HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



107 



tion : a vulgar error, which is contradi^ed by the ancient 

 hiftory of that people. 



Their minds are affe^led by the fame variety of paf- 

 fions with thofe of other nations, but not to an equal de- 

 gree. The Mexicans feldom exhibit thofe tranfports of 

 anger, or thofe frenzies of love which are fo common in 

 other countries. 



They are flow in their motions, and fliew a wonder- 

 ful tenacity and fleadinefs in thofe works which require 

 time and long continued attention. They are mofl pa- 

 tient of injury and hardfhip ; and where they fufpe^i: no 

 evil intention, are mofl: grateful for any kindnefs fliewn ; 

 but fome Spaniards, who cannot diftinguifli patience 

 from infenfibility, nor diflrufl: from ingratitude, fay pro- 

 verbially, that the Indians are alike infenflble to injuries 

 and to benefits {q). That habitual diflrufl: which they 

 entertain of all who are not of their own nation, prompts 

 them often to lie and betray ; fo that good faith cer- 

 tainly has not been fo much refpefted among them as it 

 deferves. 



They are by nature taciturn, ferious, and auftere, 

 and fliew more anxiety to punifii crimes than to reward 

 virtues. 



Generofity and perfect difintereftednefs are the prin- 

 cipal features of their character. Gold with the Mexi- 

 cans has not that value which it enjoys elfewhere (r). 

 They feem to give without reludance what has cofi: 



them 



{q) Experience has proved the grateful difpofitions of the Mexicans, where- 

 cver they were aflured of the good-will and fincerity of their benefadlors. 

 Their gratitude has been often manifefted by open and loud denionftrations of 

 joy, which publicly declare the falfliood of the Spanifli proverb. 



(r) I do not fpeak of thofe Mexicans, who, by a conftant intercourfe with 

 covetous nations, have been infedled by their avarice ; although, at the fame 

 time, even thofe appear to be Icfs felfiih than the generality of perlbns of that 

 4ifpofitioK. 



