170 



HISTORY OF MEXICO 



" the Mexicans will aim alfo at being monarch of the 

 Tepanecas ? I therefore confider it neceffary to multi- 

 " ply their burdens fo much, that in labouring to dif- 

 " charge them they may be worn out, or on failure of 

 paying us, that we harafs them with other evils, and 

 at laft conflrain them to abandon their flate/' 

 All applauded the refolution ; nor was it other wife to 

 be expelled ; as the prince who in council difcovers his 

 wifli, rather looks for panegyrifts to fecond his inclination, 

 than counfellors to enlighten his underflanding : the king 

 then fent to inform the Mexicans, that the tribute which 

 they had paid hitherto being too fmall, it was his plea- 

 fure that they fliould double it in future ; that they were 

 befides to carry fo many thoufands of willow and fir- 

 plants to be fet in the roads and gardens of Azcapozalco, 

 and to tranfport to the court a great kitchen garden, 

 where all the vegetables known in Anahuac were fown 

 and growing. 



The Mexicans, who, until that time had paid no other 

 tribute than a certain quantity of fifli, and a certain num- 

 ber of water-birds, were greatly diftreffcd with thefe 

 new grievances, fearing that they might conftantly be in- 

 creafmg: but they performed all that was enjoined them^ 

 carrying at the appointed time along with their fifh and 

 fowl, the willows and floating garden. Whoever has 

 not feen thefe moft beautiful gardens, which in our time 

 were cultivated in the middle of the water, and tranf- 

 ported with eafe wherever they defired, will not without 

 difficulty be perfuaded of the truth of fuch an event : but 

 whoever has feen them as we have, and all who have 

 failed upon that lake, where the fenfes receive the moft 

 delightful recreation, will have no reafon to doubt of the 

 authenticity of this hiftory. Having obtained this tri- 

 bute 



