242 



HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



to affift them, they were obliged to purchafe the necef- 

 faries of life, with the price of their liberty. Montezu- 

 ma being unable to relieve his fubje^ls from their dif- 

 trefs, permitted them to go to other countries to pro- 

 cure their fupport ; but knowing that fome of them 

 made flaves of themfelves for two or three days fufte- 

 nance only, he publifhed a proclamation, in which he 

 commanded that no woman fliould fell herfelf for lefs 

 than four hundred ears of maize, and no man for lefs 

 than five hundred. But nothing could flop the deftruc- 

 tive confequences of famine. Of thofe who went to 

 feek relief in other countries fome died of hunger on 

 their way. Others who fold themfelves for food never 

 returned to their native country. The greater part of 

 the Mexican populace fupported themfelves like their 

 anceftors, on the water-fowl, the herbs growing in the 

 marflies, and the infe6ls and fmall fifli which they caught 

 in the lake. The following year was not fo unfavour- 

 able, and at length, in 1454, which was a fecular year, 

 there was a moft plentiful harvefl: of maize, and like- 

 wife of pulfe, and every fort of fruit. 



But the Mexicans were not permitted to enjoy the 

 feafon of plenty in quietnefs, being obliged to go to war 

 againft Atonaltzin, lord of the city and flate of Coaix- 

 tlahuacan, in the country of the Mixtecas. This was a 

 powerful lord, who, for fome reafons unknown, would 

 not allow to any Mexican a palfage through his lands, 

 and whenever they happened to come there (hewed 

 them the worft treatment he could. Montezuma being 

 highly offended with fuch hoftility, fent an em.balTy to 

 him, to know the motive of his condu^l, and threaten- 

 ed him with war if he did not make a proper apology. 

 Atonaltzin received the embalTy with fcorn, and order- 

 ing 



