SIX MONTHS IN MEXICO. 147 



speaking of, in the same state in which they 

 now are ; and that it was on ascending one of 

 them that Cortez beheld the approach of the 

 great Indian army. There is no other emi- 

 nence near, which could have answered the 

 purpose, and if these had been objects of 

 veneration, as temples, or places of military 

 strength, then in use, they doubtless would 

 have been defended, and he would not 

 have been permitted to approach them. On 

 descending we partook of some refreshment 

 we had brought with us, and our In- 

 dian guide procured us some pulque, which 

 was very acceptable, I went to a cottage 

 close by, in which were several children 

 almost in a state of nature. I tried to entice 

 them by presents, but could not prevail on 

 them to come near me : they seemed much 

 terrified at our white faces and odd dresses. 

 We mounted our horses, and rode to the 

 several small barrows that are scattered in 



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