Chapter III: Part 3

From a little Village that was at hand, came many _Indians_ to gaze at things so straunge, and the like neuer séene vnto them, and brought with thë gold to barter for suche toyes, as the two little Boates had broughte from them before. They brought also bread and meate readie dressed after their vse likewise to sell. Oure men chaunged wyth them beadestones of glasse, looking glasses, sissers, kniues, pinnes, and suche other wares, whereof the _Indians_ were not a little glad, returning home to their houses, shewing their neighbours. The ioy and pleasure that these simple soules tooke with these trifles, was so greate, that the next day they came agayne wyth other _Indians_ ladë with Iewels of gold, Turkie Hennes, bread, meate, and fruite, that suffised for all the Campe, and for the same they receyued nedels, and beadestones of glasse, but the poore soules thought themselues therewith so riche, that they knewe not where they were with ioy and pleasure, yea and they thoughte that they hadde deceyued the Straungers. Nowe _Cortez_ séeyng the greate quantitie of golde broughte and bartered so foolishly for trifles of no valewe, proclaymed throughout all hys host, that no Christian shoulde take any golde vppon greate penaltie, and that they shoulde all shewe, as though they knewe not to what purpose the golde serued, and that they passed not for it, bycause they shoulde not thynke that the desire thereof had broughte them thyther, and so they did dissemble that great demonstration of golde, to sée what was meante thereby, and whether the _Indians_ hadde brought that golde, to proue whether theyr commyng was for that or no. On Easter day in the morning, came _Teudilli_ the Gouernour to the Campe, from _Cotosta_ hys dwellyng place, whyche was eyght leagues from thence. He brought attendyng vpon his person foure thousande men without weapon, and the most part well clothed, some of them with garments of Cotton, riche after their manner. And others naked, laden with victuals in great abundance, whiche was straunge to sée. _Teudilli_ according to their vsance, did his reuerence to the Captaine, burning frankinsence, and little strawes touched in bloud of his owne bodye, he presented vnto him the victuals, and certayne Iewels of golde very riche and well wrought, and other things made of feathers very curious straunge and artificiall. _Cortez_ embraced him in his armes, and receyued hym ioyfully, saluting all hys company. He gaue to _Teudilli_ a coate of silke, a brooche, and a coller of glasse, with many other péeces of Haberdashe wares, whiche was highly estéemed of him.

The talke of Cortez vvith _Teudilli_.

[Sidenote: A maruellous happe.]

Al the former talke was had without an Interpreter, bycause _Ieronimo de Aguillar_ vnderstoode not thys language, bycause it differed muche from the spéeche of the other _Indians_, whereas hée hadde bin captiue: for whyche cause _Cortez_ was somewhat carefull, bicause he would largely haue discoursed with _Teudilli_. It chanced that among those twentie women giuen hym in _Potonchan_, one of them stoode talking with a seruaunte of _Teudilli_, bycause she vnderstoode them as menne of hir owne language. _Cortez_ espying this, called hir aside, and promised hir more than libertie, so that she woulde bée a trustie and faithfull interpreter betwixte hym and those _Indians_, and that hée woulde estéeme hir as his Secretarie. And further demanded of hir of what lignage she was, then she aunswered, that she was naturall of the Countrey that bordered vpö _Xalixco_, and of a towne called _Viluto_, daughter vnto riche parentes, and of the kinrede of the Lorde of that lande. And béeyng a little girle, certayne Merchantes dyd steale hir away in tyme of warre, and brought hir to be solde at the fayre of _Xicalanco_, whyche is a greate Towne néere _Coasaqualco_, not farre distant from _Tauasco_: and after this sorte shée came to the power of the Lord of _Potonchan_. This woman was Christened _Marina_. She and hir fellowes were the firste Christians baptised in all the newe _Spayne_, and she onely with _Aguilar_, were Interpreters betwixt the _Indiäs_ and our men.

[Sidenote: The aunsvvere of Teudilli.]

[Sidenote: The disease of the Spaniardes.]

Nowe _Cortez_ béeyng assured of hys true Interpreters, hée celebrated hys accustomed deuine seruice, and _Teudilli_ wyth hym, and after they hadde dyned in _Cortez_ hys Tente in presence of many _Spanyardes_ and _Indians_, _Cortez_ enformed _Teudilli_ howe that hée was vassall to the Lord _Charles_ of _Austria_ Emperour of the Christiäs, and King of _Spayne_, and Lorde ouer a greate parte of the worlde, whome great Kings and Princes dyd serue and obey: and that all Princes were glad to bée hys friendes for his Vertue and myghte. And hée hauyng aduertisemente of that Countrey and Lorde thereof, had sente him thyther to visite hym on hys behalfe, and to enforme hym of certayne secrete matters, the effecte whereof he hadde in wrytyng. Sir (quoth _Teudilli_,) I am very glad to heare the Maiestie and Vertue of the Emperoure youre maister, but you shall vnderstande, that my Lorde the Emperoure _Melzuma_ is as greate and as good a Prince as he. And I doe muche maruell, that there shoulde bée anye so greate a Prince in the whole worlde, but yet according to youre request, I wyll certifye hym, and knowe hys pleasure, for I trust (quoth he) in the clemencie of my Prince, that youre newes and message shall bée acceptable vnto him, and you well recompensed for your paynes. _Cortez_ then commaunded al his men to set themselues in order of battayle with fife and drumme, and to skirmishe before _Teudilli_. And that the horsemen shoulde runne, and the ordinaunce shotte of, to the entent that _Mutezuma_ shoulde be aduertised thereof. The _Indians_ did much beholde the gesture, apparell and beardes of our men, they wondered to sée the horses runne, they feared the brightnesse of the swordes, and at the noyse of the ordinaunce they fell flatte to the ground, thinking that the heauens did fall. And the shippes, they held opinion was the God of the ayre called _Quezalcoualt_, whiche came with the temples on his backe, for they dayly looked for him. _Teudilli_ dispatched the poste to _Mexico_, to _Mutezuma_, aduising him of all that he had séene, and demaunded golde of him for to giue vnto the Captayne of that newe people. Bicause _Cortez_ had inquired of him, whether _Mutezuma_ had gold or no, he answered (yes) mary quoth _Cortez_, I and my fellowes haue a certayne disease of the harte, and golde helpeth vs. This message wente from the campe to _Mexico_ in one day and a night, whiche is 210. myle, and the poste caried paynted the horses and horsemen vpon them, the maner of theyr armour, and howe many péeces of ordinaunce they had, & what number of bearded men there were: and as for the shippes he had giuë aduise as soone as they arriued, shewing the greatnesse and quantitie of them. All these things aforesayde, _Teudilli_ caused to be paynted in cloth of Cotten very liuely, that _Mutezuma_ mought sée it. The cause that this message wente so farre in so shorte a space, was, they had certayne places that postes attended, as we may say horsepostes which gaue alwayes from hand to hande the paynted cloth: they doe runne on foote faster in this sorte, than by horsepost, and is more of antiquitie than horsepost: Also _Teudilli_ sent to _Mutezuma_ the garments & many other things whiche _Cortez_ had giuen him, whiche things were after wardes founde in the treasorie of _Mutezuma_.

The present and ansvvere that _Mutezuma sente vnto Cortez_.

[Sidenote: The excuse of Mutezuma.]

After the message sente, and the answere promised, _Teudilli_ tooke his leaue, and within twoo flight shoote of _Cortez_ his campe, he caused a thousande cotages of boughes to be made, & lefte there twoo principall men as Captaynes ouer two thousande persons men and women, and then departed for _Cotosta_ hys dwellyng place. The twoo Captaynes had charge to prouide the Christians of all things necessarie, and the women serued to grynde their corne and make bread of _Maiz_, and to dresse theyr fishe and flesh and other victuals, and the men serued to carrie the dressed meate to the Christians cäpe, and wood, water, & grasse for the horses and al other necessaries, and this they passed eight dayes. In this meane season returned the poste with a riche and gentle present, whiche was many couerlets and clothes of cotton, white, and of other colours wrought, many tuffes of feathers very fayre, and some things wrought with golde and fethers, quantitie of Iewels and péeces of golde and siluer, twoo thinne whéeles, the one of siluer whiche wayde .25. markes with the signe of the Moone, and the other whéele of golde which wayed a hundreth markes, made like vnto the Sunne, with many leaues and beasts, a very curious péece of worke: these twoo things they helde for Gods in that countrey, & giueth thë the colours of the metall that is likest thë, euery whéele was two yardes & a half broade, and so proportionally in compasse round aboute, this present was estéemed at 20900. Ducates. This present shold haue bene giuen to _Grijalua_, if he had not so soone departed as the _Indians_ reported. He also gaue vnto _Cortez_ this answere, that _Mutezumas_ his Lorde was very gladde to know, & to be friend to suche a mighty Prince as the king of Spayne was, and that in his time should arriue in his countrey such new people, & the like neuer séene before, & that he was readie to shew them al pleasure & honour, requesting him to sée what things he stoode in néede of for y^e time that he meant to abide there, as well for himselfe as for his ships, army and deceasse, and it should be prouided abundantly: yea & also if he could finde any thing in that countrey to his contentment, to present to the Emperour of Christians, he would willingly prouide it. And as touching the desire that _Cortez_ had to come to visite & to haue cömunication with him, he thought it vnpossible, bycause that he was sickly and could not come vnto the sea coast, and likewise for _Cortez_ to come where he did abide, it was harde, troublesome and difficill, as well for the many and cragged mountaynes, as also the countrey, wilde, desert & without habitation, and shoulde be constrayned to suffer hunger, thirst, and other necessitie: and moreouer the enhabitaunts of much part of the way that he should passe, were his enimies, both cruell & cursed people, and knowing thë to be his friendes, they should not escape with life.

All these excuses did _Mutezuma_ by the mouth of _Teudilli_ declare vnto _Cortez_, thinkyng to driue him frö his purpose & pretëded iourney, alleaging the foresayd difficulties and perils, the _Indians_ did also hope that with some cötrary weather they should be forced to leaue that coast & coütrey. Notwithstäding this cötradiction, so much the more desire had _Cortez_ to visite _Mutezuma_, who was so great a prince in that parties, & throughly to discouer the treasure which he imagined to be there. And hauing receiued y^e present, & also y^e answer, he gaue vnto _Teudilli_ a garmët of his owne wearyng, and many other trifles of his Haberdash, to be sente vnto _Mutezuma_, saying that if it were for no other purpose but onely to sée so mightie and vertuous a Prince, it should be requisite and iuste to trauayle vnto his Court, how much the more, he was of duetie cöstrayned to doe the Embassage which the Emperour of Christians had willed and commaunded him to doe, for otherwyse he shoulde incurre the displeasure of the King his mayster, wherefore he besought _Teudilli_ yet once agayne to aduertise _Mutezuma_ of his constant determination, bycause hée shoulde vnderstande that he would not leaue off hys pretended purpose for any inconuenience that was obiected vnto him. Alleagying moreouer, that he who had cömen 2000. leagues by sea, mought well goe 70. leagues by lande, and consideryng that he had many at his charge with small prouision, and likewise his shippes in daunger, he required that with all expedition the messengers should be dispatched. _Teudilli_ desired him to recreate himself, & not to take any grief, for as much as he himself did dayly aduertise _Mutezuma_ of his procéedings, euen so with all expedition the full resolution should come from _Mexico_, although it were somewhat farre off. And as for his victuals, he shoulde take no care, for abundantly he should be prouided. And also desired him for so much as he was not well placed among those sandy bankes, that it might please him to goe with him to certayne townes aboute sixe or seuen leagues frö thence. _Cortez_ refused that offer, wherevpon _Teudilli_ departed, and he abode there ten dayes looking for answere from _Mutezuma_.

Hovv Cortez knevv of discorde and _dissention to be in the Countrey_.

In this meane season certayne _Indians_ were espied, that went lurkyng a farre of among the sandy hilles. And those came not neare the _Indians_, that serued the Spaniarde, _Cortez_ demaunded what people they were, & for what cause they went lurkyng so farre off, and came no néerer vnto them.

The twoo Captaynes answered, that they were husbandmen, that went aboute theyr husbandry. _Cortez_ lyked not theyr answere, but suspected that they had tolde hym a lye: for it séemed vnto hym that those people desired to come among the Christians, and that they durste not with feare of the _Indians_ of _Teudilli_, and so it was in very déede. For all that coaste and mayne lande within, as farre as _Mexico_, was full of the newes and straunge things that our men had done in _Potonchan_. Wherefore they all desired to sée them and to talke with them, but they durste not for feare of the _Indians_ of _Culhua_, who are subiectes vnto _Mutezuma_, wherevpon _Cortez_ sente fiue Spaniardes to call them with signes and tokens of peace. This company of _Indians_ were in number twentie, and were gladde to beholde those fiue men commyng towardes them, and were desirous to sée suche straunge people and shippes, wherefore they came willingly altogither vnto _Cortez_ his Tente.

[Sidenote: The Indiäs attyre.]

These _Indians_ dyd differ muche from all the other _Indians_ yet séene, for they were hygher of person, and had the grystels of theyr noses slitte, hangyng ouer their mouths, and rings of Iette and Amber hanging thereat. They had also theyr neither lippes bored, and in the holes rings of golde and turky stones, whiche wayed so muche, that their lippes hanged downe ouer theyr chinnes, and their téeth remayned bare: The whiche custome although they vsed for a brauery, it séemed a foule and vgly sighte in the Spanyardes eyes, and very lothsome.

The other _Indians_ of _Mutezuma_, had theyr lippes and eares bored, with rounde stones hangyng at the iagges thereof, yet they had not suche foule slittes in their noses, but they had suche bored holes that a manne myght put any finger of his hande through them, with rings of golde and stone hanging thereat, the euill fauoured sighte of their faces made our men to muse.

_Cortez_ communed with them by hys interpreter _Marina_, to knowe from whence they were, they answered, that they were dwellers in _Zempoallan_, a Cittie distant from thence one dayes iourney, situated vpon a riuer side, and bordered vpon the Countrey of _Mutezumazin_, and that their _Cazique_ or Lorde had sente them, to sée what Goddes were comen in those _Teucallis_, that is to say, Temple, saying, also that they durste not come sooner, not knowyng what people they were.

_Cortez_ made muche of them and shewed a chéerefull countenaunce vnto them, for they séemed very bestiall, he declared vnto them that he was gladde of theyr commyng, and to knowe the good will that theyr Lorde bare vnto him, and gaue them Haberdashe toyes, and shewed them the Horses and Armour, a straunge sighte for them. And so they wente through the army lookyng and gasing here and there as menne amazed. And in all the tyme they abode there, they vsed no conuersation with the other _Indians_. _Cortez_ enquired of _Maryna_ the cause thereof, and shée sayde that those menne did not onely speake an other languague, but also did appertayne to another Lorde, who was not vassall to _Mutezuma_, but by force and extortion.

_Cortez_ was very gladde of that newes, for hée coniectured by the talke of _Teudilli_ that _Mutezuma_ had warres and enimies, wherevppon hée tooke aside thrée of those _Indians_ whiche séemed moste wysest, and demaunded of them by _Maryna_ what Lordes there were in that Countrey: they answered that _Mutezuma_ was Lorde ouer all, although in euery Cittie and Prouince was a Lorde, yet neuerthelesse all in generall dyd paye tribute and serue him as vassals, nay rather lyke slaues. But yet many of them of late dayes did reknowledge hym by force of armes, and payde vnto him suche tolle and tribute that they were not accustomed to pay, of whiche number their Lorde of _Zempoallan_ was one of them, and other his neyghbours, who many tymes helde him warre to be frée from his tiranny and bondage, but yet sayde they, it preuayled not, for his hoste was greate and his warriers valiant.

_Cortez_ receyued greate pleasure to finde in that countrey dissention and discorde among some Noble menne, and at deuision among themselues, thynking thereby the better to bryng his purpose to passe. He gaue thanks vnto those _Indians_ for their aduise, offeryng vnto them his fauour, helpe and friendshippe, praying them to come often to his campe, and so tooke his leaue of them, with his commendations to their Lorde, and sente him certayne presents, with aduertisement, that shortly he would come and sée him, yea and also serue him.

Hovv Cortez vvent to suruey the _Countrey with foure hundreth men_.

At the ende of tenne dayes came _Teudilli_ backe againe, and brought certaine cloth of Cotten, and other things made of feathers well wrought for recompence of the thyng sente vnto _Mexico_, and warned _Cortez_ to departe, for at that tyme there was no remedie to sée _Mutezuma_, and to looke what was necessary for his prouision and furniture, and it shoulde be prouided, offeryng the same seruice at any time that hée shoulde happen to come that way. _Cortez_ would not accept the offer, saying: That he would not departe from that countrey, vntill he had bothe séene and talked with _Mutezuma_. The gouernour _Teudilli_ yet agayne replied, that he shoulde not contende therein, and with those wordes departed from hym. The nexte night followyng he with all those _Indians_ as well men as women whiche attended to serue and prouide the Spanishe campe, wente from thence: so that in the mornyng all the cotages were emptie, where those seruitors had bene.

_Cortez_ suspecting this alteratiö prouided himselfe with preparation for battayle, & finding the matter contrary to his expectation, he deliberated to séeke a sure roade or harbor for his nauie, & also a good plotte or situation to buylde vpon, for then he fully meant to obtayne perpetuitie & to conquere the lande, considering y^t he had found such great tokens of gold, plate, & other riches, & thereaboute within a whole league cöpasse was no fit place for y^e purpose: for why? all was sandy ground, & such as tossed too & fro with the winde, with other morish groüd not méete for habitation. In consideration wherof he sent _Francisco de Monteio_, with two vergantines, and fiftie men, to runne along the coast, vntill they should finde some reasonable poart and good scituation to build vpon.

_Monteio_ procéeded on his voyage, and sayled in sighte of lande, vntill he came to _Panuco_, withoute finding anye port or harbor, sauing the shadowe of a Rocke, whyche stoode somewhat distant from the land a sea boord, so that at thrée wéekes ende he returned backe agayne with the foresayde newes. Hauing runne so little a way, he fell into suche terrible currants, that although he made waye wyth oares and sayles, yet the sayde Currant forced hym backe agayne. Also he broughte newes, that the _Indians_ of that coast did let themselues bloud, offering the same vnto them vpon little strawes, in token of friendship or deitie.

The relation of _Monteio_ contented not _Cortez_, yet notwithstandyng he pretended to goe to the shade or succoure of the Rocke, bycause hée was enformed, that néere that place, was two fayre Riuers, wyth store of wooddes, necessarye for tymber and fyre woodde, greate quantitie of stones to builde with, fayre pastures, and ground for tyllage, although the harbour was not sufficiente for hys Nauie and contratation, bycause that roade was without defence, and open vppon the Northe, which is the winde that most ruleth with greatest hurte vpon that coast.

And also considering that _Teudilli_ and hys menne were departed, fearing also the want of victuals, and likewise, that hys Shyppes myghte perishe vppon the shore, he commaunded to lade aboorde all theyr stuffe, and hée wyth foure hundred menne, and all his Horses, followed on the hygh way that the _Indians_ hadde gone.

After hée hadde iourneyed thrée leagues, hée came to a fayre vadeable Riuer, and passing ouer the Riuer, hée found a towne not inhabited, for the inhabitantes thereof were fledde with feare: he entred into a great house, which séemed the place of the Lorde of the Towne, built with timber and earthen walles, the foundation whereof was raysed with handie worke, about a fadome high: the roofe was couered with strawe, but of a fayre & strange workemanshippe inwardes, with many greate pertitions, some full of pottes of honey, and Maiz, with other grayne whiche they kéepe in store all the yeare: other roomes had cloth of Cotten wool, wrought with feathers, golde and siluer.

_Cortez_ commaunded Proclamation to be made, that none of his company shoulde take any thyng away, vppon payne of deathe (onely victuals excepted) to the intente to obtayne the good will and friendship among the _Indians_.

There was in that Village a Temple, whiche hadde a little Tower with a Chappell on the toppe, and twentie steppes to come vnto the Chappell, where they found some Idolles, and many bloudy papers, and much mans bloud of those which hadde bin sacrificed, as _Marina_ dyd certifie.

They found also the blocke wherevppon they vsed to cutte open the menne sacrificed, and the razors made of Flint, wherewyth they opened their breastes, and plucked out their heartes béeyng aliue, throwing them vppe toward Heauen as an offering, and after this done, they annoynted their Idolles, and the papers they offered, and then burned them.

This sight put a great compassion, yea and a feare among our _Spanyards_, who did beholde these things. From this Village they went to other thrée or foure, and found none aboue two hundred houses, and all without people, yet well prouided with victuall, as the firste towne was. _Cortez_ returned from thence to discharge his Shippes, and to take order to sende for moe men: and with desire to beginne habitation, in these affaires he occupyed hymselfe tenne dayes.

Hovv Cortez rendred vp his charge _and office with pollicie_.

VVhen _Cortes_ was come where his Ships were, and the residue of his company, hée began this talke, saying:

Now my louing friends and fellowes, ye doe sée what greate mercy God hathe shewed vnto vs, in bringing vs safe and in health to so good and riche a Countrey, as by manifest signes and tokens we haue alreadye séene, yea and howe plentifull of meate, inhabited of people, better clothed, and of more iudgement and reason, than the others whiche ye haue séene, since your firste comming: also better buildings, fieldes of grayne and corne: yea and it is to be thought, that the things not yet séene, doe surmount all that hithervnto ye haue playnely séene. Wherefore wée ought to giue most hartie thankes vnto God, and to beginne oure habitation héere, whereas we shall enioy the grace and mercy of God. And to bryng this matter to passe, me thinke best that we abide héere, vntill we may finde a better port or scituation. Also that we make a wall or Castell for oure defence, if néede shoulde happen, for the people of this land hath little ioy of our comming and abiding héere.

It was then considered that frö that place they might the sooner haue friendshippe and contractation with the _Indians_ and Townes nexte adioyning, as _Zempoallan_, and others whyche were enimies to _Mutezuma_, and béeyng in this order once placed, they myghte discharge their Shyppes, and sende them incontinent to _Cuba_, _Santo Domingo_, _Iamayca_, _Borriquen_, and other Ilandes, or else to _Spayne_ for more men, armour and Horsses, and for clothing and victuals.

[Sidenote: Policie.]

Moreouer, it was thought iust and méete, to sende relation of all their procéedings to the Emperoure theyr King and maister, with the demonstration of golde, syluer, and other riches, which they had in their power.

And bycause all these things should be done in good order, _Cortez_ determined as Captayne generall, to appoint a Counsell, Aldermen, and Iudges.

And also ordeyne all other offices that shoulde be necessary and néedefull to rule and gouerne a Citie, whych he then pretended to edifie and erecte, the whiche Magistrates should fully commaund, vntill such time that the Emperour should otherwise prouide in matters conuenient for his seruice.

[Sidenote: A good subiecte.]

After this diligence put in vre, he solemnely tooke possession of all y^e land, in the name of the Emperour _Charles_ King of _Castill_, with all the actes and ceremonies, as to such a matter apperteyned. And demaunded of _Francisco Fernandez_ notarie appoynted, that he shoulde gyue vnto him by testimonie in writing, all the actes done therein. All his company aunswered, that they did very well allowe hys procéedings and praysed, and also approued hys determination, besieching hym to procéede accordingly, sithence they were come to serue and obey hym. Then _Cortez_ named Iudges, Aldermen, Attorney, Serieant, Notary, and Towneclearke, and all other officers apperteyning to the good gouernement of a Citie, in the name and behalfe of the Emperoure hys naturall Lord, and delyuered incontinent to the Iudges white roddes to beare in their handes in token of Iustice, and named the newe Citie to be builte, The ryche Towne _De la vera Crux_, bycause that one goodfriday they had entred into that land. After these things finished, _Cortez_ began before y^e saide Notary, another act in presence of the iudges, who were _Alounso Fernandez Portocarero_, and _Fräcisco de Monteio_, in whose handes he made cession, and dyd desyst from all rule and offices whiche heretofore he had receiued, which was his gouernership, captaineship and general discouerer, receiued in the Chauncerie of _Santo Domingo_, at the handes of the presidentes, who were there chiefe of the kings counsell, and presidents, likewise he protested not to vse the power and auctority of the gouernour of _Cuba_, Admirall of _India_, for so much y^t now none of them had any rule or gouernement in that Countrey which he and his fellowes had newely discouered, and begun to enhabite in the name of the king of Castil, as his naturall subiectes. The which auctoritie he likewise required to be set downe in recorde, and to haue a copie of the same.

Hovv the soudiours chose Cortez _for Captaine generall, and chiefe ruler in Iustice_.

Al the newe officers toke possession and charge of their offices, and entred into the towne house to counsel according to the vse and custome of Castill. In the which congregation or counsel then holden, many matters were had in question as touching the good gouernemente of the common weale. And among many other things, they al agréed to electe _Hernando Cortez_ for captaine generall and chiefe Iustice, and to giue vnto him full power and authority for all matters appertayning to the wars and conquest, vntill such time as the Emperour should otherwise prouide: with this determination the next day following al the Aldermen, Iudges, and Counsellers, went vnto _Cortez_, and sayde vnto him: Sir we haue greate neede of a guide and captaine for the warres to procéede vppon the conquest of this countrey, wherfore vntil such time as y^e Emperour shall prouide therein, they all besought hym to accepte that office and charge, approuing him a man most fit for the same, both to rule and gouerne, for y^e great experience that they had séene of his courage, wisdome, and pollicie, and by Vertue of their offices, did cömaund him to accept the same, saying, that in so doing, God and the king shoulde bee faithfully serued. And they woulde thankfully gratify the same, knowing that at his hands they should be ruled with iustice, vsed with humility, & be preserued with diligence and strength. And for that purpose, they had chosen him for that office, giuing vnto him their ful & whole authority, submitting thëselues vnder his hands, iurisdiction & defence. _Cortez_ accepted y^e charge at smal entreating, for he desired nothing so much.

[Sidenote: Liberality.]

And being in this sort elected general, the counsel said vnto him. Sir you do wel vnderstäd, that vntil such time as we shal bee better planted in this countrey, we haue not wherwith to maintaine our selues but only w^t suche things as are abord our shippes. Therfore it may please you to commaund it to be brought ashore, and that you take therof what shal seme good vnto you, for your houshold and familie, and the residue may be taxed at a reasonable price, and so to be deuided among them: & for payment they wold al binde thëselues, or else y^t presently it should be deducted out of the stocke, after that the kings fift parte were subtracted. Likewise they desired him to value his ships and artillery, bycause they would make like payment for the same, and that frö thence forwards the ships should serue in common, for to passe to the Iläds for bread, wine, clothes, weapons, horses, and other things which should be néedeful for the new towne and army, for therby they mought be better cheape prouided than if merchants should prouide them, consideryng alway they seke for excessiue gaine, saying that if it would please hym to accepte thys offer and request, they would thankfully requite the same. _Cortez_ aunswered, that at y^e time he made his preperation and furniture in _Cuba_, he ment not to sel his prouision as others vsed to do, but he would and did frankely giue it vnto them, although hee had spent his goods and indetted himselfe therin. And incontinent he commaunded the maisters of the ships and pursers, to bring a läd al their victual to the town house, requiring the Aldermen to deuide it equally, to euerye man his part, without making any difference of him or of any other, for (quoth he) in time of neede of victuals y^e yongest hath as muche allowaunce as the eldest. And although I am indetted and do owe more than seauen M. Duckets, I giue this victuall al franckly vnto you. And as cöcerning the ships, I wil do y^t which shal be most cöueniët for you al. And (quoth he) I wil determin nothing to be done with thë, but wil first giue you aduertisemët of the same.

Al this did _Cortez_ for to get their loue and fauour, bycause there were many that loued hym not, althoughe in very trouth he was of his own nature liberal and large in experiences with al his souldiers in the warres.

The receiuing of Cortez into _Zempoallan_.

For as much as the situation there was not conuenient to place the newe worke, they determined to go from thence, to _Aguiahuiztlan_, which standeth nere the shadowe of the rocke that _Monteio_ had informed them of, wherevppon _Cortez_ commaunded the shippes to depart, for that place. And he with his foure hundred men and horses would goe by land, and there mete thë, which may be about ten leagues iorney. In this order the fléete departed, and likewise _Cortez_ with his company toward _Zempoallan_ which stoode directly weastward. And after he had iourneyed three leagues he came to the riuer which deuided the Lordshippe of _Mutezuma_ and _Zempoallan_, & coulde finde no passage, wherefore he was forced to returne to the seaside, where with muche adoe they passed ouer, and so trauayled on that side of the riuer, & found cotages of fishermen and other poore houses, and some sowen ground, and procéeding on their iorney at length they came into very faire valleys, wher was great store of deare, and stil they went along the riuer side, hoping to finde some good towne, and in short space, they espied neare twenty persons vppon the toppe of a hill, _Cortez_ commaunded foure of his horsemen to fetch them vnto him, willing thë to make signes of peace vnto them, but if they flie (quoth he) then follow them, vntill you ouertake them, for they shall stand vs in steade, as wel to lead vs the way as to serue vs for enterpreters.

[Sidenote: Simplicitie.]

The horsemen tooke on theyr way, and when they came to the hill toppe, they made signes of peace vnto them, but the poore and fearefull _Indians_ fledde with spéede, yea being amased and in great feare to beholde suche a monsterous thyng as a horseman, beleuyng assuredly, that horse and man was one thing incorporate, but in theyr flight they were soone ouertaken, and they yéelded themselues, and so were all brought vnto _Cortez_.

These men had in their eares and noses bored holes, with rings of golde hangyng thereat, for so was the vse of _Zempoallan_: they enformed _Cortez_ that the Cittie was neare at hande. _Cortez_ demaunded the cause of their comyng thither, they answered to behold and sée so straunge a sight, but why fledde you then (quoth he?) for feare only sir sayde they, of people which we knew not. Then _Cortez_ willed them to put all feare aside, and tolde them that he with his small company woulde goe vnto their Cittie to visite their Lorde, and to be acquaynted with him: the _Indians_ sayde, that the day was farre spent, and that it was late to goe that night to _Zempoallan_, but if it pleased hym they would conduct him to a village whiche stoode on the otherside of the Riuer and within sight, and although it were but a small village, yet there was reasonable lodging with meate sufficiente for his armie: their counsell séemed well, so they wente to that village, and when they were comen thither, the _Indians_ craued license to goe & to aduertise their Lorde how the straungers abode in that place, promising to returne the nexte day with answere. Some of the _Indians_ had licence to do the message, the others abode there, attendyng and prouiding for the newe gestes, & in this order they were al lodged and their supper abundantly prouided. That night _Cortez_ fortified himselfe as strong as mought be, and the nexte morning came a hundreth men laden with Hennes, saying that their Lord much reioyced of their comming, and bicause he was so grosse and vnwealdie, he came not personallye vnto him, but yet notwithstanding he aboade in the cittie expecting his comming. _Cortez_ friendly welcomed them, and with that presente, he and his company brake their faste, and then proceeded with his guides in good order with two fauconets in readinesse, if néede should happen: and from that passage of the riuer they had a faire way vntil they came to another riuer, which being likewise waded ouer, they discried _Zempoallan_, whiche stoode a myle distant from them, all beset wyth fayre Orchardes and Gardens, verye pleasaunte to beholde: they vsed alwayes to water them with sluses when they pleased.

There procéeded out of the Towne many persons, to behold and receyue so strange a people vnto them. They came with smiling countenance, and presented vnto thë diuers kinde of Floures, and sundry fruites, which none of our menne had héeretofore séene. These people came without feare among the Ordinance, with this pompe, triumph and ioy they were receiued into the Citie, which séemed a beautifull Garden: for the trées were so gréene and high, that scarsely the houses appeared.

[Sidenote: Mens folly vvith a great lyr.]

At the Citie gate stoode many graue persons of nobilitie, as Magistrates of the Citie, who solemnely welcomed the Strangers. Sixe Horsemen, which hadde gone before the army to discouer, returned backe as _Cortez_ was entring into the Citie, saying, that they had séene a great house and Court, and that the walles were garnished with siluer. _Cortez_ commaunded them to procéede on, willing them not to shew any token of wonder of any thing that they should sée. All the stréetes were replenished with people, whiche stoode gaping and wondering at the horses and straügers. And passing through a great market place, they saw on their right hande, a great walled house made of lyme and stone, with loupe holes and towers, whited with playster that shined lyke siluer, being so well burnished and the sunne glistering vpon it. And that was the thing that the Spaniards thought had bene walles of siluer. I doe beléeue that with the imagination and great desire whiche they had of golde and siluer, all that shined they déemed to be the same mettall.

[Sidenote: A vigilant Captayne.]

Within this great house was a long rew of lodgings, and on the other side sixe or seuen Towers one higher than another. They procéeded on, dissimulyng the errour of the siluer walles, and followed their guide vntill suche time as they came to the Lordes lodging, who came forth accompanied with many auncient persons, and better attired than the other Citizens were, with twoo Gentlemen that ledde him by the armes. They saluted eche other according to the vse of their countreys, and then entred into the pallayce, where certayne principall men conducted _Cortes_ and all his trayne to their lodgyng, and Captayne _Cortes_ was lodged in the house whiche had the glisteryng walles, situated in the markette place, whiche house was sufficient for him and all his company. And when they were placed, and behelde the walles, they were ashamed of their owne folly: for where they thought those walles had bene adorned with siluer, they founde them cleane contrary. _Cortes_ deuided his men, caused his horses to be trimmed, and planted his ordinaunce at his dore, making himselfe as strong as though he had bene in campe and néere his enimies. And commaunded, that none of his men shoulde goe out of the house without his expresse licence vpö payne of death. The officers of the Lorde prepared a plenteous supper for them, and beddyng according to their vse.

The talke that the Lorde of Zempoallan _had with Cortez_.

The nexte day in the mornyng came the Lorde, to visite _Cortez_ with an honorable company, and presented vnto him many garmëts wrought of Cottë wolle, according to their fashion, with a knot on the shoulder like vnto the Egiptian garments, and certaine iewels of golde that might be worth two thousande Ducates, besechyng both him and his cöpany to recreate themselues and take their reste, and at that present he meante not to trouble him with any matters: And so tooke his leaue for that time as he had done the day before, willing him to demaunde and call for any thing that he should néede. _Cortez_ gaue him hartie thäks, and so departed.

Then came moe _Indians_ in number than there were Spaniardes, with their courses & seruice of meate ready dressed, and many boughes of daintie fruits. In this sorte they were feasted & bäketed fiftene daies most plëtuously. The next day folowyng, _Cortez_ sent vnto the Spaniardes certaine olde garments of the Spanishe fashion, and many other trifles, besechyng him to appoynt a day of conference at his owne pallayce: worde was sent agayne that he was ready and very well contented. Wherevpon _Cortez_ tooke with him fiftie of his men all armed, and left the residue at his lodgyng in a good readinesse, and appoynted an vnder Captayne to gouerne them. The Lorde hearing of his comming, came out of his Courte into the streate to receyue him. And hande in hand they entred togither into a lowe hall, whiche they vse for the extremitie of heate in that countrey, the plotte that they buylde vpon is raysed a fadome from the grounde, so that they ascende vpon steppes, and the walles plaistered with very white lime, their tile is eyther of straw or leaues of trées, very beautifull and straungely wrought, and a good defence against the rayne. The Lorde and _Cortes_ satte them downe vpon thrée footed stooles made all of one péece, the Lorde commaunded his seruitours to stand aside, and by their interpreters they began to commune of their affayres a great space, in demaundes and answeres, bicause _Cortes_ desired to be well instructed of the affayres of that countrey, and lykewise of that mightie kyng of _Mutezuma_.

This _Cacike_ or Lord although he were huge and laden with fleshe, yet in his demaundes and questions séemed very wise. The summe of all _Cortes_ his talke was to shewe the cause of his comming thither, and who had sente him, euen as he had done in _Tauasco_ to _Teudilli_ and others.

This _Cacike_ after he had heard _Cortes_ attentiuely, he began a long communication, makyng his complaynt and opening his griefe in this sorte.

[Sidenote: The Indiäs complaynt.]

[Sidenote: Vnder colour of holinesse.]

Mightie Sir, my Antecessors liued a long tyme in great peace, libertie and quietnesse, but of late yéeres my countrey and Cittie was destroyed by tiranny, bycause the Lordes of _Mexico Tenuchtitlan_ with their men of _Culhua_ did not only vsurpe my Citie, but also my lands by force of armes, in suche sorte that my power coulde not resiste them. And in the beginnyng those Princes beganne theyr vsurpation by way and colour of religion and holinesse, and afterwardes with force of armes, and with this title became Lordes ouer vs.

And nowe we seyng our errour, haue thought it to late to preuayle agaynst them to take away our yoke of seruitude and bondage, although we haue attempted it. And as often as we haue so done, still the victorie was theyrs, and the ouerthrowe ours. Nowe all suche as doe submitte themselues vnto them, are taxed with certayne tributes, and reknowlegyng them for Lordes, are defended by them, and estéemed as friendes. But if after such submission made, any chaunce to speake agaynst them, or rebell, then they are terribly corrected, yea murdered, and after Sacrifice made to the Goddes of warre, called _Tezcatlipuca_ and _Vitzilopuchtli_ of theyr carkasses, then is theyr fleshe eaten in banquet, and those who remayne alyue, doe serue for slaues, yea and the Fathers, Mothers and Children, are compelled to labour and toyle from the Sunne rising to the Sunne settyng, with confiscation of all their goodes and landes. And besides all this crueltie and vituperie, they sende theyr officers and Serieantes to execute the premisses, who without eyther pittie or mercie many tymes suffereth them to sterue with hunger. And beyng thus cruelly punished of _Mutezuma_, who nowe raigneth in _Mexico_, who woulde not suffer to bée Vassall willingly to so good a Prince as you enformed me of the Emperour, although it were but onely to bée frée from suche vexation and robbery whiche suche a mighty King coulde doe. And with these wordes the teares gusshed out of his eyes, and pawsing a whyle, he beganne to extoll the strength, magnificence and situation of _Mexico_ planted in a greate lake of water: also he exalted the riches, courte, Maiestie and mightie power of _Mutezuma_. Hée sayde also howe _Tlaxcallan_, _Huexocinco_ and other prouinces thereaboute, as also the people called _Totonaquez_ of the Mountaynes were of contrary opinion to the _Mexicans_, yea enimies vnto them, who had intelligence what had happened in _Tauasco_, Yea sir (quoth hée) if it please you, I will treate suche a compact with this people that _Mutezuma_ with al his power shall not preuayle agaynst vs.

_Cortes_ reioyced in harte to heare this newes, and sayde vnto him. It grieueth mée to heare of the euill vsage of _Mutezuma_ towarde his countrey and subiectes. But I assure you with Gods helpe I will deliuer you, yea and reuenge all your iniuries, for my commyng hither is to take away all euill customes, and to helpe the oppressed, to fauour the prysoner, and comforte the afflicted, and chiefly to abolishe tyrannie. And for the good entertaynement that I haue receyued at your handes, I doe remayne yours to doe you any pleasure, and to defende you agaynst your enimies, and the lyke will I doe for your friendes, wherefore I pray you aduertise them thereof as many as are of our confederacie.

_Cortes_ then tooke hys leaue, saying that he had bene many dayes there, and that he had greate néede to goe visite his shippes and menne, who muche desired his returne, and abode in _Aquiahuiztlan_, where hée meante to soiourne for a certayne season, and from thence dayly they mighte conferre of their affayres. The Lorde of _Zempoallan_ sayde, that if it pleased hym to abyde with him hée woulde gladly accept it, and if his businesse were suche that he might not, that then he besought him to remember him.

[Sidenote: An other gifte.]

Then the Lorde commaunded eyght maydens to be called, who were very well apparelled after theyr maner, theyr attyre was muche lyke the _Morisca_ fashion, (the one of them was more costely apparelled than the others) and sayde vnto _Cortes_, all these maydens whiche you here sée are Gentlewomen, noble and riche, and this mayden whiche is beste attired, is a Lady of Vassals, and my brothers daughter, I doe presente hyr vnto you (meaning that _Cortes_ shoulde marrie with hyr,) and the others you may bestow vpon the Gentlemen in your company, in a token of perpetuall loue and friendship.

_Cortes_ receyued the presente with thankes, bycause he woulde not offende the giuer thereof. And so departed with their women ridyng behinde them, with many _Indian_ women to wayte vpon them, and many _Indian_ men to beare them company, and to puruey all things necessarie.

Things that happened to Cortez in _Chiauiztlan_.

The same day that they departed frö _Zempoallan_ they came to _Chiauiztlan_, and yet the shippes were not arriued. _Cortes_ marueyled at their long tarying in so shorte a iourney. Ther was a village within shotte of a hargabushe from the rocke called _Chiauiztlan_ standyng vpon a litle hill. _Cortes_ hauing little to do, went thither with his men, and the _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_, who certified _Cortes_ that the village was appertayning to a Lorde oppressed by _Mutezuma_. They came to the foote of the hill, without sighte of any man of the towne, excepte twoo, that _Marina_ vnderstoode not, and going vp the hill, the horsemen to fauour their horses would alight, bicause the ascending was cragged and euill way, _Cortes_ commaunded that they shoulde not alight, bycause the _Indians_ shoulde thinke that there was no place highe nor lowe, but that these horses shoulde and coulde come vnto it. So by litle and litle they came into the towne, and finding no creature there, they feared some deceyte, yet approchyng further, they mette with twelue auncient men, whiche brought with them an interpreter who vnderstoode the language of _Culhua_ and the speache of that place, whiche is the language of the _Totonaquez_, or inhabitauntes of the Mountaynes. These auncient menne declared that the cause of theyr goyng out of the towne, was bycause that they had neuer séene anye such men as the Spaniardes were, nor yet heard that any such had passed that way, wherefore with feare they had fledde from thence. But (quoth they) when the Lord of _Zempoallan_ aduertised vs, how you did hurt no bodye, but rather being a people good and peaceable, then wee were well assured who ye were, when we saw you come toward vs. And wee are nowe comen vnto you on the behalfe of the Lorde, to bring you to your lodging.

_Cortez_ gaue them thankes, and went with them to a certaine place where the Lord was abydyng their comming wel accompanyed: he shewed vnto the Christians great good wil, and maruelled to sée those straungers with their long beardes.

[Sidenote: A straunge salutation.]

The Lord toke a little chafyngdishe in his hande, and cast into it a certaine gumme, whych sauoured in swéet smel much like vnto frankinscence. And with a sencer he smoked _Cortez_ with this ceremony they vse their salutations to theyr gods and nobilitie.

[Sidenote: A straunge hap.]

This done they set them down, and _Cortez_ enformed him of the cause of their comming into that countrey as he had done in all other places where he had bin.

The _Casike_ certifyed _Cortez_ euen as the Lord of _Zempoallan_ had done, but he stood in great feare least _Mutezuma_ should be offended for receyuing and lodging him within that towne, without his commaundement, and being in thys communication, sodenly appeared twentye men entring where they sate, w^t certain wäds like cudgels in their häds, which did signify y^t they were rent gatherers & in ech other hand, a fly flap of feathers, the _Cacike_ & hys company were soare afrayde. _Cortez_ demaunded wherefore he so altered himself, he answered, bicause those twëty _Indians_ were collecters of _Mutezuma_, and that he feared that they would complayne of him, hauing founde those Christians there, he feared likewise cruell punishment for the same. _Cortes_ comforted him, saying that _Mutezuma_ was his friende, and that he would so vse the matter that he shoulde receyue no blame at all, but rather that _Mutezuma_ shoulde giue him thankes for that whiche he had done: And if _Mutezuma_ did not, or would not so accept it, that then he would defend both him and his subiects, for (quoth he) euery one of my më is sufficient for a thousand _Mexicans_, as _Mutezuma_ himselfe was well enformed by the late warres at _Potonchan_.

Yet for and notwithstanding all this talke, the Lorde and all his folke were in great feare, and meante to arise and to lodge the receyuers. _Cortes_ woulde not suffer him, and bycause (quoth he) thou shalte sée what I and my men can doe, commaund thy seruaunts to apprehend and take prysoners these receyuers of _Mexico_, and I wil abide here with thée, in such sorte that _Mutezuma_ with all his power shall not offende thée.

[Sidenote: The receyuers put in pryson.]

With the courage that he receyued at these wordes, he commaunded to lay hande vpon the _Mexicans_, and bycause they defended themselues, they were sore beaten, and layde euery one in a seuerall prison, and bounde them to a great poste whereat they were tied by the throate, féete, and handes, and beyng in this sorte imprysoned, they asked of _Cortes_ whether they should kill them. _Cortes_ requested that they should not be slaine, but that they might remayne as they were, with good watch that they might not escape: Then they were brought into a hall in the Spaniardes lodging, and were placed rounde aboute a good fire, but yet bounde hande and foote with garde of watchmen. _Cortes_ also appoynted certaine of his men to watch the hall dore, and then went to his lodging to supper, where he and his company was well prouided at the _Caziks_ furniture.

The messages sent by Cortez _vnto Mutezuma_.

[Sidenote: Pollicie.]