128 HISTORY OF MEXICO. 



branches of cedar and willow, and the leaves of maize. 

 He was clothed in a mantle, on which were painted 

 ikulls and bones of the dead, and his head was covered 

 with two other cloaks, one black, and the other blue, 

 on which limilar figures were reprefented. They tied 

 a fmall gourd to his neck, containing a certain powder, 

 which they efteemed a (Irong prefervative againft dif- 

 eafes, forcery, and treafon. Happy would that people 

 be whofe king could carry about him fuch a preferva- 

 tive. They put afterwards a cenfer, and a bag of co- 

 pal in his hands, that he might give incenfe to the idol 

 with them. When this act. of religion was performed, 

 during which the king remained on his knees, the high- 

 prieft fat down and delivered a difcourfe to him, in 

 which after congratulating him on his advancement, he 

 informed him of the obligation he owed his fubjedb for 

 having raifed him to the throne, and warmly recom- 

 mended to him zeal for religion and juftice, the pro- 

 tection of the poor, and the defence of his native coun- 

 try and kingdom. The allied kings and the nobles 

 next addreffed him to the fame purpofe ; to which the 

 king anfwered with thanks and promifes to exert him- 

 felf to the utmoft of his power for the happinefs of the 

 {late. Gomara, and other authors who have copied 

 him, affirm, that the high-prieft made him fwear to 

 maintain their ancient religion, to obferve the laws of 

 his anceflors, and to make the fun go his courfe, to 

 make the clouds pour down rain, to make the rivers 

 run, and all fruits to ripen. If it is true, that they 

 made the king take fo extravagant an oath, it is pro- 

 bable, that they only meant to oblige him to maintain 

 a conduct worthy of thefe favours from heaven. 



After 



