( i3i ) 



CHAPTER VIII. 



Mexico, Nov. Sth, 15 19. Defcription of that Court and City. 

 TranfaBions and Occurrences there. 



On the next day we fet out, accompanied as on the former one, and 

 proceeded by the grand caufeway, which is eight yards wide, and runs 

 in a ftraight hne to the city of Mexico. It was crowded with people, 

 as were all the towers, temples, and caufeways, in every part of the 

 lake, attracted by curiolity to behold men, and animals, fuch as never 

 had been before feen in thefe countries. We were occupied by very 

 different thoughts ; our number did not amount to four hundred and 

 fifty, we had perfectly in our recolle(ftion the accounts we had received 

 on our march, that we were to be put to death on our arrival in the 

 city which we now faw before us, approachable only by caufeways, 

 whereon were feveral bridges, the breaking of one of which effediually 

 cut ojft' our retreat. And now let who can, tell me, where are men in 

 this world to be found except ourfelves, who would have hazarded 

 fuch an attempt ? 



When we arrived at a place where a fmall caufeway turns off, 

 which goes to the city of Cuyoacan, we were met by a great number 

 of the lords of the court in their richeft drelfes, fent as they faid before 

 the great Montezuma, to bid us welcome. After waiting there fome 

 time, the nephew of Montezuma and other noblemen went back to 

 meet their monarch, who approached, carried in a mofl: magnificent 

 litter, which was fupported by his principal nobility. When we came 

 near certain towers which are almofl clofe to the city, Montezuma who 



was 



