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Of the Mexicaincs departure, of their journey and peopling the Province of Mechouacan.
CHAP. 4.
Three hundred and two yeares after, the former two lineages had left their Country to inhabite New Spaine,
the Country being now well peopled and reduced to some forme of government. Those of the seventh cave or line
arrived, which is the Mexicaine Nation, the which, like unto the rest, left the Province of Aztlan
and Teuculhuacan, a pollitike, courtlike, and warlike Nation. They did worship the idoll Vitzliputzli,
whereof ample mention hath beene made, and the divell that was in this idoll spake, and governed this Nation
easily. This idoll commanded them to leave their Country, promising to make them Princes and Lords over all the
Provinces which the other six Nations did possesse, that hee would give them a land abounding with gold, silver,
pretious stones, feathers, and rich mantells: whereupon they went forth, carrying their idoll with them in a
coffer of reedes, supported by foure of their principall priests, with whome he did talke and reveale unto them
in secret, the successe of their way and voyage, advising them of what should happen. He likewise gave them
lawes, and taught them the customes, ceremonies, and sacrifices they should observe. They did not advance nor
moove without commandement from this idoll. He gave them notice when to march and when to stay in any place,
wherein they wholy obeyed him. The first thing they did wheresoever they came was to build a house or tabernacle
for their false god, which they set alwaies in the middest
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
505
of their Campe, and there placed the Arke uppon an altare, in the same manner as they have used in the holy
Christian Church. This done, they sowed their land for bread and pulses, which they used: and they were so
addicted to the obedience of their god, that if he commanded them to gather, they gathered: but if he commanded
them to raise their campe, all was left there for the nourishment of the aged, sicke, and wearie, which they
left purposely from place to place, that they might people it, pretending by this meanes that all the land
should remaine inhabited by their Nation. This going forth and peregrination of the Mexicaines will
happily seeme like to that of Egypt, and to the way which the children of Israell made, seeing
that they, as well as those, were warned to go forth and to seeke the land of promise, and both the one and
the other carried their god for their guide, consulted with the arke and made him a tabernacle, and he advised
them, giving them lawes and ceremonies, and both the one and the other spake many yeares in their voyage to
their promised land, where we observe the resemblance of many other things, as the histories of the
Mexicaines do report, and the holy scriptures testifie of the Israelites. And without doubt it is a true
thing, that the Divell, the prince of pride, hath laboured by the superstitions of this Nation, to counterfaite
and imitate that which the most high God did with this Nation: for, as is said before, Satan hath a strange
desire to compare and make himselfe equal with God: so as this mortall enemy hath pretended falsely to usurpe
what communication and familiaritie he hath pleased with men. Was there ever divell found so familiarly
conversant with men as this divell Vitzlipuztli? We may wel judge what
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he was, for that there was never seene nor heard speake of customes more superstitious, nor sacrifices more
cruel and inhumane, than those which he taught them. To conclude, they were invented by the enemy of mankinde.
The chiefe and Captaine whome they followed was called Mexi, whence came the name of Mexico, &
of the Mexicaine Nation. This people marching thus at leisure, as the other six Nations had done,
peopling and tilling the land in divers partes, whereof there is yet some shewes &ruines: and after they had
endured many travalls and dangers, in the end they came to the Province of Mechouacan, which is as much
to say, a land of fish, for there is great abundance in goodly great lakes, where, contenting themselves with
the situation and temperature of the ground, they resolved to stay there. Yet, having consulted with their
idoll upon this point, and finding him unwilling, they demanded license to leave some of their men to people so
good a land, the which he granted, teaching them the meanes how to do it, which was, that when the men and
women should be entred into a goodly lake called Pascuaro to bathe themselves, those which remained on
land should steale away all their clothes, and then secretly raise their campe and depart without any bruite,
the which was effected, and the rest which dreamt not of this deceit (for the pleasure they tooke in bathing),
comming forth and finding themselves spoiled of their garments, and thus mocked and left by their companions,
they remained discontented and vexed therewith: so as, to make shew of the hatred they had conceived against
them, they say that they changed their maner of life and their language. At the least, it is most certaine that
the Mechouacans have been alwaies
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
507
enemies to the Mexicaines, and therefore they came to congratulate the Marquis De Valle, after
his victory obtained when he had conquered Mexico.
Of that which happened in Malinalco, Tula, and in Chapultepec.
CHAP. 5.
From Mechouacan to Mexico are above fifty leagues, and upon the way is Malinalco, where
it happened that complaining to their idoll of a woman that was a notable witch, which came in their company
carrying the name of a sister to their god, for that with her wicked artes she did them much harme, pretending
by certaine meanes to be worshipped of them as their goddesse: the idoll spake in a dreame to one of those old
men that carried the arke, commaunding him to comfort the people, making them new and great promises, and that
they should leave this his sister with her family, being cruell and bad, raising their campe at mid-night in
great silence, leaving no shew what way they passed. So they did, and the witch remaining alone with her
family, in this sort peopled a towne which they call Malinalco, the inhabitants whereof are held for
great sorcerers, being issued from such a mother. The Mexicaines, for that they were greatly diminished
by these divisions, and by the number of sicke and wearied persons which they had left behind, meant to repaire
themselves, and to stay in a place called Tula, which signifies a place of reedes. There their idoll
commanded them to stoppe a great river, that it might cover a great plaine, and by the meanes he taught them
they did inviron a little hill called Coatepec, making a great lake, the which they did plant round about
with willows,
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elmes, sapines, and other trees. There beganne to breede much fish, and many birdes came thither: so as it
became a very pleasant place. The situation of this place seeming pleasant unto them, and being wearied with
travell, many talked of peopling there, and to passe no farther: wherewith the divell was much displeased,
threatning the priests with death, commanding them to returne the river to hir course, saying that he would
that night chastise those which had beene disobedient as they had deserved. And as to do ill is proper to the
Divell, and that the divine Justice doth often suffer such to be delivered into the hands of such a tormentor,
that choose him for their god: it chanced that about mid-night they heard a great noise in one part of the
campe, and in the morning going thither they found those dead that had talked of staying there. The manor of
their death was, that their stomackes were opened and their hearts pulled out. And by that meanes this good
god taught these poore miserable creatures the kindes of sacrifices that pleased him, which was in opening the
stomacke to pull out the heart, as they have since practised in their horrible sacrifices. Seeing this
punishment, and that the plaine was dried, the lake being emptied, they asked counsell of their god what to
doo, who commanded them to passe on, the which they did by little and little, untill they came to
Chapultepec, a league from Mexico, famous for the pleasantnes thereof. They did fortifie
themselves in these mountaines, fearing the nations which inhabited that Country, the which were opposite unto
them, especially for that one named Copill, sonne to this sorceresse, left in Malinalco, had
blamed and spoken ill of the Mexicaines: for this Copill, by the commandement
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
509
of his mother, awhile after followed the Mexicaines course, labouring to incense the Tepanecas
and other neighbours against them, even unto the Chalcas: so as they came with a strong army to destroy
the Mexicaines. Copill, in the meane space, stoode upon a little hill in the middest of a lake called
Acopilco, attending the destruction of his enemies, and they, by the advise of their idoll, went against
him, tooke him suddenly, and slew him, carrying his heart to their god, who commanded them to cast it into the
lake, faining that thereof did grow a plant called Tunal, where since Mexico was built. They came
to fight with the Chalcas and other Nations, having chosen for their Captaine a valiant man called
Vitzilonitli, who, in an encounter, was taken and slaine by the enemies. But for all this, they were
not discouraged, but fought valiantly; and in dispight of their enemies they brake the squadrons, and carrying
their aged, their women, and yong children in the midst of their battaile; they passed on to Atlacuyavaya,
a town of the Culhuas, whom they found solemnising of a feast, in which place they fortified. The
Chalcas, nor the other Nations, did not follow them, but grieved to be defeated by so small a number of
men; they being in so great multitudes retyred to their townes.
Of the Warres the Mexicaines had against them of Culhuacan.
CHAP. 6.
The Mexicaines, by the advice of their idoll, sent their messengers to the Lord of Culhuacan, to
demand a place to dwell in, who after he had imparted it to his people, granted them the place of
Ticaapan, which
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The Naturall and Morall
signifies white waters, to the end they should all perish there, being full of vipers, snakes, and other
venomous beasts which bred in a hill neere adjoyning. But being perswaded and taught by their divell, they
accepted willingly what was offered, and by their divelish art tamed these beastes, so as they did them no
harme; yea, they used them as meat, eating them with delight and appetite. The which the Lord of
Culhuacan seeing, and that they had tilled and sowed the land, he resolved to receive them into the
Cittie, and to contract amity with them. But the god whom the Mexicaines did worship (as he is accustomed
to do no good, but ill) said unto his priests, that this was not the place where he would have them stay, and
that they must go forth making warres. Therefore they must seeke forth a woman, and name her the goddesse of
Discord. Whereupon they resolved to send to the King of Culhuacan, to demand his daughter to be Queene
of the Mexicaines, and mother to their god, who received this Ambassage willingly, sending his daughter
presently gorgeously attyred and well accompanied. The same night she arrived, by order of the murtherer whome
they worshipped, they killed her cruelly, and having flaed her artificially as they could do, they did clothe
a yong man with her skinne, and thereupon her apparrell, placing him neere their idoll, dedicating him for a
goddesse and the mother of their god, and ever after did worship it, making an idoll which they called
Toccy, which is to say our grandmother. Not content with this crueltie, they did maliciously invite the
King of Culhuacan, the father of the yong maid, to come and worshippe his daughter, who was now
consecrated a goddesse, who comming with great presents, and well accompanied
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
511
with his people, he was led into a very darke chappell where their idoll was, that he might offer sacrifice
to his daughter that was in that place. But it chanced that the incense that was upon the harth, according to
their custome, kindled in such sort, as hee might discerne his daughters haire, and having by this meanes
discovered the cruelty and deceit, hee went forth crying alowde, and with all his men he fell upon the
Mexicaines, forcing them to retyre to the lake, so as they were almost drowned. The Mexicaines
defended themselves, casting certaine little darts, which they used in the warres, wherewith they much galled
their ennemies. But in the end they got land, and leaving that place, they coasted along the lake, very weary
and wet; the women and little children crying and making great exclamations against them and their god that
had brought them into this distresse. They were inforced to passe a river that could not be waded through, and
therefore they advised to make small boates of their targets, and of reedes, wherein they passed. Then
afterwardes, having left Culhuacan, they arrived at Iztacalco, [Iztapalapa?] [and next at
Acatzintitlan, afterwards at Iztacal,] and finally at the place where the hermitage of Saint
Anthonie now is, at the entry of Mexico, and to that quarter which they now call S. Paul.
During which time their idoll did comfort them in their travells and incoraged them, promising great matters.
Of the foundation of Mexico.
CHAP. 7.
The time being now come, that the father of lies should accomplish his promise made to his people, who could
no longer suffer so many turnings, travells,
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The Naturall and Morall
and dangers, it happened that some old priests or sorcerers, being entred into a place full of
water-lilies, they met with a very faire and cleere current of water, which seemed to be silver, and
looking about, they found the trees, medowes, fish, and all that they beheld to be very white: wondring
heereat, they remembred a prophecie of their god, whereby he had given them that for a token of their
place of rest, and to make them Lords of other Nations. Then weeping for joy, they returned to the
people with these good newes. The night following, Vitzliputzli appeared in a dreame to an
antient priest, saying, that they should seeke out a Tunal in the lake, which grew out of a stone
(which as he told them, was the same place where by his commaundement they had cast the heart of
Copil, sonne to the sorceresse, their enemy) and upon this Tunal they should see a goodly
Eagle, which fed on certaine small birdes. When they should see this, they should beleeve it was the
place where their Cittie should be built, the which should surmount al others, and be famous throughout
the world. Morning being come, the old man assembled the whole people, from the greatest to the least,
making a long speech unto them, how much they were bound unto their god, and of the Revelation, which
(although unworthy) hee had received that night, concluding that all must seeke out that happie place
which was promised them: which bred such devotion and joy in them all, that presently they undertooke
the enterprise, and dividing themselves into bandes, they beganne to search, following the signes of
the revelation of the desired place. Amidest the thickest of these water-lillies in the lake, they met
with the same course of water they had seene the day before,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
513
but much differing, being not white, but red, like blood, the which divided itselfe into two streames,
whereof the one was of a very obscure azure, the which bred admiration in them, noting some great
mistery as they said. After much search heere and there, the Tunal appeared growing on a stone,
whereon was a royall Eagle, with the wings displaied towardes the Sunne, receiving his heat. About this
Eagle were many rich fethers, white, red, yellow, blew, and greene, of the same sort as they make their
images, which Eagle held in his tallants a goodly birde. Those which sawe it and knew it to be the place
fore-told by the Oracle, fel on their knees, doing great worship to the Eagle, which bowed the head
looking on every side. Then was there great cries, demonstrations, and thanks unto the Creator, and to
their great god Vitzliputzli, who was their father, and had alwaies told them truth. For this
reason they called the cittie which they founded there, Tenoxtitlan, which signifies Tunal
on a stone, and to this day they carry in their armes, an Eagle upon a Tunal, with a bird in one
tallant, and standing with the other upon the Tunal. The day following, by common consent, they
made an hermitage adjoyning to the Tunal of the Eagle, that the Arke of their god might rest
there, till they might have meanes to build him a sumptuous Temple: and so they made this hermitage of
flagges & turfes covered with straw: then having consulted with their god, they resolved to buy of their
neighbours, stone, timber, lime, in exchange of fish, frogges, and yong kids, and for duckes,
water-hennes, curlews, and divers other kindes of sea fowles. All which things they did fish and hunt
for in this Lake, whereof there is great aboundance. They went with these
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The Naturall and Morall
things to the markets of the Townes and Citties of the Tepanecans, and of them of Tescuco
their neighbours, and with pollicie they gathered together, by little and little, what was necessary
for the building of their Cittie: so as they built a better Chappell for their idoll of lime and
stone, and laboured to fill up a great part of the lake with rubbish. This done, the idoll spake one
night to one of his priests in these tearmes, Say unto the Mexicaines, that the Noblemen divide
themselves everie one with their kinsfolkes and friends, and that they divide themselves into foure
principall quarters, about the house which you have built for my rest, and let every quarter build
in his quarter at his pleasure. The which was put in execution: and those be the foure principall
quarters of Mexico, which are called at this day S. Jean, S. Mary the round,
S. Paul,, and S. Sebastian. After this, the Mexicaines being thus divided into
these foure quarters, their god commanded them to divide amongest them the gods he should name to
them, and that each principal quarter should name other special quarters, where these gods should be
worshipped. So as under every one of these foure principall quarters, there were many less
comprehended, according to the number of the idolls which their god commanded them to worship, which
they called Calpultetco, which is as much as to say, god of the quarters. In this manner, the
Cittie of Mexico Tenoxtitlan was founded, and grew great.
Of the sedition of those of Tlatelulco, and of the first King the Mexicaines did choose.
CHAP. 8.
This division being made as afore-said, some olde men and Antients held opinion, that in the division,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
515
they had not respected them as they deserved: for this cause, they and their kinsfolke did mutine,
and went to seeke another residence; and as they went thorough the lake, they found a small peece of
ground or terrasse, which they call Tloteloli, where they inhabited, calling it Tlatellulco,
which signifies place of a terrasse. This was the third division of the Mexicaines, since they
left their Country. That of Mechouacan being the first, and that of Malinalco the second.
Those which separated themselves and went to Tlatellulco were famous men, but of bad disposition:
and therefore they practised against the Mexicaines, their neighbours, all the ill neighbourhood
they could. They had alwaies quarrells against them, and to this day continues their hatred and olde
leagues. They of Tenoxtitlan, seeing them of Tlatellulco thus opposite unto them, and
that they multiplied, feared that in time they might surmount them: heereupon they assembled in
counsell, where they thought it good to choose a King, whome they should obey, and strike terror into
their enemies, that by this meanes they should bee more united and stronger among themselves, and their
enemies not presume too much against them. Being thus resolved to choose a King, they took another
advise very profitable and assured, to choose none among themselves, for the avoyding of dissentions,
and to gaine (by their new King) some other neighbour nations, by whom they were invironed, being
destitute of all succours. All well considered, both to pacific the King of Culhuacan, whome
they had greatly offended, having slaine and flead the daughter of his predecessor, and done him so
great a scorne, as also to have a King of the Mexicaine blood, of which generation there were
many in
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The Naturall and Morall
Culhuacan, which continued there since the time they lived in peace amongst them: they resolved to
choose for their King, a yong man called Acamapixtli, sonne to a great Mexicaine Prince, and of a
Ladie, daughter to the King of Culhuacan. Presently they sent Ambassadors with a great present to
demand this man, who delivered their Ambassage in these tearmes, Great Lord, we your vassals and servants,
placed and shut up in the weedes and reedes of the Lake, alone and abandoned of all the Nations of the world,
led onely and guided by our god to the place where we are, which falles in the jurisdiction of your limits of
Ascapusalco, and of Tescuco. Although you have suffered us to live and remaine there, yet will we not, neither
is it reason to, live without a head and lord to command, to correct, and governe us, instructing us in the
course of our life, and defending us from our enemies: Therefore we come to you, knowing that in your Court
and house, there are children of our generation, linckt and alied with yours, issued from our entrailes, and
yours, of our blood and yours, among the which we have knowledge of a grand-child of yours and ours, called
Acamapixtli. We beseech you, therefore, to give him us for Lord, we will esteeme him as hee deserves, seeing
hee is of the lineage of the Lords of Mexico, and the Kings of Culhuacan.
The king having consulted uppon this poynt, and finding it nothing inconvenient to be alied to the
Mexicaines, who were valiant men, made them answer that they should take his grandchilde in good time,
adding thereunto, that if he had beene a woman, hee woulde not have given her, noting the foule fact before
spoken of, ending his discourse with these wordes: Let my grand-childe go to serve your god, and be his
lieuetenant, to rule and governe his creatures, by whom we live, who is the Lord
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
517
of night, day, and windes: Let him goo and be Lord of the water and land, and possesse the Mexicaine Nation,
take him in good time, and use him as my sonne and grand-childe. The Mexicaines gave him thanks, all
joyntly desiring him to marry him with his owne hand, so as he gave him to wife one of the noblest Ladies
amongst them. They conducted the new King and Queene with all honour possible, and made him a solemne
reception, going all in generall fourth to see the king, whom they led into pallaces, which were then but
meane: and having seated them in royall throanes, presently one of the Antients and an Orator much esteemed
amongest them, did rise up, speaking in this manner: My sonne, our Lord and King, thou art welcome to this
poor house and citty, amongest these weedes and mudde, where thy poore fathers, grandfathers, and kinsfolkes,
endure what it pleaseth the Lord of things created. Remember, Lord, thou commest hither to be the defence and
support of the Mexicaine Nation, and to be the resemblance of our God Vitzlipuztli, whereupon the charge and
governement is given thee. Thou knowest we are not in our country, seeing the land we possesse at this day is
anothers, neither know we what shall become of us to-morrowe, or another day: Consider, therefore, that thou
commest not to rest or recreate thy selfe, but rather to indure a new charge under so heavie a burden:
wherein thou must continually labour, being slave to this multitude, which is fallen to thy lotte, and to all
this neighbour people, whome thou must strive to gratifie, and give them contentment, seeing thou knowest we
live upon their lands, and within their limites. And ending, hee repeated these wordes: Thou art
welcome, thou and the Queene our Mistris, to this your realme. This was the speech of the old man, which,
with other orations (which the Mexicaine histories do celebrate) the
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children did use to learne by hart, and so they were kept by tradition, some of them deserve well to be
reported in their proper termes. The king aunswering, thanked them, and offered them his care and diligence
in their defence and aide in all he could. After they gave him the othe, and after their maner set the royall
crown upon his head, the which is like to the Crowne of the dukes of Venice: the name of Acamapixtli,
their first king, signifies a handfull of reeds, and therefore they carry in their armories a hand holding
many arrows of reedes.
Of the strange tribute the Mexicaines paied to them of Azcapuzalco.
CHAP. 9.
The Mexicaines happened so well in the election of their new king, that in short time they grew to have some
form of a common-weale, and to be famous among strangers: whereupon their neighbours, moved with feare,
practised to subdue them, especially the Tepanecans, who had Azcapuzalco for their metropolitane
citty, to whome the Mexicaines payed tribute, as strangers dwelling in their land. For the king of
Azcapuzalco fearing their power which increased, soght to oppresse the Mexicaines, and having consulted
with his subjects, he sent to tel king Acamapixtli that the ordinary tribute they payed was too little,
and that from thencefoorth they should bring firre trees, sapines, and willowes for the building of the citty,
and moreover they shoulde make him a garden in the water planted with diverse kindes of hearbes and pulses,
which they should bring unto him yearely by water, dressed in this manor, without failing; which if they did
not, he declared them his enemies, and would roote them out. The Mexicaines were
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
519
much troubled at this commaundement, holding it impossible: and that this demaund was to no other end, but to
seeke occasion to ruine them. But their god Vitzlipuzli comforted them, appearing that night to an olde
man, commaunding him to say to the king his sonne in his name, that hee should make no difficultie to accept
of this tribute, he would help them and make the meanes easie, which after happened: for the time of tribute
being come, the Mexicanes carried the trees that were required, and moreover, a garden made and floating in
the water, and in it much Mays (which is their corne) already grained and in the eare: there was also Indian
pepper, beetes, Tomates, pease, gourds, and many other things, al ripe, and in their season. Such as
have not seene the gardines in the lake of Mexico, in the middest of the water, will not beleeve it,
but will say it is an inchantment of the Divell whom they worship: But in trueth it is a matter to be done,
and there hath beene often seene of these gardens floating in the water; for they cast earth upon reedes and
grasse, in such sort as it never wastes in the water; they sowe and plant this ground, so as the graine growes
and ripens very well, and then they remove it from place to place. But it is true, that to make this great
garden easily, and to have the fruites grow well, is a thing that makes men judge there was the worke of
Vitzliputzli, whom otherwise they call Patillas, specially having never made nor seene the like.
The king of Azcapuzalco wondred much when he sawe that accomplished which he held impossible, saying
unto his subiects, that this people had a great god that made all easie unto them, and lice sayd unto the
Mexicaines, that seeing their God gave them all
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The Naturall and Morall
things perfit, hee would the yeare following, at the time of tribute, they shoulde bring in their gardine a
wild ducke, and a heron, sitting on their egges, in such sorte, that they should hatch their yoong ones as
they should arrive, without failing of a minute, upon paine of his indignation. The Mexicans were much
troubled and heavy with this prowde and strict commaunde: but their god, as he was accustomed, comforted them
in the night, by one of his priests, saying that he would take all that charge upon him, willing them not to
fear, but beleeve that the day would come, whenas the Azcapuzalcos should pay with their lives this
desire of new tributes. The time being come, as the Mexicaines carried all that was demaunded of their gardins,
among the reeds and weeds of the gardin, they found a ducke and a heron hatching their egges, and at the
same instant when they arrived at Azcapuzalco their yong ones were disclosed. Wherat the king of
Azcapuzalco wondring beyond measure, he said again e to his people, that these were more than humane
beings, and that the Mexicans beganne as if they would make themselves lordes over all those provinces. Yet
did he not diminish the order of this tribute, and the Mexicans finding not themselves mighty enough, endured
this subjection and slavery the space of fifty yeeres. In this time the king Acamapixtli died, having
beautified the Citty of Mexico with many goodly buildings, streets, conduits of water, and great
aboundance of munition. Hee raigned in peace and rest forty yeares, having bin alwayes zealous for the good
and increase of the common-weale.
As hee drew neare his end, hee did one memorable thing, that having lawfull children to whom he might leave
the succession of the realme, yet would he not do it,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
521
but contrariwise hee spake freely to the common-weale, that as they had made a free election of him, so they
should choose him that should seeme fittest for their good government, advising them therein to have a care
to the good of the common-weale, and seeming grieved that he left them not freed from tribute and subjection,
hee died, having recommended his wife and children unto them, he left all his people sorrowfull for his death.
Of the second King, and what happened in his raigne.
CHAP. 10.
The obsequies of the dead king performed, the Antients, the ehiefe of the reahne, and some part of the people
assembled together to choose a King, where the Antients propounded the necessitie wherein they were, and that
it was needefull to choose for chiefe of their citty, a man that had pity of age, of widows, and orphans, and
to be a father of the connnonweale: for in very deede they should be the feathers of his wings, the eie-browes
of his eyes, and the beard of his face, that it was necessarie he were valiant, being needefull shortly to use
their forces, as their god had prophesied. Their resolution in the end was to chuse a sonne of the predecessor,
using the like good office in accepting his sonne for successor, as hee had done to the commonweale, relying
thereon. This young man was called Vitzilovitli, which signilieth a rich leather; they set the royall
crowne upon his head, and annointed him, as they have beene accustomed to doo to all their Kings, with an
ointment they call Divine, being the same unction where with they did annoynt their Idoll. Presently
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an Orator made an eloquent speech, exhorting him to arme himselfe with courage, and free them from the
travells, slavery, and misery they suffered, being oppressed by the Azcapuzalcos: which done, all did
him homage. This king was not married, and his Counsell helde opinion, that it was good to marry him with the
daughter of the king of Azcapuzalco, to have him a friend by this alliance, and to obtain some
diminution of their heavy burthen of tributes imposed upon them, and yet they feared lest he should disdaine
to give them his daughter, by reason they were his vassalls: yet the king of Azcapuzalco yeelded
thereunto, having humbly required him, who, with curteous wordes, gave them his daughter, called
Ayauchigual, whom they ledde with great pompe and joy to Mexico, and performed the ceremony and
solemnity of marriage, which was to tie a corner of the mans cloke to a part of the womans vaile in signe of
the band of marriage. This Queene broght foorth a sonne, of whose name they demaunded advise of the king of
Azcapuzalco, and casting lots as they had accustomed (being greatly given to sooth-sayings, especially
upon the names of their children), he would have his grand-childe called Chimalpopoca, which signifies
a target casting smoke. The Queene, his daughter, seeing the contentment the King of Azcapuzalco had
of his grand-child, tooke occasion to intreat him to releeve the Mexicaines of the heavy burthen of their
tributes, seeing he had now a grand-child Mexicaine, the which the King willingly yeelded unto, by the advise
of his Counsell, granting (for the tribute which they paid) to bring yeerely a couple of duckes and some fish,
in signe of subjection, and that they dwelt in his land. The Mexicaines, by this meanes, remained much
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
523
eased and content, but it lasted little. For the Queene, their Protectrix died soone after: and the yere
following, likewise Vitzilovitli, the king of Mexico died, leaving his sonne, Chimalpopeca,
tenne yeares olde: hee raigned thirteene yeeres, and died thirty yeeres old, or little more. Hee was held for
a good king, and carefull in the service of his gods, whose Images hee held kings to be: and that the honour
done to their god was done to the King who was his image. For this cause the kings have beene so affectionate
to the service of their gods. This king was carefull to winne the love of his neighbours, and to trafficke
with them, whereby hee augmented his citty, exercising his men in warrelike actions in the Lake, disposing
them to that which he pretended, as you shall see presently.
Of Chimalpopoca, the third king, and his cruell death, and the occasion of warre which the Mexicaines made.
CHAP. 11.
The Mexicaines, for successor to their deceased king, did choose his sonne Chimalpopoca by common
consent, although he were a child of tenne yeeres old, being of opinion that it was alwayes necessary to keepe
the favor of the king of Azcapuzalco, making his grand-childe king. They then set him in his throane,
giving him the ensignes of warre, with a bowe and arrowes in one hand, and a sword with rasours (which they
commonly use) in the right, signifying thereby (as they do say) that they pretended by armes to set themselves
at liberty. The Mexicaines had great want of water, that of the Lake being very thicke and muddy, and
therefore ill to drincke, so as they caused their infant king to desire
524
The Naturall and Morall
of his grandfather, the king of Azcapuzalco, the water of the mountaine of Chapultepec, which is
from Mexico a league, as is saide before, which they easely obtained, and by their industry made an
aqueduct of faggots, weeds, and flagges, by the which they brought water to their citty. But because the Cittie
was built within the Lake, and the aqueduct did crosse it, it did breake forth in many places, so us they
could not inioy the water as they desired, and had great scarcitie: wherupon, whether they did expresly seeke
it, to quarrell with the Tepanecans, or that they were mooved uppon small occasion, in the end they sent
a resolute ambassage to the king of Azcapuzalco, saying they could not use the water which he had
gratiously granted them, and therefore they required him to provide them wood, lime, and stone, and to send
his workmen, that by their meanes they might make a pipe of stone and lime that should not breake. This message
nothing pleased the king, and much lesse his subjects, seeming to be too presumptuous a message, and purposely
insolent, for vassals to their Lord. The chiefe of the Counsell disdaining thereat, said it was too bold that,
not content with permission to live in an others land, and to have water given them, but they would have them
goe to serve them: what a matter was that? And whereon presumed this fugitive nation, shut up in the mud? They
would let them know how fit they were to worke, and to abate their pride in taking from them their land and
their lives.
In these termes and choller they left the king, whom they did somwhat suspect, by reason of his grandchild,
and consulted againe anew what they were to doe, where they resolved to make a generall proclamation that
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525
no Tepanecan should have any commerce or trafficke with any Mexicaine, that they should not goe to their
Cittie, nor receive any into theirs, upon paine of death. Whereby we may understand that the king did not
absolutely commaund over his people, and that he governed more like a Consul or a Duke than a King, although
since with their power the commaund of Kings increased, growing absolute Tyrants, as you shal see in the last
Kings. For it hath beene an ordinarie thing among the Barbarians, that such as their power hath beene, such
hath beene their commaund; yea, in our Histories of Spaine we finde in some antient kings that manner
of rule which the Tepanecans used. Such were the first kings of the Romans, but that Rome declined from
Kings to Consuls, and a Senate, till that after they came to be commaunded by Emperours. But these Barbarians,
of temperate Kings became tyrants, of which governements a moderate monarchy is the best and most assured. But
returne we now unto our historie.
The king of Azcapuzalco seeing the resolution of his subjects, which was to kil the Mexicans, intreated
them first to steale away the yong king, his grand-childe, and afterwards do what they pleased to the Mexicans.
All in a manner yeelded heereunto to give the king contentment, and for pitty they had of the child: but two
of the chiefest were much opposite, inferring that it was bad counsell, for that Chimalpopoca, although
hee were of their bloud, yet was it but by the mothers side, and that the fathers was to be preferred, and
therefore they concluded that the first they must kill was Chimalpopoca, king of Mexico,
protesting so to doe. The king of Azcapuzalco was so troubled with this contradiction, and
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The Naturall and Morall
the resolution they had taken, that soone after for very griefe he fell sicke and died. By whose death
the Tepanecans, finishing their consultation, committed a notable treason: for one night the young king
of Mexico sleeping without guard or feare of any thing, they of Azcapuzalco entred his pallace,
and slew him sodainly, returning unseene. The morning being come, when the Nobles went to salute the King, as
they were accustomed, they found him slaine with great and cruell wounds; then they cried out, and filled all
their cittie with teares: and transported with choller, they presently fell to armes, with an intent to
revenge their Kings death. As they ranne uppe and downe, full of fury and disorder, one of their chiefest
knightes stept foorth, labouring to appease them, with a grave admonition: Whither goe you saide hee,
O yee Mexicaimes: quiet your selves, consider that things done without consideration are not well guided,
nor come to good end: suppresse your griefe, considering that, although your king be dead, the noble blood of
the Mexicaines is not extinct in him. Wee have children of our kings deceased, by whose conduct, succeeding
to the realme, you shall the better execute what you pretend, having a leader to guide your enterprise, go not
blindely, surcease, and choose a king first to guide and encourage you against your enemies. In the meane time
dissemble discreetly, performing the funeralls of your deceased king, whose body you see heere present, for
heereafter you shall finde better meanes to take revenge. By this meanes, the Mexicaines passed no farther,
but stayed to make the obsequies of their King, whereunto they invited the Lords of Tescuco and
Culhuacan, reporting unto them this foule and cruell fact, which the Tepanecans had committed,
moving them to have pitty on them, and incensing them against their enemies,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
527
concluding that their resolution was to die or to bee revenged of so great an indignitie, intreating them not
to favour so unjust a fact of their enemies; and that for their part, they desired not their aide of armes or
men, but onely to bee lookers on of what should passe, and that for their maintenance they would not stoppe
nor hinder the commerce as the Tepanecans had done. At these speeches they of Tescuco and
Culhuacan made them great shewes of good will, and that they were well satisfied, offering them their
citties, and all the commerce they desired, that they might provide vittaile and munition at their pleasure,
both by land and water. After this, the Mexicanes intreated them to stay with them, and assist at the election
of their King: the which they likewise granted, to give them contentment.
Of the fourth King, called Iscoalt [Isocoatl], and of the warre against the Tepanecans.
CHAP. 12.
The Electors being assembled, an old man that was held for a great Orator, rose up, who, as the histories
report, spake in this manner, The light of your eyes, Mexicaines, is darkened, but not of your hearts: for
although you have lost him that was the light and guide of the Mexicaine Common-weale, yet that of the heart
remaines: to consider, that although they have slaine one man, yet there are others that may supply with
advantage the want we have of him: the Mexicaine Nobilitie is not extinguished thereby, nor the blood royall
decaied. Turne your eyes and looke about you; you shall see the Nobilitie of Mexico set in order, not one nor
two, but many and excellent Princes, sonnes to Acamapixtli,
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The Naturall and Morall
our true and lawfull King and Lord. Heere you may choose at your pleasure, saying, I will this man, and
not that. If you have lost a father, heere you may find both father and mother: make account, O Mexicaines,
that the Sunne is eclipsed and darkened for a time, and will returne suddenly. If Mexico hath beene darkened
by the death of your King, the Sunne will soon shew, in choosing another King. Looke to whom, and upon whom
you shall cast your eyes, and towards whom your heart is inclined, and this is hee whom your god Vitzlipuztli
hath chosen. And continuing a while this discourse, he ended to the satisfaction of all men. In the end,
by the consent of this Counsell, Izcoalt [Izcoatl?] was chosen King, which signifies a snake of rasors,
who was sonne to the first King Acamapixtli, by a slave of his: and although he were not legitimate,
yet they made choyce of him, for that he exceeded the rest in behaviour, valour, and magnanimitie of courage.
All seemed very well satisfied, and above all, these of Tescuco, for their king was married to a sister
of Iscoalt. After the King had beene crowned and set in his royall seat, another Orator stept up,
discoursing how the king was bound to his Common-weale, and of the courage he ought to shew in travell,
speaking thus: Behold this day we depend on thee: it may be thou wilt let fall the burthen that lies upon
thy shoulders, and suffer the old man and woman, the orphan and the widowe to perish. Take pittie of the
infants that go creeping in the ayre, who must perish if our enemies surmount us: unfold then and stretch
forth thy cloake, my Lord, to beare these infants upon thy shoulders, which be the poore and the common
people, who live assured under the shadowe of thy wings, and of thy bountie. Uttering many other words
upon this subject, the which (as I have said,) they learne by heart, for the exercise of their
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529
children, and after did teach them as a lesson to those that begarme to learne the facultie of Orators. In the
meane time, the Tepanecans were resolute to destroy the Mexicaines, and to this end they had
made great preparations. And therefore the new King tooke counsell for the proclaiming of warre, and to fight
with those that had so much wronged them. But the common people, seeing their adversaries to exceede them
farre in numbers and munition for the warre, they came amazed to their King, pressing him not to undertake
so dangerous a warre, which would destroy their poor Cittie and Nation: whereupon being demaunded what advise
were fittest to take, they made answer that the King of Azcapuzalco was very pittifull, that they
should demand peace, and offer to serve him, drawing them forth those marshes, and that he should give them
houses and lands among his subjects, that by this meanes they might depend all uppon one Lord. And for the
obtaining heereof, they should carry their god in his litter for an intercessor. The cries of the people were
of such force (having some Nobles that approved their opinion), as presently they called for the Priests,
preparing the litter and their god, to perform the voyage. As this was preparing, and every one yeelded to
this treatie of peace, and to subject themselves to the Tepanecans, a gallant yong man, and of good
sort, stept out among the people, who, with a resolute countenance, spake thus unto them: What meanes this,
yee Mexicaines, are yee mad? How hath so great cowardise crept in among us? Shall we go and yeeld ourselves
thus to the Azcapuzalcos. Then turning to the King, he said: How now, my Lord, will you endure this?
Speak to the people, that they may suffer us to finde out some meanes for our honour
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The Naturall and Morall
and defence, and not to yeelde our selves so simply and shamefully into the hands of our enemies. This
yong man was called Tlacaellec, nephew to the King, he was the most valiant Captaine and greatest
Counsellor that ever the Mexicaines had as you shall see heereafter. Izcoalt, incouraged by that his
nephew had so wisely spoken, retained the people, saying they should first suffer him to try another better
meanes. Then turning towards his Nobilitie, he said unto them: You are all heere, my kinsmen, and the best
of Mexico, hee that hath the courage to carrie a message to the Tepanecans, let him rise up. They looked
one upon another, but no man stirred nor offered himselfe to the word. Then this yong man, Tlacaellec,
rising, offered himselfe to go, saying, that seeing he must die, it did import little whether it were to-day
or to-morrow: for what reason should he so carefully preserve himselfe? he was therefore readie, let him
command what he pleased. And although all held this for a rash attempt, yet the King resolved to send him,
that he might thereon understand the will and disposition of the King of Azcapuzalco and of his people:
holding it better to hasten his nephews death, then to hazard the honour of his Common-weale.
Tlacaellec being ready, tooke his way, and being come to the guards, who had commaundement to kill any
Mexicaines that came towards them by cunning or otherwise: he perswaded them to suffer him to passe to the
king, who wondered to see him, and hearing his ambassage, which was to demand peace of him under honest
conditions, answered, that hee would impart it to his subjects, willing him to returne the next day for his
answer: then Tlacaellec demanded a pasport, yet could he not obtaine any, but that he should use his
best skill: With
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
531
this he returned to Mexico, giving his words to the guards to returne. And, although the King of
Azcapuzalco desired peace, being of a milde disposition, yet his subjects did so incense him, as his
answer was open warre. The which being heard by the messenger, he did all his King commanded him, declaring
by this ceremony to give armes, and anointing the King with the unction of the dead, that in his Kings behalfe
he did defie him. Having ended all, the King of Azcapuzalco suffering himselfe to be anointed and
crowned with feathers, giving goodly armes in recompence to the messenger, wishing him not to returne by the
pallace gate, whereas many attended to cut him in peeces, but to go out secretly by a little false posterne
that was open in one of the courts of the Pallace. This yong man did so, and turning by secret waies, got
away in safetie in sight of the guards, and there defied them, saying, Tepanecans and Azcapuzalcas, you
do your office ill: understand you shall all die, and not one Tepaneca shall remaine alive. In the meane
time the guardes fell upon him, where he behaved himselfe so valiantly, that hee slew some of them: and seeing
many more of them come running, hee retyred himselfe gallantly to the Cittie, where he brought newes that
warre was proclaimed with the Tepanecans, and that hee had defied their King.
Of the battell the Mexicaines gave to the Tepanecans, and of the victorie they obtained.
CHAP. 13.
The defie being knowne to the Commons of Mexico, they came to the king, according to their accustomed
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The Naturall and Morall
cowardise, demaunding leave to departe the Citty, holding their ruin certaine. The king didde comfort and
incourage them, promising to give them libertie if they vanquished their enemies, willing them not to feare.
The people replied: And if we be vanquished what shall we doe? If we be overcome (aunswered the king)
we will be bound presently to yeeld ourselves into your hands to suffer death, eate our flesh in your dishes,
and be revenged of us. It shall be so then (saide they) if you loose the victorie, and if you obtain the
victorie, we do presently offer our selves to be your Tributaries, to labour in your houses, to sowe your
ground, to carrie your armes and baggage when you goe to the warres for ever, wee and our descendants after
us. These accordes made betwixt the people and the nobilitie (which they did after fully performe, eyther
willingly or by constraint, as they had promised), the king named for his captain generall Tlacaellec,
the whole camp was put in order, and into squadrons, giving the places of captaines to the most valiant of his
kinsfolkes and friends: then did hee make them a goodly speech, whereby he did greatly incourage them, being
now wel prepared, charging all men to obey the commaundement of the Generall whome he had appoynted: he divided
his men into two partes, commanding the most valiant and hardie to give the first charge with him, and that all
the rest should remaine with the king Izcoatl, until they should see the first assaile their
enemies. Marching then in order, they were discovered by them of Azcapuzalco, who presently came furiously
foorth the citty, carrying great riches of gold, silver, and armes of great value, as those which had the
empire of all that country. Izcoatl gave the signall to battaile, with a little drumme he carried on his
shoulders, and presently they
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
533
raised a general showt, crying Mexico, Mexico, they charged the Tapanecans, and although they were
farre more in number, yet did they defeate them, and force them to retire into their Cittie: then advaunced
they which remained behinde, crying Tlacaellec, victorie, victoric, all sodainely entred the Citty,
where (by the Kings commandement) they pardoned not any man, no not olde men, women, nor children, for they
slew them all, and spoyled the Citty, being very rich. And not content heerewith, they followed them that fled,
and were retired into the craggy rocks of the Sierras or neere mountaines, striking and making a great
slaughter of them. The Tapanecans being retired to a mountaine, cast downe their armes, demaunding their lives,
and offering to serve the Mexicaines, to give them lands and gardins, stone, lime and timber, and to hold them
alwayes for their Lordes. Upon this condition Tlacaellec retired his men, and ceased the battell,
graunting them their lives upon the former conditions, which they did solemnely sweare. Then they returned to
Azcapuzalco, and so with their rich and victorious spoiles to the cittie of Mexico. The day
following the king assembled the Nobilitie and the people, to whom he laid open the accord the Commons had made,
demaunding of them if they were content to persist therin: the Commons made answer that they had promised,
and they had well deserved it, and therefore they were content to serve them perpetually. Whereupon they took
an othe, which since they have kept without contradiction.
This done, Izcoatl returned to Azcapuzalco (by the advise of his counsell), he divided all the
lands & goods of the conquered among the conquerours, the chiefest parte
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The Naturall and Morall
fell to the King, then to Tlacaellec, and after to the rest of the Nobles, as they best deserved in the
battell. They also gave land to some plebeians, having behaved themselves valiantly: to others they distributed
the pillage, making small account of them as of cowardes. They appointed lands in common for the quarters of
Mexico, to every one his part, for the service and sacrifices of their gods. This was the order, which
after they aiwayes kept, in the division of the lands and spoyles of those they had vanquished and subdewed.
By this meanes they of Azcapuzalco remained so poore, as they had no lands left them to labor, and
(which was worse) they tooke their king from them, and all power to chuse any other then him of Mexico.
Of the warre and victory the Mexicaines had against the Cittie of Cuyoacan.
CHAP. 14.
Although the chiefe cittie of the Tepanecans was that of Azcapuzalco, yet had they others with
their private Lordes, as Tucuba and Cuyoacan. These seeing the storme passed, would gladly that
they of Azcapuzalco had renewed the warre against the Mexicans, and seeing them danted, as a nation
wholy broken and defeated, they of Cuyoacan resolved to make warre by themselves: to the which they
laboured to draw the other neighbor nations, who would not stir nor quarrell with the Mexicans. In the meane
time the hatred and malice increasing, they of Cuyoacan beganne to ill intreate the women that went to
their markets, mocking at them, and doing the like to the men over whom they had power: for which cause the
king of Mexico defended, that none of his should goo to Cuyoacan, and that
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
535
they should receive none of them into Mexico, the which made them of Cuyoacan resolve wholy to
warre: but first they would provoke them by some shameful scorne, which was, that having invited them to one of
their solemn feasts, after they had made them a goodly banquet, and feasted them with a great daunce after their
manner, they sent them, for their fruite, womens apparell, forcing them to put it on, and so to returne home
like women to their cittie, reproching them, that they were cowards and effeminate, and that they durst not take
armes, being sufficiently provoked. Those of Mexico say, that for revenge they did unto them a fowle
scorne, laying at the gates of their cittie of Cuyoacan certaine things which smoaked, by meanes whereof
many women were delivered before their time, and many fell sicke. In the end, all came to open warre, and there
was a battell fought, wherein they imployed all their forces, in the which Tlacaellec, by his courage
and policie in warre, obtained the victory. For, having left king Izcoatl in fight with them of
Cuyoacan, he put himselfe in ambush with some of the most valiant souldiers, and so turning about charged
them behind, and forced them to retire into their citty. But seeing their intent was to flie into a temple,
which was verie strong, he, with three other valiant souldiers, pursued them eagerly, and got before them,
seising on the temple and firing it, so as he forced them to flie to the fields, where he made a great slaughter
of the vanquished, pursuing them two leagues into the countrey, unto a litle hill, where the vanquished,
casting away their weapons and their armes across, yeelded to the Mexicans, and with many teares craved pardon
of their overweening follie, in using them like women, offering to bee their
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The Naturall and Morall
slaves: so as in the end, the Mexicaines did pardon them. Of this victory the Mexicaines carried away very rich
spoiles of garments, armes, gold, silver, jewells, and rich feathers, with a great number of captives. In this
battaile there were three of the principals of Culhuacan that came to aide the Mexicaines to winne
honour, the which were remarkable above all. And since being knowen to Tlacaellec, and having made
proofe of their fidelitie, he gave them Mexicaine devises, and had them alwayes by his side, where they fought
in all places very valiantly. It was apparant that the whole victory was due to the Generall and to these three:
for, among so many captives taken, two third partes were wonne by these foure, which was easily knowen by a
policie they used: for, taking a captive, they presently cut off a little of his haire and gave it to others,
so as it appeared that those which had their haire cut, amounted to that number, whereby they wonne great
reputation and fame of valiant men. They were honoured as conquerors, giving them good portions of the spoils
and lands, as the Mexicans have alwayes used to doe, which gave occasion to those that did fight to become
famous, and to winne reputation by armes.
Of the warre and victorie which the Mexicans had against the Suchimilcos.
CHAP. 15.
The Nation of the Tepanecans being subdewed, the Mexicaines had occasion to do the like to the
Suchimilcos, who (as it hath beene saide) were the first of the seven caves or lineages that peopled
this land. The Mexicans sought not the occasion, although they might presume as conquerors to extend
their limits, but the Suchimilcos
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
537
didde moove them, to their owne mine, as it happens to men of small judgement that have no foresight, who not
preventing the the mischefe they imagined, fall into it. The Suchimilcos held opinion, that the
Mexicans, by reason of their victories past, should attempt to subdue them, and consulted heereon amongst
themselves. Some among them thought it good to acknowledge them for superiors, and to applaude their good
fortune, but the contrary was allowed, and they went out to give them battel: which Izcoatl the king of
Mexico understanding, he sent his General Tlacaellec against them, with his army: the battell was
fought in the same field that divides their limites, which two armies were equall in men and armes, but very
divers in their order and manner of fighting; for that the Suchimilcos charged all together on a heape
confusedly, and Tlacaellec divided his men into squadrons with a goodly order, so as he presently brake
his ennemies, forcing them to retire into their cittie, into the which they entred, following them to the Temple
whither they tied, which they fiered, and forcing them to Hie unto the mountaines; in the end they brought them
to this poyut, that they yeelded with their armes acrosse. The Generall Tlacaellec returning in great
triumph, the priests went fourth to receive him, with their musicke of flutes, and giving incense. The chiefe
Captaines used other ceremonies and shews of joy, as they had bin accustomed to doe, and the king with all the
troupe went to the Temple, to give thanks to their false god, for the divell hath alwayes beene very desirous
hereof, to challenge to himselfe the honor which he deserves not; seeing it is the true God which giveth
victories, and maketh them to rule whome he pleaseth. The day following king
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The Naturall and Morall
Izcoatl went unto the citty of Suchimilco, causing himselfe to be sworne king of the
Suchimilcos: and for their comfort he promised to doe them good. In token whereof hee commaunded them
to make a great cawsey stretching from Mexico to Suchimilco, which is foure leagues, to the end
there might bee more commerce and trafficke amongest them. Which the Suchimilcos performed, and in shorte
time the Mexicaine governement seemed so good unto them, as they helde themselves happy to have changed their
king and commonweale. Some neighbors, pricked forward by envy or feare to their ruines, were not yet made wise
by others miseries.
Cuitlavaca was a citty within the lake, which though the name and dwelling be chaunged, continueth yet.
They were active to swimme in the lake, and therefore they thought they might much indomage and annoy the
Mexicaines by water, which the King understanding, hee resolved to send his army presently to fight against
them. But Tlacaellec little esteeming this warre, holding it dishonorable to lead an army against them,
made offer to conquer them with the children onely, which he performed in this maner; he went unto the Temple
and drew out of the Convent such children as he thought fittest for this action, from tenne to eighteene yeeres
of age, who knew how to guide their boates or canoes, teaching them certaine pollicies. The order they held in
this warre was, that he went to Cuitlavaca with his children, where by his pollicy hee pressed the ennemy
in such sorte, that hee made them to flie: and as he followed them, the lord of Cuitlavaca mette him
and yeelded unto him, himselfe, his citty, and his people, and by this meanes he stayed the pursuite. The
children
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
539
returned with much spoyle, and many captives for their sacrifices, being solemnely received with a great
procession, musike and perfumes, and they went to worshippe their gods, in taking of the earth which they did
eate, and drawing blood from the forepart of their legges with the Priests lancets, with other superstitious
which they were accustomed to use in the like solemnities. The children were much honoured and incoraged, and
the king imbraced and kissed them, and his kinsmen and alies accompanied them. The bruite of this victorie
raune throughout all the country, how that Tlacaellec had subdued the city of Cuitlavaca with
children; the news and consideration whereof opened the eyes of those of Tescuco, a chiefe and very
cunning Nation for their manner of life; So as the king of Tescuco was first of opinion, that they
should subject themselves to the king of Mexico, and invite him thereunto with his cittie. Therefore
by the advise of his Counsell, they sent Ambassadors, good Orators, with honorable presents, to offer themselves
unto the Mexicans, as their subjects, desiring peace and amitie, which was gratiously accepted; but by the
advise of Tlacaellec he used a ceremony for the effecting thereof, which was that those of Tescuco
should come forth armed against the Mexicans, where they should fight, and presently yeelde, which was an act
and ceremony of warre, without any effusion of bloud on either side. Thus the king of Mexico became
soveraigue Lord of Tescuco, but hee tooke not their king from them, but made him of his privie counsell,
so as they have alwayes maintained themselves in this manner untill the time of Motecuma the second,
during whose raigne the Spaniards entred. Having subdued the land and citty of Tescuco, Mexico remained
540
The Naturall and Morall
Lady and Mistris of all the landes and citties about the Lake, where it is built. Izcoatl having enjoyed
this prosperitie, and raigned twelve yeeres, died, leaving the realme which had beene given him much augmented
by the valour and counsell of his nephew Tlacaellec (as hath afore beene saide) who held it best to
choose an other king then himselfe, as shall heereafter be shewed.
Of the fift King of Mexico, called Motecuma, the first of that name.
CHAP. 16.
Forasmuch as the election of the new King belonged to foure chiefs Electors (as hath been said), and to the King
of Tescuco, and the King of Tacubu, by especiall priviledge: Tlacaellec assembled these
six personages, as he that had the soveraigne authoritie, and having propounded the matter unto them, they made
choise of Motecuma, the first of that name, nephew to the same Tlacaellec. His election was very
pleasing to them all, by reason whereof they made most solemne feasts, and more stately then the former.
Presently after his election, they conducted him to the Temple with a great traine, where before the divine
harth (as they call it) where there is continuall fire, they set him in his royall throne, putting upon him his
royall ornaments. Being there, the King drew blood from his eares and [the calves of his] legges,
[and his shins,] with a griffons tallents, [certain pointed instruments of a tiger and of a deer, used for that
purpose], which was the sacrifice wherein the divell delighted to be honoured. The Priests, Antients, and
Captaines made their orations, all congratulating his election. They were accustomed in their elections to make
great feasts and dances, where they wasted many lightes. In this Kings
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
541
time the custome was brought in, that the King should go in person to make warre in some province, and bring
captives to solemnize the feast of his coronation, and for the solemne sacrifices of that day. For this cause
King Motecuma went into the province of Chalco, inhabited by a warlike people; from whence (having
fought valiantly) he brought a great number of captives, whereof he did make a notable sacrifice the day of
his coronation, although at that time he did not subdue all the province of Chalco, being a very warlike
nation. Many came to this coronation from divers provinces, as well neere as farre off, to see the feast, at the
which all commers were very bountifully entertained and clad, especially the poore, to whom they gave new
garments. For this cause they brought that day into the cittie, the Kings tributes, with a goodly order, which
consisted in stuffes to make garments of all sorts, in cacao, gold, silver, rich feathers, great burthens of
cotton, cucumbers, sundry sortes of pulses, many kindes of sea fish, and of the fresh water, great store of
fruites, and venison without number, not reckoning an infinite number of presents, which other kings and lords
sent to the new king. All this tribute marched in order according to the provinces, and before them the
stewards and receivers, with divers markes and ensignes, in very goodly order: so as it was one of the goodliest
things of the feast, to see the entry of the tribute. The King being crowned, he imploied himselfe in the
conquest of many provinces, and for that he was both valiant and vertuous, hee still increased more and more,
using in all his affaires the counsell and industry of his generall Tlacaellec, whom he did alwaies love
and esteeme very much, as hee had good
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The Naturall and Morall
reason. The warre wherein hee was most troubled and of greatest difficultie, was that of the province of
Chalco, wherein there happened great matters, whereof one was very remarkable, which was, that they of
Chalcas had taken a brother of Motecumaes in the warres, whome they resolved to choose for their
king, asking him very curtcously if he would accept of this charge. He answered (after much importunity, still
persisting therein), that if they meant plainely to choose him for their king, they should plant in the market
place a tree or very high stake, on the toppe whereof they should make a little scaffold, and meanes to mount
unto it. The Chalcas supposing it had beene some ceremony to make himselfe more apparent, presently
effected it; then assembling all his Mexicaines about the stake, he went to the toppe with a garland of flowers
in his hand, speaking to his men in this maner, O valiant Mexicaines, these men will choose mee for their
King: but the gods will not permit that to be a King I should committe any treason against my countrie, but
contrariwise, I wil that you learne by me that it behoveth us rather to indure death then to ayde our enemies.
Saying these wordes he cast himselfe downe, and was broken in a thousand peeces, at which spectacle the
Chalcos had so great horror and dispite, that presently they fell upon the Mexicaines and slew them
all with their launces, as men whom they held too prowde and inexorable, saying, they had divelish hearts. It
chanced the night following, they heard two owles making a mournefull cry, which they did interpret as an
unfortunate signe, and a presage of their neere destruction, as it succeeded: for King Motecuma went
against them in person with all his power, where he vanquished them, and ruined all their
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
543
kingdome; and passing beyond the mountaine Menade [Sierra Nevada], hee conquered still even unto the
North sea. Then returning towards the South sea, hee subdued many provinces, so as he became a mighty King,
all by the helpe and counsell of Tlacaellec, who in a manner conquered all the Mexicaine nation. Yet
hee held an opinion (the which was confirmed) that it was not behoovefull to conquer the province of
Tlascalla, that the Mexicaines might have a fronter enemy, to keepe the youth of Mexico in
exercise and allarme: and that they might have numbers of captives to sacrifice to their idols, wherein they
did waste (as hath beene said) infinite numbers of men, which should bee taken by force in the warres. The
honour must be given to Motecuma, or to speake truly, to Tlacaellec his Generall, for the good
order and policy setled in the realme of Mexico, as also for the counsells and goodly enterprises which
they did execute; and likewise for the numbers of Judges and Magistrates, being as well ordered there as in
any common-weale; yea, were it in the most nourishing of Europe. This King did also greatly increase
the Kings house, giving it great authoritie, and appointing many and sundry officers, which served him with
great pompe and ceremony, hee was no lesse remarkable touching the devotion and service of his idolls,
increasing the number of his Ministers and instituting new ceremonies, where unto hee carried a great respect.
Hee built that great temple dedicated to their god Vitzilipuztli, whereof is spoken in the other Booke.
He did sacrifice at the dedication of this temple, a great number of men, taken in sundry victories: finally
injoying his Empire in great prosperitie: hee fell sicke, and
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The Naturall and Morall
died, having raigned twenty-eight yeares, onlike to his successor Ticocic, who did not resemble him,
neither in valour, nor in good fortune.
How Tlacaellec refused to be King, and of the election and deedes of Ticocic.
CHAP. 17.
The foure Deputies assembled in counsell, with the lords of Tescuco & Tacuba, where Tlacaellec
was President in the election, where by all their voices Tlacaellec was chosen, as deserving this charge
better than any other. Yet he refused it, perswading them by pertinent reasons that they should choose another,
saying, that it as better and more expedient to have another king, and he to be his instrument and assistant,
as hee had beene till then, and not to lay the whole burthen upon him, for that he held himselfe no lesse bound
for the Common-weale, then it hee were king. It is a rare thing to refuse principalitie and commaund, and to
indure the paine and the care, and not to reape the honour. There are few that will yeeld up the power and
authority which they may hold, were it profitable to the common-weale. This Barbarian did heerein exceed the
wisest amongst the Greekes and Romans, and it may be a lesson to Alexander and Julius Caesar,
whereof the one held it little to command the whole world, putting his most deere and faithfull servants to
death upon some small jealosies of rule and empire: and the other declared himselfe enemy to his country,
saying, that if it were lawfull to do anything against law and reason, it was for a kingdome: such is the thirst
and desire of commaund. Although this acte of Tlacaellecs might well proceede from too great a confidence
of himselfe,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
545
seeming to him, though he were not king, yet in a maner that he commanded kings, suffering him to carry certaine
markes, as a Tiara or ornament for the head, which belonged onely to themselves. Yet this act deserves
greater commendation, and to be well considered of, in that he held opinion to be better able to serve his
common-weale as a subject, then being a soveraigne Lord. And as in a comedie he deserves most commendation that
represents the personage that imports most, bee it of a sheepheard or a peasant, and leave the King or Captaine
to him that can performe it: so in good Philosophy, men ought to have a special regard to the common good,
and apply themselves to that office and place which they best understand. But this philosophic is farre from
that which is practised at this day. But let us return to our discourse, and say, that in recompense of his
modestie, and for the respect which the Mexicaine Electors bare him, they demanded of Tlacaellec (that
seeing he would not raigne) whom he thought most fit: whereupon he gave his voice to a sonne of the deceased
king, who was then very yong, called Ticocic: but they replied that his shoulders were very weake to
beare so heavy a burthen. Tlacaellec answered that he was there to help him to beare the burthen, as he
had done to the deceased: by meanes whereof they tooke their resolution, and Ticocic was chosen, to whom
were done all the accustomed ceremonies.
They pierced his nosthrils, and for an ornament put an emerald therein: and for this reason, in the Mexicaine
bookes, this king is noted by his nosthrills pierced. Hee differed much from his father and predecessor, being
noted for a coward, and not valiant. He went to
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The Naturall and Morall
make warre for his coronation, in a province that was rebelled, where he lost more of his own men then hee tooke
captives: yet he returned, saying, that hee brought the number of captives required for the sacrifice of his
coronation, and so hee was crowned with great solemnitie. But the Mexicaines, discontented to have a king so
little disposed to warre, practised to hasten his death by poison. For this cause hee continued not above foure
yeares in the kingdome: whereby wee see that the children do not alwaies follow the blood and valour of their
fathers: and the greater the glorie of the predecessors hath beene, the more odious is the weakenes and
cowardise of such that succeed them in command, and not in merit. But this losse was well repaired by a brother
of the deceased, who was also sonne to great Motecuma, called Axayaca, who was likewise chosen by
the advice of Tlacaellec, wherein hee happened better than before.
LAND, ANIMALS, AND INHABITANTS OF MEXICO
Of the death of Tlacaelloc, and the deedes of Axayaca, the seventh King of Mexicaines.
CHAP. 18.
Now was Tlacaellec very old, who by reason of his age, he was carried in a chaire upon mens shoulders,
to assist in counsell when busines required. In the end hee fell sicke, whenas the king (who was not yet
crowned), did visit him often, sheading many teares, seeming to loose in him his father, and the father of his
countrie. Tlacaellec did most affectionately recommend his children unto him, especially the eldest, who
had showed himselfe valiant in the former warres. The king promised to have regard unto him, and the more to
comfort the olde man, in his presence he gave him the
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
547
charge and ensignes of Captaine Generall, with all the preeminences of his father: wherewith the old man
remained so well satisfied, as with this content he ended his daies. If hee had not passed to another life,
they might have held themselves very happy, seeing that of so poore and small a cittie, wherein he was borne,
he established, by his valour and magnanimitie, so great, so rich, and so potent a kingdome. The Mexicans made
his funerall, as the founder of that Empire, more sumptuous and stately, then they had done to their former
kings. And presently after Axayaca, to appease the sorrow which all the people of Mexico shewed
for the death of their captaine, resolved to make the expedition necessary for his coronation. Hee therefore
led his army with great expedition into the province of Tequantepec, two hundred leagues from
Mexico, where he gave battaile to a mighty army and an infinite number of men assembled together, as
well out of that province, as from their neighbours, to oppose themselves against the Mexicans. The first of
his campe that advanced himselfe to the combate, was the King himselfe, defying his ennemies, from whome hee
made shewe to fly when they charged him, untill he had drawne them into an ambuscadoe, where many souldiers
lay hidden under straw, who suddenly issued forth, and they which fled, turned head: so as they of
Tequantepec remained in the midst of them, whom they charged furiously, making a great slaughter of them:
and following their victory, they razed their citty and temple, punishing all their neighbours rigorously.
Then went they on farther, and without any stay, conquered to Guatulco, the which is a port at this day
well knowne in the South sea. Axayaca returned
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The Naturall and Morall
to Mexico with great and rich spoiles, where lie was honourably crowned, with sumptuous and stately
preparation of sacrifices, tributes, and other things, whither many came to see his coronation. The Kings of
Mexico received the crowne from the hands of the King of Tescuco, who had the preeminence. He made
many other enterprises, where he obtained great victories, being alwaies the first to leade the army, and to
charge the enemy: by the which hee purchased the name of a most valiant captaine: and not content to subdue
strangers, he also suppressed his subiects which had rebelled, which never any of his predecessors ever could
doe, or durst attempt. We have already shewed how some seditious of Mexico had divided themselves from
that common-weale, and built a cittie neare unto them, which they called Tlatelulco, whereas now
Saint Jaques is.
These being revolted, held a faction aparte, and encreased and multiplied much, refusing to acknowledge the
kings of Mexico, nor to yeeld them obedience. The king Axayaca sent to advise them not to live
divided, but being of one bloud, and one people, to joyne together, and acknowledge the king of Mexico:
whereupon the Lorde of Tlatelulco made an aunswere full of pride and disdaine, defieing the king of
Mexico to single combat with himselfe: and presently mustred his men, commaunding some of them to hide
themselves in the weeds of the Lake: and the better to deceive the Mexicans, ho commaunded them to take the
shapes of ravens, geese, and other beasts, as frogs, and such like, supposing by this meanes to surprise the
Mexicans as they should passe by the waies and cawsies of the Lake. Having knowledge of this defie [defiance],
and of his adversaries policie,
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
549
he divided his army, giving a part to his generall, the sonne of Tlacaellec, commaunding him to charge
this ambuscadoe in the Lake: and he with the rest of his people, by an unfrequented way, went and incamped
before Tlatelulco. Presently hee called him who had defied him to performe his promise, and as the two
Lordes of Mexico and Tlatelulco advaunced, they commaunded their subjects not to moove, untill they had
seene who should be conquerour, which was done, and presently the two Lordes in countered valiantly, where
having fought long, in the end the Lorde of Tlatelulco was forced to turne his backe, being unable to
indure the furious charge of the king of Mexico. Those of Tlatelulco seeing their captaine flie,
fainted, & fled likewise, but the Mexicans following them at the heeles, charged them furiously: yet the Lord
of Tlatelulco escaped not the hands of Axayaca: for thinking to save himselfe, he fled to the
toppe of the temple, but Axayaca folowed him so neere, as he seised on him with great force, and threw
him from the toppe to the bottome, and after set fire on the temple and the cittie. Whilest this passed at
Tlatelulco, the Mexicane generall was very hote in the revenge of those that pretended to defeate him by
pollicie, & after he had forced them to yeelde, and to cry for mercy, the general sayed he would not pardon
them until they had first performed the offices of those figures they represented, and therefore he would have
them crie like frogges and ravens, every one according to the figure which he had undertaken, else they had no
composition: which thing he did to inocke them with their own policie. Feare and necessitie be perfect teachers:
so as they did sing and crie with all the differences of voyces that were commaunded
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The Naturall and Morall
them, to save their lives, although they were much grieved at the sport their enimies made at them. They say
that unto this day, the Mexicans use to jeast at the Tlatelulcans, which they beare impatiently, when
they putte them in minde of this singing and crying of beasts. King Axayaca tooke pleasure at this
scorne and disgrace, and presently after they retourned to Mexico with great joy. This king was
esteemed for one of the best that had commaunded in Mexico. Hee raigned eleaven yeares, and one
succeeded that was much inferiour unto him in valour and vertue.
Of the deedes of Autzol the eight King of Mexico.
CHAP. 19.
Among the foure Electors that had power to chuse whome they pleased to be king, there was one indued with many
perfections, named Autzol. This man was chosen by the rest, and this election was very pleasing to all
the people: for besides that he was valiant, all held him curteous and affable to every man, which is one of
the chief qualities required in them that commaund, to purchase love and respect. To celebrate the feast of his
coronation, hee resolved to make a voyage, and to punish the pride of those of Quaxulatlan, a very rich
and plentifull province, and at this day the chiefe of New Spaine. They had robbed his officers and
stewards, that carried the tribute to Mexico, and therewithall had rebelled. There was great difficulty
to reduce this Nation to obedience, lying in such sort, as an arme of the sea stopt the Mexicans
passage: to passe the which, Autzol (with a strange device and industry) caused an Iland to be made in
the water, of faggots, earth, and other
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
551
matter; by meanes whereof, both hee and his men might passe to the enemy, where giving them battell, he
conquered them and punished them at his pleasure. Then returned hee unto Mexico in triumph, and with
great riches, to bee crowned King, according to their custome. Autzol extended the limits of his
kingdome farre, by many conquests, even unto Guatimalla, which is three hundred leagues from
Mexico. He was no less liberall than valiant: for whenas the tributes arrived (which as I have saide)
came in great aboundaunce, hee went foorth of his pallace, gathering together all the people into one place,
then commaunded he to bring all the tributes, which hee divided to those that had neede. To the poore he gave
stuffes to make apparrell, and meate, and whatsoever they had neede of in great aboundaunce, and things of
value, as golde, silver, jewels, and feathers, were divided amongst the captaines, souldiers, and servants of
his house, according to every mans merite. This Autzol was likewise a great polititian, hee pulled downe
the houses ill built, and built others very sumptuous. It seemed unto him that the city of Mexico had
too litle water, and that the lake was very muddy, and therefore hee resolved to let in a great course of
water, which they of Cuyoacan used. For this cause he called the chiefe man of the cittie unto him,
being a famous sorcerer; having propounded his meaning unto him, the sorcerer wished him to be well advised
what hee did, being a matter of great difficulty, and that hee understoode, if he drew the river out of her
ordinary course, making it passe to Mexico, hee would drowne the citty. The king supposed these excuses
were but to frustrate the effect of his designe, being therefore in choler, he dismissed him home;
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The Naturall and Morall
and a few dayes after hee sent a provost to Cuyoacan, to take this sorcerer: who, having understanding
for what intent the kings officers came, he caused them to enter his house, and then he presented himself unto
them in the forme of a terrible eagle, wherewith the provost and his companions being terrified, they returned
without taking him. Autzol, incensed here with, sent others, to whome hee presented himselfe in forme
of a furious tygre, so as they durst not touch him. The third came, and they found him in the forme of a
horrible serpent, whereat they were much afraide. The king mooved the more with these dooings, sent to tell
them of Cuyoacan, that if they brought not the sorcerer bound unto him, he would raze their citty. For
feare whereof, or whether it were of his owne free will, or being forced by the people, he suffered himselfe to
be led to the kinge, who presently caused him to be strangled, and then did he put his resolution in practise,
forcing a chanell whereby the water might passe to Mexico, whereby hee brought a great current of water
into the lake, which they brought with great ceremonies and superstitions, having priests casting incense
along the banks, others sacrificed quailes, and with the bloud of them sprinckled the channell bankes, others
sounding of cornets, accompanied the water with their musicke. One of the chiefe went attired in a habite like
to their goddesse of the water, and all saluted her, saying, that shee was welcome. All which things are
painted in the Annales of Mexico: which booke is now at Home in the holy library, or Vaticane, where a
father of our company, that was come from Mexico, did see it, and other histories, the which he did
expound to the keeper of his Holinesse library, taking great delight to understand
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
553
this booke, which before hee could never comprehend. Finally, the water was brought to Mexico, but it
came in such aboundaunce, that it had wel neere drowned the cittie, as was fore told: and in effect it did
ruino a great parte thereof, but it was presently prevented by the industry of Autzol, who caused an
issue to be made to draw foorth the water: by meanes whereof hee repaired the buildings that were fallen, with
an exquisite worke, being before but poore cottages. Thus he left the citty invironed with water, like another
Venice, and very well built: he raigned eleven yeares, and ended with the last and greatest successor
of all the Mexicans.
Of the election of great Motecuma, the last King of Mexico.
CHAP. 20.
When the Spaniards entered new Spaine, being in the yeare of our Lorde one thousand five hundred and
eighteen, Motecuma, second of that name, was the last king of the Mexicaines: I say the last, although
they of Mexico, after his death, chose another king, yea, in the life of the same Motecuma, whom
they declared an enemy to his country, as we shall see hereafter. But he that succeeded him, and hee that fell
into the hands of the Marquis de Valle, had but the names and titles of Kings, for that the kingdome
was in a maner al yeelded to the Spaniards: so as with reason we account Motecuma for the last king,
and so hee came to the periode of the Mexicaines power and greatnesse, which is admirable, being happened
among Barbarians: for this cause, and for that this was the season that God had chosen to reveale unto them
the knowledge of his Gospel,
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The Naturall and Morall
and the kingdome of Jesus Christ, I will relate more at large the actes of Motecuma, then of the rest.
Before he came to be king, he was by disposition very grave and stayed, and spake little, so as when he gave
his opinion in the privy counsell, whereat he assisted, his speeches and discourses made every one to admire
him, so as even then he was feared and respected. He retired himselfe usually into a Chappell, appointed for
him in the Temple of Vitzilipuzli, where they said their Idoll spake unto him: and for this cause hee
was helde very religious and devout. For these perfections then, being most noble and of great courage, his
election was short and easie, as a man upon whom al mens eyes were fixed, as woorthy of such a charge. Having
intelligence of this election, hee hidde himselfe in this chappell of the Temple, whether it were by judgement
(apprehending so heavy and hard a burthen as to govern such a people), or rather, as I believe, through
hypocrisie, to show that he desired not Empire. In the end they found him, and led him to the place of
councell, whither they accompanied him with all possible joy. Hee marched with such a gravitie, as they all
sayd the name of Motecuma agreed very wel with his nature, which is as much to say, an angry Lord. The
electors did him great reverence, giving him notice that hee was chosen king: from thence he was ledde before
the harth of their gods, to give incense, where he offered sacrifices in drawing bloud from his cares, & the
calves of his legges, according to their custome. They attired him with the royall ornaments, and pierced the
gristle of his nostrils, hanging thereat a rich emerald, a barbarous & troublous custom, but the desire of
rule made all
Historie of the Indies. lib. 7.
555
paine light and easie. Being seated in his throne, he gave audience to the Orations and Speeches that were
made unto him, which, according unto their custome were eloquent and artificial). The first was pronounced
by the King of Tescuco, which, being preserved, for that it was lately delivered, & very worthy to
be heard, I will set it downe word by word, and thus hee sayde: The concordance and unitie of voyces upon
thy election, is a sufficient testimonie (most noble yong man) of the happines the realme shall receive, as
well deserving to be commaunded by thee, as also for the generall applause which all doe show by means thereof.
Wherein they have great reason, for the Empire of Mexico doth alreadie so farre extend it selfe, that to
governe a world, as it is, and to beare so heavy a burthen, it requires no lesse dexteritie and courage, than
that which is resident in thy firm and valiant heart, nor of lesse wisedome and Judgement than thine. I see
and know plainely, that the mightie God loveth this Cittie, seeing he hath given understanding to choose what
was fit. For who will not believe that a Prince, who before his raigne had pierced the nine vaultes of heaven,
should not likewise nowe obtaine those things that are carthlic to releeve his people, aiding himselfe with
his best Judgement, being thereunto bound by the dutie and charge of a king. Who will likewise beleeve that
the great courage which thou hast alwaies valiantly shewed in matters of importance, shuld now faile thee in
matters of greatest need? Who will not perswade himselfe but the Mexicaine Empire is come to the height of
their soveraignetie, seeing the Lorde of things created hath imparted so great graces unto thee, that with thy
looke onelie thou breedest admiration in them that beholde thee? Rejoice, then, O happy land, to whom the
Creator hath given a Prince, as a firme pillar to support thee, which shall be thy father and thy defence, by
whom thou shalt be succoured
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The Naturall and Morall
at neede, who wil be more than a brother to his subiects, for his pietie and clemencie. Thou hast a king,
who in regard of his estate is not inclined to delights, or will lie stretched out upon his bed, occupied in
pleasures and vices; but contrariwise in the middest of his sweete and pleasant sleepe, hee will sodainely
awake, for the care he must have over thee, and will not feele the taste of the most savourie meates, having
his spirites transported with the imagination of thy good. Tell mee, then (O happy realme), if I have not
reason to say that thou oughtest rejoyce, having found such a King. And thou noble yong man, and our most
mightie Lorde, be confident, and of good courage, that seeing the Lorde of things created hath given thee this
charge, hee will also give thee force and courage to mannage it: and thou maiestwell hope, that he which in
times past hath used so great bountie towardes thee, wil not now denie thee his greater gifts, seeing he hath
given thee so great a charge, which I wish thee to enioy manie yeares. King Motecuma was very
attentive to this Discourse, which, being ended, they say he was so troubled, that indevouring thrice to
answer him, hee could not speake, being overcome with teares, which joy and content doe usually cause, in
signe of great humilitie. In the end, being come to himselfe, he spake briefly, I were too blinde, good
king of Tescuco, if I did not know, that what thou hast spoken unto me, proceeded of meere favour, it pleaseth
you to show me, seeing among so manie noble and valiant men within this realme, you have made choise of the
least sufficient and in trueth, I find myself so incapable of a charge of so great importance, that I know not
what to doe, but to beseech the Creator of all created things, that he will favour mee, and I intreate you all
to pray unto him for me. These words uttered, hee began again to weepe.
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