112 
MEXICO, 
I cannot conclude the account of this god without referring to a tra- 
dition which is given in relation to him, by Acosta, in his Natural and 
Moral History, book 4th, chap, xxiv., and is repeated by Clavigero and 
Dr. McCulloh. , . , . 
Two days before his festival, an idol representing him was made by 
the sacred Virgins, of grains of parched corn and seeds of beets, mixed 
together with honey or the Wood of cMdren. This they clothed with a 
splendid dress and seated on a litter. _ 
On the morning of the festal day this figure was borne m solemn pro- 
cession around the city of Mexico, and then carried to the temple, where 
they had prepared a great quantity of the same paste of seeds and blood 
of which the priests also made an idol, called ^^the flesh and hones of 
Huitzilopotchtli. , .„ , 
After certain ceremonials and consecration, the image was sacrificed 
as they sacrificed their human victims, "and his body was broken into 
small pieces, ^vhich, together with those portions called Ms 'flesh and hones 
were distributed among the people^ who, according to Acosta, received 
the same with tears, fear and reverence, as if it was an admirable thmg, 
saying that they did eat the flesh and hones of God, wherewith they were 
.rieved. Such as had any sick folks," continues Acosta, "demanded 
thereof for them, and carried it with great reverence and devotion. 
