The Cuyoacans utterly subdu’d by Tlacaellel.
The Towns Tacuba and Cuyoacan, though they had Governors of their own, yet were subject to the Tapunecans, whose General advising those of Azcapuzalco to try another Encounter, they took up Arms again; but before it came to a Battel, the Cuyoacans play’d a subtile trick with the Mexicans, for inviting them to an Idolatrous Feast, after they had Eat, Drunk, and Danc’d, they forc’d them to put on Womens Apparel, to their no small disgrace and ignomy; which remain’d not unreveng’d, for the Mexicans made a Poysonous Fume in the Gates of Cuyoacan, which made Women with Child to Miscarry, and many to fall dangerously sick; yet lastly, both Parties march’d into the Fields, where whilst Izcoalt was elsewhere ingag’d, Tlacaellel marching about, came upon the backs of the Cuyoacans with such eagerness, that they fled to a strong Temple, which soon after was set on fire by Tlacaellel, who pursu’d the Enemy ten Leagues.
This Conquest stir’d up the Suchimilcos, the first Family of the Navatlaca’s, to stop the proceedings of the Mexicans, that they might not, as they had already done to others, fall upon them; to which purpose they thought to surprize the Conquering Army; but Tlacaellel who led the Van, march’d in good Order to meet the Suchimilcos, fell resolutely upon their whole Army, and after a short conflict, put them to flight, and took the City Suchimilco for Izcoalt, who being Crown’d King there, Commanded the Conquer’d to make a direct Road betwixt Suchimilco and Mexico, of four Leagues long, both, that a Trade might the easier be drove between these two Cities, and to keep them the better in awe: Notwithstanding these examples, Cuytlavacan, a City built at the Lake Laguna, trusting to the abundance of Boats, which the Citizens knew how to use with great dexterity, daily molested Mexico with them by Water, whereupon Izcoalt resolv’d to send his Victorious Army thither, but Tlacaellel opposing the same, promis’d to subdue the Rebelling City with a considerable number of Boys, which had skill in the managing of a Canoo, which being permitted him, he accordingly made himself Master of Cuytlavacan, from whence the Boys brought a great Booty, and divers Prisoners, whom they sent as an Offering to Vitzlipultzli.
Tezcuco submits to the Mexicans.
These unheard of Victories being spread far and near, mov’d Tezcuco after several Skirmishes and Conflicts with Tlacaellel, to submit to the Mexican King, who chose the Governor thereof for his Prime Councellor. Izcoalt Deceasing, after having Reign’d twelve years, his Son Muteczuma was chosen his Successor; the Election and Coronation being perform’d after the following manner.
Coronation of Muteczuma.
The new King mantled in Tygers Skins, was led into the chief Temple before a Hearth, on which burnt Fire both Night and Day; not far from which stood the Throne, where sitting down, he Offer’d Blood, which was taken from his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; after which, an Orator Congratulated him, in the name of the Nobility; which done, they ended the Solemnity in a great Dinner, Fire-Works, and Dancing: At the same time it was establish’d, that all Future Coronations should be kept with an Offering of Provisions, fetch’d by the King out of the Enemies Countrey: wherefore Muteczuma going to the Countrey Chalco, took several of the Natives, whose reaking Hearts he Offer’d to Viztlipuztli: Which done, the Coronation follow’d, to which an innumerable company of People came flocking from all the neighboring Provinces: Those which were Tributaries, brought Presents with them, before which the Heralds carry’d the Coats of Arms belonging to the Nobility of Mexico, in a good order.
Muteczuma’s Brother taken Prisoner by those of Chalco.
An example of great Fidelity.
Soon after the King’s Coronation, he march’d and fell upon Chalco, the Inhabitants of which defended themselves very Valiantly, took Muteczuma’s Brother, among several other Prisoners; to whom the Conquerors proffer’d the Government; which at first he refus’d, but at last accepted of on this condition, that a high Mast should be erected with a Scaffold on the top, which made every one suppose, that Muteczuma’s Brother did in that manner aim at a high Election, but he at the appointed time, getting on the top of the Mast, call’d with a loud voice, and spake to the taken Mexicans which were there present to this effect: Chalco seeks to set me on the Throne, the Heavens will not permit it; learn by me rather to die, than to live and be guilty of Treason to your Countrey: which he had no sooner said, but with some Flowers which he held in his Hand, threw himself down from the Scaffold, which so inrag’d the Chalcoans, that they immediately slew all the other Mexicans that were there present; which not long after was reveng’d by Muteczuma, who not onely subdu’d Chalco, but several other Provinces, leaving onely Tlascala unattempted, that the Mexicans might have a neighboring Enemy to fetch Prisoners from for their Offerings, and also by Skirmishing with them, train up their Youth in Martial Discipline.