The first Foundation of the City ofMexico.
Concerning the erecting of this City, theIndiansrelate thus: That the seventh Family of theNavatlaca’s, Extracted out of the CountreyAztlan, rang’d up and down not without thousands of Inconveniences, from one Countrey to another, according to the Information which their Sages had given their SpiritViztliputli, till at last some of the Priests straying from the Army, or rather Multitude, got into a Wilderness, full of Brambles and Thorns, and came at length to a Place where was a Spring of clear Water, in which the Fishes glitter’d like Silver; where taking up their repose that Night, their Spirit inform’d the oldest of them in a Dream, that they should find thereabouts aTunalTree (whose Leaves grow out of one another) under which, on a Stone, lay the Heart of the famous SorcererCopil: ThisTunalTree should be discover’d by a Crane on the top of it, which in one Foot should hold a Bird, and in the other a Bough of the Tree, near which they were to build a City: The old Priest waking, and relating his Dream, every one endeavor’d to find out the fore-mention’d Tree; at last they found it, by discovering on the top a Crane, with spread-out Wings looking up towards the Sun, and holding in his Claws a small Bird, invested with curious Feathers: Whereupon they with all speed built a Chappel of Turf and Clods of Earth, and cover’d the same with Canes, to keep their Idol from the Weather, resolving, so soon as they could, to build him a better Temple.
The Lake on whose Isles they setled, abounded with Fish and Fowls, which they exchang’d with the neighboring People for Stone and Mortar for the building of a Temple forViztliputzli, and a new City; to which they made a Cawsey in the LakeLaguna, and divided it into four great Wards or Divisions, and subdivided them again into lesser; over which they plac’d peculiar Idols, and order’d a Crane like that which they had seen on theTunalTree to be their City Arms. The dividing of the Wards occasion’d great dislike amongst the Grandees, judging those to whose lot they fell, not to be worthy of them; wherefore deserting the same, and travelling along the LakeLaguna, they setled themselves at last in a sandy Soil, which they call’dTlattellulco, and entertain’d a bitter hatred against their Countrey-men who kept the four Wards of the newTenustitan, doing them all the mischief they could; wherefore the Assaulted were necessitated to chuse a King, that they might be the better able to oppose their Enemies: But that they might not raise a Discontent amongst themselves about electing a Governor, they judg’d it fittest to take a Foreigner; amongst whom they found none so capable of so great an Office asAcamapixtli, Grand-son to the King ofCulhuacan, whereupon sending Ambassadors thither, they obtain’d their desires.
The new King was no sooner Crown’d, but he settled all things in order with great Prudence, insomuch, thatMexicogrew daily to be more famous and fear’d: But this sudden growth rais’d a jealousie amongst the Neighbors, who dreaded their growing Power and Valor.
Proceedings between theTapuneca’s andMexicans.
TheTapunecanswho were also a valiant People, being the nearest to them, and havingAzcapuzalcofor their chief City, made it their main design, utterly to root out theMexicans, before they grew to be more Populous and Potent; notwithstanding they had hitherto receiv’d Tribute from them, for delivering the LakeLagunato them, which was a quantity of Timber and Plants; yet they demanded not only more Tribute than formerly, but also in such a manner, as was thought impossible to have been perform’d, which was, that those Plants which were formerly brought to them, as growing on the Land, should be set in the Water, so as to come floating to them, as they grew, toAscapuzalco, which if they did not pay, they should expect to be all put to the Sword. TheMexicansmuch amaz’d hereat, and not knowing how to produce the demanded Plants,Viztliputzliinform’d the oldest Priest, that the demands might be satisfi’d; and commanded him to throw Earth on the Water, and to Sow Seed on the same, which at the usual time produc’dMaiz,Azi,Chias,Tomates, and the like, with which theTapunecansbeing satisfi’d, demand next a Goose, and a Hen which laid Eggs, out of which the young ones should appear, when on the floating Clods of Earth, the Nests came opposite toAzcapuzalco, which by the advice ofViztliputzli, they perform’d fifty years one after another. Mean while,Acamapixtli(who had inlarg’dMexicowith Streets, Palaces, Temples, and Markets) dying, would not name any one to succeed him, but left the choice of the Election to the Commonalty, who Crown’d his SonVitzilovitli, and Marry’d him to the King ofTapunecansDaughter, that by that means they might gain his friendship, and be eas’d of their strange Annual Tribute: WhereuponAyauchigual, the King ofTapunecansDaughter being Marry’d toVitzilovitli, was within twelve Moneths deliver’d of a Son, which the Grand-father call’dChimalpopoca, which signifiesA Gun which gives Smoke, and afterwards was satisfi’d with two Geese, and some Fish yearly from theMexicans, onely as an Acknowledgment that they inhabited his Countrey.Chimalpopocaloosing his Parents, in his tenth year was Crown’d King, with a Bowe and Arrows in his left Hand, and a Woodden Sword in the right: Soon after he oblig’d his Mothers Father to be kind to theMexicans, for they being in great want for fresh Water, he had leave by Channels to bring the same out of the MountainChapultepec, a League distant fromMexico; to which purpose they made a Pipe of Planks, and hollow Trees joyn’d together with Clay, quite through the Lake; but this Pipe not being teight and durable, and the fresh Water by that means mixing with the Salt, they sent Agents toAzcapuzalco, to request Stones, Mortar, and Work-men to make a substantial Sewer: This message was ill resented by the Council ofAzcapuzalco;What, (said they)do theMexicansthink, shall a rambling company of people, which on Charity live in anothers Countrey, Command those that Govern them to be their Servants?This grudge went so far, that at last they took a Resolution without the King’s knowledge, (for he was suspected, because of his Grand-chil’dChimalpopoca) to forbid all manner of Trade with theMexicans; nay, to endeavor utterly to root them out; yet some judg’d, that they ought to spareChimalpopoca, while others on the contrary said,That he ought to be destroy’d, because his Father being aMexican,he would to the utmost of his Power defend his People; which last being approv’d of, so troubled the King of theTapunecans,that he dy’d of grief; for the Design being soon after put into execution, and theTapuneca’s breaking in the Night intoChimalpopoca’s Palace, Murder’d him; which Murder made theMexicansthirst for revenge; whereupon, setting themselves wholly against theTapunecans, they enter’d into a League withVezcuco, andCulhuacan, and choseIzcoalt, for his great Valor, for their King; notwithstandingAcamapixtlihad begotten him on a Slave.
Izcoaltssuccess against theTapanecas.
Izcoaltwas no sooner Crown’d, but he made great preparation for a War, though against every ones Opinion, because of the Populousness of theTapunecans; yet it was concluded on, that they should request Peace, and a place to inhabit on the main Continent, that so they might remove from the Isles: This Request they thought could not be deny’d them inAzcapuzalco, provided theMexicansbrought their Gods thither, and wholly conform’d themselves to the manners of theTapunecans, for otherwise they could expect nothing but utter Ruine: Yet though every one else imbrac’d the Proposal,Tlacaellel, the King’s Nephew, stiffly oppos’d it, alleging, that it did not agree with theMexicansquality, to make so mean and slavish a Proffer; and that they had best consider, first if there were no other means to be found: and that he would willingly venture his Life in going toAzcapuzalco, as a Spie, to pry into their whole Designs and Intentions, which was perform’d accordingly; and soon after returning, he brought information, that theTapunecanswere making great preparations for War, and made no mention at all of Peace; which news struck a general fear into all Peoples Hearts; many desiring that they might save themselves by flight; butIzcoaltputting fresh courage into them, made an agreement with the People, that if he was beaten by theTapunecans, they should eat him up; but if he prov’d Conqueror, they should all be at his Command; to which all consenting, they boldly march’d with their King to the CityAzcapuzalco. The Front of the Army consisting of the prime Nobility, was led byTlacaellel, and the RearIzcoaltbrought up, who was also to give the sign on a Drum, when they should fall upon the Enemies; who having ten Men to theMexicansone, suddenly Sally’d out of the Gates, where they were so briskly entertain’d byTlacaellel, that in a confus’d manner they soon ran back into the City, whither the Conqueror pursuing them, got within the Gates, where he put all to the Sword which he could meet with; some fled to a steep neighboring Mountain, whither being also follow’d, they threw down their Arms, and begg’d Quarter, to serve theMexicansas Slaves, which was granted them, whilstIzcoaltfound an unvaluable Mass of Treasure inAzcapuzalco, and distributed the Conquer’d Countrey amongst those who had behav’d themselves best.
This Conquest made the neighboring People jealous of theMexicans, whose Success and growing Power they dreaded.
TheCuyoacansutterly subdu’d byTlacaellel.
The TownsTacubaandCuyoacan, though they had Governors of their own, yet were subject to theTapunecans, whose General advising those ofAzcapuzalcoto try another Encounter, they took up Arms again; but before it came to a Battel, theCuyoacansplay’d a subtile trick with theMexicans, for inviting them to an Idolatrous Feast, after they had Eat, Drunk, and Danc’d, they forc’d them to put on Womens Apparel, to their no small disgrace and ignomy; which remain’d not unreveng’d, for theMexicansmade a Poysonous Fume in the Gates ofCuyoacan, which made Women with Child to Miscarry, and many to fall dangerously sick; yet lastly, both Parties march’d into the Fields, where whilstIzcoaltwas elsewhere ingag’d,Tlacaellelmarching about, came upon the backs of theCuyoacanswith such eagerness, that they fled to a strong Temple, which soon after was set on fire byTlacaellel, who pursu’d the Enemy ten Leagues.
This Conquest stir’d up theSuchimilcos, the first Family of theNavatlaca’s, to stop the proceedings of theMexicans, that they might not, as they had already done to others, fall upon them; to which purpose they thought to surprize the Conquering Army; butTlacaellelwho led the Van, march’d in good Order to meet theSuchimilcos, fell resolutely upon their whole Army, and after a short conflict, put them to flight, and took the CitySuchimilcoforIzcoalt, who being Crown’d King there, Commanded the Conquer’d to make a direct Road betwixtSuchimilcoandMexico, of four Leagues long, both, that a Trade might the easier be drove between these two Cities, and to keep them the better in awe: Notwithstanding these examples,Cuytlavacan, a City built at the LakeLaguna, trusting to the abundance of Boats, which the Citizens knew how to use with great dexterity, daily molestedMexicowith them by Water, whereuponIzcoaltresolv’d to send his Victorious Army thither, butTlacaellelopposing the same, promis’d to subdue the Rebelling City with a considerable number of Boys, which had skill in the managing of aCanoo, which being permitted him, he accordingly made himself Master ofCuytlavacan, from whence the Boys brought a great Booty, and divers Prisoners, whom they sent as an Offering toVitzlipultzli.
Tezcucosubmits to theMexicans.
These unheard of Victories being spread far and near, mov’dTezcucoafter several Skirmishes and Conflicts withTlacaellel, to submit to theMexicanKing, who chose the Governor thereof for his Prime Councellor.IzcoaltDeceasing, after having Reign’d twelve years, his SonMuteczumawas chosen his Successor; the Election and Coronation being perform’d after the following manner.
Coronation ofMuteczuma.
The new King mantled in Tygers Skins, was led into the chief Temple before a Hearth, on which burnt Fire both Night and Day; not far from which stood the Throne, where sitting down, he Offer’d Blood, which was taken from his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; after which, an Orator Congratulated him, in the name of the Nobility; which done, they ended the Solemnity in a great Dinner, Fire-Works, and Dancing: At the same time it was establish’d, that all Future Coronations should be kept with an Offering of Provisions, fetch’d by the King out of the Enemies Countrey: whereforeMuteczumagoing to the CountreyChalco, took several of the Natives, whose reaking Hearts he Offer’d toViztlipuztli: Which done, the Coronation follow’d, to which an innumerable company of People came flocking from all the neighboring Provinces: Those which were Tributaries, brought Presents with them, before which the Heralds carry’d the Coats of Arms belonging to the Nobility ofMexico, in a good order.
Muteczuma’s Brother taken Prisoner by those ofChalco.
An example of great Fidelity.
Soon after the King’s Coronation, he march’d and fell uponChalco, the Inhabitants of which defended themselves very Valiantly, tookMuteczuma’s Brother, among several other Prisoners; to whom the Conquerors proffer’d the Government; which at first he refus’d, but at last accepted of on this condition, that a high Mast should be erected with a Scaffold on the top, which made every one suppose, thatMuteczuma’s Brother did in that manner aim at a high Election, but he at the appointed time, getting on the top of the Mast, call’d with a loud voice, and spake to the takenMexicanswhich were there present to this effect:Chalco seeks to set me on the Throne, the Heavens will not permit it; learn by me rather to die, than to live and be guilty of Treason to your Countrey: which he had no sooner said, but with some Flowers which he held in his Hand, threw himself down from the Scaffold, which so inrag’d theChalcoans, that they immediately slew all the otherMexicansthat were there present; which not long after was reveng’d byMuteczuma, who not onely subdu’dChalco, but several other Provinces, leaving onelyTlascalaunattempted, that theMexicansmight have a neighboring Enemy to fetch Prisonersfrom for their Offerings, and also by Skirmishing with them, train up their Youth in Martial Discipline.
Thus his Predecessors and he, having Conquer’d divers Provinces, insomuch that he was now become absolute Emperor over a vast Tract of Land, he resolv’d to settle the same in good order; to which purpose he erected Courts of Judicature, with good Laws; built a stately Palace and Temple; ordain’d several Customs to be observ’d in Religion; which done, and having Reign’d twenty eight years, he Deceasing, leftTicocicfor his Successor.
Description of the TempleCu.
The foremention’d Temple was call’dCu, being built of Stone, in form like a Serpent, of an exceeding bigness, in the middle thereof there was a spacious open place, and round about it Habitations, two Stories high, the lowermost for the Inferior Priests, and the uppermost for the High Priests; in this place also above ten thousand People Danc’d in a Circle, on all high Feasts; four great Gates fac’d the like number of broad Streets, each two Leagues long: On the outmost Gate stood large Images, the Front of black Stones, Painted between each Lay with red and yellow Colours, no less Beautiful than Artificial: On each corner of the Temple were plac’d two Marble Statues ofIndians, sitting with their Arms stretch’d out, and holding a Candle, and on their Heads Plumes of Feathers: Thirty high steps led up to a round place, set about with Deaths-Heads, which was a Stage appointed for the slaughter of those, whose Hearts were to be Offer’d to the Diabolical gods, and whose Heads, their Bodies being eaten, were brought back to the Priests, who hung them under the Stage, where every Head hanging till it dropp’d off, the vacant place was immediately supply’d with a fresh Head. At the end of the Stage stood two Chappels, cover’d like aCardinal’s-Cap, in one of which sate the Image ofTiztlputzli, and in the otherTlaloc, to which led a hundred and twenty Stone steps.
But besides this stately TempleCu,Mexicoboasted nine more, standing not far asunder in a large Plain, all adorn’d with curious Imagery, and set out with large Pillars, each being Dedicated to a peculiar Idol, and built with magnificent Apartments,for the Priests to lodge in; the chiefest of them Dedicated to an Idol call’dTezeatlipuca, orLord of the Humble. This Temple was ascended to by eighty steps, and had before it a spacious Court; within a low and broad Gate appear’d a high Vail, which open’d into a spacious square Hall, hung with Tapestry, at the end whereof stood large Images, and beyond which were several Rooms, in which Assemblies met, Scholars were taught, Judges sate, and Priests Resided.
Tlacaellelresigns the Kingdoms toTicocic.
Axayacanchosen King.
But to return again toMuteczuma, his Funeral was no sooner finish’d, but the four Prime Councellors were attended by the Commissioners ofTezcucoandTacuba, in order to the Election of a new King:Tlacaellelbeing the chief amongst the Dukes, was by a general Vote Saluted King, as being most worthy thereof, for his special Services shown in behalf of the Empire ofMexico: But he humbly refusing the same, was desir’d to Nominate another, whereupon he making choice ofTicocic,Muteczuma’s eldest Son; the Council immediately bor’d a hole through his Nose, and hung an Emrauld in the same. But before he receiv’d the Crown, he was forc’d, according to the Custom, to fetch in some of his Enemies for an Offering, which though he perform’d, yet he lost moreMexicansthan he took Prisoners, not without sufficient testimony of Cowardise; which being ill resented by the People, he was Poyson’d in the fourth year of his Reign, and succeeded by his BrotherAxayaca, by the appointment ofTlacaellel; who having attain’d to a great Age, and left the Charge of his Children to the new King, departed this Life, to the great sorrow and grief of the whole Empire; by the States whereof he was Bury’d with great Solemnity.
His Victory against theTeguantepecks.
In the mean time,Axayacawent with a considerable Army to the remote ProvinceTeguantepek, to fetch Prisoners to be Offer’d at his Coronation; and marching before alone, Challeng’d his Antagonist, the King, to a single Combat, which he refus’d, and chose rather to fall uponAxayacawith all his Forces; whereupon, theMexicanscunningly feign’d flight, ambuscaded themselves till the Enemies pursuing them, gave them their desir’d advantage, for rushing out of their Ambuscade, they set upon theTeguantepecks, so disorder’d, that they easily put them to flight, and had the pursuit of them as far asGuatulco, a noted Haven upon the South-Sea; from whenceAxayacareturning Victor, receiv’d a Crown for a Reward; yet notwithstanding these Proofs of his Valor, the Lord ofTlatellulcoChalleng’d him; whereupon he sent Agents thither, with proffers, that since the Citizens ofTlatellulcowere of one Blood with theMexicans, whom they deserted upon the dividing of the Wards and Towns, just before the Election of the first KingAcamapixtli, they should, if they pleas’d, be receiv’d anew into fellowship and alliance with theMexicans, acknowledging one and the same King for their Supreme Head and Governor: But the Ambassadors being scorn’d and laugh’d at for their proffers, returning, related the same toAxayaca, who immediately marching thither to take revenge, sent part of his Army to fall on the Enemy by Water; whilst himself falling upon them by Land, put the Lord ofTlatellulco, with his whole Army, to flight, which was so closely pursu’d, that they forc’d their way into the City with them, put the Governor to Death, and laid the Town in Ashes; those which went by Water, having had no less success.
Autzolsucceeds him.
Axayaca, after eleven years Reign, Deceasing, bequeath’d his Crown toAutzol, who sought to promote his Election by ingaging with the mighty ProvinceQuaxutatlan, whose Inhabitants, though but a little before, they had been so bold as to demand Tribute of theMexicans, yet terrifi’d at the approach ofAutzol’s Army, fled over an Arm of the Sea, where they had been secure, had notAutzolinvented afloating Isle of Planks, by which he got over his whole Army; upon which the amaz’dQuaxututlansimmediately submitted themselves to theMexicans, who pursuing their Victory, extended their Dominions toGuatimala, over a Tract of three hundred Leagues.
Autzol’s Generosity and Magnificence.
The new King having now subdu’d all his Enemies, and made himself glorious by his Victories, was also ambitious to be as much extoll’d for his Generosity and Magnificence; to which purpose he distributed all the Wealth which was brought unto him from the neighboring Countreys, amongst the Poor and the Nobility; to the first he gave Clothes and Provisions; to the last, Plumes of Feathers and Arms. Moreover he caus’d all mean Houses to be pull’d down and new ones to be built in their places. Lastly, he consulted how to bring fresh Water intoMexico, which was plac’d in a brackish Soil: Upon this Design he was so bent, that when one of his Sages disswaded him from it, alledging,That the Water would drown the City, he, in stead of following his Advice, banish’d him his Presence, and upon his flying toCuyaocun, caus’d him to be fetch’d from thence and Executed. Then prosecuting his Design, he cut the Ditch beforeCuyaocun, by which means great store of fresh Water came flowing into the LakeLaguna, which the Priests welcom’d with strange Ceremonies; for some perfum’d the Water, others Offer’d Quails Blood, whilst others play’d on several Musical Instruments, with many other Ceremonies, which are at large describ’d in the ancientMexicanChronicles, kept in theVaticanLibrary atRome. But the Prophecy of the Executed Sorcerer was in a manner fulfill’d; for the Water overwhelm’d a great part ofMexico, and divided the City into Isles: But to prevent farther Mischief,Autzollcaus’d Banks to be rais’d, and Channels digg’d; and not long after, in the eleventh Year of his Reign, he deceas’d: After which theMexicanKingdom tended towards its period, as the ensuing Story will declare.
Amongst theMexicanNobility,Mutexuma, a melancholy Man, yet very prudent, who resided in a stately Apartment near the great TempleCu, that there he might the better converse withViztlipuztli, was elected King; which he no sooner heard, but fled from hence: but being found out, he was against his will led to the Grand Assembly, and from thence to the holy Hearth, where for an Offering he drew Blood out of his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; and, according to an ancient Custom, theCouncil of Stateboring a Hole in his Nose, hung an Emerauld in the same; after which the Lord ofTescucosaluted him with a Speech; which (since it is mention’d byJoseph d’ Acosta, together with several other Speeches of Congratulation to their Kings, which were taught to Schollars, to make them expert in their Language) it will not be amiss to be annexed here, that of many this one may serve for a pattern of theMexicansEloquence, which is as followeth:
The Lord ofTescucohis Speech toMuteczuma.
“The great happiness, most nobleMuteczuma, which is befall’n this Realm by your Election, may easily be conjectur’d from the general joy, none besides your self being able to undergo an Office, in the management whereof so much Prudence is requir’d: It is a most certain testimony that God lovesMexico, that he hath given its Inhabitants understanding to make such a Choice. Who can doubt, but that you who have expatiated through the Heavens, and convers’d withViztlipuztli, may easily Govern us Mortals on Earth? Who can despair, but that the Vertue inclos’d within your Breast, will extend to the Widows and Orphans? Therefore rejoyce, OMexico; the Heavens have granted us a Prince without Vice; Merciful, and not a Violator of the Laws; Affable, not despising common Conversation. And you, O King, let not this great Prefermentoccasion any alteration in your so long known Vertues: The Crown breeds care for the publick good; the troubles thereof must extend over the whole Realm, and every one in the Realm.â€
Preparation for the Coronation ofMuteczuma.
His Grandeur.
The ruine of theMexicanEmpire prognosticated.
Muteczumahaving heard out the Speech, would willingly have answer’d the same, but could not utter a word for Tears, which gush’d from his Eyes. Before he went out to fetch Prisoners for Offerings at his Coronation, he first setled his Houshold Affairs. And whereas till this time the Kings had been serv’d in their Palaces by ordinary Citizens, he took Knights, and the chiefest of the Nobility, intending thereby to make a distinction between the Nobility and the common People, and add more Majesty to the Royal Dignity. This done,Muteczumamarching against a certain rebellious Province, fetch’d a considerable number of People to be Offer’d toViztupuztli. At his Return the Coronation-Day was appointed, against which thousands of People came toMexico; even their very Enemies ofTlascala,Mechoacan, andTepeaca, which were never conquer’d by theMexicans, flock’d thither in great numbers. All those Countreys which were under Tribute bringing unvaluable Treasures, came in vast Multitudes, which so throng’d the City, that the very tops of the Houses were fill’d with Spectators, no King inMexicoever going to the Throne in such splendor; nor was ever any King so much fear’d by his Subjects, none of the common People daring to look in his Face; neither did he ever set Foot on the Ground, but was always carried in a Chair on the Shoulders of his prime Nobility; he never wore a Suit of Clothes but once, nor ever us’d a Cup or Dish after it was once foul’d; he strictly maintain’d the Laws which he had made, and often went himself in a Disguise, to make a strict enquiry after all Affairs whatsoever; by which means theMexicanPower was now arriv’d to the highest top: but, as other Realms, grown top-heavy with good Fortune, turn at last topsie-turvy, just such a Misfortune befellMexico; but not without several fore-running signs of its destruction: for in the CityChololatheir GodQuezalcoaltinform’d them, that a strange People were coming to take possession of theMexicanDominions; and their Soothsayers prognosticated the same, for whichMuteczumacommitted them all to Prison, and doubtless had put them all to death, had not they escap’d with the help of the Master of their diabolical Art; and though they escap’d themselves, yet their Wives and Children were all put to death upon the King’s Command: Soon after which appear’d a mighty Comet, or blazing Star for a whole year together; the great TempleCuwas set on Fire, and burnt to the Ground none knew how; the Water which was thrown on the same to quench it, burnt like Brimstone; in the Skie appear’d three fiery Heads at noon-day, and out of a long Tail shot Sparks on the Earth; theLaguna, betweenMexicoandTexcuco, began to swell into a Tide, which turn’d some Houses topsie-turvy; a shrill Voice was heard in the Night crying on the Water,Children, your ruine is at hand; whither shall I carry you that you may not be lost?
A miraculous story of a Bird.
No less strange is whatd’ Acostarelates of a Bird presented toMuteczuma, not unlike a Crane, which the Fishermen had taken on theLaguna; on the shining Forehead of which there appear’d the resemblance of two Armies Engag’d, and one defeated by the other, and that whilst the Sages, call’d to interpret the meaning hereof, sat in Consultation, the Bird vanish’d.
Another of a Country-man.
Moreover, there goes a Tradition, That a Countrey-man being at his Labor, was taken up by an Eagle, and carried through the Air into a gloomy Cave, where a Man lay fast asleep snoaring, when on a sudden he heard a Voice afar off, saying,Do you know that Man?whereupon the Countrey-man taking special notice of thedormant Man, knew him, by the Royal Apparel, to beMutexuma; after which the Voice was heard again, saying,How soundly doth he sleep: the time is coming which provides Punishments for many Crimes; burn the Snoarer with the Torch which he holds in his Hands, he will feel no pain: Not long after he being inform’d hereof, and looking on his Thigh, found the same burnt, to his no small amazement.
News of the arrival of theSpanishFleet.
Having now possess’d the Throne fourteen years, he receiv’d news of a Fleet, and therewith a Draught of the Men and Vessels painted on Cloth. This startling him, he immediately advis’d with his Council, who judg’d it convenient to secure the Coast along the Southern Ocean with strong Watches; yet neverthelessFerdinand CortesiusLanded with five hundred Foot and sixty Horse, took the CityPotanchanum, march’d through the CountreySicuchimalartoTascalleca, where they had a sharp Conflict, in which theSpaniardswere in great danger; and had not they had six Field-Pieces with them, which did as much affright as hurt theIndians, they had without doubt been cut off there. InChiurutecalthey were in as much danger; for certainly theSpanishArmy had been set upon in the Night, had not a Woman inform’d them of it.
Muteczumacommitted to Prison byCortesius.
Mean whileMuteczumaconsulted with his Sorcerers to destroyCortesiusby Charms, who then was marching throughChalco, whereupon a considerable number of Sorcerers went thither to the top of a high Mountain, where, as they were beginning their Incantations and Charms, their IdolTezcalipucaappear’d to them; and in an angry manner told them, ThatMuteczumashould lose his Crown and Life; and to confirm his words, he shew’d them a dreadful spectacle; for looking about, they saw the City in a light flame. This being told toMuteczuma, he resolv’d to make himself as secure as he could, and went to meetCortesiuswith costly Presents, delivering him the Crown in the presence of all his Council; to which purpose he took oneMarina, experienc’d in theCastilianTongue, with him for his Interpreter; all things then seeming to end in Friendship. But they continu’d not long in that state; forCortesius, whose whole Design was to bringMexicounder theSpaniardsSubjection, not long after accus’dMuteczuma, thatCoalcopocahad on his Commands storm’d the newSpanishCityVera Crux, which he could no way excuse; and notwithstandingMuteczumadeliver’d himCoalcopoca, with fifteen of his Nobles Prisoners, who were all burnt with green Wood; yet he was committed Prisoner, to the great discontent of theMexicans, who said, “That they were now come to a fine pass, to be thus fool’d by a few Strangers, who had imprison’d their King, trampled upon their ancient Images, endeavor’d to murther them all, and in despite of them brought their mortal Enemies, theTascaltecansandGuazuzingans, intoMexico.â€
Cortesiusmarches againstVelasquez’s Party.
About this time there were certain Ships come toVera Crux, which was a new Port-Town of this Countrey, that theSpaniardshad built since their coming thither, and had Landed near upon a thousand Men; which was an Accident that had like to have spoil’d the Design ofCortesiusand all his Company atMexico, these Men being sent byJames Velasquez; Governor ofCuba, expressly againstCortesiusand his Men, upon pretence that they had acted not conformably to the Commission which they had receiv’d from him, and gave him no account of their proceedings; which in a great measure was true: for it must be confess’d, thatCortesiusand his Men finding themselves to have fall’n upon an Adventure that was certainly rich and good, and having got such footing and interest in the Countrey already, by their Success and Victories, and chiefly by their Confederacy with so many of the Natives and People of the Countrey, revolted to them, did almost at first, by a general consent, renounce their Commission, and dependency uponVelasquez, andprofess’d to act immediately from and for the King ofSpain. What pretences they had for such a Resolution, seemingly at least irregular, is not so well known. Whatever they were, they proceed in it, and the whole Company (excepting onely some few, who yet went along with the rest) chuseCortesiusanew for their Commander in chief, and appoint likewise by common consent, all other Officers of Justice, both Civil and Military, among themselves: and to give the better colour at Court to their Proceedings, they sendPortocorreroandMonteio, two of their Principals, intoSpain, with a rich and noble Present to the Emperor, both to make report of the State of the Countrey, and to procure immediate Commission from his Majesty, to proceed; after which they advance towards Mexico, as hath been said.Velasquez, being atCuba, and understanding their Proceedings, labor’d to intercept both their Messengers and Present, but could not; and therefore sentPamphilius Narvaezwith eleven Ships, and about nine hundred or a thousand Men to apprehendCortesius, and oppose his Proceedings. This hapned about the time that the Differences were but newly calm’d betwixt theSpaniardsand the People ofMexico; and though it oblig’dCortesiusto leave the City in a wavering and unsetled condition, yet he took such order, thatMuteczumastill remain’d under the Guard of theSpaniardsas before, assisted with thousands of their Friends ofTlascalla, and he himself taking the rest, and some fewSpaniardsalong with him, with undaunted courage and resolution marches againstNarvaez: and such was his good fortune, that not onelyNarvaezbecame his Prisoner without much blood-shed, but likewise all his Men joyn’d with him in his Design, through the favour of the Chancery or supream Court ofSt. Domingo, and by the procurement of the LicentiatVasquez de Ayllon, a Judge of it, who was sent withNarvaezto accommodate the Differences. With this RecruitCortesiusmarches back again toMexico; but at his coming finds things in a very bad condition; for the Citizens, gather’d together under the Command of oneQuicuxtemoc, had recourse to Arms, and for three days and three Nights vex’d theSpaniardswith continual Stormings, notwithstanding what-ever Commands they had to the contrary from their imprison’d King, who at last, looking out of a Window, endeavoring to appease them, was hurt with a Stone, of which he soon after died, as they say, who would not have theSpaniardsthought to have murder’d him, as theMexicanssay they did, with divers other Noble-men, and some of his Children, the very Night they fled. However it were, not long after his Death, out of extream necessity, and chiefly for want of Victuals, theSpaniardswere forc’d to leave the City in the night-time, and with the loss of four hundred and fifty of their Men, who were either slain or taken Prisoners at the passing of a Draw-bridge, the rest making a heavy Retreat to their Friends atTlascalla. There is standing at this day inMexico, upon the place where so many of them were kill’d, a certain Hermitage, which they callLos Martyres, orThe Hermitage of the Martyrs, though but improperly, if upon that occasion, as one of their own Writers confesses, though he alledges no other reason.
Mexicotaken by theSpaniards.
This Retreat of theSpaniardsout ofMexicohapned to be upon the tenth ofJulyafter mid-night, in the Year 1520. which theSpaniardsatMexicocallThe Doleful Night. Nevertheless the undauntedCortesiusbeing got, though with much difficulty and trouble, by reason of the pursuit of theMexicansfor a good part of the Way, to his sure Friends ofTlascalla, neither lost his Courage, nor gave over his Resolution of yet gainingMexico, especially the way being now laid open, and sufficient occasion given by the Death ofMuteczuma, and the provocations of theMexicansthemselves, to make himself absolute and sole Lord of the Place: wherefore having sent for, and procur’d a competent Supply of fresh Soldiers fromSanto Domingo, orHispaniola,Almeria,Cuba, and other places, being in all nine hundred Foot, eight hundred Horse, and seventeen Pieces of Ordnance; he joyns himself with the Auxiliary Forces ofTlascalla, which were no less than a hundred thousand Men, Arm’d with Bowes and Arrows: and with this Army marches again towardsMexico, and Besieges it both by Land and Water,viz.with the help of thirteenBrigantinesorGalliots, which he had built upon the Lake, and six thousandCanoos, or little Boats, which his Friends and Confederates had procur’d him. By which means, and by his Army on Land, in a short time he cut off all Provision from the City, and after a Siege of full three Months or more, and a most stout and obstinate resistance made by the People within, in which they are said to have lost above a hundred thousand Men, beside those which perish’d by Famine, Sickness, or otherwise, he took it by Storm uponTuesdaythe thirteenth ofAugust 1521.Sackt it first, and then burnt it to the Ground; yet afterwards he caus’d it to be Re-built again, far more Beautiful than at first it was; as in due place we shall further see. They speak not of above fiftySpaniardsslain during the whole Siege, six Horses, and not manyTlascaltecans.
Cortezadvanc’d to Honors.
In this manner, and with so little Charges to the Conqueror, there fell to the Crown ofSpainthe richest and goodliest Kingdom (one of them) of the whole World,viz.the Kingdom ofMexico, which the Conquerors presently nam’dNew Spain; and in reference to which name, theCatholick Kinghath ever since stil’d himself in the plural numberHispaniarum Rex, orKing of both Spains; and all by the Valor, Prudence, admirable Resolution, and happy Conduct ofCortez; who was at first but a private Adventurer in theAmericanPlantations and Discoveries, though otherwise a Gentleman of a good Family inSpain, born atMedellinin the Country ofEstramedura. The EmperorCharlesthe Fifth, who was also then King ofSpain, for his great Services, endow’d him deservedly with many great and rich Territories in the Provinces ofTlascalla,Mechoacan, and other parts thereabouts, made him Marquess of the Valley,viz.ofGuaxata, (which is his chief Title) a rich and flourishing Province of that Countrey, Captain General, or Commander in Chief, of all the Military Forces ofNew-Spain, and General Discoverer of all the Maritime parts and Coasts ofAmericatowards the South-Sea, assigning him in propriety the twelfth part of whatsoever should be discover’d, to him and his Heirs for ever; but deny’d him the Government ofMexicoout of reason of State, though ’tis said, he much desir’d it.
The grand HavenAcapulco.
Among the famous Havens which lie along the South Sea, and Northern Ocean the chiefest isAcapulcobefore-mention’d, whither all Merchandize is sent to be transported toChina, which is above two thousand Leagues distant from thence; in which Voyage they generally spend fourteen Months; four Sail, each of eight hundred Tun, appointed for this Trade; generally two of them set Sail toChinainMarch, and returning in Summer, have no sooner drop’d their Anchors, but the other two set out fromAcapulco, from whence the way by Land toMexico, is seventy two Leagues over steep Mountains, dangerous Rocks, and several Rivers; the chiefest whereof are, first,Del Papagayo, orDe las Balsas, which runs exceeding strong, which theIndianscross on bundles of Canes ty’d uponCallabashes: NextSan Francisco, which though the biggest, yet hath many shallow places to wade over. TheMustichoesare no small Plagues to those that travel this way, for their Poysonous Stings are the occasions of many Ulcerated Wounds, and oft-times Death it self.
In this way lies also the Countreydel Valle, from whichFerdinand Cortesiusreceiv’d the Title of Earl.
PORTUS ACAPULCO
The Mouth of the HavenAcapulcogapes a full League North and South, and within exceeding large, hath a nook call’dBoca Grande, where the Ships Ride safe at an Anchor: More Easterly appears a Land Inlet, (by theSpaniardscall’dPuerto del Marques) secur’d against all Winds; near which is the City ofSan Diego, to which belongs a Fort, with six Bulwarks, lying on a Promontory; the main of the City is one large Street, consisting of fair and stately Houses, and leading directly to the Haven; the Church which is of an oblong square, hath a high Steeple in the middle.
Spilbergen’s Expedition.
ADutchAdmiral, oneJoris Spilbergen, after he had done theSpaniardsall the mischief he could along the South Sea, ran with five Sail under the FortAcapulco, which fir’d ten Guns at him; whereupon, theDutchAdmiral Manning a Boat, with a white Flag, they agreed upon a Cessation, and theSpaniardswent aboard of the Admiral, to whomPedro Alvares, andFrancisco Menendus, having been a considerable time inHolland, and speaking the Language of that Countrey very perfect, promis’d that all his Demands should be satisfi’d; yetSpilbergenwas suspicious that theSpaniardshad a design upon him, wherefore he came and lay close under the Castle with his five Sail, and made ready his Guns: But this suspicion was soon clear’d, whenAlvaresandMenendusproffer’d to stay as Hostages, till the Governor of the Town sent the Admiral thirty Oxen, fifty Sheep, some hundreds of Poultry, Coals, Oranges, Cittrons, and the like fresh Provisions; as also Wood and Water; during which time, the Prisoners being set at liberty, several Persons of Quality came to visit the Admiral, amongst whom was CaptainCastilio, one that had serv’d twenty years in theLow-CountreyWars; andMelchior Hernando, Nephew to the Vice-Roy ofNew-Spain, who desirous to see the Ships that durst set twice uponRodrigo de Mendose, Admiral of the King ofSpain’s mighty Fleet, stood amaz’d that such little Frigats durst Ingage with so many greatSpanishShips; and carry’d the Admiral’s Son to the Governor of the City, call’dGeorgius Perro, who civilly entertain’d him: Eight daysSpilbergenspent here atAcapulco, admiring the courteous Entertainment of theSpaniards, and the more, because that having News but eight Moneths before of theDutchFleet setting out, they had in that short time made all things ready for resistance, the Fort having seventeen Brass Guns, and four hundred Soldiers, besides many Noblemen and Reformades, whereas at other times there us’d not to be above forty Men, and four Guns in the same.