The Pleasant Historie Of The Conquest Of The Vveast India, Now Called New Spayne - free ebook by Francisco López de Gómara

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The Pleasant Historie Of The Conquest Of The Vveast India, Now Called New Spayne

Francisco López de Gómara

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153 chapters

Preface

Preface

Whilest I abode (right Honorable) in the Isle of Palma, in affaires of merchandize for the vvorshipfull Thomas Locke deceased, and his company, time then permitted me, to haue cōference vvith auncient gentlemen vvhiche had serued in the Conquest of the vveft India, novve called nevve Spaine, vnder the princely Captaine Hernando Cortez . By vvhom as present vvitnesses at many of the actes herein contayned, I vvas credibly informed, that this delectable and vvorthy Historie is a most true and iust

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The Byrth and lynage of Hernando Cortez.

The Byrth and lynage of Hernando Cortez.

In the yeare of our Sauiour, 1485. being kings of Castill and Aragon , the Catholike princes Fernando and Isabell his wyfe, was borne Hernando Cortez in a towne called Medellin , situated in the prouince of Andulozia : his Father was named Martyn Cortez de Monroy , &amp; his mother was called Lady Katherin Pisarro Altamirano , they were bothe of good byrth, and procéeded from foure principall houses, that is to say, the house of Cortez , the house of Monroy , the house of Pisarro , and the h

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The age of Cortez vvhen he passed into India.

The age of Cortez vvhen he passed into India.

Hernando Cortez was of the age of nintéene yeares, in the yeare of Christ 1504. and then he went toward India , and agréed for his passage and victual with Alonso Quintezo who went in companie of other four shippes laden with merchandise, whiche nauie departed from saint Lucas de Barramedo , with prosperous nauigation, vntyll they arriued at the Iland of Gomera one of the Canarie Ilands, where they did prouide themselues of all things necessarie for so long a voyage as they then had in hand. Alo

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The time that Cortez abode in Santo Domingo.

The time that Cortez abode in Santo Domingo.

Soone after that the Gouernoure Ouando was in his regimente and office, Cortez arriued at Santo Domingo , and the Gouernoures Secretarie, called Medina , receyued and lodged him, and also enformed him of the estate of the Iland, and aduised hym what was néedefull to doe, wishing that hée would be a dweller there, and that he should haue a plot to build vpon, with certaine ground for husbandry. But Cortez his thought was cleane contrary, for hée iudged, that as soone as he came thither, he should

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Things that happened to Cortez in the Ilande of Cuba.

Things that happened to Cortez in the Ilande of Cuba.

The Lorde Iames Colori being Admirall and chiefe Gouernour of the new India , sent one Iaymes Velasques to conquer the Ilande of Cuba , in the yeare .1511. And gaue vnto him men, Armour, and other thinges necessarie. And then Hernando Cortez wente to that conquest as a Clearke to the Treasorer called Michaell de Passamontes , for to kéepe the accompts of the Kings fiftes and reuenewes, being so intreated and required by the same Iaymes Velasques , bycause he was holden for a man both able and di

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The discouerie of nevv Spayne.

The discouerie of nevv Spayne.

Fraunces Hernandes de Cordoua did first discouer Xucatan , going with thrée Shyps for Indians , or else to barter. These Shippes were sette forthe by Christopher Morante , and Lope Ochoa de Saizedo , in Anno .1517. And although he broughte home nothing at that time but stripes, yet he broughte perfect relation, how the Countrey was rich of gold and siluer, and the people of the countrey clothed. Then Iames Velasques Gouernoure of the Iland of Cuba , sent the next yeare following his kinsman, cal

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The Inuentory.

The Inuentory.

They also brought newes that there were Amazons women of warre, in certaine Ilandes, and manye gaue credit, being amazed at the things that they had brought bartered for things of a vile price: as here-vnder appeareth the Merchandise that they gaue for al the aforesaid Iewels....

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The determination of Cortez to prepare a Nauie for discouerie.

The determination of Cortez to prepare a Nauie for discouerie.

Bycause Iohn de Grijalua was absent a lōger season than was Francisco Hernandez de Cordoua , before his returne, or giuing aduise of his procéedings, the gouernoure Valasques prepared a Caruel, and therein sent one Christofer de Olid , for to séeke Grijalua with succor if néed wer, and gaue Olid great charge, that he should returne with newes from Grijalua with all spéede. But this messenger taried but a small while vpon his voyage, and saw but little of Yucatan , and not fynding Grijalua , he r

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The nauie and men that Cortez caried with him to the Conquest.

The nauie and men that Cortez caried with him to the Conquest.

Cortez departed from Saint Iames de Barocoa with small prouision of victuals for suche a number of men, and also for the nauigation whyche as yet was vncertaine. And beeyng out of that parte, he sent Pedro Xuarez Gallinato with a Caruell to Iaymaica for vittailes, commaunding him, that those things which he should there buy, to goe therwith to Cape de Corrientes , or to S. Anthonies point, which is the farthest part of that Iland Westward. And he himselfe wente with his companye to Macaca , and

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The Oration that Cortez made to his Souldiers.

The Oration that Cortez made to his Souldiers.

My louing fellowes and déere friendes, it is certayne that euery valiant manne of stoute courage, doth procure by déedes to make him selfe equall with the excellente men of his time, yea and with those that were before his time. So it is, that I do now take in hād such an enterprise, as godwilling shall be héereafter of greate fame, for myne heart doth pronosticate vnto mée, that we shall winne greate and rich Countreys, and manye people, as yet neuer séene to anye of oure nation, yea and (I bel

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The entrance of Cortez into the Iland of Acusamill.

The entrance of Cortez into the Iland of Acusamill.

With the aforesayd communication, Cortez gaue great hope to his cōpany of waightie matters, yea and great admiration of his person, so that all his company had an earnest desire to procéede on that iorney. And Cortez likewise reioyced, to sée his men so willing: and incontinente, they embarqued themselues, and after their prayers made vnto God, hoysed vp their sayles, and with faire winde departed the eighttenth day of Februarie Anno 1519. And beyng at Sea, he willed all his nauie (as the vse is

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The Indians of Acusamil gaue nevves to Cortez of certaine bearded men.

The Indians of Acusamil gaue nevves to Cortez of certaine bearded men.

Now Cortez seeing these Indians quiet and wel pleased, and also very seruiceable, he did determyne to take away theyr Idols, and to giue them a remembraunce of Iesu Christ borne of the Virgin Mary, by one Melchior a fisher man and very rustical, who had bin ther before with Francisco Hernandez de Cordoua , who declared vnto them, that Cortez his Lord and captaine would enforme them of a better god, and better lawes, than those which they maintained. The Indians answered, that they were contented

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A miraculous chaunce hovv Geronimo de Aguilao came to Cortez.

A miraculous chaunce hovv Geronimo de Aguilao came to Cortez.

Calachuni and all his subiectes were full of heauinesse (as it semed) with the departure of the Christians, bycause they were wel vsed at their handes. From Acusamil the fleete sayled to get the coast of Yucatan to the cape called Womens point, with prosperous weather, &amp; there Cortez came to an Anker, desirous to sée the disposition of the lande, and the manner of the people: but it liked him not, so that y e next day folowing being shrouetuisday, he departed, meaning to double the sayde

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The Iland of Acusamil.

The Iland of Acusamil.

The Indians naturall of that countrey do cal their Ilande Acusamil , &amp; corruptlye Cosumel . Iohn de Grijalua was y e first Spaniard that apported there, and named it the holy Roode, bycause hee fell in sighte therof on holy roade daye. It cōtayneth ten leagues in length &amp; thrée leagues in breadth, although some say more, some lesse: it standeth twentye degrées on this side the equator, and fiue leagues from the womēs cape: it hath thrée villages, in y e which liueth nere 3 thousa

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The religion of the people of Acusamil.

The religion of the people of Acusamil.

The temple is like vnto a square Toure broad at the foote, &amp; steps round about it, &amp; from y e middest vpward very straight: the top is hollow &amp; couered with straw: it hath foure windowes with frontals and galleries. In y t holow place is their chappel, wheras their Idols do stand. The temple that stoode by the sea side was such a one, in the which was a maruellous straunge Idol, and differed muche from all the rest, although they haue manye and of diuerse fashions. The bo

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The Battell and vvinning of Potonchan.

The Battell and vvinning of Potonchan.

Cortez procéeded with his Fléete very ioyfull, bycause he had found one of his Ships which hée thought had bin lost, &amp; aported at the riuer de Grijalua , whiche in the Indian tong is called Tauasco , and anckred at the riuers mouth, fearing to enter in with the bigger vessels ouer the barre: and incontinente came manye Indians to gaze at them and theyr Shippes, who were armed with feathers, and suche lyke armour as they vse, séeming a farre off trimme fellowes. They wondered not muche to

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The Battell of Cintla.

The Battell of Cintla.

Al y t nighte Cortez slept not, but rather occupyed himselfe in carrying the wounded men, &amp; other stuffe aboord y e Shyps, &amp; also to disenbarke thirtéene Horses, &amp; the residue of his mē y t he had left aboord, y t which he brought to passe before the sunne rising, although the Tauascans had notice thereof. Whē the sunne was risen, he had with his company made vnto God their prayers, and mustered his men, where were at that time in Campe néere fiue hundred Spanyardes, thir

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The Lord Tauasco submitteth himselfe to the Christians.

The Lord Tauasco submitteth himselfe to the Christians.

Cortez released some of hys prisoners and sent them to their Lorde, saying that it grieued him the hurt done on both parties, but the fault was theirs. And that god was witnesse of hys innocencie and also of hys curtesie offered vnto thē. But notwithstanding all that was paste, he pardoned their errour with suche condition, That if in continent or within two dayes, theyr Lorde woulde come vnto him, to yéelde satisfaction of their malice and stubbornesse, and to treate of peace and friendship, wa

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Certaine questions that Cortez demaunded of the Cacike Tauasco.

Certaine questions that Cortez demaunded of the Cacike Tauasco.

Many things passed betweene our men &amp; the Indians : for where the Indians vnderstood thē not, their behauiour was much to laugh at. And vsing conuersation with our men, &amp; seeing they receiued no hurte of them, they brought to the towne their wiues and children, which were no smal number. And among many matters that Cortez communed with Tauasco by the mouth of Ieronimo de Aguila his enterpreter: The first question was: Whether there wer mynes of gold or siluer in that countrey, an

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Hovv the Indians of Potonchan brake downe their Idols, and worshipped Christ crucified.

Hovv the Indians of Potonchan brake downe their Idols, and worshipped Christ crucified.

With the relation of Tauasco , Cortez sawe that the countrey was not for Spaniardes, nor yet he toke it a thing conueniente to settle themselues where no golde nor siluer was, or other riches. And so pretended to passe forwardes to discouer westward the lande endewed with golde. But before his departure, he declared to those new conquered Indians , that the Lord in whose name he and hys company had taken that iourney was king of Spayne and Emperour of Christians, and the greatest Prince in the w

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The good entertainement that Cortez had in Saint Iohn de Vlhua.

The good entertainement that Cortez had in Saint Iohn de Vlhua.

Captaine Cortez and his company beeyng embarked, sayled weastwards as nye the shoar as thei might. And this coast hauing no harbors, they founde no place where they might Anker safely with their greater vessels, vntil they arriued vpon Mandie thursday at Saint Iohn de Vlhua , whiche séemed a good harbor for them. The Indians of this place call this harbour Chalchicoeca , there the fleete came to Anker. They were not so soone at Roade, but incontinente came two little boates named Acalles , enqui

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The talke of Cortez vvith Teudilli.

The talke of Cortez vvith Teudilli.

Al the former talke was had without an Interpreter, bycause Ieronimo de Aguillar vnderstoode not thys language, bycause it differed muche from the spéeche of the other Indians , whereas hée hadde bin captiue: for whyche cause Cortez was somewhat carefull, bicause he would largely haue discoursed with Teudilli . It chanced that among those twentie women giuen hym in Potonchan , one of them stoode talking with a seruaunte of Teudilli , bycause she vnderstoode them as menne of hir owne language. Co

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The present and ansvvere that Mutezuma sente vnto Cortez.

The present and ansvvere that Mutezuma sente vnto Cortez.

After the message sente, and the answere promised, Teudilli tooke his leaue, and within twoo flight shoote of Cortez his campe, he caused a thousande cotages of boughes to be made, &amp; lefte there twoo principall men as Captaynes ouer two thousande persons men and women, and then departed for Cotosta hys dwellyng place. The twoo Captaynes had charge to prouide the Christians of all things necessarie, and the women serued to grynde their corne and make bread of Maiz , and to dresse theyr fi

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Hovv Cortez knevv of discorde and dissention to be in the Countrey.

Hovv Cortez knevv of discorde and dissention to be in the Countrey.

In this meane season certayne Indians were espied, that went lurkyng a farre of among the sandy hilles. And those came not neare the Indians , that serued the Spaniarde, Cortez demaunded what people they were, &amp; for what cause they went lurkyng so farre off, and came no néerer vnto them. The twoo Captaynes answered, that they were husbandmen, that went aboute theyr husbandry. Cortez lyked not theyr answere, but suspected that they had tolde hym a lye: for it séemed vnto hym that those pe

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Hovv Cortez vvent to suruey the Countrey with foure hundreth men.

Hovv Cortez vvent to suruey the Countrey with foure hundreth men.

At the ende of tenne dayes came Teudilli backe againe, and brought certaine cloth of Cotten, and other things made of feathers well wrought for recompence of the thyng sente vnto Mexico , and warned Cortez to departe, for at that tyme there was no remedie to sée Mutezuma , and to looke what was necessary for his prouision and furniture, and it shoulde be prouided, offeryng the same seruice at any time that hée shoulde happen to come that way. Cortez would not accept the offer, saying: That he wo

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Hovv Cortez rendred vp his charge and office with pollicie.

Hovv Cortez rendred vp his charge and office with pollicie.

When Cortes was come where his Ships were, and the residue of his company, hée began this talke, saying: Now my louing friends and fellowes, ye doe sée what greate mercy God hathe shewed vnto vs, in bringing vs safe and in health to so good and riche a Countrey, as by manifest signes and tokens we haue alreadye séene, yea and howe plentifull of meate, inhabited of people, better clothed, and of more iudgement and reason, than the others whiche ye haue séene, since your firste comming: also bette

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Hovv the soudiours chose Cortez for Captaine generall, and chiefe ruler in Iustice.

Hovv the soudiours chose Cortez for Captaine generall, and chiefe ruler in Iustice.

Al the newe officers toke possession and charge of their offices, and entred into the towne house to counsel according to the vse and custome of Castill. In the which congregation or counsel then holden, many matters were had in question as touching the good gouernemente of the common weale. And among many other things, they al agréed to electe Hernando Cortez for captaine generall and chiefe Iustice, and to giue vnto him full power and authority for all matters appertayning to the wars and conq

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The receiuing of Cortez into Zempoallan.

The receiuing of Cortez into Zempoallan.

For as much as the situation there was not conuenient to place the newe worke, they determined to go from thence, to Aguiahuiztlan , which standeth nere the shadowe of the rocke that Monteio had informed them of, wherevppon Cortez commaunded the shippes to depart, for that place. And he with his foure hundred men and horses would goe by land, and there mete thē, which may be about ten leagues iorney. In this order the fléete departed, and likewise Cortez with his company toward Zempoallan which

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The talke that the Lorde of Zempoallan had with Cortez.

The talke that the Lorde of Zempoallan had with Cortez.

The nexte day in the mornyng came the Lorde, to visite Cortez with an honorable company, and presented vnto him many garmēts wrought of Cottē wolle, according to their fashion, with a knot on the shoulder like vnto the Egiptian garments, and certaine iewels of golde that might be worth two thousande Ducates, besechyng both him and his cōpany to recreate themselues and take their reste, and at that present he meante not to trouble him with any matters: And so tooke his leaue for that time as he h

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Things that happened to Cortez in Chiauiztlan.

Things that happened to Cortez in Chiauiztlan.

The same day that they departed frō Zempoallan they came to Chiauiztlan , and yet the shippes were not arriued. Cortes marueyled at their long tarying in so shorte a iourney. Ther was a village within shotte of a hargabushe from the rocke called Chiauiztlan standyng vpon a litle hill. Cortes hauing little to do, went thither with his men, and the Indians of Zempoallan , who certified Cortes that the village was appertayning to a Lorde oppressed by Mutezuma . They came to the foote of the hill, w

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The messages sent by Cortez vnto Mutezuma.

The messages sent by Cortez vnto Mutezuma.

The nighte beyng farre spent, and the Indians that kepte the watch being asléepe, Cortes sente vnto the Spanyardes that watched at the hall dore where the prysoners were, and commaunded them to let goe twoo of the prysoners, as secretly as they might, and to bring them vnto him. The Spaniardes handled the matter so well, that they fulfilled his desire, and brought twoo of them to Cortes his chamber, who looked vppon them as though he had not knowen them, and willed Aguillar and Maryna to demaund

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The confederacy and rebellion done by the industrie of Cortez.

The confederacy and rebellion done by the industrie of Cortez.

When the Cazike founde missing the two prisoners, he blamed muche the guarde or watch, and pretended forthwith to murther those that remayned. Then came Cortez , and requested that their deathe shoulde be pardoned, for so muche as they were but officers obediente to their Lorde and maister, and according to iustice they had committed no offence, nor yet deserued anye correction in the facte, whiche was seruice to their King: but for so muche as they shall not flée as the other two haue done, del

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The foundation of the riche Towne called Vera Crux.

The foundation of the riche Towne called Vera Crux.

At this instant the Fléete was arriued at the port, then wente Cortez to visit them, and carried with him many Indians of the Rebels, both of that Towne, and also of Zempoallan , who did good seruice to cutte downe timber, and to carrie stones to the place appoynted, for the building of the Citie, named the riche towne of Vera Crux , accordyng to the determination, when the officers were appoynted for the same, and chosen in S. Iohn de Vlhua , and in good order made repertition to the inhabitant

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Inuentary.

Inuentary.

Al these things wer more beautiful than rich, although the whéeles were very rich, the workmanshippe of al the rest, was more worth than the thing it selfe. The colours of the cloth of cotten wool was excéeding fine, and the fethers natural. The pounced worke in gold and siluer did excéed our goldsmithes, of whiche things we wil write in an other place. They ioyned with this present certaine Indian bookes of figures which serue to their vse for letters: these bookes are folden like vnto clothes,

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Letters from the army and magistrates of the new towne directed to the Emperour.

Letters from the army and magistrates of the new towne directed to the Emperour.

When this present and fift part was layde aside for the king, Cortez required the magistrats to name and appoint two atturnyes, to carry the Emperors portion vnto Spayne. And that he for his part wold giue vnto them his full power, and letter of attourneye, with also one of his beste Shippes for that voyage. The Counsell of the newe towne chose Alounso Fernandez Portocarero , and Francisco de Monteio for that iourneye: whereof Cortez was verye glad, and gaue them Antonio de Alominos for their pi

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An vproare among the souldiers against Cortez, and the punishment for the same.

An vproare among the souldiers against Cortez, and the punishment for the same.

There wer some in the host y t murmured against the election of Cortez , for thereby was excluded Iames Valasques , vnto whō they bare good wil. Some were Valasques friends, and other some his kinesfolkes, who letted not to say openly, that Cortez by flattery, sutteltie and giftes had gotten and obtayned his purpose. And that the dissymulation in makyng hym selfe to bee entreated and prayed to accepte that charge and office, was a thing craftily fayned, whereby suche election coulde not bee of a

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Cortez caused all his Shippes to be sunke, and broken vpon the shore, a most worthy facte.

Cortez caused all his Shippes to be sunke, and broken vpon the shore, a most worthy facte.

Cortez purposed to goe vnto Mexico , and would not gyue his Souldyers to vnderstand it, bycause they shoulde not refuse the iourney, through the talke of Teudilli , especially hearing that the Citie of Mexico was situated vpon water, whyche they imagined to be excéeding strong, as in effect it was: and to the intent that they should all follow hym, although againste their willes, he determined to spoyle all his Shyppes, which was a strange case, perillous, and a great losse. His intent throughly

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Hovv the inhabitants of Zempoallan brake downe their Idolles.

Hovv the inhabitants of Zempoallan brake downe their Idolles.

Euery day séemed long to Cortes , with the desire to sée Mutezuma . He nowe began to publishe openly his iourney and departure, and chose out of the body of his host a hūdred and fiftie mē, which he thought sufficient to leaue for safegard of the new towne and fort, which was almost finished, and appoynted Pedro de Hircio their Captaine, leauing with them two Horses, and two small péeces of Ordinance, wyth many Indians to serue them, and fiftie Townes round about them in faithfull friendship and

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Hovv Olintlec exalted the mightie power of Mutezuma.

Hovv Olintlec exalted the mightie power of Mutezuma.

Cortes departed frō Zempoallan , leauing that towne named Siuillia , towarde Mexico the sixtene day of August of the same yéere, with 400. Spaniardes and fiftene horses, &amp; sixe péeces of ordinance, and 1300. Indians w t the carriers &amp; mē of Cuba . And whē Cortes departed frō Zempoallan he had not one vassall of Mutezuma in his campe to leade them the way towarde Mexico , for al were fledde, seing the new league, or else by commaundement of their Lord, and the Indians of Zempoalla

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The first encounter that Cortez had with the men of Tlaxcallan.

The first encounter that Cortez had with the men of Tlaxcallan.

Cortes seyng the long tarying of the messengers he departed from Zaclotan without any intelligence from Tlaxcallan . Our cāp had not marched much after their departure from that place, but they came to a great circuite of stone made without lyme or morter, being of a fadom and a half high, and twentie foote brode with loupe holes, to shoote at: that wall crossed ouer all the valley from one mountayne to another, and but one onely entraunce or gate, in the whiche the one wall doubled against the

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Hovv there ioyned a hundred and fiftie thousand men against Cortez.

Hovv there ioyned a hundred and fiftie thousand men against Cortez.

The next morning at Sunne rising, Cortez departed with his army in good order, and in the middest of them wente the fardage and artillerie, and as soone as they were come to a little Village there néere at hande, they mette with the other two messengers of Zempoallan , who departed from them at Zaclotan : they came with pitifull chéere, exclayming of the Captaynes of the power of Tlaxcallan , who had bounde them, and deteyned them from returning: but with good fortune, that nighte they hadde bro

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The threatning of the Indian campe agaynst the Spanyardes.

The threatning of the Indian campe agaynst the Spanyardes.

These Indians were great braggers, and sayde among themselues, what madde people are these that threatneth vs and yet knoweth vs not. But if they will be so bolde to inuade our countrey without our licence, let vs not sette vpon them so soone, it is méete they haue a litle reste, for we haue tyme inough to take &amp; binde them, let vs also sende them meate for they are commen with empty stomackes: And againe they shall not say that we do apprehende them with wearinesse and hunger. Wherevpon

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Hovv Cortez cut off the handes of fiftie Indian espies.

Hovv Cortez cut off the handes of fiftie Indian espies.

The nexte day after these presentes were sente vnto them as Goddes, whiche was the sixte of September, there came to the Campe fiftie Indians of Tlaxcallan , whiche séemed after theyr sorte honest menne, and gaue vnto Cortes bread, cherries, &amp; Gynnea cocks, as they ordinarily vsed to do, enquiring how all his Spaniardes did and what they meant to doe, and whether they stoode in necessitie of any thing. And after this communication they went vp and downe the camp, gasing and beholding the

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An embassage that Mutezuma sente to Hernando Cortez.

An embassage that Mutezuma sente to Hernando Cortez.

When these espyes were gone, oure men espyed out of our Campe a great multitude of men goe crossing ouer a hill, and it séemed that they were those that the Captayne Xicotencatl hadde in ambush: and although it was néere night, Cortes determined to followe them, and not to abide their comming, fearing that at a first brunt they mighte set fire among his cotages, as was pretended among them, whiche pretence hauing taken effecte, myght haue bin the destruction of all his men, eyther by the fier or

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Hovv Cortez vvan a great Citie called Zimpanzinco.

Hovv Cortez vvan a great Citie called Zimpanzinco.

In an euening Cortes went vp to the toppe of his Tower, and looking rounde aboute hym, he espyed aboute foure leagues distant in the Mountaynes among rockes and procéeding out of a wodde dyuers smokes, whereby he ymagined people to be there: he opened not his minde to anye man, but commaunded two hundred of his men to followe hym, and some Indians hys friendes, and within thrée or foure houres of the nyghte he toke hys iourney towarde the Mountaynes, béeing very darke. He had not fully gone a le

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The desire that some of the Spanyardes had to leaue the warres.

The desire that some of the Spanyardes had to leaue the warres.

When Cortez was returned so ioyfull to his Camp, he founde some of his men discouraged with the suddayne mishappe of the Horses, fearing that likewise some misfortune hadde happened to Cortes , but when they sawe him come well and with victorie, their ioy was great, although true it is that manye of his men were not well pleased, but desired muche to leaue the warres, and to returne to the coast, as they had often requested, but nowe chiefly séeyng such a great Countrey, and full of people, who

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The Oration made by Cortez to his Souldiers.

The Oration made by Cortez to his Souldiers.

Maisters and louyng friendes, I did choose you for my fellowes, and ye chose me for your captaine, and all was for the seruice of God, and the augmenting of his holy faith, &amp; also the seruice of our soueraigne Lord the King now Emperour: and next for our owne commoditie, I (as yée haue séene) haue not fayled nor yet displeased yée, nor yée likewise haue otherwise done to me vnto this day. But now I do féele faintnesse in some, yea and an euill will to goe forwarde in the warres whiche we

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Hovv Xicotencatl came for Embassadour to Cortez his Campe.

Hovv Xicotencatl came for Embassadour to Cortez his Campe.

Cortez had not so soone made an ende of his talke, when Xicotencatl came entryng into the campe, who was chiefe and generall captayne in Tlaxcallan , &amp; of all the warres: he brought in his company fiftie persons of auctoritie to kéepe him cōpany. They approched neare where Cortes was, and saluted eche other according to the vse of their countrey. Their salutations ended and the parties setten downe, Xicotencatl began the talke, saying: Sir I am come on mine owne behalf and also of my fel

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The receyuing and entertaynement of Cortez in Tlaxcallan.

The receyuing and entertaynement of Cortez in Tlaxcallan.

It grieued muche the Embassadours of Mutezuma , to sée Xicotencates in the Spanishe Campe, and the offer made vnto Cortes in the behalfe of his King, of their persons, Cittie and goodes, aduising Cortes to gyue no credite vnto them, for all their saying (quoth they) is treason and lies, and to the entent to locke you vp in their Cittie. Cortes answered, that although their aduise were true, yet he did determine to go thither, for that he feared them lesse in the towne than in the fielde. They he

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The description of Tlaxcallan.

The description of Tlaxcallan.

Tlaxcallan is properly in the Indian tong as much to say, as bread well baked, for there is more grayne called Centli gathered, than is in all y e prouince round about. In times past the Citie was called Texcallan , that is to say, a valley betwixt two hilles. It is a greate Citie, and planted by a riuer side, whiche springeth out of Atlancatepec , and watreth the most parte of that prouince, and from thence issueth out into the South sea, by Zacatullan . This Citie hathe foure goodly stréetes,

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The aunsvvere of the Tlaxcaltecas touching the leauing of their Idolles.

The aunsvvere of the Tlaxcaltecas touching the leauing of their Idolles.

When Cortez saw that these people executed Iustice, and liued in Religion after theyr manner, although abhominable and diuelish: and alwayes when he desired them to leaue off from their Idolatrie and that cruell vanitie, in killing and eating men sacrifised, considering that none among them how holly soeuer he were, would willingly be slayne &amp; eaten, required them to beléeue in the most true God of the Chrystians, who was the maker of Heauen and earth, the giuer of rayne, and creator of

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The discord betvveene the Mexicans and Tlaxcaltecas.

The discord betvveene the Mexicans and Tlaxcaltecas.

Cortez being throughly satisfyed of theyr hartie good wylles, he demaunded of them the estate and riches of Mutezuma . They exalted him greately, as men that had proued his force. And as they affyrmed, it was néere a hundred yeares that they mainteyned warre with him and his father Axaiaca , and others his Vnckles and Grandfathers. And saide also, that the golde and treasure of Mutezuma , was without number, and his power and dominion ouer all the lande, and hys people innumerable: for (quoth th

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The solemne receyuing of the Spanyardes into Chololla.

The solemne receyuing of the Spanyardes into Chololla.

The Ambassedors of Cortes séeyng the determination of Cortes to procéede on his iourney towarde Mexico , they besoughte him to goe by Chololla , whiche stoode fiue leagues from thence, certifying that Chololla was a Citie in their friendship, and that there he might at his pleasure abide the resolution of their Lord Mutezuma , whether it were his pleasure that he should enter into Mexico or no. This request was onely to haue him from thence, for truly it gréeued much Mutezuma of theyr new friend

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The conspiracie of the Cholollans to kill Cortes and his men.

The conspiracie of the Cholollans to kill Cortes and his men.

Al that night followyng Cortes was vigilant with all his company, for bothe in the way and in the towne they had found some of the things wherof they had bene aduised before in Tlaxcallan , and although their firste present was a Gynnea cocke to eche mans allowance, other thrée dayes followyng they gaue them nothing almost to eate, and very seldome the Captaynes came to visite them, whereof Cortes had great suspition. And in this meane while the Embassadours of Mutezuma entreated him to leaue of

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The punishment that Cortez executed for conspiracie.

The punishment that Cortez executed for conspiracie.

The nexte day in the mornyng the Cholollans thinkyng that they had their determinate purpose in good readinesse, they came and brought many to carry their fardage, &amp; other some to carry the Spaniardes vppon their backes, hopyng to apprehēd them in the same order. There came also many armed men of the most valiantest, to kill him that should disorder himselfe. Likewise that day their Priests sacrificed ten children of thrée yeares of age to their God Quezalcouatl , fiue of these children

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The Sanctuary or holy place among the Indians was Chololla.

The Sanctuary or holy place among the Indians was Chololla.

Chololla is a city as Tlaxcallan , and hathe but one person who is gouernour and general Captayne, chosen by the consente of all the Citizens. It is a Citie of twentie thousande householdes within the walles, and in the suburbes as muche more. It sheweth outwardes verye beautifull, and full of towers, for there are as manye temples as dayes in y e yeare, &amp; euery temple hath his tower. Our men counted foure hundred towers. The men and womē are of good disposition well fauoured, and very w

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The hill called Popocatepec.

The hill called Popocatepec.

There is a hill eyght leagues from Chololla , called Popocatepec , whiche is to say, a hill of smoke, for manye tymes it casteth oute smoke and fier. Cortez sente thither tenne Spanyardes , with manye Indians , to carrie their victuall, and to guide them in the way. The ascending vp was very troublesome, and full of craggie rockes. They approched so nigh the toppe, that they heard such a terrible noyse which procéeded frō thence, that they durst not goe vnto it, for the ground dyd tremble and sh

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The consultation that Mutezuma had, concerning the comming of Cortez into Mexico.

The consultation that Mutezuma had, concerning the comming of Cortez into Mexico.

Cortez pretended not to fall out with Mutezuma , before his comming to Mexico , and yet he vnderstoode all Mutezuma hys pretence, wherevppon he complayneth to the Ambassadors, saying that he muche maruelled that suche a mightie Prince, who by so manye Gentlemen had assured his friendship vnto him, shoulde nowe procure his totall destruction, in not kéeping hys promise and fidelitie. In consideration whereof, where he meant to visit him as a friend, that now he would goe to his Courte as an enimi

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Things that happened to Cortez in his iourney to Mexico.

Things that happened to Cortez in his iourney to Mexico.

Cortez hauyng so good an aunswere of the Ambassadors, he gaue licence to as manye of the Indians hys friendes, as listed to departe home to their houses, and he likewise departed from Chololla with some borderers that would néedes follow him. He lefte the way that the Mexicans had perswaded him to come, for it was bothe euill and daungerous, as the Spaniarde whiche went to the vulcan had séene, he went another playner way and more nearer. That day he traueled but foure leagues, bicause he meant

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The Solemne pompe vvherevvith Cortez was receyued into Mexico.

The Solemne pompe vvherevvith Cortez was receyued into Mexico.

From Iztacpalapan to Mexico is twoo leagues all vpon a fayre calsey, vpon the which eight horsemē may passe on rāke, and so directly straight as though it had bene made by line. And who soeuer hath good eiesight might discerne the gates of Mexico from thence. Coyoacan is a towne of sixe thousande dwellers, Vizilopuchtli is of fiue thousand. These townes are planted in the lake, and are adorned with many temples, whiche haue many fayre towers, that doe beautifie excedingly the lake. There is grea

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The Oration of Mutezuma to the Spanyardes.

The Oration of Mutezuma to the Spanyardes.

The house where the Spaniardes were lodged was great and large, with many fayre chambers sufficient for them all: it was nete, cleane matted, and hanged with cloth of Cotten, and feathers of many colours, pleasant to behold. When Mutezuma was departed frō Cortes , he began to sette his house in order, and placed the ordinaunce at his dore, and hauing all his things in good sorte, he went to a sumptuous dinner that was prepared for him. As soone as Mutezuma had made an ende of his dinner hearyng

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The Maiestie and order, vvherevvith Mutezuma was serued.

The Maiestie and order, vvherevvith Mutezuma was serued.

Mvtezuma was a man of a small stature and leane, his couloure tawnie as all the Indians are. He hadde long heare on hys heade, sixe little heares vppon him, as though they hadde bin put in with a bodkin. His thinne bearde was blacke. Hée was a man of a fayre condition, and a doer of Iustice, well spoken, graue and wise, beloued and feared among his subiectes. Mutezuma doth signifie sadnesse. To y e proper names of Kings and Lords, they do adde this sillable C. whiche is for cortesie and dignitie

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The footeplayers that played before Mutezuma.

The footeplayers that played before Mutezuma.

When his table was taken vp, and his seruitors gone to meate, Mutezuma sate stil: then came in the suiters that hadde any affayres to deale with him, barefoted, for all the persons did vse that reuerence, excepte some Princes his kinsmen, as the Lordes of Tescuco , and Tlacopan , and a fewe others: and béeing colde weather, they vsed to weare olde ragged clothes vppon theyr riche garmentes. Al suiters vsed to make thrée or foure curtesies, not loking toward his face, and speaking vnto him their

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The Tennis play in Mexico.

The Tennis play in Mexico.

Sometimes Mutezuma went to the Tennis Courte. Their ball is called Villamaliztli , and is made of the gumme which commeth from a trée called Vlli . This trée groweth in a hote Countrey. The gumme being kneded togither, and so made roūd, is as blacke as pitch, and somewhat heauie, and very harde for the hande, but yet good and light to rebound, and better than our windballes. They play not at chases, but at bādie, or at check, that is, if the ball touch the wall, it loseth. They maye strike the b

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The number of vviues that Mutezuma had in his house.

The number of vviues that Mutezuma had in his house.

Mvtezuma had many houses as wel in Mexico as without, for his recreation and pleasure, as also for his ordinary dwelling. To write of al it should be tedious, but where his continual abyding was, he named Tepac , that is to say, Pallace. And that Pallace had twenty dores or gates which had their outcomming into the cōmon streates. It hath thrée courtes, and in the one standeth a fayre fountaine, many halles, and a hundred chambers of twentie-thrée, and thirtie foote long, an hundered bathes &amp

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A house of Foule, vvhiche vvere onely preserued for their feathers.

A house of Foule, vvhiche vvere onely preserued for their feathers.

Mvtezuma had another house, with very good lodgings and fayre gallaries, buylt vpō pillers of Iaspe, whiche extendeth towarde a goodly garden, in the whiche there are ten pondes or moe, some of salte water for sea foule, &amp; other some of fresh water for riuer foule and lake foule, which pondes are deuised w t sluyses to emptie &amp; to fill at their pleasure for the cleannesse of the feathers. There is such a number of foule, that scarcely the ponds may holde them, and of suche diuers

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A house of foule for havvking and other straunge things.

A house of foule for havvking and other straunge things.

There is another house with large quarters &amp; lodgings, which is called a house for foule, not bycause there are more thā in the other, but bycause they bee bigger and to hauke withal, and are foule of rapine, wherfore they are estéemed as more nobler than al the others. There are in this house many high halles, in the whiche are kept men, women and Children: in some of them are kept suche as are borne white of colour, which doth very seldome happen: in other some are dwarfes, crokebackes

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The Armory of Mutezuma.

The Armory of Mutezuma.

Mvtezuma had some houses of Armour, vpon the dores wherof stoode a bow and arrowes. In these houses was greate store of all kinde of munition whiche they vse in their wars: as Bowes, Arrowes, Slings, Launces, Dartes, Clubbes, Swordes and Bucklers, and gallant Targettes more trimme than strong, Skulles and Splintes, but not many, and al made of woodde, gilte or couered with leather. The woodde whereof they make their Armour and Targettes, is very harde and strong, for they vse to toaste it at the

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The Gardens of Mutezuma.

The Gardens of Mutezuma.

Besides the foresayde houses hée had many others for hys onely recreation and passetyme, with excellent fayre gardens of medicinall hearbes, swéete floures, and trées of delectable sauour, whiche were many, and a thing to gyue prayse to God the maker and creator of all. In that Garden were a thousande personages, made and wrought artificially of leaues and flowers. Mutezuma woulde not permitte that in this Garden shoulde be any kynde of potte Hearbes, or thyngs to be solde, saying, that it dyd n

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The court and Guarde of Mutezuma.

The court and Guarde of Mutezuma.

He had dayly attending vppon hym in hys priuye garde sixe hundred noble men and gentlemen, and eche of them thrée or foure seruants, and some hadde twenty seruaunts or moe, according to his estate: and in this maner he had thrée thousand men attendant in his court, and some affirm more, al the which were fed in his house of the meate that came from his table. The seruing men alwayes abode belowe in the court all the daye, and wente not from thence tyll after Supper. It is to be thought that his

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The great subiection of the Indians to their King.

The great subiection of the Indians to their King.

There is not in all the dominions of Mutezuma any subiect that payeth not tribute vnto him. The noblemen paye theyr tribute in personall seruice. The husbādmen called Maceualtin , with body &amp; goodes. In this sort they are eyther tenauntes, or else heyres to their possessions. Those which are heyres, do pay one third part of all their fruite and commoditie that they doe reape or bring vp, as Dogges, Hennes, Foule, Conyes, Gold, Siluer, Stones, Salt, Waxe, Honey, Mantels, Feathers, Cotten,

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The scituation of Mexico.

The scituation of Mexico.

Mexico at the time when Cortes entred, was a Citie of sixtye thousande houses. The Kings house and other noble mens houses were great, large, and beautifull, the others were small and roynish, without eyther dores or windowes: and although they were small, yet there dwelled in some of them two, thrée, yea and tenne persons, by reason whereof, the Citie was wonderfully replenished with people. This Citie is built vpon the water, euen in the same order as Venice is. All the body of the Citie stand

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The Market place of Mexico.

The Market place of Mexico.

The Market is called in the Indian tong Tlanquiztli : euery parish hath his Market place to buy and sel in: but Mexico , and Tlatelulco only, which are y e chiefest cities, haue great fayres and places fitte for the same, and especiallye Mexico hath one place where most dayes in the yeare is buying and selling, but euery fourth day is the greate Market ordinaryly: and the like custome is vsed throughout the dominions of Mutezuma . This place is wide and large, compassed round about with dores, a

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The great Temple of Mexico.

The great Temple of Mexico.

The Temple is called Teucalli , that is to say, Gods house, Teutl signifieth God, &amp; Calli is a house, a vowell very fitte, if that house had bene of the true God. The Spaniards that vnderstād not the language, do pronounce and call those Temples Cues , and the God Vitzilopuchtli , Vchilobos . There are in Mexico many parishe churches, with towres, wherein are chappels and Altares where the images &amp; idols do stande, &amp; those chappels do serue for burial places of their foun

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The Idols of Mexico.

The Idols of Mexico.

The Gods of Mexico , were two thousand in number, as the Indians reported, the chiefest were Vitcilopuchtli and Tezcatlipuca , whose images stoode highest in the Temple vppon the Altars: they were made of stone in ful proportion as bigge as a Gyant. They were couered with a lawne called Nacar . These images were besette with pearles, precious stones, &amp; péeces of gold, wrought like birds, beasts, fishes, and floures, adorned with Emeralds, Turquies, Calcedons, and other little fine stones

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The Charnell house or place of dead mens sculles for remembrance of death.

The Charnell house or place of dead mens sculles for remembrance of death.

Without the temple, and ouer againste the principall dore thereof, a stones cast distant, standeth the Charnell house onely of dead mens heads prisoners in warres and sacrifised with the knife. This monument was made like vnto a Theatre, more larger than broade, wrought of lyme and stone, with ascending steppes, in the walles whereof was graffed betwixt stone and stone a skul with the téeth outwards. At the foote and head of this Theatre, were two Towers, made only of lime and skulles, the téeth

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Hovv Cortez tooke Mutezuma prisoner.

Hovv Cortez tooke Mutezuma prisoner.

Hernando Cortez and his companye, were sixe dayes in beholding and perusing the scituation of the Citie, and secretes of the same, with the notable thinges before rehearsed: they were often visited by Mutezuma , &amp; the Gentlemen of hys Courte, and abundantly prouided of things necessarye for his vse, and the Indians of his company. Likewise his Horses were cherished and serued with gréene barley and grasse, whereof there is plentie all the yeare: Likewise of corne, meale, roses, and of al

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The recreation of Hunting, vvhiche Mutezuma vsed.

The recreation of Hunting, vvhiche Mutezuma vsed.

Mvtezuma had not only al the libertie that he desired in the Citie, béeyng prisoner among the Spanyardes , but also Cortes permitted him to hunt and hauke, or to go to the temple, for he was very deuoute, and a great hunter. When he went a hunting, he was carried vpon mens shoulders with eyght or ten Spanyards in his guard, and thrée thousande Mexicans , who were Gentlemen, his seruants, and hunters, of whome he hadde a great number, some to séeke the game, others to beate the couertes, and othe

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Hovv Cortez began to plucke dovvne the Idols of Mexico.

Hovv Cortez began to plucke dovvne the Idols of Mexico.

When Mutezuma went vnto the temple, he went leaning vpon a noble mans arme, or else was leade betwéene two, and a noble personage wente alwayes before him with thrée small wandes in his hande, signifying thereby that the King in person was there at hand, and in token also of iustice and correction. If he had bene carried vpon mens shoulders then at his alighting downe he tooke one of those roddes into his owne hand. He was a Prince ful of ceremonies in al his doings, but the substaunce of his es

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The exhortation that Cortez made to Mutezuma and to the Citizens of Mexico, concerning their Idols.

The exhortation that Cortez made to Mutezuma and to the Citizens of Mexico, concerning their Idols.

All creatures in the world (mightie prince, and yée Gentlemen and religious persons whether it be yée here or we in Spayne, or whatsoeuer other nation that it may be) haue I say, all one begynnyng and ending of mortall lyfe, whiche is had from God: we are al formed and made of one mettall, and haue all soules and senses, euen so doubtlesse as we are like in proportion of body and soule, yea and kinsfolke in bloud, although that by the prouidence of the same our God, some are borne fayre and beau

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The burning of the Lorde Qualpopoca and other Gentlemen.

The burning of the Lorde Qualpopoca and other Gentlemen.

After twentie dayes that Mutezuma had bene prysoner, returned the messengers who had gone with the seale for Qualpopoca , and brought him, his Sonne, and other fiftene principall persons, with them, the whiche by inquirie made, were culpable and partakers in the counsell and death of the nine Spaniardes. Qualpopoca entred into Mexico accompanied like a greate Lorde as he was, beyng borne vpon his seruaunts shoulders in rich furniture. As sone as he had saluted Mutezuma , he &amp; his Sonne w

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The cause of the burnyng of Qualpopoca.

The cause of the burnyng of Qualpopoca.

At the time that Cortes departed from Vera Crux , he left in cōmission to Pedro Hircio , to procure to inhabite in that place which is called Almeria , &amp; not to permit Francisco de Garray to soiourne there, for so much as once he was driuen frō that coast. Now Hircio to fulfill his cōmission, sente to requyre those Indians with peace and friēdship, and to yéeld themselues for vassals of the Emperour. Qualpopoca Lorde of Nahutlan , which is now called as aforesaid Almeria , sent to aduert

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Hovv Cortez put a payre of giues on Mutezuma his legges.

Hovv Cortez put a payre of giues on Mutezuma his legges.

Before the execution of Qualpopoca and hys fellowes, Cortes declared vnto Mutezuma , that Qualpopoca and his company had confessed, that by hys aduice and commaundemente, the nine Spanyardes were slayne, wherein he had done very euill, they being his friendes and guestes: but (quoth he) if it were not in respect of the loue I beare vnto you, this matter shoulde not in this sort be shut vp, and then knocked a payre of giues on his legges, saying, he that killeth ought to be killed, according to t

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Hovv Cortez sent to seeke for Mines of golde into diuers places.

Hovv Cortez sent to seeke for Mines of golde into diuers places.

Cortez had a greate desire to know howe farre the Empire of Mutezuma dyd extende, and what friendship was betwixte him and other Kings and Princes Comarcans, and also to gather togither a good summe of gold, to send to Spayne to the Emperoure for his custome or fifte parte, with full relation of the Countrey people, and things happened untill that day. Wherefore he prayed Mutezuma to shew him where the mynes were, from whence he and his subiectes had the golde and plate. Mutezuma graunted to his

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The imprisonment of Cacama, King of Tezcuco.

The imprisonment of Cacama, King of Tezcuco.

The weake courage and stomake of Mutezuma , caused his subiectes not onely to murmure, but also to seeke meanes of rebellion, especially his nephew Cacamazin , Lorde of Tezcuco , who was a stoute yong man and an honorable, and one y t receiued greate griefe of his Vncles imprisonment: and seeing that y e matter séemed long, he besought his Vncle to procure his libertie, and to shew himselfe a Lorde, and not a slaue: but séeing at length that he could not accepte and follow his councell, he began

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The Oration that Mutezuma made vnto his Noble men, yeelding himselfe to the King of Castile.

The Oration that Mutezuma made vnto his Noble men, yeelding himselfe to the King of Castile.

After the imprisonment of Cacama , Mutezuma proclaymed a Parliament, vnto the which came all the Seniors Comarcans , and beyng all together, he made the Oration followying vnto them. My kinsmen, friendes and seruants, yée do well know that eightene yeares I haue bene your kyng, as my fathers and Grandfathers were, and alwaies I haue bene vnto you a louing Prince, and yée vnto me good and obedient subiectes, and so I hope you will remayne all the dayes of my life. Ye ought to haue in remembrance,

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The Golde and Ievvels that Mutezuma gaue vnto Cortes for tribute.

The Golde and Ievvels that Mutezuma gaue vnto Cortes for tribute.

After certaine dayes that Mutezuma and his counsell had yéelden their obedience, Cortes sayde vnto him, how that the Emperour was at great costes &amp; charges in his warres, wherfore it should be necessary that his newe vassals shoulde begin to serue in some thing, and to pay their tribute, willyng him to sende throughout his dominion to sée what coulde be gathered of Gold, and that he himselfe should beginne firste to pay tribute to the example of others. Mutezuma answered that he was cont

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Hovv Mutezuma required Cortez to departe from Mexico.

Hovv Mutezuma required Cortez to departe from Mexico.

Cortes seyng himselfe riche and mightie, he occupied hymselfe in thrée things, the one was to sende vnto Santo Domingo and other Ilands, newes of his procéedings and prosperitie, and also money to prouide menne, horses and armour, for his owne company were to fewe for so greate a countrey. The other was, to take fully and wholly the state of Mutezuma , hauing him prisoner, and also at his commaundement Tlaxcallan , Coatelicamath , and Tuchintlec , knowyng also that the Indians of Panuco , Tecoan

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The feare that our men stoode in to be sacrifised.

The feare that our men stoode in to be sacrifised.

Eight dayes after their departure toward the woddes, arriued fiftéene saile of ships at the coast of Chalchicoeca . The Indians of that coast aduised Mutezuma therof, who was not a little afraide with the newes, &amp; called Cortes vnto him, who feared asmuch some vprore there, and when they shewed Cortez y t Mutezuma was come forth into the yarde, he suspected that if Mutezuma pleased, they shoulde be all destroyed. Wherefore he said vnto his men, maisters and friends, Mutezuma hath sent me

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Hovv Iames Velasques sent Pamfilo de Naruaiz against Cortes.

Hovv Iames Velasques sent Pamfilo de Naruaiz against Cortes.

Iames Velasques béeyng sore agréeued, with desire of reuenge against Cortes , not only for his expences at the time of preparation of Cortes his fléete, whiche was but small, but of méere hatred of the present honor &amp; prosperitie of Cortes . Wherevpon he inuented greate causes and quarrels againste him, saying and alleaging, that Cortez hadde not giuen accompt of his procéedings vnto him, béeyng Gouernoure of Cuba , and Cortez his Deputie, but rather without his consent and knowledge, ha

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The substance of a letter that Cortez wrote vnto Naruaez.

The substance of a letter that Cortez wrote vnto Naruaez.

Before Cortes knew the effect of the cōming of this new fléete, his head was sore troubled, for, on the one side he was glad of the comming of his owne nation, on the other side he liked not so great an armye. Likewise he ymagined, that if they came to succour him, he helde the Countrey for conquered: also if that they were come againste him, he iudged the Countrey to bée lost. He iudged also, that if they were come from Spayne , that then they hadde brought to him the thing loked for, but if th

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The talke of Naruaez to the Indians, and his answere to Cortes.

The talke of Naruaez to the Indians, and his answere to Cortes.

Pamphilo de Naruaez declared to the Indiās that they were deceyued with their opiniō in Cortes , for that he alone was Captayne generall and chiefe Lorde, and that Cortes was but a naughty man, and so were all they of his company which are now in Mexico , who were all but his boyes, and that his present commyng was to cut of Cortes his head, and to chasten the others, likewyse he meant to dryue them all out of the countrey, &amp; then to departe himselfe, and to leaue them in full libertie.

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The talke that Cortes had vvith his owne Souldiers.

The talke that Cortes had vvith his owne Souldiers.

Cortes perceyuing the small fruyte that his letters (presentes) and messengers, obtayned at the handes of Naruaez , and that in no case, he woulde shewe his commission whiche came from the kyng, he determined to goe vnto him, and according to the olde Prouerbe, Face to face doth get respect, and likewise if it were possible, to agrée vpon some good order and quietnesse: wherevpon he sent Rodrigo Aluarez his surueyor, with Iohn Velasques , and Iohn del Rio , to treate with Naruaez of many matters

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The requests of Cortez to Mutezuma.

The requests of Cortez to Mutezuma.

After al his talk &amp; answer of his souldiers, he wēt to visite &amp; to comune w t Mutezuma for to departe on his iourney, w t somewhat y e lesser care, &amp; also to proue the minde &amp; wil of Mutezuma , vnto whome he vttered his mind as foloweth. Sir, you know y e loue y t I haue, &amp; desire to serue you, &amp; chiefly the trust againe, that you will haue to my cōpanions whē I am gone frō this citie. Therfore I pray you, that it may please you to remaine here in

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The imprisonment of Pamfilo de Naruaez.

The imprisonment of Pamfilo de Naruaez.

Cortes was so wel beloued among hys companie, that they offered willingly to goe with him, by reason whereof he chose .250. men fitte for his iourney, &amp; lefte other .200. in guarde of Mutezuma and the Citie, with Pedro de Aluarado for their Captayne. He lefte also with them the artillerie and foure Foystes readye made, to haue the lake in subiection, beséeching them onely to haue speciall regard that Mutezuma fled not from them to Naruaez , and not to permitte him to goe out of their for

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The Rebellion of Mexico against Cortes.

The Rebellion of Mexico against Cortes.

After that Cortes had obteyned victorye against Naruaez , he knew very well the most part of his company, vnto whome he spake curteously, praying them to forget the things past, and so would hée also. And also likewise, that it mighte please them to goe with him to Mexico , whiche was the richest Citie of all that India . He also restored to euerye man his armour and weapons, whiche were taken from them in their ouerthrowe. Hée also left very few of them prisoners with Naruaez . The Horsemen too

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The causes of the Rebellion.

The causes of the Rebellion.

Cortes procured to knowe the principall cause of the insurrection of the Mexican Indians , and hauing a generall daye of hearyng, the charge béeyng layde against them, some sayd, that it was through the letters and persuasion of Naruaez : Others aunswered, their desire and meaning was, to expell the straungers, according to agréemente made, for in theyr skirmishes they cryed nothing but gette you hence, get you hence: Other sayde, that they pretended the libertie of Mutezuma , for in theyr Comba

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The threatenings of the Mexicans agaynst the Spaniardes.

The threatenings of the Mexicans agaynst the Spaniardes.

The cause of this rebellion, beyng well knowen, Cortes demaunded how theyr enimies fought, mary (quoth they) after they had taken weapon agaynst vs for the space of ten dayes arew, they neuer seased with great fury to assaulte and cōbat our house, and we with feare least Mutezuma shoulde escape and flée vnto Naruaez , durst not goe out of dores to fight in the streate, but onely to defende the house with especiall care of Mutezuma , accordyng to your charge giuen vnto vs. Also we being but few a

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The great extremitie and daunger that our men were put in by the Mexicans.

The great extremitie and daunger that our men were put in by the Mexicans.

In hearyng the former talke in defense of the house, and prouiding of things necessary, the night passed away. And in the mornyng to proue the Mexicans intent, Cortes commaunded the market to be vsed as in time past. Aluarado wished Cortes to shew himself toward him as agrieued &amp; not well pleased, makyng as though he would apprehend &amp; correct him for the things passed, thinking that Mutezuma and his men would haue entreated for him. Cortes passed not for that talke, saying that t

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The death of Mutezuma.

The death of Mutezuma.

All the while that the Engines were a makyng, our men came not out to fight, beyng occupied in the worke, but onely to defende their lodgyng. The enimies thinkyng that they were all sore hurte and wounded, beganne their warres agayne, reuilyng them with many iniurious wordes, threatnyng them, that if they woulde not deliuer Mutezuma , that they woulde giue them the moste cruellest death that euer man suffered, and came with great force to haue entred the house. Cortes desired Mutezuma to goe vp

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The combat betvveene the Spaniardes and the Indians.

The combat betvveene the Spaniardes and the Indians.

After the death of Mutezuma , Cortes sente vnto his Neuewes, and to the other noblemen who mainteyned the warres, desiryng thē to come and speake with him, and they came, vnto whome Cortes spake from the wall where Mutezuma was slayne, saying, that it were méete that they should ceasse from warre, and to chose another king, and also to burie the dead, and that he woulde come to his buriall as his friende: likewise he signified vnto them, that for the loue he bare vnto Mutezuma who had intreated

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Hovv the Mexicans refused the offer of peace made by Cortez.

Hovv the Mexicans refused the offer of peace made by Cortez.

Cortez considering the great multitude of Indians his enimies, and also the greate courage, with desire of reuengement: and waying also how his men were weake and wéeryed with fight, yet (I may say) with great desire to goe frō thence, if that the Citizens would haue suffered them: he began againe to require them with peace, and to desire them of truce, saying vnto them also, that they should consider, how that many of their side were slayne, and yet they coulde kill none of them. They béeing mo

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Hovve Cortez fledde from Mexico.

Hovve Cortez fledde from Mexico.

But Cortes waying the substance of the matter, sawe in effecte that his syde wente to wracke, wherefore he requested hys menne to departe from thence, who were not a little ioyfull to heare their Captayne pronounce that saying, for few or none of them escaped vnhurt and wounded. They feared death, but yet wanted not stomacke and hearte to dye. The Indians were so many, that if the Chrystians shoulde but onlye haue cutte their throtes without resistance, yet they had bin too few for that purpose.

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The battayle of Otumpan, a notable victory.

The battayle of Otumpan, a notable victory.

The Inhabitants of Tlacopan , knewe not how our men came spoyled, hurte, and ouerthrowen, and againe our men stoode in a maze, and knew not what to doe nor whither to goe. Cortes came vnto them, &amp; cōforted them &amp; placed them in order before him, requyring them to make hast, vntill they might come into the broade field, before such tyme as the men of Tlacopan should heare of the newes passed, &amp; so to arme thēselues and to ioyne with fourtie thousande Mexicans , who after t

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The entertaynement vvhiche the Spaniardes had in Tlaxcallan.

The entertaynement vvhiche the Spaniardes had in Tlaxcallan.

After this victory obtayned, Cortes with his company went to lodge in a house planted alone, in a playne grounde, from whence appeared the Mountaynes of Tlaxcallan , whereof our menne muche reioyced: yet on the other side they stoode in doubt whether they should finde them their friendes in such a daungerous season, for bycause the vnfortunate man that flieth, findeth nothing in his fauour, for all thing that he pretendeth, happeneth cleane contrary. That night Cortes himselfe was scoute, not by

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The protestation and request of the Souldyers to Cortes.

The protestation and request of the Souldyers to Cortes.

When Cortes departed firste from Tlaxcallon towardes Mexico to visit Mutezuma , hée lefte there twentie thousande Castlins of golde and moe, besides the Kings portion which was sent with Monteio and Portocarrero . He lefte there also manye other things if néede should haue happened in Mexico of money, or other things to prouide his men in Vera Crux , and this he lefte there also, to proue the fidelitie of his friendes in Tlaxcallon . And after he had obteyned the victory against Naruaez , he wro

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The Oration made by Cortez in answere to his Souldyers demaunde.

The Oration made by Cortez in answere to his Souldyers demaunde.

My maisters, I would do and fulfill youre request, if it were a thing méete and conueniente for you, for there is not one alone of you, how much more all in generall, for whome I shoulde not willingly aduenture my goodes and life, if he shuld néede the same: for why? your deedes haue bin such, that I stand bound neuer to forget thē, or else to shewe my selfe an ingratefull man. And thinke you not good friendes, although I do not fulfill the thing whiche you so earnestly desire, that therefore I

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The vvarres of Tepeacac.

The vvarres of Tepeacac.

Cortez found himselfe at hearts ease with this answere, for it was a thing y t had much troubled him: &amp; vndoubtedly if he had followed his fellowes demand, he shoulde neuer haue recouered Mexico agayne, &amp; they likewise had bin slayne in the way towards Vera Crux , for they hadde manye perilous places to passe. Eache one of them waxed whole of his wounds, sauing some which dyed for wāt of loking to in time, leauing their wounds filthy &amp; vnbound, as Surgiōs doe affirme, wit

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The great auctoritie that Cortez had among the Indians.

The great auctoritie that Cortez had among the Indians.

After all these things were finished, Cortes cōmaunded &amp; gaue licence to al the Indian friēds, to returne home vnto their houses, except his assured friends of Tlaxcallan , whō he kept in his company for the warres of Mexico : he nowe dispatched a poste to Vera Crux , commaundyng that foure of the shippes which Naruaez had brought, should be sent with al spéede to y e Iland of Santo Domingo , for men, horses, armour, pouder &amp; other munition, also for wollen cloth, linnen, shooes,

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The Vergantines that Cortez commaunded to be built, and the Spaniardes which he had ioyned togither to besiege Mexico.

The Vergantines that Cortez commaunded to be built, and the Spaniardes which he had ioyned togither to besiege Mexico.

The fame of prosperitie whiche Cortes enioyed, was wonderfully blowen abroade with the newes of the imprisonment of Mutezuma , and the victory against Pamfilo de Naruaez , wherevppon there came many Spaniardes by twenty and twentie in a company from Cuba , Santo Domingo , and other Ilandes. Although that iourney coste some their liues, for in the way they were murdered by those of Tepeacac and Xalacinco , as is before declared, yet notwithstanding there came many to Tlaxcallan , whereby his host

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The exhortation of Cortez to his Souldiers.

The exhortation of Cortez to his Souldiers.

My louyng brethren, I gyue moste hartie thankes vnto Iesu Christ, to sée you now whole of your woundes and frée from diseases: likewise I muche reioyce to sée you in good order trimly armed, yea and with suche desire to sette agayne vpon Mexico , to reuenge the death of our fellowes, and to winne that greate Citie, the whiche I truste in God shalbe brought to passe in shorte time, hauing the friendship of Tlaxcallan and other prouinces, who haue as great desire to sée the ouerthrowe of the Mexic

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The exhortation made by Cortez to the Indians of Tlaxcallan.

The exhortation made by Cortez to the Indians of Tlaxcallan.

The nexte daye following, Cortes called before him all the Lordes, Captaynes, and principall persons of Tlaxcallan , Huexocinco , Chololla , Chalco , and of other townes, who were there presente at that time, saying as followeth. My Lords and friendes, you know the iourney which I haue nowe in hande, to morrowe God willing I will departe to the warre and siege of Mexico , and enter into the land of youre enimies and mine: And the thing that now I do require, and also pray, is, that you remayne f

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Hovv Cortez tooke Tezcuco.

Hovv Cortez tooke Tezcuco.

Cortez departed from Tlaxcallan wyth hys Souldyers in good order, whyche was a goodly sight to beholde, for at that time he had eyghtie thousand men in his host, and the most of them armed after their manner, which made a gallant shew: but Cortes for diuers causes would not haue them all with him, vntill the Vergantines were finished, and Mexico beséeged, fearing wante of vittayle for so greate an armye: yet notwithstanding hée tooke twentie thousand of them, besides the Carriers, and that night

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The Spaniardes vvhich vvere sacrificed in Tezcuco.

The Spaniardes vvhich vvere sacrificed in Tezcuco.

Dayly increased Cortes in strength and reputation, and many townes as wel of the partes of Culhua as others came vnto his friendship and obedience. Within two days that Don Hernando was made king, came certayne gentlemen of Huaxuta and Quahutichan , to certify vnto him, how al the power of the Mexicans was comming towardes them, and to knowe if it were his pleasure, that they should carry their wiues, children, and other goods into the Mountaines, or els to bring them where he was, theyr feare w

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Hovv the Vergantines vvere brought frō Tlaxcall to Tezcuco.

Hovv the Vergantines vvere brought frō Tlaxcall to Tezcuco.

Nowe when the enemies which murdered the Spaniardes, were reduced and chastened, Sandoual procéeded forwarde towarde Tlaxcallan , and at the border of that prouince, he mette with the Vergātines whiche were broughte in pieces, as tables, planches, and nayles, with all other furniture, the whyche eight thousand men caryed vpon their backes. There came also for their safeconduicte twentie thousande men of warre, and a thousande Tamemez , who were the carriers of victuals, and seruantes. Thē the Sp

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Of the Docke or trench vvhich was made to launch, the Vergantines.

Of the Docke or trench vvhich was made to launch, the Vergantines.

Manye prouinces of India , came to submitte and offer their seruice vnto Cortes , some for feare of destruction, and others for the hatred whyche they bare to the Mexicans : so that nowe Cortes was strong both with Spaniardes and Indians . Also the Spanishe Captaine of Segura , sent a letter to Cortez , the which letter he had receyued of another spaniard, the effect therof was as foloweth. Noble gentlemen, diuerse times I haue written vnto you, but as yet I neuer receiued answere, nor yet now d

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The order of the host and army of Cortes for to beseege Mexico.

The order of the host and army of Cortes for to beseege Mexico.

The nexte day following, Cortes sente vnto the prouinces of Tlaxcallan , Huexocinco , Chololla , Chal , and other Townes, warning thē within tenne dayes to come vnto Tezcuco , with theyr armoure, weapon, and other necessaries, for the séege of Mexico . He certifyed them also, how the Vergantines were ready with all other furniture accordingly, and the Spanyardes were very desirous to lose no time, wherefore they meante not to delay their pretence, farther than the day appoynted. The Indians hear

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The Battaile and victory of the Vergantines against the Canoas.

The Battaile and victory of the Vergantines against the Canoas.

The newe Kyng Quahutimoc hauing intelligence how Cortes hadde launched hys Vergantines and so mightie a power to beséege Mexico , entred into counsell wyth the chiefest péeres of hys Realme. Some were of opinion, and dyd prouoke hym to the warres, considering theyr greate multitude of people, and fortitude of the Citie. Others were of opinion, who tendred muche the common weale, that no Spanyarde that shoulde happen to be taken prysoner shoulde be sacrificed, but rather to be preserued for concl

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Hovv Cortez besieged Mexico.

Hovv Cortez besieged Mexico.

The night of Cortes his abiding there, was perillous, for he had not aboue a hundreth men in his cōpany, and aboute midnight set vpō him many Mexicans both by water and lande, although they accustomed not to fight in the night, but the Vergantines made them soone to retire. In the morning came vnto Cortes from Cristoual de Olid , eight horsemen, and foure score footemen. The Mexicans combated the towers, where Cortes was lodged, who incontinent came forth &amp; draue them along the calsey, v

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The first skirmishe vvithin the cittie of Mexico.

The first skirmishe vvithin the cittie of Mexico.

Cortes pretended to enter the Citie, and to gette what he could, &amp; also to sée what stomacke the enimy had: he sent to aduise his captaines, that eche of them should do the like, requiring them to sende vnto him some of their horsemen and footemē. He gaue speciall commaundement to Cristoual de Olid to haue regard to the kéeping of his calsey, and to forsée that the inhabitants of Xochmilco , Culhuacan , Iztacpalapan , Vitzilopuchtli , Mexicalcinco , Cuetlauac , &amp; other cities the

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The great hurt and dammage in the houses of Mexico with fire.

The great hurt and dammage in the houses of Mexico with fire.

In this meane while, Don Hernando of Tezcuco , wente throughout his Lordship, to allure his vassall to the seruice and friendship of Cortes , according to his former promise: and whether it were seyng the Spanyards prosperitie in the séege of Mexico , or otherwise, he broughte almost the whole prouince of Culhuacan , whiche is vnder the gouernemente of Tezcuco , with sixe or seauen of his owne bréethren, for more he could not, although he had more than a hundred bréethren, as héereafter shall be

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Things that happened to Pedro de Aluarado through his bolde attempt.

Things that happened to Pedro de Aluarado through his bolde attempt.

Pedro de Aluarado , would passe his army to y e market place of Tlalulco , for he toke much payn &amp; stoode in perill in susteyning y e bridges which he had gotten, hauing hys forte almost a league frō thence. And again, he being a man of a haughtie stomacke, thinking as wel to get honor as his general, and likewise being procured by his company, who sayde, that it were a shame for them if Cortez should winne that market place, being more nearer vnto them, than vnto him: wherevpon he deter

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The tryumph and sacrifice vvhich the Mexicans made for their victorie.

The tryumph and sacrifice vvhich the Mexicans made for their victorie.

Cortez delayed the time to pitche his campe in the market place of Mexico , although daily his menn entrede and skirmished with in the Citie, for the causes before alleaged, and likewise to sée if Quahutimoc would yéeld himself. And also the entrie could not be but very daungerous, for the great multitude of enimies that filled vp the streates. Al his company Spaniardes ioyntly, with the kings Treasurer, séeing the determination of Cortes , and the hurt already receyued, besought and also requir

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The determination of Cortez to destroy the citie of Mexico.

The determination of Cortez to destroy the citie of Mexico.

Chichimecatl , a noble man of Tlaxcallan , (who hadde brought the Timber of y e Vergantines, frō whence it was wrought, and was placed in the companye of Aluarado at the beginning of the siege of Mexico ,) séeing that the Spaniards fought not as they wer wont to do, he alone with y e men of his owne countrey, went forth to cōbate the Citie, being a thing which toofore he had not attēpted, gaue assault against those which defended a certain bridge, and with great noyse cryed and named his City an

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The hunger and infirmitie vvhich the Mexicans suffered with greate courage.

The hunger and infirmitie vvhich the Mexicans suffered with greate courage.

Two poore soules who were vexed wyth hunger, came in the nighte season out of the citie vnto Cortes his Camp, who certifyed, how the Citizens were in greate necessitie, and so manye dead with hunger and sicknesse, that there were heapes of dead bodyes in the houses, only to kéepe close their extreame miserie: and said also, that in the night season manye came out to fishe betwéene the houses with feare of the Vergantines , and others came out to séeke for wodde, hearbes, and rootes to eate. Cort

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The imprisonment of Quahutemoc.

The imprisonment of Quahutemoc.

Cortes seing the great extremitie that these poore wretched people were in, thinkyng nowe that they woulde yéelde vnto him, therevppon hée spake to an vncle of Don Hernando de Tezcuco , who was taken prisoner thrée dayes before, whom he desired to go to the king &amp; treate of peace: this Gentleman refused the message, knowyng the determinate will of Quahutimoc , but through muche entreatie he graunted to his request. So the next day followyng Cortes entred into the Cittie, &amp; sent t

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The taking of Mexico.

The taking of Mexico.

In the order before declared, wanne Hernando Cortes the famous cittie of Mexico , on tuesday being the .xiij. of August, An. 1521. in remembraunce wherof, and of the great victory, euery yéere on that day they make a sumptuous feast &amp; solemne procession, wherin is carried the standart royall, with the whiche the cittie was won. The siege endured thrée moneths, &amp; had therein .200000. Indians .900. Spaniardes .80. horses .17. péeces of ordinaunce, 13. Vergantines, &amp; 6000. C

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Maruellous signes and tokens of the destruction of Mexico.

Maruellous signes and tokens of the destruction of Mexico.

Not long before Hernando Cortes came vnto the newe Spayne , did many nightes after the midnighte appeare in the aire, and in the same port and place where Cortes entred into that land, great lightning of fire, whiche amounted vpward, and suddaynely vaded away. The Mexicans at that time saw flames of fire toward the orient, where now Vera Crux standeth, with a great and thicke smoke, that séemed to touche the heauen and earthe: thys sight was fearfull vnto them. They also saw the figures of armed

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The building vp agayne of Mexico.

The building vp agayne of Mexico.

Cortes pretended to recdifie againe the Citie of Mexico , not onely for the scituation and maiestie, but also for the name &amp; great fame thereof, and also to builde vp that which he hadde beaten downe, by reason whereof he trauelled to make this Citie greater, better, and to be more replenished with people. He named and appoynted Iudges, Aldermen, Attourneys, Towneclearke, Notaries, Skauengers, and Seriants, with all other officers, necessarie for the common weale of a Citie. He deuided t

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Hovv the Emperour sent to take accompt of Cortes of his gouernement in the newe Spayne.

Hovv the Emperour sent to take accompt of Cortes of his gouernement in the newe Spayne.

In these dayes Cortes was the man of the greatest name of all the Spanish nation, although many had defamed him, and especially Pamfilo de Naruaez , who was in the Court of Spaine accusing him. And where, of long time the Counsell of India had receyued no letters from him, they suspected, yea and beléeued, whatsoeuer euil was spoken of him. Wherevppon they prouided the Admirall Don Diego Colon , for Gouernour of Mexico , who at that time went to lawe wyth the king, pretending the said office and

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The death of the Licenciat Luys Ponce.

The death of the Licenciat Luys Ponce.

The Licenciat comming one day from Saint Frances abbay from seruice, fell into an extréeme burnyng feuer, and lay him downe in his bedde, where he remayned the space of thrée dayes, as a man out of his wittes, and the feuer stil encreasing, so that on the seuenth day he yéelded vp the ghost. In the time of his sickenesse he receyued the communion, and made his laste will &amp; testament. He left for substitute in his office, the bacheler Marcus de Aguillar . Cortes made as greate sorrow for

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Hovv Cortez came into Spayne.

Hovv Cortez came into Spayne.

Where one Alonso de Estrada gouerned the state of Mexico , as substitute of Marcus de Aguillar , accordying to the Emperours commaundement, Cortes considered with himselfe that it was not possible for him to haue agayne his office, except he wente personally to the Emperours court, where he had many aduersaries and fewe friendes, so that he was afflicted on euery side: yet he in fine determined to goe into Spayne, as well for businesse of importaunce of his owne, as also matters touchyng the Emp

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The honour vvhiche the Emperour shewed vnto Hernando Cortes, with rewarde.

The honour vvhiche the Emperour shewed vnto Hernando Cortes, with rewarde.

The Emperour receyued Cortes magnifically, and to giue him the greater honour, he went &amp; visited him at hys owne lodging. The Emperour beyng in a readinesse to passe into Italy, to be there crowned with the Emperiall crowne, Cortes went in his maiesties company vnto the Citie of Saragoza , whereas his Maiestie calling to remembrance his worthy seruice, &amp; valour of his person, made him Marques del valle de Huaxacac , accordyng to his desire, on the .vi. of July, An. 1528, and Capt

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The Mariage of Cortez.

The Mariage of Cortez.

When it was knowen in Spayne, that the lady Catherin Xuares , wife vnto Cortes , was deceassed in India , by intercessours he was assured vnto the Duke of Beiar , his brothers daughter, who was named the Lady Iane of Zuniga : hyr fathers name was Don Carolus de Arrellano , Earle of Aguilar . This Lady was a bewtifull Dame, and hyr brethrene noble personages, who were highly in fauour with the Emperour. And Cortes to matche with so honorable an house and lynage he iudged himselfe fortunate and we

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Hovv the Chancery vvas first placed in Mexico, and certayne Diuelishe pretences wrought against Cortes.

Hovv the Chancery vvas first placed in Mexico, and certayne Diuelishe pretences wrought against Cortes.

Before Cortes his cōming into Spayne, Pamfilo de Naruaez his old enimy wēt vp &amp; down in the Court, procuring the conquest of the riuer De Palmas &amp; Florida , where at the laste he died, and alwayes when he saw time conuenient he made cōplaints against Cortes , yea and to the Emperours owne hand he deliuered a scrole of many articles, amōg the which was one, wherein he affirmed that Cortes had as many barres of gold and siluer, as in Biscay were barres of yron, and offered to proue

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The returne of Cortez to Mexico.

The returne of Cortez to Mexico.

At this season arriued Cortes at the riche Towne of Vera Crux , and when his comming was published, how he came wyth title of Marquez, and had broughte hys wife with him, an infinite number of Indians came to visite him, and almost all the Spanyards of Mexico , so that in few dayes there came a thousand persons of his owne nation, who made theyr complaintes vnto him, how they were vndone, and that the Iudges which had bin there, had destroyed both him and them, and asked his iudgement whether th

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The order hovv to recken.

The order hovv to recken.

Euery number is simple, vntil you come to sixe, and then they count, six and one, sixe and two, sixe and thrée. Ten is a number by himselfe, then you must counte ten and one, tenne and two, tenne and thrée, tenne and foure, tenne and fiue. Then you count ten fiue and one, tenne fiue and two, ten fiue and thrée. Twenty goeth by himselfe, and al the greater numbers. The Mexicans yeare is thrée hundered sixtie dayes, for they haue in their yere eightéene monethes, and euery moneth contayneth twenti

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The names of dayes.

The names of dayes.

Althoughe these twentie names serue for the whole yere, and are but the dayes of euery moneth, yet therfore euery moneth beginneth not with Cipactli , which is the first name, but as they followe in order, and the fiue odde dayes is the cause thereof. And also bycause theyr wéeke is of thirtéene dayes, which changeth the names, as by example, Cecipactli can go no further thā vnto Matlactlomeiacatl , which is thirtéene, and then beginneth an other wéeke: and we do not say Matlactlinaui Ocelotl ,

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The accounting of yeares.

The accounting of yeares.

These Mexicans had another order to recken theyr yeares, which exceded not aboue foure in number, as one, two, thrée, foure, wherewith they accounte a hundred, fiue hundred, a thousand, and as many moe as they lust. Those foure figures or names are, Tochtli , Acatlh , Tecpatlh , Calli , and do signifye, a Conny, a Caue, a Knife, and a House, saying. So that the reconing passeth not aboue thirtéene, whiche is one wéeke of the yeare, and endeth where he began. Another Weeke. The third vveeke of ye

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The Indians beleeued that fiue ages were past, which they called Sunnes.

The Indians beleeued that fiue ages were past, which they called Sunnes.

The Indians of Culhua did beléeue that the Gods had made y e world, but they knew not how, yet they beléeued that since the creation of the world four Sunnes were past, and that the fift and last is y e Sunne that now giueth light to the world. They helde opinion that the firste Sunne perished by water, and at the same time all liuing creatures perished likewise. The second Sunne (say they) fell from the heauēs, with whose fall all liuing creatures were slayne, and then (said they) were manye Gi

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The nation of the Indians called Chichimecas.

The nation of the Indians called Chichimecas.

In the lande nowe called newe Spayne , are dyuers and sundry generations of people: but they holde opinion, that the stocke of most antiquitie, is the people nowe called Chichimecas , which procéeded out of the house of Aculhuacan , which standeth beyond Xalixco , about the yeare of our Lorde .720. Many of this Generation did inhabite aboute the lake of Tenuchtitlan , but their name ended by mixture in marriage with other people. At that time they hadde no King, nor yet did builde eyther house o

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The Coronation of the Kings of Mexico.

The Coronation of the Kings of Mexico.

Although one brother was heire to an other among the Mexicans , and after their deceasse, did inherite the Sonne of the eldest brother, yet they tooke no possession of the state nor name of King vntil they were annoynted and Crowned openlye. As soone as any King of Mexico deceassed, and his funerals ended, then were called to Parliamente the Lorde of Tezcuco , and the Lorde of Tlacopan , who were the chiefest estates, and then in order all other noble men, who owed any seruice to the Mexican Emp

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The opinion of the Mexicans concerning the Soule.

The opinion of the Mexicans concerning the Soule.

The Mexicans did beléeue that the Soule was immortal, and that they receyued eyther ioy or payne according to theyr desertes &amp; liuyng in this worlde, vnto which opinion all their religion did attayne, and chiefly appeare at their burials. They helde for an assured faith, that there were nine places appointed for soules, &amp; the chiefest place of glory to be neare vnto the Sunne, where the soules of those whiche were good men slaine in the warres, &amp; those which were sacrifis

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The buriall of Kings in Mexico.

The buriall of Kings in Mexico.

When any Kyng of Mexico happened to fall sicke, they vsed forth-with to put a visor vppon the face of Tezcatlipuca , or Vitzilopuchtli , or some other Idoll, whiche Visor was not taken awaye, vntill they sawe whether the kyng did amend, or else die: But if he chaunsed to die, then worde was sent throughout all his dominions to bewaile his death, and also other postes were sent to call the Noble menne that were his nighest kinsmen, and to warne them within foure dayes to come vnto his buriall. Th

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The order of buriall of the Kings of Michuacan.

The order of buriall of the Kings of Michuacan.

The kingdome of Michuacan is almoste as great as the Empire of Mexico , and when any king of that countrey happened to be visited with sicknesse, and brought to suche extremitie, that hope of life were past, according to the opinion of Phisitions, then would he name and appoint whiche of his Sonnes shoulde inherite the estate, and beyng knowen, the new king or heyre, incontinent sent for all the gouernours, Captaines, and valiant souldiers, who had any office or charge to come vnto the buriall o

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The order of Matrimony among the Indians.

The order of Matrimony among the Indians.

In Tlaxcallan and many other Cities, was vsed as a principall Ceremonie and token of marriage, that the Bridegrome and his Bride, against the day of marriage, had their heads polled, whiche was to signifie, that from that day forward, al childishe orders should be laide aside, and from that tyme new heare myght grow, to declare another kind of lyfe. The chiefest knotte of marriage vsed in Michuacan was, that the Bride doe looke directly vppon hir spouse, for otherwise the Matrimony was not perfi

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Of the Iudges and order of Iustice.

Of the Iudges and order of Iustice.

In Mexico were twelue Iudges, who were all noble men, graue, and well learned in the Mexican lawes. These men liued only by the rentes that properly apperteyne to the maintenance of Iustice, and in anye cause iudged by thē, it was lawfull for the parties to appeale vnto other twelue Iudges, who were of the princes bloud, and alwayes abode in the Court, and were mainteyned at the Kings owne cost and charge. The inferior Iudges came ordinarily once euery moneth to cōsult with the higher. And in eu

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The order of cruell Sacrifice vsed among the Indians.

The order of cruell Sacrifice vsed among the Indians.

At the ende of euery twenty dayes, is celebrated a festiuall feast called Tonalli , which falleth continually the last daye of euerye moneth, but the chiefest feast in the yeare, when most men are sacrificed &amp; eaten, is at the ende of euerye fiftye two yeares. But the Tlaxcaltecas and other common weales, do celebrate this feast euery fourth yeare. The last day of the first moneth is called Tlacaxipeualiztli , on the which day were slaine a hundred slaues, which were taken in the warres,

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The order of certaine religious women.

The order of certaine religious women.

On the backe side of euerye greate Temple, in euerye Cittie was made a greate Hall or lodgyng, standing alone, where as manye women did eate, drincke, lodge, &amp; leade their liues. And although suche houses had no orders, they aboad there sure ynough. These women which lay in the houses of the Goddes, were of sundry intentions. But none of them came to abide there al their life time, although among them wer some olde women. Some entered into those religious houses being sicke and disseased

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Hovv the Diuell appeared to the Indians.

Hovv the Diuell appeared to the Indians.

The Diuell did many times talke wyth the priestes, and with other rulers and perticular persons, but not with al sorts of men. And vnto him to whom the Diuel had appeared, was offered &amp; presented great giftes. The wicked spirit appeared vnto thē in a thousand shapes, and fashions, &amp; finally he was conuersant and familiar among them very often. And the fooles thought it a greate wonder, that Gods would be so familiar with mortal men. Yea they not knowing that they were Diuels, and

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The Viceroys of Mexico.

The Viceroys of Mexico.

The greatnesse of the newe Spayne, the Maiestie of Mexico , and the qualitie of the cōquerers, required a man of noble bloude to gouerne, wherevpon the Emperour sente thither Don Antonio de Mendosa , brother vnto the Marques de Moniar , for viceroy, at whose ariual there returned from thence Sebastian Camires , who had gouerned that countrey with great discretion and worthy commendation. In recompēce wherof the Emperour made him president of the chancery of Valladolid , and bishop of Culuca . Do

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The conuersion of the Indians.

The conuersion of the Indians.

Oh how greately are those Indians bound to prayse God, who being seruants of Satan, and lost Shéepe, yet it pleased the goodnesse of the Almighty to haue compassion of thē, who hath giuen them light to come out of darkenesse, and brought them to the knowledge of theyr cruell and abhominable life, and hath nowe giuen vnto them the holy Ghost in baptisme: oh most happie Cortes , thy paynes was well employed, oh valiant Conquerors, your names shall liue for euer. I am now bolde to saye, that all th

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The death of Hernando Cortes.

The death of Hernando Cortes.

There was a greate contention betwéene Hernando Cortes , and Don Antonio de Mendosa , the Vizeroy, as concerning the prouince of Sibola , for each of them pretended a title vnto the same through the Emperoures gift, the one by meanes of his office of Vizeroy, and the other by his office of Captayne Generall, vpon the whyche matter they grewe into such hatred, that perfyte friendshippe coulde neuer after take place betwéene them, although at the beginning they were familiar and louing friendes: b

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