X CONTEXTS CHAPTER Y. AZTEC AGRICULTURE—MECHANICAL ARTS—MERCHANTS—DOMESTIC MANNERS. P*S* Mechanical Genius—Agriculture—Mexican Husbandry—Vegetable Products—Mineral Treasures—Skill of the Aztec Jewellers—Sculpture—Huge Calendar-stone—Azte*» Dyes—Beautiful Feather-work—Fairs of Mexico—National Currency—Trades— Aztec Merchants—Militant Traders—Domestic Life—Kindness to Children—Poly gamy—Condition of the Sex—Social Entertainment—Use of Tobacco—Culinary Art—Agreeable Drinks—Dancing—Intoxication—Criticism on Boturini’s Work . 41 CHAPTER VI. TEZCUCANS—THEIR GOLDEN AGE—ACCOMPLISHED PRINCES—DECLINE OF THEIR MONARCHY. The Acolhuans or Tezcucans—Prince Nezahualcoyotl—His Persecution—His hair breadth Escapes—His wandering Life—Fidelity of his Subjects—Triumphs over his Enemies — Remarkable League — General Amnesty—The Tezcucan Code— Departments of Government—Council of Music—Its Censorial Office—Literary Taste—Tezcucan Bards—Resources of Nezahualcoyotl—His magnificent Palace— His Gardens and Villas—Address of the Priest—His Baths—Luxurious Residence —Existing Remains of it—Royal Amours—Marriage of the King—Forest Laws— Strolling Adventures—Munificence of the Monarch—His Religion—Temple to the Unknown God—Philosophic Retirement—His plaintive Verses — Last hours of Nezahualcoyotl—His Character—Succeeded by Nezahualpilli—The Lady of Tula— Executes his Son—Effeminacy of the King—His consequent Misfortunes—Death of Nezahualpilli—Tezcucan Civilisation—Criticism on Ixtlilxochitl’s Writings . 50 BOOK II. DISCOVERY OP MEXICO. CHAPTER I. SPAIN UNDER CHARLES V.—PROGRESS OF DISCOVERY—COLONIAL POLICY—CONQUEST OF CUBA—EXPEDITIONS TO YOCATAN. Condition of Spain—Increase of Empire—Cardinal Xim&ies—Arrival of Charles the Fifth—Swarm of Flemings—Opposition of the Cortes—Colonial Administration— Spirit of Chivalry—Progress of Discovery—Advancement of Colonisation—System of Repartimientos—Colonial Policy—Discovery of Cuba—Its Conquest by Velasquez —Cordova’s Expedition to Yucatan—His reception by the Natives—Grijalva’s Expedition—Civilisation in Yucatan—Traffic with the Indians—His Return to Cuba—His Cool Reception—Ambitious Schemes of the Governor—Preparations for an Expedition 67 CHAPTER II. HERNANDO CORT&S—HIS EARLY LIFE—VISITS THE NEW WORLD—HIS RESIDENCE IN CUBA-* DIFFICULTIES WITH VE1-ASQUEZ—ARMADA ENTRUSTED TO CORTfiS. Hernando Cortes—His Education—Choice of a Profession—Departure for America— Arrival at Hispaniola—His mode of Life—Enlists under Velasquez—Habits of Gallantry—Disaffected towards Velasquez—Cortes in Confinement—Flies into a Sanctuary—Again put in Irons—His perilous Escape—His Marriage—Reconciled with the Governor—Retires to his Plantation—Armada intrusted to Cortds— Preparations for the Voyage—Instructions to Cortes ... . . 74 CHAPTER III. JEALOUSY OF VELASQUEZ—CORTfiS EMBARKS—EQUIPMENT OF HIS FLEET—HIS PERSON AND CHARACTER—RENDEZVOUS AT HAVANA—STRENGTH OF HIS ARMAMENT. Jealousy of Velasquez — Intrigues against Cortes — His clandestine Embarcation— Arrives at Macaca—Accession of Volunteers—Stores and Ammunition—Orders from Velasquez to arrest Cortes—He raises the Standard at Havana—Person of Cortes—His Character—Strength of the Armament—Stirring Address to his Troops—Fleet weighs Anchor—Remarks on Estrella’s Manuscript f , . 82
