Autzol succeeds him.
Axayaca, after eleven years Reign, Deceasing, bequeath’d his Crown to Autzol, who sought to promote his Election by ingaging with the mighty Province Quaxutatlan, whose Inhabitants, though but a little before, they had been so bold as to demand Tribute of the Mexicans, yet terrifi’d at the approach of Autzol’s Army, fled over an Arm of the Sea, where they had been secure, had not Autzol invented a floating Isle of Planks, by which he got over his whole Army; upon which the amaz’d Quaxututlans immediately submitted themselves to the Mexicans, who pursuing their Victory, extended their Dominions to Guatimala, over a Tract of three hundred Leagues.
Autzol’s Generosity and Magnificence.
The new King having now subdu’d all his Enemies, and made himself glorious by his Victories, was also ambitious to be as much extoll’d for his Generosity and Magnificence; to which purpose he distributed all the Wealth which was brought unto him from the neighboring Countreys, amongst the Poor and the Nobility; to the first he gave Clothes and Provisions; to the last, Plumes of Feathers and Arms. Moreover he caus’d all mean Houses to be pull’d down and new ones to be built in their places. Lastly, he consulted how to bring fresh Water into Mexico, which was plac’d in a brackish Soil: Upon this Design he was so bent, that when one of his Sages disswaded him from it, alledging, That the Water would drown the City, he, in stead of following his Advice, banish’d him his Presence, and upon his flying to Cuyaocun, caus’d him to be fetch’d from thence and Executed. Then prosecuting his Design, he cut the Ditch before Cuyaocun, by which means great store of fresh Water came flowing into the Lake Laguna, which the Priests welcom’d with strange Ceremonies; for some perfum’d the Water, others Offer’d Quails Blood, whilst others play’d on several Musical Instruments, with many other Ceremonies, which are at large describ’d in the ancient Mexican Chronicles, kept in the Vatican Library at Rome. But the Prophecy of the Executed Sorcerer was in a manner fulfill’d; for the Water overwhelm’d a great part of Mexico, and divided the City into Isles: But to prevent farther Mischief, Autzoll caus’d Banks to be rais’d, and Channels digg’d; and not long after, in the eleventh Year of his Reign, he deceas’d: After which the Mexican Kingdom tended towards its period, as the ensuing Story will declare.
Amongst the Mexican Nobility, Mutexuma, a melancholy Man, yet very prudent, who resided in a stately Apartment near the great Temple Cu, that there he might the better converse with Viztlipuztli, was elected King; which he no sooner heard, but fled from hence: but being found out, he was against his will led to the Grand Assembly, and from thence to the holy Hearth, where for an Offering he drew Blood out of his Cheeks, Ears, and Legs; and, according to an ancient Custom, the Council of State boring a Hole in his Nose, hung an Emerauld in the same; after which the Lord of Tescuco saluted him with a Speech; which (since it is mention’d by Joseph d’ Acosta, together with several other Speeches of Congratulation to their Kings, which were taught to Schollars, to make them expert in their Language) it will not be amiss to be annexed here, that of many this one may serve for a pattern of the Mexicans Eloquence, which is as followeth:
The Lord of Tescuco his Speech to Muteczuma.
“The great happiness, most noble Muteczuma, which is befall’n this Realm by your Election, may easily be conjectur’d from the general joy, none besides your self being able to undergo an Office, in the management whereof so much Prudence is requir’d: It is a most certain testimony that God loves Mexico, that he hath given its Inhabitants understanding to make such a Choice. Who can doubt, but that you who have expatiated through the Heavens, and convers’d with Viztlipuztli, may easily Govern us Mortals on Earth? Who can despair, but that the Vertue inclos’d within your Breast, will extend to the Widows and Orphans? Therefore rejoyce, O Mexico; the Heavens have granted us a Prince without Vice; Merciful, and not a Violator of the Laws; Affable, not despising common Conversation. And you, O King, let not this great Preferment occasion any alteration in your so long known Vertues: The Crown breeds care for the publick good; the troubles thereof must extend over the whole Realm, and every one in the Realm.”
Preparation for the Coronation of Muteczuma.
His Grandeur.
The ruine of the Mexican Empire prognosticated.