Chapter XXII (6)

It hath been no small peece of Policy in the Fryers and Jesuites of _Manila_ and the Islands of _Philippinas_ to purchase neere about _Mexico_, some house and Garden to carry thither such Missionary Preists as they yeerly bring from _Spain_ for those parts. For were it not that they found some rest and place of Recreation, but were presently closed up in the Cloisters of _Mexico_ to follow those Religious duties (which sore against their wills most of them are forced to) they would soone after a tedious journey from _Spain_ by Sea and land relent of their purposes of going forward, and venturing upon a second voiage by the South-Sea; and would either resolve upon a returne to _Spain_, or of staying in some part of _America_; as my selfe and five more of my company did, though secretly and hiddenly, and sore against the will of Fryer _Calvo_ and others, who had the tutoring and conducting of us. Therefore that all such as come from _Spain_ to bee shipped againe at _Acoapulco_ for _Philippinas_, may have all manner of incouragement, rest and recreations becomming their Professions, whilst they doe abide in _America_, and may not bee disheartned by those that live about _Mexico_, (who doe truely envy all that passe that way to _Asia_) the Fryers and Jesuites have purchased for their Missions houses of Recreation among the Gardens, which are exempted from the power and command of the Superiors of _Mexico_, and are subordinate unto the Government of the Provincials of _Philippinas_, who send from thence their substitute Vicars to rule, and to looke to the forementioned houses and Gardens. To the Dominicans belonged this house called St. _Jacintho_, whither wee were carried, and where wee did abide neere five moneths, having all things provided that were fit and necessary for our Recreations, and for our better encouragement to a second voiage by Sea. The Gardens belonging to this house might bee of fifteen Acres of ground, divided into shady walkes under the Orange and Lemmon trees; there wee had the Pomegranates, Figges, and Grapes in abundance, with the Plantin, Sapotte, Chicosapotte, Pine-fruit, and all other fruits that were to bee found in _Mexico_. The Herbes and Salets, and great number of _Spanish Cardoes_ which were sold out, brought in a great Rent yeerely; for every day there was a Cart attended to bee filled and sent to the Market of _Mexico_; and this not at seasons of the yeere, as here in _England_ and other parts of _Europe_, but at all times and seasons, both Winter and Summer, there being no difference of heat, cold, frosts, and snow, as with us; but the same temper all the whole yeer, the Winter differing onely from the Summer by the raine that falls, and not by excessive frosts that nip. This wee enjoyed without dores; but within wee had all sorts and varieties both of fish and flesh. What most wee wondred at, was the abundance of sweet-Meats; and especially of Conserves that were provided for us; for to every one of us during the time of our abode there, was brought on Munday morning halfe a dozen Boxes of Conserve of Quinces, and other fruits, besides our Biskets, to stay our stomackes in the mornings and at other times of the day; for in our stomackes we found a great difference betweene _Spain_ and that Countrey. For in _Spain_ and other parts of _Europe_ a mans stomack will hold out from meale to meale, and one meale here of good cheer will nourish and cherish the stomack foure and twenty houres; But in _Mexico_ and other parts of _America_ wee found that two or three houres after a good meale of three or foure severall dishes of Mutton, Veale or Beefe, Kid, Turkies, or other Fowles, our stomackes would bee ready to faint, and so wee were faine to support them with either a cup of _Chocolatte_, or a bit of Conserve or Bisket, which for that purpose was allowed us in great abundance. This seemed to mee so strange, (whereas the meat seemed as fat and hearty, excepting the Beefe, as ours in _Europe_) that I for some satisfaction presently had recourse to a Doctor of Physick; who cleared my doubt with this answer, That though the meat we fed on was as faire to looke on, as in _Spain_; yet the substance and nourishment in it came farre short of it, by reason of the pasture, which is dryer and hath not the change of springs which the pastures of _Europe_ have, but is short and withers soone away. But secondly, hee told mee that the Climate of those parts had this effect, to produce a faire shew, but little matter or substance. As in the flesh wee fed on; so likewise in all the fruits there, which are most faire and beautifull to behold, most sweet and luscious to taste, but little inward virtue or nourishment at all in them, not halfe that is in a _Spanish Camuesa_, or _English Kentish_ Pippin. And as in Meat, and fruit there is this inward and hidden deceit, so likewise the same is to bee found in the people that are borne and bred there, who make faire outward shewes, but are inwardly false and hollow hearted. Which I have heard reported much among the _Spaniards_ to have beene the answer of our Queene _Elizabeth_ of _England_ to some that presented unto her of the fruits of _America_, that surely where those fruits grew, the women were light, and all the people hollow and false hearted. But further reasons I omit to search into for this; of experience onely I write, which taught me that little substance & virtue is in the great abundance and variety of food which there is enjoyed, our stomackes witnessing this truth, which ever and anon were gaping and crying, Feed, feed. Our Conserves therefore and dainties were plentifully allowed us; and all other incouragements and no occasion denied us of going to visit _Mexico_, (which was not two full miles from us) all the while wee abode there. It was a pleasant walke for us to goe out in the morning, and to spend all the day in the City and come home at night; our way lying by Arches made of stone, three miles long to convey the water from _Chapultepec_ unto the City. Take therefore, gentle Reader, from mee what for the space of five moneths I could learne concerning it in former and present times. The situation of this City is much like that of _Venice_; but onely differs in this, that _Venice_ is built upon the Sea-water, and _Mexico_ upon a lake, which seeming one, indeed is two; one part whereof is standing water; the other ebbeth and floweth according to the wind that bloweth. That part which standeth, is wholesome, good, and sweet, and yeeldeth store of small fish. That part which ebbeth and floweth, is of saltish, bitter, and pestiferous water, yeelding no kind of fish, small or great. The sweet water standeth higher then the other, and falleth into it, and reverteth not backward, as some conceive it doth. The salt Lake containeth fifteen miles in breadth, and fifteen in length, and more then five and forty in Circuite; and the Lake of sweet water containeth even as much; in such sort that the whole Lake containeth much about a hundred miles. The _Spaniards_ are divided in opinions concerning this water and the springs of it; some hold that all this water hath but one spring out of a great and high Mountaine which standeth Southwest within sight of _Mexico_, and that the cause that the one part of the Lake is brackish or saltish, is that the bottome or ground is all salt; But however this opinion bee true or false, certaine it is and by experience I can witnesse that of that part of the salt water great quantity of Salt is dayly made, and is part of the great Trading of that City into other parts of the Countrey, nay it is sent part of it to the _Philippinas_ Islands. Others say that this Lake hath two springs, and that the fresh water springeth out of that Mountaine which standeth Southwest from _Mexico_, and the salt brakish water springeth out of other high Mountaines which stand more Northwest; But these give no reason for the saltnesse of it, without it bee the agitation of it in the ebbing and flowing; which not being with tides like the Sea, but with the winds onely (which indeed make it as stormy sometimes as is the Sea) why may not the winds produce the same effect in the fresh water Lake? I think rather, if it spring from a different spring from that from whence springeth the fresh water, the brackishnesse and saltishnesse of it may proceed from some brackish and sulphurous minerals through which it passeth in those Mountaines. For by experience I know the like in the Province of _Guatemala_, where by a Towne called _Amatitlan_, there is a standing Lake of water not altogether sweet and fresh, but a little brackish, which certainly hath its spring from a fiery Mountaine called there a _Vulcan_, (whose burning proceeds from the Mines of brimstone that are within it) from whence spring neere the same Towne likewise two or three springs of exceeding hot water, which are resorted to for wholesome bathes, as coming through a sulphurous mine, and yet the standing Lake proceeding from the same Mountaine is of that quality that it maketh the ground about it salt, and especially in the mornings the people go to gather up the salt which lyeth upon the ground by the water side like unto a hoary frost. But thirdly, others concieve that that part of the Lake of _Mexico_ which is saltish and brackish comes through the earth from the North Sea; and though springs of water which come from the Sea lose their brackishnesse through the earth, yet this may keepe some brackishnesse by reason of the minerals, which are many in those parts; or by reason of the great, wide and open concavities of those mountaines, which being very hollow within (as wee find by experience of the Earthquakes which are more frequent there then here by reason of the wind that getteth into those concavities, and so shake the earth to get out) give no way to the water to sweeten through the earth, or to lose all that saltnesse which it brought with it from the Sea. But whatsoever the true reason bee, there is not the like Lake knowne of sweet and saltish water, one part breeding fish, the other breeding none at all. This Lake had formerly some fourescore Townes, some say more, situated round about it; many of them containing five thousand housholds, and some ten thousand, yea and _Tezcuco_ (as I have said before) was as bigge as _Mexico_. But when I was there, there might bee thirty Townes and Villages about it, and scarce any of above five hundred housholdes between _Spaniards_ and _Indians_; such hath beene the hard usage of the _Spaniards_ towards them, that they have even almost consumed that poore Nation. Nay two yeers before I came from those parts, which were the yeers of 1635. and 1636. I was credibly informed that a million of _Indians_ lifes had been lost in an indeavour of the _Spaniards_ to turne the water of the Lake another way from the City, which was performed by cutting away through the Mountaines, for to avoid the great inundations that _Mexico_ was subject unto, and especially for that the yeer 1634. the waters grew so high that they threatned destruction to all the City, ruinating a great part, and coming into the Churches that stood in the highest part of it, in so much that the people used commonly boats and _Canoa's_ from house to house. And most of the _Indians_ that lived about the Lake were imployed to strive against this strong Element of water, which hath been the undoing of many poore wretches, but especially of these thirty Towns and Villages that bordered near upon the Lake; which now by that great work is further from the houses of the City; and hath a passage made another way, though it was thought it would not long continue, but would find againe its old course towards _Mexico_. This City when _Cortez_ first entred into it, (was as some say) of sixty, but more probably it is reported to have beene of fourescore thousand houses. _Montezuma_ his palace was very great, large and beautifull, which in the _Indian_ language was named _Tepac_; and that had twenty doores or gates, which had their outcoming into the common streets. It had three Courts; and in the one stood a faire Fountaine, many hals, and a hundred chambers of three and twenty, and thirty foot long, an hundred bathes, and hot houses; and all this without nailes, yet very good workmanship. The walls were made of Masons worke, and wrought of Marble, Jaspe, and other black stone, with veines of red, like unto Rubies and other stones which glistered very faire; the roofs were wrought of timber, and curiously carved, being of Cedar, Cypres, and Pine tree; the Chambers were painted and hung with cloth of Cotton, and of Coneys haire and feathers. The beds onely were unseeming this great state, very poore and of no value, such as to this day the best and richest _Indians_ use; for they weare nothing but mantles laid upon mattes, or upon hey, or else mattes alone. Within this Palace lived a thousand women, nay some affirme three thousand, reckoning gentlewomen, servants and slaves, all together; But the most were principall _Indians_ daughters; of whom _Montezuma_ tooke for himselfe those that liked him best, and the others hee gave in marriage to gentlemen his servants. It is credibly reported among the _Spaniards_ that hee had at one time a hundred and fifty women his wives with child, who commonly tooke medicines to cast their creatures, because they knew that they should not inherit the State; and these had many old women to guard them, for no man was permitted to looke upon them. Besides this _Tepac_; which signifieth, Palace, _Montezuma_ had yet in _Mexico_ another house with very curious lodgings and fair Galleries, built upon pillars of Jaspe, which looked towards a goodly Garden, in the which there were at least a dozen Ponds, some of salt water for Sea fowles, and others of fresh water for River fowles and Lake fowles, which Ponds were devised with Sluces to empty and to fill at pleasure for the cleannesse of the Fowles feathers; and these Fowles are said to have beene so many in number, that the Ponds could scarcely hold them, and of such severall sorts, and of such strange and various coloured feathers, that the most of them the _Spaniards_ knew not, nor had at any time seen the like. There did belong to that house above three hundred persons of service, who had their severall charge concerning these Fowles; some had care to cleanse the Ponds; others were appointed to fish for bait; others served them with meat; and to every kind of fowle they gave such bait as they were wont to feed of in the fields or rivers; others did trim their feathers; others had care to look to their egs; others to set them abrood; & the principallest office was to pluck the feathers; for of them were made rich mantles, tapistry, targets, tuffes of feathers, and many other things wrought with gold and silver.

Besides this house, _Montezuma_ had yet another house within _Mexico_, appointed only for hawking fowles, and fowles of rapine. In which house there were many high Halls, wherein were kept men, women, and children, such as were dwarfes, crook-backs or any monstrous persons, and with them such as were born white of colour, which did very seldome happen; nay some would deform their children on purpose to have them carried to the Kings house, to helpe to set forth his greatnesse by their deformity. In the lower Halls of this house there were Cages for fowls of rapine of all sorts, as Hawkes, Kites, Boyters (which are very many in those parts) and of the Hawkes neer a dozen sundry kinds of them. This house had for daily allowance five hundred Turkey cocks, and three hundred men of service, besides the Falconers and Hunters, which some say were above a thousand men. The Hunters were maintained in that house, because of the ravenous Beasts which were also kept in the lower Halls in great cages made of timber, wherein were kept in some Lions, in other Tygres, in other Ownzes, in other Wolves; in conclusion, there was no four-footed beast that wanted there, only to the effect, that the mighty _Montezuma_ might say that he had such things in his house; and all were fed daily with Turkey cocks, Deare, Dogges, and such like. There were also in another Hall great earthen vessels, some with earth, and some with water, wherein were Snakes, as grosse as a mans thigh, Vipers, Crocodiles which they call _Caymanes_, of twenty foot long with scales and head like a Dragon; besides many other smaller Lisarts and other venemous beasts and Serpents, as well of the water as of the land. To these Snakes and the other venemous beasts they usually gave the blood of men sacrificed to feed them. Others say they gave unto them mans flesh, which the great Lisarts, or _Caimanes_ eat very well. But what was wonderfull to behold, horrid to see, hideous to heare in this house, was the Officers dayly occupations about these Beasts, the floor with blood like a gelly, stinking like a slaughter-house, and the roaring of the lions, the fearfull hissing of the Snakes and Adders, the dolefull howling and barking of the Wolves, the sorrowfull yelling of the Ownzes and Tigres, when they would have meat. And yet in this place, which in the night season seemed a dungeon of Hell, and a dwelling place of the Devill, could a heathen Prince pray unto his Gods and idols: for neer to this Hall was another of a hundred and fifty foot long and thirty foot broad, where was a chappell with the roofe of silver and gold in leafe wainscotted and decked with great store of pearl and stone, as Agats, Cornerines, Emeralds, Rubies, and divers other sorts; and this was the Oratory where _Montezuma_ prayed in the night season, and in that chappell the Devill did appear unto him, and gave him answer according to his prayers, which as they were uttered among so many ugly and deformed beasts, and with the noise of them which represented Hell itselfe, were fitted for a Devils answer. He had also his Armoury, wherein was great store of all kind of such Ammunition which they used in their wars, as Bowes, Arrowes, Slings, Launces, Darts, Clubs, Swords and bucklers, and gallant Targets more trimme then strong, and all made of wood, gilt or covered with leather. The wood whereof they made their Armour and Targets was very hard and strong; and at their arrowes ends they inclosed a little peece of flint-stone, or a peece of a fish-bone called _Libisa_, which was so venemous, that if any were hurt with it, and the head remained in the wound, it so festered that it was almost incurable. Their Swords were of wood, and the edge thereof was flint-stone, inclosed or joyned into a staffe; and with these swords they cut speares, yea and a Horses neck at a blow, and could make dents into iron, which seemeth a thing unpossible and incredible. These flints were joyned into the staffes with a certain kind of glew, which was made of a root called _Zacolt_, and _Teuxalli_, which is a kind of strong sand, whereof they made a mixture, and after kneaded it with blood of Battes, or Reare-mice and other fowle, which did glew so strong, that it scarce ever uncleaved again; and of these _Montezuma_ had in his house of Armour great store. But besides these houses it is wonderfull to relate, yet many others which that great heathen Emperour had for his only recreation and pastime, with excellent fair gardens of medicinall herbs, sweet flowers, and trees of delectable savour. But of one garden more especially it is said, that in it there were a thousand personages made, and wrought artificially of leaves and flowers. And _Montezuma_ would not permit that in this garden should be any kind of Pot-herbs, or things to be sold, saying that it did not appertain to Kings to have things of profit among their delights and pleasures, for that such did appertaine to Merchants. Yet out of _Mexico_ he had Orchards with many and sundry fruits; and likewise pleasant houses in woods and forrests, of great compasse, environed with water, in the which he had fountaines, rivers, ponds with fish, rockes and coverts where were Harts, Bucks, Hares, Foxes, Wolves and such like, whither he himselfe seldome went; but the Lords of _Mexico_ used to goe to sport themselves in them. Such and so many were the houses of _Montezuma_, wherein few Kings were equall with him. He had dayly attending upon him in his privy guard six hundred noblemen and gentlemen, and each of them three or foure servants, and some had twenty servants or more according to their estate; and the most credible report goes, that in this manner he had three thousand men attendants in his Court, all which were fed in his house of the meat that came from his table. There were in those times under the _Mexicall_ empire three thousand Lords of Townes, who had many vassals; but more especially there were thirty of high estate, who were able to make each of them a hundred thousand men of warre. And all these noble men did abide in _Mexico_, certaine time of the yeare in the Court of _Montezuma_, and could not depart from thence without especiall licence of the Emperour, leaving each of them a sonne or brother behind them for security of rebellion; and for this cause they had generally houses in the City; such and so great was the Court of _Montezuma_. Moreover he spent nothing in the buildings of all these his houses, for he had certayne Townes that payed no other tribute, but only to work and repair continually his houses at their own proper cost, and payed all kind of workemen, carrying upon their backes, or drawing in sleds stone, lyme, timber, water, and all other necessaries for the worke. Likewise they were bound to provide all the wood that should be spent in the Court, which was five hundred mens burthens, and some daies in the winter much more. But especially for the Emperours chimneys they brought the barke of Oke trees, which was esteemed for the light. Thus was that great City formerly illustrated with a mighty Monarch, his houses, and attendants. There were then also in _Mexico_ three sorts of streets, very broad and faire; the one sort was only of water, with many bridges, another sort of only earth, and the third of earth and water, the one half being firme ground to walke upon, and the other halfe for boats to bring provision to the City; the most part of the houses had two doores, the one toward the Cawsey, and the other toward the water, at the which they tooke boat to goe whither they list. But this water (though so neer to the houses) being not good to drinke, there is other water fresh and sweet brought by conduit to _Mexico_, from a place called _Chapultepec_ three miles distant from the City, which springeth out of a little hill, at the foot whereof stood formerly two statues, or images wrought in stone, with their Targets and Launces, the one of _Montezuma_, the other of _Axaiaca_ his father. The water is brought from thence to this day in two pipes built upon Arches of brick and stone like a fair bridge; and when the one pipe is foule, then all the water is conveyed into the other, till the first be made cleane. From this fountaine all the whole City is provided, and the Water-men go selling the same water from street to street, some in little boats, others with earthen Tankards upon Mules or Asses backs. The chiefe and principall division of this City when the _Spaniards_ first conquered it, was into two streets, the one was called _Tlatelulco_, that is to say, a little Island, and the other _Mexico_, where _Montezuma_ his dwelling and Court was, signifying in the language a spring. And because of the Kings palace there, the whole City was named _Mexico_. But the old and first name of the City according to some Histories was _Tenuchtitlan_, which signifieth fruit out of a stone, being a compounded name of _Tetl_, which in the language is stone, and _Nuchtli_, which is a sweet fruit called generally in _Cuba_, and all other parts of _America_ by the _Spaniards, Tunas_; the name of the tree whereon this fruit groweth is called _Nopal_. And when this City begunne to be founded it was placed neer unto a great stone that stood in the midst of the lake, at the foot whereof grew one of these _Nopal_ trees; which is the reason why _Mexico_ giveth for armes and device the foot of a _Nopal_ tree springing from a stone according to the first name of the City _Tenuchtitlan_. But others do affirme that this City hath the name of the first founder of it, called _Tenuch_, the second sonne of _Iztacmixcoatl_, whose sonnes and descendents did first inhabit all that part of _America_, which is now called new _Spain. Mexico_ is as much as to say a spring or fountain, according to the property of the vowell or speech, from whence some judge that City to be so named. But others doe affirme that _Mexico_ hath its name from a more ancient time, whose first founders were called _Mexiti_, for unto this day the _Indian_ dwellers in one street of this City are called of _Mexica_. And that these _Mexiti_ tooke name of their principall idol called _Mexitli_, who was in as great veneration as _Vitzilopuchtli_, God of the warre. But others affirme (and this opinion is most received among the _Spaniards_) that the _Mexicans_ first were the inhabitants of _nova Galicia_; from whence they made a violent irruption _Anno Domini_ 720. and lingered in divers places till the yeare 902. when under the leading of _Mexi_ their chiefe Captaine they built this City, and called it after the name of their Generall. They were in all seven Tribes, which ruled long in an Aristocraticall state; till the most puissant of the Tribes called _Navatalcas_ elected a King to whom they submitted themselves. The first King that was thus elected, was called _Vitzilovitli_; the second, _Acamopitzli_; the third, _Chimalpapoca_; the fourth, _Izchoalt_; the fifth, _Montezuma_ the first; the sixth, _Acacis_; the seventh, _Axaiaca_; the eighth, _Antzlol_, the ninth, _Montezuma_ the second, who reigned when _Cortez_ came first; the tenth, was _Quahutimoc_, who lost _Mexico_, and in whom ended that _Indian_ Empire. The most fortunate of these Kings was _Izchoalt_, who by his cousin _Tlacacllec_, subdued the other six Tribes, and brought them under the _Mexican_ Kings. And after the death of _Izchoalt, Tlacacllec_ was by the first electours (which were six in number) chosen King, as a man of whose vertue they had formerly made tryall. But he very nobly refused it, saying that it was more convenient for the Common-wealth that another should be King, and that he should execute that which was otherwise more fit for the necessity of the State, then to lay the whole burthen upon his back; and that without being King, he would not leave to labour for the publike as well as if he were King. Upon this generous refusall they made choice of _Montezuma_ the first. The most unhappy Kings of that nation (at whose birth could not but be some dysastrous aspect of the Planets) were the two last _Montezuma_ the second, and _Quahutimoc_, who were both vanquished by _Ferdinando Cortez_, who tooke _Montezuma_ prisoner out of his owne palace, and with fair words and language carried him to his lodging in _Mexico_; and kept him there, knocking a paire of gyves on his legges, untill the execution of _Qualpopoca_ Lord of _Nabutlan_, now called _Almeria_ (who was to be burnt for killing nine _Spaniards_) was past. But this imprisonment of their Emperour stirred up the hearts of all the _Mexicans_ to conspire against _Cortez_ and the _Spaniards_, against whom they fought a most fierce and bloody battaile two or three daies together, crying out for their Emperour, and threatning them with the cruellest death that ever man suffered. Whereupon _Cortez_ desired _Montezuma_ to goe up into the Sotie of his house which they were battering with stones, and to command his subjects to cease from their heat and fury; who at _Cortez_ his request went up and leaned over the wall to talke with them, and beginning to speake unto them, they threw so many stones out of the street, houses, and windows, that one happened to hit _Montezuma_ on the temples of his head, with which blow he fell down dead to the ground; and this was his end, even at the hands of his owne subjects and vassals against their wills, in the City of his greatest glory, and in the power and custody of a forain and strange nation. The _Indians_ affirm that he was of the greatest blood of all his linage, and the greatest King in estate that ever was in _Mexico_. And from hence it may very well be noted, that when Kingdomes doe most flourish, then are they nighest to a change; or els to change their Lord, as doth appeare in this History of _Montezuma_, whose great glory and majesty presaged the downfall of that City and people; who though after the death of _Montezuma_ they made _Quahutimoc_ their Emperour, and persisting in their furious battery against _Cortez_ his palace, caused him and all his _Spaniards_ to flie out of _Mexico_; yet having strengthened themselves againe in _Tlaxcallan_; and prepared sixteen, or as others say, eighteen Vergantines for the lake, they soone after besieged _Mexico_ so by water and land, that the Citizens were in great necessity, and so many dead with hunger and sicknesse, that there were heapes of dead bodies in the houses, only to keep close their extreme misery; who would not yeeld even when they saw their King _Quahutimoc_ his fair houses burned, and the greatest part of their City consumed with fire and beaten downe plaine with the ground, so long as they could injoy any one street, Tower, or Temple to defend themselves and oppose the _Spaniards_; who after many fierce and bloody fights by land and with their boates by water having wonne the chief Market place and most of the City, as they went walking in the streets found heapes of dead bodies in the houses, streets, and in the water, and the very barkes of trees and roots gnawne by the hungry creatures, and the men so leane and yellow that it was a pitifull sight to behold. And with this _Cortez_ yet required them to yeeld; but they although they were so leane of body were strong in heart, and answered that hee should not speak of any friendship to them, nor yet hope of their spoile, for when no fortune would favour them, then they would either burne their treasure, or throw it into the Lake, where they should never profit thereby, and that they would fight while one alone should remain alive.

_Cortez_ desirous to see what remained of the City to win, went up into a high Tower, and having well viewed the City, hee judged that of eight parts one remained yet to win. And assailing the same, the sorrowfull Citizens bewailing their unfortunate fate and destiny, beseeching the _Spaniards_ to make an end, and to kill them all out of hand; others standing at the brim of the water neere unto a draw-bridge cried out, Oh Captain _Cortez_, seeing that thou art the Child of the Sun, why dost thou not intreat the Sun thy Father to make an end of us? Oh thou Sun that canst goe round about the World in a day and a night, wee pray thee make an end of us and take us out of this miserable life, for we desire death to goe and rest with our God _Quetcavatlh_ who tarrieth for us. _Cortez_ seeing the great extremity that these poor wretched people were in, thinking now that they would yeeld unto him, sent a message to _Quahutimoc_, desiring him to consider his Subjects great extremity, which yet might be greater if hee yeelded not to Peace. But when the stubborn King heard this ambassage, hee was so moved with ire and choler, that forthwith hee commanded _Cortez_ his Ambassadour to bee sacrificed, and gave the rest of the _Spaniards_ that went with him for answer blowes with stones, staves, and Arrowes, saying that they desired death and no Peace. Whereupon _Cortez_ seeing the King to stubborn and refractory after so much slaughter and misery of his subjects, after so many Combates and skirmishes made with the losse of almost all the City, sent forthwith _Sandoval_ with his Vergantines one way, and went himself another combating the houses and forts that yet remained, where hee found small resistance, so that hee might doe what hee pleased. One would have thought there had not been five thousand left in all the City seeing the heapes of dead bodies that lay about the streets and in the houses, and yet such was this last combate, that there were that day slain and taken prisoners forty thousand persons. The lamentable cry and mourning of the women and children, would have made a strong heart relent, the stench also of the dead bodies was wonderfull noysome. That night _Cortez_ purposed to make an end the next day of the Warres; and _Quahutimoc_ pretended to flie, and for that purpose had enbarked himself in a _Canoa_ of twenty Oares. When the day appeared, _Cortez_ with his men, and foure Peeces of Ordnance came to the corner where those that yet remained were shut up as Cattel in a Pound. Hee gave order to _Sandoval_ and _Alvarado_ what they should doe, which was to be ready with their Vergantines, and to watch the coming out of the _Canoa's_, which were hidden betwixt certaine houses, and especially to have regard unto the Kings person, and not to hurt him, but to take him alive. Hee commanded the residue of his men to force the _Mexican_ boates to goe out, and hee himselfe went up into a Tower, inquiring for the King, where hee found _Xihuacoa_, Governour and Captaine Generall of the City, who would in no wise yeeld himself. Then came out of the City a great multitude of old folkes, men, women and children to take boat. The throng was so great with hast to enter the _Canoa's_, that many by that meanes were drowned in the lake. _Cortez_ required his men not to kill those miserable creatures; But yet hee could not stay the _Indians_ his friends of _Tlaxcallan_, and other places, who slew and sacrificed above fifteen thousand. The men of Warre stood in the housetoppes, and Zoties beholding their perdition. All the Nobility of _Mexico_ were enbarked with the King. Then _Cortez_ gave signe with the shot of a hand-Gunne, that his Captaines should bee in a readinesse, so that in short space they wan fully and wholly the great City of _Mexico_. The Vergantines likewise brake in among the Fleet of boates without any resistance, and presently beat down _Quahutimoc_ his Royall Standard. _Garcia Holguin_ who was a Captaine of one of the Vergantines, espied a great _Canoa_ of twenty Oares deep laden with men, who (being by one of his prisoners informed that the King was in it) gave chase to it and presently overtooke it. When _Quahutimoc_, who stood upon the Puppe of his _Canoa_ ready to fight, saw the _Spaniards_ Crosse-bowes bent to shoot, and many drawne swords against him, hee yeelded himselfe, declaring that hee was King. _Garcia Holguin_ being a glad man of such a prisoner tooke him and carried him unto _Cortez_, who received him very respectfully. But when _Quahutimoc_ came neer unto him, hee laid his hand upon _Cortez_ his dagger, saying, I have done all my best and possible endeavour to defend my self and my Vassals according to my duty, hoping not to have come to this estate and place where now I stand; and considering that you may doe with mee what you please, I beseech you to kill mee, and that is my onely request. _Cortez_ comforted him with faire words, giving him hope of life; and tooke him up into a _Zotie_, requiring him to command his Subjects that yet held out, to yeeld and render themselves. Which _Quahutimoc_ presently performed; and at that time after so many Prisoners taken, and so many thousands slain and starved, there were about threescore and ten thousand persons, who seeing their Prince a Prisoner, threw down their weapons and submitted themselves. Thus did _Hernando Cortez_ winne the famous and stately City of _Mexico_, on the 13 day of _August, Anno Dom._ 1521. In remembrance whereof every yeere on that day they make in _Mexico_ a sumptuous feast and solemne procession, wherein is carried the Standard Royall, with the which the City was wonne. In the losse of it was as much to bee observed as Antiquity can produce of any Victory; wherein was one Emperour the greatest that ever was in those parts slain; and another as great a Warrier as ever _America_ had knowne, taken Prisoner. The Siege endured from the time the Vergantines came from _Tlaxcallan_ three moneths, and therein were on _Cortez_ his side neer 200000 _Indians_, who dayly increased and came in to help him, 900 _Spaniards_; fourescore horses onely, seventeen or eighteen Peeces of Ordnance; sixteen or as some say eighteen Vergantines, and at least 6000 _Canoa's_. In this Siege were slain fifty _Spaniards_ onely and six horses, and not above eight thousand of the _Indians Cortez_ his friends. And on the _Mexicans_ side were slaine at least a hundred and twenty thousand _Indians_, besides those that died with hanger and Pestilence. At the defence of the City were all the Nobility, by reason whereof many of them were slaine. The multitude of people in the City was so great, that they were constrained to eat little, to drink salt water, and to sleep among the dead bodies, where was a horrible stench; and for these causes the disease of Pestilence fell among them, and thereof died an infinite number. Whereupon is to bee considered their valour, and stedfast determination; for although they were afflicted with such hunger that they were driven to eat boughes, rindes of trees, and to drink salt water, yet would they not yeeld themselves. And here also is to be noted that although the _Mexicans_ did eat mans flesh, yet they did eat none but such as were their enemies; for had they eaten one another and their owne children, there would not so many have died with hunger. The _Mexican_ women were highly commended, not onely because they abode with their husbands and fathers, but also for the great paines they tooke with the sick and wounded persons; yea and also they laboured in making slings, cutting stones fit for the same, and throwing stones from the _Zoties_; for therein they did as much hurt as their men. The City was yeelded to the spoile, and the _Spaniards_ tooke the gold, plate and feathers, the _Indian_ friends had all the rest of cloth and other stuffe. Thus was that famous City ruinated, and burnt by the _Spaniards_, and the power of that Nation brought under the _Spanish_ subjection. _Cortez_ having found the aire of that City very temperate and pleasant for mans life, and the situation commodious, thought presently of rebuilding it, and of making it the chief Seat of Justice and Court for all that Country. But before I come to speake of it as rebuilded and now flourishing, I must adde unto what hath been said of _Montezuma_ his former state and houses in it, the greatnesse of the Market place and Temple, which was in it, when the _Spaniards_ ruined and destroyed it. The conveniency of the Lake about this City gave encouragement to the _Mexicans_ to set apart a most spacious Market place, whither all the Country about might resort to buy, exchange and sell; which was the more easie for them by reason of the abundance of Boates which were made onely for such Trafique. In this great lake there were at that time above two hundred thousand of these little boats, which the _Indians_ call _Acalles_, and the _Spaniards_ call them _Canoa's_, wrought like a kneading trough, some bigger then others according to the greatnesse of the body of the tree, whereof they are made. And where I number two hundred thousand of these boats, I speak of the least, for _Mexico_ alone had above fifty thousand ordinarily to carry and bring unto the City victuall, provision, and passengers, so that on the market-daies all the streets of water were full of them. The Market is called in the _Indian_ tongue _Tlanquiztli_; every parish had his Market place to buy and sell in; but _Mexico_ and _Tlatelulco_ only, which are the chiefest Cities, had great Fayres and places fit for the same; and especially _Mexico_ had one place, where most dayes in the yeer was buying and selling; but every fourth day was the great Market ordinarily. This place was wide and large compassed about with dores, and was so great that a hundred thousand persons came thither to chop and change, as a City most principall in all that region. Every occupation and kind of merchandize had his proper place appointed, which no other might by any means occupie or disturb. Likewise pesterous wares had their place accordingly, such as stone, timber, lyme, bricke and all such kind of stuffe unwrought, being necessary to build withall. Also mattes both fine and course, of sundry workmanship; also coales, wood, and all sorts of earthen vessells, glazed and painted very curiously. Deere skinnes both raw and tanned in hair and without hair, of many colours, for Shoemakers, for bucklers, Targets, Jerkins, and lining of woodden corslets. Also skinnes of other Beasts, and fowle in feathers ready dressed of all sorts. The colours and strangenesse thereof was a thing to behold. The richest merchandize was salt, and mantles of Cotton wool of divers colours, both great and small; some for beds, other for garments and clothing, other for Tapistry to hang houses; other Cotton-cloth was wont to be sold there for linnen drawers (which to this day the _Indians_ use) for shirts, tablecloths, towels, and such like things. There were also mantles made of the leaves of a tree called _Metl_, and of the Palme-tree and Conie-hair, which were well esteemed, being very warme, but the coverlets made of feathers were the best. They sold thred there made of Conie-haire, and also skains of other thred of all colours. But the great store of poultrey which was brought to that Market was strange to see, and the uses they sold and bought them for; for although they did eat the flesh of the fowl, yet the feathers served for clothing, mixing one sort with another. But the chiefe bravery of that market was the place where gold and feathers joyntly wrought were sold; for any thing that was in request, was there lively wrought in gold and feathers and gallant colours. The _Indians_ were so expert and perfect in this science, that they would work or make a butter-flie, any wild beast, trees, roses, flowers, hearbs, roots, or any other thing so lively that it was a thing marvellous to behold. It happened many times that one of these workemen in a whole day would eat nothing, only to place one feather in his due perfection, turning and tossing the feather to the light of the sunne, into the shade or darke place to see where was his most naturall perfection, and till his worke were finished he would neither eat nor drinke. There are few nations of so much fleame or substance. The art, or science of Gold-smiths among them was the most curious, and very good workmanship, engraven with tooles made of flint or in mould. They will cast a platter in mould with eight corners, and every corner of severall metall, the one of gold, and the other of silver, without any kind of solder. They will also found or cast a little cauldron with loose handles hanging thereat, as we use to cast a bell; they will also cast in mould a fish of metall, with one scale of silver on his back, and another of gold; they will make a Parret or Popingay of metall, that his tongue shall shake, and his head move, and his wings flutter; they will cast an Ape in mould, that both hands and feet shall stirre, and hold a spindle in his hand seeming to spin, yea and an apple in his hand as though he would eat it. They have skill also of Amell work and to set any pretious stone. But now as touching the market, there was to sell gold, silver, Copper, Lead, Latten, and Tinne; although there was but very little of the three last metals mentioned. There were pearls, pretious stones, divers and sundry sorts of shelles, and bones, Sponges, and Pedlers ware. There were also many kind of herbes, roots, and seeds, as well to be eaten, as for medicine; for both men, women and children had great knowledge in herbs, for through poverty and necessity they did seeke them for their sustenance and help of their infirmities and diseases. They did spend little among Physitians, although there were some of that art, and many Apothecaries, who did bring into the market, oyntments, syrups, waters, and other drugs fit for sick persons. They cure all diseases almost with herbs; yea as much as for to kill lice they have a proper herb for the purpose. The severall kinds of meats to bee sold was without number, as Snakes without head and tail, little dogges gelt, Moules, Rats, Long-wormes, Lyce, yea and a kind of earth; for at one season in the yeer they had Nets of Mayle, with the which they raked up a certaine dust that is bred upon the water of the lake of _Mexico_, and that is kneaded together like unto oas of the sea. They gathered much of this and kept it in heapes, and made thereof cakes like unto brick-bats. And they did not only sell this ware in the Market, but also sent it abroad to other Fayres and markets afarre off; and they did eat this meal with as good a stomack as we eat cheese; yea and they hold opinion, that this skumme or fatnesse of the water is the cause that such great number of fowl cometh to the lake, which in the winter season is infinite. They sold likewise in this market Venison by quarters or whole, as Does, Hares, Conies, and Dogges, and many other beasts, which they brought up for the purpose and tooke in hunting. The great store of sundry kinds of fruits was marvellous, which were there sold, both green and ripe. There is a sort as bigge as an Almond called _Cacao_ (whereof is the drinke called _Chocolatte_ well known now in Christendome) which is both meat and currant money. In these times of the bigger sort sixscore or sevenscore, and of the lesser sort two hundred are worth a _Spanish_ Riall, which is sixpence, and with these the _Indians_ buy what they list; for five, nay for two Cacao's which is a very small part of a Riall, they doe buy fruits and the like. There were divers kinds of colours to be sold, which they made of roses, flowers, fruits, barks of trees, and other things very excellent. All the things recited, and many others which I speak not of, were sold in this great market, and in every other Market of _Mexico_; and all the sellers payed a certain summe for their shops or standings to the King, as a custome, and they were to be preserved and defended from theeves and robbers. And for that purpose there went Serjeants or Officers up and down the market to espie out malefactors. In the midst of this Market stood a house, which was to bee seen throughout the Fayr, and there did sit commonly twelve ancient men for Judges to dispatch law matters. Their buying and selling was to change one ware for another, one gave a hen for a bundle of Maiz, others gave mantles for salt or money which was _Cacao_. They had measure and strike for all kind of corne, and other earthen measures for hony and oyle, and such wines as they made of Palme-trees, and other roots and trees. And if any measure were falsified, they punished the offenders and brake their measures. This was the civility they had when they were Heathens, for buying and selling. And although they knew not the true God, but worshipped Idols; yet to their Idols and to the Divell they dedicated Temples and places of worship, wherein they used those sacrifices which _David_ speaks of in the 106 _Ps._ 37 saying, _They sacrificed their sonnes, and their daughters unto Devills._

The Temple is called in the _Mexican_ language _Teucalli_, which is a compound word of _Teutl_, which signifieth God, and _Calli_, which signifieth a house. There were in _Mexico_ many parish Churches with towers, wherein were Chappels and Altars where the Images and Idols did stand. All their Temples were of one fashion; the like I beleeve was never seen nor heard of. And therefore it shall be now sufficient to describe the chiefe and greatest Temple, which was as their Cathedrall Church. This Temple was square, and did containe every way as much ground as a Crosse-bow can reach levell. It was made of stone, with four dores that abutted upon the three Cawseys, and upon another part of the City that had no Cawsey, but a fair street. In the midst of this Quadern stood a mount of earth and stone square likewise, and fifty fadome long every way, built upward like unto a pyramide of _Ægypt_, saving that the top was not sharpe, but plain and flat, and ten fadom square. Upon the West side were steps up to the top, in number a hundred and fourteen, which being so many high and made of good stone, did seeme a beautifull thing. It was a strange sight to behold the Preists, some going up, and some downe with ceremonies, or with men to be sacrificed. Upon the top of this Temple were two great Altars, a good space distant the one from the other, and so nigh the edge or brimme of the wall, that scarcely a man might go behind them at pleasure. The one Altar stood on the right hand, and the other on the left; they were but of five foot high; each of them had the back part made of stone, painted with monstrous and foul figures. The Chappell was fair and well wrought of Masons work and timber; every Chappell had three lofts one above another, sustained upon pillars, and with the height thereof it shewed like unto a faire tower, and beautified the City afarre off. From thence a man might see all the City and Towns round about the lake, which was undoubtedly a goodly prospect. And because _Cortez_ and his company should see the beauty thereof, _Montezuma_ himselfe (to make the more ostentation of his greatnesse and the Majesty of his Court) carried the first _Spaniards_ thither, and shewed them all the order of the Temple, even from the foot to the top. There was a certain plot or space for the Idoll Preists to celebrate their service without disturbance of any. Their generall prayers were made toward the rising of the sunne; upon each Altar stood a great Idoll.