CONTENTS. XI CHAPTER IV. VOYAGE TO COZUMEL—CONVERSION OF THE NATIVES—JERONIMO DE AGUILAR—ARMY iRR' "i E3 AT TABASCO—GREAT BATTLE WITH THE INDIANS—CHRISTIANITY INTRODUCED. Disastrous Voyage to Cozumel—Humane Policy of Cortes—Cross found in the Island —Religious Zeal of the Spaniards—Attempts at Conversion—Overthrow of the Idols—Jerdnimo do Aguilar—His Adventures—Employed as an Interpreter— Fleet arrives at Tabasco—Hostile Reception—Fierce Defiance of the Natives— Desperate Conflict—Effect of the Fire-arms—Cortes takes Tabasco—Ambush of the Indians—The Country in Arms—Preparations for Battle—March on tho Enemy—Joins Battle with the Indians—Doubtful Struggle—Terror at the War- horse—Victory of the Spaniards—Number of Slain—Treaty with the Natives— Conversion of tho Heathen—Catholic Communion—Spaniards embark for Mexico . Gf CHAPTER V. VOYAGE ALONO THE COAST—DONA MARINA—SPANIARDS LAND IN MEXICO—INTERVIEW WITH THE AZTECS. Voyage along the Coast—Natives come on Board—Dona Marina—Her History—Her Beauty and Character—First Tidings of Montezuma—Spaniards land in Mexico— First Interview with the Aztecs—Their magnificent Presents—Cupidity of the Spaniards—Cortes displays his Cavalry—Aztec Paintings 91 CHAPTER VI. ACCOUNT OF MONTEZUMA—STATE OF HIS EMPIRE—STRANGE PROGNOSTICS—EMBASSY AND PRESENTS—SPANISH ENCAMPMENT. Montezuma then upon the Throne—Inaugural Address—The Wars of Montezuma— His Civil Policy—Oppression of his Subjects—Foes of his Empire—Superstition of Montezuma—Mysterious Prophecy—Portentous Omens—Dismay of the Emperor —Embassy and Presents to the Spaniards—Life in the Spanish Camp—Rich Pre sents from Montezuma—Large gold and silver Wheels—Message from Montezuma —Effects of the Treasure on the Spaniards—Return of the Aztec Envoys—Pro hibition of Montezuma—Preaching of Father Olmedo—Desertion of the Natives. 102 CHAPTER VII. TROUBLES IN THE CAMP—PLAN OF A COLONY—MANAGEMENT OF CORTflS—MARCH TO CEMPOALLA—PROCEEDINGS WITH THE NATIVES—FOUNDATION OF VERA CRUZ. Discontent of the Soldiery—Envoys from the Totonacs—Dissensions in the Azteo Empire—Proceedings in the Camp—Cortes prepares to return to Cuba—Army remonstrate—Cortes yields—Foundation of Villa Rica—Resignation and Re appointment of Cortes—Divisions in the Camp—General Reconciliation—March to Cempoalla—Picturesque Scenery—Remains of Victims—Terrestrial Paradise- Love of Flowers by the Natives—Their splendid Edifices—Hospitable Entertain ment at Cempoalla—Conference with the Cacique—Proposals of Alliance—Advance of the Spaniards—Arrival of Aztec Nobles—Artful Policy of Cortes—Allogiance of the Natives—City of Villa Rica built—Infatuation of the Indians ; . .110 CHAPTER VIII. ANOTHER AZTEC EMBASSY—DESTRUCTION OF THE IDOLS—DESPATCHES SENT TO SPAIN— CONSPIRACY IN THE CAMP—THE FLEET SUNK. Embassy from Montezuma—Its Results—Severe Discipline in the Army—Gratitude of the Cempoallan Cacique—Attempt at Conversion—Sensation among the Natives—The Idols burned—Consecration of the Sanctuary—News from Cuba— Presents for Charles the Fifth—First Letter of Cortes—Despatches to Spain— Agents for the Mission—Departure of the Ship—It touches at Cuba—Rage of Velasquez—Ship arrives in Spain—Conspiracy in the Camp—Destruction of the Floet—Oration of Cortes—Enthusiasm of the Army—Notice of Las Casas—His life and Character—Criticism on his Works 120
