Chapter XIV: Part 14

In the lande nowe called newe _Spayne_, are dyuers and sundry generations of people: but they holde opinion, that the stocke of most antiquitie, is the people nowe called _Chichimecas_, which procéeded out of the house of _Aculhuacan_, which standeth beyond _Xalixco_, about the yeare of our Lorde .720. Many of this Generation did inhabite aboute the lake of _Tenuchtitlan_, but their name ended by mixture in marriage with other people. At that time they hadde no King, nor yet did builde eyther house or Towne. Their only dwellings was in caues in y^e Moütaynes. They went naked, they sowed no kind of graine, nor vsed bread of any sorte. They did mainteyne themselues with rootes, hearbes, and siluester fruites: and béeing a people cunning in shooting with the bowe, they kylled deare, hares, connyes, and other beastes and foule, which they eate also, not sodden or rosted, but rawe, and dryed in the Sunne. They eate also Snakes, Lizardes, and other filthye beastes, yea and at this day there are some of this generation that vse the same dyet. But although they liued suche a bestiall life, & being a people so barbarous, yet in their diuelish religion they were verye deuout. They worshipped the Sunne, vnto whome they vsed to offer Snakes, Lizards, & such other beasts. They likewise offered vnto their God all kinde of foule, from the degrée of an Eagle, to a little Butterflie. They vsed not sacrifice of mäslaughter, nor had any Idolles, no not so muche as of the Sunne, whome they helde for the sole and only God. They married but with one woman, & in no degrée of kinred. They were a stoute and a warlike people, by reason whereof, they were Lordes of the land.

The Coronation of the Kings of Mexico.

Although one brother was heire to an other among the _Mexicans_, and after their deceasse, did inherite the Sonne of the eldest brother, yet they tooke no possession of the state nor name of King vntil they were annoynted and Crowned openlye.

[Sidenote: The oyntment.]

As soone as any King of _Mexico_ deceassed, and his funerals ended, then were called to Parliamente the Lorde of _Tezcuco_, and the Lorde of _Tlacopan_, who were the chiefest estates, and then in order all other noble men, who owed any seruice to the Mexican Empire. And béeyng come togither, if any doubt of the inheritäce of y^e crowne happened, then the matter was decided with al hast: then the newe King being knowen, he was stripped starke naked, except a cloth to couer his priuie partes, and in thys sorte was carried among them, to the greate Temple of _Vitzilopuchtli_ with greate silence, and without any ioy or pleasure: Two Gentlemen of the Citie whose office it was, ledde him vppe the staires of the Temple by the armes, and before him wente the Princes of _Tezcuco_ and _Tlacopan_, who that day did weare their robes of Coronation, wherevpon was paynted their armes and title. Verye fewe of the Laytie wente vp into the Chappels, but only those that were appoynted to attire the newe king, and to serue in other Ceremonies, for all the residue stoode vpon the steppes and belowe, to beholde the Coronation. These Magistrates being aboue in the Chappell, came with great humilitie and reuerence, knéelyng downe vpö their knées before the Idoll of _Vitzilopuchtli_, and touched the earth with one finger and then kissed the same. Then came the high prieste clothed in his pontificall vestmentes, with many others in his company, who did weare surplices: and withoute speaking any worde, they paynted or couloured the Kings person, with ynke made for the purpose, as blacke as any cole. After thys Ceremonye done, they blessed the annoynted Kyng, and sprinckled him foure times with a certayne holly water, that was made at the time of consecration of the God, made of dowe or paste, with a sprinckle made of boughes of Cane leaues, Ceder, & willow leaues. Then they put vpon his head, a cloth painted with the bones and skulles of dead men, and next they clothed him with a black garment, and vpon y^t another blewe, and both were paynted with y^e figures of dead mens skulles & bones. Then they put about his necke certaine laces, whereat did hang the armes of y^e Crowne. And behind his backe they did hang certain little bottels ful of powders, by vertue wherof he was deliuered from pestilence and diseases, according to their opiniö: yea & therby witches, nor witchcrafts could not hurt him, nor yet euill menne deceyue him. In fyne, with those relickes he was sure from all perill and daunger. Vpon his lefte arme they bounde a litle bagge of incense, and then brought vnto him a chaffyng dishe of imbers made of the barke of an Oke trée. Then the king arose, and with his owne hande threw of the same incense into the chaffing dishe, and with great reuerence brought the same to the God _Vitzilopuchtli_, and after he had smoked him therewith, he satte him downe, then came the high Priest and tooke his othe to mainteyne the religion of the Goddes, to kéepe also all the lawes and customes of his predecessours, to maynteyne iustice, and not to agrauiate any of his vassals or subiects, and that he should be valiant in the warres, that he shoulde cause the Sunne to giue his light, the clowdes to yéelde rayne, the riuers to runne, and the earth to bring foorth all kinde of grayne, fruytes, and other néedefull hearbes and trées. These and many other impossible things the newe kyng did sweare to performe: and then he gaue thankes to the high priest, and commended himself to the Goddes and to the lookers on, and they who brought him vp in the same order, carrieth him downe agayne. Then all the people cried, the Goddes preserue the newe kyng, and that he may raigne many yéeres in health with al his people. But then some began to daunce, other to play on their instrumëts, shewing outwardly their inwarde ioyes of harte. And before the king came to the foote of the steppes, all the noble men came to yéelde their obedience, and in token of louing and faythfull subiectes they presented vnto him feathers, strings of snayle shelles, collours, and other Iewelles of golde and siluer, also mantels paynted with death, & bare him company vnto a great hal within the compasse of the temple, and there lefte him. The king sitteth downe vnder his cloth of estate, called _Tlacatecco_, and in foure daies departeth not out of the circuyte of the temple, the which he spendes in prayers, sacrifice and penaunce, he eates then but once a day, and euery day he bathes himselfe, and agayne in the night in a great ponde of water, and then lettes himselfe bloud in his eares, and senseth therewith the God of Water, called _Tlaloc_: he likewise senseth the other idols, vnto whome he offereth bread, flowers, Papers and little Canes died in the bloudde of his owne tongue, nose, handes, and other partes of his body. After the foure dayes expired, then come all the Noblemen to beare him company to his palayce with great triumphe and pleasure of all the Cittie, but after his consecration fewe or none dare looke him in the face.

And now with the declaryng of the actes and Ceremonies that the _Mexican_ Kings are crowned, I shall not néede to rehearse of other kyngs, for generally they all do vse the same order, sauyng that other Princes goe not vp to the toppe of the Temple, but abide at the foote of the steppes to be crowned, and after theyr Coronation they come to _Mexico_ for their confirmation, and then at theyr returne to their countrey, they made many drunkë feasts and banquets.

The opinion of the Mexicans _concerning the Soule_.

The _Mexicans_ did beléeue that the Soule was immortal, and that they receyued eyther ioy or payne according to theyr desertes & liuyng in this worlde, vnto which opinion all their religion did attayne, and chiefly appeare at their burials. They helde for an assured faith, that there were nine places appointed for soules, & the chiefest place of glory to be neare vnto the Sunne, where the soules of those whiche were good men slaine in the warres, & those which were sacrifised were placed, and that all other sortes of euill persons their soules abode on the earth, & were deuided after this sorte, children that were dead borne went to one place, those which died of age or other disease went to another, those which died of sodden death to another, those whiche died of woundes or contagious diseases went to an other place, those which were drowned went to another, those which were put to death for offence by order of iustice, as for robbery and adultery to another: Those which slewe their fathers, mothers, wiues or childrë, to another place by themselues, also those who slew their maysters or any religious person went to another place. The common sorte of people were buried, but Lordes and rich men had their bodies burned & their ashes buried. In their shreudes they had a greate difference, for many dead bodies were buried better apparelled than when they were on liue. Women were shrewded after another sorte. And he that suffered death for adulterie was shrewded like vnto the God of leachery, called _Tlazoulteutl_, he that was drowned like vnto the God of water named _Tlacoc_, and he that died with drunkennesse was shrewded like vnto the God of wyne called _Ometochtli_. But the Souldier had an honorable shrewde like vnto the attyre of _Vitzilopuchtli_, and the lyke order in all other sortes of deathes.

The buriall of Kings in _Mexico_.

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

The dead body was layde vpon a fayre matte, & was watched foure nightes, with great lamëtation and mournyng: then the body was washed, and a locke of heare cut from the crowne of his head, whiche was preserued as a great relicke, saying that therein remayned the remembrance of his soule. This done, a fine Emerald was put into his mouth, and his body shrewded in seuentene riche mantles, of colours, both riche and costly wrought. Vpon the vpper mantle was sette the deuise or armes of _Vitzilopuchtli_ or _Tezcalipuca_, or of some other idoll, in whome the kyng had greate confidence in his lyfe tyme, and in his temple should the body be buried. Vpö his face they put a visor, paynted with foule and Diuelish gestures, besette with many iewelles, precious stones, and pearles. Then they killed his slaue, whose office was to light the Lampes and make fire vnto the Goddes of his pallayce. These things done, they carried the dead body vnto the Temple: some followed him with dolefull tune, others song the death of the kyng by note, for so was the custome.

The Noble men and Gentlemen of his housholde carried Targets, Arrowes, Maces, and Ensignes to throwe into the fire where the body should be buried in the Temple. The high Priest and all the Clergie receyued him at the Temple gate, with a sorrowfull song, and after he had sayde certayne wordes, the body was throwen into a great fire made for the purpose, with all the iewels that he had aboute him, and all the other things whiche was brought to honour the burial: also a dogge newly strangled with an arrowe, whiche was to guyde him his way. In the meane whyle that the King and dogge were burnyng, the Priests sacrificed twoo hüdred persons, howbeit in this Ceremonie there was no ordinary taxe, for sometymes they sacrificed many moe: they were opened with a rasour of flinte in the breastes, and theyr hartes taken out and throwen into the fire where the Kings body was. There miserable persons beyng sacrificed, and their bodies throwen into a hole, they beléeued assuredly that those shoulde serue for his slaues in another worlde: some of them were dwarffes, monstrous and deformed persons, with some women. They placed about the dead body of the King before his buriall, Roses, Floures and sundry dishes of meate and drinke, and no creature durste touche the same, but onely y^e Priests, for it séemed to be an offeryng.

The nexte day followyng, all the ashes were gathered togither, and the téeth with the Emerald that was in his mouth, the whiche things were put into a chest, paynted on the inside with horrible figures of diuels, and the locke of heare whiche was cut from his crowne, and another locke of heare which was preserued from the tyme of his birth. Then the chest was lockte, and an image of wood made and clothed like vnto the Kings person, which was set on the toppe of the chest. The obsequies endured foure dayes, in the whiche the wiues and daughters of the king offered great offerings at the place where his body was buried, and before the chest and his image.

On the fourth day after the buriall, fiftene slaues were sacrificed for his soule, and on the twentith day other fiue persons were also sacrificed, likewise on the sixtie thrée, and fourescore, whiche was lyke vnto the yéeres minde.

The order of buriall of the Kings _of Michuacan_.

The kingdome of _Michuacan_ is almoste as great as the Empire of _Mexico_, and when any king of that countrey happened to be visited with sicknesse, and brought to suche extremitie, that hope of life were past, according to the opinion of Phisitions, then would he name and appoint whiche of his Sonnes shoulde inherite the estate, and beyng knowen, the new king or heyre, incontinent sent for all the gouernours, Captaines, and valiant souldiers, who had any office or charge to come vnto the buriall of his Father, and he that came not, from thencefoorth was helde for a Traytour and so punished. When the death of the olde King was certayne, then came al degrées of Estates and brought presents to the newe king, for the approbation of his kyngdome, but if the King were not throughly dead, but at the poynt of death, then the gates were shut in, and none permitted to enter, and when hys lyfe was departed, then beganne a generall crie and mournyng, and they were permitted to come where their dead kyng lay, and to touche him with their handes: this beyng done the carkasse was washed with swéete waters, and then a fine shyrte put vpon him, and a payre of shoes made of a Déere skinne put on his féete, and aboute his ancles were tied certayne belles of golde, about his wrestes of his handes were put Manyllias of Turkies, and other bracelets of golde, lykewise aboute his necke they hong other collers of precious stones and golde, and rings in his eares, with greate Turkise in his neather lippe. Then his body was layde vpon a large beare, whereon was placed a good bedde vnder him: on his one side lay a bowe with a quyuer of arrowes, and on his other side lay an image made of fine mantels of his owne stature or bignesse with a greate tuffe of fine feathers, shoes vpon his féete, with bracelets and a coller of gold. Whyle this worke was a doyng, others were busied in washyng the men and women whiche shoulde be slayne for to accöpany him into Hell: these wretched folke that should be slaine were banqueted & filled with drinke, bycause they shoulde receyue their death with lesse paine. The newe kyng did appoint those who shoulde die for to serue the king his father, but yet many of them had rather bene without his seruice, notwithstanding some simple soules estéemed that odious death for a thyng of immortall glory. First seuen Gentlewomen of noble parentage were appoynted to die, the one to haue the office of keper of his iewels which he was wont to were, another for the office of cup bearer, another to giue him water with a basen and ewer, another to giue him alwayes the vrinall, another to be his Cooke, and another to serue for landres. They slewe also many women slaues, and frée maydens for to attende vpon the Gentlewomen, and moreouer one of euery occupation within the citie. When all these that were appoynted to die were washed & theyr bellies full with meate & drinke, then they paynted their faces yellow, and put garlandes of swéete floures vpon each of their heads. Then they went in order of processiö before the beare whereon the dead king was caried, some wente playing on instruments made of snayle shelles, others played vpon bones and shelles of seaturtils, others went whistlyng and the most part weping: the Sonnes of the dead kyng & other noble men carried vpö their shoulders the beare where y^e corse lay, & proceded with an easie pace towarde the Temple of the God _Curicaueri_: his kinsmen went round about the bere, singyng a sorowful song. The officers and houshold seruants of the Court w^t other Magistrates and rulers of iustice bare the Standartes and diuers other armes.

About midnight they departed in the order aforesayde out of the Kings palayce with great light of fire brandes and with a heauy noyse of trumpets and drummes. The Citizens which dwelt where the corse passed, attended to make cleane the streate. And when they were come to the temple, they wente foure tymes rounde about a great fire made of the woodde of Pine trée, whiche was prepared to burne y^e dead body: then the beare was layd vpon the fire, and in the meane while that the body was burnyng, they mawled with a clubbe those whiche had the garlandes, and afterwarde buried them by foure and foure, as they were apparelled behind the Temple.

The nexte day in the mornyng, the ashes, bones and Iewels was gathered and layde vpon a riche mantle, the whiche was carried to the temple gate, where the priests attended to blesse those Diuelishe relickes, whereof they made a dowe or paste, and thereof an image whiche was appareled lyke a man, with a visor on his face, and all other sortes of Iewels that the dead King was wonte to weare, so that it séemed a gallant idoll. At the foote of the temple stayres, they opened a graue ready made, whiche was square, large, & twoo fadome déepe, it was also häged with new mattes rounde about, and a fayre bed therein, in the whiche a religious man placed the idoll made of ashes, with his eyes towarde the east parte, and honge rounde aboute the walles Targets of golde and siluer, with bow and arrowes, & many gallant tuffes of feathers with earthen vessels, as pottes, dishes & platters, so that the graue was filled vp with houshold stuffe, chests couered with leather, apparell, iewels, meate, drinke, and armour. This done, the graue was shut vp & made sure with beames, bordes, and floored with earth on the toppe.

All those Gentlemen which had serued or touched any thing in the buriall, washed them selues, and wente to dinner in the Courte or yard of the Kings house without any table, and hauing dined, they wiped their hands vpon certayne lockes of Cotton wol, hanging downe their heads, and not speaking any word, except it were to aske for drinke. This Ceremonie endured fiue dayes, and in all that time no fire was permitted to be kindled in the Citie, except in the Kings house and Temples, nor yet any corne was ground, or market kept, nor none durst goe out of their houses, shewing all the sorrow that might be possible for the death of theyr King.

The order of Matrimony among _the Indians_.

In _Tlaxcallan_ and many other Cities, was vsed as a principall Ceremonie and token of marriage, that the Bridegrome and his Bride, against the day of marriage, had their heads polled, whiche was to signifie, that from that day forward, al childishe orders should be laide aside, and from that tyme new heare myght grow, to declare another kind of lyfe. The chiefest knotte of marriage vsed in _Michuacan_ was, that the Bride doe looke directly vppon hir spouse, for otherwise the Matrimony was not perfite nor auaylable.

In _Mixteoapan_ which is a greate prouince, they vse to carrie the Bridgrome to be married vpon their backes, which is to be vnderstoode, that he goeth against his wil, but yet they take hands, in token that the one shall helpe the other, and then they knitte both their mantels togyther with a great knotte, signifying that they ought continually, while life lasteth, to dwell togither.

The _Indians_ called _Macatecas_, consüme not their Matrimony in twenty dayes after their marriage, but abide in fasting and prayer all that while, sacrificing their bodyes, and annoynting the mouthes of the Idolles wyth their owne proper bloud.

In _Panuco_ the husbandes buy their wiues for a bowe, two arrowes, and a nette, and afterwarde the father in lawe speaketh not one worde to his sonne in law for the space of a whole yeare. And when the husbande hapneth to haue any child, he lyeth not any more with his wife in two yeares after, for feare least she might be with childe againe before the former childe were out of daunger, although some doe sucke vntyll twelue yeares of age, and for this consideration they haue many wiues. Likewise there is an order among them, that no woman may touch or dresse any thing being with theyr menstruall ordinarie.

Diuorcement was not permitted without a iust cause and authoritie of Iustice, among those who were openly married, but the other sort might be as easily forsaken as taken.

In _Mechuacan_ was not permitted any diuorcemente, excepte the partie made a solemne othe, that they loked not the one on the other stedfastly and directly at the time of their marriage. But in _Mexico_ they must proue how the wife is barraine, foule, & of a naughty cödition: but if they put away their wiues without order and commaundemente of the Iudge, then the heare of the offenders head is burned in the market place, as a shame or punishment of a man without reason or witte.

The payne of adultery was death, as well for the mä as the woman: but if the adulterer were a Gentleman, his head was decked with feathers after that he was häged, and his body burned, and for this offence was no pardon, eyther for man or woman, but for the auoyding of adultery they do permitte other common women, but no ordinary stewes.

Of the Iudges and order of Iustice.

In _Mexico_ were twelue Iudges, who were all noble men, graue, and well learned in the Mexican lawes. These men liued only by the rentes that properly apperteyne to the maintenance of Iustice, and in anye cause iudged by thë, it was lawfull for the parties to appeale vnto other twelue Iudges, who were of the princes bloud, and alwayes abode in the Court, and were mainteyned at the Kings owne cost and charge. The inferior Iudges came ordinarily once euery moneth to cösult with the higher. And in euery fourescore dayes came the Iudges of euery prouince within the Mexican Empire, to consult with the Iudges of _Mexico_, but all doubtfull causes were reserued to the King, onely to passe by his order and determination. The Painters serued for notaries, to paint al the cases which were to be resolued, but no sute passed aboue fourescore dayes without finall ende and determination. There were in that citie twelue Sergeants, whose office was to arrest, and to cal parties before the Iudges. Their garments were painted mantels, wherby they were knowen a farre off. The prisons were vnder ground, moyst and darke, the cause whereof, was to put the people in feare to offend. If anye witnesse were called to take an oth, the order was, that he shoulde touche the grounde with one of his fingers, and then to touch his tong with the same, whiche signifyed that hée had sworne and promised to speake the troth wyth hys tög, taking witnes therof, of y^e earth which did mainteine him. But some do interprete the oth, y^t if the partie sware not true, that then he mighte come to such extremitie, as to eate earthe. Sometime they name and call vppon the God of the crime, whose cause the matter touched.

The Iudge that taketh bribes or giftes, is forthwith put out of his office, whiche was accounted a most vyle and shamefull reproch. The _Indians_ did affirme, that _Necaualpincintli_ did hang a Iudge in _Tezcuco_, for giuing an vniust sentence, he himselfe knowing the contrary. The murther is executed without exception.

The woman with child that wilfully casteth hir creature, suffereth deathe for the same, bycause many women did voluntary vse that fact, knowing their children could not inherite. The punishment of adultery was death.

The Théefe for the firste offence was made a slaue, and hanged for the second. The traytor to the King and cömon weale, was put to death with extreame tormëts.

The woman taken in mans apparel dyed for the same, and likewise the man taken in womans attire. Euerye one that challëged another to fight except in the warres, was cödemned to die. In _Tezcuco_ the sinne of _Zodomy_ was punished with death, & that law was instituted by _Necaualpincintli_, & _Necaualcoio_, who were Iudges, which abhorred y^e filthy sinne, & therfore they deserued great praise, for in other prouinces y^e abhominable sin was not punished, although they haue in those places cömon stewes, as in _Panuco_.

The order of cruell Sacrifice _vsed among the Indians_.

At the ende of euery twenty dayes, is celebrated a festiuall feast called _Tonalli_, which falleth continually the last daye of euerye moneth, but the chiefest feast in the yeare, when most men are sacrificed & eaten, is at the ende of euerye fiftye two yeares. But the _Tlaxcaltecas_ and other common weales, do celebrate this feast euery fourth yeare.

The last day of the first moneth is called _Tlacaxipeualiztli_, on the which day were slaine a hundred slaues, which were taken in the warres, and after the sacrifise, their flesh was eaten in this order. Al the Citizens, gathered themselues togither in the high Temple, and thë the Ministers or Priestes came and vsed certaine ceremonies, the which being ended, they toke those whyche were to be sacrifised, by one and one, and layd them vpon their backes vpon a large stone, and then the slaue being on liue, they opened him in the breast, with a knife made of flinte stone, and toke out his hart, whiche they threw immediately at the foote of the Aulter, as an offering, and anoynted with the fresh bloude, the face of the God _Vitzilopuchtli_, or any other Idol. This done, they pluckt of the skinnes of a certaine number of them, the which skinnes so many auntient persons put incontinët vppon their naked bodies, al fresh & bloudy, as they wer fleane from the deade carcasses. And being open in the backe part and shoulders, they vsed to lace them, in such sorte that they came fitte vppon the bodies of those that ware them, and being in this order attired, they came to daunce among many others. In _Mexico_ the king him selfe did put on one of these skinnes, being of a principall captiue, and daunced among the other disguised persons, to exalte and honor the feast, and an infinite number followed him to behold his terrible gesture, although some hold opinion that they followed him to cötemplate his greate deuotion. After the sacrifise ended, the owner of the slaues did carry their bodies home to their houses, to make of their fleshe a solemne feaste to all their friendes, leauing their heades and hartes to the Priests, as their dutie and offering. And the skinnes were filled with cotten wool, or strawe, to be hong in the temple, and kings pallayce, for a memorie.

The slaues when they went to their sacrifice, were apparelled in the habite or deuise of the Idol vnto whom ech of them did commende himselfe: and moreouer they decked them with feathers, garlands and floures. Many of these sort of people, do go to the slaughter with ioyfull countenannce, dauncing, demaunding almes through the Citie for their sacrifice, all the whiche almes is due vnto the priestes. When the gréene corne was a foote aboue the ground, they vsed to go vnto a certain hil whiche was appointed for such deuotion, and there sacrifised two children, a boy, and a girle of thrée yeares of age, to the honor of _Tlaloc_ god of water, beséeching him therefore deuoutlye, to haue alwayes a care to prouide them water: these children were frée borne, and therfore theyr hartes were not taken out of their bodies, but after that their throtes were cut, their bodies were wrapped in a new mantel, and then buried in a graue of stone.

The feaste of _Tozoztli_ was, when the fields of _Maiz_ were growen two foote high, then a certaine summe of merchandise was gathered among the dwellers in the towne, wherewith were bought foure little slaues betwixt the age of fiue and seuen, and they were likewise sacrificed to the god _Tlaloc_, for continuall shoures of rayne. And those dead bodies were shut vp in a caue appointed for the same purpose. The beginning of this sacrifice of foure children was, at the time when in foure yeres space it rayned not, in the whiche season y^e springs were dryed vp, and al gréene things perished: wherfore they were forced to leaue the countrey, and went to inhabite at _Nicaragua_. In the moneth and feast of _Hueitozotli_, when the corne fields of _Maiz_ waxed ripe, then euery one in generall gathered his handful of _Maiz_, and brought it vnto the temple for an offering, with a certaine drinke called _Atuli_, whiche is made of the same _Maiz_. They brought also the swéete gum _Copalli_ to sense the gods which do cause the corne to growe: and all that night they ceassed not dauncing without drunkennesse. At the beginning of summer they celebrate an other feast called _Tlaxuchimcaco_, with all kinde of Roses and swéete floures that might be gotten, and thereof they vsed to make garlands to set vpon the Idols heades, and so spente all that day in dauncing. And to celebrate the feast called _Tecuilhuitli_, al the gentlemen, and principall persons of ech prouince, do come vnto the Citie, on the euening of the feast, and then they apparell a woman with the attire of the Gods of salt, who daunced among a great company of hir neighboures. But on the nexte day she was sacrificed with all the Ceremonies and solemnitie accustomed, and al that day was spent in gret deuotion, burning of incense in the fire pannes of the temple.

The merchants who had a temple by themselues dedicated to the god of gaines, made their feast vppon the day called _Miccailhuitl_, wherein they slewe many slaues in sacrifice, which they had bought, and banqueted that feast with mans flesh, dauncing al the day. The feast of _Vchpaniztli_ they sacrificed a woman, and afterward hyr bodye was slayne, and hir skinne put vppon an _Indians_ backe, who daunced two days a row with al the townsmen, which were apparelled in their best attire to celebrate y^e feaste. The day of _Hatamutztli_ y^e feast is kept in _Mexico_, where they enter into y^e lake w^t a great nüber of _Canoas_, & there they drown a boy & a girle in a litle boat, which they cause to be sonke, in such sorte, that neuer after that boat appeareth again: and they hold opinion y^t those children were in company with the Goddes of the lake. So that, that daye was spente in feasting in the temples, and annoynting the Idols chéekes, with gum called _Vlli_. There were some Images that had their faces two ynches thicke with that gum.

The order of certaine religious _women_.

On the backe side of euerye greate Temple, in euerye Cittie was made a greate Hall or lodgyng, standing alone, where as manye women did eate, drincke, lodge, & leade their liues. And although suche houses had no orders, they aboad there sure ynough. These women which lay in the houses of the Goddes, were of sundry intentions. But none of them came to abide there al their life time, although among them wer some olde women. Some entered into those religious houses being sicke and disseased, hoping there to recouer theyr health: others came thither through pure néede, and necessitie, to be there relieued: other some came thither to be good and vertuous: and some entered into the religion, hoping that the Goddes woulde giue vnto them riches, and long life. But generallye their comming thyther was, to haue good husbandes, and manye chyldren: eche of them vowed the time that shee woulde or ment to abide in that order, and after that time expired they marryed.

The first thing that they did comming into the religion, was to polle their heads, to be knowen frö others. Their offices were to spinne cotton wool and feathers, and to weaue cloth, for to apparel the Goddes and themselues, to swepe the yarde and lodgings of the temple (for the stayres and high chappels, the ministers themselues did make cleane) they vsed also to let them bloud in certaine partes of the body, to offer to the Diuellish Idols. On euery festiual day they went on procession with the priestes, but it was not lawful for them to presume to go vppe the stayres of the temple, nor yet to sing. They liued on almes, for their kinsefolke being rich, did mayntaine them with almes as a charitable seruice done vnto the Goddes: their foode was boyled flesh, and hote bread, to the intent that they should offer therof to the Goddes, that they might tast of the smoke of that victual: they vsed to eate in communitie, and lay altogither in one dormitorye, as a flocke of shéepe: they lay alwayes in theyr clothes, for honestie sake, and also to be the sooner ready in the morning to serue the Gods, & to go to their worke. And yet I know not why they shold put off their clothes, for they went almost naked. On the holy dayes they vsed to daunce before the Gods, and she that either talked or laughed with any religious or secular person, was reprehended for the same. And if any of them committed whoredome, then both the man & the woman were slain, yea they belieued that all suche offenders fleshe woulde rotte and consume away, and especially those which had lost their Virginity in the time of their religion. So that with feare of punishmente and infamie, they were good women al the while that they aboade there.

Hovv the Diuell appeared to _the Indians_.

The Diuell did many times talke wyth the priestes, and with other rulers and perticular persons, but not with al sorts of men. And vnto him to whom the Diuel had appeared, was offered & presented great giftes. The wicked spirit appeared vnto thë in a thousand shapes, and fashions, & finally he was conuersant and familiar among them very often. And the fooles thought it a greate wonder, that Gods would be so familiar with mortal men. Yea they not knowing that they were Diuels, and hearing of them many things before the had hapned, gaue great credite and beliefe to their illusions and deceites. And bycause he commaunded them, they sacrificed suche an infinite number of creatures. Likewise he, vnto whom he had apeared, carried about him painted, the likenesse wherin he shewed himself the first time. And they painted his image vpon their dores, benches, and euery corner of the house. And as he appeared in sundry figures & shapes, euen so they painted him, of infinite fashions, yea and some foule, grieslye, & feareful to beholde, but yet vnto them, it semed a thing delectable. So this ignorant people giuing credite to y^e condëned spirite, were growen euen to y^e highest hil of crueltie, vnder the coulour of deuout & religious persons, yea they had suche a custome, that before they would eat or drink, they wold take therof a little quantitie, & offer it vnto the sun and to the earth. And if they gathered corne, fruite, or roses, they would take a leafe before they would smel it, & offer the same. And he that did not obserue these & such other ceremonies, was iudged one y^t had not god in his hart, yea & (as they say) a man out of the gods fauour.

The Viceroys of Mexico.

The greatnesse of the newe Spayne, the Maiestie of _Mexico_, and the qualitie of the cöquerers, required a man of noble bloude to gouerne, wherevpon the Emperour sente thither _Don Antonio de Mendosa_, brother vnto the Marques _de Moniar_, for viceroy, at whose ariual there returned from thence _Sebastian Camires_, who had gouerned that countrey with great discretion and worthy commendation. In recompëce wherof the Emperour made him president of the chancery of _Valladolid_, and bishop of _Culuca_. _Don Antonio de Mendosa_ was appointed viceroy in the yeare .1534. who carried with him many artificers verye experte in their sciences, likewise through his intercession, a money house was erected in _Mexico_: he also caused silke to be made and wrought in that countrey, and planted many Mulbery trées for the same, although the _Indians_ little care for suche things through their slouthfulnesse and gret liberty. This viceroy _Don Antonio_, called all the Bishoppes, cleargy, and learned men togither, to consult vpö ecclesiastical matters, which tended to the doctrine of the _Indians_. At that instant was decreed, that the _Indians_ shoulde be instructed only in the latin tong, which they learned verye wel and also the Spanishe tong. They learne the Musicke with good wil, especially the flaute: their voyces are not good for the pricke song. At that season was also decréed, that no _Indian_ should take order of Priesthood. The viceroy _Don Antonio_ built certaine townes with Romaine pillers, in honor of the Emperour, and caused his name to be grauen in Marble. He also began the Kay or wharfe in the porte of _Medellin_, a costly and necessarie worke: he also reduced the _Chichimecas_ to ciuel liuing: he spente muche money in the entraunce of _Sibola_, without any profit, and also thereby remayned an enemy to _Cortes_. He likewise discouered much land on the south coast near _Xalixco_: he sente also shippes to _Molluca_, for spices, which were lost: he behaued himself very prudëtly in the rebellion time of the _Indians_ of _Piru_.

The Emperour commaunded him afterwarde to goe vnto the _Piru_ for viceroy, considering the licenciat _Gasca_, who gouerned there, was returned into Spain, and likewise hauing vnderstood his good gouernement in the new Spaine, although some complaintes were made of hym. It grieued _Don Antonio de Mendosa_, to departe from the newe Spaine, where he founde himselfe wel beloued among the _Indians_, who had cured him of sundry disseases with bathes of Hearbes, where before he was starke lame, and also possessed of lands, Cattel, and other riche things, whiche he was loth to leaue. Likewise he desired not to haue to deale with other newe men, whose conditions he knewe not, although he knewe that the _Piruleros_ were stubborne and vnruely felowes. But of necessitie he was compelled to take that iourney by lande from _Mexico_ to _Panama_, which standeth fiue hundred leagues distant, in the yeare a 1851. And that yere came _Don Luys de Valasco_ for viceroie to _Mexico_, who was a Gentleman wise and discrete in his gouernement. The office of viceroy in the newe Spaine, is a charge of great honor and profite.

The conuersion of the Indians.

Oh how greately are those _Indians_ bound to prayse God, who being seruants of Satan, and lost Shéepe, yet it pleased the goodnesse of the Almighty to haue compassion of thë, who hath giuen them light to come out of darkenesse, and brought them to the knowledge of theyr cruell and abhominable life, and hath nowe giuen vnto them the holy Ghost in baptisme: oh most happie _Cortes_, thy paynes was well employed, oh valiant Conquerors, your names shall liue for euer. I am now bolde to saye, that all the lande which is conquered in the new _Spaine_, the people thereof are generally conuerted vnto the faith of Iesus Chryste: oh what a greate felicitie is it vnto those blessed Kyngs who were the beginners thereof.

Some doe saye, that in the newe Spayne onely are conuerted Christians sixe Millions. Others hold opinion of eyghte Millions. And othersome doe assuredly affirme, that aboue tenne Millions are Christened. But in conclusion, I am assured, that within the limittes of four hundred leagues, there are none vnchristened.

The conuersion began with the Conquest, but wyth the diligence in prosecuting the warres, little good was done, vntyll the yeare 1524. and then the matter wente forwarde effectuallye, by reason that certayne learned menne wente thyther for the same purpose.

At the begynnyng it was a troublesome thyng to teach them, for wante of vnderstandyng the one of the other, wherefore they procured to teache the chyldren of Gentlemen whiche were most aptest, the Spanishe tong, and they likewise learned the _Mexican_ spéeche, in the whiche language they dayly preached. It was at the firste a paynefull thing to make them leaue those Idols in whome they hadde euer beléeued, yea and the Diuell gaue them cruell warres in spirite, and manye times, in appearing in diuers formes vnto them, threatning, that if they dyd call vpon the name of Iesus Christ, it should not rayne, and that all their delight and pleasure shoulde be taken from them, prouoking them still to Rebellion against the Christians, but his wicked counsell woulde not preuayle.

Through greate punishmente they haue left off the horrible sinne of Sodomy, although it was a greate griefe to put away their number of wiues.

There are nowe in the newe Spayne eyght Byshoprikes, whereof one is an Archbishoprike.

The death of Hernando _Cortes_.

There was a greate contention betwéene _Hernando Cortes_, and _Don Antonio de Mendosa_, the Vizeroy, as concerning the prouince of _Sibola_, for each of them pretended a title vnto the same through the Emperoures gift, the one by meanes of his office of Vizeroy, and the other by his office of Captayne Generall, vpon the whyche matter they grewe into such hatred, that perfyte friendshippe coulde neuer after take place betwéene them, although at the beginning they were familiar and louing friendes: but malice grewe to such extremitie, that eache of them wrote vndecently agaynste other, to the Emperoure theyr maister, the whyche theyr doyngs blemished both theyr credites.

_Cortes_ wente to lawe with the Licenciat _Villa Lobos_ the Kings Attourney, aboute certayne of his vassals, and also the Vizeroy assisted agaynste him as muche as hée myghte. Vpon consideration whereof, he was enforced to come into Spayne in Anno 1540. and broughte _Don Martin_ his sonne and heyre, béeyng a childe of eyghte yeares of age, and hys sonne _Don Luys_, to serue the Prince: he came very riche, but not so riche as the fyrste time. He entred into great friendship with the Cardinal _Loaisa_, and the Secretarie _Cobos_, but it preuayled not, for the Emperoure was gone into Flanders about matters of Gant.

In the yeare 1541. the Emperoure personally wente to the séege of Argell with a mightie armye, and _Cortez_ with his two sonnes went also thither to serue him with a good companye of men and Horses, but it pleased God to raise vp suche a tempest, wherewith the most parte of the fléete perished. _Cortes_ then being in the Galley of _Don Henrike Enrikes_, called the _Esperanca_, and fearing to lose his rich emraldes and other Iewels at the time that the Galley was driuen by violence of weather vpon the shore, he then bound about him the sayde fyue rich emraldes, estéemed in a hundred thousande Duckates, yet notwithstanding through the throng of people, and hast to escape out of oese and mire, the Iewels fell from him, who could neuer heare more of them, so that the present warres cost hym more than any other, except the Emperoures maiestie, although _Andrea de Oria_ lost eleuen Galleys.

But the losse of treasure gréeued hym not so much, as the excluding hym out of the Counsell of the warres, whereas other yong Gentlemen of lesse knowledge and abilitie were accepted, which was a cause of greate murmuryng among the host. And where in the counsell of warre it was determined to leaue the séege and to depart, it gréeued manye, whereupon _Cortes_ made an open offer, that he alone with the Spanishe nation would presume to take _Argell_, hauyng but the one halfe of the _Tudescos_ and _Italians_, if it woulde please the Emperoure to graunte vnto hym the enterprise. The Souldyers on the lande dyd hyghly commende hys courage, but the Sea menne woulde giue no eare vnto him, so that it is thoughte that the offer came not to the Emperoures knowledge. _Cortes_ wente vp and downe in the Courte a long season, being sore afflicted in a certaine sute aboute hys vassals, and also the processe and allegations of _Nunio de Guzman_, layde vnto hys charge in hys residence. The whole processe was séene in the counsell of _Indias_, but iudgemente was neuer pronounced, whyche was a greate hartes ease for _Cortes_. And then hée departed from the Courte towarde Siuill, with determinate wyll to passe vnto the newe Spayne, and to ende his lyfe in _Mexico_, and also to receyue the Lady Mary, _Cortes_ hys daughter, who was come from _India_, and promised in marriage vnto _Don Aluar Perez Osorio_, with a hundred thousande Duckates in dowry, and hyr apparell, but the marriage tooke no effecte, through the faulte of _Don Aluar_ and hys father.

He then fell sicke of a flixe and indisgestion, whiche endured long, so that on hys iourney towarde the Citie of Siuill, he departed thys transitory lyfe, in a little Village called _Castilleia de La Cuesta_, whyche standeth a myle from the Citie of Siuill, on the seconde of December Anno 1547. béeyng thréescore and thrée yeares of age.

His body was deposited w^t y^e dukes of _Medina Sidonia_.

He left a Sonne and thrée Daughters begotten of the Lady _Iane de Zuniga_ his wife, his Sonne was called _Don Martin Cortes_, who did inherite his fathers estate, and was married vnto the Lady _Ana de Arellano_, his cousine, daughter to the Countie _De Aguilar_, by order of his father.

The doughters vnto _Cortes_ were named as foloweth, the lady _Donea Maria_, _Donea Catalina_, and _Donea Iuana_ who was the yongest. He had another Sonne by an _Indian_ woman, and he was called _Don Martin Cortez_. He had also another base sonne by a Spanish woman, who was named _Don Luys Cortez_, and thrée daughters by thrée seuerall _Indian_ women.

_Cortez_ buylt an hospitall in _Mexico_, and gaue order for a Colledge to be also erected there. He builte also a Temple in _Coioacan_, where he willed in his Testament that his bones shoulde be buried at the charges of his Sonne and heyre. He situated foure thousand Ducates of rent, whiche yéeldeth yéerely his houses in _Mexico_ for the purpose aforesayd, of the which foure thousande Ducates, two thousand should be to maynteyne the Studients in the Colledge.

...

FINIS.

A Table expressyng the Chapiters vvhiche are conteyned in this _Historie_.

The birth and lynage of Hernando Cortez. Fol. 1.

The age of Cortes vvhen he passed into India. 2

The time that Cortes abode in Santo Domingo. 5

Things that happened to Cortes in the lande of Cula. 6

The discouery of the nevv Spayne. 10.

The inuentory of the treasure that Griialua brought. 12

The determinatiö of Cortes to prepare a fleete for discouery. 16

The nauy and men that Cortes caried to the Conquest. 20

The oration made by Cortes to his Souldiers. 24

The entraunce of Cortes into the Iland of Acusamil. 25

The Indiäs of Acusamil gaue nevves of bearded men. 29

A miraculous chaunce hovv Aguillar came to Cortes. 31

The Iland of Acusamil. 35

The religion of the people of Acusamil. 40

The battell of Potonchan. 41

The battell of Cintla. 43

The Lord Tauasco yeeldeth to the Christians. 46

Questions demaunded by Cortes of the Cacike Tauasco. 48

Hovve the Indians of Potonchan brake dovvne their Idols. 50

The good entertaynement that Cortes had in Saint Iohn de Vlhua. 51

The talke of Cortes vvith Teudilli. 55

The presente by Mutezuma vnto Cortes. 58

Hovve Cortes knevv of discorde in the countrey. 61

Hovve Cortes vvent to suruey the countrey vvith .400. men. 64

Hovve Cortes rendred vp his office by pollicie. 67

Hovve the Souldiers chose Cortes for their Captayne generall. 69

The receeuing of Cortes into Zempoallan. 72

The talke of the Lorde of Zempoallan vvith Cortes. 76

Things that happened vnto Cortes in Chiauiztlan. 80

The message sent by Cortes to Mutezuma. 83

The rebellion done by the industry of Cortes. 85

The fundation of the riche tovvne of Vera Crux. 88

The taking of Tizapanfinca. 90

The presente that Cortes sente to the Emperour Charles for his fifth parte. 92

Letters in generall from the Magistrates of Vera Crux to the Emperour. 97

An vprore among the Souldiers agaynst Cortes, and the correction for the same. 100

Cortes caused all his shippes to bee sunke, a vvorthy fact. 102

Hovv the inhabitantes of Zempoallan brake dovvne their Idolles. 104.

Hovv Olintlec exalted the mightie povver of Mutezuma. 107

The first encounter that Cortes had vvith the men of Tlaxcallan. 112

Hovve there ioyned a hundreth and fiftie thousande men agaynst Cortes. 116

The threatenings of the Indian campe agaynst the Spaniardes. 120

Hovve Cortes cut off the handes of fiftie espies. 124

The Embassage that Mutezuma sent vnto Cortes. 126

Hovve Cortes vvanne the Cittie of Zimpanzinco. 129

The desire that some of the Spanierdes had to leaue the vvarres. 132

The oration made by Cortes to his Souldiers. 133

Hovv Xicotencatl came for Embassadour to Cortes his campe. 136

The receiuing of Cortes into Tlaxcallan. 136

The description of Tlaxcallan. 141

The ansvvere of the Tlaxcaltecas touchyng the leauyng of their Idolles. 145

The discorde betvvene the Mexicans and the Tlaxcaltecas. 147

The solemne receyuing of the Spaniardes into Chololla. 148

The conspiracie of the Cholollans against the Spaniardes. 152

The punishment for conspiracy. 155

The sanctuary among the Indians vvas Chololla. 158

The hill called Popocatepec. 160

The consultation of Mutezuma cöcerning the cöming of Cortes into Mexico. 162

Things that happened to Cortes in his iourney tovvarde Mexico. 164.

The solemne pompe vvherevvith Cortes vvas receyued into Mexico. 169

The Oration of Mutezuma to the Spaniardes. 172

The Maiestie and order vvhervvith Mutezuma vvas serued at his table. 175

The foote players that played before Mutezuma. 178

The tennys play in Mexico. 179

The number of vviues that Mutezuma had. 181

A house of foule vvhiche vvere only preserued for the feathers. 183

A house of fovvle for havvking. 184

The armory of Mutezuma. 186

The gardens of Mutezuma. 187

The court and guarde of Mutez. 188

The greate subiection of the people to their King. 189

The situation of Mexico. 192

The market place of Mexico. 196

The great temple of Mexico. 201

The Idols of Mexico. 204

The charnell house of Mexico. 206

Hovv Cortes tooke Mutezuma prisoner. 207

The recreation of hunting vvhiche Mutezuma vsed. 212

Hovve Cortes beganne to plucke dovvne the Idols of Mexico. 214

The exhortation made by Cortes to Mutezuma and the Citizens for the abolishing of Idolles. 215

The burning of the Lorde Qualpopoca and other Gentlemen. 219

The cause of the burnyng of Qualpopoca. 220

Hovv Cortes put a paire of gyues on Mutezuma his legges. 221

Hovve Cortes sente to seeke for the mynes of golde in diuers places. 223

The imprisonment of Cacama king of Tezcuco. 227

The sorovvfull oration that Mutezuma made vnto his noble men, to yeeld them to the Emperour. 230

The golde and Ievvels that Mutezuma gaue vnto Cortes for his first tribute. 233

Hovve Mutezuma required Cortes to depart from Mexico. 235

The feare that our men stande in to be sacrificed. 239

Hovv Iames Velasques sente Pamfilo de Naruaez agaynst Cortes. 241.

The substaunce of a letter that Cortes vvrote vnto Naruaez. 244