The Battell of Cintla.
Care of a good Captayne.
Fortye thousande Indians.
Perill of the Christians.
A miracle.
Al yt nighte Cortez slept not, but rather occupyed himselfe in carrying the wounded men, & other stuffe aboord ye Shyps, & also to disenbarke thirtéene Horses, & the residue of his mē yt he had left aboord, yt which he brought to passe before the sunne rising, although the Tauascans had notice thereof. Whē the sunne was risen, he had with his company made vnto God their prayers, and mustered his men, where were at that time in Campe néere fiue hundred Spanyardes, thirtéene Horses, and sixe péeces of ordinance: These Horses were the fyrste that euer came into that Countrey, whych now is called new Spayne. He planted his men and munition in good order, and thus marched forwardes toward Cintla. The Indians séeyng this preparation, began also to make readie, and to place in good order fortie thousand men in fyue cōpanies: their méeting was in ploughed lande among manye déepe lakes and pondes, very daungerous to passe, so that our men by reason thereof were brought out of order. And Hernando Cortez with his horsemen wente to séeke a better passage, and to enclose himselfe among certayne trées on their left hand, for to set vpon the enimies when time should serue. The footemen procéeded on, and passed many marishe groundes, vntill they came to the tilled land. The Indians were expert in those places wher they beganne the battayle, shooting with their bowes and slings, and throwing of dartes. And although our mē did some hurt among them with their Crossebowes, hādgunnes, and Ordinance, whē they were in place to shoote, yet the Indians pursued our men so thicke, that they could not put them off, for by pollicie, the Indians of Potonchan hadde soughte out that place: and it is to bée thoughte that they were not barbarous, nor of small vnderstanding in warres, yet notwithstanding wyth muche payne, oure men gate out of that place, and obtayned another somewhat better, and more playner grounde, whereas they myghte vse their Ordinance, and fyghte with their weapons bodye to body. But the Indians béeyng so greate a number, draue our men to so narrowe a place, that they were fayne to ioyne backe to backe for theyr owne defence, yea & for all that were in maruellous greate daunger, for they hadde no roome to vse their Ordinance, nor yet Horsemen to make them waye. They béeyng in thys perplexitie, and readie to flye, suddaynely appeared a Horseman with a speckled Horse, whome they iudged to be Captayne Morla, whych Horsemanne sette vppon the Indians, and made them retyre: and hauyng more space than before, they sette afreshe vppon the enimies, and slewe some of them. In thys meane tyme the Horsemanne vaded away, and was not séene, and wyth hys absence the Indians beganne afreshe, and enclosed the Chrystians in the same daunger that they were in before: then the Horsemanne appeared agayne néere oure menne, and made maruellous way among the enimies, wherevpon our menne séeyng this succoure, gaue the onset agayne with great courage, and slewe and hurt many Indians, but at the best season, the Horseman vanished away cleane out of sighte, and when the Indians sawe not the Horseman, with feare of whome they fledde, thinkyng that he hadde bin a Centaure, and that the Horse and man was all one incorporate, they returned agayne with liueley courage, and vsed our Christians worse than they hadde done before. Then the Horseman returned the third time, and putte the Indians to flight with great hurte, whom our footemē pursued with great slaughter.
Now at this instant came Cortez with al his company of horsemen, being wearied with the trauaile in passing such strange lakes and wildernesse, wherof the countrey is replenished. Our men being ioyful of his comming, they began to enforme him what wonders they had sene a horseman do, which came to succour them, demanding of him which of their company it was. Cortez answered and faithfully assured them, that it was none of their cōpany, bicause it was not possible for any of them to come any sooner: Then they al gaue God praise, belieuing that it was a helpe sent from heauen. Cortez said (my deare fellows) forwards, for god is with vs. Then the horsemē set vpon the Indians, and with force of lance droue them out of the marish ground, and brake their mayne battel. The Indians incontinent left the fielde, and fled into the thicke wooddes, the footemen followed them, and slue aboue thrée hundred Indians, besides many other that were hurt. There wer aboue seauenty Spaniardes wounded with arrowes and stones.
A sodaine disease.
And whether it were with labour of the battel, or with excessiue heate, or with drinking the water of that place, there fel such a stitch in their loynes, that about a hūdred of them fel flat vpon the groūd, not able to go nor stand, their fellowes being forced to carry thē on their backes. But it pleased god that the same night the payne wente frō them, being in the morning wel againe. Who séeyng themselues deliuered from so manye perils, gaue moste humble thankes to the almightye god that had miraculously deliuered them. They all agréed that thrée times they had séene the straunge horseman, with the speckled horse, fight in their fauour, as is aforesaid, beléeuing generally it was a miracle, as certainely it did appeare, for the Christians did not alone sée this thing, but also the Indians dyd muche note it, for the maruelous fiercenesse wherwith he came vppon them, with such great murder, that they were amased, and almoste blynde with hys bryghtnesse, being so trodden vnder hys féete. The captiue Indians after the battayle declared the circumstance therof.
The Lord Tauasco submitteth himselfe to the Christians.
The Cazike enbassadours.
Cortez released some of hys prisoners and sent them to their Lorde, saying that it grieued him the hurt done on both parties, but the fault was theirs. And that god was witnesse of hys innocencie and also of hys curtesie offered vnto thē. But notwithstanding all that was paste, he pardoned their errour with suche condition, That if in continent or within two dayes, theyr Lorde woulde come vnto him, to yéelde satisfaction of their malice and stubbornesse, and to treate of peace and friendship, warning and aduising them, that if they came not wythin the time appointed, hee woulde enter into his countrey, burning and spoyling with slaughter both great & smal, armed and vnarmed: with which message the messengers departed, and Cortez returned to the towne to cure his wounded men. The next day came fiftie auncient Indians to craue pardon for their offence, and also licence to bury the dead, with likewise safeconduct that their rulers and principal persons myght safely come vnto the towne. Cortez graunted their request, warning them to make any lyes or yet to conspire againe: and also if their lords came not personally, he would not heare any more embassadors: with this rigorous cōmaūdemēt & protestation they departed. These Indians féeling their strength woulde not preuaile, thinking the christians to be inuincible, their Lords and chiefest persons did determine to goe and visite the christians and their captaine. And according to the time appointed, the Lorde of that town and other foure Lords his neyghbours came vnto Cortez with a good trayne of their vessals and seruitours, and presented vnto him, bread, turkie hennes, & fruites, with other like prouision for his host, with four hundred pieces of gold of ye value of 400. double duckets, wt other small iewels, and certaine turkie stones of small value. And twentie women slaues, to serue to make breade and dresse meate for ye whole army. He craued and beseeched Cortez to pardon his former offence. And to accept and receiue them into hys friendshippe. And in token of his obedience, hee and his fellowes dyd willinglye deliuer their bodies, landes and goods into his handes and power. Cortez did louingly receiue them, and gaue vnto them certaine trifles of his wares, whiche they estéemed much. And those Indians hearing the horses and mares ney, they maruelled at their neying, thinking that the horses could speake, & demaunded of the Christians what they sayd, (mary quoth they) these horses are sore offended with you bycause ye fought with them, & wold haue you corrected and chastened for your so doing. The simple Indiās hearing this, presented roses and Gynea Hens vnto the horses, desiring them to eate and to pardon thē.
Certaine questions that Cortez demaunded of the Cacike Tauasco.
Many things passed betweene our men & the Indians: for where the Indians vnderstood thē not, their behauiour was much to laugh at. And vsing conuersation with our men, & seeing they receiued no hurte of them, they brought to the towne their wiues and children, which were no smal number. And among many matters that Cortez communed with Tauasco by the mouth of Ieronimo de Aguila his enterpreter:
The first question was: Whether there wer mynes of gold or siluer in that countrey, and from whēce they had that small quantitye that they hadde broughte vnto them?
The secōd question was: Why they denyed him their friendshippe, more than the other captaine that had bin there the yeare before?
The third was: Why they being so many in nūber, fled from them being so fewe?
The fourth was: To giue thē to vnderstād the mightie power of the king of Castill. And last of all to giue them knowledge of the faith of Iesu Christ.
The ansvvere of the Cacike.
As touching Sir (quoth he) the Mynes of gold and siluer in our country, we séeke for none, for we séeke not after treasure and riches, but we procure and desire a quiet life. And that golde which we haue, was founde by chaunce: for we know not what Mynes do mean. Yet notwithstanding further within the lande, whereas the sunne doth hide himselfe, ther the people do finde muche gold and are giuen to séeke the same.
And as touching the captaine that was here of late, we seeing the men and shippes to be such as we had neuer before seene, spake vnto them and demaunded what they would haue, they sayde that their comming was, to chaunge their merchandice for gold and nothyng else, wherefore we graunted to their request. But now séeing greater vessels and moe in number, wee feared least ye came to take our substance. And I knowing my selfe nothing inferiour to any of my neyghbours, would not permit any iniurie to be offered me, and that he and his subiectes did estéeme themselues the most valiant of men of warre in all these parties, and that none durste take away their goods, women, and children, to be sacrificed by force, wherevpon he thought to withstande those fewe Christians, but (quoth he) I founde my selfe deceiued, seeyng we could not kill any of your companye. And likewise the brightnesse of youre weapons dyd blynde vs, and the woundes you made were incurable.
But the noyse and lightning of your ordinance dyd more amase vs, than either thunder-clappes or tempest: and also the great spoyle that you made among vs therwith: likewise your straunge horses made vs greatly to wonder, to behold their open mouthes, wee feared to be swallowed. And then to consider their swiftnesse in running, we knew no creature could escape them. But ye first horse that fought with vs, put vs in marueylous feare, being but one, but when we espyed many, then all oure helpe was past, for we belieued that the horse and man was al one incorporate.
Hovv the Indians of Potonchan brake downe their Idols, and worshipped Christ crucified.
With the relation of Tauasco, Cortez sawe that the countrey was not for Spaniardes, nor yet he toke it a thing conueniente to settle themselues where no golde nor siluer was, or other riches. And so pretended to passe forwardes to discouer westward the lande endewed with golde. But before his departure, he declared to those new conquered Indians, that the Lord in whose name he and hys company had taken that iourney was king of Spayne and Emperour of Christians, and the greatest Prince in the worlde, vnto whom many kings and Princes dyd homage and obey. And that hys rule and gouernemente in iustice proceeded from God, beeing iust, holy, peaceable, and sweete, and also the Monarchie of the vniuersall did appertaine vnto him. And for these causes he required them to yelde themselues as his subiectes. And if they would doe so, there shoulde ensue vnto them great profite, lawes and pollicie. And as touching their religion, he declared their blindnesse & greate abuses which they vsed in worshipping many Gods, and in making sacrifice vnto them with mans bloud, yea & thinking that those images and Idols, did or coulde doe good or euill vnto them, being dūbe, without life or soule, yea and ye worke of their owne hands. He certifyed them of one god maker of heauen and earth, and all creatures whom the Christians did worshippe and serue, and that all creatures ought to doe the same. In conclusion with thys doctryne they brake downe their Idols, and receyued the crosse, Cortez hauing first declared vnto them the great miseries that the son of God suffered on ye Crosse for mankynde. And in the greatest temple of Potonchan, set vp a Crosse in remēbrance of the death of Christ and celebrated the feast vpon their knees, and the multitude of Indians likewise, and departed to their meate. Cortez desired them within two dayes to come agayne to theyr diuine seruice. And that day was Palme sunday. And so they did and brought an infinite number of men women and children of other villages with them whych was straunge to behold. And there generally gaue theyr vassalship to the king of Spaine into the handes of Hernando Cortez, with protestation of perpetuall friendship with the Spanish nation. So that these were the fyrste vassals that the Emperour had in the new Spayne. And this feast and ceremony ended, our men toke shipping with the palme boughes in their handes. In this doyng Cortez deserued no lesse prayse than in his victorie, for he vsed wisedome with manhoode in all his doings: he lefte those Indians with a newe faith, and the towne frée and without hurt, he toke none for slaues, nor yet any spoyle nor exchāged his merchaundice for any thing although he aboade there twentye dayes. The towne is called in the Indian tongue Potonchan, that is to saye, a place that stincketh, and our menne named it, the victorie.
The armor of the Indians.
The Lord (as ye haue heard) was called Tauasco, and therefore the firste Spaniardes that came thyther, named the riuer Tauasco, but Grijalua called it after hys owne name, whose name and remembraunce will not so soone be forgotten. And truely all those that do discouer newe countreys, ought to make perpetuall their owne names. This town doth containe neare fiue and twentye thousand houses (as some say) but as euery house stādeth by himselfe like an Iland, it seemeth much bigger than it is in déede. The houses are great, made of lime stone, & bricke: others there are made of mood wal, and rafters & couered with straw or bordes. Their dwelling is in the vpper part of the house, for the greate moystnesse of the riuers and lakes, and for feare of fier, they haue theyr houses separated the one from the other. Without, the towne they haue more fairer houses than wythin for their recreation and pleasure. They are browne people, and go almost naked, and eat mans flesh sacrificed. Their weapons are bowes and arrowes, slyngs, darts, and lances. The armour wherwith they defend themselues, are Targets and skulles made of woodde or barke of trées, and some of gold very thinne. They haue also a certayne kinde of harneis made of cotten wooll wrapped aboute their stomacke.
The good entertainement that Cortez had in Saint Iohn de Vlhua.
Captaine Cortez and his company beeyng embarked, sayled weastwards as nye the shoar as thei might. And this coast hauing no harbors, they founde no place where they might Anker safely with their greater vessels, vntil they arriued vpon Mandie thursday at Saint Iohn de Vlhua, whiche séemed a good harbor for them. The Indians of this place call this harbour Chalchicoeca, there the fleete came to Anker. They were not so soone at Roade, but incontinente came two little boates named Acalles, enquiring for the Generall of the Fleete, who when they came to hys presence, dyd humble reuerence vnto him, and sayde vnto hym that Teudilli the Gouernoure of that Prouince sente to knowe what people they were, and what they woulde haue, and whether they meante to stay there or procéede farther. Aguillar dyd not well vnderstande that language. Cortez caused them to come aboorde hys Shyppe, gyuyng them thankes for theyr paynes and visitation. Hée made vnto them a banket of Wyne and Conserua, and sayde vnto them, that the nexte day followyng hee would come alande, and talke with the Gouernoure, whome hée besoughte not to alter him nor hys people wyth hys commyng a shore, for he meant not to molest hym, but rather to pleasure and profyte hym. To that these messengers were rewarded wyth certayne gyftes, they eate and dranke, but yet suspected euill, although they lyked the Wyne well, wherefore they desired to haue thereof, and also of the Conserua, to presente vnto theyr Lorde, whyche was giuen them, and so departed.
The nexte daye béeyng good Friday, Cortez came alande wyth hys Boates full of menne, and broughte hys Horses and artillerie a shore by little and little, wyth all hys menne of warre, and two hundred Indians of Cuba, whyche serued to toyle and laboure. Hée planted hymselfe in the best scituation that hée coulde fynde among the Sandy bankes on the Sea syde, and there pytched hys Campe, and hauyng néere that place manye trées, they builte them Cotages with boughes.
VVisedome.
The comming of the Gouernor.
A straunge salutation.
From a little Village that was at hand, came many Indians to gaze at things so straunge, and the like neuer séene vnto them, and brought with thē gold to barter for suche toyes, as the two little Boates had broughte from them before. They brought also bread and meate readie dressed after their vse likewise to sell. Oure men chaunged wyth them beadestones of glasse, looking glasses, sissers, kniues, pinnes, and suche other wares, whereof the Indians were not a little glad, returning home to their houses, shewing their neighbours. The ioy and pleasure that these simple soules tooke with these trifles, was so greate, that the next day they came agayne wyth other Indians ladē with Iewels of gold, Turkie Hennes, bread, meate, and fruite, that suffised for all the Campe, and for the same they receyued nedels, and beadestones of glasse, but the poore soules thought themselues therewith so riche, that they knewe not where they were with ioy and pleasure, yea and they thoughte that they hadde deceyued the Straungers. Nowe Cortez séeyng the greate quantitie of golde broughte and bartered so foolishly for trifles of no valewe, proclaymed throughout all hys host, that no Christian shoulde take any golde vppon greate penaltie, and that they shoulde all shewe, as though they knewe not to what purpose the golde serued, and that they passed not for it, bycause they shoulde not thynke that the desire thereof had broughte them thyther, and so they did dissemble that great demonstration of golde, to sée what was meante thereby, and whether the Indians hadde brought that golde, to proue whether theyr commyng was for that or no. On Easter day in the morning, came Teudilli the Gouernour to the Campe, from Cotosta hys dwellyng place, whyche was eyght leagues from thence. He brought attendyng vpon his person foure thousande men without weapon, and the most part well clothed, some of them with garments of Cotton, riche after their manner. And others naked, laden with victuals in great abundance, whiche was straunge to sée. Teudilli according to their vsance, did his reuerence to the Captaine, burning frankinsence, and little strawes touched in bloud of his owne bodye, he presented vnto him the victuals, and certayne Iewels of golde very riche and well wrought, and other things made of feathers very curious straunge and artificiall. Cortez embraced him in his armes, and receyued hym ioyfully, saluting all hys company. He gaue to Teudilli a coate of silke, a brooche, and a coller of glasse, with many other péeces of Haberdashe wares, whiche was highly estéemed of him.
The talke of Cortez vvith Teudilli.
A maruellous happe.
Al the former talke was had without an Interpreter, bycause Ieronimo de Aguillar vnderstoode not thys language, bycause it differed muche from the spéeche of the other Indians, whereas hée hadde bin captiue: for whyche cause Cortez was somewhat carefull, bicause he would largely haue discoursed with Teudilli. It chanced that among those twentie women giuen hym in Potonchan, one of them stoode talking with a seruaunte of Teudilli, bycause she vnderstoode them as menne of hir owne language. Cortez espying this, called hir aside, and promised hir more than libertie, so that she woulde bée a trustie and faithfull interpreter betwixte hym and those Indians, and that hée woulde estéeme hir as his Secretarie. And further demanded of hir of what lignage she was, then she aunswered, that she was naturall of the Countrey that bordered vpō Xalixco, and of a towne called Viluto, daughter vnto riche parentes, and of the kinrede of the Lorde of that lande. And béeyng a little girle, certayne Merchantes dyd steale hir away in tyme of warre, and brought hir to be solde at the fayre of Xicalanco, whyche is a greate Towne néere Coasaqualco, not farre distant from Tauasco: and after this sorte shée came to the power of the Lord of Potonchan. This woman was Christened Marina. She and hir fellowes were the firste Christians baptised in all the newe Spayne, and she onely with Aguilar, were Interpreters betwixt the Indiās and our men.
The aunsvvere of Teudilli.
The disease of the Spaniardes.
Nowe Cortez béeyng assured of hys true Interpreters, hée celebrated hys accustomed deuine seruice, and Teudilli wyth hym, and after they hadde dyned in Cortez hys Tente in presence of many Spanyardes and Indians, Cortez enformed Teudilli howe that hée was vassall to the Lord Charles of Austria Emperour of the Christiās, and King of Spayne, and Lorde ouer a greate parte of the worlde, whome great Kings and Princes dyd serue and obey: and that all Princes were glad to bée hys friendes for his Vertue and myghte. And hée hauyng aduertisemente of that Countrey and Lorde thereof, had sente him thyther to visite hym on hys behalfe, and to enforme hym of certayne secrete matters, the effecte whereof he hadde in wrytyng. Sir (quoth Teudilli,) I am very glad to heare the Maiestie and Vertue of the Emperoure youre maister, but you shall vnderstande, that my Lorde the Emperoure Melzuma is as greate and as good a Prince as he. And I doe muche maruell, that there shoulde bée anye so greate a Prince in the whole worlde, but yet according to youre request, I wyll certifye hym, and knowe hys pleasure, for I trust (quoth he) in the clemencie of my Prince, that youre newes and message shall bée acceptable vnto him, and you well recompensed for your paynes. Cortez then commaunded al his men to set themselues in order of battayle with fife and drumme, and to skirmishe before Teudilli. And that the horsemen shoulde runne, and the ordinaunce shotte of, to the entent that Mutezuma shoulde be aduertised thereof. The Indians did much beholde the gesture, apparell and beardes of our men, they wondered to sée the horses runne, they feared the brightnesse of the swordes, and at the noyse of the ordinaunce they fell flatte to the ground, thinking that the heauens did fall. And the shippes, they held opinion was the God of the ayre called Quezalcoualt, whiche came with the temples on his backe, for they dayly looked for him. Teudilli dispatched the poste to Mexico, to Mutezuma, aduising him of all that he had séene, and demaunded golde of him for to giue vnto the Captayne of that newe people. Bicause Cortez had inquired of him, whether Mutezuma had gold or no, he answered (yes) mary quoth Cortez, I and my fellowes haue a certayne disease of the harte, and golde helpeth vs. This message wente from the campe to Mexico in one day and a night, whiche is 210. myle, and the poste caried paynted the horses and horsemen vpon them, the maner of theyr armour, and howe many péeces of ordinaunce they had, & what number of bearded men there were: and as for the shippes he had giuē aduise as soone as they arriued, shewing the greatnesse and quantitie of them. All these things aforesayde, Teudilli caused to be paynted in cloth of Cotten very liuely, that Mutezuma mought sée it. The cause that this message wente so farre in so shorte a space, was, they had certayne places that postes attended, as we may say horsepostes which gaue alwayes from hand to hande the paynted cloth: they doe runne on foote faster in this sorte, than by horsepost, and is more of antiquitie than horsepost: Also Teudilli sent to Mutezuma the garments & many other things whiche Cortez had giuen him, whiche things were after wardes founde in the treasorie of Mutezuma.
The present and ansvvere that Mutezuma sente vnto Cortez.
The excuse of Mutezuma.
After the message sente, and the answere promised, Teudilli tooke his leaue, and within twoo flight shoote of Cortez his campe, he caused a thousande cotages of boughes to be made, & lefte there twoo principall men as Captaynes ouer two thousande persons men and women, and then departed for Cotosta hys dwellyng place. The twoo Captaynes had charge to prouide the Christians of all things necessarie, and the women serued to grynde their corne and make bread of Maiz, and to dresse theyr fishe and flesh and other victuals, and the men serued to carrie the dressed meate to the Christians cāpe, and wood, water, & grasse for the horses and al other necessaries, and this they passed eight dayes. In this meane season returned the poste with a riche and gentle present, whiche was many couerlets and clothes of cotton, white, and of other colours wrought, many tuffes of feathers very fayre, and some things wrought with golde and fethers, quantitie of Iewels and péeces of golde and siluer, twoo thinne whéeles, the one of siluer whiche wayde .25. markes with the signe of the Moone, and the other whéele of golde which wayed a hundreth markes, made like vnto the Sunne, with many leaues and beasts, a very curious péece of worke: these twoo things they helde for Gods in that countrey, & giueth thē the colours of the metall that is likest thē, euery whéele was two yardes & a half broade, and so proportionally in compasse round aboute, this present was estéemed at 20900. Ducates. This present shold haue bene giuen to Grijalua, if he had not so soone departed as the Indians reported. He also gaue vnto Cortez this answere, that Mutezumas his Lorde was very gladde to know, & to be friend to suche a mighty Prince as the king of Spayne was, and that in his time should arriue in his countrey such new people, & the like neuer séene before, & that he was readie to shew them al pleasure & honour, requesting him to sée what things he stoode in néede of for ye time that he meant to abide there, as well for himselfe as for his ships, army and deceasse, and it should be prouided abundantly: yea & also if he could finde any thing in that countrey to his contentment, to present to the Emperour of Christians, he would willingly prouide it. And as touching the desire that Cortez had to come to visite & to haue cōmunication with him, he thought it vnpossible, bycause that he was sickly and could not come vnto the sea coast, and likewise for Cortez to come where he did abide, it was harde, troublesome and difficill, as well for the many and cragged mountaynes, as also the countrey, wilde, desert & without habitation, and shoulde be constrayned to suffer hunger, thirst, and other necessitie: and moreouer the enhabitaunts of much part of the way that he should passe, were his enimies, both cruell & cursed people, and knowing thē to be his friendes, they should not escape with life.
All these excuses did Mutezuma by the mouth of Teudilli declare vnto Cortez, thinkyng to driue him frō his purpose & pretēded iourney, alleaging the foresayd difficulties and perils, the Indians did also hope that with some cōtrary weather they should be forced to leaue that coast & coūtrey. Notwithstāding this cōtradiction, so much the more desire had Cortez to visite Mutezuma, who was so great a prince in that parties, & throughly to discouer the treasure which he imagined to be there. And hauing receiued ye present, & also ye answer, he gaue vnto Teudilli a garmēt of his owne wearyng, and many other trifles of his Haberdash, to be sente vnto Mutezuma, saying that if it were for no other purpose but onely to sée so mightie and vertuous a Prince, it should be requisite and iuste to trauayle vnto his Court, how much the more, he was of duetie cōstrayned to doe the Embassage which the Emperour of Christians had willed and commaunded him to doe, for otherwyse he shoulde incurre the displeasure of the King his mayster, wherefore he besought Teudilli yet once agayne to aduertise Mutezuma of his constant determination, bycause hée shoulde vnderstande that he would not leaue off hys pretended purpose for any inconuenience that was obiected vnto him. Alleagying moreouer, that he who had cōmen 2000. leagues by sea, mought well goe 70. leagues by lande, and consideryng that he had many at his charge with small prouision, and likewise his shippes in daunger, he required that with all expedition the messengers should be dispatched. Teudilli desired him to recreate himself, & not to take any grief, for as much as he himself did dayly aduertise Mutezuma of his procéedings, euen so with all expedition the full resolution should come from Mexico, although it were somewhat farre off. And as for his victuals, he shoulde take no care, for abundantly he should be prouided. And also desired him for so much as he was not well placed among those sandy bankes, that it might please him to goe with him to certayne townes aboute sixe or seuen leagues frō thence. Cortez refused that offer, wherevpon Teudilli departed, and he abode there ten dayes looking for answere from Mutezuma.
Hovv Cortez knevv of discorde and dissention to be in the Countrey.
In this meane season certayne Indians were espied, that went lurkyng a farre of among the sandy hilles. And those came not neare the Indians, that serued the Spaniarde, Cortez demaunded what people they were, & for what cause they went lurkyng so farre off, and came no néerer vnto them.
The twoo Captaynes answered, that they were husbandmen, that went aboute theyr husbandry. Cortez lyked not theyr answere, but suspected that they had tolde hym a lye: for it séemed vnto hym that those people desired to come among the Christians, and that they durste not with feare of the Indians of Teudilli, and so it was in very déede. For all that coaste and mayne lande within, as farre as Mexico, was full of the newes and straunge things that our men had done in Potonchan. Wherefore they all desired to sée them and to talke with them, but they durste not for feare of the Indians of Culhua, who are subiectes vnto Mutezuma, wherevpon Cortez sente fiue Spaniardes to call them with signes and tokens of peace. This company of Indians were in number twentie, and were gladde to beholde those fiue men commyng towardes them, and were desirous to sée suche straunge people and shippes, wherefore they came willingly altogither vnto Cortez his Tente.
The Indiās attyre.
These Indians dyd differ muche from all the other Indians yet séene, for they were hygher of person, and had the grystels of theyr noses slitte, hangyng ouer their mouths, and rings of Iette and Amber hanging thereat. They had also theyr neither lippes bored, and in the holes rings of golde and turky stones, whiche wayed so muche, that their lippes hanged downe ouer theyr chinnes, and their téeth remayned bare: The whiche custome although they vsed for a brauery, it séemed a foule and vgly sighte in the Spanyardes eyes, and very lothsome.
The other Indians of Mutezuma, had theyr lippes and eares bored, with rounde stones hangyng at the iagges thereof, yet they had not suche foule slittes in their noses, but they had suche bored holes that a manne myght put any finger of his hande through them, with rings of golde and stone hanging thereat, the euill fauoured sighte of their faces made our men to muse.
Cortez communed with them by hys interpreter Marina, to knowe from whence they were, they answered, that they were dwellers in Zempoallan, a Cittie distant from thence one dayes iourney, situated vpon a riuer side, and bordered vpon the Countrey of Mutezumazin, and that their Cazique or Lorde had sente them, to sée what Goddes were comen in those Teucallis, that is to say, Temple, saying, also that they durste not come sooner, not knowyng what people they were.
Cortez made muche of them and shewed a chéerefull countenaunce vnto them, for they séemed very bestiall, he declared vnto them that he was gladde of theyr commyng, and to knowe the good will that theyr Lorde bare vnto him, and gaue them Haberdashe toyes, and shewed them the Horses and Armour, a straunge sighte for them. And so they wente through the army lookyng and gasing here and there as menne amazed. And in all the tyme they abode there, they vsed no conuersation with the other Indians. Cortez enquired of Maryna the cause thereof, and shée sayde that those menne did not onely speake an other languague, but also did appertayne to another Lorde, who was not vassall to Mutezuma, but by force and extortion.
Cortez was very gladde of that newes, for hée coniectured by the talke of Teudilli that Mutezuma had warres and enimies, wherevppon hée tooke aside thrée of those Indians whiche séemed moste wysest, and demaunded of them by Maryna what Lordes there were in that Countrey: they answered that Mutezuma was Lorde ouer all, although in euery Cittie and Prouince was a Lorde, yet neuerthelesse all in generall dyd paye tribute and serue him as vassals, nay rather lyke slaues. But yet many of them of late dayes did reknowledge hym by force of armes, and payde vnto him suche tolle and tribute that they were not accustomed to pay, of whiche number their Lorde of Zempoallan was one of them, and other his neyghbours, who many tymes helde him warre to be frée from his tiranny and bondage, but yet sayde they, it preuayled not, for his hoste was greate and his warriers valiant.
Cortez receyued greate pleasure to finde in that countrey dissention and discorde among some Noble menne, and at deuision among themselues, thynking thereby the better to bryng his purpose to passe. He gaue thanks vnto those Indians for their aduise, offeryng vnto them his fauour, helpe and friendshippe, praying them to come often to his campe, and so tooke his leaue of them, with his commendations to their Lorde, and sente him certayne presents, with aduertisement, that shortly he would come and sée him, yea and also serue him.
Hovv Cortez vvent to suruey the Countrey with foure hundreth men.
At the ende of tenne dayes came Teudilli backe againe, and brought certaine cloth of Cotten, and other things made of feathers well wrought for recompence of the thyng sente vnto Mexico, and warned Cortez to departe, for at that tyme there was no remedie to sée Mutezuma, and to looke what was necessary for his prouision and furniture, and it shoulde be prouided, offeryng the same seruice at any time that hée shoulde happen to come that way. Cortez would not accept the offer, saying: That he would not departe from that countrey, vntill he had bothe séene and talked with Mutezuma. The gouernour Teudilli yet agayne replied, that he shoulde not contende therein, and with those wordes departed from hym. The nexte night followyng he with all those Indians as well men as women whiche attended to serue and prouide the Spanishe campe, wente from thence: so that in the mornyng all the cotages were emptie, where those seruitors had bene.
Cortez suspecting this alteratiō prouided himselfe with preparation for battayle, & finding the matter contrary to his expectation, he deliberated to séeke a sure roade or harbor for his nauie, & also a good plotte or situation to buylde vpon, for then he fully meant to obtayne perpetuitie & to conquere the lande, considering yt he had found such great tokens of gold, plate, & other riches, & thereaboute within a whole league cōpasse was no fit place for ye purpose: for why? all was sandy ground, & such as tossed too & fro with the winde, with other morish groūd not méete for habitation. In consideration wherof he sent Francisco de Monteio, with two vergantines, and fiftie men, to runne along the coast, vntill they should finde some reasonable poart and good scituation to build vpon.
Monteio procéeded on his voyage, and sayled in sighte of lande, vntill he came to Panuco, withoute finding anye port or harbor, sauing the shadowe of a Rocke, whyche stoode somewhat distant from the land a sea boord, so that at thrée wéekes ende he returned backe agayne with the foresayde newes. Hauing runne so little a way, he fell into suche terrible currants, that although he made waye wyth oares and sayles, yet the sayde Currant forced hym backe agayne. Also he broughte newes, that the Indians of that coast did let themselues bloud, offering the same vnto them vpon little strawes, in token of friendship or deitie.
The relation of Monteio contented not Cortez, yet notwithstandyng he pretended to goe to the shade or succoure of the Rocke, bycause hée was enformed, that néere that place, was two fayre Riuers, wyth store of wooddes, necessarye for tymber and fyre woodde, greate quantitie of stones to builde with, fayre pastures, and ground for tyllage, although the harbour was not sufficiente for hys Nauie and contratation, bycause that roade was without defence, and open vppon the Northe, which is the winde that most ruleth with greatest hurte vpon that coast.
And also considering that Teudilli and hys menne were departed, fearing also the want of victuals, and likewise, that hys Shyppes myghte perishe vppon the shore, he commaunded to lade aboorde all theyr stuffe, and hée wyth foure hundred menne, and all his Horses, followed on the hygh way that the Indians hadde gone.
After hée hadde iourneyed thrée leagues, hée came to a fayre vadeable Riuer, and passing ouer the Riuer, hée found a towne not inhabited, for the inhabitantes thereof were fledde with feare: he entred into a great house, which séemed the place of the Lorde of the Towne, built with timber and earthen walles, the foundation whereof was raysed with handie worke, about a fadome high: the roofe was couered with strawe, but of a fayre & strange workemanshippe inwardes, with many greate pertitions, some full of pottes of honey, and Maiz, with other grayne whiche they kéepe in store all the yeare: other roomes had cloth of Cotten wool, wrought with feathers, golde and siluer.
Cortez commaunded Proclamation to be made, that none of his company shoulde take any thyng away, vppon payne of deathe (onely victuals excepted) to the intente to obtayne the good will and friendship among the Indians.
There was in that Village a Temple, whiche hadde a little Tower with a Chappell on the toppe, and twentie steppes to come vnto the Chappell, where they found some Idolles, and many bloudy papers, and much mans bloud of those which hadde bin sacrificed, as Marina dyd certifie.
They found also the blocke wherevppon they vsed to cutte open the menne sacrificed, and the razors made of Flint, wherewyth they opened their breastes, and plucked out their heartes béeyng aliue, throwing them vppe toward Heauen as an offering, and after this done, they annoynted their Idolles, and the papers they offered, and then burned them.
This sight put a great compassion, yea and a feare among our Spanyards, who did beholde these things. From this Village they went to other thrée or foure, and found none aboue two hundred houses, and all without people, yet well prouided with victuall, as the firste towne was. Cortez returned from thence to discharge his Shippes, and to take order to sende for moe men: and with desire to beginne habitation, in these affaires he occupyed hymselfe tenne dayes.
Hovv Cortez rendred vp his charge and office with pollicie.
When Cortes was come where his Ships were, and the residue of his company, hée began this talke, saying:
Now my louing friends and fellowes, ye doe sée what greate mercy God hathe shewed vnto vs, in bringing vs safe and in health to so good and riche a Countrey, as by manifest signes and tokens we haue alreadye séene, yea and howe plentifull of meate, inhabited of people, better clothed, and of more iudgement and reason, than the others whiche ye haue séene, since your firste comming: also better buildings, fieldes of grayne and corne: yea and it is to be thought, that the things not yet séene, doe surmount all that hithervnto ye haue playnely séene. Wherefore wée ought to giue most hartie thankes vnto God, and to beginne oure habitation héere, whereas we shall enioy the grace and mercy of God. And to bryng this matter to passe, me thinke best that we abide héere, vntill we may finde a better port or scituation. Also that we make a wall or Castell for oure defence, if néede shoulde happen, for the people of this land hath little ioy of our comming and abiding héere.
It was then considered that frō that place they might the sooner haue friendshippe and contractation with the Indians and Townes nexte adioyning, as Zempoallan, and others whyche were enimies to Mutezuma, and béeyng in this order once placed, they myghte discharge their Shyppes, and sende them incontinent to Cuba, Santo Domingo, Iamayca, Borriquen, and other Ilandes, or else to Spayne for more men, armour and Horsses, and for clothing and victuals.
Policie.
Moreouer, it was thought iust and méete, to sende relation of all their procéedings to the Emperoure theyr King and maister, with the demonstration of golde, syluer, and other riches, which they had in their power.
And bycause all these things should be done in good order, Cortez determined as Captayne generall, to appoint a Counsell, Aldermen, and Iudges.
And also ordeyne all other offices that shoulde be necessary and néedefull to rule and gouerne a Citie, whych he then pretended to edifie and erecte, the whiche Magistrates should fully commaund, vntill such time that the Emperour should otherwise prouide in matters conuenient for his seruice.
A good subiecte.
After this diligence put in vre, he solemnely tooke possession of all ye land, in the name of the Emperour Charles King of Castill, with all the actes and ceremonies, as to such a matter apperteyned. And demaunded of Francisco Fernandez notarie appoynted, that he shoulde gyue vnto him by testimonie in writing, all the actes done therein. All his company aunswered, that they did very well allowe hys procéedings and praysed, and also approued hys determination, besieching hym to procéede accordingly, sithence they were come to serue and obey hym. Then Cortez named Iudges, Aldermen, Attorney, Serieant, Notary, and Towneclearke, and all other officers apperteyning to the good gouernement of a Citie, in the name and behalfe of the Emperoure hys naturall Lord, and delyuered incontinent to the Iudges white roddes to beare in their handes in token of Iustice, and named the newe Citie to be builte, The ryche Towne De la vera Crux, bycause that one goodfriday they had entred into that land. After these things finished, Cortez began before ye saide Notary, another act in presence of the iudges, who were Alounso Fernandez Portocarero, and Frācisco de Monteio, in whose handes he made cession, and dyd desyst from all rule and offices whiche heretofore he had receiued, which was his gouernership, captaineship and general discouerer, receiued in the Chauncerie of Santo Domingo, at the handes of the presidentes, who were there chiefe of the kings counsell, and presidents, likewise he protested not to vse the power and auctority of the gouernour of Cuba, Admirall of India, for so much yt now none of them had any rule or gouernement in that Countrey which he and his fellowes had newely discouered, and begun to enhabite in the name of the king of Castil, as his naturall subiectes. The which auctoritie he likewise required to be set downe in recorde, and to haue a copie of the same.
Hovv the soudiours chose Cortez for Captaine generall, and chiefe ruler in Iustice.
Al the newe officers toke possession and charge of their offices, and entred into the towne house to counsel according to the vse and custome of Castill. In the which congregation or counsel then holden, many matters were had in question as touching the good gouernemente of the common weale. And among many other things, they al agréed to electe Hernando Cortez for captaine generall and chiefe Iustice, and to giue vnto him full power and authority for all matters appertayning to the wars and conquest, vntill such time as the Emperour should otherwise prouide: with this determination the next day following al the Aldermen, Iudges, and Counsellers, went vnto Cortez, and sayde vnto him: Sir we haue greate neede of a guide and captaine for the warres to procéede vppon the conquest of this countrey, wherfore vntil such time as ye Emperour shall prouide therein, they all besought hym to accepte that office and charge, approuing him a man most fit for the same, both to rule and gouerne, for ye great experience that they had séene of his courage, wisdome, and pollicie, and by Vertue of their offices, did cōmaund him to accept the same, saying, that in so doing, God and the king shoulde bee faithfully serued. And they woulde thankfully gratify the same, knowing that at his hands they should be ruled with iustice, vsed with humility, & be preserued with diligence and strength. And for that purpose, they had chosen him for that office, giuing vnto him their ful & whole authority, submitting thēselues vnder his hands, iurisdiction & defence. Cortez accepted ye charge at smal entreating, for he desired nothing so much.
Liberality.
And being in this sort elected general, the counsel said vnto him. Sir you do wel vnderstād, that vntil such time as we shal bee better planted in this countrey, we haue not wherwith to maintaine our selues but only wt suche things as are abord our shippes. Therfore it may please you to commaund it to be brought ashore, and that you take therof what shal seme good vnto you, for your houshold and familie, and the residue may be taxed at a reasonable price, and so to be deuided among them: & for payment they wold al binde thēselues, or else yt presently it should be deducted out of the stocke, after that the kings fift parte were subtracted. Likewise they desired him to value his ships and artillery, bycause they would make like payment for the same, and that frō thence forwards the ships should serue in common, for to passe to the Ilāds for bread, wine, clothes, weapons, horses, and other things which should be néedeful for the new towne and army, for therby they mought be better cheape prouided than if merchants should prouide them, consideryng alway they seke for excessiue gaine, saying that if it would please hym to accepte thys offer and request, they would thankfully requite the same. Cortez aunswered, that at ye time he made his preperation and furniture in Cuba, he ment not to sel his prouision as others vsed to do, but he would and did frankely giue it vnto them, although hee had spent his goods and indetted himselfe therin. And incontinent he commaunded the maisters of the ships and pursers, to bring a lād al their victual to the town house, requiring the Aldermen to deuide it equally, to euerye man his part, without making any difference of him or of any other, for (quoth he) in time of neede of victuals ye yongest hath as muche allowaunce as the eldest. And although I am indetted and do owe more than seauen M. Duckets, I giue this victuall al franckly vnto you. And as cōcerning the ships, I wil do yt which shal be most cōueniēt for you al. And (quoth he) I wil determin nothing to be done with thē, but wil first giue you aduertisemēt of the same.
Al this did Cortez for to get their loue and fauour, bycause there were many that loued hym not, althoughe in very trouth he was of his own nature liberal and large in experiences with al his souldiers in the warres.
The receiuing of Cortez into Zempoallan.
For as much as the situation there was not conuenient to place the newe worke, they determined to go from thence, to Aguiahuiztlan, which standeth nere the shadowe of the rocke that Monteio had informed them of, wherevppon Cortez commaunded the shippes to depart, for that place. And he with his foure hundred men and horses would goe by land, and there mete thē, which may be about ten leagues iorney. In this order the fléete departed, and likewise Cortez with his company toward Zempoallan which stoode directly weastward. And after he had iourneyed three leagues he came to the riuer which deuided the Lordshippe of Mutezuma and Zempoallan, & coulde finde no passage, wherefore he was forced to returne to the seaside, where with muche adoe they passed ouer, and so trauayled on that side of the riuer, & found cotages of fishermen and other poore houses, and some sowen ground, and procéeding on their iorney at length they came into very faire valleys, wher was great store of deare, and stil they went along the riuer side, hoping to finde some good towne, and in short space, they espied neare twenty persons vppon the toppe of a hill, Cortez commaunded foure of his horsemen to fetch them vnto him, willing thē to make signes of peace vnto them, but if they flie (quoth he) then follow them, vntill you ouertake them, for they shall stand vs in steade, as wel to lead vs the way as to serue vs for enterpreters.
Simplicitie.
The horsemen tooke on theyr way, and when they came to the hill toppe, they made signes of peace vnto them, but the poore and fearefull Indians fledde with spéede, yea being amased and in great feare to beholde suche a monsterous thyng as a horseman, beleuyng assuredly, that horse and man was one thing incorporate, but in theyr flight they were soone ouertaken, and they yéelded themselues, and so were all brought vnto Cortez.
These men had in their eares and noses bored holes, with rings of golde hangyng thereat, for so was the vse of Zempoallan: they enformed Cortez that the Cittie was neare at hande. Cortez demaunded the cause of their comyng thither, they answered to behold and sée so straunge a sight, but why fledde you then (quoth he?) for feare only sir sayde they, of people which we knew not. Then Cortez willed them to put all feare aside, and tolde them that he with his small company woulde goe vnto their Cittie to visite their Lorde, and to be acquaynted with him: the Indians sayde, that the day was farre spent, and that it was late to goe that night to Zempoallan, but if it pleased hym they would conduct him to a village whiche stoode on the otherside of the Riuer and within sight, and although it were but a small village, yet there was reasonable lodging with meate sufficiente for his armie: their counsell séemed well, so they wente to that village, and when they were comen thither, the Indians craued license to goe & to aduertise their Lorde how the straungers abode in that place, promising to returne the nexte day with answere. Some of the Indians had licence to do the message, the others abode there, attendyng and prouiding for the newe gestes, & in this order they were al lodged and their supper abundantly prouided. That night Cortez fortified himselfe as strong as mought be, and the nexte morning came a hundreth men laden with Hennes, saying that their Lord much reioyced of their comming, and bicause he was so grosse and vnwealdie, he came not personallye vnto him, but yet notwithstanding he aboade in the cittie expecting his comming. Cortez friendly welcomed them, and with that presente, he and his company brake their faste, and then proceeded with his guides in good order with two fauconets in readinesse, if néede should happen: and from that passage of the riuer they had a faire way vntil they came to another riuer, which being likewise waded ouer, they discried Zempoallan, whiche stoode a myle distant from them, all beset wyth fayre Orchardes and Gardens, verye pleasaunte to beholde: they vsed alwayes to water them with sluses when they pleased.
There procéeded out of the Towne many persons, to behold and receyue so strange a people vnto them. They came with smiling countenance, and presented vnto thē diuers kinde of Floures, and sundry fruites, which none of our menne had héeretofore séene. These people came without feare among the Ordinance, with this pompe, triumph and ioy they were receiued into the Citie, which séemed a beautifull Garden: for the trées were so gréene and high, that scarsely the houses appeared.
Mens folly vvith a great lyr.
At the Citie gate stoode many graue persons of nobilitie, as Magistrates of the Citie, who solemnely welcomed the Strangers. Sixe Horsemen, which hadde gone before the army to discouer, returned backe as Cortez was entring into the Citie, saying, that they had séene a great house and Court, and that the walles were garnished with siluer. Cortez commaunded them to procéede on, willing them not to shew any token of wonder of any thing that they should sée. All the stréetes were replenished with people, whiche stoode gaping and wondering at the horses and straūgers. And passing through a great market place, they saw on their right hande, a great walled house made of lyme and stone, with loupe holes and towers, whited with playster that shined lyke siluer, being so well burnished and the sunne glistering vpon it. And that was the thing that the Spaniards thought had bene walles of siluer. I doe beléeue that with the imagination and great desire whiche they had of golde and siluer, all that shined they déemed to be the same mettall.
A vigilant Captayne.
Within this great house was a long rew of lodgings, and on the other side sixe or seuen Towers one higher than another. They procéeded on, dissimulyng the errour of the siluer walles, and followed their guide vntill suche time as they came to the Lordes lodging, who came forth accompanied with many auncient persons, and better attired than the other Citizens were, with twoo Gentlemen that ledde him by the armes. They saluted eche other according to the vse of their countreys, and then entred into the pallayce, where certayne principall men conducted Cortes and all his trayne to their lodgyng, and Captayne Cortes was lodged in the house whiche had the glisteryng walles, situated in the markette place, whiche house was sufficient for him and all his company. And when they were placed, and behelde the walles, they were ashamed of their owne folly: for where they thought those walles had bene adorned with siluer, they founde them cleane contrary. Cortes deuided his men, caused his horses to be trimmed, and planted his ordinaunce at his dore, making himselfe as strong as though he had bene in campe and néere his enimies. And commaunded, that none of his men shoulde goe out of the house without his expresse licence vpō payne of death. The officers of the Lorde prepared a plenteous supper for them, and beddyng according to their vse.
The talke that the Lorde of Zempoallan had with Cortez.
The nexte day in the mornyng came the Lorde, to visite Cortez with an honorable company, and presented vnto him many garmēts wrought of Cottē wolle, according to their fashion, with a knot on the shoulder like vnto the Egiptian garments, and certaine iewels of golde that might be worth two thousande Ducates, besechyng both him and his cōpany to recreate themselues and take their reste, and at that present he meante not to trouble him with any matters: And so tooke his leaue for that time as he had done the day before, willing him to demaunde and call for any thing that he should néede. Cortez gaue him hartie thāks, and so departed.
Then came moe Indians in number than there were Spaniardes, with their courses & seruice of meate ready dressed, and many boughes of daintie fruits. In this sorte they were feasted & bāketed fiftene daies most plētuously. The next day folowyng, Cortez sent vnto the Spaniardes certaine olde garments of the Spanishe fashion, and many other trifles, besechyng him to appoynt a day of conference at his owne pallayce: worde was sent agayne that he was ready and very well contented. Wherevpon Cortez tooke with him fiftie of his men all armed, and left the residue at his lodgyng in a good readinesse, and appoynted an vnder Captayne to gouerne them. The Lorde hearing of his comming, came out of his Courte into the streate to receyue him. And hande in hand they entred togither into a lowe hall, whiche they vse for the extremitie of heate in that countrey, the plotte that they buylde vpon is raysed a fadome from the grounde, so that they ascende vpon steppes, and the walles plaistered with very white lime, their tile is eyther of straw or leaues of trées, very beautifull and straungely wrought, and a good defence against the rayne. The Lorde and Cortes satte them downe vpon thrée footed stooles made all of one péece, the Lorde commaunded his seruitours to stand aside, and by their interpreters they began to commune of their affayres a great space, in demaundes and answeres, bicause Cortes desired to be well instructed of the affayres of that countrey, and lykewise of that mightie kyng of Mutezuma.
This Cacike or Lord although he were huge and laden with fleshe, yet in his demaundes and questions séemed very wise. The summe of all Cortes his talke was to shewe the cause of his comming thither, and who had sente him, euen as he had done in Tauasco to Teudilli and others.
This Cacike after he had heard Cortes attentiuely, he began a long communication, makyng his complaynt and opening his griefe in this sorte.
The Indiās complaynt.
Vnder colour of holinesse.
Mightie Sir, my Antecessors liued a long tyme in great peace, libertie and quietnesse, but of late yéeres my countrey and Cittie was destroyed by tiranny, bycause the Lordes of Mexico Tenuchtitlan with their men of Culhua did not only vsurpe my Citie, but also my lands by force of armes, in suche sorte that my power coulde not resiste them. And in the beginnyng those Princes beganne theyr vsurpation by way and colour of religion and holinesse, and afterwardes with force of armes, and with this title became Lordes ouer vs.
And nowe we seyng our errour, haue thought it to late to preuayle agaynst them to take away our yoke of seruitude and bondage, although we haue attempted it. And as often as we haue so done, still the victorie was theyrs, and the ouerthrowe ours. Nowe all suche as doe submitte themselues vnto them, are taxed with certayne tributes, and reknowlegyng them for Lordes, are defended by them, and estéemed as friendes. But if after such submission made, any chaunce to speake agaynst them, or rebell, then they are terribly corrected, yea murdered, and after Sacrifice made to the Goddes of warre, called Tezcatlipuca and Vitzilopuchtli of theyr carkasses, then is theyr fleshe eaten in banquet, and those who remayne alyue, doe serue for slaues, yea and the Fathers, Mothers and Children, are compelled to labour and toyle from the Sunne rising to the Sunne settyng, with confiscation of all their goodes and landes. And besides all this crueltie and vituperie, they sende theyr officers and Serieantes to execute the premisses, who without eyther pittie or mercie many tymes suffereth them to sterue with hunger. And beyng thus cruelly punished of Mutezuma, who nowe raigneth in Mexico, who woulde not suffer to bée Vassall willingly to so good a Prince as you enformed me of the Emperour, although it were but onely to bée frée from suche vexation and robbery whiche suche a mighty King coulde doe. And with these wordes the teares gusshed out of his eyes, and pawsing a whyle, he beganne to extoll the strength, magnificence and situation of Mexico planted in a greate lake of water: also he exalted the riches, courte, Maiestie and mightie power of Mutezuma. Hée sayde also howe Tlaxcallan, Huexocinco and other prouinces thereaboute, as also the people called Totonaquez of the Mountaynes were of contrary opinion to the Mexicans, yea enimies vnto them, who had intelligence what had happened in Tauasco, Yea sir (quoth hée) if it please you, I will treate suche a compact with this people that Mutezuma with al his power shall not preuayle agaynst vs.
Cortes reioyced in harte to heare this newes, and sayde vnto him. It grieueth mée to heare of the euill vsage of Mutezuma towarde his countrey and subiectes. But I assure you with Gods helpe I will deliuer you, yea and reuenge all your iniuries, for my commyng hither is to take away all euill customes, and to helpe the oppressed, to fauour the prysoner, and comforte the afflicted, and chiefly to abolishe tyrannie. And for the good entertaynement that I haue receyued at your handes, I doe remayne yours to doe you any pleasure, and to defende you agaynst your enimies, and the lyke will I doe for your friendes, wherefore I pray you aduertise them thereof as many as are of our confederacie.
Cortes then tooke hys leaue, saying that he had bene many dayes there, and that he had greate néede to goe visite his shippes and menne, who muche desired his returne, and abode in Aquiahuiztlan, where hée meante to soiourne for a certayne season, and from thence dayly they mighte conferre of their affayres. The Lorde of Zempoallan sayde, that if it pleased hym to abyde with him hée woulde gladly accept it, and if his businesse were suche that he might not, that then he besought him to remember him.
An other gifte.
Then the Lorde commaunded eyght maydens to be called, who were very well apparelled after theyr maner, theyr attyre was muche lyke the Morisca fashion, (the one of them was more costely apparelled than the others) and sayde vnto Cortes, all these maydens whiche you here sée are Gentlewomen, noble and riche, and this mayden whiche is beste attired, is a Lady of Vassals, and my brothers daughter, I doe presente hyr vnto you (meaning that Cortes shoulde marrie with hyr,) and the others you may bestow vpon the Gentlemen in your company, in a token of perpetuall loue and friendship.
Cortes receyued the presente with thankes, bycause he woulde not offende the giuer thereof. And so departed with their women ridyng behinde them, with many Indian women to wayte vpon them, and many Indian men to beare them company, and to puruey all things necessarie.
Things that happened to Cortez in Chiauiztlan.
The same day that they departed frō Zempoallan they came to Chiauiztlan, and yet the shippes were not arriued. Cortes marueyled at their long tarying in so shorte a iourney. Ther was a village within shotte of a hargabushe from the rocke called Chiauiztlan standyng vpon a litle hill. Cortes hauing little to do, went thither with his men, and the Indians of Zempoallan, who certified Cortes that the village was appertayning to a Lorde oppressed by Mutezuma. They came to the foote of the hill, without sighte of any man of the towne, excepte twoo, that Marina vnderstoode not, and going vp the hill, the horsemen to fauour their horses would alight, bicause the ascending was cragged and euill way, Cortes commaunded that they shoulde not alight, bycause the Indians shoulde thinke that there was no place highe nor lowe, but that these horses shoulde and coulde come vnto it. So by litle and litle they came into the towne, and finding no creature there, they feared some deceyte, yet approchyng further, they mette with twelue auncient men, whiche brought with them an interpreter who vnderstoode the language of Culhua and the speache of that place, whiche is the language of the Totonaquez, or inhabitauntes of the Mountaynes. These auncient menne declared that the cause of theyr goyng out of the towne, was bycause that they had neuer séene anye such men as the Spaniardes were, nor yet heard that any such had passed that way, wherefore with feare they had fledde from thence. But (quoth they) when the Lord of Zempoallan aduertised vs, how you did hurt no bodye, but rather being a people good and peaceable, then wee were well assured who ye were, when we saw you come toward vs. And wee are nowe comen vnto you on the behalfe of the Lorde, to bring you to your lodging.
Cortez gaue them thankes, and went with them to a certaine place where the Lord was abydyng their comming wel accompanyed: he shewed vnto the Christians great good wil, and maruelled to sée those straungers with their long beardes.
A straunge salutation.
The Lord toke a little chafyngdishe in his hande, and cast into it a certaine gumme, whych sauoured in swéet smel much like vnto frankinscence. And with a sencer he smoked Cortez with this ceremony they vse their salutations to theyr gods and nobilitie.
A straunge hap.
This done they set them down, and Cortez enformed him of the cause of their comming into that countrey as he had done in all other places where he had bin.
The Casike certifyed Cortez euen as the Lord of Zempoallan had done, but he stood in great feare least Mutezuma should be offended for receyuing and lodging him within that towne, without his commaundement, and being in thys communication, sodenly appeared twentye men entring where they sate, wt certain wāds like cudgels in their hāds, which did signify yt they were rent gatherers & in ech other hand, a fly flap of feathers, the Cacike & hys company were soare afrayde. Cortez demaunded wherefore he so altered himself, he answered, bicause those twēty Indians were collecters of Mutezuma, and that he feared that they would complayne of him, hauing founde those Christians there, he feared likewise cruell punishment for the same. Cortes comforted him, saying that Mutezuma was his friende, and that he would so vse the matter that he shoulde receyue no blame at all, but rather that Mutezuma shoulde giue him thankes for that whiche he had done: And if Mutezuma did not, or would not so accept it, that then he would defend both him and his subiects, for (quoth he) euery one of my mē is sufficient for a thousand Mexicans, as Mutezuma himselfe was well enformed by the late warres at Potonchan.
Yet for and notwithstanding all this talke, the Lorde and all his folke were in great feare, and meante to arise and to lodge the receyuers. Cortes woulde not suffer him, and bycause (quoth he) thou shalte sée what I and my men can doe, commaund thy seruaunts to apprehend and take prysoners these receyuers of Mexico, and I wil abide here with thée, in such sorte that Mutezuma with all his power shall not offende thée.
The receyuers put in pryson.
With the courage that he receyued at these wordes, he commaunded to lay hande vpon the Mexicans, and bycause they defended themselues, they were sore beaten, and layde euery one in a seuerall prison, and bounde them to a great poste whereat they were tied by the throate, féete, and handes, and beyng in this sorte imprysoned, they asked of Cortes whether they should kill them. Cortes requested that they should not be slaine, but that they might remayne as they were, with good watch that they might not escape: Then they were brought into a hall in the Spaniardes lodging, and were placed rounde aboute a good fire, but yet bounde hande and foote with garde of watchmen. Cortes also appoynted certaine of his men to watch the hall dore, and then went to his lodging to supper, where he and his company was well prouided at the Caziks furniture.
The messages sent by Cortez vnto Mutezuma.
Pollicie.
The nighte beyng farre spent, and the Indians that kepte the watch being asléepe, Cortes sente vnto the Spanyardes that watched at the hall dore where the prysoners were, and commaunded them to let goe twoo of the prysoners, as secretly as they might, and to bring them vnto him. The Spaniardes handled the matter so well, that they fulfilled his desire, and brought twoo of them to Cortes his chamber, who looked vppon them as though he had not knowen them, and willed Aguillar and Maryna to demaunde who they were, and what they would haue, and why they had bene in pryson. They answered, that they were vassals of Mutezuma, and that they had the charge to receyue certayne tributes, that those of that towne & prouince payde vnto their Lorde. And also (quoth they) we know not for what cause we are nowe imprysoned and so euelly vsed. We rather wōder to sée this new custome and madnesse, for in time past these men were wont to méete vs and receiue vs with great honour & curtesie, shewing all seruice and pleasure. Therefore we thinke that the cause of this alteration is through the fauour of you and your cōpany, who beare the name of immortalitie. We also feare least our felowes which are in prison shal be slaine, before Mutezuma haue knowlege therof. Also said they, these barbarous people dwelling in the Mountaynes, would be glad to rebel if they foūd any succour or ayde, only to put their Prince to cost and charges, as heretofore they haue done. Therefore they moste humbly besought Cortes that hée shoulde not permitte them and their fellowes to be slaine, nor yet to abide in the handes of their enimies wherein he should do singular pleasure to Mutesuma their lord, & otherwise if they should perish, their Lord would be very sorowfull that his olde, faithful and trustie seruaunts shoulde haue such a reward for their good seruice.
A vvise Captaine.
Cortez aunswered that it grieued him much, that Mutesuma his friend should be misvsed wher he was, no nor yet his seruauntes euill entreated, and that hee woulde haue as muche care ouer them as of his owne, willing them to prayse the god of heauen, and to be thankful vnto him that had commaunded them to be set at liberty, in the grace and friendshippe of Mutesuma: he certifyed that in all haste they shoulde be dispatched, for Mexico with certaine busynesse therefore (quoth he) get you to meate, and make you strōg to take in hand that iourney, trusting to your féete least ye should be taken againe to your greate perill and daunger, Iwis their meate was soone eaten with the great hast they had to be gone.
Cortez brought them out of the towne and gaue them victuall to carry with them. And charged for the liberty and curtesie shewed vnto them, that they should signifye to Mutesuma their Lorde, howe that he was his assured friend, and that after he had vnderstanding of his fame, goodnes and mighty power, he much desired to serue him yea and that he helde himselfe happy, to fynde himselfe at such a time & season to loose those his seruaunts, and to shew therin his good wil, likewyse he woulde do all that lay in him to preserue the honour and auctority of so gret a Prince as hee was, & also to defende his subiectes and to loke to his affaires as his owne proper, although his highnesse dyd little estéeme hys friendshippe as appeared by Teudilli, who departed from him without bidding him farewell, and likewise absenting all the people of the sea coaste: yet thys notwithstanding he would not let to do him seruice at all times when occasion shoulde serue, and to procure by all meanes possible his grace, fauour, and friendship, and that he was fully perswaded, that his hyghnesse woulde not refuse his good will and friendship, considering that with his acquaintance, God had done much for him, to méete with a seruaunte of the Emperoures, for thereby he might know great secretes of holy things, and also receyue greate benefytes, if then he would refuse the same, the fault shoulde be his: but yet notwithstanding he trusted in his wisedome, that considering the thing well, he woulde be glad both to sée hym, and talke with him, and also to be friende and brother with the King of Spayne, in whose most happie name, both he and his company were come thither. And as touching his seruauntes that remayned in prison, hée woulde so vse the matter, that they should escape all perill, promising also to set them at libertie to pleasure him, and that incontinente he woulde haue done it, but onely bycause he woulde not offende the Lorde of the Towne, who had friendly entertayned him with greate curtesie, for which cause he would not presume to controll him in his owne house, nor yet to shewe himselfe vnthankefull. The messengers departed with this message very glad and ioyfull, promising to accomplishe faithfully ye charge committed vnto them.
The confederacy and rebellion done by the industrie of Cortez.
When the Cazike founde missing the two prisoners, he blamed muche the guarde or watch, and pretended forthwith to murther those that remayned. Then came Cortez, and requested that their deathe shoulde be pardoned, for so muche as they were but officers obediente to their Lorde and maister, and according to iustice they had committed no offence, nor yet deserued anye correction in the facte, whiche was seruice to their King: but for so muche as they shall not flée as the other two haue done, deliuer them vnto mee, and I will take them to my custody and charge.
Diuers opinions in counsell.
Vpon this request the eyghtéene prisoners were delyuered vnto Cortez, who sent them aboorde his Shyppes, and there commaunded them to be put in yrons. The Lorde and his counsellors fearing what mighte followe, entred into councell what was best to doe, consideryng that they certaynely beléeued that the two prisoners whiche were escaped, would certifie in Mexico the shame and cruell entertaynemente done vnto them. Some replyed that it was iust and requisite to sende vnto Mutezuma hys tribute, with other presentes, to mitigate hys anger, and to excuse them, and accuse the Christians, who were the causes of the apprehension of his officers, and to craue pardon of their erroure and ouersighte whyche they hadde committed as madde men, in dishonor of the maiestie of Mexico. Others aunswered agayne, that it were muche better to cast off that yoke of bondage and slauery, and to giue no longer obedience to the Mexicans, who were both cruell and wicked tyrants, and also considering that now they had on their side those halfe Gods, and inuincible horsemen, saying likewise that they should not wante many others their neyghbours and borderers to help and succour them.
In this sorte they resolued themselues fully to rebell, and not to lose so good an occasion, wherevppon they besoughte Hernando Cortes to bée their defendor and Captayne, considering that for his sake they had begun that enterprise, and whether Mutezuma shoulde prepare hys army againste them or no, yet they on their parte were fully pretended to hold hym warre, and to desist from seruitude.
God knoweth how glad Cortes was to heare this matter, for he well wayed that it was the high way to hys iourneys ende: yet dissimuling the cause, he aunswered that they should well looke to the thing which they meant to take in hande, bycause (quoth he) I vnderstande that Mutezuma is a mightie Prince, but if ye will valiantly procéede, I will be youre Captayne, and safely defende you, for I do more estéeme your friendship, than the good will of Mutezuma, whyche I nothing care for: therefore lette me knowe what number of men of warre yée are able to make. Sir (quoth they) among all our friends wée are able to make a hundred thousande menne of warre. I lyke that well quoth Cortez, wherefore incontinente sende youre postes, with aduise vnto all your friendes in league againste Mutezuma, and certifie them of this agréemente and succoure of the Christians, not (quoth he) that I stande in néede of your help, for I alone with my company are able to stande againste those of Culhua, although they were as manye more, but reason required that they shoulde be warned of your pretence, and to be in readinesse for the same, fearing least Mutezuma mighte sende his army vpon a suddayne, and finde you vnprouided.
With this aduise and encouragement of Cortez, & also they themselues being a people heady and of small consideratiō, they dispatched incōtinent their messēgers to all the Townes and Villages of neyghbours and friendes, aduertising them what they hadde determined, exalting the strangers aboue the cloudes.
And by this meanes rebelled many Cazikes & townes, and all the whole Mountaynes, so yt there was not left any collector or other officer of Mexico in al those borders, with open proclamation of warres againste Mutezuma, and all his adherentes.
Cortez his intēt was on the other side, to stirre vp these Indians, to get both their goodes, willes, and landes, for otherwise, he could not well bring his matter to passe: he only caused the officers of Mutezuma, to be taken prisoners, and to be loused agayne, he fayned a greate loue to Mutezuma, and stirred his subiectes agaynste him, he offered to be their defendor, and lefte them rebelled, to the intent that they should stand in néede of him.
The foundation of the riche Towne called Vera Crux.
At this instant the Fléete was arriued at the port, then wente Cortez to visit them, and carried with him many Indians of the Rebels, both of that Towne, and also of Zempoallan, who did good seruice to cutte downe timber, and to carrie stones to the place appoynted, for the building of the Citie, named the riche towne of Vera Crux, accordyng to the determination, when the officers were appoynted for the same, and chosen in S. Iohn de Vlhua, and in good order made repertition to the inhabitants of the ground, and plottes to builde vpon.
Embassadors.
They appoynted also a place for the high Churche, a Market place, a Towne house, a Gayle, store houses, a kay or Wharfe, to lade or vnlade, a butcher row, & other places necessary to the good gouernement and pollicie of a Towne. They also drew out a plot to build the Castel or Fort on, néere the roade in a place conueniente, and in this sort began theyr worke, and their houses made with mudwall, for the earth there is good for that purpose. And euery man being this occupyed in this new worke, came from Mexico two kinsmen of Mutezuma, with other four graue learned menne for Councellors, and many seruing men that attended vppon them, as Ambassadors from Mutezuma, they presented vnto Cortez certayne cloth of Cotten well wouen, and feathers curiously and fynely wroughte, other péeces of golde and siluer wrought, and a Casket of graynes of golde, as they were founde in the Mynes not molten, which wayed altogyther two thousand & ninetie Castlins, & sayd, yt Mutezuma hadde sente hym the golde in the Casket, to cure theyr disease, and woulde gladly knowe howe they fared, giuing also vnto him most hartie thankes, for loosing his two housholde seruauntes, and preseruing the others from slaughter, besiechying hym to make accompte, that hée woulde doe the lyke in anye affayres of his, desiring hym also to procure the libertie of the other eyghtéene Prisoners: and bycause those Indians hadde entertayned hym well in their houses, he did pardon their vprore, yet notwithstanding he knewe very well that they were suche a kynde of people, that in shorte space they woulde committe some other offences, whereby they myght bée chastned for all togyther, euen as a Dogge deserueth stripes. And as concernyng the rest of hys request, theyr Lorde was not well at ease, and also occupyed in matters of warre of greate importance, whereby at that presente, there was no remedie to visit eache other, but in processe of tyme his desire shoulde be accomplished.
Cortez welcommed them friendly and ioyfully, and also lodged them in Cotages néere vnto the water side, and sent forthwith for the Lorde of Chiautztlan, that had rebelled, who came at his commandement. Cortez sayd vnto him, lo sée what troth I haue vsed with thée, for Mutezuma dareth not to send any army, no nor yet displease anye person where I am. Therefore from this daye forwarde you and all youre lignage and friendes maye accompte your selues frée and exempt from the seruitude of Mexico, without rendryng the tributes accustomed. He requested to set at libertie the prisoners, and to restore thē to the Ambassadors of Mutezuma. Thys Cazike wylled Cortez to doe what pleased him, for sayde he, euen as wée haue chosen you for oure Captayne, we will not excéede one iote of youre commaundemente: wherevppon hée returned home to his towne, and the Ambassadors toward Mexico, all well pleased and content.
Nowe fame flew abroade, blasing that Mutezuma feared the Christians, wherevpon all the Totonaques prepared themselues for the warres, taking cleane awaye from Mexico their tribute and obedience.
The Ambassadors departed from Cortez with theyr prisoners, and manye other things that were giuen thē, of linnen, wollen, skynnes, glasse, and yron, being greately amazed at the things which they had séene.
Hovv Cortez tooke by force of armes Tizapansinca.
Not long after that these things had happened, the Indians of Zempoallan sente vnto Cortes, to desire him of succour against the garrisō of Culhua, which Mutezuma mainteyned in Tizapansinca, who did greately anoy them, in spoyling, burning, and destroying theyr corne in the fieldes, and slew their husbandmen, and toke many prisoners. The Towne of Tizapansinca doth confine with the Totonaquez, and with the grounde of Zempoallan, and is a good strong Towne, scituated néere the Riuer, and hath a fort standing vpon a high rocke. And bycause this Towne was strong, and planted among them who were alwayes seditious and Rebelles, Mutezuma placed there his garrison, who séeyng the officers of receyuers and auditors come flying thyther for helpe, béeyng persecuted of the Rebels, they wente out to pacifie the Rebellion, and for to chasten them, they burned and destroyed whatsoeuer they found, and also had taken many prisoners.
Cortez hearing this newes, departed towarde Zempoallan, and from thence in two dayes iourney with a greate armye of Indians to Tizapansinca, which stoode eyghte leagues and more from that Citie.
The garrison of Culhua came into the fielde, thinkyng to haue hadde battayle onely with those of Zempoallan, but when they saw the Horsemen and the bearded men, they lost theyr courage, and beganne to flye as fast as they myghte possible: theyr succoure béeyng néere, they were soone in holde: they woulde haue entred into theyr Castell, but for ye swiftnesse of the Horses which stopped theyr way.
The valiant courage of Cortez.
And when the Horses coulde not ascende vp vnto the forte, Cortes alighted with other foure of hys men, and among the preasse of the Townesmen gote into the forte, and béeyng within, they kept the dore tyll theyr companye came wyth manye friendes, vnto whome hée delyuered the forte and Towne, desiring to do no hurte to the inhabitantes, but to suffer them to depart fréely without weapon and standerde. It was a newe worlde to those Indians, who did fulfyll Cortes hys commaundemente in all poyntes. Thys done, Cortez returned agayne to the Sea coast, by the same way whiche hée hadde come.
This was the firste victory that Cortes had among the subiectes of Mutezuma, whereby all the Mountaynes remayned frée from the vexations of the Mexicans, and all our men with great fame and reputation, as well among their friendes, as among their enimies, in so much that afterwardes when any neede did happen among the Indians, they would immediately sende vnto Cortes for one of his men, saying, that one man alone of the Chrystians, was sufficient to be their Captayne and securitie.
Thys was a good begynnyng for the pretence of Cortes. Now when he came to Vera Crux wyth hys company triumphantly, he founde there Francisco de Salzeda, who was come with his caruell which he had boughte of Alonso Cauallero, a dweller in Saint Iames de Cuba, and was left there to be grounded and dressed at his departure from thence. He brought with him .70. Spanyardes, and nine Horses and Mares, wherewith they all maruellously reioyced.
The presents that Cortez sent to the Emperour for his fifte.
Cortez made greate hast in building vp the new town and the Castell, bycause the Citizens and souldiers mighte haue succoure againste winde and rayne, and commoditie of householde, and lykewise to bée assured of defence against enimies if néede shoulde happen, pretending lykewise with all expedition, to enter within the land toward Mexico, to visit Mutezuma, and to leaue in that newe worke all thing in good order, he finished many thinges, touching as well the peace as the warre.
He commaunded to be brought a lande out of his shippes all the armour & other furniture for the warres, with the Merchandise, victuall and other prouision, and to deliuer it to the rulers of the newe Cittie, accordyng to his promisse. He also signified vnto all his company that it was méete and conuenient, to sende relation to the Kyng of all theyr proceedings and dealings in that countrey, with demonstration of Golde and Siluer there founde.
And (quoth he) to deale vprightly in this case, it is necessary to deuide equally our treasure to euery man his portion, accordyng to the vse of the warres, the deuision beyng made, then firste and principally lette vs deduct the Kings fifte parte. And for the better performance therof, I doe name and appoynt Alounso de Auila Treasurer for the King, and also I doe elect Gonsalo Mexia Treasurer of the armie.
All the newe Magistrates ratified his sayings, and allowed his discretion and wisedome, praysing the election of the newe officers as men moste méete for suche an office, and besought them to accept theyr charge.
This diligence done, he commaunded to bring foorth into the markette place all the goodes and treasure which they had gotten, as well cloth of Cotten, Feathers, Golde, and Plate, whiche mought amount vnto in valew the summe of .27000. Ducates: The same he caused to be delyuered vnto the newe elected treasorers by account, requestyng the whole counsell of the Cittie that they shoulde make deuision thereof. The counsellours and communaltie replyed, saying: Sir here is nothing to deuide, for deductyng the fifte parte whiche appertayneth to the King, all the reste shall be to make payment for the furniture whiche you prepared for this voyage, and you beyng satisfied, then the shippes, munition and furniture shall serue in common for vs all, beséeching him with one assent to take all the treasure, and to sende vnto the kings maiestie his portion or fifte parte, euen as shoulde séeme most conuenient vnto him.
Liberalitie of Cortez.
Cortes replied and sayde, that time hereafter shoulde serue to pay him according to their gentle offer: But for this present time my louyng felowes (quoth he) I will receyue no more than the share or portion that appertayneth vnto my office of generall Captayne, and all the residue shal be for the Gentlemen of my company, wherewith yée may beginne to make payment of your debtes, whiche ye ought when ye made your prouision to come with me on this voyage.
And where I haue appoynted certayne things to send to the King, of more value than his fifte parte, it mighte please them, for as muche as they were suche things as coulde not be well deuided, and likewyse the firste fruite of that Conquest, fréely to giue him libertie to vse his discretion in that onely poynt. They al in generall graunted to his request, wherevpon he tooke out of the stocke, these things followyng.