You shall also note, that through your comming hither, many of my subiects haue rebelled, and are become my

mortall enemies, but yet I purpose to breake their wings. Come feele you my bodie, I am of flesh and bone, a mortall man as other are, and no God, although as a King I doe esteeme my selfe, of grea∣ter dignitie and preheminence then others. My houses you doe also see, which are of timber and earth, and the principallest of Masons worke, therefore now you doe both know and see what odious lyers those Tale-bearers were. But troth it is, that Gold Plate, Feathers, Armour, Iewels, and other Riches. I haue in the Treasury of my Forefathers a long time preserued, as the vse of Kings is, all the which you and yours shall enioy at all times. And now it may please you to take your rest, for I know that you are weary of your iourney. Cortes with ioyfull countenance humbled himselfe, seeing some teares fall from Mutezuma his eyes, saying vnto him, vpon the trust I haue had in your clemencie, I insisted to come both to see, and talke with your Highnesse, and now I know that all are lyes which [ 10] hath beene told mee. The like your Highnesse hath heard reported of vs, assure your selfe, that the Emperour King of Spaine is your naturall Lord, whom yee haue expected, hee is the onely heire from whence your Linage doth proceed, and as touching the offer of your Highnesse treasure, I do most heartily thanke you.

After all this communication, Mutezuma demanded whether the bearded men which came with him; were either his vassals, or his slaues, because hee would entertayne each one accor∣ding to his estate.* 1.7 Cortes answered, that they were all his brethren, friends, and fellowes, ex∣cept some that were his seruants.

Then he departed, and went home to his Palace, and there informed himselfe particularly who were Gentlemen, and who were not, and according thereunto, sent euery one particular [ 20] gift or present. To the Gentlemen he sent his reward by his Comptroller, and to the Mariners and other Seruitors, by a Page of his houshold.

Mutezuma was a man of a small stature, and leane, his colour tawnie as all the Indians are.* 1.8 Hee had long haire on his head, sixe little haires vpon him, as though they had beene put in with a Bodkin. His thinne beard was blacke. Hee was a man of a faire condition, and a doer of Iustice, well spoken, graue and wise, beloued and feared among his subjects. Mu∣tezuma doth signifie Sadnesse.

* 1.9To the proper names of Kings and Lords, they doe adde this syllable Cin, which is for courte∣sie and dignitie, as we vse Lord. The Turke vseth Zultan. The Moore or Barbarian calleth his Lord Mulley,* 1.10 and so the Indians say Mutezumazin, His people had him in such reuerence, [ 30] that hee permitted none to sit in his sight, nor yet in his presence to weare shooes, nor looke him in the face, except very few Princes. Hee was glad of the conuersation of the Spaniards, and would not suffer them to stand on foote, for the great estimation hee had of them, and if hee liked any of the Spaniards garments, hee would exchange his apparell for theirs. He changed his owne apparell foure times euery day, and hee neuer clothed himselfe againe with the Garments which hee had once worne,* 1.11 but all such were kept in his Guard∣robe, for to giue in Presents to his Seruants and Ambassadours, and vnto valiant Soul∣diers which had taken any enemy Prisoner, and that was esteemed a great reward, and a title of priuiledge. The costly Mantles whereof had beene diuers sent to Cortes, were of the same Guardrobe.

* 1.12Mutezuma went alwayes very neate and fine in his attyre. Hee bathed him in his Hot-house [ 40] foure times euery day. Hee went seldome out of his Chamber, but when hee went to his meate. Hee eate alwayes alone, but solemnely, and with great abundance. His Table was a Pillow, or else a couple of coloured Skinnes. His Chaire was a foure-footed stoole made of one piece, and hollow in the middest, well wrought and painted. His Table-clothes, Napkins, and Towels, were made of Cotton-wooll, very white and new, for hee was neuer serued but once with that Naperie. Foure hundred Pages brought in his meate, all sonnes of great Lords, and placed it vpon a Table in his great Hall.* 1.13 The meate being brought in, then came Mutezuma to behold the Dishes, and appointed those Dishes that liked him best, and Chafing-dishes were prepared to keepe that meate warme, and seldome would he eate of any other Dish, except the [ 50] Lord Steward or Comptroller should highly commend any other Dish.

Before hee sate downe, came twentie of his Wiues of the fairest and best esteemed, or else those that serued weekly by turne,* 1.14 brought in the Bason and Ewre, with great hum∣blenesse. This done, hee sate him downe, and then came the Lord Steward, and drew a woodden Nette before him, because none should come nigh his Table. And this Noble man alone placed the Dishes, and also tooke them away, for the Pages who brought in the meate, came not neere the Table, nor yet spake any worde, nor no man else.

While the Lord Mutezuma was at his meate, except some Ieaster, they all serued him bare-footed.* 1.15 There assisted alwayes somewhat a farre off, sixe ancient and Noblemen, vnto [ 60] whom he vsed to giue of the Dish that best liked him, who receiued the same at his hand with great reuerence, and eate it incontinent, without looking in his face, which was the grea∣test humilitie that they could vse before him.* 1.16 Hee had musicke of Fiddle, Flute, and of a

Snaile-shell, and a Cauldron couered with a skinne, and such other strange Instruments. They had very euill voyces to sing. Alwayes at dinner time he had Dwarfes, crooke-backes, and other deformed counterfeits, all for maiestie and to laugh at, who had their meate in the Hall among the Iesters and Idiots,* 1.17 which were fed with part of the meate that came from Mutezuma his table, all the rest of the meate was giuen to three thousand of the guard, who attended ordi∣narily in the yard or Court, and therefore they say that there was brought for his Table three thousand dishes, and as many pots of wine, such as they vse, and that continually the Buttrey and Pantrey stood open, which was a wonder to see what was in them. The platters, dishes, and cups, were all of earth, whereof the King was serued but once, and so from meale to meale new. He had likewise his seruice of Gold and Plate very rich, but hee vsed not to bee serued with it [ 10] (they say) because hee would not bee serued twice therewith, the which hee thought a base thing.* 1.18

Some affirme, that young children were slaine and dressed in diuers kinde of dishes for Mute∣zuma his table, but it was not so, onely of mans flesh sacrificed he fed now and then.* 1.19 The table being taken vp, then came againe the Gentlewomen to bring water for his hands, with the like reuerence as they vsed at the first, and then went they to dinner with the other wiues, so that then the Gentlemen and Pages waited as their course fell.

When his table was taken vp, and his Seruitors gone to meate, Mutezuma sate still: then came in the suiters that had any affaires to deale with him, bare-footed, for all the persons did [ 20] vse that reuerence, except some Princes his Kinsmen, as the Lords of Tescuco, and Tlacopan, and a few others: and beeing cold weather,* 1.20 they vsed to weare olde ragged clothes vpon their rich garments. All suiters vsed to make three or foure courtesies, not looking toward his face, and speaking vnto him their heads dowwards, and in that order retyred backe againe. Mutezuma answered his suiters very grauely, with low voyce, and in few words, and not to all suiters, for others his Secretaries or Counsellers that stood by, answered for him, and hauing their answere, they returned backwards, not turning their tailes to the Prince. After these businesses done, he vsed some recreation, hearing Iesters or Songs, wherein he delighted much,* 1.21 or else to looke vpon the Players, who play with their feet, as we doe with our hands. These haue a cudgell like vn∣to a Pastlers rowler, which they tosse high and low as it were a ball in the Ayre, strange to be∣hold. [ 30] They vse other Playes to passe the time, in such an order,* 1.22 that it seemed maruellous to the lookers on. Cortes brought into Spaine some of these Players. Also they vse Matachines, in such sort they doe play, that there stand each vpon other shoulders, and hee that standeth highest, sheweth many feates. Sometime Mutezuma did behold the Players, who played at a game cal∣led Pacoliztli, which is much like our Tables, and they play with beanes, squared like Dice, which they call Patolli, and throw them out of both their hands vpon a matte, or else vpon the ground, where are made certain strikes, vpon which they set downe the chance that is throwne: and at this game they play all that they haue, and many times they value their owne bodies, and play that into captiuitie, and to remayne a slaue, I meane, such as are common Gamesters of small estate.

[ 40] Sometimes Mutezuma went to the Tennis Court. Their ball is celled Villamaliztli, and is made of the gumme which commeth from a tree called Vlli.* 1.23 This tree groweth in a hot Coun∣trey. The gumme being kneaded together, and so made round, is as blacke as pitch, and some∣what heauie, and very hard for the hand, but yet good and light to rebound, and better then our wind-bals. They play not at Chases, but at Bandy, or at Check, that is, if the ball touch the wall it looseth. They may strike the ball with any part of their body, but there is alwayes a penaltie if they onely strike not with the buttocke or side, which is the finest play: whereof they vse a skinne vpon each buttocke. They play so many to so many for a packe of Mantles, or according to the abilitie of the Players. Also they play for gold and feathers, and sometime for their owne bodies, as they vse at Patolli, which is there permitted and lawfull. The Tennis Court is called Tlachco, and is a Hall long and narrow, but wider vpwards, then downewards, [ 50] and higher on the sides then at the ends, which is an industry for their play. The house is alwayes white and smooth in the side walles they haue certaine stones like vnto Milstones, with a little hole in the middest that passeth through the stone, the hole is so small, that scarcely the ball may passe through, but he that chanceth to strike the ball into the hole, which seldometh happeneth, winneth the game, and by an ancient Law and custome among Tennis Players, he ought to haue the Cloakes of all those that stand and behold the play, on that side that the ball went in, and in some Tennis Courts, the halfe of the garments of them that stand looking on. The Winner is then bound to make certaine Sacrifice to the God of the Tennis play, and to the stone where the ball entred. The beholders of the play would say, that such a Winner should be a Thiefe and an Adulterer, or else that he should die quickly.

[ 60] They vsed in the Temple of the Tennis play, two Images of the God of the Ball,* 1.24 which stood vpon the two lower walles. The Sacrifice was celebrated at mid-night, with many Ceremonies and Witch-crafts, and Songs for that purpose. Then came a Priest from the Cathedrall Church, with other Religious persons to blesse the Sacrifice, saying certain deuillish Prayers, and throw∣ing

the ball foure times in the Tennis Court. In this order was the Tennis play consecrated, and after this consecration it was lawfull to play, or else not, for this diligence was first to bee done when any Tennis Court or play was newly built. The owner of the Tennis Court also would neuer suffer any to play, vntill he had first offered something to the Idoll, their Superstition was so great.

* 1.25Mutezuma had many houses as well in Mexico as without, for his recreation and pleasure, as also for his ordinary dwelling. To write of all it should bee tedious, but where his continuall abiding was,* 1.26 he named Tepac, that is to say, Palace. And that Palace had twentie doores or gates which had their out-comming into the common streets. It hath three Courts, and in the one standeth a faire Fountaine, many Hals, and a hundred Chambers of twentie three, and thirtie foot [ 10] long, an hundred Bathes and Hot-houses: and although the building was without nayles, yet very good workmanship. The walles were made of Masons worke, and wrought of Mar∣ble, Iaspe, and other blacke stone, with veines of red, like vnto Rubies and other Stones, which glistered very faire: the roofes were wrought of Timber, and curiously carued: the Timber was Cedar, Cypresse, and Pine-tree: the Chambers were painted and hung with Cloth of Cotton, and Cloth made of Conies haire and feathers. The beds were poore and of no value, for they were nothing but Mantles laid vpon Mats, or vpon Hay, or else Mats alone: few men lay with in those Houses.

* 1.27There were a thousand women, and some affirme that there were three thousand, accounting Gentlewomen, Seruants and Slaues: the most were Noblemens Daughters, Mutezuma tooke of [ 20] them for his selfe, those that liked him best, and the others he gaue in mariage to Gentlemen his Seruants. The saying was, that hee had at one time a hundred and fiftie women his wiues with childe, who through the perswasion of the Deuill, tooke Medicines to cast their creatures, be∣cause they knew that they should not inherit the State: these his wiues, had many old women for their Guard, for no man was permitted to looke vpon them.

* 1.28The shield of Armes that is set in his Palace, and likewise carried to the Warres, is an Eagle soaring vpon a Tigre his tallons, bent as taking prey. Some thinke it is a Gryffon and not an Eagle. The Griffons in time past, say they, did cause the Vale of Auacatlan to bee dispeopled, for they were great deuourers of men, and that their abiding was in the Mountaines of Teoacan: they approue that these Mountaines were called Cuitlachtepelt, of Cuitlachtli, which is a Gryffon, [ 30] bigger then a Lion: but the Spaniards did neuer see any of them. The Indians by their old Pi∣ctures doe paint those Gryffons to haue a kind of haire and no feathers, and also affirme, that with their tallons and teeth they breake mens bones. They haue the courage of a Lion, and the countenance of an Eagle: they paint him with foure feet, and teeth, with a kinde of downe, more like wooll then feathers, with his beake, tallons, and wings. There are also other Lords that giue the Gryffon in their Armes, flying with a heart in his tallons.

* 1.29Mutezuma had another house, with very good lodgings and faire galleries, built vpon Pillars of Iaspe which extendeth toward a goodly Garden, in the which there are ten ponds or moe, some of salt-water for Sea-fowle, and other some of fresh water for Riuer-fowle, and Lake-fowle, which ponds are deuised with sluces to emptie and to fill at their pleasure, for the clean∣nesse [ 40] of the feathers. There is such a number of Fowle that scarcely the ponds may hold them, and of such diuers kindes both in feathers and making, as sure it was an admiration for the Spa∣niards to behold, for the most of them they knew not, nor yet had at any time seene the like. And to euery kind of Fowle they gaue such bayte as they were wont to feede of in the Fields or Riuers. There did belong to that house three hundred persons of seruice some were to clense the ponds: other some did fish for baite: other some serued them with meate: other did loose them and trimme their feathers: others had care to looke to their Egges: others to set them abrood: others cured them when they were sicke: and the principallest Of∣fice was to plucke the Feathers: for of them was made rich Mantles, Tapissary, Tar∣gets, tuffes of Feathers, and many other things wrought with Gold and Siluer: a most per∣fit [ 50] worke.

* 1.30There is another House with large quarters and lodgings, which is called a House for Fowle, not because there are more then in the other, but because they bee bigger and to hawke with all, and are Fowle of rapine, wherefore they are esteemed as more nobler then all the others.

There are in this House many high Hals, in the which are kept men, women and children: in some of them are kept such as are borne white of colour:* 1.31 which doth very seldome happen: in other some are Dwarfes, Crooked-backes, Burstenmen, Counterfeites, and monstrous Per∣sons, in great number: they say, that they vsed to deforme them when they were Chil∣dren, to set forth the Kings greatnesse: euery of these persons were in seuerall Halles by [ 60] themselues.

* 1.32In the lower Halles were great Cages made of timber: in some of them were Lions, in o∣ther Tigres, in other Ounces, in others Wolues: in conclusion, there was no foure-footed beast that wanted there, onely to the effect that the mightie Mutezuma might say that hee had such

things in his house. They were fed with their ordinary, as Ginea cockes, Deere, Dogges, and such like.

There was also in other Hals great earthen vessels, some with earth, and some with wa∣ter, wherein were Snakes, as grosse as a mans thigh, Vipers, Crocodiles,* 1.33 which they call Cay∣manes, or Lizarts of twenty foote long, with such Scales and head as a Dragon hath: Also other little Lizarts, and other venemous Beasts and Serpents as well of the water as of the land, a terrible sight for the lookers on.

There were also other Cages for foule of rapine of all sorts, as Hawkes, Kites, Boyters,* 1.34 and at the least nine or ten kinde of Haukes. This house of foule had of daily allowance fiue hundred [ 10] Gynea cockes, and three hundred men of seruice, besides the Falconers and Hunters, which are infinite. There were many other sorts of Foules that our men knew not, which seemed by their beake and talents good to Hauke withall.

To the Snakes and other venemous Beasts they gaue the bloud of men sacrificed, to feede them, and some say, they gaue vnto them mans flesh, which the great Lizarts doe eate ve∣ry well. The Spaniards saw the floore couered with bloud like a iellie in a Slaughter-house, it stunke horribly. It was strange to see the Officers in this House, how euery one was oc∣cupied. Our men tooke great pleasure in beholding such strange things, but they could not away with the roaring of the Lyons, the fearefull hissing of the Snakes and Adders, the dolefull howling and barking of the Wolues, the sorrowfull yelling of the Ownzes [ 20] and Tigres, when they would haue meate. Most certaine, in the night season it seemed a Dungeon of Hell, and a dwelling place of the Deuill, and euen so it was indeede,* 1.35 for neere at hand was a Hall of a hundred and fiftie foote long, and thirty foote broad, where was a Chappell with the Roofe of Siluer and Gold in leafe Wainescotted, and decked with great store of Pearle and Stone, as Agattes, Cornerines, Emeralds, Rubies, and diuers other sorts, and this was the Oratory where Mutezuma prayed in the night season, and in that Chappell the Deuill did appeare vnto him, and gaue him answere according to his prayers.

He had other houses like vnto Barnes, onely for the feathers of foules,* 1.36 and for mantels which proceeded of his rents and tributes, a thing much to be seene: vpon the doores was set his armes, [ 30] which was a Conie. Here dwelled the chiefe Officers of his house, as Treasurer, Controller, Re∣ceiuers and other officers appertaining to the Kings reuenews.* 1.37 Mutezuma had no house wherein was not an Oratorie for the Deuill, whom they worshipped for the Iewels there. And therefore those houses were great and large.

Mutezuma had some houses of Armor, vpon the doores wherof stood a Bowe and Arrows. In these houses was great store of all kinde of Munition which they vse in their wars: as Bowes,* 1.38 Arrowes, Slings, Launces, Darts, Clubbes, Swords and Bucklers, and gallant Targets more trim then strong, Skuls and Splints, but not manie, and all made of wood, gilt or couered with lea∣ther. The wood whereof they make their Armour and Targets, is verie hard and strong,* 1.39 for they vse to toast it at the fire, and at their Arrow ends they enclose a little peece of Flint stone, [ 40] or a peece of a Fish bone called Libisa, and that is venemous, for if any be hurt therewith and the head remaine in the wound, it so festereth, that it is almost incurable.

Their Swords are of wood, and the edge thereof is of flint stone, enclosed or ioyned into a staffe, with a certaine kinde of glew which is made of a roote called Zacolt, and Teuxalli,* 1.40 which is a kinde of strong sand, whereof they make a mixture, and after kneade it with bloud of Bats or Rearemice, and other Foule, which doth glew maruellous strong, and lightly neuer vnclea∣ueth: of this stuffe, they make nailes, pearcers, and augers, wherewith they bore Timber and stone: with their Swords they cut Speares, yea and a Horse necke at a blow, and made dents in∣to Iron, which seemed a thing vnpossible and incredible. In the Citie no man may weare wea∣pon, but onely in warres, hunting, and among the Kings Guard.

[ 50] Besides the foresaid houses, he had manie others for his onely recreation and pastime,* 1.41 with ex∣cellent faire Gardens of medicinall Hearbes, sweete Flowers, and Trees of delectable sauour. In that Garden were a thousand personages, made and wrought artificially of leaues and flow∣ers. Mutezuma would not permit that in this Garden should be any kinde of pot Hearbes,* 1.42 or things to be sold, saying, that it did not appertaine to Kings to haue things of profit, among their delights and pleasures, for such things (said he) did appertaine to Merchants. Yet not∣withstanding he had Orchards with manie and sundrie fruites, but they stood farre from the Citie, and whither seldome times he went:* 1.43 he had likewise out of Mexico pleasant houses in Woods and Forrests, of great compasse, enuironed with water, in the which he had Fountaines, Riuers, Ponds with fish, Warrens of Conies, Rockes and couert where were Harts, Bucks, Hares, [ 60] Foxes, Wolues, and such like, with wildernesse for euerie sort. To these places the Lords of Mexico vsed to goe and sport themselues, such and so many were the houses of Mutezuma, wherein few Kings were equall with him.

He had daily attending vpon him in his priuate Guard, sixe hundred Noblemen and Gentle∣men,

and each of them three or foure seruants,* 1.44 and some had twentie seruants or moe, according to his estate: and in this manner he had three thousand men attendant in his Court, and some affirme more, all the which were fed in his house of the meate that came from his table. The seruing men alwaies abode below in the Court all the day, and went not from thence till after Supper.

It is to be thought that his Guard was the greater, because the strangers were there, although in effect of truth it is most certaine,* 1.45 that all the Lords that are vnder the Mexicall Empire (as they say) are thirtie persons of high estate, who are able to make each of them a hundred thou∣sand men. There are three thousand Lords of Townes, who haue many vassals. These Noble∣men did abide in Mexico certaine times of the yeare,* 1.46 in the Court of Mutezuma, and could not depart from thence without especiall licence of the Emperour, leauing each of them a sonne [ 10] or brother behinde them for securitie of rebellion, and for this cause they had generally houses in the Citie: such and so great was the Court of Mutezuma.

* 1.47There is not in all the Dominions of Mutezuma any subiect that paieth not tribute vnto him. The Noblemen pay their tribute in personall seruice. The Husbandmen called Maceualtin, with body and goods. In this sort they are either Tenants, or else heires to their possessions. Those which are heires, doe pay one third part of all their fruite and commoditie that they doe reape or bring vp, as Dogges, Hennes, Foule, Conies, Gold, Siluer, Stones, Salt, Waxe, Honie, Mantels, Feathers, Cotten, and a certaine fruite called Cacao, that serueth for money, and also to eate. Also all kinde of Graine, and Garden Hearbes, and Fruites, whereof they doe main∣taine [ 20] themselues.

The Tenants doe pay monethly, or yearely, as they can agree, and because their tribute is great, they are called slaues, for when they may haue licence to eate Egges, they thinke it a great fauour. It was reported that they were taxed what they should eate, and all the residue was taken from them.* 1.48 They went verie poorely cloathed, yea and the most of their treasure was an earthen Pot, wherein they boiled their Hearbes, a couple of Milstones to grinde their Corne, and a Mat to lye vpon. They did not onely paie this Rent, and Tribute, but also serued with their bodies at all times when the great King should command. They were in such great sub∣iection to their Prince, that they durst not speake one word although their daughters should be taken from them to be vsed at pleasure. All the aforesaid rents they brought to Mexico vpon their backes, and in Boates, I meane so much as was necessarie for the prouision of the House and [ 30] Court of Mutezuma, all the rest was spent among Souldiers, and bartred for Gold, Plate, Preci∣ous stones, and other rich Iewels, esteemed of Princes, all the which was brought to the Treasu∣rie. In Mexico was large and great Barnes and Houses to receiue and keepe the Corne for proui∣sion of the Citie,* 1.49 with Officers, and vnderofficers, who did receiue the same, and kept account thereof in Bookes of painted figures.

And in euery Towne was a Receiuer, who bare in his hand a rod or a bush of Feathers, and those gaue vp their accounts in Mexico.* 1.50 If any such had beene taken with deceit and falshood, death was his reward, yea and his kinred punished with penalties, as of a linage of a traitour to his Prince. The Husbandmen, if they paid not well their Tribute, were apprehended for the [ 40] same, and if they were found to be poore through sicknesse and infirmitie, then they were borne withall, but if they were found to be lazie and sloathfull, they should be vsed accordingly: but in conclusion, if they paied it not at a day appointed, then they should be sold for slaues to pay their debt, or else be sacrificed.

There were many other Prouinces, which paid a certaine portion, and reknowledged seruice, but this Tribute was more of honour then profit. In this sort Mutezuma had more then suffiti∣ent to prouide his house and wars, and to heape vp great store in his Treasury. Moreouer, he spent nothing in the building of his houses, for of long time he had certaine Townes that paid no other Tribute,* 1.51 but onely to worke and repaire continually his Houses at their owne proper cost, and paid all kinde of workemen carrying vpon their backes, or drawing in sleds, Stone, Lime, [ 50] Timber, Water, and all other necessaries for the worke. Likewise they were bound to prouide all the firewood that should be spent in the Court, which was a great thing, and did amount to two hundred and thirty weight a day, which was fiue hundred mens burdens, and some dayes in the winter much more. And for the Kings Chimneys they brought the barke of Oake trees, which wes best esteemed for the light thereof, for they were great Sorcerers. Mu∣tezuma had one hundred Cities with their Prouinces, of whom he receiued Rents, Tributes, and V••ssalage, where he maintained Garrison of Souldiers, and had Treasurers in each of them.

His dominion did extend from the North sea to the South sea, and six hundred miles in lon∣gitude within the maine Land, although in very deede there were some Townes, as Tlaxcal∣lon, [ 60] Mechuacan, Panuco, and Teocantepec, which were his enemies, and paid him neither Tribute nor Seruice: but yet the Ransome was much, when any of them was taken. Also there were o••her Kings and Noblemen, as of Texcuto, and Tlacopan, which were not in subiection vn∣to

him, but onely in homage and obedience, for they were of his owne linage, vnto whom Mu∣tezuma married his Daughters.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Purgatory▪
• * 1.2

  The solemne pompe where∣with Cortes was receiued into Mexico.
• * 1.3

  Mutezumas state and Ma∣iestie.
• * 1.4

  Spaniards giue gawdy glas••e for gold and glory.
• * 1.5

  The Oration of Mutezuma to the Spa∣niards.
• * 1.6

  A strange opi∣nion.
• * 1.7

  A louing an∣swer••.
• * 1.8

  Mutezuma de∣scribed.
• * 1.9

  Cin.
• * 1.10

  Title Cin.
• * 1.11

  Change of Apparell.
• * 1.12

  His Wardrobe. His diet••rites.
• * 1.13

  Magnificent attendance.
• * 1.14

  His wiues.
• * 1.15

  Bare-foot ser∣uice.
• * 1.16

  Musicke.
• * 1.17

  Iesters.
• * 1.18

  Plate.
• * 1.19

  Mans flesh.
• * 1.20

  State ceremo∣nies.
• * 1.21

  Iesters and Players.
• * 1.22

  Games.
• * 1.23

  The Tennis play in Mexico.
• * 1.24

  God of the Ball.
• * 1.25

  His Palace.
• * 1.26

  Twentie doores.

  Three Courts. Hals, cham∣bers, wals, &c.
• * 1.27

  Multitude of women.
• * 1.28

  His Armes hee after saith a Conie was his armes, but this Eagle was ge∣nerall to all the Mexican Kings Gryffon-tale.
• * 1.29

  A house of fowle, which were only pre∣serued for
• * 1.30

  their feathers. A house of fowle for haw∣king and other strange things.
• * 1.31

  White men.
• * 1.32

  Wild beasts.
• * 1.33

  Snakes, &c.
• * 1.34

  Foules of prey
• * 1.35

  Deuils den.
• * 1.36

  Store-houses.
• * 1.37

  Officers.
• * 1.38

  The Armory of Mutezuma.
• * 1.39

  Wood for Armes.
• * 1.40

  Wodden Swords with stone edges.
• * 1.41

  The Gardens of Mutezuma.
• * 1.42

  Note of a magnificent minde.
• * 1.43

  Houses of plea∣sure.
• * 1.44

  The Court and Guard of Mu∣tezuma.
• * 1.45

  Great Vassals.
• * 1.46

  State-caution.
• * 1.47

  Tributes and subiection of the Indians to their King.
• * 1.48

  Pouerty of the Tenants.
• * 1.49

  See our picture booke.
• * 1.50

  Receiuers.
• * 1.51

  Tribute of mens labours.