| CHAPTER VI |
| Account of Montezuma—State of his Empire—Strange Prognostics—Embassy and Presents—Spanish Encampment |
| PAGE |
| Montezuma then upon the Throne | 3 |
| Inaugural Address | 4 |
| The Wars of Montezuma | 5 |
| His civil Policy | 6 |
| Oppression of his Subjects | 7 |
| Foes of his Empire | 8 |
| Superstition of Montezuma | 9 |
| Mysterious Prophecy | 10 |
| Portentous Omens | 11 |
| Dismay of the Emperor | 12 |
| Embassy and presents to the Spaniards | 14 |
| Life in the Spanish Camp | 15 |
| Rich Present from Montezuma | 16 |
| Large gold Wheels | 17 |
| Message from Montezuma | 18 |
| Effects of the Treasure on the Spaniards | 20 |
| Return of the Aztec Envoys | 21 |
| Prohibition of Montezuma | 22 |
| Preaching of Father Olmedo | 23 |
| Desertion of the Natives | 23 |
| CHAPTER VII |
| Troubles in the Camp—Plan of a Colony—Management of Cortés—March to Cempoalla—Proceedings with the Natives—Foundation of Vera Cruz |
| Discontent of the Soldiery | 24 |
| Envoys from the Totonacs | 25 |
| Dissensions in the Aztec Empire | 26 |
| Proceedings in the Camp | 26 |
| Cortés prepares to return to Cuba | 27 |
| Army remonstrate | 28 |
| Cortés yields | 29 |
| Foundation of Villa Rica | 30 |
| Resignation and Reappointment of Cortés | 31 |
| Divisions in the Camp | 32 |
| General Reconciliation | 33 |
| March to Cempoalla | 34 |
| Picturesque Scenery | 35 |
| Remains of Victims | 35 |
| Terrestrial Paradise | 36 |
| Love of Flowers by the Natives | 37 |
| Their splendid Edifices | 38 |
| Hospitable Entertainment at Cempoalla | 39 |
| Conference with the Cacique | 40 |
| Proposals of Alliance | 41 |
| Advance of the Spaniards | 43 |
| Arrival of Aztec Nobles | 44 |
| Artful Policy of Cortés | 45 |
| Allegiance of the Natives | 46 |
| City of Villa Rica built | 47 |
| Infatuation of the Indians | 48 |
| CHAPTER VIII |
| Another Aztec Embassy—Destruction of the Idols—Despatches sent to Spain—Conspiracy in the Camp—The Fleet Sunk |
| Embassy from Montezuma | 49 |
| Its Results | 50 |
| Severe Discipline in the Army | 51 |
| Gratitude of the Cempoallan Cacique | 52 |
| Attempt at Conversion | 53 |
| Sensation among the Natives | 54 |
| The Idols burned | 55 |
| Consecration of the Sanctuary | 56 |
| News from Cuba | 57 |
| Presents for Charles the Fifth | 58 |
| First Letter of Cortés | 59 |
| Despatches to Spain | 61 |
| Agents for the Mission | 62 |
| Departure of the Ship | 63 |
| It touches at Cuba | 64 |
| Rage of Velasquez | 64 |
| Ship arrives in Spain | 65 |
| Conspiracy in the Camp | 66 |
| Destruction of the Fleet | 67 |
| Oration of Cortés | 69 |
| Enthusiasm of the Army | 70 |
| Notice of Las Casas | 72 |
| His Life and Character | 73 |
| Criticism on his Works | 79 |
| BOOK III MARCH TO MEXICO |
| CHAPTER I |
| Proceedings at Cempoalla—The Spaniards climb the Tableland—Picturesque Scenery—Transactions with the Natives—Embassy to Tlascala |
| Squadron off the Coast | 83 |
| Stratagem of Cortés | 85 |
| Arrangement at Villa Rica | 86 |
| Spaniards begin their March | 87 |
| Climb the Cordilleras | 88 |
| Wild Mountain Scenery | 89 |
| Immense Heaps of human Skulls | 93 |
| Transactions with the Natives | 94 |
| Accounts of Montezuma’s Power | 95 |
| Moderation of Father Olmedo | 97 |
| Indian Dwellings | 99 |
| Cortés determines his Route | 100 |
| Embassy to Tlascala | 101 |
| Remarkable Fortification | 102 |
| Arrival in Tlascala | 103 |
| CHAPTER II |
| Republic of Tlascala—Its Institutions—Early History—Discussions in the Senate—Desperate Battles |
| The Tlascalans | 104 |
| Their Migrations | 105 |
| Their Government | 106 |
| Public Games | 107 |
| Order of Knighthood | 108 |
| Internal Resources | 108 |
| Their Civilization | 109 |
| Struggles with the Aztecs | 110 |
| Means of Defence | 111 |
| Sufferings of the Tlascalans | 112 |
| Their hardy Character | 113 |
| Debates in the Senate | 114 |
| Spaniards advance | 115 |
| Desperate Onslaught | 116 |
| Retreat of the Indians | 117 |
| Bivouac of the Spaniards | 118 |
| The Army resumes its March | 119 |
| Immense Host of Barbarians | 120 |
| Bloody Conflict in the Pass | 121 |
| Enemy give Ground | 122 |
| Spaniards clear the Pass | 123 |
| Cessation of Hostilities | 124 |
| Results of the Conflict | 125 |
| Troops encamp for the Night | 126 |
| CHAPTER III |
| Decisive Victory—Indian Council—Night Attack—Negotiations with the Enemy—Tlascalan Hero |
| Envoys to Tlascala | 127 |
| Foraging Party | 128 |
| Bold Defiance by the Tlascalans | 129 |
| Preparations for Battle | 130 |
| Appearance of the Tlascalans | 131 |
| Showy Costume of the Warriors | 132 |
| Their Weapons | 134 |
| Desperate Engagement | 136 |
| The Combat thickens | 137 |
| Divisions among the Enemy | 138 |
| Decisive Victory | 139 |
| Triumph of Science over Numbers | 140 |
| Dread of the Cavalry | 140 |
| Indian Council | 142 |
| Night Attack | 143 |
| Spaniards victorious | 144 |
| Embassy to Tlascala | 145 |
| Peace with the Enemy | 145 |
| Patriotic Spirit of their Chief | 146 |
| CHAPTER IV |
| Discontent in the Army—Tlascalan Spies—Peace with the Republic—Embassy from Montezuma |
| Spaniards scour the Country | 147 |
| Success of the Foray | 148 |
| Discontent in the Camp | 149 |
| Representations of the Malecontents | 150 |
| Reply of Cortés | 151 |
| Difficulties of the Enterprise | 153 |
| Mutilation of the Spies | 154 |
| Interview with the Tlascalan Chief | 156 |
| Peace with the Republic | 158 |
| Embassy from Montezuma | 159 |
| Declines to receive the Spaniards | 160 |
| They advance towards the City | 161 |
| CHAPTER V |
| Spaniards enter Tlascala—Description of the Capital—Attempted Conversion—Aztec Embassy—Invited to Cholula |
| Spaniards enter Tlascala | 164 |
| Rejoicings on their Arrival | 165 |
| Description of Tlascala | 166 |
| Its Houses and Streets | 166 |
| Its Fairs and Police | 167 |
| Divisions of the City | 167 |
| Wild Scenery round Tlascala | 168 |
| Character of the Tlascalans | 169 |
| Vigilance of Cortés | 169 |
| Attempted Conversion | 170 |
| Resistance of the Natives | 170 |
| Zeal of Cortés | 171 |
| Prudence of the Friar | 171 |
| Character of Olmedo | 172 |
| Mass celebrated in Tlascala | 173 |
| The Indian Maidens | 174 |
| Aztec Embassy | 175 |
| Power of Montezuma | 176 |
| Embassy from Ixtlilxochitl | 177 |
| Deputies from Cholula | 178 |
| Invitation to Cholula | 178 |
| Prepare to leave Tlascala | 179 |
| CHAPTER VI |
| City of Cholula—Great Temple—March to Cholula—Reception of the Spaniards—Conspiracy Detected |
| City of Cholula | 180 |
| Its History | 181 |
| Religious Traditions | 182 |
| Its ancient Pyramid | 183 |
| Temple of Quetzalcoatl | 184 |
| Holy City | 185 |
| Magnificent Scenery | 187 |
| Spaniards leave Tlascala | 188 |
| Indian Volunteers | 189 |
| Army enters Cholula | 190 |
| Brilliant Reception | 191 |
| Envoys from Montezuma | 192 |
| Suspicions of Conspiracy | 193 |
| Fidelity of Marina | 194 |
| Alarming Situation of Cortés | 195 |
| Intrigues with the Priests | 196 |
| Interview with the Caciques | 197 |
| Night-watch of the Spaniards | 198 |
| CHAPTER VII |
| Terrible Massacre—Tranquillity Restored—Reflections on the Massacre—Further Proceedings—Envoys from Montezuma |
| Preparations for a secret Assault | 200 |
| Natives collect in the Square | 200 |
| The Signal given | 201 |
| Terrible Massacre | 202 |
| Onset of the Tlascalans | 203 |
| Defence of the Pyramid | 204 |
| Division of the Spoil | 205 |
| Restoration of Order | 206 |
| Reflections on the Massacre | 207 |
| Right of Conquest | 208 |
| Missionary Spirit | 209 |
| Policy of Cortés | 211 |
| His perilous Situation | 212 |
| Cruelty to be charged on him | 212 |
| Terror of “the White Gods” | 215 |
| The Cross raised in Cholula | 217 |
| Victims liberated from the Cages | 217 |
| Christian Temple reared on the Pyramid | 217 |
| Embassy from Montezuma | 218 |
| Departure of the Cempoallans | 219 |
| CHAPTER VIII |
| March resumed—Ascent of the Great Volcano—Valley of Mexico—Impression on the Spaniards—Conduct of Montezuma—They descend into the Valley |
| Spaniards leave Cholula | 221 |
| Signs of Treachery | 222 |
| The Army reaches the Mountains | 223 |
| Wild Traditions | 223 |
| The great Volcano | 224 |
| Spaniards ascend its Sides | 225 |
| Perils of the Enterprise | 226 |
| Subsequent Ascent | 227 |
| Descent into the Crater | 228 |
| The Troops suffer from the Tempest | 229 |
| First View of the Valley | 230 |
| Its Magnificence and Beauty | 230 |
| Impression on the Spaniards | 232 |
| Disaffection of the Natives to Montezuma | 233 |
| Embassy from the Emperor | 234 |
| His gloomy Apprehensions | 234 |
| Silence of the Oracles | 235 |
| Spaniards advance | 236 |
| Death of the Spies | 237 |
| Arrival of the Tezcucan Lord | 238 |
| Floating Gardens | 240 |
| Crowds assembled on the Roads | 241 |
| Army reaches Iztapalapan | 242 |
| Its celebrated Gardens | 243 |
| Striking View of Mexico | 245 |
| CHAPTER IX |
| Environs of Mexico—Interview with Montezuma—Entrance into the Capital—Hospitable Reception—Visit to the Emperor |
| Preparations to enter the Capital | 246 |
| Army enters on the great Causeway | 247 |
| Beautiful Environs | 248 |
| Brilliant Procession of Chiefs | 249 |
| Splendid Retinue of Montezuma | 250 |
| Dress of the Emperor | 252 |
| His Person | 252 |
| His Reception of Cortés | 253 |
| Spaniards enter the Capital | 254 |
| Feelings of the Aztecs | 256 |
| Hospitable Reception | 258 |
| The Spanish Quarters | 259 |
| Precaution of the General | 259 |
| Visited by the Emperor | 260 |
| His rich Presents | 261 |
| Superstitious Terrors | 262 |
| Royal Palace | 263 |
| Description of its Interior | 264 |
| Cortés visits Montezuma | 265 |
| Attempts to convert the Monarch | 265 |
| Entire Failure | 266 |
| His religious Views | 267 |
| Montezuma’s Eloquence | 268 |
| His courteous Bearing | 269 |
| Reflections of Cortés | 270 |
| Notice of Herrera | 272 |
| Criticism on his History | 274 |
| Life of Toribio | 274 |
| Peter Martyr | 277 |
| His Works | 278 |
| BOOK IV RESIDENCE IN MEXICO |
| CHAPTER I |
| Tezcucan Lake—Description of the Capital—Palaces and Museums—Royal Household—Montezuma’s Way of Life |
| Lake of Tezcuco | 281 |
| Its Diminution | 282 |
| Floating Islands | 283 |
| The ancient Dikes | 284 |
| Houses of ancient Mexico | 285 |
| Its Streets | 286 |
| Its Population | 288 |
| Its Aqueducts and Fountains | 292 |
| The imperial Palace | 293 |
| Adjoining Edifices | 294 |
| Magnificent Aviary | 294 |
| Extensive Menagerie | 295 |
| Collection of Dwarfs | 296 |
| Gardens | 297 |
| Royal Hill of Chapoltepec | 298 |
| Wives of Montezuma | 299 |
| His Meals | 300 |
| Luxurious Dessert | 303 |
| Custom of Smoking | 304 |
| Ceremonies at Court | 305 |
| Economy of the Palace | 306 |
| Oriental Civilization | 308 |
| Reserve of Montezuma | 309 |
| Symptoms of Decline of Power | 309 |
| CHAPTER II |
| Market of Mexico—Great Temple—Interior Sanctuaries—Spanish Quarters |
| Mexican Costume | 311 |
| Great Market of Mexico | 312 |
| Quarter of the Goldsmiths | 313 |
| Booths of the Armorers | 314 |
| Provisions for the Capital | 315 |
| Throngs in the Market | 317 |
| Aztec Money | 318 |
| The great Temple | 319 |
| Its Structure | 320 |
| Dimensions | 321 |
| Instruments of Worship | 322 |
| Grand View from the Temple | 323 |
| Shrines of the Idols | 325 |
| Imprudence of Cortés | 327 |
| Interior Sanctuaries | 328 |
| Mound of Skulls | 329 |
| Aztec Seminaries | 330 |
| Impression on the Spaniards | 332 |
| Hidden Treasures | 333 |
| Mass performed in Mexico | 334 |
| CHAPTER III |
| Anxiety of Cortés—Seizure of Montezuma—His Treatment by the Spaniards—Execution of his Officers—Montezuma in Irons—Reflections |
| Anxiety of Cortés | 335 |
| Council of War | 336 |
| Opinions of the Officers | 337 |
| Bold Project of Cortés | 337 |
| Plausible Pretext | 338 |
| Interview with Montezuma | 341 |
| Accusation of Montezuma | 342 |
| His Seizure | 345 |
| He is carried to the Spanish Quarters | 346 |
| Tumult among the Aztecs | 346 |
| Montezuma’s Treatment | 347 |
| Vigilant Patrol | 348 |
| Trial of the Aztec Chiefs | 350 |
| Montezuma in Irons | 351 |
| Chiefs burnt at the Stake | 351 |
| Emperor allowed to return | 352 |
| Declines this Permission | 353 |
| Reflections on these Proceedings | 354 |
| Views of the Conquerors | 356 |
| CHAPTER IV |
| Montezuma’s Deportment—His Life in the Spanish Quarters—Meditated Insurrection—Lord of Tezcuco seized—Further Measures of Cortes |
| Troubles at Vera Cruz | 358 |
| Vessels built on the Lake | 359 |
| Montezuma’s Life in the Spanish Quarters | 360 |
| His Munificence | 361 |
| Sensitive to Insult | 362 |
| The Emperor’s Favorites | 363 |
| Spaniards attempt his Conversion | 364 |
| Brigantines on the Lake | 365 |
| The Royal Chase | 365 |
| Lord of Tezcuco | 366 |
| Meditated Insurrection | 368 |
| Policy of Cortés | 369 |
| Tezcucan Lord in Chains | 370 |
| Further Measures of Cortés | 371 |
| Surveys the Coast | 372 |