Soon after he cast anchor, two large canoes, called piraguas, came off to the ships, and the Indians addressed him in a language which his interpreter, Aguilar, did not understand. This embarrassment was removed by Mariana, who, being acquainted with the Mexican and Yucatan tongues, interpreted to Aguilar what the Mexican said, and he imparted it to Cortes. By this double interpretation the general learned, that Pilpatoe, governor, and Teutile, captain-general of that province, had sent to know with what intention they came on their coast: when Cortes presenting them with a few baubles, and treating them with some Spanish wine, told them, that he came as a friend, to treat of matters of great importance to their prince,

CHAP. II.

Cortes sends a present to Montezuma, and receives one from that prince. State of the Mexican empire. Mutinous disposition of the Spaniards. Cortes forms a settlement, marches to Quiabislan, concludes an alliance with the cacique of Zempoalla, seizes Montezuma's commissaries, forms a confederacy of the Indian caciques, builds Vera Cruz, and receives another deputation from Montezuma.

ON Good Friday the Spaniards landed, and having got their horses and artillery on shore, Cortes directed the soldiers to cut fascines, in order to intrench themselves, and to build a sufficient number of huts to shelter them from the excessive heat of the sun, when Teutile sending a great number of the natives, Cortes kept himself upon his guard, and planted his artillery in such a manner as to command the country. On Easter Day he was visited by Teutile and Pilpatoe, attended by a very

great retinue; he received them with extraordinary state, surrounded by his officers and soldiers. The first compliments being passed, and it being the hour of divine service, he conducted them into a large hut, and ordered Aguilar and Mariana to tell them, that before he acquainted them with the design of his voyage he ought to comply with the duty of his religion, and to recommend to the God of all other gods the success of his proposal. After service was over, Cortes returned to his quarters, where the two generals were entertained at dinner, in as splendid a manner as possible, and that being ended, he called his interpreters, and then with a determined air told them, that he came to treat with the emperor Montezuma, on the part of Don Carlos of Austria, monarch of the East, on affairs of great importance, both with respect to himself and all his subjects; for this reason it was necessary for him to appear before his royal presence, to which he hoped to be admitted with all the respect due to the greatness of the king his master.

Cortes's guests appeared alarmed at this declaration, and, before they returned an answer, ordered their attendants to bring in the presents they had brought with them. Upon which twenty or thirty persons entered, loaded with provisions, fine cloth, feathers of various colours, and a large box, in which were several pieces of gold, curiously wrought, Then turning to Cortes, Teutile desired him to accept that small present from two of Montezuma's slaves, who had orders to entertain such strangers as landed upon his coast; but begged he would not think of prosecuting his design, it being no easy matter to speak with their prince. To this Corte replied, that kings never refused to hear the am

bassadors of other princes, and that their business was to acquaint Montezuma with his arrival, and that he was resolved to see him before he left the

country.

The Indian generals, confounded at this boldness, earnestly intreated him not to move from his quarters, until they had received Montezuma's answer; assuring him that, in the mean time, they would supply him with every thing necessary for the support of his soldiers.

During this conference, some Mexican painters were busily employed in drawing upon cotton cloths, the ships, soldiers, arms, artillery, horses, and whatever appeared remarkable, which they introduced into different landscapes, that were no way contemptible, either for the drawing or colouring. These pictures were designed to give Montezuma some idea of what appeared too extraordinary to be fully described by words; and here and there were placed some characters, which seemed to explain the picture.

Cortes being informed of what these painters were doing, went out to see them; when observing that these figures conveyed but a very inadequate idea of his military strength, he ordered to arms, and commanded the artillery to be made ready; then telling Teutile and Pilpatoe, that he would entertain them after the manner of his country, he mounted his horse, with his captains, who marched two and two, to the amazement of the Indians, who seeing such stately animals so obedient to their riders, imagined that there was something supernatural in those who could manage them with such ease and dexterity. Cortes then, dividing his troops into two bodies, fought a mock battle, which

created such astonishment and confusion among these people, by the fire of the musketry and artillery, that some fell down upon the ground, others ran away, and those who had most presence of mind, were fixed to the spot with terror and admiration. Cortes now endeavoured to dissipate their apprehensions, by assuring them, that these were only military diversions. The painters immediately began to represent the Spaniards armed and drawn up in ranks; the horses in the attitude of their exercises, and the artillery with fire and smoke. Meanwhile Cortes returned to his house with the two generals, and after having made them a present, prepared one for Montezuma, consisting of several polished looking-glasses, a holland shirt, a cap of crimson velvet, adorned with a gold medal, and a tapestry chair.

Teutile and Pilpatoe seeming much pleased with their entertainment, took their leave; but retiring only to a small distance, held a consultation, in which it was agreed, that the latter should remain on that spot, to observe the motions of the Spaniards. Pilpatoe's attendants immediately began to build houses, and a considerable village was formed in a few hours; but, lest Cortes should be offended at this step, he sent to inform him, that he staid there in order to be at hand to provide for his entertainment, and to supply his troops with provisions. Though Cortes guessed his real intention, he concealed his suspicions, and Pilpatoe continued to supply him with provisions in great plenty. Meanwhile Teutile dispatched messengers to Montezuma, with an account of what had happened, the pictures drawn by his order, and Cortes's present. Montezuma was provided with a great number

of couriers, chosen from the swiftest of the Indians, and an answer was returned from Mexico, within seven days, though the distance from that city to Juan de Ulua amounted to sixty leagues. Montezuma's message to Cortes was brought by Teutile, with that prince's present, which was carried by a hundred Indians, and consisted of very fine cotton robes, and many curiosities formed of feathers, where the beautiful variety of the colours was so mixed and disposed, by the skill of the artist, that, without making use of artificial colours, or of the pencil, they formed curious pictures, and a very fine imitation of natural objects. They also brought a great number of bows, arrows, and targets made of the finest wood; two large circular plates, the one of gold, representing the sun, the other of silver, with the figure of the moon; a considerable quantity of precious stones, pieces of gold, gold collars, rings, pendants, and other ornaments of the same metal, in the shape of birds and beasts, so curiously wrought, that the workmanship seemed to exceed the value of the metal. These several articles being placed in order, on mats made of palm-tree leaves, Teutile turned to Cortes, and told him, by the interpreters, that the great emperor Montezuma had sent him these things in return for his present, and to show him how much he valued the friendship of the king his sovereign; but it was neither convenient nor possible at that time to admit him to his court. Cortes returned thanks for the present, and answered, that it was far from his design to be wanting in obedience to Montezuma, but that he could not dishonour a king, that was respected among the greatest princes in the world, by returning without fulfilling his orders.