The Idols of Mexico.
The Gods of Mexico, were two thousand in number, as the Indians reported, the chiefest were Vitcilopuchtli and Tezcatlipuca, whose images stoode highest in the Temple vppon the Altars: they were made of stone in ful proportion as bigge as a Gyant. They were couered with a lawne called Nacar. These images were besette with pearles, precious stones, & péeces of gold, wrought like birds, beasts, fishes, and floures, adorned with Emeralds, Turquies, Calcedons, and other little fine stones, so that when the lawne Nacar was taken away, the Images séemed very beautifull to beholde.
A vvicked attire.
The Image had for a girdle great snakes of gold, and for collors or chaynes about their neckes, ten hartes of men, made of golde, and each of those Idolles had a counterfaite visor with eies of glasse, and in their necks death painted: eache of these things hadde their considerations and meanings. These two Goddes were brethren, for Tezcatlipuca was the God of Prouidence, and Vitcilopuchtli God of the warres, who was worshipped and feared more than all the rest.
A madde offering.
There was another God, who hadde a greate Image placed vppon the toppe of the Chappell of Idols, and hée was estéemed for a speciall and singular God aboue all the rest. This God was made of all kinde of séedes that groweth in that Countrey, and being ground, they made a certayne past, tempered with childrens bloud, and Virgins sacrifised, who were opened with their razures in the breastes, and their heartes taken out, to offer as first fruites vnto the Idoll. The Priestes and Ministers doe consecrate this Idoll with great pomp and many Ceremonies. All the Comarcans and Citizens are presente at the consecration, with great triumph and incredible deuotion. After the consecration, many devoute persons came and sticked in the dowy Image precious stones, wedges of golde, and other Iewels. After all this pomp ended, no secular man mought touche that holye Image, no nor yet come into his Chappell, nay scarcely religious persons, except they were Tlamacaztli, who are Priestes of order. They doe renue this Image many times wyth new dough, taking away the olde, but then blessed is hée that can get one péece of the olde ragges for relikes, and chiefly for souldyers, who thought themselues sure therwith in the warres. Also at the consecration of thys Idoll, a certayne vessell of water was blessed with manye wordes and ceremonyes, and that water was preserued very religiously at the foote of the altar, for to consecrate the King when he should be crowned, and also to blesse any Captayne generall, when he shoulde be elected for the warres, with only giuing him a draught of that water.
The Charnell house or place of dead mens sculles for remembrance of death.
Without the temple, and ouer againste the principall dore thereof, a stones cast distant, standeth the Charnell house onely of dead mens heads prisoners in warres and sacrifised with the knife.
This monument was made like vnto a Theatre, more larger than broade, wrought of lyme and stone, with ascending steppes, in the walles whereof was graffed betwixt stone and stone a skul with the téeth outwards.
At the foote and head of this Theatre, were two Towers, made only of lime and skulles, the téeth outwarde, and this wall hauing no other stuffe, séemed a straunge sight. At and vppon the toppe of the Theatre, were 70. polles, standing the one from the other foure or fiue foote distant, and eache of them was full of staues from the foote to the toppe. Each of these staues had others made fast vnto them, so that euery of them had fiue skulles broched through the temples. Andrewe de Tapia did certifie me, that he and Gonsalo de Vmbria dyd recken them in one daye, and founde a hundred thirtie and sixe thousande skulles on the polles, staues, and steppes. The other Towers were replenished out of number, a most cruell custome, being only mens heads slaine in sacrifice, although it hath a shewe of humanitie for the remembrance there placed of death. There are also men appoynted, that when one skull falleth, to set vp another in his place, so that the number may neuer want.
Hovv Cortez tooke Mutezuma prisoner.
Hernando Cortez and his companye, were sixe dayes in beholding and perusing the scituation of the Citie, and secretes of the same, with the notable thinges before rehearsed: they were often visited by Mutezuma, & the Gentlemen of hys Courte, and abundantly prouided of things necessarye for his vse, and the Indians of his company.
A svveete bedde.
Determination of Cortez.
Likewise his Horses were cherished and serued with gréene barley and grasse, whereof there is plentie all the yeare: Likewise of corne, meale, roses, and of all thynges that their owners would request, in so much that beddes of floures were made for them in place of litter. But yet notwithstanding, although they were in this sorte cherished, and also lodged in so riche a Countrey, where they mighte fyll their purses, they were not yet all contente and merrie, but rather with great feare and care, especially Cortes, who hadde the onely care as head and chiefe Captayne for the defence of hys fellowes, hée (I saye) was pensiue, noting the scituation of the Citie, the infinite number of people, the state and maiestie of Mexico, yea and some disquietnesse of hys owne companye, who woulde come and laye vnto hys charge the snare and nette that they were in, thynkyng it a thyng vnpossible that anye of them coulde escape, if Mutezuma were therevnto determined, or else with the least muteny in the worlde, that mought be raysed in the Citie, although that euery inhabitant shoulde throw but one stone at them, or else to breake vp the drawbridges, or withdrawing their victuals, things verye easie to bée done. With this greate care that he had of the preseruation of his fellowes, and to remedie the perill and daunger that he stoode in, he determined to apprehēd Mutezuma, and to builde foure Foystes to haue the lake in subiection, which he hadde tofore ymagined, and without the apprehension of the King, he coulde not come by the Kingdome: he would very gladly haue buylt the Foystes out of hand, but he left off that pretence, only bycause he would not delay the emprisonment of Mutezuma, wherein consisted the effect of all his businesse, so that forthwith he minded to put in execution his intent, without gyuing any of his company to vnderstand thereof.
Treasory of Mutezuma.
The quarrell wherewith he had armed himselfe for that purpose, was, that the Lorde Qualpopoca hadde slayne nine Spanyardes: likewise encouraged him the greate presumption of his letters written to the Emperour Charles his king, wherein he wrote that he would take Mutezuma prisoner, and dispossesse him of his Empyre. These causes considered, he tooke the letters of Pedro Hircio, wherein was written, how Qualpopoca was the cause of the death of nine Spanyardes, and put those letters into his pocket, and walking vp and downe his lodging, tossyng too and fro these ymaginations in his brayne, full of care of the great enterprise that he had in hande, yea he hymselfe iudging the matter doubtfull, and his head béeyng in this sort occupyed, he chanced to espye one wall more whiter than the rest, and beholding the same, he sawe that it was a dore lately dammed vp, & callyng vnto him two of his seruaunts (for all the residue were asléepe) bycause it was late in the nighte, he opened that dore, and went in, and there found sundry halles, some with Idols, some with gallant feathers, Iewels, precious stones, plate, yea and such an infinite quantitie of golde, that the sight thereof amazed him, and other gallant things that made him to maruell. He shutte thys dore agayne as well as he moughte, withoute touching any part of that treasure, bycause he woulde not make any vprore therabout, nor yet to delay the emprisonment of Mutezuma, for that treasure was alwayes there to be had.
The nexte daye in the morning came certayne Spanyardes vnto hym, and manye Indians of Tlaxcallon, saying that the Citizens did goe about to conspire their deathe, and to breake downe the bridges of the calseys, to bryng their purpose the better to passe. So that with this newes, béeyng true or false, Cortes left the one halfe of his men to defende and kéepe his lodging, and at euery crosse stréete he planted mē, and the residue he sent to the Court by two and two, and thrée and thrée, and he hymselfe came to the pallaice, saying that he must talke wyth Mutezuma of matters that did emport their liues. Cortes was secretely armed. Mutezuma hearyng howe Cortez attended for hym, came forth and receyued him, taking him by the hand, and placed him in his seate. Thirtie Spanyardes wayted vpon Cortez, and the residue abode without at the dore.
Cortez saluted Mutezuma according to his accustomed manner, and began to rest and talke merily as hée was wont to do. Mutezuma béeyng carelesse of the thing that Fortune hadde prepared agaynste hym, was also very merrie, and pleased with that conuersation. He gaue vnto Cortes Iewels of golde, and one of his daughters, and other noble mens daughters to others of his company. Cortes receyued the gift, for otherwise it hadde bin a frent vnto Mutezuma. But yet he enformed him, that he was a married man, and that he coulde not marrie with his daughter, for the Christian law did not permitte the same, nor yet that any Christian mought haue more than one wife, vppon payne of infamy, and to be marked in the forehead.
After all this talke ended, Cortez tooke the letters of Pedro Hircio, and caused them to be interpreted vnto Mutezuma, makyng hys grieuous complaynte agaynste Qualpopoca, who hadde slayne so many Spanyardes through hys commaundement, yea and that his subiectes had published, that they woulde kill the Spanyardes, and breake downe the bridges.
Mutezuma excused himselfe earnestly, as well of the one as of the other, saying, the report giuen out agaynste hys subiectes was false and vntrue, and as for Qualpopoca who had slayne the Spanyardes, he was innocent thereof: and bycause that he shoulde sée the troth, he called incontinent certayne of his seruauntes, commaunding thē to goe for Qualpopoca, and gaue vnto them his seale, whiche was a stone that he ware at his wrest, engraued with the figure of the God Vitzilopuchtli, and the messengers departed therewith incontinent.
Cortez replyed and sayd: My Lord, your highnesse must goe with me to my lodging, and there abide, vntill youre messengers returne with Qualpopoca, and the certaynetie of the deathe of my men: In my lodging youre highnesse shall rule and commaund as you do héere in Court, your person shall bée well vsed, wherefore take you no care, for I will haue respecte vnto youre honor, as to myne owne proper, or the honor of my Kyng, beséeching you to pardon me in this my request, for if I shoulde doe otherwise, and dissemble with you, mine own company would be offended with me, saying that I doe not defende them, according to duetie. Wherefore commaund your householde seruauntes to repose themselues without alteration, for be you assured, that if any hurte come vnto me, or vnto anye of mine, youre person shall pay the same with life, considering that it lyeth in youre hand to goe quietly with me.
Mutezuma was sore amazed, saying, Sir, my person is not fytte to be a prisoner, yea, and though I woulde permitte the same, my subiectes would not suffer.
They abode arguing the matter néere foure houres, and at length Mutezuma was content to goe, hauing promise that he should rule and gouerne as he was wont to do. Cortes cōmaunded a place in his lodging to be trimmed for him, and he went forthwith thither with Cortes. There came many noble men barefooted, wéeping and lamenting the case, carrying their best garmentes vnder their armes, and brought a rich seate, whereon Mutezuma was placed, & they carried hym vpon their shoulders.
A sorovvful pastime.
When it was blowen abroade in the Citie that Mutezuma was carried prisoner to the Spanyards lodging, all the Citie was on an vprore: but yet Mutezuma did comfort the Gentlemen that carried and followed him wéeping, praying them to ceasse their lamentation, saying that he was not prisoner, nor yet went with the Chrystians againste his will, but for his onely pleasure. Cortes appointed a Spanish garde for him, with a Captayne, the which he dayly changed, and had Spanyards always in his cōpany to make him pastime. Also poore Mutezuma was cōtented with their conuersation, & gaue thē stil rewards. He was serued with his owne seruāts Indiās, as at home in his pallace. Cortes always intreated him to put off sadnes, & to be merrie, permitting him to dispatch suters, & to deale in all affayres of his estate, & to comune and talke openly or secretely with his noble mē as he was wont to do, and that was but onely a bayte to bring them to the hooke. There was neuer Greeke nor Romayne, nor any other nation since the name of Kings was ordeyned, dyd gyue ye lyke enterprise, as Hernando Cortez did, in taking Mutezuma prisoner in his owne house, béeing a most mighty King, & in a most strong fort among infinite people, he hauyng but only 450. companions.
The recreation of Hunting, vvhiche Mutezuma vsed.
Mvtezuma had not only al the libertie that he desired in the Citie, béeyng prisoner among the Spanyardes, but also Cortes permitted him to hunt and hauke, or to go to the temple, for he was very deuoute, and a great hunter.
When he went a hunting, he was carried vpon mens shoulders with eyght or ten Spanyards in his guard, and thrée thousande Mexicans, who were Gentlemen, his seruants, and hunters, of whome he hadde a great number, some to séeke the game, others to beate the couertes, and others to marke. Some of those Hunters were only for hares and connyes, other for all sorts of Déere, Wolues, foxes, and such like. They were very perfite with theyr bowes, and good markemē, for he that missed his marke at fourescore pases distant was punished. It was strange to sée the number of people that wente with him on hunting, and to sée the slaughter of beasts killed, with hande, staues, nettes, and bowes, some of those beastes were tame, and other braue and fearefull, as Lyons, Tigers, and Ounces. It is a harde thing to take a fierce Lion in hunting as they do, being in manner a naked people, and the beast couragious and strong, but yet the Prouerbe saith, slight and cunning is better than strength.
It is a more straunge thyng to take any foule that flieth in the ayre as their Fauconers doe, for after they haue once marked and set eye vpon any foule, the Faulconers of Mutezuma will vnder take to catch him, although the foule be neuer so swifte of wing, beyng at the least so commaunded by the King. It happened one day that Mutezuma stoode in his gallerie with his Guarde of Spanyardes, who had espied a fayre Hauke soryng in the ayre, oh quoth they what a fayre Hauke flieth yonder, Mutezuma hearyng their talke, called vnto him certayne of his Faulconers, commaundyng them to followe that Hauke & to bring him vnto him. The Faulconers wente to fulfill his request, and followed that foule with such diligence, that in shorte space they brought the Hauke vnto him, who presented the same vnto the Spanyards, a thing truely almoste incredible, but yet certified by worde and wrytings of the present witnesses. Their chiefest and most pleasant pastime of Hauking was, of Kightes, Rauens, Crowes, Pies, and other birdes of hardie stomake and slowe in flight, greate and small of all sortes, for the which he had Egles, Buyters, and other foule of rapyne marueylous swifte of wing, and suche as would mounte very high in the ayre, with the whiche they murdered Hares, Wolues, and (as some say) Hartes.
He had other foulers, that vsed Nettes, Snares, and sundry engins. Mutezuma vsed much to shoote in a tronke, and with his bow killed many wilde beastes. His houses of pleasure as I haue before declared, stoode sixe myles from the Citie in pleasant wooddes: and alwayes when he went a huntyng after the tyme that he was prysoner, the same day he would returne agayne to Cortes his lodging, although he banketed & feasted with the Spaniardes at his places of sporting and pastime, and would alwayes at his returne to his lodgyng giue some present vnto thē, that had accompanied him that day.
Cortes seyng the liberalitie of Mutezuma, sayde vnto him: sir, my company are vnruly fellowes, and as I vnderstand, they haue founde out some of your treasure, and haue made spoyle thereof: wherfore I would know your pleasure what shal be done with thē. And in effect it was the treasure that Cortes himselfe had founde out. Mutezuma answered, saying, sir that treasure which they haue founde, did appertayne vnto the Goddes: But yet notwithstandyng, let them leaue the feathers, and all suche things as are neyther golde nor siluer, and all the residue take for you and them, and if you will haue more, I will prouide it for you.
Hovv Cortez began to plucke dovvne the Idols of Mexico.
When Mutezuma went vnto the temple, he went leaning vpon a noble mans arme, or else was leade betwéene two, and a noble personage wente alwayes before him with thrée small wandes in his hande, signifying thereby that the King in person was there at hand, and in token also of iustice and correction. If he had bene carried vpon mens shoulders then at his alighting downe he tooke one of those roddes into his owne hand. He was a Prince ful of ceremonies in al his doings, but the substaunce of his estate is already declared, from the time that Cortes entred into Mexico vntil this present. Those first dayes that the Spaniardes came to the Citie, & as often as Mutezuma went to the temple, Indian men were slayne in sacrifice. And to prohibite suche adhominable crueltie & sinne, cōmitted in the presence of the Christians who wēt in company of Mutezuma, Cortes required Mutezuma to commmaunde that no mans fleshe should be any more spoyled, or bloud shedde in sacrifice, and in not fulfilling his request, he would destroy bothe the temple and Cittie. Also he signified vnto him, that he himselfe woulde throw downe the idols, before his presence and all the Citizens.
Mutezuma replied to his demaūd, saying: It may please you to leaue of your determination, least that in so doing all the Citie fall into an vprore and rebellion to defende their good Gods, and auncient Religion, the which Gods had alwayes prouided them of water, bread, health, light, and all other things néedefull. This notwithstanding, the first time that Mutezuma wente to the temple after his imprisonment, Cortes and his company wente with him, and euery of them layde handes vpon the idols, & threwe them downe headlong from their seates, and Altars, and other Chapels. Mutezuma with this sight was in great agonie, yea and his subiects ready to take weapon to slay them there present, but yet Mutezuma commaunded his subiectes to stay from their pretence: beséechyng Cortes to stay from his procéedings, at whose request Cortes ceased, for he thought, as yet time serued not for the purpose and pretence: but he declared vnto them by his interpreters as followeth.
The exhortation that Cortez made to Mutezuma and to the Citizens of Mexico, concerning their Idols.
All creatures in the world (mightie prince, and yée Gentlemen and religious persons whether it be yée here or we in Spayne, or whatsoeuer other nation that it may be) haue I say, all one begynnyng and ending of mortall lyfe, whiche is had from God: we are al formed and made of one mettall, and haue all soules and senses, euen so doubtlesse as we are like in proportion of body and soule, yea and kinsfolke in bloud, although that by the prouidence of the same our God, some are borne fayre and beautifull, and other some fowle and disfigured: some of one colour, and some of another: some prudent and wise, and other some fonde and foolishe, without eyther iudgement or vertue: in the which his maruellous works God sheweth himselfe iuste, holy and almightie, giuyng those seuerall giftes, to the entent that the wise and learned mought teache the rude and ignorant, and to guyde the blinde into the right way of saluation, by the steppes of true and vnfayned religion.
Therfore I and my fellowes, as your gestes and kinsmen, according to equitie doe procure and wish the same vnto you. A man and his life consisteth in thrée things as yée shal vnderstande, that is body, soule, and goodes: as for your goodes and ritches, whiche is the least that wée desire, for yée know well that we haue taken nothing forcible from you, but onely those things whiche yée haue fréely and liberally giuen vs. Likewise we haue not hurt, misused or molested your persons, wiues or chyldren, nor yet do meane any such thing, your soules health onely is the thing we séeke, for your saluation, and that we nowe pretende to shewe, and to giue vnto you perfite notice of the true and euerlasting God. There is none of naturall iudgement can denie, but that there is one God, but yet through ignoraunce and deceyte of the Diuell, will also thinke that there are many Goddes, and not acerte vnto the true God. But I doe say and moste assuredly certifie you, that there is no other true God, but onely he whome we Christians doe serue, adore, and worshippe, the which is one eternall, without beginnyng and without ende, the onely creator & gouernour of things created: he alone made the Heauens, the Sunne, the Moone, and Starres, the whiche his creatures ye doe worship: he (I say) founded and made the Sea, and the sundry and maruelous fishes therein: he planted and made the lande with all the monstrous beastes therein, foules likewise in the ayre, Plantes, Hearbes, Stones and suche like. Al the whiche creatures ye as blinde and ignorant do hold for Goddes.
It vvas maruel that Cortes vvas not taken for an heretike.
Our almighty God after he had finished and made all the former workes with his own blessed hands, made one man & one woman, and being so formed and wrought, he put a soule and breath into each body, and then deliuered the worlde vnto them, shewyng them Paradise and glory. So that of that manne and woman, we all mortall menne procéeded in generation, and in this sorte are the handy worke of God, kinsmen and brethren. Nowe if we will come vnto God our father, it is néedefull and necessary that we be good, vertuous, pitifull, innocent and vnder obedience, the whiche yée can not be if you worshippe statues, images, idols, and vse bloudy sacrifice of mans fleshe. Is there any of you that woulde willingly be slayne? no truely: why then doe you slea other so cruelly, and where you can put no soules, why doe you take them from thence? there is none of you, nor your false Gods, that can make soules, nor can forge mens bodies of fleshe and bone, for if yée coulde, there is none of you woulde be without children, accordyng to your owne appetite and desire, in fashion, beautie and workemanship. But where our God of heauen dothe make al creatures, he vseth therein his owne discretion, and giueth chyldren to whome hée pleaseth: and therefore is he GOD alone, and for these causes shoulde yée haue, estéeme, and worshippe him for suche a mightie God, desiryng of him by prayers to giue rayne and temperature, that the earth may bryng foorth Corne, Fruite, Hearbes, Fleshe, Foule, and all other necessaries for the sustentation of lyfe. All these thyngs the harde stones giueth not vnto you, no nor yet your dry woodden images & colde mettall, neyther yet the small séedes wherewith your seruaunts and slaues, with theyr filthy handes doe make these images and foule statues, the whiche yée doe worshippe. O what fonde people and madde religious persons, who worship theyr owne workemanshippe, doe ye thynke that they are Gods that rotte and moldre away, and haue no lyfe, and can neyther helpe nor kill: Therefore I say vnto you, that nowe and hereafter there is no cause that yée shoulde haue any moe idolles, nor yet any moe slaughters for sacrifice, no nor yet to make any moe prayers or supplications vnto them, beyng bothe Blinde, Deafe, and Dumme.
Will yée knowe who is God, and where he is: lifte vp your eyes vnto Heauen, and then shall you vnderstande that aboue is a Godhead or Deitie that moueth the heauens, and gouerneth the course of the Sunne, ruleth the Lande and replenisheth the Sea, who prouideth for Man and Beast bothe Corne and Water. This God whome yée nowe imagine in your hartes, him (I say) serue and worshippe, not with death of menne or blouddy sacrifice abominable, but with deuotion and humble prayer as we Christians doe. And consider well, that to teach and instruct you these things, was the cause of our commyng hither.
With this exhortation, Cortes aplaked the yre of the Priestes and Citizens: theyr idols beyng throwen downe, Mutezuma tooke order that no moe shoulde be sette vp, commaundyng to swéepe and make cleane the Chappels of the stinking bloud that was in thē, forbidding sacrifice of mans flesh. Mutezuma and his officers made a solēpne vowe and promise to permitte no more slaughter of men, and to set vp a Crosse for remembrance of the death and passion of Iesu Christe borne of the virgin Marie. The whiche their promisse was well fulfilled, for after that day the Spanyardes coulde neuer heare nor finde of any moe sacrifice: But yet there abode in their hartes a mortall rancor, the whiche coulde not long be dissimuled.
Truely in this worthy facte Cortes gotte more honour than though he had ouercomen them in battayle.
The burning of the Lorde Qualpopoca and other Gentlemen.
After twentie dayes that Mutezuma had bene prysoner, returned the messengers who had gone with the seale for Qualpopoca, and brought him, his Sonne, and other fiftene principall persons, with them, the whiche by inquirie made, were culpable and partakers in the counsell and death of the nine Spaniardes. Qualpopoca entred into Mexico accompanied like a greate Lorde as he was, beyng borne vpon his seruaunts shoulders in rich furniture. As sone as he had saluted Mutezuma, he & his Sonne were deliuered vnto Cortes, with the other fiftene Gentlemen. Cortes placed them asunder, and commaunded them to be put in Irons, and theyr examinations taken, they confessed that they had slayne those Spaniardes in battayle.
Cortes demaunded of Qualpopoca if he were subiect to Mutezuma, why (quoth he) is there any other Prince to whome I might be in subiection? giuing almost to vnderstand that he was a Lorde absolute. Cortes answered, that a farre greater Prince was the King of Spayne, whose subiects vnder colour of friendship and salfeconduct he had slayne. But (quoth he) nowe shalte thou make payment thereof. And beyng agayne more straighter examined, they confessed that they had slaine two Spaniards by the aduice and inducement of the greate prince Mutezuma, and the residue were slayne in the warres, and had assaulted their houses, and entred their countrey, wherefore they helde it lawfull to kill them.
Through the confession pronounced by their owne mouthes, sentence was giuen against them, and they condēned to be burned, whiche sentence was openly executed in the market place in sight of all the people, without any mutine or slaunder, and with great silence, terrour & feare of the newe maner of iustice which they sawe there executed vpon so noble a man, in the chiefe seate and kyngdome of Mutezuma, beyng gestes and straungers.
The cause of the burnyng of Qualpopoca.
At the time that Cortes departed from Vera Crux, he left in cōmission to Pedro Hircio, to procure to inhabite in that place which is called Almeria, & not to permit Francisco de Garray to soiourne there, for so much as once he was driuen frō that coast. Now Hircio to fulfill his cōmission, sente to requyre those Indians with peace and friēdship, and to yéeld themselues for vassals of the Emperour. Qualpopoca Lorde of Nahutlan, which is now called as aforesaid Almeria, sent to aduertise Pedro Hircio, that he could not come to yéelde his obedience, for the enimies that were in the way: but if it would please him to sende some of his men, for the securitie of the way, he would willyngly come vnto him.
Hircio hearing this answere, sent foure of his men, giuing credite to his message, and for the desire he hadde to inhabite there.
When the foure Spanyardes came into the prouince of Nahutlan, there mette with them many armed men, who slew two of them, and made thereof a great triumph: the other two escaped sore wounded, and returned with that newes to the Towne of Vera Crux. Pedro Hircio beléeuing that Qualpopoca had done that iniurie, armed out agaynst hym fiftie Spanyardes, and ten thousand Indians of Zempoallan, with two horses, and two péeces of Ordinance.
Qualpopoca hearing this newes, came with a mightie power to driue them out of his Countrey, and in that encounter, seauen Spanyardes were slayne, and many Zempoallanezes, but at the ende he was ouercome, his Countrey spoyled, and Towne sacked, and many of his army slaine and taken captiues. The prisoners declared, that by the commaundement of the greate Lorde Mutezuma, all this vprore was attempted by Qualpopoca: it mighte well be, for at the houre of death they confessed the same. But some affirme, they sayde so, but to excuse themselues, and to lay the fault to the Mexicans. Hircio wrote these newes to Cortez béeyng in Chololla, and through these letters Cortez apprehended Mutezuma (as is afore declared.)
Hovv Cortez put a payre of giues on Mutezuma his legges.
Before the execution of Qualpopoca and hys fellowes, Cortes declared vnto Mutezuma, that Qualpopoca and his company had confessed, that by hys aduice and commaundemente, the nine Spanyardes were slayne, wherein he had done very euill, they being his friendes and guestes: but (quoth he) if it were not in respect of the loue I beare vnto you, this matter shoulde not in this sort be shut vp, and then knocked a payre of giues on his legges, saying, he that killeth ought to be killed, according to the lawes of God. These things did Cortes, bycause he shoulde occupye himselfe in his owne griefe and sorrow, and to let other mens passe.
Mutezuma waxed pale wt countenāce of death, through the great feare that he was in, séeyng himselfe in Irons, a new and strange thing for suche a great King, excusing himselfe that he was innocent of the facte. And as soone as the execution of burning was done, Cortez commaunded to put away the Irons that Mutezuma ware, offering him libertie, and willing him to goe vnto his owne pallace, who reioyced much to sée himselfe out of the Irons, and gaue Cortes most hartie thankes, and refused to goe home to his owne pallace, surmising that the offer was but wordes, or else fearing least his subiects woulde kyll him, séeing him out of the Spanyardes power, for permitting himselfe to be taken prisoner, and so to be kept. Hée sayd also, that if he went from them, his subiectes woulde rebell, and compell him to kill the Spanyardes.
Truly the poore simple soule was of small hearte and courage, to suffer himselfe to be taken prisoner, and after his imprisonment woulde neuer procure libertie, Cortes offering it vnto him, and many of his noble men desiring him. And remayning in that order, there was none in Mexico durst offende any Spanyard for feare of displeasing him, for Qualpopoca came 70. leagues with only warning him that the great Lorde had sent for him, shewing hym the figure of his seale: yea and al the péeres of his realme that dwelte farthest off, were ready to obey hys commaundementes.
Hovv Cortez sent to seeke for Mines of golde into diuers places.
Cortez had a greate desire to know howe farre the Empire of Mutezuma dyd extende, and what friendship was betwixte him and other Kings and Princes Comarcans, and also to gather togither a good summe of gold, to send to Spayne to the Emperoure for his custome or fifte parte, with full relation of the Countrey people, and things happened untill that day. Wherefore he prayed Mutezuma to shew him where the mynes were, from whence he and his subiectes had the golde and plate. Mutezuma graunted to his request, and incontinent appoynted eyght Indians, of the which four were Goldsmythes, who had knowledge and vnderstanding of Mynes, and the other foure were guydes for the iourney. He commaunded them that by two and two they shoulde goe into foure prouinces, that is to say Zucolla, Malinaltepec, Tenich, and Tutepec, with other eyghte Spanyardes whiche Cortez appoynted, to haue knowledge of the riuers and mynes of gold, and to bring a moster of the same. The eyght Spanyardes departed on their iourney, with the other eyghte Indians, with tokens from Mutezuma. Zucolla is 80. leagues from Mexico, and the Lord thereof is subiect to Mutezuma, who shewed vnto the Spanyardes thrée riuers with golde, and gaue of each riuer a moster thereof, although it were but little, for with want of knowledge they knew not wel the māner how to get it out of the riuer. These messengers in their iourney too and fro, passed through thrée prouinces full of people and habitatiō, with good buildings & frutefull ground, and the people of the one of them called Tlamacolapan, are of good reason and iudgemente, and better apparelled than the Mexicans.
Malinaltepec is 70. leagues from Mexico, from whence also they brought mosters of golde, the which is had out of a great riuer, by the naturals of that Countrey.
Tenich standeth vp towarde the head of the same riuer of Malinaltepec, who are people of another language, and would not permitte our men to haue relation of the thing that they sought. The Lorde of that place is called Coatelicamatl, who is not subiecte to Mutezuma, nor yet is his friende, thinking that his men hadde bin espyes: but when he was enformed who they were, he gaue the Spanyardes licence to be resolued of their affayres, but straitly commaunded, that the Indians of Mexico should not presume to come into his dominion. When the Mexicans hearde these newes, they required the Spanyardes not to credite that Cazike, saying, that he was an euill and a cruell man, and would surely kill them. Our men were somewhat amazed, fearing to talke with Coatelicamatl, although they hadde his licence, séeyng the people of the countrey armed with Launces of fiue and twenty foote lōg: but yet at lēgth leauing cowardise aside, they procéeded forwards. Coatelicamatl receyued thē curteously, and shewed them sixe or seauen riuers with golde, out of the which graynes of golde were taken in his presence, who gaue the same moster vnto them, and sente also his Embassadors to Cortez, offering his lande and person vnto him, with certayne mantels, and Iewels of golde.
Cortez more reioyced of the Embassage, than of the gold and presents, knowing thereby that Mutezuma hys enimies desired his friendshippe: but Mutezuma and hys counsell liked not the matter, for although Coatelicamatl is no great Lord, yet his people are good souldyers, and his countrey full of wildernesse, of Rockes and Mountaynes. The other that wente to Tutepec, which standeth néere the sea coast, and twelue leagues frō Malinaltepec, returned likewise with moster of golde of two Riuers, and brought newes that the Countrey was fit to buylde vppon, with hope to reape muche golde, finding once an arte to get it out of the riuer.
Cortez hearing these news, prayed Mutezuma to build a house there in the name of the Emperoure Charles, who incontinente sente thither workemen and labourers, whyche within two monethes hadde built a greate house, and other thrée little houses round aboute it, with a ponde of water full of fishe, and fiue hundred Duckes, and a thousand fiue hundred Turkie cockes and hennes, and muche housholde stuffe, so that the gifte was worth twentie thousand Castlins of golde. He gaue vnto hym also twenty bushels of the grayne called Centli, readye sowen, and two thousand stockes of trées called Cacauatl, whiche bringeth forthe the fruite Cacao, that serueth for money and meate. Cortes began this husbandrye, but yet made not an ende thereof, with the comming of Pamfilo de Naruaiz, and the vprore in Mexico, whiche shortly followed. He also besoughte Mutezuma to certifie him if there were any sure porte or harbor on the Sea coast, where the Spanish nauie mought ride in safetie: he aunswered that he knew of none, but that he woulde sende to make enquirie thereof. And forthwith he commaunded all that coast to be painted in a cloath made of cotten woll, with all the riuers, bayes, créekes and capes that were within his dominion. In all the same portrayture did not appeare anye porte, skale, or sure roade, sauyng a gulfe that falleth out of the Mountaynes, which place is now called the harbor of Saint Martine, and Saint Anthonie in the prouince of Coazacoalco. The Spanyards thought the same to be a straight or passage into the South sea, to passe vnto the Maluccos and spicerie, but they were deceiued although they beléeued the thing that they desired. Cortes for this purpose sent tenne Spanyardes, all good marriners and Pylots, in companye of the Indians that Mutezuma sent on that voyage at his owne cost.
They departed, and came to Chalohicoeca, where firste they came aland, the which place is now called S. Iohn de Vlhua.
They wente 70. leagues along the coast, without finding any Riuer, although they mette with many brookes of shallowe water, not fytte for a roade for Shyppes.
They aported at Coazacoalco, the Lorde whereof was enimie to Mutezuma, hys name was Tuchintlec, who friendly receyued the Spanyardes, for he hadde intelligence of them, at their lying at Potonchan. He gaue vnto them boates, to sounde and séeke the Riuer, where they found sixe fadome in deapth, and wente vppe that Riuer twelue leagues, wher they descryed many great townes, and it séemed a fruitefull soyle. This Cazike Tuchnitlec, sente vnto Cortes with the Spanyards certayne gold, precious stones, and cloth of cotten, with apparrell made of skynnes, and tygers, requesting his friendship, and to admitte him tributarie to the Emperour, paying yéerely a certayne portion of his riches, with suche condition, that the Indians of Culhua should not enter into his iurisdictiō.
Cortes muche reioysed with these messages, and was glad of the finding of the faire riuer, for the Marriners hadde enformed him, that from the riuer of Grijalua vnto Panuco, was no riuer to be found, but I beléeue they were deceyued. Cortes returned backe agayne some of those messengers, with a present of Spanish ware for Tuchnitlec, and to be better enformed of all his meaning, with a special charge to knowe the cōmoditie of that porte and Countrey, who went, and in shorte time returned wel satisfyed of their demaund: wherevpon Cortes sente thyther Iohn Velasques de Leon, for Captayne of a hundred and fifty Spanyardes, with commission to build a fort.
The imprisonment of Cacama, King of Tezcuco.
The weake courage and stomake of Mutezuma, caused his subiectes not onely to murmure, but also to seeke meanes of rebellion, especially his nephew Cacamazin, Lorde of Tezcuco, who was a stoute yong man and an honorable, and one yt receiued greate griefe of his Vncles imprisonment: and seeing that ye matter séemed long, he besought his Vncle to procure his libertie, and to shew himselfe a Lorde, and not a slaue: but séeing at length that he could not accepte and follow his councell, he began to stirre in the matter, threatning the death and destruction of the Spanyardes. Some said, that Cacama did begin that matter, to reuenge the iniurie and dishonor done vnto his Vncle. Others saide, that his meaning was to make himselfe Kyng of Mexico. Others held opinion, that his pretence was only to make an ende of ye Spanyards. But let it be for whatsoeuer purpose. Once he gathered a great army, which he coulde not want, although Mutezuma was prisoner, especially against ye Spanyards. He published that he would redéeme his Vncle out of Captiuitie, and expulse the Straungers, or else kill and eate them.
This was a terrible newes for the Christians, but yet for all those bragges Cortes dismayde not, rather hée determined forthwith to prepare himselfe for the warres, and to besiege him in his owne house and Towne, sauing that Mutezuma disturbed him, saying that Tezcuco was a place very strong, and scituated in water, and that Cacama was a man of bolde and stoute courage, and had at commaundemente of the Indians of Culhua, and was also Lorde of Culhuacan and Otumpa, whiche were fortes of great strength, thinking to bring the matter to a better passe another way: so that Cortez ruled himselfe by the counsell of Mutezuma, and sent vnto Cacama, praying him to haue in remembrance the friendshippe that hadde bin betwixt them two, from the time that he came and broughte hym into Mexico, and that alwayes peace was better than warre, and especially for a noble man of vassals, for the begynnyng of warres was pleasant to hym that knewe not what warres meante: and in so doyng, he shoulde do both pleasure and seruice to the Kyng of Spayne.
Cacama vvas vvise.
Cacama aunswered, that he had no friendship with him that woulde take away hys honor and kingdome, and that the warres whych he pretended, was profitable for his vassals, and in defence of their Countrey and Religion, yea and before he determined peace, he meante to reuenge hys Vncles wrongs and his goddes.
Also (quoth he) what haue I to doe wyth the Kyng of Spayne, who is a man that I know not, no nor yet would gladly heare of hym.
Cortez turned agayne to admonishe and require hym diuers tymes to leaue off his determination, and wylled Mutezuma to commaunde hym to accepte hys offer.
Wherevpon Mutezuma sente vnto hym, desiryng him to come vnto Mexico, to take some order in those controuersies and discordes betwixte hym and the Spanyardes.
Cacama aunswered very sharply vnto his Vncles request, saying, if you had bloud in your eye, or the hearte of a Prince, you woulde not permit your selfe to bée prisoner, and captiue of foure poore straungers, who with their fayre speache and flatteryng talke haue bewitched you, and vsurped your kingdome, no nor yet, suffer the Goddes of Culhua to be throwen downe and spoyled, yea and the Mexican religion and holy places, violated and troden with théeues féete and deceyuers: likewise the honour, glory, and fame of your predecessors blotted and abased, through your faynt stomacke and cowardize. But notwithstanding, accordyng to your request, and to repayre our religiō, to restore the Goddes to their Temples, to preserue the kingdome, and to procure libertie for you and the Cittie, I will obay your commaundement: But how? not with my handes in my bosome, but lyke a warrier, to kill those Spaniardes who haue so affrented the nation of Culhua. Our men stoode in great perill, as well of the losing of Mexico as of their owne liues, if this warre and mutinie had not soone bene qualified: for why? Cacama was valiant, stoute, and a good souldier, yea and well furnished of men of warre: also the Citizens of Mexico, were desirous of the same, for to redéeme Mutezuma their prince, and to kill the Spaniardes, or else to expulse them out of the Cittie.
Cacama prysoner.
But poore Mutezuma remedied the matter, knowyng or foreseing, that warres would not preuayle, yea and beleued, that at the ende all shoulde fall vpon his backe. He dealt with certayne Captaynes & Gentlemen that dwelt in Tezcuco with Cacama, to apprehend him, and bryng him prysoner, cōsidering that he was their king and yet aliue. But whether it were, that those Captaynes had serued Mutezuma in the warres, or whether it were for giftes & rewardes, they apprehended Cacama being in counsell among them, treatyng of his warres pretended, and embarked him in a boate armed for the purpose, and so brought him to Mexico without any further slander or stryfe, and when he was comen to Mexico, they put him on a riche seate, as the Kings of Tezcuco were wonte to sitte vpon, beyng the greatest Prince in all that lande next vnto Mutezuma: and in this sorte brought him before his vncle, who would not looke vpon him, but commaunded him to be deliuered vnto Cortes, who incontinent clapped a payre of giues on his legges, and a payre of manacles on his handes, and put hym into sure Guarde and custodie.
After that Cacama was in this order prysoner, with the consent of Mutezuma was elected Lorde and Prince of Tezcuco and Culhuacan, Cucuzca, Cacama his yonger brother, who was abidyng in Mexico with his vncle, and fled from his brother: Mutezuma did entitle him with the ceremonies accustomed vnto Princes newly elected and chosen. So that forthwith he was obeyed in Tezcuco by Mutezuma his commaundement, for he was there better beloued than Cacama, who was somewhat of a croked nature. In this sorte was remedied all the former perill, but if there had bene many Cacamas, it would haue fallen out otherwise.
Here Cortes made kings, and cōmaunded with as great auctoritie as though he had obtayned already the whole Empire of Mexico: and certainely sithens his first entry into that countrey, he had an assured hope to win Mexico, and to be Lorde ouer the whole state of Mutezuma.
The Oration that Mutezuma made vnto his Noble men, yeelding himselfe to the King of Castile.
After the imprisonment of Cacama, Mutezuma proclaymed a Parliament, vnto the which came all the Seniors Comarcans, and beyng all together, he made the Oration followying vnto them.
A fonde beliefe.
My kinsmen, friendes and seruants, yée do well know that eightene yeares I haue bene your kyng, as my fathers and Grandfathers were, and alwaies I haue bene vnto you a louing Prince, and yée vnto me good and obedient subiectes, and so I hope you will remayne all the dayes of my life. Ye ought to haue in remembrance, that eyther ye haue heard of your fathers, or else our adeuines haue instructed you, that we are not naturalles of this countrey, nor yet our kingdome is durable, bycause our forefathers came from a farre countrey, and theyr king and captayne who brought them hither, returned againe to his naturall countrey, saying that he woulde sende suche as shoulde rule and gouerne vs, if by chaunce hée himselfe returned not. Beleeue ye assuredly, that the king whiche wée haue looked for so many yeares, is he that hath nowe sente these Spaniardes, whiche yée here sée. Who dothe certifie, that wée are their kinsmen, and that they haue had notice of vs a long tyme: lette vs therefore gyue thankes vnto the Goddes, that nowe they are comen in our dayes, beyng a thing that we so muche desired.
Poore Mutezuma.
Yée shall nowe doe me seruice and pleasure, that yée yéelde your selues vnto this Captayne for vassals of the Emperoure King of Spayne our soueraygne, I my self haue already yéelded me for his seruitour and friend, praying you that from hence forwardes ye obey him as ye haue obeyed mée. And that yée yéelde and pay vnto him the tributes, customes and seruice that ye were wont to pay vnto me, and in so doyng, ye can doe me no greater pleasure. Hys harte then woulde not suffer hym to speake any more, with the sobbes, sighes, and teares, that fell from hys eyes. All his subiectes there presente fell into a crie, wéepyng and mournyng, that for a good space they had no power to speake: they gaue thankes, and sighings, vtteryng with their mouthes many dolefull, and sorrowfull speaches, yea that it pitied our owne men at the hartes. But in conclusion, they answered that they would obey his commaundement. Then Mutezuma and the Burgesses of Parliament in order yelded themselues for vassals of the king of Castile, promising loyaltie. This acte was set downe by the Notarie, and with witnesses auctorized. Then the Indians departed home to their houses with sorowfull hartes, God knoweth, as you may imagine. It was a straunge thing to sée Mutezuma wéepe with so many Noble men and Gentlemen, yea and with what griefe they became subiects to an vnknowē Prince, but they coulde not otherwise doe, seyng that Mutezuma did commaunde the same.
A true prophecie.
Also they had a certaine Prognostication and forwarning by their Priestes of the comming from the east parties a straunge people, white of colour and bearded men, who should winne and rule that countrey. Likewise there was a secrete talke amōg them, that in Mutezuma should ende and finishe, not alone the lynage of Culhua, but also the Empyre and kingdome: therefore some were of opinion, not to name him Mutezuma whiche signifieth, agrieued with misfortune. They say also that Mutezuma himself had many times answere of the Oracle of the Gods, that in him shoulde finishe the Mexican Emperours, and that no childe of his shoulde succéede in his kingdome, and that he should lose his seate in the eyght yeare of his raigne: & for these causes he woulde neuer procure warre to withstande the Spaniardes, beleuyng that they should be his successours. Yet on the other side he thought his opinion would take no place, for that he had raygned seuentene yeares: But this should séeme to come from the prouidence of God, whiche giueth kingdomes and taketh them away.
Cortes gaue vnto Mutezuma moste hartie thankes on the behalfe of the Emperour, and for himself, and comforted him, who was very sad, promysing also that alwayes he should be king and Lorde, & commaunde as heretofore he had done, and better, yea and also he should be chief ruler of all the other landes and countreys, that he shoulde gette and bryng to the seruice of the Emperour.
The Golde and Ievvels that Mutezuma gaue vnto Cortes for tribute.
After certaine dayes that Mutezuma and his counsell had yéelden their obedience, Cortes sayde vnto him, how that the Emperour was at great costes & charges in his warres, wherfore it should be necessary that his newe vassals shoulde begin to serue in some thing, and to pay their tribute, willyng him to sende throughout his dominion to sée what coulde be gathered of Gold, and that he himselfe should beginne firste to pay tribute to the example of others. Mutezuma answered that he was contented so to doe, willyng that some of his men shoulde goe vnto the house of foule for the same. There went many, and there sawe golde in planches like brickebattes, Iewels, and péeces wrought in a hall, and two chambers which were opened vnto thē. The Spaniardes wōdering at the sight, would not touch any thing, without giuing firste aduertisement to Cortes, who incontinent went thither, and caused it all to be carried to his lodgyng: besides this treasure Mutezuma gaue vnto him rich clothes of cotten and feathers maruelously wouen in figures & colours, it séemed without cōparison, for the Spaniardes had neuer séene the like: he gaue vnto him more, twelue shooting tronkes, wherewith he himself was wont to passetime: some of them were paynted with birdes, beasts, floures & trées very perfite, a worke surely much to be commended: and some of them were engrauē very curiously, with their mouldes and pellets of golde.
He sente also his seruants by twoo and twoo, and fiue and fiue, ech company with one Spaniarde, to the Lords of other prouinces, fourescore, and a hundred leagues frō Mexico, to gather in golde for the accustomed tributes, and newe seruice to the Emperour. Euery Lorde and Seignior payde the quantitie appointed & taxed by Mutezuma, in golde, plate, iewels, stones and pearles.
The messengers returned, although they had taried somewhat long on their iourney, of whom Cortes receyued all that they brought, and caused it to be molten, out of the whiche was had in fine golde .1600000. Castlins, of the value of seuen shillings and sixe pence the péece, and rather more, and also fiue hundred markes of plate, after sixe Ducates the marke.
This treasure was deuided among the Souldiers, but not all: euery man was payde accordyng to his office. The horsemen had twise as muche as the footemen. Also Cortes was payde out of the stocke the money promised him in Vera Crux.
There came to the kings parte .32000. Castlins and a hundred markes of plate, the whiche was wrought there in platters, saucers, cuppes, ewers and other péeces, according to the Indian fashion, to be sent to the Emperour. Besides this, the present that Cortes layde aside, and takē out of the stocke to send to ye Emperour, was worth .100000. Ducates, in pearles, precious stones, golde, and feathers, feathers and siluer, and many other iewels, as the gallant tronkes, whiche beside their value were straunge to behold, wrought with the brauery aforesayde. This present appoynted, was not sent, for that and al the rest was afterwarde loste at the troubles in Mexico, as hereafter shall more playnly appeare.
Hovv Mutezuma required Cortez to departe from Mexico.
Cortes seyng himselfe riche and mightie, he occupied hymselfe in thrée things, the one was to sende vnto Santo Domingo and other Ilands, newes of his procéedings and prosperitie, and also money to prouide menne, horses and armour, for his owne company were to fewe for so greate a countrey. The other was, to take fully and wholly the state of Mutezuma, hauing him prisoner, and also at his commaundement Tlaxcallan, Coatelicamath, and Tuchintlec, knowyng also that the Indians of Panuco, Tecoantepec, and Mechuacan, were mortall enimies to the Mexicans, who woulde ayde and assist him hauing néede of their helpe, his thirde pretence was, to procure all the Indians to be Christened, the which purpose he tooke first in hand, as a thing most nedefull. On the other side, Mutezuma repented himselfe, hauyng newes that Pamfilo de Naruaiz was arriued, who came as enimy to Cortes, yea and after all this he was at length driuen out of Mexico. These notable things shalbe rehersed in their order. But now Mutezuma came, and desired Cortes to departe out of his countrey, aduising hym that otherwise bothe he and his menne were in perill of killyng, saying also, that thrée especiall causes moued him to this requeste: the one was, the dayly sute of the subiectes, who enportuned him to come out of captiuitie, and to murder the Spanyardes, saying, that it was a great shame for them to suffer theyr Prince to bée in pryson in the power of so fewe straungers, whom they might vse as a footebal: hauing dishonored thē and robbed them of their goodes, gatheryng and heaping vp their gold for themselues, & for their king, who as séemed by their doings, was but a poore fellowe, and if hée would not accept their offer and sute, that then of theyr owne auctoritie they would take the thyng in hande, for so much as he refusing to be theyr king they woulde also refuse to be his vassals, giuyng warnyng and aduice that he should looke for no better rewarde at the Spaniardes handes, than Qualpopoca and Cacama his Neuewe had receiued, although they shoulde flatter him neuer so muche.
A suttle Foxe.
An other cause was that the Diuell had appeared vnto him, and willed him to kill those Christians, or dryue them out of the lande, threatnyng him that if he did not so, that then he woulde goe from him and neuer talke any more with him, for (quoth he) with their gospels, baptisme and deuotion, they doe muche displease me. Mutezuma answered him, that there was no reason to kill thē being his friendes and honest men, but he would entreate them to departe, (vnto this) the Diuell answered that hée should do so, and therein he would receyue great pleasure, for eyther he woulde goe his way and leaue him, or else that Christian fellowes should departe, for they sow here (quoth he) a Christian fayth ye which is much against our Religiō, and can not dwell both togither. Another cause was, that Mutezuma was not well pleased with the imprysonment of Cacama, whō once he loued excedyng wel: so in fine, secretely hee repented him of all that was past in the Spanyardes fauour, and chiefly by the persuasion of the Diuell, who sayde that he coulde not doe vnto him a more acceptable seruice, and of greater pleasure to the Goddes, than to expell the Spaniardes and abolishe the name of Christians, and in so doyng, the seate of Kings should not finish in the linage of Culhua, but rather be enlarged, & his childrē should raigne after him, wishing him not to beléeue in prophesies, sithence the eight yeare was past, and was nowe in the eyghtenth yeare of his raigne. For these causes, or possible for other whiche we knowe not off, Mutezuma prepared an army of a hundred thousand men so secretely, that Cortes knew not thereof, to the effecte, that if the Spanyardes woulde not departe, being once more required, that then he meant not to leaue one of them aliue. With this determination, he came forthe one day into the yard or courte, and had long conference and consultation with his Gentlemen aboute this matter. This done, he sente for Cortes, who liked not this newes, saying to him selfe, I pray God this message be to good purpose, and taking twelue of his men whych were readyest at hand, went to know wherefore hée had sente for him. Mutezuma arose from the place where hée sate, and tooke Cortez by the hande, commaunding a stoole to be brought for him, and so sate them downe both togither, and beganne his talke as followeth. Sir, I beséeche you to departe from this Citie and Countrey, for my Gods are sore offended with me, bycause I doe, and haue permitted you héere so long: demaunde of me what you please, and it shall be giuen you, bycause I loue you well: and thinke you not, that I giue you this warning in iest, but rather in good earnest, therefore it is conuenient, that you depart. It séemed strange vnto Cortez this talke. Also he saw by the countenance of Mutezuma, that some thing was a working, and before the interpreter of Mutezuma had made an end of his talke, Cortes willed one of his mē to goe forthwith, and to aduise all his fellowes, saying, yt the waight of their liues was in questiō. Then our mē called to remembrance what was tolde them in Tlaxcallon, considering that it was néedeful of courage and help from God to bring them out of that daunger. Whē Mutezuma had ended his tale, I haue (quoth Cortes) vnderstood your meaning, and doe thanke you for the same: also I would know when it is your pleasure that we should depart, and it shal be done. Euen when it please you (quoth Mutezuma) take the time that you thinke méete, and againste that time will I prepare a hundred waighte of gold for you, and fiftie pound waight to each of your mē.
Cortes sayde, you knowe, that when I came into thys Countrey, I commaunded all my Shippes to be sonke, so that nowe I haue néede of time conueniente to builde vessels to carrie vs into oure Countrey: wherefore my request is, that you commaund some of your Carpēters to be called, to cutte downe timber for the purpose, for I haue men that can make the vessels. And this done, wée will departe, so that you giue vs the golde whiche you haue promised, and certifie you the same to youre Gods and vassals.
Mutezuma receyued great pleasure at this aunswere, and sayd, your request shall be fulfilled: and incontinente he sent for many Carpenters. Likewise Cortes prepared certayne of his Marriners for Shipwrightes. All the which workemen went vnto great woddes of Pinetrées, and there cut downe the timber necessarye for the purpose. Mutezuma being a simple man, gaue credite to all Cortez his talke: Cortes likewise aduertised his men of his procéedings, and sayd vnto them, Mutezuma would haue vs departe out of his Countrey, bycause his vassals and the Diuell hathe entised him therevnto: wherefore it is néedefull that we build shipping, and therefore I praye you goe with these Indians, and procure to cut downe the best timber fit for oure purpose, and in the meane season God will prouide for vs, whose affayres we haue nowe in hand, of remedie and succour in suche sort that we lose not this frutefull countrey. It is also necessary, that whē you come vnto the wodde, that you make all the delay possible, giuing a shew that you are busie occupyed, and with great desire to make an ende, that those Indians may suspect nothing of oure pretence. Departe in Gods name, and aduise me alwayes what doth passe in your affaires.
The feare that our men stoode in to be sacrifised.
Eight dayes after their departure toward the woddes, arriued fiftéene saile of ships at the coast of Chalchicoeca. The Indians of that coast aduised Mutezuma therof, who was not a little afraide with the newes, & called Cortes vnto him, who feared asmuch some vprore there, and when they shewed Cortez yt Mutezuma was come forth into the yarde, he suspected that if Mutezuma pleased, they shoulde be all destroyed. Wherefore he said vnto his men, maisters and friends, Mutezuma hath sent me, considering what passed this other day, I hold it for no good token. I nowe goe to knowe his wyll: wherefore, whatsoeuer happen, be you alwayes vigilant and ready, commending your selues to God. Remember also whome ye are, and who are these Infidels, abhorred of God, and friends vnto the Diuel, without weapon, and experience in warre: if we chance to fight, the handes of each of vs shal shew by déede with sword, the vallor and courage of our heartes: yea, and although we all die, yet shall we remaine with victory, for that we haue fulfilled the thing we tooke in hand, and the seruice which we owe vnto God as faithfull Christiās, with our duetie as true subiects to our prince. They all answered, saying, we wil do all our possibilitie while life lasteth, withoute feare of perill or daunger, for we lesse estéeme deathe than honor. With this aunswere Cortes wente to Mutezuma, who sayde vnto him, Senior Captayne, you shall vnderstande that now you haue Shippes wherein you may departe, therefore now at your pleasure make you ready.
Cortez answered, not knowing of that shipping, saying, Mightie Sir, when my Shippes are finished I will depart, nay (quoth Mutezuma) I meane not those Shyppes, for there are ariued eleuen other Shippes at the coast néere vnto Zempoallan, and shortlye I shall be certifyed, whether the people that are come in them, are come a shore, and then shall we know what people, and how many they are in number. Blessed is Iesu Christe (quoth Cortez) vnto whome I giue most hartie thankes for his great mercies shewed vnto me, and to the Gentlemen of my company. One of Cortes his men went to shewe the glad tidings to their fellowes, who then receyued double strength, praysing God, and embraced one another wyth great pleasure and ioy. And Cortes with Mutezuma béeing in communication togither, came another poast, who broughte newes of fourescore Horsemen that were landed, with eyght hundred footemen, and twelue péeces of Ordinance, and shewed painted in a cloth the whole relation both of men, horses, shippes, and ordinance.
At the time of neede prouideth God.
Mutezuma hearing the newes that this poast hadde broughte, arose from his seate, and tooke Cortes in hys armes, saying, now do I more loue you, than I haue done héeretofore, and will this day dyne with you. Cortes gaue him thankes for the one and the other, and in this sorte wente hande in hand to Cortes his Chamber, who willed his Spanyards not to make any extraordinary ioy, or alteration, but that they shoulde kéepe all togither with vigilant watche, and to giue hartie thankes vnto God for the comfortable newes. Mutezuma and Cortes dyned togither with greate content and pleasure, the one thynking to abide and to enioy the kings state and Countrey, the other thinking that then they woulde auoyd the land. But notwithstanding all these ymaginations, a certaine Indian Captaine importuned Mutezuma secretely to kill all Cortes his menne, being but few in number, and then should he be the readier to dispatch the others that were newly come, and not to permitte them to ioyne one with another: yea and againe, when the newe come menne shoulde knowe of the deathe of their countreymen, they would not presume to abide in the lande.
A drunken reckoning.
With this counsell Mutezuma called many his friends and chiefe estates to counsell, propounding the case and iudgement of the Captaine, whych béeyng among them throughly hearde, there were many of sundrye opinions, but the conclusion was, to permitte the other Spanyards to come, saying, the more enimies, the more gaine, and if we kill but those whiche are héere, then the others wyll returne to their shippes, and so shall we not make the solemne sacrifice of them to the Gods, according to our desire. Mutezuma was occupyed in this counsell with fiue hundred noblemen and Gentlemen dayly, and accordyng to determination, they commaunded to cherish and serue Cortes and his company more than ordinary, saying their ioy was at an ende.
Hovv Iames Velasques sent Pamfilo de Naruaiz against Cortes.
Iames Velasques béeyng sore agréeued, with desire of reuenge against Cortes, not only for his expences at the time of preparation of Cortes his fléete, whiche was but small, but of méere hatred of the present honor & prosperitie of Cortes. Wherevpon he inuented greate causes and quarrels againste him, saying and alleaging, that Cortez hadde not giuen accompt of his procéedings vnto him, béeyng Gouernoure of Cuba, and Cortez his Deputie, but rather without his consent and knowledge, had sente to Spayne to the King, aduise of his discouery, as who would say, that was treason, or an euill facte: but chiefly his fury was, knowing how Cortes had sent an honorable present, with the Kings parte or portion of treasure vnto Spayne, yea and whole relation of the discouery, with Francisco de Monteio, and Alounso Fernandez Portocarrero, the whiche procéedings Iames Velasques meant to disturbe, for that he hadde layde in ambushe a coupell of caruels, to haue taken Cortes hys presente, and messengers, the whiche his pretence and purpose tooke no place, so that with the prosperous newes of Cortes, his furie and madnesse the more encreased, ymagining still his destruction.
A noble Iudge.
And being occupyed in these fonde ymaginations, it happened that his Chaplin, one Benito Martine, broughte letters from the Emperoure vnto him, with title and letters pattentes, of Generall and chiefe Gouernour of all that then was discouered, inhabited, and conquered in the land and coast of Yucatan. With this newes, Velasques began to triumph, not only so much for the honor, as also to driue Cortez from Mexico. Wherevpon, he incontinent prepared this Fléete or Nauie of eleuen Shyppes, and seauen Vergantines, with nine hundred men, and fourescore Horses, and appoynted one Pamfilo de Naruaez for Captayne Generall, and his Deputie in the regiment of the Countrey: and for his more quicker dispatch, he himselfe wente with him throughout that Ilande, till they came to Guaniguanico, whiche is the Westermost harbor of the Ilande, and being there Naruaez ready to departe for Mexico, and Velasques to returne to Cuba, came the lisenciat Lucas Vasques de Aillon, a chiefe Iudge of Santo Domingo, in name of the whole Chancery, to require Velasques vpon great penalties, that he should not permitte or suffer Pamfilo de Naruaez to procéede on that voyage agaynst Cortes, whiche woulde bée cause of Murther, ciuil warres, and other mischiefes among the Spanyards, yea and that Mexico should be in daunger of losing, wyth all the rest that was conquered, and in quiet to the Kings vse, saying vnto him moreouer, that if there were anye discorde betwéene them for goodes, or poyntes of honor, that then it did apperteyne to the Emperoure to iudge, and determine the cause, and not that he himselfe should be iudge in his owne cause, vsing force against the other partie, praying them for the seruice of God and the King, that if they would goe to conquere, that then they shoulde séeke other Countreys, hauing so good an armye and fléete, and Countreys ynough to séeke. This diligēce, request and authoritie of the Licentiate Aillon, to Velasques and Naruaez preuayled not: he séeyng their obstinacie and little regarde to him being a chiefe Iudge, determined to goe with Naruaez in his Shippe, to lette and disturbe the greate hurte that might follow, thinking there in the newe Spayne to perswade Naruaez, better than in the presence of Velasques, yea and also if néede should bée, to be a meane of quietnesse betwixt them.
Pamfilo de Naruaez tooke shipping in Guaniguanico, and sailed till he came néere vnto Vera Crux with al his fléete, and hauing intelligence that there were a hundred and fiftie Spanyards of Cortes his band, he sente vnto them a Priest, with one Iohn Ruiz de Gueuara, and Alonso de Vergara, to require them to receyue him for their Captayne and gouernoure. But the newe Citizens would giue no eare to their talke, but rather apprehended them, & sente them prisoners to Mexico to Cortez, to aduertise hym of their embassage, wherevpō Naruaez vnshipped his men, horses, armor, & artillery, & wēt wt thē directly to Zēpoallā. The Indian Comarcans being as well friends to Cortez, as vassals to Mutezuma, gaue vnto him golde, mantels, and vittayles, thinking that they had bin Cortez his men.
The substance of a letter that Cortez wrote vnto Naruaez.
Before Cortes knew the effect of the cōming of this new fléete, his head was sore troubled, for, on the one side he was glad of the comming of his owne nation, on the other side he liked not so great an armye. Likewise he ymagined, that if they came to succour him, he helde the Countrey for conquered: also if that they were come againste him, he iudged the Countrey to bée lost. He iudged also, that if they were come from Spayne, that then they hadde brought to him the thing loked for, but if they were come from Cuba, be feared ciuil warres. He also thought, that from Spayne could not come so many folke in so shorte space. Finally, he déemed, that his olde enemie Iames Velasques was come personally, but when he knew the whole truth, then was he muche more pensiue, thinking that the thread of his prosperitie was cut asunder, yea and that they would be meane to stoppe the gappes of the whole discouery, both of the secretes of the land, mines and treasure, as also, in the knowledge of the friends or enimies of Mutezuma. It shoulde be also a let to inhabite the places which he had begunne, yea and also to Christen the Indians, whiche was the principall thing that he pretended, yea & a let or stop of many other things begun in ye seruice of God & the prince, fearing also by flying from one inconuenience, to fall into many, and also if he should permit Pamphilo de Naruaez to come vnto Mexico, it shoulde be a meane of hys perdition: if likewise he should encounter him, he feared some rebellion in the Citie, and the setting at libertie of Mutezuma, putting in perill his owne honour, life, and trauayle: and to auoyde all these daungers and inconueniences, he determined remedy. First, he dispatched twoo men, the one vnto Iohn Velasques de Leon, who was gone to inhabite at Coazacoalco, willyng him at the sight of his letter to repaire vnto Mexico, giuing him aduise of the comming of Naruaez and of the great néede that he stoode in, of him & his company. The other messenger he sent to Vera Crux, to bryng full relation of the arriuall of Naruaez, and what was his pretence.
The letter sent to Iohn Velasques, came no sooner to his hande, but forthwith he obeyed and fulfilled the same, contrary to the expectation of Naruaez, for he was his brother in law, and kinsman vnto Iames Velasques. Cortes seing his constancie, had him euer after that tyme in great estimation.
From the Vera Crux came twentie of the townes men with certificat what Naruaez had published, and brought with them a priest, with Alonso Gueuara and Iohn ruiz de Vergara, who had comen to Vera Crux to amotiue the towne, vnder colour that they had brought the commissiō from the king. Cortes on the otherside, sent vnto Naruaez seignior Bartholome de Olmedo, with other two Spaniards, to offer vnto him his friendship, & otherwise to require & commaunde him on the behalfe of the kyng & of his owne, as chiefe iustice of the land, and in the name of the rulers and Aldermen of the towne of Vera Crux, who were then in Mexico, that he shoulde enter peaceably, without making any alteration vntill his auctoritie and commission were séene and allowed, and to make no slaunder or vprore to the hinderāce of the king his maisters procedings.
But al this diligence and letters of Cortes and the other rulers preuailed not, he seing this, set at libertie the priest that was brought prisoner, and sente him vnto Naruaez, with certaine riche collers of gold, and other iewels with a letter, wherein he wrote, that he was more gladder of his comming in that fléete than any other, for the friendship and olde acquaintaunce that had bene betwixt them, desiring him that they mought talke and cōferre togither, alone, for to take order to prohibite wars, sedition, bloudshedde and disquietnesse among them, beyng of one natiō and brethren, requestyng him to shew his cōmission from the king vnto him, or vnto the counsell of Vera Crux, and he would willingly obey it as reason did require: and if he had not brought any such commission, yet he would make some honest agrement with him. Pamfilo de Naruaez seing himselfe strong and mightie, did little regarde Cortes his letters, offers, nor requestes, and chiefly bycause Iames Velasques was sore displeased with Cortes.
The talke of Naruaez to the Indians, and his answere to Cortes.
A foule bragge.
Pamphilo de Naruaez declared to the Indiās that they were deceyued with their opiniō in Cortes, for that he alone was Captayne generall and chiefe Lorde, and that Cortes was but a naughty man, and so were all they of his company which are now in Mexico, who were all but his boyes, and that his present commyng was to cut of Cortes his head, and to chasten the others, likewyse he meant to dryue them all out of the countrey, & then to departe himselfe, and to leaue them in full libertie.
A cruell proclamation.
A madde reckenyng.
The Indians gaue credite to his talke seyng so many bearded men and horses, and therevpon began to attende and serue him, leauyng their olde friendes in Vera Crux. Also Naruaez began to flatter Mutezuma, and sente him worde that Cortes aboade in that countrey against the will of his Prince, & that he was a couetous rebell, who robbed his countrey, and that he pretended to kill Mutezuma, and to make himself king. Also that his comming was to set him at libertie, and to restore vnto him all that those wicked fellowes had taken from him. And bicause that others should take example of their factes, he would commaunde them all to be slaine, willing him to take no care, for in short space they would sée ech other. And that when he had set him at libertie with restitution of his goodes, he would incontinent departe his countrey. These treaties were so foule & abhominable, with the iniurious wordes which Pamfilo de Naruaez spake openly against Cortes and his men, yea they séemed odious vnto all his owne hoste & army, and some of his own mē checked him for the same, especially Barnardino de Santa Clara, who seyng the countrey so peaceable and so well pleased with Cortes, he could not let but reprehende Naruaez in his wordes. Also the licenciat Aillon required him diuers times to cease frō his slanderous talke, vpon paine of death & losse of his goodes, & also not to procéede towarde Mexico, for the great hurte that might ensue, with slander among the Indians, disquietnesse among the Spaniardes, and offence to the Emperour his Maiestie. Pamfilo de Naruaez being moued with his talke layde hand vpon Aillon, being a chiefe iudge for the King, and apprehended also his Secretary & an other officer, and forthwith shipped them, and sente thē to Iames Velasques gouernour of Cuba. But when Aillon saw himselfe at sea, and frée from Naruaez, he began to threaten ye Mariners, cōmanding thē not to presume to carrie him to Cuba to Velasquez his power, but onely to Santo Domingo, where he was one of ye kings coūsell in chancery: the Mariners fearing the Kings iustice, obeyed his cōmandemēt and when he was aported at Santo Domingo, he wholly enformed the Counsell there, of Naruaez and his wicked dealyng, whose testimonie and information did much blemishe the credite of Velasques, & exalt the trauels of Cortes. After that Naruaez had shipped away Aillon, he proclaymed warre with fire and sworde agaynst Cortes, and promised certayne markes of Golde to him that shoulde apprehende or kill him, or Pedro de Aluarado, and Gonsalo de Sandoual, with other principall persons of his company. Also he made diuision of his goodes among his mē before they came to possesse it. Surely these thrée poyntes were of a man without wisedome or discretion.
Many of Naruaez his company did amotiue themselues, through the commaundement of the Licenciat Aillon, and through the fame and liberalitie of Cortes. Wherevpon incontinent one Pedro de Villalobos a Portingal, and sixe or seuen more fledde vnto Cortes, yea and others wrote vnto him, offeryng themselues to his seruice, if by chauce they should encounter.
A good captayne and a vvise.
Cortes receyued the letters, but kept in silence from his company the firmes of those whiche had written to hym. Some doe thinke that Cortes had suborned them with letters, fayre promises, yea and a horse loade of chaynes and planches of golde, which he sente secretely to Naruaez his campe with a seruaunt of his, publishing likewise, that he had an army of twoo hundreth Spaniardes in Zempoallan, where he had none at all: these policies mought well be, for he was prudent, carefull and quicke in his businesse, and Pamfilo de Naruaez was slouthfull and carelesse.
Naruaez made answere to Cortes his letter by seignior Bartholome de Olmedo, the substaunce of his message was, that forthwith he shoulde repayre to the place where he was abiding, and there he should sée the Emperours commission & order, wherein was auctoritie giuen to hym to take and kéepe that countrey for Iames Velasques, yea and that already he had made a towne of men onely, with all officers therevnto appertayning.
After this letter and message sent, he dispatched likewise one Barnaldino de Quesada, and Alonso de Mata, to requyre Cortes to depart and leaue the countrey vpon paine of death, and to notifie vnto him these actes by order of law. Cortes layde hande vpon Alonso de Mata, bicause he named himselfe the kings Notary, and shewed no title or authoritie for the same.
The talke that Cortes had vvith his owne Souldiers.
Cortes perceyuing the small fruyte that his letters (presentes) and messengers, obtayned at the handes of Naruaez, and that in no case, he woulde shewe his commission whiche came from the kyng, he determined to goe vnto him, and according to the olde Prouerbe, Face to face doth get respect, and likewise if it were possible, to agrée vpon some good order and quietnesse: wherevpon he sent Rodrigo Aluarez his surueyor, with Iohn Velasques, and Iohn del Rio, to treate with Naruaez of many matters, whereof thrée things were the principalest. The first was, that they two might méete alone, or else so many, for so many, and that Naruaez should permit Cortes to abyde in Mexico, and he withall his company shoulde cōquere Panuco or other kingdomes, also that Cortes would pay the charges, and haue consideration to gratifie his souldiers, or else that Naruaez should abide in Mexico, and deliuer vnto Cortes .400. of his men, to the intent that with them, and his owne men he myght procéede to séeke other countreys to conquere. Laste of all, he required to sée the kings commission, for that he would obey the same. Naruaez liked none of these offers, only he accepted that they should méete togither with ech of them ten Gentlemē for securtie, bound with solemne othe, and firmed this agréement with their names. But it tooke no effect, for Rodrigo Aluarez aduised Cortes that Naruaez had made a snare to apprehend him, or to kill him at their méeting. Cortes vnderstoode the matter, or else he had some other intelligence by some that loued him wel. And this former agrement taking no place, Cortes determined to goe vnto him.
But before his departing, he declared vnto his cōpany, saying, I trust ye haue in remembrāce what & how much I haue done for you, since ye beginning of this enterprise, yea & also how louingly & friendly yée haue dealt for me: Yée shall now vnderstand that Iames Velasques, in stéede of thankes giuing vs, hath sent to murder vs, Pamfilo de Naruaez, who is a stubborne & an vnreasonable man, one readie to execute our good desertes done in the seruice of God & our Prince, with an euill reward. And the cause is only, for doyng our duetie in the sending of the Kings parte & portiō to his Roiall person & not vnto him. Also this Naruaez hath already confiscated our goodes, and giuen them to other men, and our bodies condemned to the Gallows, yea and our fame and honour plaide at tables, with great iniurious & slanderous wordes proclaymed agaynst vs, which things truly are not of a Christian, no nor yet we with Gods helpe will let the matter so to slippe: yea and though we ought to leaue the reuengment vnto God, yet we will not suffer them to enioy our trauayles & paynes, who are now comen white fingered to spoile the bloud of their neighbours, yea & like madde men to striue against their owne nation, sowing slander among those Indians which serued vs as our friēds, yea & procuring more cruel warres, than the ciuill warre betwene Mario & Sila, or of Cesar & Pompeio, who turned vpsidowne the Romaine Empire. Wherfore I do determine to méete him by ye way, & not to suffer him to come vnto Mexico, for it is better to say, God saue you, than they to come & say who is there? yea & though they are many, a good hart doth breake euil fortune, as it hath appered by vs, who haue passed thorow the pikes since our cōming hither: moreouer, I doubte not but that many of Naruaez his cōpany will come vnto vs. Therfore my déere friends doe I giue you aduise of my pretence, to the entent yt those which wil go with me, may them prepare thēselues, & those that will not, let them remaine to kéepe Mexico & Mutezuma, whiche is as much in effect. At the end of this talke he promised great rewards if yt with victory he returned. His mē answered al wt one voyce, yt they were al at his cōmandemēt, & ready to fulfil his wil, yet some feared the pride & blindnesse of Pamfilo de Naruaez: on the other side the Indians began to be lusty, to sée dissention among the Spanyardes, & that the Indians of the coast were ioyned in league with the new come mē.