Montezuma Edition

HISTORY OF THE
Conquest of Mexico

BY
WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT
EDITED BY
WILFRED HAROLD MUNRO
PROFESSOR OF EUROPEAN HISTORY IN BROWN UNIVERSITY
AND COMPRISING THE NOTES OF THE EDITION BY
JOHN FOSTER KIRK

“Victrices aquilas alium laturus in orbem”
Lucan, Pharsalia, lib. v., v. 238

VOL. II
PHILADELPHIA AND LONDON
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY


Copyright, 1843, by William H. Prescott
Copyright, 1871, by William G. Prescott
Copyright, 1873, by J. B. Lippincott & Co.
Copyright, 1904, by J. B. Lippincott Company
Electrotyped and Printed by
J. B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia U. S. A.

CONTENTS OF VOL. II

[BOOK II]
DISCOVERY OF MEXICO
(CONTINUED)
[CHAPTER VI]
Account of Montezuma—State of his Empire—Strange
Prognostics—Embassy and Presents—Spanish Encampment
PAGE
Montezuma then upon the Throne[3]
Inaugural Address[4]
The Wars of Montezuma[5]
His civil Policy[6]
Oppression of his Subjects[7]
Foes of his Empire[8]
Superstition of Montezuma[9]
Mysterious Prophecy[10]
Portentous Omens[11]
Dismay of the Emperor[12]
Embassy and presents to the Spaniards[14]
Life in the Spanish Camp[15]
Rich Present from Montezuma[16]
Large gold Wheels[17]
Message from Montezuma[18]
Effects of the Treasure on the Spaniards[20]
Return of the Aztec Envoys[21]
Prohibition of Montezuma[22]
Preaching of Father Olmedo[23]
Desertion of the Natives[23]
[CHAPTER VII]
Troubles in the Camp—Plan of a Colony—Management ofCortés—March to Cempoalla—Proceedings with the Natives—Foundationof Vera Cruz
Discontent of the Soldiery[24]
Envoys from the Totonacs[25]
Dissensions in the Aztec Empire[26]
Proceedings in the Camp[26]
Cortés prepares to return to Cuba[27]
Army remonstrate[28]
Cortés yields[29]
Foundation of Villa Rica[30]
Resignation and Reappointment of Cortés[31]
Divisions in the Camp[32]
General Reconciliation[33]
March to Cempoalla[34]
Picturesque Scenery[35]
Remains of Victims[35]
Terrestrial Paradise[36]
Love of Flowers by the Natives[37]
Their splendid Edifices[38]
Hospitable Entertainment at Cempoalla[39]
Conference with the Cacique[40]
Proposals of Alliance[41]
Advance of the Spaniards[43]
Arrival of Aztec Nobles[44]
Artful Policy of Cortés[45]
Allegiance of the Natives[46]
City of Villa Rica built[47]
Infatuation of the Indians[48]
[CHAPTER VIII]
Another Aztec Embassy—Destruction of the Idols—Despatchessent to Spain—Conspiracy in the Camp—TheFleet Sunk
Embassy from Montezuma[49]
Its Results[50]
Severe Discipline in the Army[51]
Gratitude of the Cempoallan Cacique[52]
Attempt at Conversion[53]
Sensation among the Natives[54]
The Idols burned[55]
Consecration of the Sanctuary[56]
News from Cuba[57]
Presents for Charles the Fifth[58]
First Letter of Cortés[59]
Despatches to Spain[61]
Agents for the Mission[62]
Departure of the Ship[63]
It touches at Cuba[64]
Rage of Velasquez[64]
Ship arrives in Spain[65]
Conspiracy in the Camp[66]
Destruction of the Fleet[67]
Oration of Cortés[69]
Enthusiasm of the Army[70]
Notice of Las Casas[72]
His Life and Character[73]
Criticism on his Works[79]
[BOOK III]
MARCH TO MEXICO
[CHAPTER I]
Proceedings at Cempoalla—The Spaniards climb the Tableland—Picturesque Scenery—Transactions with the Natives—Embassy to Tlascala
Squadron off the Coast[83]
Stratagem of Cortés[85]
Arrangement at Villa Rica[86]
Spaniards begin their March[87]
Climb the Cordilleras[88]
Wild Mountain Scenery[89]
Immense Heaps of human Skulls[93]
Transactions with the Natives[94]
Accounts of Montezuma’s Power[95]
Moderation of Father Olmedo[97]
Indian Dwellings[99]
Cortés determines his Route[100]
Embassy to Tlascala[101]
Remarkable Fortification[102]
Arrival in Tlascala[103]
[CHAPTER II]
Republic of Tlascala—Its Institutions—Early History—Discussions in the Senate—Desperate Battles
The Tlascalans[104]
Their Migrations[105]
Their Government[106]
Public Games[107]
Order of Knighthood[108]
Internal Resources[108]
Their Civilization[109]
Struggles with the Aztecs[110]
Means of Defence[111]
Sufferings of the Tlascalans[112]
Their hardy Character[113]
Debates in the Senate[114]
Spaniards advance[115]
Desperate Onslaught[116]
Retreat of the Indians[117]
Bivouac of the Spaniards[118]
The Army resumes its March[119]
Immense Host of Barbarians[120]
Bloody Conflict in the Pass[121]
Enemy give Ground[122]
Spaniards clear the Pass[123]
Cessation of Hostilities[124]
Results of the Conflict[125]
Troops encamp for the Night[126]
[CHAPTER III]
Decisive Victory—Indian Council—Night Attack—Negotiationswith the Enemy—Tlascalan Hero
Envoys to Tlascala[127]
Foraging Party[128]
Bold Defiance by the Tlascalans[129]
Preparations for Battle[130]
Appearance of the Tlascalans[131]
Showy Costume of the Warriors[132]
Their Weapons[134]
Desperate Engagement[136]
The Combat thickens[137]
Divisions among the Enemy[138]
Decisive Victory[139]
Triumph of Science over Numbers[140]
Dread of the Cavalry[140]
Indian Council[142]
Night Attack[143]
Spaniards victorious[144]
Embassy to Tlascala[145]
Peace with the Enemy[145]
Patriotic Spirit of their Chief[146]
[CHAPTER IV]
Discontent in the Army—Tlascalan Spies—Peace with theRepublic—Embassy from Montezuma
Spaniards scour the Country[147]
Success of the Foray[148]
Discontent in the Camp[149]
Representations of the Malecontents[150]
Reply of Cortés[151]
Difficulties of the Enterprise[153]
Mutilation of the Spies[154]
Interview with the Tlascalan Chief[156]
Peace with the Republic[158]
Embassy from Montezuma[159]
Declines to receive the Spaniards[160]
They advance towards the City[161]
[CHAPTER V]
Spaniards enter Tlascala—Description of the Capital—AttemptedConversion—Aztec Embassy—Invited toCholula
Spaniards enter Tlascala[164]
Rejoicings on their Arrival[165]
Description of Tlascala[166]
Its Houses and Streets[166]
Its Fairs and Police[167]
Divisions of the City[167]
Wild Scenery round Tlascala[168]
Character of the Tlascalans[169]
Vigilance of Cortés[169]
Attempted Conversion[170]
Resistance of the Natives[170]
Zeal of Cortés[171]
Prudence of the Friar[171]
Character of Olmedo[172]
Mass celebrated in Tlascala[173]
The Indian Maidens[174]
Aztec Embassy[175]
Power of Montezuma[176]
Embassy from Ixtlilxochitl[177]
Deputies from Cholula[178]
Invitation to Cholula[178]
Prepare to leave Tlascala[179]
[CHAPTER VI]
City of Cholula—Great Temple—March to Cholula—Receptionof the Spaniards—Conspiracy Detected
City of Cholula[180]
Its History[181]
Religious Traditions[182]
Its ancient Pyramid[183]
Temple of Quetzalcoatl[184]
Holy City[185]
Magnificent Scenery[187]
Spaniards leave Tlascala[188]
Indian Volunteers[189]
Army enters Cholula[190]
Brilliant Reception[191]
Envoys from Montezuma[192]
Suspicions of Conspiracy[193]
Fidelity of Marina[194]
Alarming Situation of Cortés[195]
Intrigues with the Priests[196]
Interview with the Caciques[197]
Night-watch of the Spaniards[198]
[CHAPTER VII]
Terrible Massacre—Tranquillity Restored—Reflections onthe Massacre—Further Proceedings—Envoys from Montezuma
Preparations for a secret Assault[200]
Natives collect in the Square[200]
The Signal given[201]
Terrible Massacre[202]
Onset of the Tlascalans[203]
Defence of the Pyramid[204]
Division of the Spoil[205]
Restoration of Order[206]
Reflections on the Massacre[207]
Right of Conquest[208]
Missionary Spirit[209]
Policy of Cortés[211]
His perilous Situation[212]
Cruelty to be charged on him[212]
Terror of “the White Gods”[215]
The Cross raised in Cholula[217]
Victims liberated from the Cages[217]
Christian Temple reared on the Pyramid[217]
Embassy from Montezuma[218]
Departure of the Cempoallans[219]
[CHAPTER VIII]
March resumed—Ascent of the Great Volcano—Valley ofMexico—Impression on the Spaniards—Conduct of Montezuma—Theydescend into the Valley
Spaniards leave Cholula[221]
Signs of Treachery[222]
The Army reaches the Mountains[223]
Wild Traditions[223]
The great Volcano[224]
Spaniards ascend its Sides[225]
Perils of the Enterprise[226]
Subsequent Ascent[227]
Descent into the Crater[228]
The Troops suffer from the Tempest[229]
First View of the Valley[230]
Its Magnificence and Beauty[230]
Impression on the Spaniards[232]
Disaffection of the Natives to Montezuma[233]
Embassy from the Emperor[234]
His gloomy Apprehensions[234]
Silence of the Oracles[235]
Spaniards advance[236]
Death of the Spies[237]
Arrival of the Tezcucan Lord[238]
Floating Gardens[240]
Crowds assembled on the Roads[241]
Army reaches Iztapalapan[242]
Its celebrated Gardens[243]
Striking View of Mexico[245]
[CHAPTER IX]
Environs of Mexico—Interview with Montezuma—Entranceinto the Capital—Hospitable Reception—Visit to theEmperor
Preparations to enter the Capital[246]
Army enters on the great Causeway[247]
Beautiful Environs[248]
Brilliant Procession of Chiefs[249]
Splendid Retinue of Montezuma[250]
Dress of the Emperor[252]
His Person[252]
His Reception of Cortés[253]
Spaniards enter the Capital[254]
Feelings of the Aztecs[256]
Hospitable Reception[258]
The Spanish Quarters[259]
Precaution of the General[259]
Visited by the Emperor[260]
His rich Presents[261]
Superstitious Terrors[262]
Royal Palace[263]
Description of its Interior[264]
Cortés visits Montezuma[265]
Attempts to convert the Monarch[265]
Entire Failure[266]
His religious Views[267]
Montezuma’s Eloquence[268]
His courteous Bearing[269]
Reflections of Cortés[270]
Notice of Herrera[272]
Criticism on his History[274]
Life of Toribio[274]
Peter Martyr[277]
His Works[278]
[BOOK IV]
RESIDENCE IN MEXICO
[CHAPTER I]
Tezcucan Lake—Description of the Capital—Palaces andMuseums—Royal Household—Montezuma’s Way of Life
Lake of Tezcuco[281]
Its Diminution[282]
Floating Islands[283]
The ancient Dikes[284]
Houses of ancient Mexico[285]
Its Streets[286]
Its Population[288]
Its Aqueducts and Fountains[292]
The imperial Palace[293]
Adjoining Edifices[294]
Magnificent Aviary[294]
Extensive Menagerie[295]
Collection of Dwarfs[296]
Gardens[297]
Royal Hill of Chapoltepec[298]
Wives of Montezuma[299]
His Meals[300]
Luxurious Dessert[303]
Custom of Smoking[304]
Ceremonies at Court[305]
Economy of the Palace[306]
Oriental Civilization[308]
Reserve of Montezuma[309]
Symptoms of Decline of Power[309]
[CHAPTER II]
Market of Mexico—Great Temple—Interior Sanctuaries—SpanishQuarters
Mexican Costume[311]
Great Market of Mexico[312]
Quarter of the Goldsmiths[313]
Booths of the Armorers[314]
Provisions for the Capital[315]
Throngs in the Market[317]
Aztec Money[318]
The great Temple[319]
Its Structure[320]
Dimensions[321]
Instruments of Worship[322]
Grand View from the Temple[323]
Shrines of the Idols[325]
Imprudence of Cortés[327]
Interior Sanctuaries[328]
Mound of Skulls[329]
Aztec Seminaries[330]
Impression on the Spaniards[332]
Hidden Treasures[333]
Mass performed in Mexico[334]
[CHAPTER III]
Anxiety of Cortés—Seizure of Montezuma—His Treatmentby the Spaniards—Execution of his Officers—Montezumain Irons—Reflections
Anxiety of Cortés[335]
Council of War[336]
Opinions of the Officers[337]
Bold Project of Cortés[337]
Plausible Pretext[338]
Interview with Montezuma[341]
Accusation of Montezuma[342]
His Seizure[345]
He is carried to the Spanish Quarters[346]
Tumult among the Aztecs[346]
Montezuma’s Treatment[347]
Vigilant Patrol[348]
Trial of the Aztec Chiefs[350]
Montezuma in Irons[351]
Chiefs burnt at the Stake[351]
Emperor allowed to return[352]
Declines this Permission[353]
Reflections on these Proceedings[354]
Views of the Conquerors[356]
[CHAPTER IV]
Montezuma’s Deportment—His Life in the Spanish Quarters—MeditatedInsurrection—Lord of Tezcuco seized—FurtherMeasures of Cortes
Troubles at Vera Cruz[358]
Vessels built on the Lake[359]
Montezuma’s Life in the Spanish Quarters[360]
His Munificence[361]
Sensitive to Insult[362]
The Emperor’s Favorites[363]
Spaniards attempt his Conversion[364]
Brigantines on the Lake[365]
The Royal Chase[365]
Lord of Tezcuco[366]
Meditated Insurrection[368]
Policy of Cortés[369]
Tezcucan Lord in Chains[370]
Further Measures of Cortés[371]
Surveys the Coast[372]