( 90 ; 



Mexico, at a place called Cocotlan, fending forwards to inform the 

 cacique. 



Appearances demonftrated that we had entered into a new country, 

 for the temples were very lofty, and together with the terraced dwel- 

 lings, and the houle of the cacique, heing plaiftered and whitewaflied, 

 appeared very well, and refembled fome of our towns in Spain. We 

 named this place Cajftel Blanco. In confequence of our meffage, the 

 chief, and other principal perfons of the town came out to meet us, and 

 took us to our quarters, where they gave us paltry and cold entertain- 

 ment. After fupper Cortes made enquiry relative to the military power 

 of Montezuma. He was informed, how that monarch had under him 

 great armies, and that the city of Mexico was of uncommon llrength> 

 being founded in the water, and no pafTage from one houfe to another 

 except by bridges or boats ; that each houfe was terraced, and only re- 

 quired a parapet to be converted into a fortrefs ; that the entrance to the 

 city was by three caufeways, in each of which were four or five aper- 

 tures for the paflage of the waters, and that on each of thefe apertures 

 was a bridge of wood, which being raifed, precluded the entrance int© 

 Mexico. We were alfo informed of the great wealth of Montezuma, 

 in gold, filver, and jewels, the hearing of which filled us with aftonifh- 

 ment, and fuch is the nature of Spanifh foldiers, that we were anxious 

 to try :om fortunes, although ihe accounts we had been given, made 

 jour hopes appear almoft vifionary; and truly we found Mexico ftronger 

 than what it was now defcribed to us. The cacique launched out; alfo 

 in the praifes of his great lord, Montezuma, faying, that he ruled 

 where ever it was his will to do fo, and that he was apprehenfive of 

 his diffatisfadtion at our being entertained in that place, without his 

 licence. To all this Cortes replied faying^, '* That we came from a 

 •* diftant country, by the orders of our ibvereign, to warn the great 

 *' Montezuma to defift from human facrifices, and all outrages either 

 upon his own valTals, or his neighbours, and t-o require from him 

 fubmiffion to our monarch. And, *• added Corte«, *• I now require 

 you all who hear me, to renounce your human facrifices, cannibal 



*• feafts. 



