MEXICAN SUCCESSION. 437 



the voycc of the commons, although the chiefe men managed LlB - TI - 

 it. Since in the time of Iscoatl the fourth king, by the 

 advise and order of a wise and valiant man, called Tlacael, 

 there were foure certayne Electours appoynted, which (with 

 two lordes or kings subiect to the Mexicaine, the one of 

 Tescuco and the other of Tacuba) had power to make this 

 election. They did commonly choose yoong men for their, 

 kings, because they went alwayes to the warres, and this 

 was in a manner the chiefe cause why they desired them so. 

 They had a speciall regard that they shoulde be fit for the 

 warres, and take delight and glory therein. After the elec 

 tion they made twoo kindes of feasts, the one in taking 

 possession of the royall estate, for the which they went to 

 the Temple, making great ceremonies and sacrifices vppon 

 the harth, called Divine, where there was a contiuuall fire 

 before the altare of the idoll, and after some Rhetoritians 

 practised therein, made many orations and speeches. The 

 other feast, and the most soleinne, was at his coronation, 

 for the which lie must first overcome in battell, and bring a 

 certaine number of captives, which they must sacrifice to . 

 their gods; he entred in triumph with great pompe, making 

 him a solemne reception, as well they of the Temple, who 

 went all in procession, sounding on sundry sortes of instru 

 ments, giving incense, and singing like secular men, as also 

 the courtiers, who came forth with their devises to receive 

 the victorious king. The Crowne or royall ensigne was 

 before like to a Myter, and behinde it was cut, so as it was 

 not round, for the fore parte was higher, and did rise like a 

 poynt. The king of Tescuco had the privilege to crown 

 the king of Mexico. The Mexicaines have beene very, 

 dnetifull and loyall vnto their kings; and, it hath not beene 

 knowne that they have practised any treason against them; 

 onely their Histories report, that they sought to poison their 

 king called Ti^occi, being a coward, and of small account ; 

 but it is not found that there hath bccne any dissentions or v 



