Chapter IX: Part 9

My kinsmen, friendes and seruants, yée do well know that eightene yeares I haue bene your kyng, as my fathers and Grandfathers were, and alwaies I haue bene vnto you a louing Prince, and yée vnto me good and obedient subiectes, and so I hope you will remayne all the dayes of my life. Ye ought to haue in remembrance, that eyther ye haue heard of your fathers, or else our adeuines haue instructed you, that we are not naturalles of this countrey, nor yet our kingdome is durable, bycause our forefathers came from a farre countrey, and theyr king and captayne who brought them hither, returned againe to his naturall countrey, saying that he woulde sende suche as shoulde rule and gouerne vs, if by chaunce hée himselfe returned not. Beleeue ye assuredly, that the king whiche wée haue looked for so many yeares, is he that hath nowe sente these Spaniardes, whiche yée here sée. Who dothe certifie, that wée are their kinsmen, and that they haue had notice of vs a long tyme: lette vs therefore gyue thankes vnto the Goddes, that nowe they are comen in our dayes, beyng a thing that we so muche desired.

[Sidenote: Poore Mutezuma.]

Yée shall nowe doe me seruice and pleasure, that yée yéelde your selues vnto this Captayne for vassals of the Emperoure King of Spayne our soueraygne, I my self haue already yéelded me for his seruitour and friend, praying you that from hence forwardes ye obey him as ye haue obeyed mée. And that yée yéelde and pay vnto him the tributes, customes and seruice that ye were wont to pay vnto me, and in so doyng, ye can doe me no greater pleasure. Hys harte then woulde not suffer hym to speake any more, with the sobbes, sighes, and teares, that fell from hys eyes. All his subiectes there presente fell into a crie, wéepyng and mournyng, that for a good space they had no power to speake: they gaue thankes, and sighings, vtteryng with their mouthes many dolefull, and sorrowfull speaches, yea that it pitied our owne men at the hartes. But in conclusion, they answered that they would obey his commaundement. Then _Mutezuma_ and the Burgesses of Parliament in order yelded themselues for vassals of the king of _Castile_, promising loyaltie. This acte was set downe by the Notarie, and with witnesses auctorized. Then the _Indians_ departed home to their houses with sorowfull hartes, God knoweth, as you may imagine. It was a straunge thing to sée _Mutezuma_ wéepe with so many Noble men and Gentlemen, yea and with what griefe they became subiects to an vnknowë Prince, but they coulde not otherwise doe, seyng that _Mutezuma_ did commaunde the same.

[Sidenote: A true prophecie.]

Also they had a certaine Prognostication and forwarning by their Priestes of the comming from the east parties a straunge people, white of colour and bearded men, who should winne and rule that countrey. Likewise there was a secrete talke amög them, that in _Mutezuma_ should ende and finishe, not alone the lynage of _Culhua_, but also the Empyre and kingdome: therefore some were of opinion, not to name him _Mutezuma_ whiche signifieth, agrieued with misfortune. They say also that _Mutezuma_ himself had many times answere of the Oracle of the Gods, that in him shoulde finishe the _Mexican_ Emperours, and that no childe of his shoulde succéede in his kingdome, and that he should lose his seate in the eyght yeare of his raigne: & for these causes he woulde neuer procure warre to withstande the Spaniardes, beleuyng that they should be his successours. Yet on the other side he thought his opinion would take no place, for that he had raygned seuentene yeares: But this should séeme to come from the prouidence of God, whiche giueth kingdomes and taketh them away.

_Cortes_ gaue vnto _Mutezuma_ moste hartie thankes on the behalfe of the Emperour, and for himself, and comforted him, who was very sad, promysing also that alwayes he should be king and Lorde, & commaunde as heretofore he had done, and better, yea and also he should be chief ruler of all the other landes and countreys, that he shoulde gette and bryng to the seruice of the Emperour.

The Golde and Ievvels that Mutezuma _gaue vnto Cortes for tribute_.

After certaine dayes that _Mutezuma_ and his counsell had yéelden their obedience, _Cortes_ sayde vnto him, how that the Emperour was at great costes & charges in his warres, wherfore it should be necessary that his newe vassals shoulde begin to serue in some thing, and to pay their tribute, willyng him to sende throughout his dominion to sée what coulde be gathered of Gold, and that he himselfe should beginne firste to pay tribute to the example of others. _Mutezuma_ answered that he was contented so to doe, willyng that some of his men shoulde goe vnto the house of foule for the same. There went many, and there sawe golde in planches like brickebattes, Iewels, and péeces wrought in a hall, and two chambers which were opened vnto thë. The Spaniardes wödering at the sight, would not touch any thing, without giuing firste aduertisement to _Cortes_, who incontinent went thither, and caused it all to be carried to his lodgyng: besides this treasure _Mutezuma_ gaue vnto him rich clothes of cotten and feathers maruelously wouen in figures & colours, it séemed without cöparison, for the Spaniardes had neuer séene the like: he gaue vnto him more, twelue shooting tronkes, wherewith he himself was wont to passetime: some of them were paynted with birdes, beasts, floures & trées very perfite, a worke surely much to be commended: and some of them were engrauë very curiously, with their mouldes and pellets of golde.

He sente also his seruants by twoo and twoo, and fiue and fiue, ech company with one Spaniarde, to the Lords of other prouinces, fourescore, and a hundred leagues frö _Mexico_, to gather in golde for the accustomed tributes, and newe seruice to the Emperour. Euery Lorde and Seignior payde the quantitie appointed & taxed by _Mutezuma_, in golde, plate, iewels, stones and pearles.

The messengers returned, although they had taried somewhat long on their iourney, of whom _Cortes_ receyued all that they brought, and caused it to be molten, out of the whiche was had in fine golde .1600000. Castlins, of the value of seuen shillings and sixe pence the péece, and rather more, and also fiue hundred markes of plate, after sixe Ducates the marke.

This treasure was deuided among the Souldiers, but not all: euery man was payde accordyng to his office. The horsemen had twise as muche as the footemen. Also _Cortes_ was payde out of the stocke the money promised him in _Vera Crux_.

There came to the kings parte .32000. Castlins and a hundred markes of plate, the whiche was wrought there in platters, saucers, cuppes, ewers and other péeces, according to the _Indian_ fashion, to be sent to the Emperour. Besides this, the present that _Cortes_ layde aside, and takë out of the stocke to send to y^e Emperour, was worth .100000. Ducates, in pearles, precious stones, golde, and feathers, feathers and siluer, and many other iewels, as the gallant tronkes, whiche beside their value were straunge to behold, wrought with the brauery aforesayde. This present appoynted, was not sent, for that and al the rest was afterwarde loste at the troubles in _Mexico_, as hereafter shall more playnly appeare.

Hovv Mutezuma required Cortez _to departe from Mexico_.

_Cortes_ seyng himselfe riche and mightie, he occupied hymselfe in thrée things, the one was to sende vnto _Santo Domingo_ and other Ilands, newes of his procéedings and prosperitie, and also money to prouide menne, horses and armour, for his owne company were to fewe for so greate a countrey. The other was, to take fully and wholly the state of _Mutezuma_, hauing him prisoner, and also at his commaundement _Tlaxcallan_, _Coatelicamath_, and _Tuchintlec_, knowyng also that the _Indians_ of _Panuco_, _Tecoantepec_, and _Mechuacan_, were mortall enimies to the _Mexicans_, who woulde ayde and assist him hauing néede of their helpe, his thirde pretence was, to procure all the _Indians_ to be Christened, the which purpose he tooke first in hand, as a thing most nedefull. On the other side, _Mutezuma_ repented himselfe, hauyng newes that _Pamfilo de Naruaiz_ was arriued, who came as enimy to _Cortes_, yea and after all this he was at length driuen out of _Mexico_. These notable things shalbe rehersed in their order. But now _Mutezuma_ came, and desired _Cortes_ to departe out of his countrey, aduising hym that otherwise bothe he and his menne were in perill of killyng, saying also, that thrée especiall causes moued him to this requeste: the one was, the dayly sute of the subiectes, who enportuned him to come out of captiuitie, and to murder the Spanyardes, saying, that it was a great shame for them to suffer theyr Prince to bée in pryson in the power of so fewe straungers, whom they might vse as a footebal: hauing dishonored thë and robbed them of their goodes, gatheryng and heaping vp their gold for themselues, & for their king, who as séemed by their doings, was but a poore fellowe, and if hée would not accept their offer and sute, that then of theyr owne auctoritie they would take the thyng in hande, for so much as he refusing to be theyr king they woulde also refuse to be his vassals, giuyng warnyng and aduice that he should looke for no better rewarde at the Spaniardes handes, than _Qualpopoca_ and _Cacama_ his Neuewe had receiued, although they shoulde flatter him neuer so muche.

[Sidenote: A suttle Foxe.]

An other cause was that the Diuell had appeared vnto him, and willed him to kill those Christians, or dryue them out of the lande, threatnyng him that if he did not so, that then he woulde goe from him and neuer talke any more with him, for (quoth he) with their gospels, baptisme and deuotion, they doe muche displease me. _Mutezuma_ answered him, that there was no reason to kill thë being his friendes and honest men, but he would entreate them to departe, (vnto this) the Diuell answered that hée should do so, and therein he would receyue great pleasure, for eyther he woulde goe his way and leaue him, or else that Christian fellowes should departe, for they sow here (quoth he) a Christian fayth y^e which is much against our Religiö, and can not dwell both togither. Another cause was, that _Mutezuma_ was not well pleased with the imprysonment of _Cacama_, whö once he loued excedyng wel: so in fine, secretely hee repented him of all that was past in the Spanyardes fauour, and chiefly by the persuasion of the Diuell, who sayde that he coulde not doe vnto him a more acceptable seruice, and of greater pleasure to the Goddes, than to expell the Spaniardes and abolishe the name of Christians, and in so doyng, the seate of Kings should not finish in the linage of _Culhua_, but rather be enlarged, & his childrë should raigne after him, wishing him not to beléeue in prophesies, sithence the eight yeare was past, and was nowe in the eyghtenth yeare of his raigne. For these causes, or possible for other whiche we knowe not off, _Mutezuma_ prepared an army of a hundred thousand men so secretely, that _Cortes_ knew not thereof, to the effecte, that if the Spanyardes woulde not departe, being once more required, that then he meant not to leaue one of them aliue. With this determination, he came forthe one day into the yard or courte, and had long conference and consultation with his Gentlemen aboute this matter. This done, he sente for _Cortes_, who liked not this newes, saying to him selfe, I pray God this message be to good purpose, and taking twelue of his men whych were readyest at hand, went to know wherefore hée had sente for him. _Mutezuma_ arose from the place where hée sate, and tooke _Cortez_ by the hande, commaunding a stoole to be brought for him, and so sate them downe both togither, and beganne his talke as followeth. Sir, I beséeche you to departe from this Citie and Countrey, for my Gods are sore offended with me, bycause I doe, and haue permitted you héere so long: demaunde of me what you please, and it shall be giuen you, bycause I loue you well: and thinke you not, that I giue you this warning in iest, but rather in good earnest, therefore it is conuenient, that you depart. It séemed strange vnto _Cortez_ this talke. Also he saw by the countenance of _Mutezuma_, that some thing was a working, and before the interpreter of _Mutezuma_ had made an end of his talke, _Cortes_ willed one of his më to goe forthwith, and to aduise all his fellowes, saying, y^t the waight of their liues was in questiö. Then our më called to remembrance what was tolde them in _Tlaxcallon_, considering that it was néedeful of courage and help from God to bring them out of that daunger. Whë _Mutezuma_ had ended his tale, I haue (quoth _Cortes_) vnderstood your meaning, and doe thanke you for the same: also I would know when it is your pleasure that we should depart, and it shal be done. Euen when it please you (quoth _Mutezuma_) take the time that you thinke méete, and againste that time will I prepare a hundred waighte of gold for you, and fiftie pound waight to each of your më.

_Cortes_ sayde, you knowe, that when I came into thys Countrey, I commaunded all my Shippes to be sonke, so that nowe I haue néede of time conueniente to builde vessels to carrie vs into oure Countrey: wherefore my request is, that you commaund some of your Carpëters to be called, to cutte downe timber for the purpose, for I haue men that can make the vessels. And this done, wée will departe, so that you giue vs the golde whiche you haue promised, and certifie you the same to youre Gods and vassals.

_Mutezuma_ receyued great pleasure at this aunswere, and sayd, your request shall be fulfilled: and incontinente he sent for many Carpenters. Likewise _Cortes_ prepared certayne of his Marriners for Shipwrightes. All the which workemen went vnto great woddes of Pinetrées, and there cut downe the timber necessarye for the purpose. _Mutezuma_ being a simple man, gaue credite to all _Cortez_ his talke: _Cortes_ likewise aduertised his men of his procéedings, and sayd vnto them, _Mutezuma_ would haue vs departe out of his Countrey, bycause his vassals and the Diuell hathe entised him therevnto: wherefore it is néedefull that we build shipping, and therefore I praye you goe with these _Indians_, and procure to cut downe the best timber fit for oure purpose, and in the meane season God will prouide for vs, whose affayres we haue nowe in hand, of remedie and succour in suche sort that we lose not this frutefull countrey. It is also necessary, that whë you come vnto the wodde, that you make all the delay possible, giuing a shew that you are busie occupyed, and with great desire to make an ende, that those _Indians_ may suspect nothing of oure pretence. Departe in Gods name, and aduise me alwayes what doth passe in your affaires.

The feare that our men stoode in to _be sacrifised_.

Eight dayes after their departure toward the woddes, arriued fiftéene saile of ships at the coast of _Chalchicoeca_. The _Indians_ of that coast aduised _Mutezuma_ therof, who was not a little afraide with the newes, & called _Cortes_ vnto him, who feared asmuch some vprore there, and when they shewed _Cortez_ y^t _Mutezuma_ was come forth into the yarde, he suspected that if _Mutezuma_ pleased, they shoulde be all destroyed. Wherefore he said vnto his men, maisters and friends, _Mutezuma_ hath sent me, considering what passed this other day, I hold it for no good token. I nowe goe to knowe his wyll: wherefore, whatsoeuer happen, be you alwayes vigilant and ready, commending your selues to God. Remember also whome ye are, and who are these Infidels, abhorred of God, and friends vnto the Diuel, without weapon, and experience in warre: if we chance to fight, the handes of each of vs shal shew by déede with sword, the vallor and courage of our heartes: yea, and although we all die, yet shall we remaine with victory, for that we haue fulfilled the thing we tooke in hand, and the seruice which we owe vnto God as faithfull Christiäs, with our duetie as true subiects to our prince. They all answered, saying, we wil do all our possibilitie while life lasteth, withoute feare of perill or daunger, for we lesse estéeme deathe than honor. With this aunswere _Cortes_ wente to _Mutezuma_, who sayde vnto him, _Senior_ Captayne, you shall vnderstande that now you haue Shippes wherein you may departe, therefore now at your pleasure make you ready.

_Cortez_ answered, not knowing of that shipping, saying, Mightie Sir, when my Shippes are finished I will depart, nay (quoth _Mutezuma_) I meane not those Shyppes, for there are ariued eleuen other Shippes at the coast néere vnto _Zempoallan_, and shortlye I shall be certifyed, whether the people that are come in them, are come a shore, and then shall we know what people, and how many they are in number. Blessed is Iesu Christe (quoth _Cortez_) vnto whome I giue most hartie thankes for his great mercies shewed vnto me, and to the Gentlemen of my company. One of _Cortes_ his men went to shewe the glad tidings to their fellowes, who then receyued double strength, praysing God, and embraced one another wyth great pleasure and ioy. And _Cortes_ with _Mutezuma_ béeing in communication togither, came another poast, who broughte newes of fourescore Horsemen that were landed, with eyght hundred footemen, and twelue péeces of Ordinance, and shewed painted in a cloth the whole relation both of men, horses, shippes, and ordinance.

[Sidenote: At the time of neede prouideth God.]

_Mutezuma_ hearing the newes that this poast hadde broughte, arose from his seate, and tooke _Cortes_ in hys armes, saying, now do I more loue you, than I haue done héeretofore, and will this day dyne with you. _Cortes_ gaue him thankes for the one and the other, and in this sorte wente hande in hand to _Cortes_ his Chamber, who willed his Spanyards not to make any extraordinary ioy, or alteration, but that they shoulde kéepe all togither with vigilant watche, and to giue hartie thankes vnto God for the comfortable newes. _Mutezuma_ and _Cortes_ dyned togither with greate content and pleasure, the one thynking to abide and to enioy the kings state and Countrey, the other thinking that then they woulde auoyd the land. But notwithstanding all these ymaginations, a certaine _Indian_ Captaine importuned _Mutezuma_ secretely to kill all _Cortes_ his menne, being but few in number, and then should he be the readier to dispatch the others that were newly come, and not to permitte them to ioyne one with another: yea and againe, when the newe come menne shoulde knowe of the deathe of their countreymen, they would not presume to abide in the lande.

[Sidenote: A drunken reckoning.]

With this counsell _Mutezuma_ called many his friends and chiefe estates to counsell, propounding the case and iudgement of the Captaine, whych béeyng among them throughly hearde, there were many of sundrye opinions, but the conclusion was, to permitte the other Spanyards to come, saying, the more enimies, the more gaine, and if we kill but those whiche are héere, then the others wyll returne to their shippes, and so shall we not make the solemne sacrifice of them to the Gods, according to our desire. _Mutezuma_ was occupyed in this counsell with fiue hundred noblemen and Gentlemen dayly, and accordyng to determination, they commaunded to cherish and serue _Cortes_ and his company more than ordinary, saying their ioy was at an ende.

Hovv Iames Velasques sent Pamfilo _de Naruaiz against Cortes_.

_Iames Velasques_ béeyng sore agréeued, with desire of reuenge against _Cortes_, not only for his expences at the time of preparation of _Cortes_ his fléete, whiche was but small, but of méere hatred of the present honor & prosperitie of _Cortes_. Wherevpon he inuented greate causes and quarrels againste him, saying and alleaging, that _Cortez_ hadde not giuen accompt of his procéedings vnto him, béeyng Gouernoure of _Cuba_, and _Cortez_ his Deputie, but rather without his consent and knowledge, had sente to _Spayne_ to the King, aduise of his discouery, as who would say, that was treason, or an euill facte: but chiefly his fury was, knowing how _Cortes_ had sent an honorable present, with the Kings parte or portion of treasure vnto _Spayne_, yea and whole relation of the discouery, with _Francisco de Monteio_, and _Alounso Fernandez Portocarrero_, the whiche procéedings _Iames Velasques_ meant to disturbe, for that he hadde layde in ambushe a coupell of caruels, to haue taken _Cortes_ hys presente, and messengers, the whiche his pretence and purpose tooke no place, so that with the prosperous newes of _Cortes_, his furie and madnesse the more encreased, ymagining still his destruction.

[Sidenote: A noble Iudge.]

And being occupyed in these fonde ymaginations, it happened that his Chaplin, one _Benito Martine_, broughte letters from the Emperoure vnto him, with title and letters pattentes, of Generall and chiefe Gouernour of all that then was discouered, inhabited, and conquered in the land and coast of _Yucatan_. With this newes, _Velasques_ began to triumph, not only so much for the honor, as also to driue _Cortez_ from _Mexico_. Wherevpon, he incontinent prepared this Fléete or Nauie of eleuen Shyppes, and seauen Vergantines, with nine hundred men, and fourescore Horses, and appoynted one _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ for Captayne Generall, and his Deputie in the regiment of the Countrey: and for his more quicker dispatch, he himselfe wente with him throughout that Ilande, till they came to _Guaniguanico_, whiche is the Westermost harbor of the Ilande, and being there _Naruaez_ ready to departe for _Mexico_, and _Velasques_ to returne to _Cuba_, came the lisenciat _Lucas Vasques de Aillon_, a chiefe Iudge of _Santo Domingo_, in name of the whole Chancery, to require _Velasques_ vpon great penalties, that he should not permitte or suffer _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ to procéede on that voyage agaynst _Cortes_, whiche woulde bée cause of Murther, ciuil warres, and other mischiefes among the Spanyards, yea and that _Mexico_ should be in daunger of losing, wyth all the rest that was conquered, and in quiet to the Kings vse, saying vnto him moreouer, that if there were anye discorde betwéene them for goodes, or poyntes of honor, that then it did apperteyne to the Emperoure to iudge, and determine the cause, and not that he himselfe should be iudge in his owne cause, vsing force against the other partie, praying them for the seruice of God and the King, that if they would goe to conquere, that then they shoulde séeke other Countreys, hauing so good an armye and fléete, and Countreys ynough to séeke. This diligëce, request and authoritie of the Licentiate _Aillon_, to _Velasques_ and _Naruaez_ preuayled not: he séeyng their obstinacie and little regarde to him being a chiefe Iudge, determined to goe with _Naruaez_ in his Shippe, to lette and disturbe the greate hurte that might follow, thinking there in the newe _Spayne_ to perswade _Naruaez_, better than in the presence of _Velasques_, yea and also if néede should bée, to be a meane of quietnesse betwixt them.

_Pamfilo de Naruaez_ tooke shipping in _Guaniguanico_, and sailed till he came néere vnto _Vera Crux_ with al his fléete, and hauing intelligence that there were a hundred and fiftie Spanyards of _Cortes_ his band, he sente vnto them a Priest, with one _Iohn Ruiz de Gueuara_, and _Alonso de Vergara_, to require them to receyue him for their Captayne and gouernoure. But the newe Citizens would giue no eare to their talke, but rather apprehended them, & sente them prisoners to _Mexico_ to _Cortez_, to aduertise hym of their embassage, wherevpö _Naruaez_ vnshipped his men, horses, armor, & artillery, & wët w^t thë directly to _Zëpoallä_. The _Indian Comarcans_ being as well friends to _Cortez_, as vassals to _Mutezuma_, gaue vnto him golde, mantels, and vittayles, thinking that they had bin _Cortez_ his men.

The substance of a letter that Cortez _wrote vnto Naruaez_.

Before _Cortes_ knew the effect of the cöming of this new fléete, his head was sore troubled, for, on the one side he was glad of the comming of his owne nation, on the other side he liked not so great an armye. Likewise he ymagined, that if they came to succour him, he helde the Countrey for conquered: also if that they were come againste him, he iudged the Countrey to bée lost. He iudged also, that if they were come from _Spayne_, that then they hadde brought to him the thing loked for, but if they were come from _Cuba_, be feared ciuil warres. He also thought, that from _Spayne_ could not come so many folke in so shorte space. Finally, he déemed, that his olde enemie _Iames Velasques_ was come personally, but when he knew the whole truth, then was he muche more pensiue, thinking that the thread of his prosperitie was cut asunder, yea and that they would be meane to stoppe the gappes of the whole discouery, both of the secretes of the land, mines and treasure, as also, in the knowledge of the friends or enimies of _Mutezuma_. It shoulde be also a let to inhabite the places which he had begunne, yea and also to Christen the _Indians_, whiche was the principall thing that he pretended, yea & a let or stop of many other things begun in y^e seruice of God & the prince, fearing also by flying from one inconuenience, to fall into many, and also if he should permit _Pamphilo de Naruaez_ to come vnto _Mexico_, it shoulde be a meane of hys perdition: if likewise he should encounter him, he feared some rebellion in the Citie, and the setting at libertie of _Mutezuma_, putting in perill his owne honour, life, and trauayle: and to auoyde all these daungers and inconueniences, he determined remedy. First, he dispatched twoo men, the one vnto _Iohn Velasques de Leon_, who was gone to inhabite at _Coazacoalco_, willyng him at the sight of his letter to repaire vnto _Mexico_, giuing him aduise of the comming of _Naruaez_ and of the great néede that he stoode in, of him & his company. The other messenger he sent to _Vera Crux_, to bryng full relation of the arriuall of _Naruaez_, and what was his pretence.

The letter sent to _Iohn Velasques_, came no sooner to his hande, but forthwith he obeyed and fulfilled the same, contrary to the expectation of _Naruaez_, for he was his brother in law, and kinsman vnto _Iames Velasques_. _Cortes_ seing his constancie, had him euer after that tyme in great estimation.

From the _Vera Crux_ came twentie of the townes men with certificat what _Naruaez_ had published, and brought with them a priest, with _Alonso Gueuara_ and _Iohn ruiz de Vergara_, who had comen to _Vera Crux_ to amotiue the towne, vnder colour that they had brought the commissiö from the king. _Cortes_ on the otherside, sent vnto _Naruaez_ seignior _Bartholome de Olmedo_, with other two Spaniards, to offer vnto him his friendship, & otherwise to require & commaunde him on the behalfe of the kyng & of his owne, as chiefe iustice of the land, and in the name of the rulers and Aldermen of the towne of _Vera Crux_, who were then in _Mexico_, that he shoulde enter peaceably, without making any alteration vntill his auctoritie and commission were séene and allowed, and to make no slaunder or vprore to the hinderäce of the king his maisters procedings.

But al this diligence and letters of _Cortes_ and the other rulers preuailed not, he seing this, set at libertie the priest that was brought prisoner, and sente him vnto _Naruaez_, with certaine riche collers of gold, and other iewels with a letter, wherein he wrote, that he was more gladder of his comming in that fléete than any other, for the friendship and olde acquaintaunce that had bene betwixt them, desiring him that they mought talke and cöferre togither, alone, for to take order to prohibite wars, sedition, bloudshedde and disquietnesse among them, beyng of one natiö and brethren, requestyng him to shew his cömission from the king vnto him, or vnto the counsell of _Vera Crux_, and he would willingly obey it as reason did require: and if he had not brought any such commission, yet he would make some honest agrement with him. _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ seing himselfe strong and mightie, did little regarde _Cortes_ his letters, offers, nor requestes, and chiefly bycause _Iames Velasques_ was sore displeased with _Cortes_.

The talke of Naruaez to the Indians, _and his answere to Cortes_.

[Sidenote: A foule bragge.]

_Pamphilo de Naruaez_ declared to the _Indiäs_ that they were deceyued with their opiniö in _Cortes_, for that he alone was Captayne generall and chiefe Lorde, and that _Cortes_ was but a naughty man, and so were all they of his company which are now in _Mexico_, who were all but his boyes, and that his present commyng was to cut of _Cortes_ his head, and to chasten the others, likewyse he meant to dryue them all out of the countrey, & then to departe himselfe, and to leaue them in full libertie.

[Sidenote: A cruell proclamation.]

[Sidenote: A madde reckenyng.]

The _Indians_ gaue credite to his talke seyng so many bearded men and horses, and therevpon began to attende and serue him, leauyng their olde friendes in _Vera Crux_. Also _Naruaez_ began to flatter _Mutezuma_, and sente him worde that _Cortes_ aboade in that countrey against the will of his Prince, & that he was a couetous rebell, who robbed his countrey, and that he pretended to kill _Mutezuma_, and to make himself king. Also that his comming was to set him at libertie, and to restore vnto him all that those wicked fellowes had taken from him. And bicause that others should take example of their factes, he would commaunde them all to be slaine, willing him to take no care, for in short space they would sée ech other. And that when he had set him at libertie with restitution of his goodes, he would incontinent departe his countrey. These treaties were so foule & abhominable, with the iniurious wordes which _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ spake openly against _Cortes_ and his men, yea they séemed odious vnto all his owne hoste & army, and some of his own më checked him for the same, especially _Barnardino de Santa Clara_, who seyng the countrey so peaceable and so well pleased with _Cortes_, he could not let but reprehende _Naruaez_ in his wordes. Also the licenciat _Aillon_ required him diuers times to cease frö his slanderous talke, vpon paine of death & losse of his goodes, & also not to procéede towarde _Mexico_, for the great hurte that might ensue, with slander among the _Indians_, disquietnesse among the Spaniardes, and offence to the Emperour his Maiestie. _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ being moued with his talke layde hand vpon _Aillon_, being a chiefe iudge for the King, and apprehended also his Secretary & an other officer, and forthwith shipped them, and sente thë to _Iames Velasques_ gouernour of _Cuba_. But when _Aillon_ saw himselfe at sea, and frée from _Naruaez_, he began to threaten y^e Mariners, cömanding thë not to presume to carrie him to _Cuba_ to _Velasquez_ his power, but onely to _Santo Domingo_, where he was one of y^e kings coüsell in chancery: the Mariners fearing the Kings iustice, obeyed his cömandemët and when he was aported at _Santo Domingo_, he wholly enformed the Counsell there, of _Naruaez_ and his wicked dealyng, whose testimonie and information did much blemishe the credite of _Velasques_, & exalt the trauels of _Cortes_. After that _Naruaez_ had shipped away _Aillon_, he proclaymed warre with fire and sworde agaynst _Cortes_, and promised certayne markes of Golde to him that shoulde apprehende or kill him, or _Pedro de Aluarado_, and _Gonsalo de Sandoual_, with other principall persons of his company. Also he made diuision of his goodes among his më before they came to possesse it. Surely these thrée poyntes were of a man without wisedome or discretion.

Many of _Naruaez_ his company did amotiue themselues, through the commaundement of the Licenciat _Aillon_, and through the fame and liberalitie of _Cortes_. Wherevpon incontinent one _Pedro de Villalobos_ a Portingal, and sixe or seuen more fledde vnto _Cortes_, yea and others wrote vnto him, offeryng themselues to his seruice, if by chauce they should encounter.

[Sidenote: A good captayne and a vvise.]

_Cortes_ receyued the letters, but kept in silence from his company the firmes of those whiche had written to hym. Some doe thinke that _Cortes_ had suborned them with letters, fayre promises, yea and a horse loade of chaynes and planches of golde, which he sente secretely to _Naruaez_ his campe with a seruaunt of his, publishing likewise, that he had an army of twoo hundreth Spaniardes in _Zempoallan_, where he had none at all: these policies mought well be, for he was prudent, carefull and quicke in his businesse, and _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ was slouthfull and carelesse.

_Naruaez_ made answere to _Cortes_ his letter by seignior _Bartholome de Olmedo_, the substaunce of his message was, that forthwith he shoulde repayre to the place where he was abiding, and there he should sée the Emperours commission & order, wherein was auctoritie giuen to hym to take and kéepe that countrey for _Iames Velasques_, yea and that already he had made a towne of men onely, with all officers therevnto appertayning.

After this letter and message sent, he dispatched likewise one _Barnaldino de Quesada_, and _Alonso de Mata_, to requyre _Cortes_ to depart and leaue the countrey vpon paine of death, and to notifie vnto him these actes by order of law. _Cortes_ layde hande vpon _Alonso de Mata_, bicause he named himselfe the kings Notary, and shewed no title or authoritie for the same.

The talke that Cortes had vvith _his owne Souldiers_.

_Cortes_ perceyuing the small fruyte that his letters (presentes) and messengers, obtayned at the handes of _Naruaez_, and that in no case, he woulde shewe his commission whiche came from the kyng, he determined to goe vnto him, and according to the olde Prouerbe, Face to face doth get respect, and likewise if it were possible, to agrée vpon some good order and quietnesse: wherevpon he sent _Rodrigo Aluarez_ his surueyor, with _Iohn Velasques_, and _Iohn del Rio_, to treate with _Naruaez_ of many matters, whereof thrée things were the principalest. The first was, that they two might méete alone, or else so many, for so many, and that _Naruaez_ should permit _Cortes_ to abyde in _Mexico_, and he withall his company shoulde cöquere _Panuco_ or other kingdomes, also that _Cortes_ would pay the charges, and haue consideration to gratifie his souldiers, or else that _Naruaez_ should abide in _Mexico_, and deliuer vnto _Cortes_ .400. of his men, to the intent that with them, and his owne men he myght procéede to séeke other countreys to conquere. Laste of all, he required to sée the kings commission, for that he would obey the same. _Naruaez_ liked none of these offers, only he accepted that they should méete togither with ech of them ten Gentlemë for securtie, bound with solemne othe, and firmed this agréement with their names. But it tooke no effect, for _Rodrigo Aluarez_ aduised _Cortes_ that _Naruaez_ had made a snare to apprehend him, or to kill him at their méeting. _Cortes_ vnderstoode the matter, or else he had some other intelligence by some that loued him wel. And this former agrement taking no place, _Cortes_ determined to goe vnto him.

But before his departing, he declared vnto his cöpany, saying, I trust ye haue in remembräce what & how much I haue done for you, since y^e beginning of this enterprise, yea & also how louingly & friendly yée haue dealt for me: Yée shall now vnderstand that _Iames Velasques_, in stéede of thankes giuing vs, hath sent to murder vs, _Pamfilo de Naruaez_, who is a stubborne & an vnreasonable man, one readie to execute our good desertes done in the seruice of God & our Prince, with an euill reward. And the cause is only, for doyng our duetie in the sending of the Kings parte & portiö to his Roiall person & not vnto him. Also this _Naruaez_ hath already confiscated our goodes, and giuen them to other men, and our bodies condemned to the Gallows, yea and our fame and honour plaide at tables, with great iniurious & slanderous wordes proclaymed agaynst vs, which things truly are not of a Christian, no nor yet we with Gods helpe will let the matter so to slippe: yea and though we ought to leaue the reuengment vnto God, yet we will not suffer them to enioy our trauayles & paynes, who are now comen white fingered to spoile the bloud of their neighbours, yea & like madde men to striue against their owne nation, sowing slander among those _Indians_ which serued vs as our friëds, yea & procuring more cruel warres, than the ciuill warre betwene _Mario_ & _Sila_, or of _Cesar_ & _Pompeio_, who turned vpsidowne the Romaine Empire. Wherfore I do determine to méete him by y^e way, & not to suffer him to come vnto _Mexico_, for it is better to say, God saue you, than they to come & say who is there? yea & though they are many, a good hart doth breake euil fortune, as it hath appered by vs, who haue passed thorow the pikes since our cöming hither: moreouer, I doubte not but that many of _Naruaez_ his cöpany will come vnto vs. Therfore my déere friends doe I giue you aduise of my pretence, to the entent y^t those which wil go with me, may them prepare thëselues, & those that will not, let them remaine to kéepe _Mexico_ & _Mutezuma_, whiche is as much in effect. At the end of this talke he promised great rewards if y^t with victory he returned. His më answered al w^t one voyce, y^t they were al at his cömandemët, & ready to fulfil his wil, yet some feared the pride & blindnesse of _Pamfilo de Naruaez_: on the other side the _Indians_ began to be lusty, to sée dissention among the Spanyardes, & that the _Indians_ of the coast were ioyned in league with the new come më.

The requests of Cortez to Mutezuma.

[Sidenote: Oh vvise Cortes.]

After al his talk & answer of his souldiers, he wët to visite & to comune w^t _Mutezuma_ for to departe on his iourney, w^t somewhat y^e lesser care, & also to proue the minde & wil of _Mutezuma_, vnto whome he vttered his mind as foloweth. Sir, you know y^e loue y^t I haue, & desire to serue you, & chiefly the trust againe, that you will haue to my cöpanions whë I am gone frö this citie. Therfore I pray you, that it may please you to remaine here in this lodgyng, & to haue regard vnto these strangers, which I leaue with you: also I cömend vnto you, the gold & iewels whiche is in their custodie, and gyuen vnto vs of your owne liberalitie. For I doe now goe to signifie vnto those which of late are comen in the new fléete, how your highnesse doth commaunde that I departe from this land, and that they doe not agrauate or molest your subiectes, nor yet presume to enter into your countrey, but that they remayne on your coast, vntill we be ready to departe with them, according to your will and pleasure. And if in the meane season, any of your subiects be so vnaduised, as to molest my men, whiche now remayne in your power and Guarde, that then it may please you to be their shielde, succour, and onely defence. _Mutezuma_ promised to fulfill his request, wishing him moreouer, that if any in his iourney shoulde offende him, then immediatly to aduise him, and that he would sende his men of warre to chasten thë, yea and also (if it pleased him,) he woulde giue vnto hym guydes to salfe conduct him through his owne dominion to the Sea coast, who should prouide him of all necessaries by the way. _Cortes_ kissed his handes for his curtesie, with moste hartie thankes for the same, and gaue vnto him certayne Spanishe apparell, and other glasen Iewels, and also other like treasure to his Noble men, which stoode by at all the talke. But in effect he tolde him not what he pretended to doe, nor yet the newes of _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ his procedings was not come to his eare, or else, it may be that _Mutezuma_ dissumuled the matter with inwarde pleasure, that one Christian should kill the other, thinkyng thereby to haue most sure his libertie, and the Goddes pleased.

The imprisonment of Pamfilo _de Naruaez_.

_Cortes_ was so wel beloued among hys companie, that they offered willingly to goe with him, by reason whereof he chose .250. men fitte for his iourney, & lefte other .200. in guarde of _Mutezuma_ and the Citie, with _Pedro de Aluarado_ for their Captayne. He lefte also with them the artillerie and foure Foystes readye made, to haue the lake in subiection, beséeching them onely to haue speciall regard that _Mutezuma_ fled not from them to _Naruaez_, and not to permitte him to goe out of their fort or strong house.

With those fewe Spanyards _Cortes_ tooke his iourney with no more but eyght or nine Horsemen, and certayne _Indians_ for his seruice, and carriage.

[Sidenote: A stoute man.]

[Sidenote: An vncertayne reckoning.]

Passing through _Chololla_ and _Tlaxcallan_, he was honorably receyued and lodged, and aboute fiftéene leagues from _Zempoallan_ where _Naruaez_ was abiding, he mette with two Priestes, and his old especial friend _Andres de Duero_, who had lente him money for the setting forthe of that voyage. These thrée persons came to require him to obey the Generall lately come as Lieutenant to the Gouernour _Velasques_, and to deliuer vnto him the Countrey, with all the fortes or Castels therein, aduising him, that if he would not accomplish the same, that then he woulde procéede againste him, euen as an enemie and Rebell, to the execution of death. Likewise, if he would fulfill the request made vnto him, that then he shoulde haue libertie, and conueniente shipping to depart, both for him, and as many as would goe with him. _Cortes_ aunswered, that hée would rather suffer deathe, than to leaue the Countrey whiche he had conquered and pacifyed with his handes and industrie, without anye commaundemente from the Emperoure: and (quoth he) if againste all equitie and iustice, he will contend with me in warre, I will defend me as well as I may, and if I haue the victory (as I trust in God and the righte that I haue on my side,) I shall not stand in néede of shipping, and if I be slaine, muche lesse. Therefore I doe require him to shew vnto me his commission and authoritie had from the Emperour, for vntil I doe both sée and reade the same, I will accepte no agréemente: and if (quoth he) that he refuse the same, that then I dare warne, admonish, and require him to returne to _Cuba_, the place from whence he came, and if he wil not obey my precept, I will then apprehende him, and sende him prisoner in yrons to the Emperoure: and with thys aunswere dispatched the thrée messengers, sending also a notarie of his owne, to commaund him to take his shipping, and to departe without making any altercation in the Countrey, or y^t ensuing of further murders and strife, and if not, that vppon Whitsonday, whiche was within thrée dayes following, he meante to be with him at supper. _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ made a mockery and iest at his commaundemente, and tooke Prisoner the Notarie whiche came from _Cortes_ with that order, holding _Cortes_ for madde, who made so manye bragges with so small a company. And before _Iohn Velasques de Leon_, and _Iohn de Rio_, _Cortes_ his friendes, he mustered his men, who were in number fourescore Hargabushers, a hüdred and twëtie Crossebowes, sixe hundred men, with other weapon, and fourescore Horsemen, saying, how will _Cortes_ defend himselfe againste vs, nay at length he will know his dutie: he promised money to him that shoulde eyther kyll, or take _Cortes_ prisoner. And the same offer made _Cortes_ against _Pamfilo_, who made a rounde of his footemen, and skirmished with his Horsemen, shooting off his artillerie, to put in feare the pore _Indians_.

_Naruaez_ signifyed againe vnto _Mutezuma_ with the messengers who carried all the triumph and muster pointed, all his former dealings, but hearing that _Cortes_ was néere at hande, he sente out hys lyght Horsemen to dyscrie his Campe.

All _Naruaez_ his Horses were readye sadled and brideled, and his men armed. _Cortes_ entred so close and secret, that no man almost hearde him, and the firste worde hée spake, hauyng all hys men within with him, was, shut the gates, and strike, downe with them. There were at that time many shining wormes, whiche with their glistering séemed matches of Hargabushe, so that if one péece at that time had bin discharged, they woulde haue bin in a great feare.

_Naruaez_ béeing about to put on his priuie coate, came one vnto him, saying: Sir, _Cortes_ is néere your lodgyng, let him come in (quoth he) for he commeth to talke with me. _Naruaez_ had his men in foure Towers of his lodging, and he himselfe was in the one, with a hundred Spanyardes, and at his dore thirtéene péeces of Ordinance ready charged. _Cortes_ commanded his chiefe Sheriffe _Gösalo de Sädoual_, with fortie or fiftie of his fellowes, to goe vp into _Naruaez_ his Chamber, and he himselfe with other twentie men abode at the dore to defende and kéepe that none might enter thereat, vntil he had finished his businesse. The residue of his men besieged the other Towers, so that they might not succoure one another.

[Sidenote: A darke night for Naruaez.]

_Naruaez_ hearing the noyse, woulde néedes fighte, although he was required to stay his handes, and comming out at his Chamber dore, they strake out one of his eyes with a pike, and then they layde hande vpon hym, dragging and drawyng him downe the stayres by the héeles, and when he sawe hymselfe broughte before _Cortes_, he sayde, oh _Senior Cortes_, thanke your great fortune, in hauyng my person prisoner: who aunswered hym againe, oh _Naruaez_, the hauing of thy body prisoner, is the least thing that I haue done, sithence I came into thys lande. _Cortes_ commaunded forthwith to lay him in yrös, and to carrie him to the riche towne of _Vera Crux_, where he abode prisoner certayne yeares.

This combat endured but a while, for within one hour _Pamfilo de Naruaez_ and the chiefest of his company were taken prisoners, and their weapös & armour taken from all the rest. There were slayne of _Naruaez_ his men sixetéene, and of _Cortes_ his side were killed only two persons with a péece of Ordinance. They had no leysure to giue fire to their Ordinance, with the great diligence and hast of _Cortes_, sauing vnto one péece that killed the two men. The tutche holes were stopped with waxe, through the great raine that had fallen. By this meane those that were ouercome, did take occasion to ymagine that _Cortes_ had suborned the maister gunner, and others.

_Cortes_ vsed great sobrietie and discretion, for he would not permitte anye of the prisoners to be reuiled or misused with any iniurious wordes, no nor yet _Naruaez_, who hadde spoken so much euill of him, although many of hys men desired reuengement. _Pedro de Maluenda_ seruaunt to _Iames Velasques_, who was chiefe Stewarde to _Naruaez_, fledde to the Shippes with all the stuffe that he coulde gette, without any lette of _Cortes_. Héere may you sée what difference and aduantage is betwixt man and man, what did eache of these Captiues say, thinke, and doe, seldome time dothe happen that so fewe of one nation dothe ouercome so many of the same nation, especially the greater number béeyng fresh, lustie, and in a strong holde.

The Rebellion of Mexico against _Cortes_.

After that _Cortes_ had obteyned victorye against _Naruaez_, he knew very well the most part of his company, vnto whome he spake curteously, praying them to forget the things past, and so would hée also. And also likewise, that it mighte please them to goe with him to _Mexico_, whiche was the richest Citie of all that _India_. He also restored to euerye man his armour and weapons, whiche were taken from them in their ouerthrowe. Hée also left very few of them prisoners with _Naruaez_. The Horsemen tooke the fielde with stomacke to fight, but after they had hearde of hys offer, they submitted themselues. In conclusion, all those that were come, hoping of spoyle, were glad to accepte his offer, and to goe with him with faithfull promise truly to serue him.

He renued his power in _Vera Crux_, and brought thyther the nauie of _Naruaez_. He also dispatched two hundred Spanyardes to the riuer of _Garay_, and sent also _Iohn Velasques de Leon_ with other two hundred men. To inhabite of _Coazacoalco_. He dispatched also a Spanyarde by post to _Mexico_, with newes of the victory, and hée himselfe followed towarde _Mexico_, with the great care that he had of those whome he had lefte there in guard of _Mutezuma_ and the Citie.

The Post that wente on this iourney, in steade of thankes, was sore wounded by the _Indian_ Rebelles, but although he was so hurte, yet he returned to _Cortes_, wyth newes that _Mexico_ was reuolted, and that they had burned the foure Foystes, also assieged the Spanish house, and throwen downe a wall, and myned another, yea and set fire vpon the munition, taken away their vittayles, and had broughte them to suche extremitie, to be eyther slayne, or remayne prisoners, sauing that _Mutezuma_ commaunded to ceasse the combate, yea and for all that they woulde not leaue their armoure, nor departe from the siege, only they somewhat amayned their furie for theyr princes sake.

These newes were sorrowfull to _Cortes_, for thereby his pleasure was turned into care, the rather to make hast to succoure his friendes and fellowes, for if he hadde delayed hys comming but a small whyle, he had founde them eyther slayne, or else their bodyes ready to sacrifice: but his greatest comforte was, that _Mutezuma_ remayned styll prisoner. He mustered his men in _Tlaxcallan_, and founde of his Spanishe nation a thousand footemen, and néere a hundred Horsemen. He procéeded forwardes towarde _Tezcuco_, where he founde none of the Gentlemen of his acquaintance, nor yet he there was receyued, as in time past he had bin, but rather he found a great alteration in the Coütrey, and also many townes without people, or else rebelled. In _Tezcuco_ met with him a _Spanyarde_, whome _Aluarado_ had sente to desire him to come vnto them, and to certifie hym of all the premisses, saying moreouer, that with his comming their furye woulde be pacifyed.

With this messenger came another from _Mutezuma_, who declared vnto _Cortes_, that hys Lorde was innocent of all that was done, praying hym, that if he had conceiued any euill opinion agaynste hym, to putte away the same agayne, and that it mighte please hym to goe directly to hys own house, where hée abode hys comming, wyth the Spanishe guarde that he hadde lefte with him, who were aliue and in good healthe as he hadde lefte them.

With thys message, _Cortes_ and hys companye reposed all that nyghte, and the nexte daye, béeyng Midsommer daye, he entred into _Mexico_ at dynner tyme, with hys hundred Horsemen, and the thousande footemen, with a greate companye of theyr friendes of _Tlaxcallan_, _Huexocinco_, and _Chololla_, but he saw but few folke in the stréetes, and small entertaynement, with manye bridges broken, and other euill tokens.

He came to hys lodgyng, and all those of his companye whyche coulde not well bée lodged there, hée sente them to the greate Temple. _Mutezuma_ came forth into the yarde to receyue hym, full heauie and sorrowfull, as it séemed, of that offence whiche his subiectes had done, excusing hymselfe: and then euery one entred into hys lodgyng and Chamber: but the ioy and pleasure of _Pedro de Aluarado_ was incomparable, saluting the one the other, with demaundes and questions howe they fared, yea and how much the one company declared of prosperitie and pleasure, the other againe replyed as muche of sorrow and trouble.

The causes of the Rebellion.