After foure dayes sail, our Fryer _John de la Cueva_, who had been shot

by the _Indians_, died; all his body being swelled, which gave us just

occasion to thinke, that the arrow which was shot into his shoulder was

poisoned. His buriall was as solemnly performed as could be at Sea.

His grave being the whole Ocean, he had weighty stones hung to his

feet, two more to his shoulders, and one to his brest; and then the

superstitious _Romish Dirige_ and _Requiem_ being sung for his soul,

his Corpse being held out to the Sea on the ship side, with ropes ready

to let him fall, all the ship crying out three times, _buen Viaie_

(that is, a good Voiage) to his soul chiefly, and also to his Corpse

ready to travail to the deep to feed the Whales; at the first cry all

the Ordnance were shot off, the ropes on a suddain loosed, and _John de

la Cueva_ with the weight of heavy stones plunged deep into the Sea,

whom no mortall eyes ever more beheld. The like we saw performed in the

ship of _Santa Gertrudis_, to another Jesuite, one of the three who had

been dangerously wounded by the _Indians_ of _Guadalupe_; who likewise

died like our Fryer, his body being swelled as with poyson. Now our

sailing was more comfortable then before; for we passed in the sight

of the land of _Puerto Rico_, and then of the great Island of _Sto.

Domingo_; and here our company began to be lessened, some departing to

_Puerto Rico_, and _Sto. Domingo_, others to _Cartagena_, and _Havana_,

and _Honduras, Jamaica_, and _Jucatan_. We remained now alone the Fleet

for _Mexico_; and so sailed till we came to what the _Spaniards_ call

_la Sonda_, or the sound of _Mexico_; for here we often sounded the

Sea; which was so calme, that a whole week we were stayed for want of

wind, scarce stirring from the place where first we were caught by the

calme. Here likewise we had great sport in fishing, filling again our

bellies with _Dorados_, and saving that provision which we had brought

from _Spain_. But the heat was so extraordinary, that the day was no

pleasure unto us; for the repercussion of the suns heat upon the still

water and pitch of our ships, kindled a scorching fire, which all the

day distempered our bodies with a constant running sweat, forcing us

to cast off most of our clothes. The evenings and nights were somewhat

more comfortable, yet the heat which the sun had left in the pitched

ribs and plankes of the ship was such, that under deck and in our

Cabins wee were not able to sleep, but in our shirts were forced to

walke, or sit, or lie upon the deck. The Mariners fell to washing

themselves and to swimming, till the infortunate death of one in the

ship called _St. Francisco_, made them suddainly leave off that sport.

The neerer wee come to the main land, the sea abounds with a monstrous

fish called by the _Spaniards, Tiburon_. Some mistake this fish for

the _Caiman_, or _Crocodile_, holding them both for one; and thinking

that it is only the _Caiman_ or _Crocodile_ (by abuse called _Tiburon_)

which devoures mans flesh, a whole joynt at a bit in the water. But the

mistake is grosse, for the _Caiman_ is plated all over with shells,

whereas the _Tiburon_ hath no shells, but only like other great Sea

fishes, hath a thick skin. The _Caiman_ though the _Indians_ eat of

it, yet the _Spaniards_ hate it; who eat of the _Tiburon_; and in our

ship catching one with a tridentall iron Fork, and haling him with a

Cable rope to the ship side, and then binding him with it, (being as

much as a dozen or fifteen men could do to hoise him up into the ship)

we found him to be a most monstrous creature, twelve els long at least,

which we salted, and found likewise to eat like flesh, as hath been

said of the _Tortois_. This kind is as ravenous after mans flesh as the

_Crocodile_, and many of them were to be seen in this Sound of _Mexico_.

The _Spaniards_ bathing themselves dayly by the ships side, (where

there is no such danger of the _Tiburon_; who useth not to come too

neere the ships) one Mariner of the ship called _St. Francisco_ being

more venturous then the rest, and offering to swimme from his ship,

to see some friends in another not farre off, chanced to be a most

unfortunate prey to one of them, who before any boat could be set out

to help him, was thrice seen to bee pulled under water by the Monster,

who had devoured a leg, an arme, and part of his shoulder; the rest of

the body was after found and taken up, and carried to _S. Francisco_,

and there buried in the forme and manner as hath been said of our

Fryer _John de la Cueva. They that goe downe to the sea in ships,

these see the workes of the Lord, and his wonders in the deepe, Ps._

107. 23, 24. Here they shall see not only Whales, but other Fishes

like Monsters mastering strong and valiant men, with severall sets of

sharpe, strong and mighty teeth, devouring at one bit whole limmes

with flesh and bones together. This mischance sadded all our Fleet for

three daies till it pleased God to refresh our burning heat with a cool

and prosperous wind, driving us out of that calm Sound, which (if we

had continued in it with that excessive heat) might have proved most

unsound and unhealthy to our bodies. Three daies after we had sailed,

being Munday in the morning about seven of the clock, one of our

Fryers saying Masse, and all the people in the ship kneeling to hear

it, and to adore their bread God, one Mariner with a loud and suddain

voice crieth out _Tierra, Tierra, Tierra_, Land, Land, Land, which

rejoyced the hearts of all that were in the ship, as it seemed, more

then their Masse, for leaving that, and their God upon the Altar with

the Preist to eat him alone, they arose from their knees, to behold

the Continent of _America_. Great was the joy of all the ships that

day; and great was the slaughter which our old _Calvo_ made among his

fowles, (which he had spared formerly) to feast that day his Fryers.

About ten of the clock the whole face of the land was visibly apparent,

and wee with full sale running to imbrace it. But our wise Admirall

knowing the danger of the Coast, and especially the dangerous entring

into the Haven, by reason of the many rockes that lie about it, and

are known only by markes and flags set out to give all ships warning

of them; perceiving that with the wind wherewith wee sailed then, we

should not come till towards evening to the Port: and lastly, fearing

lest some North-wind (which is dangerous upon that Coast, and ordinary

in the month of _September_) should in the night arise, and endanger

all our ships upon the rockes; he therefore called to Councell all

the Pilots, to know whether it were best to keep on our sailing with

full sail that day, with hopes to get that day in good time into the

Haven, or else with the middle sail only to draw neer, that the next

morning with more security wee might with the help of boats from land

be guided in. The result of the Councell was not to venture that day

too neer unto the Port, for fear of being benighted, but to pull down

all, but the middle sail. The wind began to calme, and our ships to

move slowly towards land, and so we continued till night. A double

watch was kept that night in our ship, and the Pilot was more watchfull

himselfe and more carefull then at other times; But our Fryers betooke

themselves to their rest; which continued not long; for before midnight

the wind turned to the North, which caused a suddain and generall cry

and uproar in ours, and all the other ships. Our Mariners came to the

Fryers, using almost the same words of Jonah 1. 6. _What meanest thou,

O sleeper? Arise call upon thy God, if so bee that God will thinke

upon us, that we perish not._ They changed the name of God into the

blessed Virgin _Mary_, in whom they seeme to confide in such occasions

more then in God himselfe. Their feare was more for the apprehension

of danger by that kind of wind, and of what might happen, then for

what as yet the wind threatned, which was not strong nor boisterous;

however hallowed wax candles were lighted by the Fryers, knees bowed

to _Mary_, Letanies and other hymnes and prayers sung aloud unto

her, till towards the dawning of the day; when behold the North wind

ceased, our wonted gale began to blow again, it being Gods will and

pleasure, and no effect of the howling Fryers prayers to _Mary_, who

yet superstitiously to deceive the simple people, cryed out, _Milagro,

Milagro, Milagro,_ a miracle, a miracle, a miracle. By eight a clock in

the morning wee came to the sight of the houses, and made signes for

boats to convey us into the Haven; which immediately with great joy

came out, and guided us one by one between those Rockes, which make

that Port as dangerous as any I have discovered in all my travailes

both upon the North and South sea. Our Waits plaied most pleasantly,

our Ordnance saluted both Towne and Fort over against it, our hearts

and countenances reciprocally rejoyced; wee cast our Anchors, which yet

were not enough to secure our ships in that most dangerous Haven, but

further with Cable ropes we secured them to Iron rings, which for that

purpose are fastned into the Wall of the Fort, for feare of the strong

and boisterous Northerne winds. And thus welcoming one another to a new

world, many boates waiting for us, we presently went with joy to set

footing in _America_.

CHAP. VIII.

_Of our Landing at_ Vera Crux, _otherwise St._ John de Ulhua, _and of

our entertainment there._

Upon the 12 day of _September_, we happily arrived in _America_ in

that famous Towne, called _St. John de Ulhua_, otherwise _Vera Crux_;

famous for that it was the first beginning of the famous conquest of

that valiant and ever renowned Conqueror _Hernando Cortez_. Here first

was that noble and generous resolution, that never heard of policy,

to sinke the ships, which had brought the first _Spaniards_ to that

Continent, greater then any of the other three parts of the world,

to the intent that they might thinke of nothing but such a conquest

as after followed, being destitute of the helpe of their ships, and

without hopes evermore to returne to _Cuba, Yucatan_, or any of those

parts from whence they had come. Here it was, that the first five

hundred _Spaniards_ strengthned themselves against millions of enemies,

and against the biggest fourth part of all the world. Here were the

first Magistrates, Judges, Aldermen, Officers of Justice named. The

proper name of the Towne is _S. John de Ulhua_, otherwise called _Vera

Crux_, from the old Harbour and Haven of _Vera Crux_, six leagues from

this, and so called for that upon good Friday it was first discovered.

But the old _Vera Crux_ proving too dangerous an Harbour for ships, by

reason of the violence of the Northern winds; it was utterly forsaken

by the _Spaniards_, who removed to _St. John de Ulhua_, where their

ships found the first safe road by reason of a Rocke, which is a strong

defence against the winds. And because the memory of the worke of that

good Friday should never be forgotten; to _S. John de Ulhua_ they have

added the name also of _Vera Crux_, taken from that first Haven which

was discovered upon good Friday, _Anno_ 1519.

As soone as we came to shore, wee found very solemne preparations for

entertainment, all the Towne being resorted to the Sea side, all the

Preists and Canons of the Cathedrall Church, all the religious Orders

of the severall Convents (which are there Dominicans, Franciscans,

Mercenarians, and Jesuites) being in a readinesse with their Crosses

borne before them, to guide the new Viceroy of _Mexico_, in procession

to the chiefe Cathedrall Church. The Fryers and Jesuites were quicker

in going to land then the great _Don_ the Marquesse _de Serralvo_ and

his Lady. Some of them kissed the ground as holy in their opinion,

for the Conversion of those _Indians_ to Christianity, who before had

worshipped Idols, and sacrificed to Devils; others kneeled upon their

knees making short prayers, some to the Virgin _Mary_, others to such

Saints as they best affected; and so betooke themselves to the places

and stations of those of their profession. In the mean time all the

Cannon playing both from ships and Castle, landed the Viceroy and his

Lady and all his Traine, acccompanyed with _Don Martin de Carrillo_

the Visiter generall for the strife between the Count of _Gelves_

the last Viceroy, & the Archbishop of _Mexico_. The great Don and

his Lady being placed under a Canope of state, began the _Te Deum_

to be sung with much variety of musicall instruments, all marching

in procession to the Cathedrall, where with many lights of burning

lampes, torches, & Wax candles, was to the view of all set upon the

high Altar their God of bread; to whom all knees were bowed; a prayer

of thanks-giving sung, holy water by a Preist sprinkled upon all the

people, and lastly a Masse with three Preists solemnly celebrated. This

being ended the Viceroy was attended on by the Chief High Justice,

named _Alcalde_ Major by the Officers of the Town, some Judges sent

from _Mexico_ to that purpose, and all the Souldiers of the Ships and

Town unto his lodging; The Fryers likewise in Procession with their

Crosse before them were conducted to their severall Cloisters. Fryer

_Calvo_ presented his Dominicans to the Prior of the Cloister of St.

_Dominicke_, who entertained us very lovingly with some sweet Meates,

and everyone with a Cup of the _Indian_ drink called _Chocolatte_,

whereof I shall speake hereafter. This refreshment being ended, wee

proceeded to a better, which was a most stately Dinner both of Fish and

Flesh; no Fowles were spared, many Capons, Turky Cocks, and Hens were

prodigally lavished, to shew us the abundance and plenty of Provision

of that Country. The Prior of this Cloister was no stayed, ancient,

grey-headed man, such as usually are made Superiours to govern young

and wanton Fryers; but hee was a Gallant and Amorous young Sparke,

who (as wee were there informed) had obtained from his Superiour the

Provinciall the Government of that Convent with a Bribe of a thousand

Duckats. After dinner hee had some of us to his Chamber, where wee

observed his lightnesse and little savour of Religion or Mortification

in him; We thought to have found in his Chamber some stately Library,

which might tel us of Learning and love of Study; but we found not

above a dozen old Bookes, standing in a corner covered with dust and

Cobwebs, as if they were ashamed that the Treasure that lay hid in

them, should be so much forgotten, and undervalued, and the Guitarra

(the _Spanish_ Lute) preferred and set above them. His Chamber was

richly dressed and hung with many pictures, and with hangings, some

made with Cotten Wooll, others with various coloured feathers of

_Mechoacan_, his Tables covered with Carpets of Silk; his Cubboards

adorned with severall sorts of _China_ Cups and Dishes, stored within

with severall dainties of sweet Meates and Conserves.

This sight seemed to the zealous Fryers of our Mission most vaine,

and unbeseeming a poore and mendicant Fryer; to the others, whose end

in comming from _Spain_ to those parts was Liberty, and loosnesse,

and covetousnesse of riches, this sight was pleasing and gave them

great incouragement to enter further into that Country, where soone

a Mendicant _Lazarus_ might become a proud and wealthy _Dives_. The

discourse of the young and light headed Prior was nothing but vaine

boasting of himself, of his birth, his parts, his favour with the

chiefe Superior or Provinciall, the love which the best Ladies, the

richest Merchants Wives of the Towne bare unto him, of his cleere and

excellent voice, and great dexterity in Musick, whereof he presently

gave us a taste, tuning his _Guitarra_ and singing to us some verses

(as hee said, of his owne composing) some lovely _Amaryllis_, adding

scandall to scandall, loosenesse to liberty, which it grieved some of

us to see in a Superiour who should have taught with words, and in

his life and Conversation examples of Repentance and Mortification.

No sooner were our senses of hearing delighted well with Musick, our

Sight with the objects of Cotten-Wool, Silke and Feather workes, but

presently our Prior caused to be brought forth of all his store of

dainties, such variety as might likewise relish well and delight our

sense of tasting. Thus as wee were truely transported from _Europe_

to _America_, so the World seemed truely to bee altered, our senses

changed from what they were the night & day before when we heard the

hideous noise of the Mariners hoising up Sailes, when wee saw the deep

and monsters of it, when we tasted the stinking water, when we smelt

the Tarre and Pitch; but here wee heard a quivering and trembling

voice and instrument well tuned, wee beheld wealth and riches, wee

tasted what was sweet, and in the Sweet-meates smelt the Muske and

Civit, wherewith that Epicurean Prior had seasoned his Conserves. Here

wee broke up our discourse and pastimes, desirous to walke abroad and

take a view of the Towne, having no more time then that, and the next

day to stay in it. Wee compassed it round about that afternoone; and

found the situation of it to bee sandy, except on the South-West side,

where it is Moorish ground, and full of standing Bogs, which with the

great heates that are there, cause it to bee a very unhealthy place;

The number of Inhabitants may bee three thousand, and amongst them

some very rich Merchants, some worth two hundred, some three hundred,

and some foure hundred thousand Duckats. Of the buildings little we

observed, for they are all, both Houses, Churches, and Cloisters built

with Boards and Timber, the Walls of the richest mans house being made

but of boards, which with the impetuous Winds from the North hath bin

cause that many times the town hath bin for the most part of it burnt

down to the ground. The great Trading from _Mexico_, & by _Mexico_ from

the _East-India's_, from _Spain_, from _Cuba, Sto. Domingo, Jucatan,

Portabello_, and by _Portabello_ from _Peru_, from _Cartagena_ and

all the Islands lying upon the North Sea, and by the River _Alvarado_

going up to _Zapotecas, St. Ildefonso_, and towards _Guaxaca_, and by

the River _Grijalva_, running up to _Tabasco, Los Zoques_ and _Chiapa

de Indios_, maketh this little Town very rich, and to abound with

all the Commodities of the Continent Land, and of all the _East_ and

_West-India's_ Treasures. The unhealthinesse of the place is the reason

of the paucity of Inhabitants, and the paucity of them, together with

the rich Trading and commerce, the reasons that the Merchants therein

are extraordinary rich; who yet might have been farre richer, had not

the Town been so often fired, and they in the fire had great losses.

All the strength of this Towne is first the hard and dangerous entrance

into the Haven; and secondly, a rock which lyeth before the Town lesse

then a Musket shot off; upon which is built a Castle, and in the Castle

a slight Garrison of Souldiers. In the Town there is neither Fort, nor

Castle, nor scarce any people of warlike mindes. The Rocke and Castle

are as a Wall, defence, and inclosure to the Haven, which otherwise

lyeth wide open to the Ocean, and to the Northern Winds. No Ship dares

cast anchor within the Haven, but onely under the Rock and Castle, and

yet not sure enough so with Anchors, except with Cables also they be

bound and fastened to Rings of Iron for that purpose to the side of the

Rock; from whence sometimes it hath happened that Ships floating with

the Stream too much on one side the Rocke have been driven off and cast

upon the other Rockes or out to the Ocean, the Cables of their Anchors,

and those wherewith they have beene fastned to the Castle being broken

with the force of the Winds. This happened to one of our Ships the

first night after we landed; who were happy that we were not then at

Sea; for there arose such a storme and Tempest from the North, that it

quite broke the Cables of one Ship and drove it out to the maine Sea,

and wee thought it would have blowne and droven us out of our beds

after it, for the slight boarded houses did so totter & shake, that we

expected every houre when they would fal upon our heads. We had that

first night enough of St. _John de Ulhua_, and little rest, though

feasted as well at Supper as at Dinner by our vaine boasting Prior,

who before wee went to bed, had caused all our feet to bee washed,

that now in easier beds then for above two moneths together the strait

and narrow Cabins of the Ship had allowed us, our sleep might be more

quiet, and more nourishing to our bodies; but the whistling Winds and

tottering Chambers, which made our Beds uneasie Cradles to us, caused

us to flie from our rest at midnight, and with our bare (though washed)

feet to seeke the dirty Yard for safer shelter. In the morning the

Fryers of the Cloister who were acquainted with those winds and storms,

laughed at our fearefulnesse, assuring us, that they never slept better

then when their Beds were rocked with such like blasts. But that nights

affrightment made us weary already of our good and kind entertainment;

wee desired to remove from the Sea side; which our Superiour _Calvo_

yeelded to, not for our feare sake so much, as for his feare, lest

with eating too much of the fruits of that Countrey, and drinking

after them too greedily of the water (which causeth dangerous Fluxes,

and hasteneth death to those that newly come from _Spain_ to those

parts) wee should fall sick, and die there, as hundreds did after our

departure for want of temperance in the use of those fruits, which

before they had never seen, or eaten. Thirty Mules were ready for us,

which had bin brought a purpose from _Mexico_, and had waited for us

in St. _John de Ulhua_ six days before ever the Fleet arrived. _Calvo_

that day busied himselfe a Ship board in sending to shore our Chests,

and such Provision as had been left of Wines, and Bisket, Gammons of

Bacon, and salted Beefe, whereof there was some store, besides a dozen

Hens and three Sheep, which was much wondred at, that so much should be

left after so long a voiage. In the mean time we visited our friends

and tooke our leaves of them in the forenoone; and after Dinner seats

were prepared for us in the Cathedrall Church to sit and see a Comedy

acted, which had beene on purpose studied and prepared by the Town for

the entertainment of the new Viceroy of _Mexico_. Thus two daies onely

we abode in St. _John de Ulhua_, and so departed.

CHAP. IX.

_Of our journey from St. _John de Ulhua _to_ Mexico; _and of the most

remarkeable Townes and Villages in the way._

Upon the 14 day of _September_ we left the Town and Port of _S. John

de Ulhua_, entring into the rode to _Mexico_, which we found the first

three or four leagues to bee very sandy, as wide and open as is our

rode from _London_ to _S. Albans_. The first _Indians_ we met with,

was at the old _Vera Crux_, a Towne seated by the sea side, which the

_Spaniards_ that first conquered that countrey thought to have made

their chief Harbour: but afterwards by reason of the small shelter they

found in it for their ships against the North winds, they left it, and

removed to _S. John de Ulhua_. Here we began to discover the power of

the Preists and Fryers over the poore _Indians_, and their subjection

and obedience unto them. The Prior of _S. John de Ulhua_ had writ a

letter unto them the day before of our passing that way, charging

them to meet us in the way, and to welcome us into those parts; which

was by the poor _Indians_ gallantly performed; for two miles before

we came to the Towne, there met us on Horse-back some twenty of the

chiefe of the Towne, presenting unto every one of us a nosegay of

flowers; who rid before us a bow shot, till we met with more company on

foot, to wit, the Trumpeters, the Waits; (who sounded pleasantly all

the way before us) the Officers of the Church, such as here we call

Church-wardens, though more in number, according to the many sodalities

or confraternities of Saints whom they serve, these likewise presented

to each of us a nosegay; next met us the singing men and boyes, all the

Quiristers, who softly and leisurely walked before us singing, _Te Deum

laudamus_, till we came to the midst of the Towne, where were two great

Elme trees, the chiefe Market place; there was set up one long arbour

with green bowes, and a table ready furnished with boxes of conserves,

and other sweet meates, and diet-bread, to prepare our stomacks for a

cup of _Chocolatte_, which while it was seasoning with the hot water

and Sugar, the chiefe _Indians_ and Officers of the Towne made a speech

unto us, having first kneeled downe and kissed our hands one by one;

they welcomed us into their Countrey, calling us the Apostles of Jesus

Christ, thanked us for that we had left our own Countrey, our friends,

our fathers and mothers for to save their soules; they told us they

honoured us as Gods upon earth; and many such complements they used

till our _Chocolatte_ was brought. We refreshed ourselves for the space

of one hour, and gave hearty thanks to the _Indians_ for their kind

respects unto us, assuring them that nothing was more deare unto us in

this world then their souls, which that we might save, wee regarded

not sea, nor land dangers, nor the unhumane cruelties of barbarous and

savage _Indians_, (who as yet had no knowledge of the true God) no nor

our owne lives.

And thus we took our leaves, giving unto the chief of them some Beads,

some medals, some Crosses of brasse, some _Agnus Dei_, some reliques

brought from _Spain_, and to every one of the Town an Indulgence of

fourty years, (which the Pope had granted unto us, to bestow where, and

upon whom, and as often as wee would) wherewith we began to blind that

simple people with ignorant, erroneous, and Popish principles. As we

went out of the Arbour to take our Mules, behold the Market place was

full of _Indian_ men and women; who as they saw us ready to depart,

kneeled upon the ground as adoring us for a blessing, which as we rid

along, we bestowed upon them with lifted up hands on high, making

over them the signe of the Crosse. And this submission of the poor

_Indians_ unto the Preists in those parts; this vain-glory in admitting

such ceremonious entertainment and publike worship from them, did so

puffe up some of our young Fryers hearts, that already they thought

themselves better then the best Bishops in _Spain_, who though proud

enough, yet never travail there with such publike acclamations as we

did. The Waits and Trumpets sounded againe before us, and the chiefe of

the Town conducted us a mile forward, and so tooke their leaves. The

first two daies we lodged but in poore small _Indian_ Townes, among

whom we still found kind entertainment, and good store of provision,

especially of Hens, Capons, Turkeys, and severall sorts of fruits.

The third day at night we came to a great Towne consisting of neere

two thousand inhabitants, some _Spaniards_, some _Indians_, called

_Xalappa de la Vera Crux_. This Towne in the yeare 1634. was made a

new Bishops Sea (the Bishoprick of the City, called _La Puebla de los

Angeles_ being divided into two) and this being not above the third

part of it, is thought to be worth ten thousand duckats a yeer. It

stands in a very fertile soile for _Indian_ wheat called _Maiz_, and

some _Spanish_ wheat. There are many Townes about it of _Indians_; but

what makes it rich, are the many farmes of Sugar, and some which they

call _Estantia's_, rich farmes for breeding of Mules, and cattell; and

likewise some Farmes of _Cochinil_. In this Towne there is but one

great Church and an inferiour Chappell, both belonging to a Cloister

of Franciscan Friers, wherein we were lodged that night and the next

day, being the Lords day. Though the revenues of this Cloister be

great, yet it maintaines not above halfe a dozen Fryers, where twenty

might be plentifully maintained, that so those few lubbers might be

more abundantly, and like Epicures fed and nourished. The Superiour

or Guardian of this Cloister was no lesse vaine then the Prior of

_S. John de Ulhua_; and though he were not of our profession, yet he

welcomed us with stately entertainment. Here and wheresoever further

we travailed, we still found in the Preists and Fryers loosenesse

of life, and their waies and proceedings contrary to the waies of

their profession, sworne to by a solemne Vow and Covenant. This Order

especially of the mendicant Franciscan Fryers voweth (besides chastity

and obedience) poverty more strictly to be observed, then any other

Order of the _Romish_ Church; for their Clothing ought to be corse

sackcloth, their girdles made of hemp should be no finer then strong

halters, their shirts should be but woollen, their legs should know no

stockings, their feet no shoes, but at the most and best either wooden

clogs, or sandals of hemp, their hands and fingers should not so much

as touch any money, nor they have the use or possession or propriety of

any, nor their journeys be made easy with the help of Horses to carry

them, but painfully they ought to travaile on foot; and the breach of

any of these they acknowledge to be a deadly and mortall sinne, with

the guilt of a high soul-damning and soul-cursing excommunication.

Yet for all these bonds and obligations, those wretched Impes live in

those parts as though they had never vowed unto the Lord, shewing in

their lives that they have vowed what they are not able to performe.

It was to us a strange and scandalous sight to see here in _Xalappa_

a Fryer of the Cloister riding in with his lackey boy by his side,

upon a goodly gelding, (having gone but to the Townes end, as we were

informed, to heare a dying mans confession) with his long habit tucked

up to his girdle, making shew of a fine silke orange colour stockin

upon his legs, and a neate Cordovan shoe upon his foot, with a fine

Holland paire of drawers, with a lace three inches broad at knee. This

sight made us willing to pry further into this and the other Fryers

carriages, under whose broad sleeves we could perceive their dublets

quilted with silke, and at their wrists the laces of their Holland

shirts. In their talke we could discerne no mortification, but meer

vanity and worldlinesse. After supper some of them began to talk of

carding and dicing; they challenged us, that were but new comers to

those parts, to a Primera; which though most of ours refused, some for

want of money, some for ignorance of that game, yet at last with much

ado they got two of our Fryers to joyn with two of theirs; so the cards

were handsomely shuffled, the vies and revies were doubled, losse made

some hot & blind with passion, gain made others eager and covetous; and

thus was that religious Cloister made all night a gaming house, and

sworne religious poverty turned into profane and worldly covetousnesse.

We that beheld some part of the night the game, found enough to

observe, for the more the sport increased, scandalls to the sport were

added, both by drinking and swearing that common oath _Voio a Christo,

Voio a Dios_, and also by scoffing and jearing at the religious vowes

of poverty which they had vowed; for one of the Franciscans though

formerly he had touched money, and with his fingers had laid it to the

Stake on the table; yet sometimes to make the company laugh, if he had

chanced to winne a double vie (and sometimes the vies and revies went

round of twenty patacons) then would he take the end of one sleeve of

his habit, and open wide the other broad sleeve, and so with his sleeve

sweep the money into his other sleeve, saying, I have vowed not to

touch money, nor to keep any, I meaned then a naturall contact of it;

but my sleeve may touch it, and my sleeve may keep it: shewing with

scoffes and jests of his lips, what religion was in his heart. My eares

tingled with hearing such oathes, my tongue would have uttered some

words of reproofe, but that I considered my self a guest and stranger

in a strange house, and that if any thing I should say, it would doe

no good; so silently I departed to my rest, leaving the Gamesters,

who continued til Sun-rising, and in the morning I was informed that

the jesting Fryer, that rather roaring Boy then religious Franciscan,

fitter for _Sardanapalus_ or _Epicurus_ his Schoole, then to live in a

Cloister, had lost fourescore and odde Patacons, his sleeve (it seemes)

refusing to keep for him what hee had vowed never to possesse. Here

I began to find out by experience of these Franciscans, that liberty

and loosnesse of life it was that brought yeerly so many Fryers and

Jesuites from _Spain_ to those parts, rather then zeale of Preaching

the Gospel and Converting Soules to Christ, which indeed being an act

of highest Charity, they make a speciall badge of the truth of their

Religion: But the loosnesse of their lives sheweth evidently that the

love of money, of vain-glory, of Power and Authority over the poore

_Indians_, is their end and aime more then any love of God. From

_Xalappa_ we went to a place called by the _Spaniards, La Rinconada_,

which is no Towne nor Village, and therefore not worth mentioning in

such a Rode as now I am in; yet as famous in two things, it must not

bee omitted amongst greater places. This place stands so far from any

other Town, that Travellers can scarce make their journeys without

either baiting there at noone, or lying there at night, or declining

three or foure miles out of the Rode to some _Indian_ Town. It is

no more then one house, which the _Spaniards_ call, _Venta_, or as

our _English_, Innes, seated in the corner of a low Valley, which

is the hottest place from St. _John de Ulhua_ to _Mexico_; about it

are the best Springs and Fountaines in all the Rode, and the water

though warme with the heat of the Sun, yet as sweet as any Milk. The

Inne-keepers knowing wel the _Spaniards_ heat, that it seeks coole

and refreshing drink, have speciall care so to lay in water in great

earthen Vessels, which they set upon a moist and waterish Sand, that

it is so cold that it maketh the teeth to chatter. This sweetnesse

and this coolnesse together of that water in so hot and scorching a

Countrey, was to us a wonder, who could find no other refreshment from

that extraordinary heat. Besides our Provision here of Beefe, Mutton,

Kid, Hens, Turkeys, Rabbets, Fowles, and especially Quailes, was so

plentifull and cheape, that wee were astonished at it. The Valley and

Countrey about it is very rich and fertile, full of _Spanish_ Farmes

of Sugar, and _Cochinil, Spanish_ and _Indian_ Wheate. But what maketh

mee more especially remember this _Venta_, or Inne, is, for that though

Art and experience of man have found a way to provide for Travellers

in so hot a place coole and refreshing water, and God have given it

the sweetnesse of Milk, and to the place such abundance of Provision;

yet all this in the day onely is comfortable and pleasant; but in the

night the _Spaniards_ call it, _Cumfites en infierno_, that is to say,

Cumfits in hell, for not onely the heat is so extraordinary, that it

is impossible to bee feeding without wiping away the continuall sweat

of the Face, whose drops from the Browes are alwayes ready to blind

our eyes and to fill with sauce our dishes, but the swarmes of Gnats

are such that waking and sleeping no device of man is able to keep

them off. True it is, most of us had our Pavilions which wee carried

with us to hang about and over our beds, but these could not defend us

from that piercing and stinging Vermine, which like _Egypts_ Plague of

Frogs would be sure to be in every place, and through our Curtaines

to come upon our very Beds. Yet in the day they are not; but just at

Sun setting they begin to swarme about, and at Sun rising away they

goe. After a most tedious and troublesome night, when wee found the

rising of the Sun had dispersed and banished them away, wee thought it

best for us to flie away from that place with them; and so from thence

earely wee departed to a Towne as pleasant and fertill and abounding

with Provision as this _Rinconada_, and free from such busie guests

and individuall Mates and Companions as the night before had intruded

themselves upon us. The next night wee got to a Towne called _Segura_,

inhabited both by _Indians_ and _Spaniards_, consisting of about a

thousand Inhabitants; here again without any charges we were stately

entertained by Franciscan Fryers, as light and vain glorious as those

of _Xalappa_. This Town had its first beginning and foundation from

_Hernando Cortez_, and is called _Segura de la Frontera_, being built

up by him for a Frontier Town to secure the _Spaniards_ that came from

St. _John de Ulhua_ to _Mexico_, against the _Culhuacans_ and people

of _Tepeacac_, who were allied to the _Mexicans_, and so much annoyed

the _Spaniards_. But what most incensed _Cortez_ was, that after his

first repulse from _Mexico_, the _Indians_ insulting over him and the

rest of his Company, whom they heard had beene dangerously wounded,

and were retired to _Tlaxcallan_ to recover and strengthen themselves;

the two Townes, _Culhua_ and _Tepeacac_, then in League with the

_Mexicans_ against _Cortez_ and the Town of _Tlaxcallan_, lying in

wait for the _Spaniards_, took twelve of them, and sacrificed them

alive to their Idols and eat their flesh. Whereupon _Cortez_ desired

_Maxixca_, a chief Captain of _Tlaxcallan_, and divers other Gentlemen

of that Towne to goe with him and to help him to bee avenged of the

people of _Tepeacac_ for the cruelty used to twelve of his _Spaniards_,

and for the daily and great hurt they also did to the Inhabitants of

_Tlaxcallan_ with the helpe of their allied friends the _Culhuacans_

and _Mexicans. Maxixca_ and the chief of _Tlaxcallan_ forthwith

entred into counsell with the States and and Communalty of the Town,

and there determined with generall consent to give unto him forty

thousand fighting Men, besides many _Tamemez_, who are Foot Carriers,

to beare the Baggage, Victuall, and other things. With this number of

_Tlaxcalteca's_, his owne men, and horses, _Cortez_ went to _Tepeacac_,

requiring them in satisfaction of the death of the twelve Christians,

that they should now yeeld themselves to the obedience of the Emperour

and King of _Spain_ his Master, and hereafter never more to receive any

_Mexican_ into their Town or houses, neither yet any of the Province of

_Culhua_. The _Tepeacacs_ answered that they had slain the _Spaniards_

for good and just cause, which was that being time of Warre, they

presumed to passe through their Countrey by force without their will

and License. And also that the _Mexicans_ and _Culhuacans_ were their

friends and Lords, whom alwayes they would friendly entertaine within

their Towne and houses, refusing utterly their offer and request,

protesting to give no obedience to whom they knew not, wishing them

therefore to return incontinent to _Tlaxcallan_, except they had desire

to end their weary days, and to be sacrificed and eaten up as their

twelve friends had been. _Cortez_ yet invited them many times with

peace; and seeing it prevailed not, he began his Wars in earnest. The

_Tepeacacs_ with the favour of the _Culhuacans_ were brave and lusty,

and began to stop and defend the _Spaniards_ entrance into their Town.

And being many in number with divers valiant men among them, began to

skirmish sundry times; but at the end they were overthrown and many

slain without killing any _Spaniard_, although many _Tlaxcalteca's_

were killed that day. The Lords and principall persons of _Tepeacac_

seeing their overthrow, and that their strength could not prevaile,

yeelded themselves unto _Cortez_ for Vassals of the Emperour with

condition to banish for ever their allied friends of _Culhua_; and that

hee should punish and correct at his will and pleasure all those which

were occasion of the death of the twelve _Spaniards_. For which causes

and obstinacy, at the first _Cortez_ judged by his sentence that all

the Townes which had been privy to the murther, should for ever remain

Captives and slaves; others affirm that he overcame them without any

condition, and corrected them for their disobedience, being Sodomites,

Idolaters and eaters of mans flesh, and chiefly for example of all

others. And in conclusion, they were condemned for slaves, and within

twenty daies that these Wars lasted, hee pacified all that Province,

which is very great, hee drave from thence the _Culhuacans_, hee threw

down the Idols, and the chiefest persons obeyed him. And for more

assurance he built there this Town, naming it _Segura De la Frontera_,

appointing all Officers for the purpose, whereby the Christians and

strangers might passe without danger from _Vera Crux_ to _Mexico_. This

Town likewise, as all the rest from St. _John de Ulhua_ to _Mexico_,

is very plentifull of provision, and many sorts of fruits, namely

Plantins, _Sapottes_, and _Chicosapottes_, which have within a great

black kernell as big as our horse Plums, the fruit it self is as red

within as Scarlet, as sweet as Honey; but the _Chicosapotte_, is lesse

and some of them red, some browne coloured, and so juicy that at the

eating the juyce like drops of Honey fall from them, and the smell is

like unto a baked Peare. Here likewise were presented unto us Clusters

of Grapes as faire as any in _Spain_, which were welcome unto us, for

that wee had seen none since we came from _Spain_, and wee saw by them

that the Countrey thereabouts would be very fit for Vineyards, if the

King of _Spain_ would grant the planting of Vines in those parts;

which often hee hath refused to doe, lest the Vineyards there should

hinder the Trading and Trafique between _Spain_ and those parts, which

certainly had they but Wine, needed not any commerce with _Spain_. This

Towne is of a more temperate Climate then any other from _Vera Crux_ to

_Mexico_, and the people who formerly had been eaters of Mans flesh,

now as civill and politick, as loving and curteous as any in the rode.

From whence we declined a little out of our way more Westward (the rode

being North-Westward) only to see that famous Towne of _Tlaxcallan_,

whose inhabitants joyned with _Cortez_, and wee may say were the chiefe

instruments of that great and unparalleld Conquest.

CHAP. X.

_Wherein is set downe the estate and condition of the great Towne of_

Tlaxcallan, _when the first_ Spaniards _entred the Empire of_ Mexico;

Cortez _his first encounter with the_ Tlaxcalteca's; _their league with

him, with a description of the Towne; and of the state and condition of

it now._

_Tlaxcallan_ being worth all the rest of the Townes and Villages

between _S. John de Ulhua_ and _Mexico_; I thought it not fit to

parallell it with the others in naming it briefely and passing by it

as a Traveller, but rather I judged it convenient, and beseeming my

present History, to record to posterity with one whole Chapter, the

greatnesse of it, and the valour of its inhabitants, from the conquest

of _America_ made by _Hernando Cortez_. Who being upon his march to

_Mexico_, and having arrived to _Zaclotan_, and being informed that

the _Tlaxcalteca's_ were men of valour, and enemies to _Montezuma_ the

Emperour of _Mexico_, thought it his best policy to joyne with them

against the _Mexicans_.

Whereupon hee dispatched unto them foure _Indians_ of a Towne called

_Zempoallan_, as Ambassadours to acquaint them of his coming into

those parts, and of his desire to visit their Towne, not for any harme

he intended to them, but rather for their good. The _Tlaxcalteca's_

fearing _Cortez_, and judging him a friend of _Montezuma_, because upon

his way to visit him, and having heard of the many costly presents

which the Emperour had sent unto him; they resolved to resist his

coming, and to send him no answer to his ambassage; but tooke the

four Messengers which he had sent, and imprisoned them, minding to

sacrifice them unto their Gods as Espies. _Cortez_ seeing the long

tarrying of the Messengers, departed from _Zaclotan_, without any

intelligence from _Tlaxcallan_. His camp had not marched much after

their departure from that place, but they came to a great circuit

of stone made without lime or morter, being of a fadome and a halfe

high, and twenty foot broad, with loupe holes to shoot at; this wall

crossed over a whole valley, from one mountain to another, and but one

only entrance or gate, in the which the one wall doubled against the

other, and the way there was fourty paces broad, in such sort that it

was an evil and perillous passage, if any had been there to defend it.

_Cortez_ demanded the cause of that circuit, and who had built it;

the _Indians_ that went with him, told him that it was but a division

from their countrey and _Tlaxcallan_, and that their Antecessors had

made the same to disturbe the entrance of the _Tlaxcalteca's_ in time

of warre, who came to rob and murther them because of the friendship

betwixt them and _Montezuma_, whose vassals they were. That strange

and costly wall seemed a thing of great majesty to the _Spaniards_,

and more superfluous then profitable, yet they suspected that the

_Tlaxcalteca's_ were valiant warriers, who had such defence made

against them. But _Cortez_ setting all fear aside, with three hundred

Souldiers on a ranke, entred the way in the wall, and proceeded in

good order all the way forwards, carrying the Ordnance ready charged,

and he himselfe the Leader of all his Army, and sometimes he would be

halfe a league before them, to discover and make the way plain. And

having gone the space of three leagues from that circuit, he commanded

his Foot-men to make haste, because it was somewhat late, and he

with his Horse-men went to descry the Way forwards, who ascending

up a hill, two of the formost Horse-men met with fifteen _Indians_

armed with swords, and targets, and tuffes of feathers, which they

used to weare in the warres. These fifteen being Spies, when they saw

the Horse-men, began to flie with fear, or else to give advice. But

_Cortez_ approaching with other three Horsemen called to them to stay;

which they by no means would hearken unto; till six more Horse-men

ran after them, and overtooke them. The _Indians_ then joyning all

together with determination rather to die then to yeeld, shewed to

the _Spaniards_ signes to stand still. But the Horsemen coming to

lay hands on them; they prepared themselves to battel, and fought,

defending themselves for a while. In this fight the _Indians_ slew two

of their Horses, and (as the _Spaniards_ do witnesse) at two blowes

they cut off a Horse head, bridle and all. Then came the rest of the

Horsemen, the Army also of the _Indians_ approached, for there were

in sight neer five thousand of them in good order, to succour their

fifteen fighting men; but they came too late for that purpose, for

they were all slain by the _Spanish_ fury, because they would not

render themselves in time, and had killed two of their Horses. Yet

notwithstanding their fellowes fought, until they espied the _Spanish_

Army coming, and the Ordnance, then they returned leaving the field

to the _Spaniards_, whose Horse-men followed them, and slew about

seventy of them, without receiving any hurt. With this the _Indians_

perceiving the great advantage which the _Spaniards_ had against them

with their Horses, and meaning to come upon them subtilly with a more

powerful Army, that they might the better deceive and delude them,

they sent unto _Cortez_ two of the four Messengers which had been sent

unto them with other _Indians_, saying, that they of _Tlaxcallan_ knew

nothing of the things that had happened, certifying likewise that those

with whom he had fought, were of other communities, and not of their

jurisdiction, being sorrowfull for that which had passed; and for so

much as it happened in their countrey, they would willingly pay for the

two Horses which were slain, praying them to come in good time to their

Towne, who would gladly receive them, and enter into their league of

friendship, because they seemed to bee valiant men; But all this was a

feigned and a false message. Yet _Cortez_ beleeved them, and gave them

thanks for their courtesie and good will; and that according to their

request he would goe unto their Towne, and accept their friendship. And

touching the death of his Horses, hee required nothing, for that within

short time he expected many more; yet sorrowfull he was not so much

for the want of them, as that the _Indians_ should thinke that Horses

could die or be slain. _Cortez_ proceeded forwards about two leagues,

where the Horses were killed, although it was almost sun set, and his

men wearied, having travelled far that day. He planted his Army by a

river side, remaining all that night with good watch both of Foot-men

and Horse-men, fearing some assault; but there was no attempt given

that night. The next morning at sun rising, _Cortez_ departed with

his Army in good order, and in the midst of them went the Fardage and

Artillerie, and after a little marching they met with the other two

Messengers whom they had sent from _Zaclotan_; they came with pitifull

cryes exclaiming of the Captaines of the power of _Tlaxcallan_, who

had bound them and detained them from returning; but with good fortune

that night they had broken loose, and escaped, for otherwise in the

morning following they had been sacrificed to the God of Victory, and

after the sacrifice they had been eaten for a good beginning of the

warres; the _Tlaxcalteca's_ protesting to doe the like to the bearded

men (for so they termed the _Spaniards_) and to as many as came with

them. They had no sooner told their tale, when there appeared behind a

little hil about a thousand _Indians_, very well appointed after their

fashion, and came with such a marvellous noise and cry, as though their

voyces should have pierced the heavens; hurling at the _Spaniards_,

stones, darts, and shot with bowes and arrowes. _Cortez_ made many

tokens of peace unto them, and by his Interpreters desired them to

leave the battail. But so much the more as he intreated for peace, the

more hasty and earnest were they, thinking either to overcome them,

or else to hold them play, to the intent that the _Spaniards_ should

follow them to a certaine ambush that was prepared for them, of more

then fourescore thousand men. Here the _Spaniards_ began to cease

from words, and to lay hand upon their weapons; for that company of a

thousand were as many as on the _Spaniards_ side were fighting men;

though they were well practised in the warres, very valiant, and also

pitched in a better place for fight. This battail endured certaine

houres, and at the end the _Indians_ being either wearied, or else

meaning to take the _Spaniards_ in the snare appointed, began to flie

towards the main battail, not as overcome, but to joyne with their own

side. The _Spaniards_ being hot in the fight and slaughter, which was

not little, followed them with all their fardage, and unawares fell

into the ambush, among an infinite number of _Indians_ armed; they

stayd not, because they would not put themselves out of order, and

passed through their campe with great haste and fear. The _Indians_

began to set upon the _Spanish_ Horse-men, thinking to have taken their

lances from them, their courage was so stout; many of the _Spaniards_

had there perished, had it not been for their _Indian_ friends, who

had come with them from _Zempoallan_ and _Zaclotan_. Likewise the

courage of _Cortez_ did much animate them; for although hee led his

Army making way, yet divers times hee turned him back to place his

men in order, and to comfort them, and at length came out of that

dangerous way and ambush, where the Horses might help, and the Ordnance

stand instead, which two things did greatly annoy the _Indians_ to

their great wonder and marvell, and at the sight thereof began to

flie. In both incounters remained many _Indians_ slain and wounded,

and of the _Spaniards_ some were hurt, but none killed, who gave most

hearty thankes unto God for their delivery from so great a multitude

as were foure score thousand against one thousand onely of _Indians_

and _Spaniards_ joyned together. The _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_ and

_Zaclotan_ did play the valiant men that day, wherefore _Cortez_

honoured them with hearty thankes. Then they went to pitch their

Campe in a village called _Teoacazinco_, where was a little Tower and

a Temple, and there fortified themselves. The night following the

_Spaniards_ slept not quietly with fear of a third Invasion of the

_Tlaxcalteca's_. As soone as it was day _Cortez_ sent to the Captains

of _Tlaxcallan_ to require them of Peace and Friendship, willing them

quietly to suffer them to passe through their Countrey to _Mexico_,

for that they meant them no hurt, but rather good wil. The answer

of the captains of _Tlaxcallan_ was, that the next day they would

come and talke with him and declare their minds. _Cortez_ was well

prepared that night, for the answer liked him not, but rather seemed

brave, and a matter determined to be done, as some had told him (whom

hee tooke prisoners) who likewise certified that the _Tlaxcalteca's_

were joyned together, to the number of a hundred and fifty thousand

men to give battaile the next day following, and to swallow up alive

the _Spaniards_ whom so mortally they did hate, thinking them to bee

friends unto the Emperour _Montezuma_, unto whom they wished all evill

and mischief. Their intent was therefore with all their whole power to

apprehend the bearded men, and to make of them a more solemne Sacrifice

unto their Gods then at any time they had done, with a generall banquet

of their flesh, which they called _Celestiall_.

The Captaines of _Tlaxcallan_ divided their Souldiers into foure

Battailes, the one to _Tepeticpac_, another to _Ocotelulco_, the third

to _Tizatlan_, and the fourth to _Quiahuiztlan_, that is to say,

the men of the Mountaines, the men of the Limepits, the men of the

Pinetrees, and the Water men; all these foure sorts of men did make

the Body of the Common-weelth of _Tlaxcallan_, and commanded both in

time of War and Peace. Every of these Captaines had his just portion or

number of Warriers, but the Generall of all the whole Army was called

_Xicotencatl_, who was of the Limepits; and hee had the Standard of the

Common-wealth, which is a Crane of gold with his wings spread, adorned

with Emeralds and Silver worke, which Standard was according to their

use either carryed before the whole Host, or else behind them all. The

Lieutenant Generall of the Army was _Maxixcazin_; and the number of the

whole Army was a hundred and fifty thousand men. Such a great number

they had ready against foure hundred _Spaniards_, and seven hundred

_Indians_ of _Zempoallan_ and _Zaclotan_, and yet at length overcome;

and after this fight they were the greatest friends that _Cortez_ had

in those parts against _Montezuma_. These Captaines came with their

Companies, that the fields where they were seemed a Forrest. They were

gallant Fellowes and well Armed according to their use, although they

were painted, so that their faces shewed like Devils, with great tuffes

of Feathers, and they boasted gallantly. Their Weapons and Armour were

Slings, Staves, Speares, Swords, Bowes and Arrowes, Sculles, Splintes,

Gantlets, all of Wood, guilt or else covered with Feathers or Leather;

their Corselets were made of Cotton Wooll, their Targets and Bucklers

gallant and strong, made of wood covered with leather and trimmed with

latten, and feathers, their Swords were staves with an edge of flint

stone cunningly joyned into the staffe, which would cut very well and

make a sore wound. Their instruments of War were hunters hornes, and

Drummes called _Ataballs_ made like a Caldron and covered with Vellam.

So that the _Spaniards_ in all their discovery of _India_ did never

see a better Army together, nor better ordered; that which I could

not omit to speake of here, having come in the order of my history

to _Tlaxcallan_, where this numerous and gallant _Indian_ Army was

set forth against 400 _Spaniards_ and 600 _Indians_ their friends.

These _Indians_ thus ordered in Battail bragged very much against the

_Spaniards_, and said amongst themselves, What mad people are these

bearded men that threaten us and yet know us not? But if they will bee

so bold to invade our Countrey without our licence, let us not set

upon them so soone, it is meet they have a little rest, for wee have

time enough to take and bind them; let us also send them meat, for

they are come with empty stomackes, and so they shall not say that we

do apprehend them with wearinesse and hunger. Whereupon they sent unto

the _Spaniards_ three hundred Turkey cocks and two hundred baskets

of bread, called _Centli_; the which present was a great succour and

refreshment for the need the _Spaniards_ stood in. And soone after,

Now (say they) let us goe and set upon them, for by this time they

have eaten their meat, and now we will eat them, and so shall they

pay us the victuals that we sent. These & such like brags they used,

seeing so few _Spaniards_ before them, and not knowing the strength

of their Ordnance against their so numerous an host. Then the foure

Captaines sent two thousand of their valiantest men of warre, and old

Souldiers, to take the _Spaniards_ quietly, with commandement that if

they did resist, either to binde them, or else to kill them, meaning

not to set their whole Army upon them, saying, that they should get

but small honour for so great a multitude to fight against so few.

The two thousand Souldiers passed the trench that was betwixt the two

campes, and came boldly to the Tower where the _Spaniards_ were. Then

came forth the Horse-men, and after them the Foot-men, and at the first

encounter, they made the _Indians_ feele how the iron swords would cut;

at the second, they shewed of what force those few in number were,

of whom a little before they had so jested: but at the third brunt,

they made those lusty Souldiers flie, who were come to apprehend them,

for none of them escaped, but only a few such as knew the passage of

the trenches or ditch. Then the main battail and whole Army set forth

with a terrible and marvellous noise, and came so fierce upon the

_Spaniards_, till they entred into their campe without any resistance,

and there were at handy strokes with the _Spaniards_, and in a good

space could not get them out, many of them being killed, which were

so bold to enter. In this sort they fought four houres, before they

could make way among their enemies. Then the _Indians_ began to faint,

seeing so many dead on their side, and the great wounds they had, and

that they could kill none of the Christians; yet the battail ceased

not, till it drew neere night, and then they retired. Whereof _Cortez_

and his Souldiers were exceeding glad, for they were fully wearied

with killing of _Indians_. The next day in the morning _Cortez_ went

forth to runne the fields as he had done before, leaving halfe his men

to keepe the campe; and because he should not be espied, he departed

before day, and burned about ten Townes, and sacked one Towne, which

was of three thousand houses, in the which were found but few people,

because the most of them were gone to their campe. After the spoile

he set fire on the Town, and came his way to his campe with a great

prey by noone time. The _Indians_ pursued thinking to take away their

prey, and followed them into the camp, where they fought five houres,

and could not kill one _Spaniard_, although many of their side were

slain; for even as they were many, and stood on a throng together,

the Ordnance made a wonderfull spoil among them, so that they left

off fighting, and the victory remained for the _Spaniards_, whom the

_Indians_ thought were inchanted, because their arrowes could not hurt

them. The next day following, the four Captaines sent three severall

things in present to _Cortez_, and the messengers that brought them

said. Sir, behold here five slaves, and if thou be that rigorous God

that eatest mans flesh and blood, eat these which we bring unto thee,

and we will bring thee more. And if thou be the gentle and meek God,

behold here frankincense and feathers. And if thou bee a mortall man,

take here fowle, bread and cherries. _Cortez_ answered that both he and

his were mortall men even as they were. And because that alwaies he had

used to tell them truth, wherefore did they use to tell him lies, and

likewise to flatter him, for he desired to be their friend, advising

them not to be mad and stubborn in their opinion, for if they so did,

assuredly they should receive great hurt and dammage.

Notwithstanding this answer, there came againe about thirty thousand

of them even to _Cortez_ his campe, to prove their corslets, as they

had done the day before, but they returned with broken pates. Here is

to be noted that although the first day the whole host of _Indians_

came to combat with the _Spaniards_; yet the next day they did not so,

but every severall Captaine by himselfe, for to divide the better the

travaile and paines equally among them; and because that one should not

disturbe another through the multitude, considering that they should

fight but with a few, and in a narrow place; and for this consideration

their battails were more fresh and strong, for each Captain did

contend who should doe most valiantly for to get honour, and especially

in killing one _Spaniard_, for they thought that all their hurts should

be satisfied with the death of one _Spaniard_, or taking one Prisoner.

Likewise is to be considered the strangenesse of their battail, for

notwithstanding their controversie fifteen daies that they were there,

whether they fought or no, they sent unto the _Spaniards_ cakes of

bread, Turkey cocks and cherries. But this policy was not to give

them that meat for good will, but onely to espie and see what hurt

was done amongst them, and also to see what feare or stomack they had

to proceed. But finding by their many spies that the _Spaniards_ were

nothing daunted nor diminished, they resolved to send unto _Cortez

Xicotencatl_, who was chiefe and generall Captain in _Tlaxcallan_,

and of all the warres; he brought in his company fifty persons of

authority to keep him company. They approached neer where _Cortez_

was, and saluted each other according to the use of their countrey.

Their salutations ended, and the parties being set downe; _Xicotencatl_

began the talke, saying. Sir, I am come on mine owne behalfe and also

of my fellow Captain and Lieutenant _Maxixca_, and in the name of many

other noble personages, and finally in the name of the whole State and

Common-wealth of _Tlaxcallan_, to beseech and pray you to admit us into

your friendship, and to yeeld our selves and countrey unto your King,

craving also at your hand pardon for our attempt in taking up armes

against you, wee not knowing what you were, nor what you fought for in

our countrey. And where we presumed to resist and defend your entrance,

wee did it as against strangers whom we knew not, and such men as we

had never heretofore seen; and fearing also that you had been friends

to _Montezuma_, who is, and alwaies hath been our mortall enemy. And we

had rather all in generall to end our lives, then to put our selves in

subjection to him; for we thinke our selves as valiant men in courage

as our fore-fathers were, who alwaies have resisted against him and

his grand-father, who was as mighty as now is he. We would also have

withstood you and your force, but we could not, although we proved all

our possibility by night and day, and found your strength invincible,

and we no lucke against you. Therefore since our fate is such, we had

rather be subject unto you then unto any others; for wee have knowne

and heard by the _Zempoallanezes_, that you doe no evill, nor came not

to vexe any, but were most valiant and happy, as they have seen in

the warres, being in your company. For which consideration, we trust

that our liberty shall not be diminished, but rather our own persons,

wives and families better preserved, and our houses and husbandry not

destroyed. And in some of his talke, the tears trickling down his

cheeks, he besought _Cortez_ to weigh that _Tlaxcallan_ did never at

any time acknowlege any superiour Lord or King, nor at any time had

come any person among them to command, but only he, whom now they did

voluntarily elect and choose as their Superiour and Ruler. _Cortez_

much rejoyced with this ambassage, and to see such a mighty Captaine,

who commanded a hundred and fifty thousand Souldiers, come unto his

camp to submit himselfe; judging it also matter of great weight to

have that Common-wealth in subjection, for the enterprise which he had

in hand, whereby he fully made an account, that the wars were at an

end, to the great contentation of him and his company, and with great

fame and reputation among the _Indians_. So with a merry and loving

countenance he answered, laying first to their charge, the hurt and

damage which he had received in their countrey, because they refused

at the first to hearken unto him, and quietly to suffer him to enter

into their countrey, as he had required and desired by his messengers

sent unto them from _Zaclotan_. Yet all this notwithstanding, he

did both pardon the killing of his two Horses, the assaulting of

him in the high way, and the lies which they had most craftily used

with him, (for whereas they themselves fought against him, yet they

laid the fault to others) likewise their pretence to murther him in

the ambush prepared for him (enticing him to come to their Towne)

without making first defiance according to the law of Arms. Yet these

injuries notwithstanding, he did lovingly receive their offer made in

subjection to the Emperour, and that very shortly he would be with

him in _Tlaxcallan_. At this same time there were Ambassadours from

_Montezuma_ with _Cortez_, who grieved much to see the League that

was now beginning between the _Tlaxcalteca's_ and the _Spaniards_;

they advised _Cortez_ to give no credit unto them, saying, they meant

nothing but treason, and lies, and to lock them up in _Tlaxcallan.

Cortez_ answered the Ambassadours, that although their advice were

true, yet he did determine to goe thither, for that he feared them

lesse in the Towne then in the field. They hearing this answer and

determination, besought him to give unto one of them licence to returne

unto _Mexico_, to advertise _Montezuma_ of all that was past, with an

answer to their ambassage, promising within six dayes to have newes

from _Mexico_, and till then prayed him not to depart with his campe.

_Cortez_ granted their request, and abode there the time appointed,

expecting their answer, and within himselfe rejoycing to see how the

_Mexicans_ began to feare, that his peace with the _Tlaxcalteca's_

would be their ruine and destruction, as indeed afterwards it proved.

In this mean season came many of _Tlaxcallan_ to the campe, some

brought Turkey cockes, other brought bread and cherries, with merry

countenances, desiring them to goe home with them unto their houses.

The sixt day the _Mexican_ Ambassadour came according to promise, and

brought unto _Cortez_ ten jewels of gold, both rich and well wrought,

and fifteen thousand garments of Cotton exceeding gallant, and most

earnestly besought him on the behalfe of _Montezuma_, that he should

not danger himselfe in trusting to the words of the _Tlaxcalteca's_,

who were so poore that with necessity they would rob him of the things

and presents which his Master had sent him, yea and likewise murther

him, knowing of the friendship between his Master and him. At the

very same time all the chiefest Lords of _Tlaxcallan_ came to intreat

him to goe with them to _Tlaxcallan_, where he should be cherished,

lodged and well provided: for it was a great dishonour and shame unto

them to permit such personages to abide in such vile cottages, as

they were in. And if (said they) you trust us not, then we are ready

to give you for your security whatsoever pledges or gages you shall

demand. And they did both swear and faithfully promise that they might

safely goe with them, saying also that the Oath and Faith of their

Common-wealth should never be broken for all the goods in the world.

Thus was _Cortez_ on both sides earnestly solicited, and intreated; the

_Mexicans_ fearing his League and friendship with the _Tlaxcalteca's_,

and these hoping that his friendship with them would be their chiefe

protection against the tyranny of _Montezuma_. But _Cortez_ aiming

chiefly at the Empire of _Mexico_, which _Montezuma_ his dissembled

friendship would never helpe him to enjoy; and seeing the good will of

so many gentlemen his new friends of _Tlaxcallan_, the most mortall

enemies of _Montezuma_, and likewise the _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_, of

whom he had good credit, did so importune him, and assure him of his

going, he commanded his Fardage to be laden, and also his Ordnance,

and departed toward _Tlaxcallan_, with as good order as it had been

to a battail; and at the Tower where he had pitched his camp, he left

certain crosses for a memory with a great heape of stones (which till

this day remain in the place, and my selfe have seen them) and entred

into _Tlaxcallan_ the eighteenth of _September_. There came out such

a multitude of people to see him and to meet him in the way, that it

was a wonder to see. He was lodged in the greatest Temple, which had

many great and fair lodgings sufficient for him and all his company,

except the _Indians_ of _Zempoallan_ and _Zaclotan_ his friends, who

were lodged in other Temples. He set certaine limits, out of the which

he commanded straitly that none of his company should passe upon

pain of death, and also commanded that they should take nothing, but

what should be given them. His commandement was well observed, for

none presumed to goe a stones cast without his licence. The _Indian_

gentlemen shewed great pleasure and curtesie to the strangers, and

provided them of all things necessary, and many of them gave their

daughters unto them in token of true friendship, and likewise to have

fruit of their bodies, to be brought up for the wars, being such

valiant men. _Cortez_ being throughly satisfied of their hearty good

wills, demanded of them the estate and riches of _Montezuma_. They

exalted him greatly as men that had proved his force. And as they

affirmed it was neer a hundred yeers, that they maintained warres with

him and his father _Axaica_, and others his uncles and grand-fathers;

they assured him also that the gold and treasure of _Montezuma_ was

without number, and his power and dominion over all the land, and his

people innumerable; for (said they) he joyneth sometimes two hundred

thousand men, yea and three hundred thousand for one battail. And if

it pleased him, he would make as many men double, and thereof they

were good witnesse, because they had many times fought with them.

_Cortez_ told them he was nothing discouraged at all that his power,

but intended a journey to _Mexico_, not doubting to oppose _Montezuma_,

if hee should encounter him in the way. He promised them likewise

that he would free them from his tyranny, and subdue in his way all

those Townes which were allied to the _Mexicans_, and did any way

annoy them and their Common-wealth. They gave him hearty thankes,

assuring him to assist him and accompany him to _Mexico_; and for

the present offered him twenty thousand men, making a solemne League

and Covenant never to forsake him. Thus was _Tlaxcallan_ subdued and

sworne to the power and command of the _Spaniards_, being in those

times one of the chiefest, though not richest, Townes in _America_;

whose Inhabitants after clave most faithfully to _Cortez_, and were

chief instruments for the subduing of _Mexico_; and therefore to this

day are freed from tribute by the Kings of _Spain_, paying not the

money which as a tribute taxe is layed upon every _Indian_ to bee

payed yeerely, but onely in acknowledgement of subjection they pay

yeerely one corne of _Maiz_, which is their _Indian_ Wheat. This great

Towne of _Tlaxcallan_ is properly in the _Indian_ tongue as much as

to say, as bread well baked, for there is more Graine called _Centli_

gathered, then in all the Province roundabout. In times past the Towne

was called _Texcallan_, that is to say, a Valley betwixt two hills.

It is planted by a River side, which springeth out of a hill called

_Atlancapetec_, and watereth the most part of the Province, and from

thence issueth out into the South Sea, by _Zacatullan_. This Town

hath foure goodly streets, which are called _Tepeticpac, Ocotelulco,

Tizatlan, Quiahuiztlan_. The first street standeth on high upon a hill,

farre from the River which may be about half a League, and because it

standeth on a hill, it is called _Tepeticpac_, that is to say, a hill,

and was the first population, which was founded there on high because

of the Wars. An other street is situated on the hill side towards the

River; because at the building thereof, there were many Pine trees,

they named it _Ocotelulco_, which is to say, A pine apple plot. This

street was beautifull, and most inhabited of all the Town, and there

was the chiefest Market place, where all the buying and selling was

used, and that place they called _Tianquiztli_; in that street was

the dwelling house of _Maxixca_. Along the River side in the plaine

standeth another street called _Tizatlan_, because there is much Lime

and Chalke. In this street dwelled _Xicotencatl_, Captaine Generall of

the whole Common-wealth. There is another street named by reason of the

brackish water, _Quiahuiztlan_; but since the _Spaniards_ came thither,

all those buildings are almost altered, after a better fashion, and

built with stone. In the plain by the riverside standeth the Town

house, & other Offices, as in the City of _Venice_. This _Tlaxcallan_

was governed by Noble and rich men; they used not that one alone should

rule, but did rather flie from that Government as from tyranny, and

therefore hated _Montezuma_ as a tyrant. In their Wars (as I have said

before) they had foure Captaines, which governed each one street, of

the which foure they did elect a Captaine Generall. Also there were

other Gentlemen, that were Under-Captaines, but a small number. In the

Wars they used their Standard to bee carried behind the Army, but when

the battaile was to be fought, they placed the Standard, where all the

Hoste might see it, & he that came not incontinent to his Ancient,

payed a penalty. Their Standard had two Crosse-bow Arrowes set thereon,

which they esteemed, as the Reliques of their Ancestours. This Standard

two old Souldiers and valiant men, being of the chiefest Captaines,

had the charge to carry, in the which an abuse of soothsaying either

of losse or victory was noted. In this order they shot one of these

Arrowes against the first enemies that they met, and if with that Arrow

they did either kill or hurt, it was a token that they should have

the victory, and if it neither did kil nor hurt, then they assuredly

believed that they should lose the field. This Province or Lordship of

_Tlaxcallan_ had 28 Villages and Townes, wherein were contained 150000

housholders. They are men well made, and were good Warriers, the like

were not among the _Indians_. They are very poore, and have no other

riches, but onely the Graine and Corne called _Centli_, and with the

gain and profit thereof, they doe both clothe themselves, and provide

all other necessaries. They have many Market places, but the greatest

and most used daily, standeth in the street of _Ocotelulco_, which

formerly was so famous, that 20000 persons came thither in one day to

buy and sell, changing one thing for another, for they knew not what

money meaned. They have now and had formerly all kind of good policy in

the Town; there are Goldsmiths, Feather-dressers, Barbers, hot houses,

and Potters, who make as good earthen Vessel, as is made in _Spain_.

The earth is fat and fruitfull for Corne, fruit, and pasture, for among

the Pinetrees groweth so much grasse, that the _Spaniards_ feed their

Cattell there, which in _Spain_ they cannot doe. Within two Leagues

of the Town standeth a round hill of six miles of heigth, and five

and forty miles in compasse, and is now called St. _Bartholomewes_

hill, where the snow freezeth. In times past they called that hill

_Matealcucic_, who was their God for water. They had also a God for

Wine, who was named _Ometochtli_, for the great drunkenesse which they

used. Their chiefest God was called _Camaxtlo_, and by another name

_Mixcovatl_, whose Temple stood in the street of _Ocotelulco_, in the

which Temple there was sacrificed some yeeres above eight hundred

persons. In the Towne they speak three languages, that is to say,

_Nahualh_, which is the courtly speech, and chiefest in all the land

of _Mexico_; another is called _Otomir_, which is most commonly used

in the Villages; There is one onely street that speaketh _Pinomer_,

which is the grossest speech. There was also formerly in the Town a

common Jayle, where Felons lay in Irons, and all things which they held

for sinne, were there corrected. At the time that _Cortez_ was there

it happened that a townsman stole from a _Spaniard_ a little gold;

whereof _Cortez_ complained to _Maxixca_, who incontinent made such

enquiry, that the offender was found in _Chololla_, which is another

great Town five Leagues from thence; they brought the Prisoner with

the gold, and delivered him to _Cortez_, to doe with him his pleasure.

_Cortez_ would not accept him, but gave him thankes for his diligence;

then was hee carried with a cryer before him, manifesting his offence,

and in the Market place upon a Scaffold they brake his joynts with a

cudgell: the _Spaniards_ marvelled to see such strange justice, and

began to bee more confident that as in this point they had endeavoured

to pleasure and right them, so likewise they should afterwards find

them very forward to doe their wills and pleasures for the better

conquering of _Mexico_ and _Montezuma. Ocotelulco_ and _Tizatlan_,

are the two streets which now are most inhabited. In _Ocotelulco_

standeth a Cloister of Franciscan Fryers who are the Preachers of that

Town; they have there joyning to their Cloister a very faire Church,

to which belong some fifty _Indians_ singers, Organists, players on

Musicall Instruments, Trumpeters and Waits, who set out the Masse

with a very sweet and harmonious Musick, and delight the fancy and

senses, while the spirit is sad and dull as little acquainted with God,

who will bee worshipped in spirit and in truth. In _Tepeticpac_ and

_Quiahuiztlan_ are two Chappels onely, to which on the Lords Day, and

upon other occasions the Fryers of the Cloister resort to say Masse.

In this Cloister wee were entertained a day and two nights with great

Provision of Flesh and Fish, which is very plentifull by reason of the

River; The Fryers are allowed by the Town a dozen _Indians_ who are

free from other Services onely to fish for the Fryers. They change

their turnes by Weekes, foure one Weeke and foure another, except they

be called upon for some speciall occasion, and then they leave all

other worke, and attend onely with fish upon the Fryers. The Town now

is inhabited by _Spaniards_ and _Indians_ together; and is the seat

of a chief Officer of Justice sent from _Spain_ every three yeares,

called _Alcalde Major_, whose power reacheth to all the Townes within

twenty Leagues about. Besides him the _Indians_ have likewise among

themselves, _Alcaldes, Regidores_ and _Alguaziles_, superiour and

inferiour Officers of Justice appointed yeerely by the _Alcalde Major_,

who keepes them all in awe, and takes from them for his Service as many

as hee pleaseth without paying any thing for the Service done unto him.

The hard usage of this _Alcalde Major_ and other _Spaniards_ hath much

decayed that populous Town, which should rather have been cherished,

then disheartned by the _Spaniards_, who by meanes of it gained all the

rest of the Country.

CHAP. XI.

_Concluding the rest of our journey from_ Tlaxcallan _to_ Mexico,

_through the City of_ Angels, _and_ Guacocingo.

The next place most remarkable in the Rode wherein wee travelled

was the City called by the _Spaniards, La Puebla de los Angeles_,

the City of Angels. To the which wee were desirous to goe, knowing

that in it there was a Convent of Dominicans of our profession, not

having met with any such since the day we departed from St. _John de

Ulhua_. Here wee refreshed our selves at leasure three dayes, finding

our selves very welcome to our owne Brethren, who spared nothing

that was fit for our entertainment. Wee visited all the City, and

tooke large notice of it, judging of the wealth and riches of it

not only by the great Trading in it, but by the many Cloisters both

of Nuns and Fryers, which it maintaineth, such being commonly very

burthensome to the places where they live, an idle kind of beggers

who make the people believe the maintaining of them is meritorious

and saving to their Soules, and that their prayers for them is more

worth then the meanes and sustenance which they receive from them.

Of these there is in that City a very great Cloister of some fifty

or threescore Dominicans, another of more Franciscans, another of

Augustins, another of Mercenarians, another of discalced Carmelites,

another of Jesuits, besides foure of Nuns. This City is seated in a

low and pleasant Valley, about ten leagues from a very high Mountaine,

which is alwayes covered with snow; It standeth twenty leagues from

_Mexico_, it was first built and inhabited in the yeare 1530. by the

command of _Don Antonio de Mendoza_ Viceroy of _Mexico_, together with

the consent of _Sebastian Ramirez_, who was a Bishop, and had been

President in time past in _Sto. Domingo_, and was that yeare in stead

of _Nunnio de Guzman_, (who had behaved himselfe very evill both with

the _Indians_ and _Spaniards_) sent to bee President of the Chancery

of _Mexico_ with these other foure Judges the Licenciates _John de

Salmeron, Gasco Quiroga, Francisco Ceynos_, and _Alonso Maldonado_.

These Judges governed the land farre better then _Nunnio de Guzman_

before them had done; and among other remarkable things they did, was

to cause this City to bee inhabited; and set at liberty the _Indians_

who inhabited there before, and were grievously suppressed and inslaved

by the _Spaniards_, and therefore many of them departed from thence,

who had inhabited there before, and went to seeke their living at

_Xalixco, Honduras, Guatemala_ and other places, where Warre then was.

This City was formerly called by the _Indians Cuetlaxcoapan_, that

is to say, a Snake in water; the reason was, because there are two

Fountaines, the one of evill water, and the other of good. This City

is now a Bishops Sea, whose yeerely Revenues since the cutting off

from it _Xalappa De la Vera Crux_, are yet worth above twenty thousand

Duckats; By reason of the good and wholesome aire it dayly increaseth

with Inhabitants, who resort from many other places to live there; but

especially the yeare 1634. when _Mexico_ was like to bee drowned with

the inundation of the lake, thousands left it, and came with all their

goods and Families to this City of the _Angels_, which now is thought

to consist of ten thousand Inhabitants. That which maketh it most

famous is the Cloth which is made in it, and is sent farre and neere,

and judged now to bee as good as the Cloth of _Segovia_, which is the

best that is made in _Spain_, but now is not so much esteemed of, nor

sent so much from _Spain_ to _America_ by reason of the abundance of

fine Cloth which is made in this City of _Angels_. The Felts likewise

that are made, are the best of all that Country; there is likewise a

glassehouse, which is there a rarity, none other being as yet knowne

in those parts. But the mint house that is in it, where is coyned

halfe the Silver that cometh from _Sacatecas_, makes it the second

to _Mexico_; and it is thought that in time it will bee as great and

populous as _Mexico_. Without it there are many Gardens, which store

the Markets with provision of Salets; the soile abounds with Wheat,

and with Sugar Farmes; among the which not farre from this City there

is one so great and populous (belonging to the Dominican Fryers of

_Mexico_) that for the work onely belonging unto it, it maintained

in my time above two hundred black-more slaves men and women besides

their little children. The chief Town betweene this City of _Angels_,

and _Mexico_, is called _Guacocingo_ consisting of some five hundred

_Indians_, and one hundred _Spaniards_ Inhabitants. Here is likewise

a Cloister of Franciscans, who entertained us gallantly, and made

shew unto us of the dexterity of their _Indians_ in Musick. Those fat

Fryers wanted not like the rest all Provision necessary for the body.

But their greatest glory and boasting to us was the education which

they had given to some children of the Town, especially such as served

them in their Cloister, whom they had brought up to dancing after the

_Spanish_ fashion at the sound of the Guitarra. And this a dozen of

them (the biggest not being above fourteene years of age) performed

excellently for our better entertainment that night, wee were there

till midnight, singing both _Spanish_ and _Indian_ tunes, capering and

dancing with their Castannettas, or knockers on their fingers with such

dexterity, as not onely did delight, but amaze and astonish us. True

it is, wee thought those Franciscans might have been better imployed

at that time in their Quire at their midnight devotions according to

their profession; but we still found vowed religious duties more and

more neglected, and worldlinesse too too much imbraced, by such as had

renounced and forsaken the world and all its pleasures, sports and

pastimes.

This Towne of _Guacocingo_ is almost as much as _Tlaxcallan_

priviledged by the Kings of _Spain_; for that it joyned with

_Tlaxcallan_ against the _Mexicans_, in defence of _Hernando Cortez_

and the rest of the _Spaniards_ that first conquered that land. These

of _Guacocingo_ being confederated with the inhabitants of _Tlaxcallan,

Chololla,_ and _Huacacholla_ strongly defended the inhabitants of

_Chalco_, when they sent to _Cortez_ for succour, declaring that the

_Mexicans_ made great spoile among them. Which succour _Cortez_ at

that time not being able to send them; being busied in sending for

his Vergantines to besiege _Mexico_ by water as well as by land, he

remitted them to the helpe of the _Tlaxcalteca's_, and unto these of

_Guacocingo, Chlolla_, and _Huacacholla_; who shewed great valour

as yet never buried in oblivion, in relieving _Chalco_ against the

strength, and power of _Montezuma_, which had issued out of _Mexico_,

to keep the _Spaniards_ from drawing neer unto that City. For that

fact is this Towne with the others fore-mentioned, untill this day

priviledged and highly esteemed of the _Spaniards_. From hence wee made

our last journey to the City of _Mexico_, parting over the side of

that high hill which we had discovered at the City of _Angels_, some

thirty miles off. There are no Alpes like unto it for height, cold, and

constant snow that lieth upon it. From _Spain_ to that place we had not

felt any such extremity of cold, which made the _Spaniards_ that had

come out of the hot climate of _Spain_, and endured excessive heat at

sea, wonder and admire. This last journey from _Guacocingo_ to _Mexico_

we reckoned to be thirty _English_ miles, and of the thirty miles we

judged at least the fifteen to be up and downe the hill; and yet the

top of it (whither we ascended not) was far higher. From that highest

part of it which we travailed over, we discovered the City of _Mexico_,

and the lake about it, which seemed to us to be neer at hand, standing

some ten _English_ miles in a plain from the bottome of this mountaine.

When _Hernando Cortez_ went the second time from _Tlaxcallan_ to

_Mexico_, to besiege it by land and by water, with Vergantines which

for that purpose he had caused to be made, on the side of this

mountaine were his land Forces lodged, where many had perished with

cold, had it not been for the store of wood which they found there.

But in the morning he ascended upwards on this hill, and sent his

scout of foure Foot-men and four Horse-men to discover, who found the

way stopped with great trees newly cut downe by the _Mexicans_, and

placed crossewise in the way. But they thinking that yet forwards it

was not so, proceeded forth as well as they might, till at length the

let with great huge Cedars was such, that they could passe no further,

and with this newes were forced to return, certifying _Cortez_ that

the Horse-men could not passe that way in any wise. _Cortez_ demanded

of them whether they had seen any people; they answered No. Whereupon

he proceeded forward, with all the Horse-men, and a thousand Foot-men,

commanding all the residue of his Army to follow him with as much speed

as might be; so that with that company which he carried with him, he

made way, taking away the trees that were cut downe to disturbe his

passage; and in this order in short time passed his host without any

hurt or danger, but with great pain and travaile; for certainly if

the _Mexicans_ had been there to defend that passage, the _Spaniards_

had not passed; for it was then a very evill way (though now it be a

reasonable wide open rode, where Mules laden with wares from _St. John

de Ulhua_, and the Sugar farmes daily passe) and the _Mexicans_ also

thought the same to be sure with the trees which were crossed the way;

whereupon they were carelesse of that place, and attended their coming

in plain ground; for from _Tlaxcallan_ to _Mexico_ are three wayes, of

the which _Cortez_ chose the worst, imagining the thing that afterwards

fell out, or else some had advised him how that way was cleare from

the enemies. At the descent of this hill _Cortez_ abode and rested

himselfe, till all the whole Army were come together, to descend downe

into the plaine; for from hence they descried the fires and beacons of

their enemies in sundry places, and all those who had attended their

coming by the other two waies, were now gathered together, thinking

to set upon them betwixt certain bridges (which are in the plain made

for travellers by reason of the many dikes and currents of water which

issue from the lake) where a great company abode expecting their

coming. But _Cortez_ sent twenty Horse-men who made way among them, and

then followed the whole Army, who slew many of them without receiving

any hurt. Thus did the remembrance of those antiquities newly

refreshed by the object of the hill and plain beneath, make that cold

and hard passage more comfortable and easie unto us. The first Towne

we came to below the hill, was _Quahutipec_, of the jurisdiction of

_Tezcuco_; where we also called to mind, that this was the place, neer

unto which was pitched the Campe of the _Indians_ of _Culhua_, which

was neer a hundred thousand men of warre, who were sent by the Seniors

of _Mexico_ and _Tezcuco_ to encounter _Cortez_; but all in vain; for

his Horse-men broke through them, and his Artillerie made such havock

among them, that they were soon put to flight.

Three leagues from hence on our right hand as we travailed, we

discovered _Tezcuco_ by the side of the lake, and out of the Rode; yet

it ministred unto us matter of a large discourse, taken from the time

of _Cortez_ and the first Conquerers, who found it a great City, and at

that time even as big as _Mexico_; though in it _Cortez_ met with no

resistance; for as he journeyed towards it, foure principall persons

inhabitants of it met with his forces, bearing a rod of gold with a

little flag in token of peace, saying that _Coacuacoyocin_ their Lord

had sent them to desire him not to make any spoile in his City, and

Townes about it; and likewise to offer his friendship, praying also

that it might please him with his whole Army to take his lodging in the

Town of _Tezcuco_, where he should be well received. _Cortez_ rejoycing

at this message, yet jealous of some treachery, and mistrusting the

people of _Tezcuco_ (whose forces joyned with the _Mexicans_ and

_Culhuacans_ he had met with a little before) went forward on his way

and came to _Quahutichan_ and _Huaxuta_ (which then were suburbs of the

great City _Tezcuco_, but now are petty Villages by themselves) where

he and all his host were plenteously provided of all things necessary,

and threw down the Idols. This done he entred into the City, where his

lodging was prepared in a great house, sufficient for him and all the

_Spaniards_, with many other his _Indian_ friends. And because that

at his first entry, he saw neither women nor children, he suspected

some treason, and forthwith proclaimed upon pain of death that none

of his men should goe out. In the evening the _Spaniards_ went up

into the Zoties and galleries to behold the City, and there they saw

the great number of Citizens that fled from thence with their stuffe,

some towards the mountaines, and others to the water side to take

boat, a thing strange to see the great haste and stirre to provide for

themselves. There were at that time at least twenty thousand little

boats (called _Canoas_) occupied in carrying houshold-stuffe and

passengers; _Cortez_ would faine have remedied it, but the night was so

nigh at hand, that he could not. He would gladly also have apprehended

the Lord, but hee was one of the first that fled unto _Mexico_. This

Towne of _Tezcuco_ to this day is famous among the _Spaniards_; for

that it was one of the first, if not the first (which according to the

Histories of those parts is very probable) that received a Christian

King to rule and governe. For _Cortez_ hearing that _Coacuacoyocin_

then King of that City and Townes adjacent was fled, caused many of

the Citizens to be called before him, and having in his company a

young gentleman of a Noble house in that countrey, who had been lately

Christened, and had to name _Hernando_ (_Cortez_ being his God-father,

who loved him well) said unto the Citizens, that this new Christian

Lord _Don Hernando_ was sonne unto _Nezavalpincintli_ their loving

Lord, wherefore he required them to make him their King, considering

that _Coacuacoyocin_ was fled unto the enemies, laying also before

them his wicked fact in killing of _Cacuza_ his owne brother, onely to

put him from his inheritance and Kingdome, through the enticement of

_Quahuatimoecin_ a mortall enemy to the _Spaniards_. In this sort was

that new Christian _Don Hernando_ elected King, and the fame thereof

being blown abroad, many Citizens repaired home again to visit their

new Prince, so that in short space the City was as well replenished

with people, as it was before, and being also well used at the

_Spaniards_ hands, they served them diligently in all things that they

were commanded. And _Don Hernando_ abode ever after a faithfull friend

unto the _Spaniards_ in their warres against _Mexico_, and in short

time learned the _Spanish_ tongue. And soone after came the inhabitants

of _Quahutichan, Huaxuta_, and _Autenco_ to submit themselves, craving

pardon if in any thing they had offended. Within two daies after _Don

Hernando_ was made King of this great City and Territorie belonging to

it (whose borders reach unto the borders of _Tlaxcallan_) came certaine

gentlemen of _Huaxuta_ and _Quahutichan_, to certifie unto him, how

all the power of the _Mexicans_ was coming towards them, and to know

if it were his pleasure, that they should carry their wives, children

and other goods into the mountaines, or else to bring them where he

was, their feare was so great. _Cortez_ for the King his God-child and

favourite made unto them this answer, saying, Bee ye of good courage,

and feare ye not. Also I pray you to command your wives and families

to make no alteration, but rather quietly to abide in your houses. And

concerning the enemies I am glad of their coming, for yee shall see

how I will deale with them. But the enemies went not to _Huaxuta_,

as it was thought, neverthelesse _Cortez_ having intelligence where

they were, went out to encounter them with two pieces of Ordnance,

twelve Horsemen and two hundred _Spaniards_, and with many _Indians_

of _Tlaxcallan_. He fought with the enemy, and slew but few, for they

fled to the water, and so escaped in their _Canoa's_. Thus did _Cortez_

in _Tezcuco_ defend himselfe and friends from the great power of the

_Mexicans_, who daily attempted to be revenged on him, and the new

Christian King whom he had made. But _Cortez_, thinking that place the

most convenient to lanch his Vergantines to the water, and hearing

that they were finished at _Tlaxcallan_, sent _Gonzalo de Sandoval_ to

bring them from _Tlaxcallan_; who at the border of that Province met

with them being brought in pieces, as tables, planks and nayles, with

all other furniture, the which eight thousand men carried upon their

backes. There came also for their safe conduct twenty thousand men of

warre, and a thousand _Tamemez_, who were the Carriers of victuals,

and servants. _Chichimecatetl_, a principall and valiant _Indian_

and Captaine of a thousand men had the Rere-gard. And _Tupitil_ and

_Teutecotl_, very principall gentlemen, had the Vant-gard with ten

thousand men. In the midst were placed the _Tamemez_, and those that

carried the Foyst, with all the apparell of the Vergantines. Before

those two Captains went a hundred _Spaniards_, and eight Horse-men,

and behind and last came _Gonzalo de Sandoval_ with all the residue,

and seven Horse-men. Thus they tooke their way towards _Tezcuco_,

with a marvellous noise, crying, Christians, Christians, _Tlaxcallan,

Tlaxcallan_, and _Spaine_. When they came to _Tezcuco_, they entred

in very good order, with the sound of Drummes, Snail shels, and other

like instruments of musick; and against their entry into the City, they

put on all their bravery of clothes, and bushes of feathers, which

was a gallant sight; they were six houres in entring into the Towne,

keeping their array. At the fame of this many Provinces came to submit

and offer their service unto _Cortez_, some for fear of destruction,

and others for the hatred which they bare to the _Mexicans_; so that

now _Cortez_ was strong both with _Spaniards_ and _Indians_; and his

Court at _Tezcuco_ was as great, or greater then _Montezuma's_ formerly

had been at _Mexico_. And here _Cortez_ made his preparation for the

siege of _Mexico_ with all hast, and furnished himselfe with scaling

ladders, and other necessaries fit for such a purpose. His Vergantines

being nayled and throughly ended, he made a sluce, or trench of halfe

a league of length, twelve foot broad and more, and two fadome in

depth. This worke was fifty daies a doing, although there were foure

hundred thousand men daily working; truly a famous worke and worthy

of memory, which hath made _Tezcuco_ gloriously mentioned, though now

almost decayed in the great number of inhabitants. The Dock or Trench

being thus finished, the Vergantines were calked with towe and cotton

wooll, and for want of Tallow and oyle, they were (as some Authors

report) driven to take mans grease, not that _Cortez_ permitted them

to slay men for that effect, but of those which were slaine in the

warres, and of such as sallied dayly out of _Mexico_ to hinder this

work, and fighting were slaine. The _Indians_, who were cruel and

bloody Butchers, using sacrifice of mans flesh, would in this sort open

the dead body and take out the grease. The Vergantines being lanched,

_Cortez_ mustered his men, and found nine hundred _Spaniards_, of the

which were fourscore and six Horse-men, and a hundred and eighteen

with Crosse-bowes, and Hargabushes; and all the residue had sundry

weapons, as Swords, Daggers, Targets, Launces, and Halberts. Also they

had for armour, Corslets, coats of Mayle, and Jackes. They had moreover

three great Peeces of cast Iron, fifteen small peeces of brasse, and

ten hundred weight of powder, with store of shot, besides a hundred

thousand _Indians_, men of warre. On Whitsunday all the _Spaniards_

came into the field, that great plaine below the high mountaine spoken

of before, where _Cortez_ made three chiefe Captaines, among whom he

divided his whole Army. Unto _Pedro de Alvarado_ the first Captaine he

appointed thirty Horse-men, and a hundred and seventy Foote men of the

_Spaniards_, two peeces of Ordnance, and thirty thousand _Indians_,

commanding him to campe in _Tlacopan_. Unto _Christoval de Olid_ the

second Captaine hee gave three and thirty horsemen, and a hundred and

eighteen footmen of the _Spanish_ Nation, two Peeces of Ordnance and

thirty thousand _Indians_, and appointed him to pitch his campe in

_Culhuacan_. To _Gonzalo de Sandoval_, who was the third Captaine, hee

gave three and twenty horsemen, and a hundred and threescore footmen,

two peeces of Ordnance, and forty thousand _Indians_, with Commission

to choose a place to pitch his campe. In every Vergantine hee planted

a peice or Ordnance, six Hargabushes, or Crosse-bowes, and three and

twenty _Spaniards_, men most fit for that purpose. Hee appointed also

Captaines for each, and himselfe for Generall, whereof some of the

chiefest of his Company began to murmur, that went by land, thinking

that they had been in greater danger; wherefore they required him

to goe with the maine battaile, and not by water. _Cortez_ little

esteemed their words; for although there was more danger in the land

then in the water, yet it did more import to have greater care in the

Warres by water, then on the land, because his men had beene in the

one, and not in the other. Besides the chiefest hopes that _Cortez_

had to winne _Mexico_, were these Vessels, for with them he burned a

great part of the _Canoa's_ of _Mexico_, and the rest hee so locked

up, that they were no help unto the _Mexicans_, and with twelve onely

Vergantines hee did annoy his enemy as much by water, as the rest of

his Army did by land. All this preparation for the siege of _Mexico_ by

land and water, with above a hundred thousand _Indians_, besides the

_Spaniards_ above mentioned, and the twelve Vergantines by water, was

finished in this City of _Tezcuco_, which is a sufficient argument of

the greatnesse of it at that time, maintaining with Provision fit and

necessary so many thousands of people, and it yeelded matter enough

unto us for a large discourse, whilst not farre from the sight of it

wee travelled in the open and direct plaine Rode to _Mexico_. And as

we talked of the greatnesse of it in former times, so likewise wee

now wondered to consider it to bee but a small Government, where doth

constantly reside a _Spanish_ Governour sent from _Spain_, whose power

reacheth to those borders of _Tlaxcallan_ and _Guacocingo_, and to most

of the petty Townes and Villages of the plaine, which were formerly

under the command and power of a King; but now are not able to make up

above a thousand Duckats a yeer, which is supposed to bee the yeerly

revenues of the Governour; and _Tezcuco_ it self this day judged to

consist onely of a hundred _Spaniards_, and three hundred _Indian_

Inhabitants, whose chiefe riches come by gardening, and sending daily

in their _Canoa's_ Herbes and Salets to _Mexico_. Some wealth likewise

they get by their Cedar trees which grow there, and are ready timber

for the buildings of _Mexico_. Yet now also are these Cedars much

decayed by the _Spaniards_, who have wasted and spoiled them in their

too too sumptuous buildings. _Cortez_ onely was accused by _Pamfilo

de Narvaez_, for that hee had spent seven thousand beames of Cedar

trees in the worke of his owne house. Gardens there were in _Tezcuco_

formerly, that had a thousand Cedar trees for walls and circuite,

some of them of a hundred and twenty foot long, and twelve foot in

compasse from end to end; but now that Garden that hath fifty Cedar

trees about it, is much regarded. At the end of this plain wee passed

through _Mexicalcinco_, which formerly was a great Town, but now not of

above an hundred Inhabitants, and from thence to _Guetlavac_, a petty

Village, yet most pleasant for the shade of many fruit trees, Gardens,

and stately houses which for their recreation some Citizens of _Mexico_

have built there, being at the foot of the Cawsey which from this Town

through the Lake reacheth about five _English_ miles to _Mexico_. And

thus upon the third day of _October_, 1625. wee entred into that famous

and gallant City, yet not abiding in it, but onely passing through

it, till we came to a house of recreation, standing among the Gardens

in the way to _Chapultepec_, named Saint _Jacintho_, belonging to the

Dominicans of _Manila_ in the _East-India's_, (whither our course was

intended) where wee were stately entertained, and abode till after

_Candlemasse_ day, the time of our second shipping at _Acoapulco_ (80

leagues from Manila) by the South-Sea to _Manila_ the chief City of the

Islands named _Philippinas_.

CHAP. XII.

_Shewing some particulars of the great and famous City of_ Mexico _in

former times, with a true description of it now; and of the State and

condition of it the yeare_ 1625.