Hiftorie ofthefndies. lib. 6. 485 



, the fccondof that name, there came none to the 

 ' c rownc by rigEFof fucceffion , but by a la vvfull nomi- 

 nation and ele&ion . This eleflion in the beginning 

 was by thevoyceof the commons,although the chief? 

 men managed it. Since in the time of ifetalt the fourth 

 king,by the advife and order of a wife and valiant man, 

 called Tlacael, there were foure certayne Elc&ours ap- 

 poynted, which (with two lordes or kings fubieft to 

 the Mcxicaine, the one tfTefcuco, and the other of Tu- 

 cttba} had power to make this eledion. They did com- 

 monly choofe yoongmen for their kings,becaufe they 

 went alwayes to the warres , and this was in a manner 

 the chiefecaufe why they diefired them fo . They had 

 a fpeciall regard that they fhoulde be fit for the warres, 

 and take delight and glory therein .( After the elctfion 9^*/^ 

 theymadetwookindesoffeaftsjtheonein taking poC 

 ftffion of the royal! eftate , for the which they went to 

 the Temple, making great ceremonies and facriffees 

 vppon the harth ^called Divine, where there was a con- 

 tinuall fire before the Altare of the idoll , and after 

 fome Rhethtfritians pra&ifed therein , made many O- 

 rations and Speeches. The other feaft,and the moft fb- 

 lempne, was at his coronation > for the which he muft 

 firft overcome in battell, and bring a certaine number J * 



of captives, which they mult lactiiice to their gods; Kc ^ 

 cntred in triumph with great pompe , making him a 

 folempne reception , afivell they of the Temple, who 

 went all in proceflion, founding on fundry fortes of 

 inftruments, giving inccnfe, and finging like Secular 

 men, as alfo the Courtiers, who came forth with their 

 devifes to receive the vidorious king.| The Crowne or 

 royall enfigne was before like to a My ter, and behindc 

 it was cut / fo as it was not roupd , for the fore partc 



li \vas 



