Chapter XI: Part 11

The Captaine of _Vera Crux_ sente fiftie Spanyardes and fiue Horsemen for the same, who at their returne, were slayne and taken prisoners with all that treasure, by y^e men of _Culhua_ who had rebelled through the comming of _Pamfilo de Naruaez_, robbing and spoyling sundrye dayes. But when _Cortez_ vnderstoode this newes, his ioy was turned to sorrowe, not onely for the golde and treasure so muche, as for the losse of his menne, fearyng also some other warre or vprore to haue bin in the riche Towne of _Vera Crux_, wherevpon hée sente a messenger thyther, who returned in shorte time, certifying that all the inhabitantes there were in good health, and also all the _Comarcans_ quiet, and without any token of alteration. This newes and answere pleased _Cortes_ and all his company, whiche desired to goe thither, but he woulde not permitte them, wherefore they began to murmure and to exclayme, saying, what thinketh _Cortes_, what meaneth he to doe with vs? why, will he kéepe vs héere to dye an euill death? what haue we offended him, that he will not let vs goe? we are alreadye full of wearinesse, our bodyes are yet ful of fresh woundes, we haue spente our bloude, and are nowe withoute strength and apparell: wée sée oure selues in a straunge Countrey, and full of miserye, enuironed with enimies, yea and without hope to come to that hygh place from whence we fell, yea then mighte wée bée accompted for worse than madde men, to come into the perils from whence wée escaped: wée meane not nowe to ende oure lyues so desperately, as he would haue vs, for wyth the insatiable thirste of honoure and glorye, hée estéemeth not hys life, neyther oures. He doth not lykewyse consider, that he wanteth menne, horses, artillerie, and armoure, things so necessarye for the warres, yea he also wanteth victuall, whyche is a thyng moste principall: what shall wée saye, but that, he erreth, and is deceyued, in giuing credite to these _Tlaxcaltecas_, who are, like vnto the other nations of _India_, which are light, changeable, and louers of newe things, yea and rather, in effecte of troth, they better loue the _Culhuacans_, than the Spanishe nation, yea and although they nowe dissemble, yet when they shall sée a greate army of _Mexicans_ come vpon them, they will then deliuer vs aliue, to be eaten, and sacrificed, for it is an olde rule, that friendship dothe not long endure betwixte them that are of sundry religion, apparell, and spéech.

After all these complayntes and murmurations amög themselues, they made a protestation and request, in forme as it were in the name of the King and all the company, praying him incontinent to departe frö thence, and to goe with them to the Towne of _Vera Crux_, before the enimies mighte disturbe their way and passage, and then they to remayne both bought and solde, and shutte vp as it were in a prison: also they declared, that in _Vera Crux_ they should haue better opportunitie to make themselues strong, if that he meante to returne agayne vpon _Mexico_, or else to take shipping, if so it shoulde séeme conuenient.

_Cortes_ hearing this request, and determination of hys Souldyers, was at his wits ende, ymagining that theyr pretence was, onely to procure him to goe from thence, and afterwardes to rule him at their pleasures, and béeing a thing cleane contray to his pretended purpose, hée aunswered them as followeth.

The Oration made by Cortez in answere _to his Souldyers demaunde_.

My maisters, I would do and fulfill youre request, if it were a thing méete and conueniente for you, for there is not one alone of you, how much more all in generall, for whome I shoulde not willingly aduenture my goodes and life, if he shuld néede the same: for why? your deedes haue bin such, that I stand bound neuer to forget thë, or else to shewe my selfe an ingratefull man. And thinke you not good friendes, although I do not fulfill the thing whiche you so earnestly desire, that therefore I estéeme not youre authoritie: but in not graunting to the same, I do exalt and estéeme you in greater reputation: for why? in oure departing nowe from hence, oure honor is blotted and stayned for euermore, and in abiding héere, we shall like valiant menne preserue the same. What nation is there, that had rule, dominon, and Empire in this world, that hath not bin ouercome at some time? What famous Captayne returned home to his house, for the losse of one battayle? none truly, for he that dothe not perseuer, shall neuer triumph with Lady Victory: he that retyreth, sheweth that he flyeth, and remayneth a mockingstocke for all men: but hée that sheweth nobly his face, dothe vtter the courage of his heart, yea and is both feared, and also beloued.

If we now should depart from hence, these our friëds would accept and iudge vs for cowardes, and refuse perpetually our friendship. Likewise oure enimies woulde iudge the same, and neuer héereafter stande in feare of vs, which shoulde be a greate shame vnto oure estimation. Is there any amög vs, that would not holde himselfe affrented, if it shoulde be sayde, that he turned his backe and fledde, how much more would it be a dishonor for vs all to haue the same report?

I doe much maruell at the greatenesse of your inuincible heartes in battell: you were wont to be desirous of warres, and nowe that suche iust and laudable warre doth offer it selfe, you doe feare and refuse the same: sure it is a thing cleane contrary to oure nature. What is hée that will prate of harnes, and neuer ware none? It was neuer yet séene in all this _India_ and new world, that any of our nation retired with feare. And woulde you nowe that it should be said, that _Cortes_ and his company fledde, being in securitie, and without perill or daunger? I beséech God not to permitte any suche thing. The warres doe muche consist in fame: why then? what better thyng would you desire, than to be héere in _Tlaxcallan_ in despite of all youre enimies, yea proclayming open warres againste them, and they not dare to annoy vs? Therefore you may well consider, that héere you are more sure than if you were from hence, so that héere in _Tlaxcallan_ you are honored with securitie and strength, and besides this, you haue al things necessary for phisick and medicine to cure youre woundes and obteyne your health: yea, and I am bolde to saye, that if you were in youre owne naturall Coütrey, you should not haue the like, nor yet be so much made off.

I do nowe meane to send for our men that are in _Coazacoalco_ and _Almeria_, and so we shall haue a reasonable army: yea and although they come not, wée are sufficient, for we were fewer in number when first we entred into thys Countrey, hauyng no friendes: and likewise you knowe well, it is not the number that doth fighte, but the couragious hearte and minde. I haue séene one of you discomfyte a whole army, as _Ionathas_ did, yea and many among you haue had victory against a thousand, yea ten thousand _Indians_, as King _Dauid_ had againste the _Philistines_. I looke dayly for Horses from the Ilandes, and other armoure and artillerie we shall haue from _Vera Crux_. And as for vittayles, take you no care, for I wyll prouide you abundantly, for they are thinges that alwayes followe the Conqueroures: and as for these Citizens of _Tlaxcallan_, I binde my selfe that you shall finde them trustie, loyall, and perpetuall friendes, for so they haue promised me vppon their solemne othes, yea, and if they had meante otherwise, what better opportunitie of time could they haue wished, thä these latter dayes, where as we lay sicke in their owne beddes and houses, yea some of vs lame, wounded, and in manner rotten, and they like louing friendes haue not only holpen you, but also serued you with diligence of seruantes, for they woulde rather choose to be your slaues, than subiectes to the _Mexicans_: theyr hatred is suche to them, and their loue so great to you. And bycause you shall sée the troth, I will now proue them and you, againste these of _Tepeacac_, who slewe of late dayes twelue Spanyardes. And if this iourney happen euill, then will I followe youre request, and if it please God that it happen well, then wyll I entreate and pray you to follow my counsell.

The Souldyers hearing this comfortable speeche, began to lay aside their desire to goe from thence to _Vera Crux_. They aunswered generally, that they woulde obey his commaundemente, it shoulde séeme with the promise made, touching the successe of the victory in _Tepeacac_, and lightly seldome it happeneth, that a Spanyard saith no, when he is required to goe on warfare, for it is holden for a dishonor and shame.

The vvarres of Tepeacac.

_Cortez_ found himselfe at hearts ease with this answere, for it was a thing y^t had much troubled him: & vndoubtedly if he had followed his fellowes demand, he shoulde neuer haue recouered _Mexico_ agayne, & they likewise had bin slayne in the way towards _Vera Crux_, for they hadde manye perilous places to passe. Eache one of them waxed whole of his wounds, sauing some which dyed for wät of loking to in time, leauing their wounds filthy & vnbound, as Surgiös doe affirme, with also their great trauell & weakenesse. And likewise other some remayned lame and halt, which was no small griefe and losse: but the most parte recouered healthe, as I haue declared. After twenty dayes fully past, whiche they had abode in _Tlaxcallan_, _Cortes_ determined to make warre with the _Indians_ of _Tepeacac_, which is a greate Towne, and not farre from thence, for they hadde slayne twelue Spanyards, whiche came from _Vera Crux_ towardes _Mexico_. Likewise they were of the league of _Culhua_, and therfore were holpen by the _Mexicans_, and did many times great hurt to the inhabitantes of _Tlaxcallan_, as _Xicotencatl_ did testifye. _Cortes_ desired hys louing friende _Maxixca_, and diuers other Gentlemen, to goe with him, who forthwith entred into counsell wyth the states and comunaltie of the Citie, and there determined with generall consente to gyue vnto him fortie thousand fighting men, besides many _Tamemoz_, who are foote carriers, to beare the baggage, victuall, and other things. With this number of _Tlaxcaltecas_, his owne men and horses, he wente to _Tepeacac_, requiring them in satisfaction of the death of y^e twelue Christiäs that they shuld now yéelde themselues to the obedience of the Emperor, and that héereafter neuer more to receiue any _Mexican_ into theyr towne or houses, neyther yet any of the prouince of _Culhua_.

The _Tepeacacs_ answered, that they had slaine the Spaniardes for good and iuste cause, whiche was, that being tyme of warre they presumed to passe through their countrey by force, without their will and licence. And also that the _Mexicans_ and _Culhuacans_ were their friendes and Lordes, whom alwayes they would friendly entertayne within their towne and houses, refusing vtterly their offer and request, protesting to giue no obedience to whom they knew not, wishyng them therefore, to returne incontinent to _Tlaxcallan_, excepte they had desire to ende their werie dayes.

_Cortes_ innuited them diuers times with peace, and seing it preuailed not, he begä his warres in earnest. Their enimies lykewise with the fauour of the _Culhuacans_ were braue and lustie, and began to stoppe and defend their pretended entraunce. And they beyng many in number, with diuers valiant men among them, began to skirmishe sundry times, but at the end, they were ouerthrowen, and many slayne, without killing any Spaniarde, although many _Tlaxcaltecas_ were killed that day.

The Lordes and principall persons of _Tepeacac_ seyng theyr ouerthrow, and that their strength coulde not preuayle, yéelded themselues vnto _Cortes_ for vassalles of the Emperour, with condition to banish for euer their allied friendes of _Culhua_. And that he should punishe and correct at his will and pleasure, all those whiche were occasion of the death of the twelue Spaniardes. For which causes and obstinacie, at the firste _Cortes_ iudged by his sentence, that all the townes whiche had bene priuie to the murder, should for euer remaine captiues and slaues: others affirme that he ouercame them without any condition, and corrected them for their disobedience, being Sodomites, idolaters and eaters of mans flesh, and chiefly for exäple of all others. And in conclusion, they were condemned for slaues, and within twenty daies that these warres lasted, he pacified all that prouince, which is very great: he draue from thëce the _Culhuacans_: he threw downe the idols, and the chiefest persons obeyed him. And for more assuraunce he builte there a towne, naming it _Segura de la Frontera_: he appoynted all officers for the purpose, being a towne situated in the high way from _Vera Crux_ to _Mexico_, whereby the Christians and straungers mighte passe without daunger. In these warres serued lyke faithfull friendes the _Indians_ of _Tlaxcallan_, _Huexocinco_ and _Cholalla_, promysing the lyke seruice and succour agaynst _Mexico_, yea and rather better than worse. With this victory the Spaniardes recouered great fame, for they were thought to haue bene slayne.

The great auctoritie that Cortez _had among the Indians_.

After all these things were finished, _Cortes_ cömaunded & gaue licence to al the _Indian_ friëds, to returne home vnto their houses, except his assured friends of _Tlaxcallan_, whö he kept in his company for the warres of _Mexico_: he nowe dispatched a poste to _Vera Crux_, commaundyng that foure of the shippes which _Naruaez_ had brought, should be sent with al spéede to y^e Iland of _Santo Domingo_, for men, horses, armour, pouder & other munition, also for wollen cloth, linnen, shooes, and many other things: and wrote his letters for the same to the licenciat _Rodrigo de Figueroa_, and to the whole magistrates of Chancery, certifying them of all their procéedings in that countrey; beséechyng them of helpe and succour, and that forthwith to be sent by the messenger.

This done, he sente twentie horsemen, twoo hundred Spaniardes, and many _Indians_ vnto _Zacatami_ and _Xalaxinco_, whiche were townes subiect to the _Mexicans_, and placed in the high way to _Vera Crux_, who had slayne certaine Spaniardes passyng that way. This company wente thither, with their accustomed protestations, whiche preuayled not, wherevpon followed fire and spoyle: many Gentlemen and other principall persons came to yéelde themselues to _Cortes_, more for feare than for good will, crauyng pardon for theyr offence, promising also not to offende agayne, nor yet at any tyme to take armour agaynst the Spaniardes. _Cortes_ pardoned them, & then hys armie returned, with determination to kéepe his Christmasse in _Tlaxcallan_, whiche was within twelue dayes followyng. He left a Captaine with thrée score Spaniards in the newe towne of _Segura_, to kéepe that passage, and also to put in feare the _Comarcans_ that dwelled thereabout: he sente before him his whole armie, and he himself went with twentie horsemen from thence to _Coliman_ to lodge there that night, being a cittie of his allied friendes, and there to ordaine and make by hys auctoritie, bothe Noble men and Captaynes in lue of them whiche died with the disease of small pockes. He aboade there thrée dayes, in the whiche the newe Lordes were ordeyned, who afterwardes remayned his especiall friendes. The nexte day hée came _Tlaxcallan_, beyng sixe leagues distant from thence, where he was triumphantly receyued. And truely at that time he made a iourney most worthie of renowne and glory.

At this season his déere friende _Maxixca_ was departed this transitorie lyfe, for whome he mourned clothed in blacke, after the Spanishe fashion: he lefte behinde him certaine sonnes, of whom the eldest was .xij. yéeres of age, whome _Cortes_ named and appoynted for Lorde of his fathers estate, and the commons did certifie it to appertaine vnto him. This was no small glory for _Cortes_ to giue estates, and also to take them away at his pleasure, yea and that those _Indians_ should haue him in suche feare and respect, that none durste doe any thyng in acceptyng the inheritaunce of their fathers without his good will and licence.

Now _Cortes_ procured that euery man shoulde make his harneys, weapons and prouision readie and in good order: he made also great haste in building Vergantines, for his timber was already cutte and seasoned: he sente vnto _Vera Crux_ for sayles, tacle, nayles, roapes and other necessarie things, whereof there was store remaynyng of the furniture of the shippes that were sunke. And hauyng wante of pitche, for in that countrey the _Indians_ knewe not what it meant, he commaunded certayne of his Mariners to make the same in the highe Mountaynes where was store of Pine trées, and not farre from the cittie.

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

The fame of prosperitie whiche _Cortes_ enioyed, was wonderfully blowen abroade with the newes of the imprisonment of _Mutezuma_, and the victory against _Pamfilo de Naruaez_, wherevppon there came many Spaniardes by twenty and twentie in a company from _Cuba_, _Santo Domingo_, and other Ilandes. Although that iourney coste some their liues, for in the way they were murdered by those of _Tepeacac_ and _Xalacinco_, as is before declared, yet notwithstanding there came many to _Tlaxcallan_, whereby his hoste was muche encreased, beséechyng him to make haste towarde the warres.

It was not possible for _Cortes_ to haue espies in _Mexico_, for the _Tlaxcaltecas_ were knowen by their lippes, eares, and other tokens, and also they had in _Mexico_ garde and greate enquirie for that purpose, by reason wherof he could not certainely knowe what passed in those parties, accordyng as he desired, for to haue prouided himself of things néedefull: yet a Captayne whiche was taken prysoner in _Huacacholla_, certified that _Cuetlauac_ Lorde of _Iztacpalapan_, Neuewe to _Mutezuma_, was elected Emperour after his Vncles death, who was a wise and valiant man, and hée it was that had dryuen _Cortes_ out of _Mexico_, who now had fortified _Mexico_ with many bulworkes and caues, and with many and sundry sortes of weapon, but chiefly very long Lances, yea and planted them in the grounde to resiste and molest the horsemen. He proclaymed pardon and frée libertie, without paying any tribute for the space of one whole yéere, yea and further as long as the warres should laste, he promysed also great rewardes to all them that shoulde kill any Christian, or expulse them from that countrey. This was a policie whereby he gatte muche credite among his vassals, yea and gaue them greate courage to play the valiant men. All this newes was founde to be true, sauyng onely _Cuetlauac_ was dead. And that _Quahutimoccin_, Neuew also, as some doe say, of _Mutezuma_, raygned at that tyme, who was a valiant man and a good warrier, as hereafter shalbe declared, who sente his messengers through out his Empyre, proclaymyng as great rewardes as _Cuetlauac_ had done before, declaryng vnto them that it was more reason to serue him than straungers, and also to defende theyr olde auncient Religion, and not to credite suche Christians as woulde make themselues Lordes of other mens goodes, yea and make them slaues and captiues as they had done in other places. _Quahutimoc_ encouraged muche his subiectes, and kindled with his talke their wrath agaynst the Spaniards: yet there were some prouinces that gaue no eare to his information, but rather leaned to our side, or else medled with neyther side. _Cortes_ seyng the effect of the matter, determined forthwith to beginne the warres: he mustered his men on Sainct Steuens day, and founde fourtie horsemen, and fiue hundreth & fourtie footemen, wherof foure score were Hargabushiers, and crossebow men, niene péeces of ordinaunce, and little powder: his horsemen he diuided into foure squares, and his footemen into nine: he named & appointed captaynes, and other officers for the host, vnto whom in general he spake as followeth.

The exhortation of Cortez to _his Souldiers_.

My louyng brethren, I gyue moste hartie thankes vnto Iesu Christ, to sée you now whole of your woundes and frée from diseases: likewise I muche reioyce to sée you in good order trimly armed, yea and with suche desire to sette agayne vpon _Mexico_, to reuenge the death of our fellowes, and to winne that greate Citie, the whiche I truste in God shalbe brought to passe in shorte time, hauing the friendship of _Tlaxcallan_ and other prouinces, who haue as great desire to sée the ouerthrowe of the _Mexicans_, as we our selues, for therein they gette both honour, libertie & safegarde of life. Also it is to be considered, that if the victory should not be ours, they poore soules should be destroyed and remaine in perpetuall captiuitie. Also the _Culhuacans_ do abhorre them worse than vs, for receyuing vs into their houses and countrey: therefore sure I am that they will sticke vnto vs vnfaynedly. I muste néedes confesse their vnfayned friendship, for presente workes doe testifie the same. They will not onely be a meane to bryng others their neyghbours to our seruice, but also haue now in readinesse .100000. më of warre, to sende with vs, besides a great nüber of _Tamemez_ or carriers to carrie al our prouision. Ye also, are now the same which alwaies heretofore ye haue bene, for I as witnesse beying your captayne, haue had the victory of many battayles fighting with a .100. yea & 200000. enimies: we got also by strength of arme many strög cities, yea & brought in subiection many prouinces, not beyng so many in number as we are nowe, for when we came firste into this countrey we were not so many as now presently we are. Agayne in _Mexico_ they feare our cöing: it should also be a blot vnto our honour that _Quahutimoc_ should inherite y^e kingdome that cost our friëd _Mutezuma_ his life. Likewise I esteme al that we haue done is nothing, if we winne not _Mexico_, our victories shoulde also be sorowfull if we reuenge not the death of our déere fellowes. The chiefe and principall cause of our cöming into this countrey, was to set forth the faith of Iesu Christ, & therwithal doth folow honour & profite which seldome times do dwell togither. In those fewe dayes that we were in _Mexico_, we put downe the idols, we caused sacrifice and eatying of mans fleshe to bée layde aside, and also in those dayes wée beganne to conuerte some to the fayth. It is not therefore nowe reason to leaue of so laudable an enterpryse, so well begonne. Lette vs now goe whither holy fayth doth call vs, and where the sinnes of our enimies deserueth so great a punishment, and if yée well remember, the Citizens of that citie were not cötent to murder such an infinite number of men, women & children before the idols, in their filthy sacrifice, for honour of their Diuelishe Goddes, but also to eate their fleshe, a thyng inhumayne, and much abhorred of God, and al good men doth procure, and especially Christians, to defende and punishe suche odious customes.

Besides all this, they committe that horrible sinne for the whiche the fiue cities with _Sodom_ were burned by fire from heauen: Why then what greater occasion should any man wishe for in earth, than to abolish such wickednesse, and to plant among these bloudy tirants the fayth of Iesu Christ, publishing his holy gospel? Therfore now, with ioyfull hartes lette vs procéede to serue God, honour our nation, to enlarge our Princes dominions, and to enriche our selues with the goodly pray of _Mexico_, to morrow God willyng we will beginne the same.

All his men answeared with chéerefull countenaunce, that they were ready to departe when it pleased him, promising their faithful seruice vnto him. It should séeme the rather with the desire of that pleasure and greate treasure whiche they had eyght moneths enioyed before.

_Cortes_ commaunded to proclayme throughout his army, certaine ordinaunces of warre for the good gouernement of his hoste, whiche he had written among others: and were these that followeth:

That none should blaspheme the holy name of Iesus.

That no Souldier should fight with his fellowe.

That none shoulde play at any game, his horse nor armour.

That none should force any woman.

That none should robbe or take any _Indian_ captiue without his speciall licence and counsellers.

That none should wrög or iniurie any _Indian_ their friëds: he also taxed yron worke and apparell, for cause of the excessiue prices that they were there solde for.

The exhortation made by Cortez to _the Indians of Tlaxcallan_.

The nexte daye following, _Cortes_ called before him all the Lordes, Captaynes, and principall persons of _Tlaxcallan_, _Huexocinco_, _Chololla_, _Chalco_, and of other townes, who were there presente at that time, saying as followeth. My Lords and friendes, you know the iourney which I haue nowe in hande, to morrowe God willing I will departe to the warre and siege of _Mexico_, and enter into the land of youre enimies and mine: And the thing that now I do require, and also pray, is, that you remayne faithfull and constant in your promise made, as hithervnto you haue done, and so I trust you will continue. And bycause I can not bring so soone my purpose to passe according to youre desire and mine, without the _Vergantines_ which are now a making, and to be placed in the lake of _Mexico_, therefore I praye you to fauoure these workemen whiche I leaue héere, with suche loue and friendship, as héeretofore you haue done and to giue them all things necessary for their prouision, and I do faithfully promise to take away the yoke of bondage, which the inhabitantes of _Culhua_ haue layde vpon you, and also will obteyne of the Emperoure great libertie and priuiledges for you.

All the _Indians_ shewed countenance of obedience, and the chiefest Gentlemen aunswered in few words, saying, we will not onely fulfyll youre request, but also when your vessels are finished, we will bring them to _Mexico_, and we all in generall will goe with you, and truly serue you in your warres.

Hovv Cortez tooke Tezcuco.

_Cortez_ departed from _Tlaxcallan_ wyth hys Souldyers in good order, whyche was a goodly sight to beholde, for at that time he had eyghtie thousand men in his host, and the most of them armed after their manner, which made a gallant shew: but _Cortes_ for diuers causes would not haue them all with him, vntill the _Vergantines_ were finished, and _Mexico_ beséeged, fearing wante of vittayle for so greate an armye: yet notwithstanding hée tooke twentie thousand of them, besides the Carriers, and that night came to _Tezmoluca_, which städeth sixe leagues from _Tlaxcallan_, and is a Village apperteyning to _Huexocinco_, where he was by the principall of the Towne wel receyued. The next day he iourneyed foure leagues, into the territorie of _Mexico_, and there was lodged on the side of a hill, where many had perished with colde, had it not bin for the store of woodde which they found there. In the morning he ascended vpwards on this hill, and sente hys scoute of foure footemen and foure horsemen to discouer, who found the way stopped with great trées newly cutte downe, and placed crossewise in the way: but they thynking that yet forwards it was not so, procéeded forthe as well as they might, till at length the let with great hugie trées was such, that they could passe no further, and with this newes were forced to returne, certifying _Cortes_ that the Horsemenne coulde not passe that way in any wyse. _Cortes_ demaunded of them, whether they hadde séene anye people, they aunswered no, wherevppon he procéeded forwarde with all the Horsemen, and a thousande footemen, commaundyng all the residue of hys armye to followe hym wyth as muche spéede as myghte bée, so that wyth that companye whyche he carried with him, he made waye, takyng away the trées that were cutte downe to disturbe his passage: and in this order, in short time passed his host, without any hurt or daunger, but with great payne and trauell, for certaynely if the enimies had bin there to defende that passage, oure menne hadde not passed, for it was a verye euill way, and the enimies also thoughte the same to be sure with the trées whiche were crossed the way, wherevppon they were carelesse of that place, and attended their comming in playne grounde: for from _Tlaxcallan_ to _Mexico_ are thrée wayes, of the whiche _Cortes_ chose the worst, ymagining the thing that afterwards fell out, or else some hadde aduised him howe that way was cléere from the enimies. And béeing past this crooked passage, they espyed the lake of _Mexico_, and gaue vnto God moste hartie thankes for the same, and there made a solemne vowe and promise, not to returne, vntill they had wonne _Mexico_, or lost their liues. They abode there and rested themselues, till all the whole armye were come togither, to descende downe into the playne, for nowe they myghte descrye the fires and beacons of theyr enimies in sundrye places, and all those whyche hadde attended theyr commyng by the other two wayes, were now gathered togyther, thynkyng to sette vppon them betwixte certayne bridges, where a greate company aboade, exspecting theyr commying: but _Cortes_ sente twenty Horsemen, who made way among them, and then followed the whole armye, who slewe manye of them, wythoute receyuyng anye hurte. And in thys order they came to _Quahutipec_, whiche is of the iurisdiction of _Tezcuco_, where they abode that nyghte, and in that place founde neyther manne nor Woman: but not farre off was pytched the Campe of the _Indians_ of _Culhua_, which myght be néere a hundred thousand men of warre, who were sent by the Seniors of _Mexico_, and _Tezcuco_, to encounter oure armye, in consideration whereof, _Cortes_ kept good watch with tenne Horsemen, and all his Souldyers were warned to be in readynesse at a call, if néede should happen.

The next day in the morning he departed from thence towarde _Tezcuco_, whiche standeth thrée leagues distante, and procéeding on their iourney, foure principal persons, inhabitantes of _Tezcuco_, mette with them, bearing a rod of golde, with a little flagge, in token of peace, saying, that _Coacuacoyozin_ their Lord had sent them to desire him not to make any spoyle in his Countrey, and likewise, to offer his friendship, praying also, that it might please him with his whole army to take his lodging in the Towne of _Tezcuco_, where he shoulde be well receyued. _Cortes_ reioyced with this message, although he suspected that it was a fayned matter, but one of them he knewe verye well, whome he saluted, saying: My comming is not to offend any, but rather to do you good. I will also receyue and hold your Lord for a friende, with condition, that hée doe make vnto me restitution of the treasure whyche hée tooke from fiue and fortie Spanyards, and thrée hundred _Tlaxcaltecas_, all the which were by his commaundements also slayne of late dayes. They aunswered that _Mutezuma_ caused them to be murthered, who had likewise taken the spoyle, and that the Citizens of _Tezcuco_ were not culpable in that fact, and with this aunswere they returned.

_Cortes_ went forward on his way, and came to _Quahutichan_ and _Huaxuta_, which are suburbes of _Tezcuco_, where he and all his host were plenteously prouided of al things necessary, and threw downe the Idolles. This done, hée entred into the Citie, where his lodging was prepared in a great house, sufficient for him and all the Spanyardes, with many other the _Indian_ friends. And bycause that at his first entry, he sawe neyther women nor children, hee suspected some treason, and forthwith proclaymed, vpon payne of death, that none of his men should go out. The Spaniards began to triumph in their lodgings and chäbers, placing euery thing in good order. In the euening they went vp into the _Zoties_ and galleries, to beholde the Citie, which is as bigge as _Mexico_, and there they sawe the greate number of Citizens that fledde from thence with their stuffe, some towardes the mountaines, and others to the water side to take boate, a thing straunge, to sée the great hast and stirre to prouide for themselues, at the least ther were twentie thousand litle boates (called _Conoas_) occupyed, in carying houshold stuffe and passengers. _Cortes_ would fayne haue remedied it, but that night was so nygh at hand, that he coulde not. He would gladly also haue apprehended the Lord, but he was one of the first that fledde vnto _Mexico_. _Cortes_ caused many of the Citizens, to be called before him, and hauing in hys company a yong gentleman of a noble house in that coütrey, who was also last christened, & had to name _Hernädo_, _Cortes_ being his godfather, who loued him well, sayde vnto the citizens, that this new Christian lord, _Don Hernädo_, was sonne vnto _Nezaualpincintli_ their louing Lord, wherfore he required them to make him their king, considering that _Coacnacoyocin_, was fled vnto the enimies, laying also before them his wicked fact in killing of _Cacuza_ his own brother, only to put him from his inheritance & kingdome, through the enticemente of _Quahutimoccin_, a mortal enimie to the Spaniards. In this sort was _Don Hernando_ elected king, and the fame therof being blowen abroade, manye citizens repayred home againe to visite their newe Prince, so that in short space the citie was as wel replenished with people, as it was before, and being also well vsed at the Spaniardes handes, they serued them dilygentlye in all thyngs that they were commaunded. And _Don Hernando_ aboade euer after a faithfull friende vnto the Spaniardes, and in short tyme learned the Spanishe tongue: and soone after came the inhabitants of _Quahutichan_, _Huaxuta_ and _Auntenco_, to submytte them selues, crauing pardon, if in any thyng they had offended. _Cortez_ pardoned them, and gaue them licence to departe home vnto their houses.

_Quahutimoc_, _Coacnacoijo_ and other magistrates of _Culhua_ sente to rayle vppon those townes, for yéeldyng themselues to the Christians, but they layde hold vpon the messengers, and brought them vnto _Cortes_, of whome he enformed himselfe of the state of _Mexico_, and sent them backe againe, requiring their Lords of peace and friendshippe: but it preuayled not, for they were fully armed for the warre.

[Sidenote: A good correction.]

At this instante certaine friendes of _Iames Velasquez_ went vp and downe the Campe, procuring secretly a mutenie among the souldiers, to haue them to returne to _Cuba_, and vtterly to destroy _Cortes_ his procéedings. This thing was not so secretly wrought, but that _Cortes_ had knowledge, wherevppon he apprehended the doers thereof, and by their confessions the matter did plainely appeare, whervpon he condemned to death one _Antonio de Villafania_, who was natural of _Samora_, and forthwith executed the sentence, wherwith the punishment and Mutinie was ended, and ceassed.

The Spaniardes vvhich vvere _sacrificed in Tezcuco_.

Dayly increased _Cortes_ in strength and reputation, and many townes as wel of the partes of _Culhua_ as others came vnto his friendship and obedience. Within two days that _Don Hernando_ was made king, came certayne gentlemen of _Huaxuta_ and _Quahutichan_, to certify vnto him, how al the power of the _Mexicans_ was comming towardes them, and to knowe if it were his pleasure, that they should carry their wiues, children, and other goods into the Mountaines, or els to bring them where he was, theyr feare was so great. _Cortes_ made vnto thë this answere, saying: be ye of good courage, and feare ye not. Also I pray you to cömaunde your wiues & families to make no alteratiö, but rather quietly to abide in your houses. And cöcerning the enimies, I am glad of their comming, for ye shal sée how I will deale with them. But the enimies wente not to _Huaxuta_, as it was thought: neuerthelesse _Cortes_ hauing intelligence where they were, wente out to encounter them, with two pieces of Ordinaunce, twelue horsemen and two hundred Spaniardes, with many _Indians_ of _Tlaxcallä_. He fought with the enemie, and slew but few, for they fledde to the water. He burnt certaine townes where the _Mexicans_ were wonte to succour themselues. The next day came the chiefest men of thrée townes to craue pardon, and to beséech him not to destroy thë, promising neuer to harbour nor succour, any of _Culhua_.

The _Mexicans_ hearing what these townes men pretended, with greate yre made a foule correction among them, as dyd appeare by many of them, which came vnto _Cortes_ with broken heads, desiring reuengement.

The inhabitaunts of _Chalco_ sent also vnto him for succour, declaring that the _Mexicans_ made greate spoyle among them. But _Cortes_ being ready to send for his Vergantines, could not relieue them all, and especially wyth Spaniardes: wherefore he remitted them to the helpe of the _Tlaxcaltecas_, and vnto thë of _Huexocinco_, _Chololla_, _Huacacholla_ and other friends, promising that shortly he would come himselfe. But this answere pleased him not, yet for the present néede they required his letters to be written vnto those townes. And being in this communication, there came messengers from _Tlaxcallan_, with news, that the Vergantines were ready, and to knowe if he stoode in néede of any succour, for of late, (quoth they) we haue séene many beacons, and fiers, which are greater tokens of warre, than heretofore hath bene séene.

There came at that time, a Spaniard also from _Vera Crux_, with certaine newes, that there had arriued a ship, whiche had brought thirtie Souldiers besides the mariners of the shippe, with eight horses, great store of pouder, shotte, crossebowes, and Harquebushes. The plesent newes reioyced much our men, wherevpon _Cortes_ sente forthwith to _Tlaxcallan_ for the Vergantines, _Gonzalo de Sandoual_, with two hundered Spaniards, and fiftéene horsemen, and commaunded that in their way they shold burne and destroy the towne where the fourty fiue Spaniardes, and thrée hundered _Tlaxcaltecas_ were slayn, with fiue horses moe, when _Mexico_ was last besieged: and y^t village is in y^e iurisdiction of _Tezcuco_, and bordereth vpon the territorie of _Tlaxcallan_, yea, and for that purpose hée would gladly haue corrected and punished the dwellers of _Tezcuco_, but time then permitted not y^e same, although they had deserued more punishment than the others. For why? in their town they were sacrifised and eaten, yea & the walles painted with their bloud, shewing moreouer perfit tokens, how it was spaniards bloud. They pluckt off also the horses skinnes & tanned thë in the heare, and afterwards hung them vppe, with the horseshoes in their great temple, & next vnto them, the spaniards garmëtes, for a perpetual memory.

_Sandoual_ went vnto that place with determinate entët to follow his cömission, & also before he came to y^e place, he found writtë in a house w^t a cole, these words: here in this house was a prisoner y^e vnfortunate _Iohn Iust_, who was a gentleman, and one of the fiue horsemen that wer taken. But the people of that towne, being many, fledde when they saw the Spaniardes approch neare vnto thë. But _Sandoual_ followed them, and slewe many of them: he toke also prisoners, manye women and children, who yelded themselues vnto his mercie, and their bodies for slaues. He séeing so little resistance, and beholding the pitiful mone of the wiues for their husbandes, and the children for their fathers, had compassiö on them, and wold not destroye their towne, but rather caused the dwellers to come again, and pardoned them, with othe, that hereafter they shoulde serue them truely, and be vnto them loyal friends. In this sorte was the death of the Christians reuenged, yet _Sandoual_ asked them howe they slewe so manye Christians without resistaunce, marye (quoth they) we made an ambush in an euil and narrow way, ascending vp a hill, and there as they went vppe by one and one we spoyled them, for there, neyther horses nor other weapon could defend or help thë, so y^t we tooke them prisoners and sente them to _Tezcuco_, where, as is before declared, they were sacrificed in the reuengement of the imprisonment of _Calama_.

Hovv the Vergantines vvere brought frö _Tlaxcall to Tezcuco_.

Nowe when the enemies which murdered the Spaniardes, were reduced and chastened, _Sandoual_ procéeded forwarde towarde _Tlaxcallan_, and at the border of that prouince, he mette with the Vergätines whiche were broughte in pieces, as tables, planches, and nayles, with all other furniture, the whyche eight thousand men caryed vpon their backes.

There came also for their safeconduicte twentie thousande men of warre, and a thousande _Tamemez_, who were the carriers of victuals, and seruantes. Thë the Spanishe Carpenters sayde vnto _Sandoual_, that for as muche as they were nowe come into the countrey of enimies, it might please him to haue regarde thervnto, for daungers that myght happen: he allowed wel theyr iudgement.

Nowe _Chichimecatetl_, being a principal man and a valiant also, was captaine of a thousande men & desired to haue the vantguard with the Tymber, and hauing had the same charge hithervnto, it should be an affrent for him, to be put from it, and gaue manye reasons in hys behalfe. But notwithstanding his request, he was entreated to take the reregarde. And that _Tutipil_ and _Teutecatl_ captaines, very principal gentlemen, should haue the vantgard, with ten thousand men. In the myddest were placed the _Tamemez_, and those that carryed the foyst, with all the apparell of the Vergantines. Before those two captaynes, went a hundered Spaniardes, and eight horsemen, and behind and last came _Sandoual_ with all the residue, and seuen horsemen. But now although _Chichimecatetl_ was offended, touching his firste charge, now much more bycause the Spaniardes were not in his company, saying (quoth he) ye take me not for valiant, or else not faithful. That matter being pacified, and euery thing in good order, they toke their way towarde _Tezcuco_, with a marueylous noyse, crying, Christians, Christians, _Tlaxcallan_, _Tlaxcallan_, and Spayne.

On the fourth day they entred into _Tezcuco_, in verye good order, with the sounde of drummes, snayle-shelles, and other like instrumentes of Musicke, and againste their entry into the Citie, they put on al their brauerye of clothes, and bushes of feathers, whiche truely was a gallant sight: they were sixe houres, in entryng into the towne, keping their array.

_Cortez_ came forth to receyue them, and gaue greate thankes vnto the gentlemen, and all the company, and prouided them of good lodgings and entertaynement.

Of the Docke or trench vvhich _was made to launch, the Vergantines_.

Manye prouinces of _India_, came to submitte and offer their seruice vnto _Cortes_, some for feare of destruction, and others for the hatred whyche they bare to the _Mexicans_: so that nowe _Cortes_ was strong both with Spaniardes and _Indians_. Also the Spanishe Captaine of _Segura_, sent a letter to _Cortez_, the which letter he had receyued of another spaniard, the effect therof was as foloweth. Noble gentlemen, diuerse times I haue written vnto you, but as yet I neuer receiued answere, nor yet now doe I. I thynke otherwise, notwithstanding yee shall vnderstande, that the _Culhuacans_ haue done much hurte in thys countrey, but we remayne with victorie. This prouince desireth to see and knowe Captaine _Cortez_, for to render themselues vnto him, and nowe they stande in neede of our nation, wherfore it may please you to sende vnto vs thirtie Spaniardes.

_Cortez_ aunswered the letter in suche sort, that he then presently coulde not sende the thing desired, for that he was readye to the siege of _Mexico_: notwythstanding hée gaue them great thankes, with hope shortlye to sée thë. He that writte the former letter, was one of the Spaniardes that _Cortez_ hadde sente to the prouince of _Chinanta_, a yeare paste, to enquire of the secretes of that place, and to séeke for golde and other commodities. And if it so happened, that the Lorde of that place made that Spaniarde a Captayne, agaynste the _Culhuacans_ theyr enemyes, for _Mutezuma_ made them warre béeyng farre from _Mexico_, bycause they had entertayned the Spaniardes. But through the industrie of that Christian, the Lorde aboade alwayes with victorye, and hauing vnderstanding that some of hys nation were in _Tepeacac_, he wrote so often as the letter declareth, but none of them came to their handes, but only this last letter: our men reioyced muche to heare that the Spaniardes were aliue, and also the Lorde of _Chinanta_ to be their friende: likewise they marueyled much howe they had escaped, for at the time that they fledde from _Mexico_, all other Spaniardes that were abidyng in the Mynes and other Lordshippes, were slaine by the _Indians_.

_Cortes_ made his preparation for the séege of _Mexico_ with all hast, and furnished hym with scalling ladders, and other necessaryes, fitte for such a purpose. His _Vergantines_ being nayled, and throughly ended, he made a sluise or trench of halfe a league of length, twelue foote broad & more, and two fadome in depth. This worke was fiftie dayes a doyng, although there were foure hundred thousand më dayly working, truly a famous worke and worthy of memory.

[Sidenote: A strange tallovve.]

The _Vergantines_ were calked with Towe and cotten woll, and for want of tallow and oyle, they were (as some reporte,) driuen to take mans grease, not that they slewe men for that effect, but of those which were slayne in the warres. The _Indians_ who were cruell and bloudy butchers, vsing sacrifice, would in this sort open the dead bodye, and take out the grease. The _Vergantines_ being lanched, _Cortes_ mustered his men, and founde nine hundred Spanyardes, of the which were 86. Horsemen, and a hüdred and eyghtéene with Crossebowes and Hargabushes, and all the residue had sundry weapons, as swords, daggars, Targets, Launces, and Halbertes. Also they had for armour, corselets, coates of mayle, and Iackes. They had moreouer thrée great péeces of cast yron, fiftéene small péeces of brasse, and tenne hundred waighte of powder, with store of shotte. All that ye haue hearde, was the prouision that _Cortes_ had for the séege of _Mexico_, the strongest and greatest Citie in all _India_ and newe world. In eache _Vergantine_ he placed a péece of brasse. He proclaymed agayne all the institutions and ordinances of the warre, praying and commaunding that they might be well and faithfully obserued, and said, Brethrë and my fellowes, now do you sée our vessels readye, yea and also you do remember howe troublesome a thyng it hathe bin to bring them hither with the coste and sweate of our friendes, and one of the chiefest hopes that I haue shortly to winne _Mexico_, are these vessels, for with them we will burne all their _Canoas_, or else we will so locke them vp, that they shall not help them, whereby we wyll annoy our enimie as muche that way, as our army shall do by land. I haue also a hundred thousand men of warre my friends to beséege this Citie, who are (as you know) y^e valiantest men in all these parties. You haue also your vittailes prouided abundantly, and that which now importeth, is, that you play the menne, as héeretofore you haue done, and most humbly to pray vnto God for victorie, for that this warre is his.

The order of the host and army of _Cortes for to beseege Mexico_.

The nexte day following, _Cortes_ sente vnto the prouinces of _Tlaxcallan_, _Huexocinco_, _Chololla_, _Chal_, and other Townes, warning thë within tenne dayes to come vnto _Tezcuco_, with theyr armoure, weapon, and other necessaries, for the séege of _Mexico_. He certifyed them also, how the _Vergantines_ were ready with all other furniture accordingly, and the Spanyardes were very desirous to lose no time, wherefore they meante not to delay their pretence, farther than the day appoynted.

The _Indians_ hearing this newes, and bycause they would not come too late to the beginning of the assaulte, came incontinente, and entred into _Tezcuco_ in good order of warre, aboue sixtie thousand men, gallantly trimmed after their vse and custome. _Cortes_ friendly welcommed them, and prouided them lodgings accordingly.

On Whitsonday, all the Spanyardes came into the fielde, whereas _Cortes_ made thrée chiefe Captaynes among whome he deuided his whole army. Vnto _Pedro de Aluarado_ the first Captayne, he appoynted thirtie horsemen, and a hundred and seauentie footemen of the Spanyardes, two péeces of ordinance, and thirtie thousande _Indians_, commaunding him to campe in _Tlacopan_. Vnto _Cristoual de Olid_ the seconde Captayne, he gaue thrée and thirtie Horsemen, and a hundred and eyghtéene footemen of the Spanish nation, two péeces of ordinance, and thirtie thousand _Indians_, and appoynted him to pitch his camp in _Culhuacan_. To _Gonsalo de Sandoual_ who was the thyrde Captayne, he gaue thrée and twenty Horsemen, and 160. footemen, two péeces of Ordinance, and 40000. _Indians_, with commission to choose a place to pitch his Campe.

In euery _Vergantine_ he planted a péece of ordinäce, sixe hargabushes, or crossebowes, and 23. Spaniards, më most fittest for that purpose. He appointed also Captaynes for eache, and himselfe for general, whereof some of the chiefest of his companye began to murmure that wente by lande, thinking that they had bin in greater daunger, wherefore they required him to goe with the mayne battell, and not by water. _Cortes_ little estéemed their words, for although it is more daunger in the water than in the land, yet it did more importe to haue greater care in the warres by water, than on the land, bycause his men had bin in the one, and not in the other.

On the tenth of May _Aluarado_, and _Cristoual de Olid_ departed, and went that night to a Towne called _Acolman_, where was betwéene them greate discorde touchyng their lodgings, yea and if _Cortes_ had not sente to take vp the matter, much mischiefe had ensued. The nexte daye they lodged in _Xolotepec_, whych was not inhabited. The thyrde daye they came vnto _Tlacopan_, whyche was also as all the Townes of the lake, wythout people, there they were lodged in the Lordes house of the Towne.

The _Tlaxcaltecas_ began to viewe _Mexico_ by the calsey, and foughte with their enimies, vntill the nighte made them to ceasse.

On the thirtéenth of May, _Cristoual de Olid_ came to _Chapultepec_, and brake the conduites of swéete water, wherevpon _Mexico_ was destitute of the same, being the conduit that did prouide all the Citie. _Pedro de Aluarado_ wyth his company procured to amende all the broken places of the calsey, that the horsemen might haue frée passage, and hauing muche to do in these affaires, he spente thrée dayes, and fighting with many enimies, some of his men were hurt, and many _Indian_ friendes slayn. _Aluarado_ abode in _Tlacopan_ with his armye, and _Cristoual de Olid_ retired to _Culhuacan_ with his men, according to the instruction receyued from _Cortes_, and fortifyed themselues in the Lordes houses of the Towne, and euery daye skyrmished with the enimies, and some went to the Townes néere at hande, and brought _Centli_, fruite, and other prouision. In this businesse they occupyed théëselues a whole wéeke.

The Battaile and victory of the Vergantines _against the Canoas_.

The newe Kyng _Quahutimoc_ hauing intelligence how _Cortes_ hadde launched hys _Vergantines_ and so mightie a power to beséege _Mexico_, entred into counsell wyth the chiefest péeres of hys Realme. Some were of opinion, and dyd prouoke hym to the warres, considering theyr greate multitude of people, and fortitude of the Citie.

Others were of opinion, who tendred muche the common weale, that no _Spanyarde_ that shoulde happen to be taken prysoner shoulde be sacrificed, but rather to be preserued for conclusion of peace if néede shoulde so requyre. And finally some sayde, that they should demaunde of their Goddes what was best to doe.

The King that inclined himselfe more to peace than to warre, sayde that he woulde remitte the matter to the iudgement of the idolles, and that he would aduise them what answere should be made vnto him but: in harte he desired to come to some honest order and agréement with _Cortes_, fearing the thyng that after did ensue. But seyng his Counsell and subiectes so determined to warre, he cömaunded foure Spaniardes whiche he had prysoners in a cage, to be sacrificed vnto the Goddes of warre, with a greate number more of _Indians_.

[Sidenote: A Diuelish sentence.]