War, though against every ones Opinion, because of the Populousness of
the _Tapunecans_; yet it was concluded on, that they should request
Peace, and a place to inhabit on the main Continent, that so they might
remove from the Isles: This Request they thought could not be deny’d
them in _Azcapuzalco_, provided the _Mexicans_ brought their Gods
thither, and wholly conform’d themselves to the manners of the
_Tapunecans_, for otherwise they could expect nothing but utter Ruine:
Yet though every one else imbrac’d the Proposal, _Tlacaellel_, the
King’s Nephew, stiffly oppos’d it, alleging, that it did not agree with
the _Mexicans_ quality, to make so mean and slavish a Proffer; and that
they had best consider, first if there were no other means to be found:
and that he would willingly venture his Life in going to _Azcapuzalco_,
as a Spie, to pry into their whole Designs and Intentions, which was
perform’d accordingly; and soon after returning, he brought information,
that the _Tapunecans_ were making great preparations for War, and made
no mention at all of Peace; which news struck a general fear into all
Peoples Hearts; many desiring that they might save themselves by flight;
but _Izcoalt_ putting fresh courage into them, made an agreement with
the People, that if he was beaten by the _Tapunecans_, they should eat
him up; but if he prov’d Conqueror, they should all be at his Command;
to which all consenting, they boldly march’d with their King to the City
_Azcapuzalco_. The Front of the Army consisting of the prime Nobility,
was led by _Tlacaellel_, and the Rear _Izcoalt_ brought up, who was also
to give the sign on a Drum, when they should fall upon the Enemies; who
having ten Men to the _Mexicans_ one, suddenly Sally’d out of the Gates,
where they were so briskly entertain’d by _Tlacaellel_, that in a
confus’d manner they soon ran back into the City, whither the Conqueror
pursuing them, got within the Gates, where he put all to the Sword which
he could meet with; some fled to a steep neighboring Mountain, whither
being also follow’d, they threw down their Arms, and begg’d Quarter, to
serve the _Mexicans_ as Slaves, which was granted them, whilst _Izcoalt_
found an unvaluable Mass of Treasure in _Azcapuzalco_, and distributed
the Conquer’d Countrey amongst those who had behav’d themselves best.
This Conquest made the neighboring People jealous of the _Mexicans_,
whose Success and growing Power they dreaded.
[Sidenote: The _Cuyoacans_ utterly subdu’d by _Tlacaellel_.]
The Towns _Tacuba_ and _Cuyoacan_, though they had Governors of their
own, yet were subject to the _Tapunecans_, whose General advising those
of _Azcapuzalco_ to try another Encounter, they took up Arms again; but
before it came to a Battel, the _Cuyoacans_ play’d a subtile trick with
the _Mexicans_, for inviting them to an Idolatrous Feast, after they had
Eat, Drunk, and Danc’d, they forc’d them to put on Womens Apparel, to
their no small disgrace and ignomy; which remain’d not unreveng’d, for
the _Mexicans_ made a Poysonous Fume in the Gates of _Cuyoacan_, which
made Women with Child to Miscarry, and many to fall dangerously sick;
yet lastly, both Parties march’d into the Fields, where whilst _Izcoalt_
was elsewhere ingag’d, _Tlacaellel_ marching about, came upon the backs
of the _Cuyoacans_ with such eagerness, that they fled to a strong
Temple, which soon after was set on fire by _Tlacaellel_, who pursu’d
the Enemy ten Leagues.
This Conquest stir’d up the _Suchimilcos_, the first Family of the
_Navatlaca_’s, to stop the proceedings of the _Mexicans_, that they
might not, as they had already done to others, fall upon them; to which
purpose they thought to surprize the Conquering Army; but _Tlacaellel_
who led the Van, march’d in good Order to meet the _Suchimilcos_, fell
resolutely upon their whole Army, and after a short conflict, put them
to flight, and took the City _Suchimilco_ for _Izcoalt_, who being
Crown’d King there, Commanded the Conquer’d to make a direct Road
betwixt _Suchimilco_ and _Mexico_, of four Leagues long, both, that a
Trade might the easier be drove between these two Cities, and to keep
them the better in awe: Notwithstanding these examples, _Cuytlavacan_, a
City built at the Lake _Laguna_, trusting to the abundance of Boats,
which the Citizens knew how to use with great dexterity, daily molested
_Mexico_ with them by Water, whereupon _Izcoalt_ resolv’d to send his
Victorious Army thither, but _Tlacaellel_ opposing the same, promis’d to
subdue the Rebelling City with a considerable number of Boys, which had
skill in the managing of a _Canoo_, which being permitted him, he
accordingly made himself Master of _Cuytlavacan_, from whence the Boys
brought a great Booty, and divers Prisoners, whom they sent as an
Offering to _Vitzlipultzli_.
[Sidenote: _Tezcuco_ submits to the _Mexicans_.]
These unheard of Victories being spread far and near, mov’d _Tezcuco_
after several Skirmishes and Conflicts with _Tlacaellel_, to submit to
the _Mexican_ King, who chose the Governor thereof for his Prime
Councellor. _Izcoalt_ Deceasing, after having Reign’d twelve years, his
Son _Muteczuma_ was chosen his Successor; the Election and Coronation
being perform’d after the following manner.
[Sidenote: Coronation of _Muteczuma_.]
The new King mantled in Tygers Skins, was led into the chief Temple
before a Hearth, on which burnt Fire both Night and Day; not far from
which stood the Throne, where sitting down, he Offer’d Blood, which was
taken from his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; after which, an Orator
Congratulated him, in the name of the Nobility; which done, they ended
the Solemnity in a great Dinner, Fire-Works, and Dancing: At the same
time it was establish’d, that all Future Coronations should be kept with
an Offering of Provisions, fetch’d by the King out of the Enemies
Countrey: wherefore _Muteczuma_ going to the Countrey _Chalco_, took
several of the Natives, whose reaking Hearts he Offer’d to
_Viztlipuztli_: Which done, the Coronation follow’d, to which an
innumerable company of People came flocking from all the neighboring
Provinces: Those which were Tributaries, brought Presents with them,
before which the Heralds carry’d the Coats of Arms belonging to the
Nobility of _Mexico_, in a good order.
[Sidenote: _Muteczuma_’s Brother taken Prisoner by those of _Chalco_.]
[Sidenote: An example of great Fidelity.]
Soon after the King’s Coronation, he march’d and fell upon _Chalco_, the
Inhabitants of which defended themselves very Valiantly, took
_Muteczuma_’s Brother, among several other Prisoners; to whom the
Conquerors proffer’d the Government; which at first he refus’d, but at
last accepted of on this condition, that a high Mast should be erected
with a Scaffold on the top, which made every one suppose, that
_Muteczuma_’s Brother did in that manner aim at a high Election, but he
at the appointed time, getting on the top of the Mast, call’d with a
loud voice, and spake to the taken _Mexicans_ which were there present
to this effect: _Chalco seeks to set me on the Throne, the Heavens will
not permit it; learn by me rather to die, than to live and be guilty of
Treason to your Countrey_: which he had no sooner said, but with some
Flowers which he held in his Hand, threw himself down from the Scaffold,
which so inrag’d the _Chalcoans_, that they immediately slew all the
other _Mexicans_ that were there present; which not long after was
reveng’d by _Muteczuma_, who not onely subdu’d _Chalco_, but several
other Provinces, leaving onely _Tlascala_ unattempted, that the
_Mexicans_ might have a neighboring Enemy to fetch Prisoners from for
their Offerings, and also by Skirmishing with them, train up their Youth
in Martial Discipline.
[Illustration]
Thus his Predecessors and he, having Conquer’d divers Provinces,
insomuch that he was now become absolute Emperor over a vast Tract of
Land, he resolv’d to settle the same in good order; to which purpose he
erected Courts of Judicature, with good Laws; built a stately Palace and
Temple; ordain’d several Customs to be observ’d in Religion; which done,
and having Reign’d twenty eight years, he Deceasing, left _Ticocic_ for
his Successor.
[Sidenote: Description of the Temple _Cu_.]
The foremention’d Temple was call’d _Cu_, being built of Stone, in form
like a Serpent, of an exceeding bigness, in the middle thereof there was
a spacious open place, and round about it Habitations, two Stories high,
the lowermost for the Inferior Priests, and the uppermost for the High
Priests; in this place also above ten thousand People Danc’d in a
Circle, on all high Feasts; four great Gates fac’d the like number of
broad Streets, each two Leagues long: On the outmost Gate stood large
Images, the Front of black Stones, Painted between each Lay with red and
yellow Colours, no less Beautiful than Artificial: On each corner of the
Temple were plac’d two Marble Statues of _Indians_, sitting with their
Arms stretch’d out, and holding a Candle, and on their Heads Plumes of
Feathers: Thirty high steps led up to a round place, set about with
Deaths-Heads, which was a Stage appointed for the slaughter of those,
whose Hearts were to be Offer’d to the Diabolical gods, and whose Heads,
their Bodies being eaten, were brought back to the Priests, who hung
them under the Stage, where every Head hanging till it dropp’d off, the
vacant place was immediately supply’d with a fresh Head. At the end of
the Stage stood two Chappels, cover’d like a _Cardinal_’s-Cap, in one of
which sate the Image of _Tiztlputzli_, and in the other _Tlaloc_, to
which led a hundred and twenty Stone steps.
But besides this stately Temple _Cu_, _Mexico_ boasted nine more,
standing not far asunder in a large Plain, all adorn’d with curious
Imagery, and set out with large Pillars, each being Dedicated to a
peculiar Idol, and built with magnificent Apartments, for the Priests to
lodge in; the chiefest of them Dedicated to an Idol call’d
_Tezeatlipuca_, or _Lord of the Humble_. This Temple was ascended to by
eighty steps, and had before it a spacious Court; within a low and broad
Gate appear’d a high Vail, which open’d into a spacious square Hall,
hung with Tapestry, at the end whereof stood large Images, and beyond
which were several Rooms, in which Assemblies met, Scholars were taught,
Judges sate, and Priests Resided.
[Sidenote: _Tlacaellel_ resigns the Kingdoms to _Ticocic_.]
[Sidenote: _Axayacan_ chosen King.]
But to return again to _Muteczuma_, his Funeral was no sooner finish’d,
but the four Prime Councellors were attended by the Commissioners of
_Tezcuco_ and _Tacuba_, in order to the Election of a new King:
_Tlacaellel_ being the chief amongst the Dukes, was by a general Vote
Saluted King, as being most worthy thereof, for his special Services
shown in behalf of the Empire of _Mexico_: But he humbly refusing the
same, was desir’d to Nominate another, whereupon he making choice of
_Ticocic_, _Muteczuma_’s eldest Son; the Council immediately bor’d a
hole through his Nose, and hung an Emrauld in the same. But before he
receiv’d the Crown, he was forc’d, according to the Custom, to fetch in
some of his Enemies for an Offering, which though he perform’d, yet he
lost more _Mexicans_ than he took Prisoners, not without sufficient
testimony of Cowardise; which being ill resented by the People, he was
Poyson’d in the fourth year of his Reign, and succeeded by his Brother
_Axayaca_, by the appointment of _Tlacaellel_; who having attain’d to a
great Age, and left the Charge of his Children to the new King, departed
this Life, to the great sorrow and grief of the whole Empire; by the
States whereof he was Bury’d with great Solemnity.
[Sidenote: His Victory against the _Teguantepecks_.]
In the mean time, _Axayaca_ went with a considerable Army to the remote
Province _Teguantepek_, to fetch Prisoners to be Offer’d at his
Coronation; and marching before alone, Challeng’d his Antagonist, the
King, to a single Combat, which he refus’d, and chose rather to fall
upon _Axayaca_ with all his Forces; whereupon, the _Mexicans_ cunningly
feign’d flight, ambuscaded themselves till the Enemies pursuing them,
gave them their desir’d advantage, for rushing out of their Ambuscade,
they set upon the _Teguantepecks_, so disorder’d, that they easily put
them to flight, and had the pursuit of them as far as _Guatulco_, a
noted Haven upon the South-Sea; from whence _Axayaca_ returning Victor,
receiv’d a Crown for a Reward; yet notwithstanding these Proofs of his
Valor, the Lord of _Tlatellulco_ Challeng’d him; whereupon he sent
Agents thither, with proffers, that since the Citizens of _Tlatellulco_
were of one Blood with the _Mexicans_, whom they deserted upon the
dividing of the Wards and Towns, just before the Election of the first
King _Acamapixtli_, they should, if they pleas’d, be receiv’d anew into
fellowship and alliance with the _Mexicans_, acknowledging one and the
same King for their Supreme Head and Governor: But the Ambassadors being
scorn’d and laugh’d at for their proffers, returning, related the same
to _Axayaca_, who immediately marching thither to take revenge, sent
part of his Army to fall on the Enemy by Water; whilst himself falling
upon them by Land, put the Lord of _Tlatellulco_, with his whole Army,
to flight, which was so closely pursu’d, that they forc’d their way into
the City with them, put the Governor to Death, and laid the Town in
Ashes; those which went by Water, having had no less success.
[Sidenote: _Autzol_ succeeds him.]
_Axayaca_, after eleven years Reign, Deceasing, bequeath’d his Crown to
_Autzol_, who sought to promote his Election by ingaging with the mighty
Province _Quaxutatlan_, whose Inhabitants, though but a little before,
they had been so bold as to demand Tribute of the _Mexicans_, yet
terrifi’d at the approach of _Autzol_’s Army, fled over an Arm of the
Sea, where they had been secure, had not _Autzol_ invented a floating
Isle of Planks, by which he got over his whole Army; upon which the
amaz’d _Quaxututlans_ immediately submitted themselves to the
_Mexicans_, who pursuing their Victory, extended their Dominions to
_Guatimala_, over a Tract of three hundred Leagues.
[Sidenote: _Autzol_’s Generosity and Magnificence.]
The new King having now subdu’d all his Enemies, and made himself
glorious by his Victories, was also ambitious to be as much extoll’d for
his Generosity and Magnificence; to which purpose he distributed all the
Wealth which was brought unto him from the neighboring Countreys,
amongst the Poor and the Nobility; to the first he gave Clothes and
Provisions; to the last, Plumes of Feathers and Arms. Moreover he caus’d
all mean Houses to be pull’d down and new ones to be built in their
places. Lastly, he consulted how to bring fresh Water into _Mexico_,
which was plac’d in a brackish Soil: Upon this Design he was so bent,
that when one of his Sages disswaded him from it, alledging, _That the
Water would drown the City_, he, in stead of following his Advice,
banish’d him his Presence, and upon his flying to _Cuyaocun_, caus’d him
to be fetch’d from thence and Executed. Then prosecuting his Design, he
cut the Ditch before _Cuyaocun_, by which means great store of fresh
Water came flowing into the Lake _Laguna_, which the Priests welcom’d
with strange Ceremonies; for some perfum’d the Water, others Offer’d
Quails Blood, whilst others play’d on several Musical Instruments, with
many other Ceremonies, which are at large describ’d in the ancient
_Mexican_ Chronicles, kept in the _Vatican_ Library at _Rome_. But the
Prophecy of the Executed Sorcerer was in a manner fulfill’d; for the
Water overwhelm’d a great part of _Mexico_, and divided the City into
Isles: But to prevent farther Mischief, _Autzoll_ caus’d Banks to be
rais’d, and Channels digg’d; and not long after, in the eleventh Year of
his Reign, he deceas’d: After which the _Mexican_ Kingdom tended towards
its period, as the ensuing Story will declare.
Amongst the _Mexican_ Nobility, _Mutexuma_, a melancholy Man, yet very
prudent, who resided in a stately Apartment near the great Temple _Cu_,
that there he might the better converse with _Viztlipuztli_, was elected
King; which he no sooner heard, but fled from hence: but being found
out, he was against his will led to the Grand Assembly, and from thence
to the holy Hearth, where for an Offering he drew Blood out of his
Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; and, according to an ancient Custom, the
_Council of State_ boring a Hole in his Nose, hung an Emerauld in the
same; after which the Lord of _Tescuco_ saluted him with a Speech; which
(since it is mention’d by _Joseph d’ Acosta_, together with several
other Speeches of Congratulation to their Kings, which were taught to
Schollars, to make them expert in their Language) it will not be amiss
to be annexed here, that of many this one may serve for a pattern of the
_Mexicans_ Eloquence, which is as followeth:
[Sidenote: The Lord of _Tescuco_ his Speech to _Muteczuma_.]
“The great happiness, most noble _Muteczuma_, which is befall’n this
Realm by your Election, may easily be conjectur’d from the general
joy, none besides your self being able to undergo an Office, in the
management whereof so much Prudence is requir’d: It is a most
certain testimony that God loves _Mexico_, that he hath given its
Inhabitants understanding to make such a Choice. Who can doubt, but
that you who have expatiated through the Heavens, and convers’d with
_Viztlipuztli_, may easily Govern us Mortals on Earth? Who can
despair, but that the Vertue inclos’d within your Breast, will
extend to the Widows and Orphans? Therefore rejoyce, O _Mexico_; the
Heavens have granted us a Prince without Vice; Merciful, and not a
Violator of the Laws; Affable, not despising common Conversation.
And you, O King, let not this great Preferment occasion any
alteration in your so long known Vertues: The Crown breeds care for
the publick good; the troubles thereof must extend over the whole
Realm, and every one in the Realm.”
[Sidenote: Preparation for the Coronation of _Muteczuma_.]
[Sidenote: His Grandeur.]
[Sidenote: The ruine of the _Mexican_ Empire prognosticated.]
_Muteczuma_ having heard out the Speech, would willingly have answer’d
the same, but could not utter a word for Tears, which gush’d from his
Eyes. Before he went out to fetch Prisoners for Offerings at his
Coronation, he first setled his Houshold Affairs. And whereas till this
time the Kings had been serv’d in their Palaces by ordinary Citizens, he
took Knights, and the chiefest of the Nobility, intending thereby to
make a distinction between the Nobility and the common People, and add
more Majesty to the Royal Dignity. This done, _Muteczuma_ marching
against a certain rebellious Province, fetch’d a considerable number of
People to be Offer’d to _Viztupuztli_. At his Return the Coronation-Day
was appointed, against which thousands of People came to _Mexico_; even
their very Enemies of _Tlascala_, _Mechoacan_, and _Tepeaca_, which were
never conquer’d by the _Mexicans_, flock’d thither in great numbers. All
those Countreys which were under Tribute bringing unvaluable Treasures,
came in vast Multitudes, which so throng’d the City, that the very tops
of the Houses were fill’d with Spectators, no King in _Mexico_ ever
going to the Throne in such splendor; nor was ever any King so much
fear’d by his Subjects, none of the common People daring to look in his
Face; neither did he ever set Foot on the Ground, but was always carried
in a Chair on the Shoulders of his prime Nobility; he never wore a Suit
of Clothes but once, nor ever us’d a Cup or Dish after it was once
foul’d; he strictly maintain’d the Laws which he had made, and often
went himself in a Disguise, to make a strict enquiry after all Affairs
whatsoever; by which means the _Mexican_ Power was now arriv’d to the
highest top: but, as other Realms, grown top-heavy with good Fortune,
turn at last topsie-turvy, just such a Misfortune befell _Mexico_; but
not without several fore-running signs of its destruction: for in the
City _Cholola_ their God _Quezalcoalt_ inform’d them, that a strange
People were coming to take possession of the _Mexican_ Dominions; and
their Soothsayers prognosticated the same, for which _Muteczuma_
committed them all to Prison, and doubtless had put them all to death,
had not they escap’d with the help of the Master of their diabolical
Art; and though they escap’d themselves, yet their Wives and Children
were all put to death upon the King’s Command: Soon after which appear’d
a mighty Comet, or blazing Star for a whole year together; the great
Temple _Cu_ was set on Fire, and burnt to the Ground none knew how; the
Water which was thrown on the same to quench it, burnt like Brimstone;
in the Skie appear’d three fiery Heads at noon-day, and out of a long
Tail shot Sparks on the Earth; the _Laguna_, between _Mexico_ and
_Texcuco_, began to swell into a Tide, which turn’d some Houses
topsie-turvy; a shrill Voice was heard in the Night crying on the Water,
_Children, your ruine is at hand; whither shall I carry you that you may
not be lost?_
[Sidenote: A miraculous story of a Bird.]
No less strange is what _d’ Acosta_ relates of a Bird presented to
_Muteczuma_, not unlike a Crane, which the Fishermen had taken on the
_Laguna_; on the shining Forehead of which there appear’d the
resemblance of two Armies Engag’d, and one defeated by the other, and
that whilst the Sages, call’d to interpret the meaning hereof, sat in
Consultation, the Bird vanish’d.
[Sidenote: Another of a Country-man.]
Moreover, there goes a Tradition, That a Countrey-man being at his
Labor, was taken up by an Eagle, and carried through the Air into a
gloomy Cave, where a Man lay fast asleep snoaring, when on a sudden he
heard a Voice afar off, saying, _Do you know that Man?_ whereupon the
Countrey-man taking special notice of the dormant Man, knew him, by the
Royal Apparel, to be _Mutexuma_; after which the Voice was heard again,
saying, _How soundly doth he sleep: the time is coming which provides
Punishments for many Crimes; burn the Snoarer with the Torch which he
holds in his Hands, he will feel no pain_: Not long after he being
inform’d hereof, and looking on his Thigh, found the same burnt, to his
no small amazement.
[Sidenote: News of the arrival of the _Spanish_ Fleet.]
Having now possess’d the Throne fourteen years, he receiv’d news of a
Fleet, and therewith a Draught of the Men and Vessels painted on Cloth.
This startling him, he immediately advis’d with his Council, who judg’d
it convenient to secure the Coast along the Southern Ocean with strong
Watches; yet nevertheless _Ferdinand Cortesius_ Landed with five hundred
Foot and sixty Horse, took the City _Potanchanum_, march’d through the
Countrey _Sicuchimalar_ to _Tascalleca_, where they had a sharp
Conflict, in which the _Spaniards_ were in great danger; and had not
they had six Field-Pieces with them, which did as much affright as hurt
the _Indians_, they had without doubt been cut off there. In
_Chiurutecal_ they were in as much danger; for certainly the _Spanish_
Army had been set upon in the Night, had not a Woman inform’d them of
it.
[Sidenote: _Muteczuma_ committed to Prison by _Cortesius_.]