SPEECH OF THE KING OF TEZCUCO. 501 



much to say, an angry Lord. The electors did him great LIB. 

 reverence, giving him notice that hee was chosen king : 

 from thence he was ledde before the harth of their gods, to 

 give incense, where he offered sacrifices in drawing bloud 

 from his cares, and the calves of his legges, according to 

 their custome. They attired him with the royall ornaments, 

 and pierced the gristle of his nostrils, hanging thereat a 

 rich emerald, a barbarous and troublous custom, but the 

 desire of rule made all paine light and easy. Being seated 

 in his throne, he gave audience to the Orations and Speeches 

 that were made vnto him, which, according vnto their 

 customo were eloquent and artificial). The first was pro 

 nounced by the King of Tcxcuco, which, being preserved, 

 for thut it was lately delivered, and very worthy to bo 

 heard, I will set it downe word by word, and thus heo 

 sayde : &quot; The concordance and vnitic of voyces upon thy 

 election, is a sufficient testimonie (most noble yong man) of 

 the happines the realme shall receive, as well deserving to 

 be commaunded by thee, as also for the generall applause 

 which all doe show by means thereof. Wherein they have 

 great reason, for the Empire of Mexico doth alreadio so 

 farre extend it selfe, that to governe a world, as it is, and 

 to beare so heavy a burthen, it requires no lesse dexteritie 

 and courage, than that which is resident in thy firm and 

 valiant heart, nor of lessc wisedome and Judgement than 

 thine. I see and know plainely, that the mightie God 

 loveth this Cittie, seeing he hath given vnderstanding to 

 choose what was fit. For who will not believe that a 

 Prince, who before his raigne had pierced the nine vaultes 

 of heaven, should not likewise nowe obtaine those things 

 that are carthlic to rcleeve his people, aiding himselfe with 

 his best Judgement, being thereunto bound by the dutie 

 and charge of a king. Who will likewise beleeve that the 

 great courage which thou hast alwaies valiant!} 7 showed in 

 matters of importance, shuld now faile thee in matters of 



