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This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1767 Excerpt: ...reserved as a present for his first audience; and coming up close to the emperor, he threw it about his neck. The princes who supported him, shewed some emotion, and interposed§fo prevent Cortes, signifying that it was unlawful to approach so near: but they were reprimanded by Motezuma, who bowed his head to shew that he accepted the present; and whidl he returned, by putting upon Cortes's neck a rich ornament of crimson shells, joined together with great art, at each of which hung four crabs of gold of excellent workmanship. Cortes then made a short speech; which being answered by Motezuma, he ordered one of the supporters to conduct conduct the stranger to his lodging, and then leaning on the other, went to his chair and returned to the palace. In this manner Cortes entered the city of Mexico on the 8th of November, 1519. One of ihe royal palaces was provided for the Spaniards. It was built by Motezuma's father, and was large enough to lodge the whole army. It had very thick stone walls; was Ranked with towers, and many of the chambers were furnished with cotton hangings, and featherwork of various colours. The chairs were formed out of solid pieces of wood, and the bedsteads had curtains like pavilions; the beds themselves were of palm-mats, and the bolsters of the fame, rolled up. Cortes entered these lodgings a little after twelve at noon; and had no sooner distributed his guards and placed his artillery before the gate, than he found a splendid banquet prepared for himself and his officers, and great plenty of provisions dressed for the soldiers, with many Mexicans who immediately waited upon them-in the most profound silence. In the evening Cortes was visited by Motezuma, who came in the fame state as before. Ccf tes went to the principal square...