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Montezuma Edition

THE WORKS OF WILLIAM H. PRESCOTT

TWENTY-TWO VOLUMES

Vol. II

The Montezuma Edition of William H. Prescott’s Works is limited to one thousand copies, of which this is

No. 345

THE MEETING OF CORTÉS AND MONTEZUMA

Page 254

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 of Cortés—March to Cempoalla—Proceedings with the Natives—Foundation of 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—Despatches sent to Spain—Conspiracy in the Camp—The Fleet 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—Negotiations with 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 the Republic—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—Attempted Conversion—Aztec Embassy—Invited to Cholula
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—Reception of 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 on the 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 of Mexico—Impression on the Spaniards—Conduct of Montezuma—They descend 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—Entrance into the Capital—Hospitable Reception—Visit to the Emperor
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 and Museums—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—Spanish Quarters
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 Treatment by the Spaniards—Execution of his Officers—Montezuma in 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—Meditated Insurrection—Lord of Tezcuco seized—Further Measures 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

The Project Gutenberg eBook of History of the Conquest of Mexico; vol. 2/4

HISTORY OF THE Conquest of Mexico

CONTENTS OF VOL. II

HISTORY OF THE

Conquest of Mexico