Chapter XXII (5)

Notwithstanding this answer, there came againe about thirty thousand of them even to _Cortez_ his campe, to prove their corslets, as they had done the day before, but they returned with broken pates. Here is to be noted that although the first day the whole host of _Indians_ came to combat with the _Spaniards_; yet the next day they did not so, but every severall Captaine by himselfe, for to divide the better the travaile and paines equally among them; and because that one should not disturbe another through the multitude, considering that they should fight but with a few, and in a narrow place; and for this consideration their battails were more fresh and strong, for each Captain did contend who should doe most valiantly for to get honour, and especially in killing one _Spaniard_, for they thought that all their hurts should be satisfied with the death of one _Spaniard_, or taking one Prisoner. Likewise is to be considered the strangenesse of their battail, for notwithstanding their controversie fifteen daies that they were there, whether they fought or no, they sent unto the _Spaniards_ cakes of bread, Turkey cocks and cherries. But this policy was not to give them that meat for good will, but onely to espie and see what hurt was done amongst them, and also to see what feare or stomack they had to proceed. But finding by their many spies that the _Spaniards_ were nothing daunted nor diminished, they resolved to send unto _Cortez Xicotencatl_, who was chiefe and generall Captain in _Tlaxcallan_, and of all the warres; he brought in his company fifty persons of authority to keep him company. They approached neer where _Cortez_ was, and saluted each other according to the use of their countrey. Their salutations ended, and the parties being set downe; _Xicotencatl_ began the talke, saying. Sir, I am come on mine owne behalfe and also of my fellow Captain and Lieutenant _Maxixca_, and in the name of many other noble personages, and finally in the name of the whole State and Common-wealth of _Tlaxcallan_, to beseech and pray you to admit us into your friendship, and to yeeld our selves and countrey unto your King, craving also at your hand pardon for our attempt in taking up armes against you, wee not knowing what you were, nor what you fought for in our countrey. And where we presumed to resist and defend your entrance, wee did it as against strangers whom we knew not, and such men as we had never heretofore seen; and fearing also that you had been friends to _Montezuma_, who is, and alwaies hath been our mortall enemy. And we had rather all in generall to end our lives, then to put our selves in subjection to him; for we thinke our selves as valiant men in courage as our fore-fathers were, who alwaies have resisted against him and his grand-father, who was as mighty as now is he. We would also have withstood you and your force, but we could not, although we proved all our possibility by night and day, and found your strength invincible, and we no lucke against you. Therefore since our fate is such, we had rather be subject unto you then unto any others; for wee have knowne and heard by the _Zempoallanezes_, that you doe no evill, nor came not to vexe any, but were most valiant and happy, as they have seen in the warres, being in your company. For which consideration, we trust that our liberty shall not be diminished, but rather our own persons, wives and families better preserved, and our houses and husbandry not destroyed. And in some of his talke, the tears trickling down his cheeks, he besought _Cortez_ to weigh that _Tlaxcallan_ did never at any time acknowlege any superiour Lord or King, nor at any time had come any person among them to command, but only he, whom now they did voluntarily elect and choose as their Superiour and Ruler. _Cortez_ much rejoyced with this ambassage, and to see such a mighty Captaine, who commanded a hundred and fifty thousand Souldiers, come unto his camp to submit himselfe; judging it also matter of great weight to have that Common-wealth in subjection, for the enterprise which he had in hand, whereby he fully made an account, that the wars were at an end, to the great contentation of him and his company, and with great fame and reputation among the _Indians_. So with a merry and loving countenance he answered, laying first to their charge, the hurt and damage which he had received in their countrey, because they refused at the first to hearken unto him, and quietly to suffer him to enter into their countrey, as he had required and desired by his messengers sent unto them from _Zaclotan_. Yet all this notwithstanding, he did both pardon the killing of his two Horses, the assaulting of him in the high way, and the lies which they had most craftily used with him, (for whereas they themselves fought against him, yet they laid the fault to others) likewise their pretence to murther him in the ambush prepared for him (enticing him to come to their Towne) without making first defiance according to the law of Arms. Yet these injuries notwithstanding, he did lovingly receive their offer made in subjection to the Emperour, and that very shortly he would be with him in _Tlaxcallan_. At this same time there were Ambassadours from _Montezuma_ with _Cortez_, who grieved much to see the League that was now beginning between the _Tlaxcalteca's_ and the _Spaniards_; they advised _Cortez_ to give no credit unto them, saying, they meant nothing but treason, and lies, and to lock them up in _Tlaxcallan. Cortez_ answered the Ambassadours, that although their advice were true, yet he did determine to goe thither, for that he feared them lesse in the Towne then in the field. They hearing this answer and determination, besought him to give unto one of them licence to returne unto _Mexico_, to advertise _Montezuma_ of all that was past, with an answer to their ambassage, promising within six dayes to have newes from _Mexico_, and till then prayed him not to depart with his campe. _Cortez_ granted their request, and abode there the time appointed, expecting their answer, and within himselfe rejoycing to see how the _Mexicans_ began to feare, that his peace with the _Tlaxcalteca's_ would be their ruine and destruction, as indeed afterwards it proved. In this mean season came many of _Tlaxcallan_ to the campe, some brought Turkey cockes, other brought bread and cherries, with merry countenances, desiring them to goe home with them unto their houses. The sixt day the _Mexican_ Ambassadour came according to promise, and brought unto _Cortez_ ten jewels of gold, both rich and well wrought, and fifteen thousand garments of Cotton exceeding gallant, and most earnestly besought him on the behalfe of _Montezuma_, that he should not danger himselfe in trusting to the words of the _Tlaxcalteca's_, who were so poore that with necessity they would rob him of the things and presents which his Master had sent him, yea and likewise murther him, knowing of the friendship between his Master and him. At the very same time all the chiefest Lords of _Tlaxcallan_ came to intreat him to goe with them to _Tlaxcallan_, where he should be cherished, lodged and well provided: for it was a great dishonour and shame unto them to permit such personages to abide in such vile cottages, as they were in. And if (said they) you trust us not, then we are ready to give you for your security whatsoever pledges or gages you shall demand. And they did both swear and faithfully promise that they might safely goe with them, saying also that the Oath and Faith of their Common-wealth should never be broken for all the goods in the world. Thus was _Cortez_ on both sides earnestly solicited, and intreated; the _Mexicans_ fearing his League and friendship with the _Tlaxcalteca's_, and these hoping that his friendship with them would be their chiefe protection against the tyranny of _Montezuma_. But _Cortez_ aiming chiefly at the Empire of _Mexico_, which _Montezuma_ his dissembled friendship would never helpe him to enjoy; and seeing the good will of so many gentlemen his new friends of _Tlaxcallan_, the most mortall enemies of _Montezuma_, and likewise the _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_, of whom he had good credit, did so importune him, and assure him of his going, he commanded his Fardage to be laden, and also his Ordnance, and departed toward _Tlaxcallan_, with as good order as it had been to a battail; and at the Tower where he had pitched his camp, he left certain crosses for a memory with a great heape of stones (which till this day remain in the place, and my selfe have seen them) and entred into _Tlaxcallan_ the eighteenth of _September_. There came out such a multitude of people to see him and to meet him in the way, that it was a wonder to see. He was lodged in the greatest Temple, which had many great and fair lodgings sufficient for him and all his company, except the _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_ and _Zaclotan_ his friends, who were lodged in other Temples. He set certaine limits, out of the which he commanded straitly that none of his company should passe upon pain of death, and also commanded that they should take nothing, but what should be given them. His commandement was well observed, for none presumed to goe a stones cast without his licence. The _Indian_ gentlemen shewed great pleasure and curtesie to the strangers, and provided them of all things necessary, and many of them gave their daughters unto them in token of true friendship, and likewise to have fruit of their bodies, to be brought up for the wars, being such valiant men. _Cortez_ being throughly satisfied of their hearty good wills, demanded of them the estate and riches of _Montezuma_. They exalted him greatly as men that had proved his force. And as they affirmed it was neer a hundred yeers, that they maintained warres with him and his father _Axaica_, and others his uncles and grand-fathers; they assured him also that the gold and treasure of _Montezuma_ was without number, and his power and dominion over all the land, and his people innumerable; for (said they) he joyneth sometimes two hundred thousand men, yea and three hundred thousand for one battail. And if it pleased him, he would make as many men double, and thereof they were good witnesse, because they had many times fought with them. _Cortez_ told them he was nothing discouraged at all that his power, but intended a journey to _Mexico_, not doubting to oppose _Montezuma_, if hee should encounter him in the way. He promised them likewise that he would free them from his tyranny, and subdue in his way all those Townes which were allied to the _Mexicans_, and did any way annoy them and their Common-wealth. They gave him hearty thankes, assuring him to assist him and accompany him to _Mexico_; and for the present offered him twenty thousand men, making a solemne League and Covenant never to forsake him. Thus was _Tlaxcallan_ subdued and sworne to the power and command of the _Spaniards_, being in those times one of the chiefest, though not richest, Townes in _America_; whose Inhabitants after clave most faithfully to _Cortez_, and were chief instruments for the subduing of _Mexico_; and therefore to this day are freed from tribute by the Kings of _Spain_, paying not the money which as a tribute taxe is layed upon every _Indian_ to bee payed yeerely, but onely in acknowledgement of subjection they pay yeerely one corne of _Maiz_, which is their _Indian_ Wheat. This great Towne of _Tlaxcallan_ is properly in the _Indian_ tongue as much as to say, as bread well baked, for there is more Graine called _Centli_ gathered, then in all the Province roundabout. In times past the Towne was called _Texcallan_, that is to say, a Valley betwixt two hills. It is planted by a River side, which springeth out of a hill called _Atlancapetec_, and watereth the most part of the Province, and from thence issueth out into the South Sea, by _Zacatullan_. This Town hath foure goodly streets, which are called _Tepeticpac, Ocotelulco, Tizatlan, Quiahuiztlan_. The first street standeth on high upon a hill, farre from the River which may be about half a League, and because it standeth on a hill, it is called _Tepeticpac_, that is to say, a hill, and was the first population, which was founded there on high because of the Wars. An other street is situated on the hill side towards the River; because at the building thereof, there were many Pine trees, they named it _Ocotelulco_, which is to say, A pine apple plot. This street was beautifull, and most inhabited of all the Town, and there was the chiefest Market place, where all the buying and selling was used, and that place they called _Tianquiztli_; in that street was the dwelling house of _Maxixca_. Along the River side in the plaine standeth another street called _Tizatlan_, because there is much Lime and Chalke. In this street dwelled _Xicotencatl_, Captaine Generall of the whole Common-wealth. There is another street named by reason of the brackish water, _Quiahuiztlan_; but since the _Spaniards_ came thither, all those buildings are almost altered, after a better fashion, and built with stone. In the plain by the riverside standeth the Town house, & other Offices, as in the City of _Venice_. This _Tlaxcallan_ was governed by Noble and rich men; they used not that one alone should rule, but did rather flie from that Government as from tyranny, and therefore hated _Montezuma_ as a tyrant. In their Wars (as I have said before) they had foure Captaines, which governed each one street, of the which foure they did elect a Captaine Generall. Also there were other Gentlemen, that were Under-Captaines, but a small number. In the Wars they used their Standard to bee carried behind the Army, but when the battaile was to be fought, they placed the Standard, where all the Hoste might see it, & he that came not incontinent to his Ancient, payed a penalty. Their Standard had two Crosse-bow Arrowes set thereon, which they esteemed, as the Reliques of their Ancestours. This Standard two old Souldiers and valiant men, being of the chiefest Captaines, had the charge to carry, in the which an abuse of soothsaying either of losse or victory was noted. In this order they shot one of these Arrowes against the first enemies that they met, and if with that Arrow they did either kill or hurt, it was a token that they should have the victory, and if it neither did kil nor hurt, then they assuredly believed that they should lose the field. This Province or Lordship of _Tlaxcallan_ had 28 Villages and Townes, wherein were contained 150000 housholders. They are men well made, and were good Warriers, the like were not among the _Indians_. They are very poore, and have no other riches, but onely the Graine and Corne called _Centli_, and with the gain and profit thereof, they doe both clothe themselves, and provide all other necessaries. They have many Market places, but the greatest and most used daily, standeth in the street of _Ocotelulco_, which formerly was so famous, that 20000 persons came thither in one day to buy and sell, changing one thing for another, for they knew not what money meaned. They have now and had formerly all kind of good policy in the Town; there are Goldsmiths, Feather-dressers, Barbers, hot houses, and Potters, who make as good earthen Vessel, as is made in _Spain_. The earth is fat and fruitfull for Corne, fruit, and pasture, for among the Pinetrees groweth so much grasse, that the _Spaniards_ feed their Cattell there, which in _Spain_ they cannot doe. Within two Leagues of the Town standeth a round hill of six miles of heigth, and five and forty miles in compasse, and is now called St. _Bartholomewes_ hill, where the snow freezeth. In times past they called that hill _Matealcucic_, who was their God for water. They had also a God for Wine, who was named _Ometochtli_, for the great drunkenesse which they used. Their chiefest God was called _Camaxtlo_, and by another name _Mixcovatl_, whose Temple stood in the street of _Ocotelulco_, in the which Temple there was sacrificed some yeeres above eight hundred persons. In the Towne they speak three languages, that is to say, _Nahualh_, which is the courtly speech, and chiefest in all the land of _Mexico_; another is called _Otomir_, which is most commonly used in the Villages; There is one onely street that speaketh _Pinomer_, which is the grossest speech. There was also formerly in the Town a common Jayle, where Felons lay in Irons, and all things which they held for sinne, were there corrected. At the time that _Cortez_ was there it happened that a townsman stole from a _Spaniard_ a little gold; whereof _Cortez_ complained to _Maxixca_, who incontinent made such enquiry, that the offender was found in _Chololla_, which is another great Town five Leagues from thence; they brought the Prisoner with the gold, and delivered him to _Cortez_, to doe with him his pleasure. _Cortez_ would not accept him, but gave him thankes for his diligence; then was hee carried with a cryer before him, manifesting his offence, and in the Market place upon a Scaffold they brake his joynts with a cudgell: the _Spaniards_ marvelled to see such strange justice, and began to bee more confident that as in this point they had endeavoured to pleasure and right them, so likewise they should afterwards find them very forward to doe their wills and pleasures for the better conquering of _Mexico_ and _Montezuma. Ocotelulco_ and _Tizatlan_, are the two streets which now are most inhabited. In _Ocotelulco_ standeth a Cloister of Franciscan Fryers who are the Preachers of that Town; they have there joyning to their Cloister a very faire Church, to which belong some fifty _Indians_ singers, Organists, players on Musicall Instruments, Trumpeters and Waits, who set out the Masse with a very sweet and harmonious Musick, and delight the fancy and senses, while the spirit is sad and dull as little acquainted with God, who will bee worshipped in spirit and in truth. In _Tepeticpac_ and _Quiahuiztlan_ are two Chappels onely, to which on the Lords Day, and upon other occasions the Fryers of the Cloister resort to say Masse. In this Cloister wee were entertained a day and two nights with great Provision of Flesh and Fish, which is very plentifull by reason of the River; The Fryers are allowed by the Town a dozen _Indians_ who are free from other Services onely to fish for the Fryers. They change their turnes by Weekes, foure one Weeke and foure another, except they be called upon for some speciall occasion, and then they leave all other worke, and attend onely with fish upon the Fryers. The Town now is inhabited by _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ together; and is the seat of a chief Officer of Justice sent from _Spain_ every three yeares, called _Alcalde Major_, whose power reacheth to all the Townes within twenty Leagues about. Besides him the _Indians_ have likewise among themselves, _Alcaldes, Regidores_ and _Alguaziles_, superiour and inferiour Officers of Justice appointed yeerely by the _Alcalde Major_, who keepes them all in awe, and takes from them for his Service as many as hee pleaseth without paying any thing for the Service done unto him. The hard usage of this _Alcalde Major_ and other _Spaniards_ hath much decayed that populous Town, which should rather have been cherished, then disheartned by the _Spaniards_, who by meanes of it gained all the rest of the Country.

CHAP. XI.

_Concluding the rest of our journey from_ Tlaxcallan _to_ Mexico, _through the City of_ Angels, _and_ Guacocingo.

The next place most remarkable in the Rode wherein wee travelled was the City called by the _Spaniards, La Puebla de los Angeles_, the City of Angels. To the which wee were desirous to goe, knowing that in it there was a Convent of Dominicans of our profession, not having met with any such since the day we departed from St. _John de Ulhua_. Here wee refreshed our selves at leasure three dayes, finding our selves very welcome to our owne Brethren, who spared nothing that was fit for our entertainment. Wee visited all the City, and tooke large notice of it, judging of the wealth and riches of it not only by the great Trading in it, but by the many Cloisters both of Nuns and Fryers, which it maintaineth, such being commonly very burthensome to the places where they live, an idle kind of beggers who make the people believe the maintaining of them is meritorious and saving to their Soules, and that their prayers for them is more worth then the meanes and sustenance which they receive from them. Of these there is in that City a very great Cloister of some fifty or threescore Dominicans, another of more Franciscans, another of Augustins, another of Mercenarians, another of discalced Carmelites, another of Jesuits, besides foure of Nuns. This City is seated in a low and pleasant Valley, about ten leagues from a very high Mountaine, which is alwayes covered with snow; It standeth twenty leagues from _Mexico_, it was first built and inhabited in the yeare 1530. by the command of _Don Antonio de Mendoza_ Viceroy of _Mexico_, together with the consent of _Sebastian Ramirez_, who was a Bishop, and had been President in time past in _Sto. Domingo_, and was that yeare in stead of _Nunnio de Guzman_, (who had behaved himselfe very evill both with the _Indians_ and _Spaniards_) sent to bee President of the Chancery of _Mexico_ with these other foure Judges the Licenciates _John de Salmeron, Gasco Quiroga, Francisco Ceynos_, and _Alonso Maldonado_. These Judges governed the land farre better then _Nunnio de Guzman_ before them had done; and among other remarkable things they did, was to cause this City to bee inhabited; and set at liberty the _Indians_ who inhabited there before, and were grievously suppressed and inslaved by the _Spaniards_, and therefore many of them departed from thence, who had inhabited there before, and went to seeke their living at _Xalixco, Honduras, Guatemala_ and other places, where Warre then was. This City was formerly called by the _Indians Cuetlaxcoapan_, that is to say, a Snake in water; the reason was, because there are two Fountaines, the one of evill water, and the other of good. This City is now a Bishops Sea, whose yeerely Revenues since the cutting off from it _Xalappa De la Vera Crux_, are yet worth above twenty thousand Duckats; By reason of the good and wholesome aire it dayly increaseth with Inhabitants, who resort from many other places to live there; but especially the yeare 1634. when _Mexico_ was like to bee drowned with the inundation of the lake, thousands left it, and came with all their goods and Families to this City of the _Angels_, which now is thought to consist of ten thousand Inhabitants. That which maketh it most famous is the Cloth which is made in it, and is sent farre and neere, and judged now to bee as good as the Cloth of _Segovia_, which is the best that is made in _Spain_, but now is not so much esteemed of, nor sent so much from _Spain_ to _America_ by reason of the abundance of fine Cloth which is made in this City of _Angels_. The Felts likewise that are made, are the best of all that Country; there is likewise a glassehouse, which is there a rarity, none other being as yet knowne in those parts. But the mint house that is in it, where is coyned halfe the Silver that cometh from _Sacatecas_, makes it the second to _Mexico_; and it is thought that in time it will bee as great and populous as _Mexico_. Without it there are many Gardens, which store the Markets with provision of Salets; the soile abounds with Wheat, and with Sugar Farmes; among the which not farre from this City there is one so great and populous (belonging to the Dominican Fryers of _Mexico_) that for the work onely belonging unto it, it maintained in my time above two hundred black-more slaves men and women besides their little children. The chief Town betweene this City of _Angels_, and _Mexico_, is called _Guacocingo_ consisting of some five hundred _Indians_, and one hundred _Spaniards_ Inhabitants. Here is likewise a Cloister of Franciscans, who entertained us gallantly, and made shew unto us of the dexterity of their _Indians_ in Musick. Those fat Fryers wanted not like the rest all Provision necessary for the body. But their greatest glory and boasting to us was the education which they had given to some children of the Town, especially such as served them in their Cloister, whom they had brought up to dancing after the _Spanish_ fashion at the sound of the Guitarra. And this a dozen of them (the biggest not being above fourteene years of age) performed excellently for our better entertainment that night, wee were there till midnight, singing both _Spanish_ and _Indian_ tunes, capering and dancing with their Castannettas, or knockers on their fingers with such dexterity, as not onely did delight, but amaze and astonish us. True it is, wee thought those Franciscans might have been better imployed at that time in their Quire at their midnight devotions according to their profession; but we still found vowed religious duties more and more neglected, and worldlinesse too too much imbraced, by such as had renounced and forsaken the world and all its pleasures, sports and pastimes.

This Towne of _Guacocingo_ is almost as much as _Tlaxcallan_ priviledged by the Kings of _Spain_; for that it joyned with _Tlaxcallan_ against the _Mexicans_, in defence of _Hernando Cortez_ and the rest of the _Spaniards_ that first conquered that land. These of _Guacocingo_ being confederated with the inhabitants of _Tlaxcallan, Chololla,_ and _Huacacholla_ strongly defended the inhabitants of _Chalco_, when they sent to _Cortez_ for succour, declaring that the _Mexicans_ made great spoile among them. Which succour _Cortez_ at that time not being able to send them; being busied in sending for his Vergantines to besiege _Mexico_ by water as well as by land, he remitted them to the helpe of the _Tlaxcalteca's_, and unto these of _Guacocingo, Chlolla_, and _Huacacholla_; who shewed great valour as yet never buried in oblivion, in relieving _Chalco_ against the strength, and power of _Montezuma_, which had issued out of _Mexico_, to keep the _Spaniards_ from drawing neer unto that City. For that fact is this Towne with the others fore-mentioned, untill this day priviledged and highly esteemed of the _Spaniards_. From hence wee made our last journey to the City of _Mexico_, parting over the side of that high hill which we had discovered at the City of _Angels_, some thirty miles off. There are no Alpes like unto it for height, cold, and constant snow that lieth upon it. From _Spain_ to that place we had not felt any such extremity of cold, which made the _Spaniards_ that had come out of the hot climate of _Spain_, and endured excessive heat at sea, wonder and admire. This last journey from _Guacocingo_ to _Mexico_ we reckoned to be thirty _English_ miles, and of the thirty miles we judged at least the fifteen to be up and downe the hill; and yet the top of it (whither we ascended not) was far higher. From that highest part of it which we travailed over, we discovered the City of _Mexico_, and the lake about it, which seemed to us to be neer at hand, standing some ten _English_ miles in a plain from the bottome of this mountaine. When _Hernando Cortez_ went the second time from _Tlaxcallan_ to _Mexico_, to besiege it by land and by water, with Vergantines which for that purpose he had caused to be made, on the side of this mountaine were his land Forces lodged, where many had perished with cold, had it not been for the store of wood which they found there. But in the morning he ascended upwards on this hill, and sent his scout of foure Foot-men and four Horse-men to discover, who found the way stopped with great trees newly cut downe by the _Mexicans_, and placed crossewise in the way. But they thinking that yet forwards it was not so, proceeded forth as well as they might, till at length the let with great huge Cedars was such, that they could passe no further, and with this newes were forced to return, certifying _Cortez_ that the Horse-men could not passe that way in any wise. _Cortez_ demanded of them whether they had seen any people; they answered No. Whereupon he proceeded forward, with all the Horse-men, and a thousand Foot-men, commanding all the residue of his Army to follow him with as much speed as might be; so that with that company which he carried with him, he made way, taking away the trees that were cut downe to disturbe his passage; and in this order in short time passed his host without any hurt or danger, but with great pain and travaile; for certainly if the _Mexicans_ had been there to defend that passage, the _Spaniards_ had not passed; for it was then a very evill way (though now it be a reasonable wide open rode, where Mules laden with wares from _St. John de Ulhua_, and the Sugar farmes daily passe) and the _Mexicans_ also thought the same to be sure with the trees which were crossed the way; whereupon they were carelesse of that place, and attended their coming in plain ground; for from _Tlaxcallan_ to _Mexico_ are three wayes, of the which _Cortez_ chose the worst, imagining the thing that afterwards fell out, or else some had advised him how that way was cleare from the enemies. At the descent of this hill _Cortez_ abode and rested himselfe, till all the whole Army were come together, to descend downe into the plaine; for from hence they descried the fires and beacons of their enemies in sundry places, and all those who had attended their coming by the other two waies, were now gathered together, thinking to set upon them betwixt certain bridges (which are in the plain made for travellers by reason of the many dikes and currents of water which issue from the lake) where a great company abode expecting their coming. But _Cortez_ sent twenty Horse-men who made way among them, and then followed the whole Army, who slew many of them without receiving any hurt. Thus did the remembrance of those antiquities newly refreshed by the object of the hill and plain beneath, make that cold and hard passage more comfortable and easie unto us. The first Towne we came to below the hill, was _Quahutipec_, of the jurisdiction of _Tezcuco_; where we also called to mind, that this was the place, neer unto which was pitched the Campe of the _Indians_ of _Culhua_, which was neer a hundred thousand men of warre, who were sent by the Seniors of _Mexico_ and _Tezcuco_ to encounter _Cortez_; but all in vain; for his Horse-men broke through them, and his Artillerie made such havock among them, that they were soon put to flight.

Three leagues from hence on our right hand as we travailed, we discovered _Tezcuco_ by the side of the lake, and out of the Rode; yet it ministred unto us matter of a large discourse, taken from the time of _Cortez_ and the first Conquerers, who found it a great City, and at that time even as big as _Mexico_; though in it _Cortez_ met with no resistance; for as he journeyed towards it, foure principall persons inhabitants of it met with his forces, bearing a rod of gold with a little flag in token of peace, saying that _Coacuacoyocin_ their Lord had sent them to desire him not to make any spoile in his City, and Townes about it; and likewise to offer his friendship, praying also that it might please him with his whole Army to take his lodging in the Town of _Tezcuco_, where he should be well received. _Cortez_ rejoycing at this message, yet jealous of some treachery, and mistrusting the people of _Tezcuco_ (whose forces joyned with the _Mexicans_ and _Culhuacans_ he had met with a little before) went forward on his way and came to _Quahutichan_ and _Huaxuta_ (which then were suburbs of the great City _Tezcuco_, but now are petty Villages by themselves) where he and all his host were plenteously provided of all things necessary, and threw down the Idols. This done he entred into the City, where his lodging was prepared in a great house, sufficient for him and all the _Spaniards_, with many other his _Indian_ friends. And because that at his first entry, he saw neither women nor children, he suspected some treason, and forthwith proclaimed upon pain of death that none of his men should goe out. In the evening the _Spaniards_ went up into the Zoties and galleries to behold the City, and there they saw the great number of Citizens that fled from thence with their stuffe, some towards the mountaines, and others to the water side to take boat, a thing strange to see the great haste and stirre to provide for themselves. There were at that time at least twenty thousand little boats (called _Canoas_) occupied in carrying houshold-stuffe and passengers; _Cortez_ would faine have remedied it, but the night was so nigh at hand, that he could not. He would gladly also have apprehended the Lord, but hee was one of the first that fled unto _Mexico_. This Towne of _Tezcuco_ to this day is famous among the _Spaniards_; for that it was one of the first, if not the first (which according to the Histories of those parts is very probable) that received a Christian King to rule and governe. For _Cortez_ hearing that _Coacuacoyocin_ then King of that City and Townes adjacent was fled, caused many of the Citizens to be called before him, and having in his company a young gentleman of a Noble house in that countrey, who had been lately Christened, and had to name _Hernando_ (_Cortez_ being his God-father, who loved him well) said unto the Citizens, that this new Christian Lord _Don Hernando_ was sonne unto _Nezavalpincintli_ their loving Lord, wherefore he required them to make him their King, considering that _Coacuacoyocin_ was fled unto the enemies, laying also before them his wicked fact in killing of _Cacuza_ his owne brother, onely to put him from his inheritance and Kingdome, through the enticement of _Quahuatimoecin_ a mortall enemy to the _Spaniards_. In this sort was that new Christian _Don Hernando_ elected King, and the fame thereof being blown abroad, many Citizens repaired home again to visit their new Prince, so that in short space the City was as well replenished with people, as it was before, and being also well used at the _Spaniards_ hands, they served them diligently in all things that they were commanded. And _Don Hernando_ abode ever after a faithfull friend unto the _Spaniards_ in their warres against _Mexico_, and in short time learned the _Spanish_ tongue. And soone after came the inhabitants of _Quahutichan, Huaxuta_, and _Autenco_ to submit themselves, craving pardon if in any thing they had offended. Within two daies after _Don Hernando_ was made King of this great City and Territorie belonging to it (whose borders reach unto the borders of _Tlaxcallan_) came certaine gentlemen of _Huaxuta_ and _Quahutichan_, to certifie unto him, how all the power of the _Mexicans_ was coming towards them, and to know if it were his pleasure, that they should carry their wives, children and other goods into the mountaines, or else to bring them where he was, their feare was so great. _Cortez_ for the King his God-child and favourite made unto them this answer, saying, Bee ye of good courage, and feare ye not. Also I pray you to command your wives and families to make no alteration, but rather quietly to abide in your houses. And concerning the enemies I am glad of their coming, for yee shall see how I will deale with them. But the enemies went not to _Huaxuta_, as it was thought, neverthelesse _Cortez_ having intelligence where they were, went out to encounter them with two pieces of Ordnance, twelve Horsemen and two hundred _Spaniards_, and with many _Indians_ of _Tlaxcallan_. He fought with the enemy, and slew but few, for they fled to the water, and so escaped in their _Canoa's_. Thus did _Cortez_ in _Tezcuco_ defend himselfe and friends from the great power of the _Mexicans_, who daily attempted to be revenged on him, and the new Christian King whom he had made. But _Cortez_, thinking that place the most convenient to lanch his Vergantines to the water, and hearing that they were finished at _Tlaxcallan_, sent _Gonzalo de Sandoval_ to bring them from _Tlaxcallan_; who at the border of that Province met with them being brought in pieces, as tables, planks and nayles, with all other furniture, the which eight thousand men carried upon their backes. There came also for their safe conduct twenty thousand men of warre, and a thousand _Tamemez_, who were the Carriers of victuals, and servants. _Chichimecatetl_, a principall and valiant _Indian_ and Captaine of a thousand men had the Rere-gard. And _Tupitil_ and _Teutecotl_, very principall gentlemen, had the Vant-gard with ten thousand men. In the midst were placed the _Tamemez_, and those that carried the Foyst, with all the apparell of the Vergantines. Before those two Captains went a hundred _Spaniards_, and eight Horse-men, and behind and last came _Gonzalo de Sandoval_ with all the residue, and seven Horse-men. Thus they tooke their way towards _Tezcuco_, with a marvellous noise, crying, Christians, Christians, _Tlaxcallan, Tlaxcallan_, and _Spaine_. When they came to _Tezcuco_, they entred in very good order, with the sound of Drummes, Snail shels, and other like instruments of musick; and against their entry into the City, they put on all their bravery of clothes, and bushes of feathers, which was a gallant sight; they were six houres in entring into the Towne, keeping their array. At the fame of this many Provinces came to submit and offer their service unto _Cortez_, some for fear of destruction, and others for the hatred which they bare to the _Mexicans_; so that now _Cortez_ was strong both with _Spaniards_ and _Indians_; and his Court at _Tezcuco_ was as great, or greater then _Montezuma's_ formerly had been at _Mexico_. And here _Cortez_ made his preparation for the siege of _Mexico_ with all hast, and furnished himselfe with scaling ladders, and other necessaries fit for such a purpose. His Vergantines being nayled and throughly ended, he made a sluce, or trench of halfe a league of length, twelve foot broad and more, and two fadome in depth. This worke was fifty daies a doing, although there were foure hundred thousand men daily working; truly a famous worke and worthy of memory, which hath made _Tezcuco_ gloriously mentioned, though now almost decayed in the great number of inhabitants. The Dock or Trench being thus finished, the Vergantines were calked with towe and cotton wooll, and for want of Tallow and oyle, they were (as some Authors report) driven to take mans grease, not that _Cortez_ permitted them to slay men for that effect, but of those which were slaine in the warres, and of such as sallied dayly out of _Mexico_ to hinder this work, and fighting were slaine. The _Indians_, who were cruel and bloody Butchers, using sacrifice of mans flesh, would in this sort open the dead body and take out the grease. The Vergantines being lanched, _Cortez_ mustered his men, and found nine hundred _Spaniards_, of the which were fourscore and six Horse-men, and a hundred and eighteen with Crosse-bowes, and Hargabushes; and all the residue had sundry weapons, as Swords, Daggers, Targets, Launces, and Halberts. Also they had for armour, Corslets, coats of Mayle, and Jackes. They had moreover three great Peeces of cast Iron, fifteen small peeces of brasse, and ten hundred weight of powder, with store of shot, besides a hundred thousand _Indians_, men of warre. On Whitsunday all the _Spaniards_ came into the field, that great plaine below the high mountaine spoken of before, where _Cortez_ made three chiefe Captaines, among whom he divided his whole Army. Unto _Pedro de Alvarado_ the first Captaine he appointed thirty Horse-men, and a hundred and seventy Foote men of the _Spaniards_, two peeces of Ordnance, and thirty thousand _Indians_, commanding him to campe in _Tlacopan_. Unto _Christoval de Olid_ the second Captaine hee gave three and thirty horsemen, and a hundred and eighteen footmen of the _Spanish_ Nation, two Peeces of Ordnance and thirty thousand _Indians_, and appointed him to pitch his campe in _Culhuacan_. To _Gonzalo de Sandoval_, who was the third Captaine, hee gave three and twenty horsemen, and a hundred and threescore footmen, two peeces of Ordnance, and forty thousand _Indians_, with Commission to choose a place to pitch his campe. In every Vergantine hee planted a peice or Ordnance, six Hargabushes, or Crosse-bowes, and three and twenty _Spaniards_, men most fit for that purpose. Hee appointed also Captaines for each, and himselfe for Generall, whereof some of the chiefest of his Company began to murmur, that went by land, thinking that they had been in greater danger; wherefore they required him to goe with the maine battaile, and not by water. _Cortez_ little esteemed their words; for although there was more danger in the land then in the water, yet it did more import to have greater care in the Warres by water, then on the land, because his men had beene in the one, and not in the other. Besides the chiefest hopes that _Cortez_ had to winne _Mexico_, were these Vessels, for with them he burned a great part of the _Canoa's_ of _Mexico_, and the rest hee so locked up, that they were no help unto the _Mexicans_, and with twelve onely Vergantines hee did annoy his enemy as much by water, as the rest of his Army did by land. All this preparation for the siege of _Mexico_ by land and water, with above a hundred thousand _Indians_, besides the _Spaniards_ above mentioned, and the twelve Vergantines by water, was finished in this City of _Tezcuco_, which is a sufficient argument of the greatnesse of it at that time, maintaining with Provision fit and necessary so many thousands of people, and it yeelded matter enough unto us for a large discourse, whilst not farre from the sight of it wee travelled in the open and direct plaine Rode to _Mexico_. And as we talked of the greatnesse of it in former times, so likewise wee now wondered to consider it to bee but a small Government, where doth constantly reside a _Spanish_ Governour sent from _Spain_, whose power reacheth to those borders of _Tlaxcallan_ and _Guacocingo_, and to most of the petty Townes and Villages of the plaine, which were formerly under the command and power of a King; but now are not able to make up above a thousand Duckats a yeer, which is supposed to bee the yeerly revenues of the Governour; and _Tezcuco_ it self this day judged to consist onely of a hundred _Spaniards_, and three hundred _Indian_ Inhabitants, whose chiefe riches come by gardening, and sending daily in their _Canoa's_ Herbes and Salets to _Mexico_. Some wealth likewise they get by their Cedar trees which grow there, and are ready timber for the buildings of _Mexico_. Yet now also are these Cedars much decayed by the _Spaniards_, who have wasted and spoiled them in their too too sumptuous buildings. _Cortez_ onely was accused by _Pamfilo de Narvaez_, for that hee had spent seven thousand beames of Cedar trees in the worke of his owne house. Gardens there were in _Tezcuco_ formerly, that had a thousand Cedar trees for walls and circuite, some of them of a hundred and twenty foot long, and twelve foot in compasse from end to end; but now that Garden that hath fifty Cedar trees about it, is much regarded. At the end of this plain wee passed through _Mexicalcinco_, which formerly was a great Town, but now not of above an hundred Inhabitants, and from thence to _Guetlavac_, a petty Village, yet most pleasant for the shade of many fruit trees, Gardens, and stately houses which for their recreation some Citizens of _Mexico_ have built there, being at the foot of the Cawsey which from this Town through the Lake reacheth about five _English_ miles to _Mexico_. And thus upon the third day of _October_, 1625. wee entred into that famous and gallant City, yet not abiding in it, but onely passing through it, till we came to a house of recreation, standing among the Gardens in the way to _Chapultepec_, named Saint _Jacintho_, belonging to the Dominicans of _Manila_ in the _East-India's_, (whither our course was intended) where wee were stately entertained, and abode till after _Candlemasse_ day, the time of our second shipping at _Acoapulco_ (80 leagues from Manila) by the South-Sea to _Manila_ the chief City of the Islands named _Philippinas_.

CHAP. XII.

_Shewing some particulars of the great and famous City of_ Mexico _in former times, with a true description of it now; and of the State and condition of it the yeare_ 1625.