( 437 ) 



abundant prefsnts, and when he fet out for the city of Mexico every 

 preparation was made for his accommodation. The inhabitants of Mex- 

 ico, and of all the places round the lake celebrated his return with fef- 

 tivals, and thofe of Tlafcala did the fame. 



When he arrived at Tefcuco, where the contador came to wait 

 upon him, he thought it proper to remain there for that night, and on 

 the next morning but one he entered the city, being met by all the offi- 

 cers, cavaliers, and other inhabitants, in great flate. The natives in 

 their beft dreffes, and armed as warriors, filled the lake with their ca- 

 noes ; the dancing continued in every ftreet during the day, and at night 

 the city was illuminated with lights at every door. Immediately on his 

 arrival he went to the monaftery of St. Francifco, to return thanks to 

 God for all his mercies to him. From that he went to his magnifi- 

 cent palace, where he was ferved and efteemed, and feared, as a fover- 

 eign prince, all the 'provinces making their fubmiflions, and fending 

 prefents and congratulations to him. The entry of Cortes into Mexico 

 was in the month of June. He immediately ordered the arreft of thofe 

 who had been mofl: eminent for fedition, and faction, and caufed an 

 enquiry to be inftituted into the condu(5t of the two great culprits. He 

 alfo arrefted one Ocampo, who had been concerned in defamatory libelsj, 

 and a perfon of the name of Ocana a fcrivener. This man who was 

 very old was called the body and foul of the fadlor. He now intended 

 to proceed immediately to bring the vcedor and fadlor to juftice for their 

 crimes, and if he had done fo no one could have faid againft it, and it 

 would have met his Majeft) 's approbation. This I heard faid by fome 

 members of the royal council of the Indies, the Bifhop de las Cafas be- 

 ing prefent, in the year of our Lord one thoufand five hundred and forty, 

 when I was attending on my own affairs; but in this inftance Cortes 

 may be juflly taxed with feeblenefs of conduct. 



The reader has already been informed of the charges brought 

 againft Cortes in Caftille, and of the orders iffu^d to the admiral of St. 



DomingQj 



