•v., .

I

THE

\TATURALL and MORAL!

HISTORIE

Of the EAST and WEST INDIES^

BY

JOSEPH ACQSTA;

TranflatedbyE.G.

LONDON, PRINTED*

X

VAULT

'

To the right Honorable Sir Robert
Gid\\Kjiightr "Baron of Efsmgden,

Vi count Cranborne, principail Secretary to his
Maieftie3mafter of the Court oF Wardes and Liveries,
*»dtw of bis Highneffe moft honour Me
Privic Counfcli.

Ight Honorable; Ifitap-
peare preemption in me
to ihew my love, my du-
tie betraies me to it. The
advantage I have gleaned
from idle houres/in ex
changing this Indian Hi-
ftory from Spanifti to En-
glifli , is commended to
your Honors Patronage,
'whofe firft father lofefh

hath with great obfervation made vvorthie
the over-looking. A greater motive then that you are
your felfe, needed not to excite me to this dedication.
I befeech you my good Lord, take it into flielter 5 and
receive that which is not, for that which I would it
were. Let my infufficiencie be mcafured by my good
will. So fhall my poore abilities thrive vnder your in-
couragement, and happily leade me on to fome ftron-
gervndertaking • wherein I fliall bee bound to thanke
you for mine o wne paines,and for ever remaine

1C our Lordjlipswbjl devoted

E. G.

The Authors ad vertifement

to the Readciv

ANT have written fttndry
and difcourfes of the New World
at ffeWcft Indies, wherein they dc-
fcribe new and ftrange things difco-
vercdin thofepartes y with the affes
and adventures of the Spaniards,
which have conquered and peopled
thofe Countries. But hitherto I have
not(cene_anj__ other Author^ which ireatesofthe caufisand
rzdfons of thefe novelties and wonders of nature * or that
bath made any JearcJ? thereof, Neither have 1 readanj
booh which maktth mention of the hiftqrie-s-ofthe ant tent
-, axdnatnrsM inhabitants o the New World.

truth the ft two things are difficult^ Thefrjl being the works
of Nat ure,c oxtrarie to the antient and received Philosophy,
& to flew that the region which they call the burning Zone,
uvery moift, and in rm&yplices very temperate , and that
it r aines there , whenas the Sunne it neereft , withfach /ike
things. Forfuch a* have written of the Weft Indies, have
not made profesfion offo deepe Philippine ; yea, the greatest
ofthd ft Writers have had no knowledge thereof. The

ficwcl thing it treats of, i^ ofthe proper hitlorie ofthelncj}.
ans ,/thewbich requiredmtTcI^conference and travaile a*

wong

To the Readier.

ians themfdves: the which mofl of them that
have treated of the Indies could not doe, either not vnder-
fan ding the language , or not curious in the fear ch of their
Antiquities: fe& they havcbeene contented t& handle thofe
things which have beene moft common andfiperfciall. De-
firing therefore to have Jcme wore particular knowledge
thereof, 1 have beene carefull to tearnefrem men* of great eft
experience arsdbejlfeene in thefe matter s^and to gather fom
their difcottrfes and relations , what I have thought ft to
give knowledge ofthe_deedcs and cuftomej)£jrfjjfi people.
And for that whichconcernes the nature efthofe Countries,
aud their properties , ihavt learned Lt by the experience of
many friends, jind by my dilligence tofearch> discover ^ and
confer re with men of Judgement and knowledge. In my. opi-*
mon there are many advertifements , which mayferve hnd
benefit better wits for the fear ching out of the truthjr topro-
ceede farther , in fading that pleafng which is centeined
heerein.So as although this ne w World be not new, but old^
in refyectfif the much which hath beene written thereof \ yet
this hijlorie may in fomefort be held for new ^for it is partly
and partly philosophic all } as wellforj^at they are

we workes vfnaiure^as offee-witl^ which are The deedes and
fuflomes of men , the which hath caufed mee to name it the
e2^atura!i and MorattHtftorie of the Indies. Containing
thefi two things : Inthe frfttwo bookes mention & made of
that which concernesl^l}eavensj£^fperjMre^ and habits
tion of the world^vlnch books 1 badfrft written in Latine,&
now 1 have translated them into Spanifo, vfmg more the li
berty of an author, then thejlrict bonds of a tranjlatorjo ap
ply my filfthe better to thofefor whom it is written in the vul
gar tong. Inthejwj^ollowing books \i* treated of that which
cdncernes the Elements and natur all mixtures, as Mettalls,
at elfe is remarkable at the Indies. The

To the Reader.

r$ qftkjtfsfa ydattwhat I could ceruiml^i^over. and
what fthought wonKe memory of the Indians tfitmfitves,
their Ceremonies.Cufloms .Governments .Wars. & Adven
tures. InthefamePIiftorie foallbsjpoken (a* IcouU learnt
and comprehend)) of the figures of the anticntjndians, fee-
ing they had no writing nor charters a* we have, which &
nofmall indttftry to have preferved their Antiquities, with
out the vfe of letters. To conclude, thefcopeofthis workcit,
that having knowledge of the workes of nature , which the
wifi Author of all naturtmade , we may praifi and glorife
thehighGed, who is wonderfull in allthings and all places.
And having knowledge of the Indians cujloJnes.wemaj helpe
them more etfily to followed per fever in ththigh vocation'
of the Gofyd-jo the knowledge whereof, the Lord would draw
Ibis blin'de nation tin thefe Utter daks. Be fides al thefe things,
every one mayfucke out fome profit for hiwfelfe^ for that the
wife do alwaies draw forth fome good out &fthejmaleft fub-
ietf^ aswefnde dttpe Philofophiemtht leajl andlafeft crea
tures. Ij^jnely a<Lyjrj&de Reader, that the twofrft
fookes oJThuhiftorie or di(courfey wn ^written in Peru, a* J
n Europe, dutie binding me to reiwne

into thefe panes :fo asfomefyeake of matters of the Indies,^
of things prefint^and others, as being abfent. And therefore I
have thought it good to advertife the Reader heereofjkat thi*
diverfitie offieach may not be trouble fome vnto him.

Farewell.

FIRST BOOKE

of the Naturall and Morall

Hiftorie of the Eaft and

Weft Indies.

Oftfo ofiniow

the Heavens did not ex tend to the new-found world,

The firft Chapter,

H E Ancients were {bfarre from
conceypt, that this iiew- found
world was peopled by any Na
tion, that many -of them could
not imagine there was any land
on that part rand (which is more
worthie of admiration ) fe>mc
have flatly denyed^that the Heavens (which we now
beholde) could extend thither. For although the
greateft part, (y ea, the moft famous among the Phi-
lofophcrs ) have well knowne that the Heaven was
round(as in effed it is) and by that meanes did com-
paffe and comprehend within it felf the whole earth:
yet many, ( yea , of the holy doctors of greateft au-

B thoritie)

i The Wjtturalland Morall

thoritie) have difagreecl in opinion vpon this point:
fuppofing the frame of this vniverfall world jobee
lafhioned fike vnto a houfe ; whereas the rooletHat
covers it, invirons onely the vpper part > and not the
reft : inferring by their reafons, thauhe^riijhould
clfe hang in the middeft of the ayre » the"which fee-
med vnto them voyd of fenfe. For as we fee in every
building, the ground-worke and foundation on the
one fide , and the cover oppofite vnto it : even fo in
this great building of the world , the Heaven fhould
remaine above on the orie p;trt,and the earth vndcr
it. The glorious Gbryfotttiwe, ( aman better feenein
the ftudie of holy Scriptures , then In the knowkdge
of Philofophie) feemes to be of this opinion, when
dnyfip.t*nui.'m ^s Commentaries vpon the Epiftle to the He-
j4 e«r 17. in <- brewes, he doth laugh at thofe , which hold the hea-
f\f *n4 Hiht. vcns to ^g round. And it feemes, the holy Scripture
doth inferre as much ^ terming the Heavens a Taber
nacle or Frame built by the hand]o£God7And hee
pafleth fiirther vpon this point, laying ,^]rfiatwhich
cbry(hym.6.i$ moovgjnd^goesas not the Heaven, but thg'SimnCj
M Gmffc* Moonc and Starres which tnoovein the heaven , "e-

hom.iz.4d pop. r~— -^r-y — — -r t , . .. y . . ,

*4ntMl>. ven as Sparrowes arid other birds mocve Hi the ayre:
contrary to that, which the Philofbphers hold, that
they turne with the Heaven it felfe, as the armes of a
wheele doe with the wheelc. ike&dwtt a vgyffiavc
Authour , fbllowes Ctiryfiflme in this opinion, and
Tbeopkilus likewife, as hee is accuftomed almoft in

.1 Heopim.tnca- /. ' - f

t>it*i.8.<t<lHc- allthinges. But Laffatitfus FttfmMfi&bove all the reit,
j- holding the Taine opinion, doth mocke the Peripa-
.14. tetickesandAcademickes, which give the heaven a
' round forme, placing the earth in the middeft there
of : forthatitfecmeth ridiculous vnto him, that the

earth

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. u

earth fhould hang in the ayre,asisbeforefayde. By
which his opinion, hee is conformable vnto Epicurus.
who holdeth, that on the other part of the earth, there
is nothing but a Chaos and infinite gulph. And it fee-
meth that SJtnmej^^ opinion, wri-, ler!tt ifl ^

tinf vpon tlielipiftle to the Ephefians inthefewordes. tfiefM.L +.
The n At wall Philofiphcr by his contemplation pierceth to
the height of heaven yand on the other fart hefndeth a great
vattin the depth and bowels of the earth. Some likewise
fliy that Procopiw affirmes ( the which I have not feene) sm*, sfnenf.
vpon the booke of Gencjis> thauhcopinion of ^^n-J^^i^.^
^^^jouchingriie FormeandrircBBr mononrofth^^ ***
Heaven, is contrarie and repugnant to the holy Scrip
tures. But whatsoever the Ancients fiy or holde tou
ching this point, it muft not trouble vs, for that it is vvel
knowne and verified, that they have not beene fo ftu-
dious in the knowledge and demonftrations of Philo-
fophie , beeing bufied in other ftudies of farrc greater
importance. But that which is more to be admired 5 is,
thatjlixf ugustine himfelfe , fo wgjjfcgpe ^n all natural! ^»gMt>.*.h
SciencesTj^a, very learned in Artrologrfand Phyficke, <**»•** u**.*
remaynes yet ftill in doubt,not able to refolvc, whether
the Heaven did compafle in the earth on all parts. What id.Tf*i.n.
carel (faith hc)ifwefaf>pofe_ the Heaven doth invir on the
earth on all parts like vnte a bowle, beeing m the mtddefl of
the world, as a bottome is compared with three d : or that we
fay it is notfo, and that the Heaven cover eth the earth of one
part onely,<tsa$reatBa(in that hangs over it. In thefame
place he feemeth to (hew, ( nay,hee fpeakcth plainely)
that there is no certaine demonftration , to proove the
figure of the world to be round , but oncly by fimplc
coniedures. In \yhich places cited and others 5 they
hold the circular motion of the Heaven very doubt-

B z full.

T&ethfyturattanclAdorafl

full. But wee ought not ta take it bffenclvely , nor
cftccmelefleof ^hc Dodors of the holy ChiirchaFin
iome points of Philofophic and naturall knowledge,
they have varied in opinion from that which is helde
for good philofophie- feeing all their ftudie hath been
to know, preach and ferve the Creator of all things,
wherein they have bin excellent , and having well im-
ployed their ftudies in caufes of greater waight , it is a
(mail matter in them, not to have knowen all particu
larities concerning the creatures. ButthofeyainjrPhi-
lofophcis of outage ^ are much more tc^elblamed,
"who having attayned to theknowledg?or3iebeing
and order of the creatures, and of the courfe and mo
tion of the Heavens, have not yet learned ( wretched
as they are) to knowe the Creator of all things,but
bufyingthemfelves wholly in his workes5have not yet
mounted by their imaginations to the knowledge of
the Soveraigae Author thereof^ the holy Scripture
teachethvs : orif they have knownc him, they have
not ferved and glorified him, as they ought, blinded
with their imaginations , whereof the Apoftle doth
accufe and blauie them.

That the Heaven Is round on .all parts, mooting in his
courfi of it fdfe. CHAP. 2.

BVt comming to our fubied: there is no doubt.but
the opinion which ^sfriHotk and the otherPeri-
pateticks held with the Stoicks, (that the figure of
Heaven was round , and did moove circularly in his

courfe)

Hitter ie of the Indies, lib. i . 5

courfc)is Ib -peifcdly true • as we which doe now live
in /Vr»,rce it viijtbly. Wheriri'experience ihould be of
more force, then all Philofophicall demonfcrationSj
being futGci in t to proove that the Heaven is round,
and comprehends aod contaynes the earth within it
of jl parts. And to cleere any doubt that might grow,
itlUiticetliLhatlhaveieenein this our Hemifphere,
that part of Heaven which turnes about this earth,
the which was vnknowne to the Ancients ; and have
obferved the two Poles, whereon the Heavens turne,
as vpon their Axeltrees. I lay, the Artickc or North
Pole , which thofe of JEar^/beholde , and the other
AntartickeorSouthcrnc Pole (whereof faint c>///-
gu?ime\$ in doubt) the which we change and take for G^^di
the North here at Peru, having pafTed the Equinodli- c'^'10'
"allline. Finally ? itfiifSceththat I have faylcdjieere
yo.degreesTrom North to ^outh, that is, forry ofihe
5he iide ot the line, and 23 .on the otherTomitting at
this prefent the teftimony^of others , which have fay- % Q
led much farther then my Idfc, & in a greater height, ^
comming n?ere yp.degrees towards the fourh. Who
will not omf eflc,bu t the (hip called the Viftom (wor-
thie doubtlefle of et mail memorie) hath wonne the
honor and praife to have beft difcovercd and com-
paffed i-he round earth, yea, that great Cbacsy and inff-^
dite Vafl^whkh the ancient Philosophers affirmed to
beevnder.the earth, having compailed about the
w'nrlde , and circled the vaftnefTe of the great Qcews.
Who is hee then, that will not confefle by this Navi«
gation, but the whole earth ( although it were big -geF
then it is defcribed) is fubiedt to the jfeet of man , h e-
ing he may meafure itc' Thus^vvithoutjoubt the Hea
ven is of a round and perfect figure 3 and the earth

B 3 likewife

6 The Njtmull and Mcrall

likevvife imb racing and ioyning with the water,makes
one globe or round bowie framed of thefe two ele
ments, having their bounds & limits within their own
roundnes & greatnes. The which may be fufficiently
proved by reafons of Philofophie and Aftrologie, lea
ving al fubtil definitions commonly obie<Sed. That,to
the rnoft perfe<5i body, (which is the Heaven) we muft
give the moft perfect figure , which without doubt
is round : , whofe circular motion could not be firme
nor equall in it felfe , if it had any corner or nooke of
any fide,or if it were crooked, ( as of neceflitie it muft
be ) if the Sun, Moone & ftars, made not their courfe
about the whole world. But leaving all thefe reafons,
it feemes that the Moone is fufficient in this cafe, as a 7
faithfull witneile of the Heaven it felfe ,Jeeing that i
her Eclypfe happens , but when as the roundneffe of
the carm oppofeth it felfe^diametralljTBetwixt her and
the Sunne , and by that meanes keepes the Sunne-
beames from finning on her. The which could not
chance, if the earth were not in the midft of the world
compared in and invironed by the whole Heaven.
Some haue doubted whether the light of the Moone
were borrowed from thebrightnes of the Sunne : but
itisneedleffe, feeing there can bee found no other
caufeoftheEdipfe, full, and quarters of the Moone,
but the communication of the beames which proceed
from the Sunne. In likefortif wee will carefully exa>
mine this matter,jgdhallfinde that the darkeneile of
the night proceedesTrotn no other cau(el>utfrom thcT
fhadow which the earth makes, notfufferingthe light
of the funne Jto rpafle to 'the other parte of the hea-
ven,where his beam esfhine not . If then it be Co, that
the funne pafTeth no farther, neyther doth caft his

beames

Hi ft orie of the Indies, lib. i. j

beanies on the other part of the earth, but onely turner
about,and returnes to his fetting,making a ridge vpon
the earth by his turning, ( the which he muft of force
confeffe , that flhall denie the roundnes of the heaven,
feeing (according to their faying) the heaven as aba-
fen doth onely couer the face of the ear thj it fhould
then plainly follow, that wee could not obferue the
difference betwixt the 'dates and nights, the which in
fome regions befhort and long according to thefea-
fons,and in fbme are alwaies equall : the which S. Au-
guftint noteth in his bookes De Genefladlitteram. That
we may eafily^comprehend the oppofitions, convert
6ns,elevatTons, defcents, and all other afpeds and diC
pofitions of Planets and ftarres, when we fhall vnder-
ftand they move , and yet notwithftanding the hea
ven remaines firme and immoveable . The which fee-
meth to me eafie to comprehend, and will be to all o-
thers, if it may be lawfull to imagine that which my
fancy doth conceive : for if we fuppofetha^every flar
and planet be a body of it felfe, & thatlt beled&^uL
b

<Rd byan Angell,as Habacuc was carried into Babtlon:
who I pray you is fo blind^but feeth that all the diverfe
afpe<5ts which we fee a ppeare in planets & ftarres may
proceede from the diuerfity of motion which he that
guides them doth voluntarily giue them. We cannot
then with any reafbn affirme^but that this fpace & regi
on by which they faine that ftars do continually march
androwle, is elementarie and corruptible, feeing it di
vides it felfe when they paffe, the which vndoubtedly
do not pafle by any void place.If then the region where
in the ftarres and planets move, be corruptible, the ftars
and planets of their owne motion (hould be, by rea
fbn likcwife corruptible, and fo by confequence they

B muft

8 The 3\(dturall and Morall

mnft altery change, and be finally extinft :; for naturally
that which is conteincd is no more durable then that
which conteinf th. And to fay that the Cdcftiali bodies
b£corruptibieat agreeth not witlTthe • plalme, That God
wtde than for etw:Md it is lefTe conformable to the or.
der & prefervation of this vniverfall world . 1 fay moie-
..- overdo confirme this truth, that the heauens nioyc^ and
in them the ftarres march in turning,the which we can^
not eafily difcerne with our eyes, feeing we fee that not
•enely theftarrcs do moue, butalfb the regions & wh :le
parts of heaven : Ifpeakenotonely of the fhining ;md
moft refplendcnt parts, as^of that which wecall r/rf /afL
ca i and the vulgar, S. /^gg^j^y., but alfoofthe darRer
and obfcurer parts in hcaven.For there we fee really 3as it
were fpots and darkenes, which are moft apparent : the
which I remember not to haue feene at any time in Eu~
rqge?but at Perujrid in thisothcr Hemifpherel haue of
ten feene them very apparantTThefe fpors are in colour
and forme like vhto theEclips of the Moone , and are
like vnto it in blacknesand daikencs : they rnarch,fixed
to the feme ftarrcs, alwaies of one forme and bignes,as
we haue noted by infallible cbfervat :on. It may be this
w ill feem e ftr 2 n ej2Jo tn e; & t h ey w i I ! dem and w h en ce

To the which I can

not aiif-verc othcnvifeat this ti?T?e^ but fas thcPhilofo-
phers do affirnrcj that thisT/4 Arrf7^r, or miiken-way,, is
compounded of the thickef} parts of the heaven rand
for this caufe it rcceiues tlie greats? 1'ght , and controri-
wife there are other pat ts very thinne and tranfparent,
the which receiuing lefftliglitfeemc more blacke & ob-
fcure. Whether this be the true realbn or no, I dare not
certenly affinne. Yet is it true, that according to the
figure ihcfeipots haveuHieavcn , theyjnou^witjijhe

Tame

ffiftorie ofthe<fndie$ hb.i. 9

fame proportion with their ftarres without any (epara-
tion: the which is a true,certaine? and often noted expe.
riencc. It followe th then by all that we haue faid, that
the heaven containeth in it all the parts of the earth, cir
cling continually about it, without any more doubt. ,

How the holy Serif tur£ tetchett v$ that the earth ism
middtjl of the world* CHAP. 5.

A Lthough itfeemes to Pr^cop^Ga^a^nd to fbnre
-^•*» others of his opinion , that it is repugnant to the
holy Scripture to place the earth in the middcft of the H^^.
world, and to (ay that the heaven is round.-yet in truth, Sap. i.i 7. n,
this do&ritie is not repugnant,but conformable to that **'
which it doth t?ach vs . For laying afide the tearmes $947*
which the Scripture itfelfedoth vfe in many phces, Ir)li37-
The romdnefft of the earth -. And thatwhich it fiycth in
an other place, that whatfoevcr is corporeall,is vnviro.
ned and compared in by the heavens , and conteyneci
within the roundncs thereof : at the lead thy cannot
deny , but that place of Eccldiaftes is very plaine,
where it is faid , The Sunneripthand p?.<? andreturnesto
the fim* pLc^andfo begins to npagaifft: he fakes blscovrfc
by the South jurnin^ towards the North :thtffetr;t march tb
co>7it)ifsing about all thinges , .and then returnes to thtfiwe
p'ace. In this place the, paraphrafe and expolmon of
Gregwic Ncoceforien, or Nazinri^enefajt. th , The Sunns
batting runnt about the whole earth, relumes as it were tur
ning to the fa ''#£ &?/#?iThat which Solo mm fayeth . (being
intcrpa-etcdby Gregorie}. could not be trve, if any part of

the

10 The ^aturall andMoratl

the earth were not invironed with the heaven . And (b
. Jerome doth vnderftandit , writing vpon the Epiftle
to the Ephefians, in this fort , The mott common opinion
affirmes (agreeing mth Ecclefuftes: ) That the heaven is
round, mooving circularly like vntoa bowle. And it is
moftcertaine, that no round figure conteyneth in it,
eyther longitude,latitude, heigth or depth, for that all
parts are equall . Whereby it appeares^according to S.
Jerome , That thofe which hold the heaven to be round, are
not repugnant to the holy Scripture, but conformable to the
. /i. i.fime. And although that S . Bafile efpecially,and S. Am.
prop fc0fe (Vvho doth vfually imitate him in his bookes cak
led Hexameron ) fceme fomevvhat doubtfull of this
point: yet in the end they grant that the world is round.
It is true that S. Ambrose doth not yeelde to this quint-
xo. eflcnce5which Ariflotle attributes to the heavens : with-
out doubt it is a goodly thing to fee with what a grace
and excellent ftilq the holy Scripture treatesof the fci-
tua tion and firmenes of the earth,to breed in vs a won-
derfull admiration, and no lefle content to behold the
vnfpeakable power and wifedome of the Creator. For
that in oneplace, Godhimfelfe fiies, thatitwas hee
which planted the pillers which fapport the earth : gi-
vingvs to vnderftand fas S. Ambrofe doth well ex
pound it) that the vnmeafurable weight of the whole
earth is held vp by the hands of the divine power. The
holy Scripture doth commonly fo call them , and
vfeth this phrafe , naming them thepillers of heaven
and earth : not thofe of Atlases the Poets faine: butof
theeternallwordofGod, who byhisvcrtuefupports
both heaven and earth . Moreover,the holy Scripture
. . in an other place teacheth , that the earth, or a great
part thereof, is ioyned to, and compaffed in by the Ele
ment

Htflvrie of the Indies lib. i. 11

ment of water,fpeaking generally, that God placed the
earth vpon the waters . And in another place, that hee #«*•»•
framed the roundnes of the earth vpon the Sea. And
although S. Atiguftint doth not conclude vpon this
text as a matter of faith , thattt^eearth and the water
make one globe in the midft of theworld, pretending
by this meanes to give another expofition to the words *** M &
of the Pfalme: yet notwithftanding it is moft certaine,
that by the words of the pfaline we are given to vnder-
ftand , that we haue no other reafon to imagine any o-
thercimentorvnitingtotheearth then the Element
of water, the which although it be pliant and movea-
ble, yet doth it fupport and inviron this great mafle of
the earth, the which was wrought by the wUedome of
that great Archited. They fay, the earth is built vpon
the waters,and vpon the fearbut contrariwife, the earth
is rather vnder the waters: for according to common
iudgemcnt and imagination , that which is on theo-
thcr part of the earth which we inhabite, feemes to be
vnder the earth , andfo by the fame reafon, the waters
and fea, which doe compaflc in the earth on the other
part, fliould be vnderneath, and the earth aboue : yet
the very truth is, that what is properly beneath, that
is alwaies in the midft of the vniverfall : but the holy
fcripture frames itfelfeto our manner of conceiving
and fpeaking . Some may demaund ( feeing the earth is
fet vpon the waters, as the fcripture ^(ayeth,) whereon
the waters arf placed, or .what fupport have they { And
if the earth and the water make one round globe , how
can all this monftrous mafle be fuftayned ? To this the
holy fcripture anfwereth them in another pfcce,giving
vs greateft caufe ro admire the power of the Creator:
andfaithin thcfe wordes : Tbt earth extends towards the -° '**

North

ii The y^

North vfon the Fast , and ft ayes hanging vfon nothing,
The which in trueth is very well (pokes, for that really
it feemes this heape of earth and Water is fet vpon no
thing, when we defcii.be it in the middeft of the ay re,
as in trueth it is. But this wonder which men ib rauch
admire, God himfdfe hath not iayd open, demanding
of the fame /0£in thefetermes : Tdimteif thouawtt^
who hath lay d the lyne or casithe lead for the building
of 'the world, and with what wcrter the foundations have
fans lajcd and ioymd . Finally , to make vs -vnder-
ftand thefiihion and mode!! of this admirable fame of
theivorld, the Prophet jD.f#/^accuftomedtofingand
praifehis divine vforks/aies very well in a Pialme made

i«j. of this iiibie<ft,in thefe wordcs, T/JOK which kajt built the
earth vpowfirmenes itfilfe, that it cannot ft ag^cr nor move
for ever and ever . Meaning to flie*v the caufe why the
earth fet in the midft ofthe ayre/ailethnot^nor ftagge-
reth from place to place, for that by nature it hath fure
foundations, layed by the moft wife Creator, to the
end it might fuftaine it felfe without any other fijpport.
Mans imagination is therefore deceived in this place,
feeking other foundations of the ear i h , and for want
thereof, doth meafiire divine things, according to hu-
maine reafbn.So that we needenotto fcare(how great
or heavy fbevcr this mafic of earth then hanging m the
aire feemeth to bej that it can £d or uunc'top'y turuy,
being aflurcd vpon this point: for that the fame Pfalmilt
faictb,tlut it (hallneuer be overthrow ne. Truly Datiid
with reafon {after he had beheld and fung the vvcnder-

i«>j. ^u^ vvor^es of theLord jdoth iret ceafe to praife him in
the fame^yingjO how great & wonderful! are th wwkes
of theLord. Itappearesthatallfpnngfrc>rn ILS know
ledge. And in truth fifl (hali freely fpeake my opinion

tou-

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib.i.

touching this point) often in my trauell paffing the
great gulfes ofthetfra*;;, and marching by other re-
gions of fo ftrange lands , ftaying to behold and con-
fider the greatnes of thefe workes of the Lord, I felt a
wonderfull coniolation ofthefoveraigne wifedoine
and greatnes of the Creator, who fhines in his works :
in comparifon whereof, all the Pallaces, Caftells, and
princely buildings, together with all the inventions
ofman,feeme nothing,yea5arebafe and contemptible
inrefped thereof. O how often hath come into my
minde and mouth that place of the Pfalme, which
fayeth thus, Great comfort basi thou given me O Lord by
thy rvorkes ; IwiUnot c$afetoreioyce inlbt 'contemplation of
the werkts of thy hands* Really and in truth, the workes
of God haue (I know not whatjfecret &hidden grace
and vertve: the which although they be often beheld,
yet do they ftill caufe a new tafte and content: where
as contrariwife, the workes of man, although they be
built with exquifiteart, yet often feene, they are no
more efteemed, but brcede adiftafte: be they moft
pleafant Gardins, Pallaces,or ftatcly Temples, be they
Piramides of proud buildings,Pi^lures,carved images,
or ftones of rare worke and invention > or whatfbever
elfeadoi ned with all the beauties po'flible: Yet is it moft
certen that viewing them twice or thrice with attenti
on ,. the eye prefently turnes away, bcing^ glutted with
the fight thereof. But if you beholdetheieawithatten-
.tion,or (bmefteepq-mountaine, growing from a plaine
toaftrange heigth , or thefieldcs clad in their naturall
verdure with pleafant flowres, or the raging courfe of
fbrneriver,beating continually againft the rocks : final
ly, what worke of nature foever , although -it be often
viewed , yet doth it ftill breedea- new content and ne
ver

14.

vcrgluttes the fight : the which is like vnto a (lately
bancket of the divine wifedom, which doth alwaies
caufea new confideration without any lothin

g.

Containing anAnfoentothdt which it obiefted out of the
My ScriftHre^gdinft the rotwdnes of the earth.
CHAP. 4.

REturning th^n to the figure of heaven,! know not
out of what authorise of the holy fcripture they
can prove that it is not round, nor his motion circular:
neither do rfee(whereas S. P//#/caIles theJieavcnaTa-
bernacle,or a Tent which God made,&not man.-^how
can it be applied to this purpolerfor although he telleth
vs that it was: made by God, yet muft we not therefore
conie&urethat the heaven covereth the earth like to a
roofe on the one part only, neither that the heaven
was framed without motion , asitieemes (bme would
inferre. The Apoftle in this place treated of the confor
mity of the auncient Tabernacle of the lawe , faying
therevpon.that the Tabernacleof the new law of grace,
is heaven: into the which, the great Prieftlefus Chrift,
entred once by his bloud : and thereby is vndcrftood,
that there is as great preheminenceof the newabouc
the old, as there is difference betwixt the author of the
new, which is God, and of the olde which was man:
althoughitbemoftcerten, that the olde was built by
thcwifedomeofGod, who inftrufted his \vorkeman
B6(eleell. Neither muft we imagine that thefe compari-
fons,parablesD and allegories, doe in all thinges agree

with

Hittorie of the Indies lib.i. 15

with that wherevnto they are apply ed, as the hap
py Crjfoflome hath learnedly fpoken vpon thispoint.
The other authoritie (which §.AuguJline faiesisallea- capi
ged of fome to (hew that the heaven is not round ) is pp
this,T££ heavens ftretch forth like vnto a skin. Whereby he
concludes thatitis not round, but flat on the vpper
part, ivherevnto the fame Do<5tordoth anfwerevcrie
well and familiarly , giuing vs to vnderfland that that
place of the Plalme , is not properly to be vnderftood A . j r

* f t f t*\ i * * y n • t • -*tt£.l.<u Gen.

of the figure of heaven , but onely to mew with what «Hitt<r*m..«.

facilitie God built fb great a heaven , being no

painefullforhim to build fohuge acoueras the

ven is, then to vnfould a double skin. * Or elfe the

mift pretending to fliewvs the great cnaiefty of God,

to whome the heaven with his greatnes and beautie

dothferve in like manner, as our tents and pavilions

intheffdd. The which was well exprefledby a Poet

calling it, TheTent of the cleere heaven . In like fort, the

place of ifaii, which fayeth, Heaven ferves met as a

chaire, and the earth for afoote-jlook . But if wee follow '

the error of the Antromorpbite$w\i\d\ did atribute cor-

porall members vn to God , according to his divimtier

weftiouldhaue occafion vppon this laft text, to exa~

minehow it werepoflible the earth fhould be a foote-

ftoole to Gods feete, and how the fame God could

hold his feetc of the one part and the other, andma-

ny heads round about , feeing that he^is in all partes

of the world, which wo^e a vaineapd ridiculous thing.

Weeimuft therefore conclude, that in the holy fcrip-

tures we ought not to follow the letter which killes3 a

but thefpirit which quickneth,asfiithS. Paul.

•i6

•Of the foflrion -and forme of Heaven, at the new-found
world. C H A P. $.

"\>f~Any in Eurofe demaund of what forme andfa-
J-'-Mhion Heaven is in the Soucherne parts, for that
there is no certaintie found in ancient bookes 5 who al
though they graunt there is a Heaven on this other part
of the world, yet come they not to any knowledge of
the forme thereof 5 although in trueth they make men-
Tiin.ui.6. "tion of a goodly great Starre fecne in thofe panes,
<?/».". ; which they call Canopm. Thofe which of late dayes
hsve faylcd into thefe parts, have accuftomed to write
ftrange things of this heaven • that it is very bright, ha
ving many goodly ftarres : and in effeft,thinges \vhich
come farre,are commonly defcribed with encreafe. But
it ftemes contrary vnto me, holding it for certaine, that
in our Region of the North , there is a greater nomber
and bigger Starres 5 finding no ftarres in thefe partes,
:which exceed the Fiflier or the Chariot in bignefle.lt is
true , that the CrofTc in thefe partes is very fayreand
pleafing to behold : wee call the Crofle, foure notable
nnd apparant ftarres, which make the forme of a crofTe,
fet equally and with proportion. The ignorant fup-
pofe this CrofTe to be the fbutherne Pole, for that they
fee the Navigators take their heigth thereby , as we are
accuftomedto doe bytheNorthftarre. But they are
deceyved , and the reafon , why Saylers doe it in this
$ortc5 is for that in the South parts there is no fixed
ftarre that markes the Pole 3 as the North flarre doth to
our Pole, And therefore they take their heigth by the

ftarre

Htflorie ofthefndies. lib.i. 17

ftarre at the foot of the Crofle , diftant from the true
and fixed Pole Antarticke thirtie degrees,as the North
ftarre is diftant from the Pole Articke three degrees or
little more. And fo it is more difficult to take the hcigth
in thofe parts, for that the fayd ftarre at the foote of the
CrofTe muft bee right, the which chancethbutin one
houre of the night • which is in divers feafons of the
yeerein divers houres, and often times itappcareth not
in the whole night, fo as it is very difficult to take the
heigth. And therefore the moft expert Pilots regard
not the Crofle , taking the heigth of the Sunne by the
Aftrolabe, by which they know in what height they
are : wherein commonly the Portugals are more ex
pert , as a Nation that hath more difcourfe in the Arte
of Navigation then any other. There are alfb other
ftarres in thefe fouthernepSrts , which in fbme fort re-
femble thofe of the North. That which they call the
Milken way , is larger and more refplendent in the fouth
parts, appearing therein thofe admirable blacke fpots,
whereof wee have made mention. As for other parti
cularities, let others fpeake of them with greater curio-
(me, and let this which wee havefayde, fuffice for this
time.

That ttwt is Land and Sea under the two Poks*
CHAP. 6.

Ilt is no fmal labour to have vnfolded this doubt with
this knowledge andrelblution, that there is a Hea
ven in thefe parts of the todies, which doth cover them

C as

i3

as in Ettrepe, i^4(ia, and ^ffricke. And this point fer-
veth often againft many Spaniards, who beeing here,
figh for Spaine^ having no difcourfe, but of their coun-
trie, They wonder,yea , they grow difcontented with
vs , imaginingthat we have forgotten & make fmallac-
cornpt of our native foyle. To whom we anfwere,that
the defire to returneinto Sprinc, doth nothing trouble
vs, being as neere vnto Heaven at Pm/,as in Spainc : as
faint Jerome faith well, writing vnto Paulmus-^hat the
gates of Heaven are as neere vnto Brittaniejs tolerufi-
lem. But although the Heaven doth compaffe in the
world of all parts, yet muft we not imagine that there
is land neccffarily on all parts of the world. For being
fo, that the two dements of earth and water make one
globe or bowle, according to the opinion of the moft
- rcnowmed ancient An thofs, (as Plutarch teftifieth)and
as it is prooved by moft certaine demonftrations , wee
& «• may conieilure, that the fea doth occupie all this part,
which is vnder the Antartike or foil theme Pole, foas
there fliould not remaine anyplace in thefe partes for
the earth, the which faint (^fttguttine doth very lear
nedly hold againft them that maintaine the Antipodes,
faying, that although it bee prooved , and wee belceve
that the worldc is round like to a bowle, wee may not
therefore inferre , that inthis other part of the worlde^
the earth is vncovered, and without water. Withou t
doubt, faint Lx//^^/?/^fpeakes well vpon this point-
ancj as t{ic contraiy is not prooved , fo doth it not fol
low, thatthere is any land difcovered at the Antarticke
Pole. The which experience hath now plainely taught
vs, for although thegreateft part of the worlde vnder
the Pole Antarticke be fea, yet is it notaltogether , but
there is likewile land, fo as in all parts of the world, the

earth

earth and water imbrace one another 3 which truely is
a thing to make vs admire and glorifie the Artc of the
(bveraigne Creator, We know then by the holy Scrip- f
tore, that in the beginning of the worlde, the waters Gw*J*f*
were gathered together in one place , fo as the earth re-
maynedvncovered. Moreover, the lame holy Writte
doth teach vs,that thefe gatherings together of the wa
ter were called Sea- and as there be many,fo of neceffi-
tie there muft be many Seas. And this diverfitieof feas
is notoriety in the ^Mediterranean Sea , whereas one is
called EuxittCy another the Cafiian,zn other the Erethc-
&n or redde Sea, an other the P erf an, an other of Italic,
and fo many others. But alfbin the great Ocean , which -
the holy Scripture doth vfually call a gulph : although
really and in trueth it be but a Sea , yet in many and di
vers manners : as in refpe<fiof P#-#and all ^J/fmerica,
the one is called the North Sea, the other the South5
and at the Eaft Indies, the one is called the Indian fea,
theothetthatof Oter*. And I have pbfcrved, as well J^^
by my owne navigation «5s'by the relation of others, 1
that the Sea is never divided from theLandeabovea
thoufand Leagiics^And although the great Ocean ftret-
chethlarre, yet doth it never pafle this meafure. I will
not for all this affirme that weefayld not above a thou
fand leagues in the Ocean, which were repugnant to
trueth , being well knowne that the (hippcs of Portugal
have failed foure times as much,and more^and that the
whole world may bee compafTed about byfea3aswee
have feene in thefe dayes , without any further doubt.
But I fay and affirme, that of that which is at this day
difcovered,there is no land diftant from an otherfirme
land, by dire&line, or from focnc Iflands neere vnto it
above a thoufand leagues ^ and fo betwixt two firme

C z lands

>*«*

zo

lands there is no greater diftance of fca, accompting
from the neereft parts of both the lands : for from th?
end of Europe qr Africkt and their coaftes, to the Can®*
ries , the Ifles of (hearts, Cafe FerdznA others in the
like degree , are not above three huiidred leagues, or
five hundred from the May ne land. From the {aide L
lands running along to the Weft Indies , therearefcant
nine hundred leagues, to the Hands of faint Bmmick*
the Virgins , the Happy llandes and the reft • and the
fame Hands runne along in ordgjjxuhe llandes of Bar-
lovcnt which are Cuba , H^awola&Vi&Bwiquen^ front
thefamellands vnto theMaynelandarcfcarcetwoor
three hundred leagues 5 & in the neereft part farre lefle.
T^cJ^rjtlc Jan<^ ^SQ65 an infinitgfoace^from Tcrr&Fl&~
rida to the land of P.Atagp#s.9 ana on the other fide of
the South, from the Straight of Maggttfwxo the Cape
of tMendoce, there runnes a long^Continentbutnot
very large : for the largeft is the Travers of Pm*, which
., is diftan t from Braftl about a thoufand leagues. In this

South Sea, although the^ha^ejiQt yet difcovcredthe
ende towards the Weft,yetoflate they have found out
the Hands, which they call &*/<w/0#, the which are ma-
ny and great, diftant from Peru about eyght hundred
leagues. And for that wee finde by observation, that
whereas there bee many and great llandes, fo there is
fome firme Land not farrc off, I my fclfe with many o-
there doebeleeve , that there is ibme firme hnd neere
vnto the Hands of £*/0w0#,the which doth anfwcre vn
to our America on ^^the Weft part, and poffibly might
runne by the heigth of the South, totheStraightes
&xJWaggiita». S£mehold,that^^^ Guinea is firme
Land, aodigffle learned men defcribe it neere to the I-
lands of Saltmo* 5 fo as it is likely , a good parte of the

world

Hittorie of the Indies lib . r. 21

world is not yet difcovered, feeing at this day our men
fayle in the South Sea vnto China and the Philippines:
and wee fay , that to go from Peru to thofe parts , they
paflea greater Sea, then in going from Sprint to Peru.
Moreover ^ wee know, that by that famous Straight of ^^

•*<*» — fly* . ,-. f, i J . i - •.. • i a • • . "* ** "— . • wrf+^MSt.^f

<JMaj7?e!Un thelc two Seas doeioyne and continue onjf^ftii:* j
with an other ( I fay the South fea with that of the
North) by that part of the Antarticke Pole, which fe
in fifcie one degrees oTajtitude, But it is a great que-
T&on ( wherein many have bufied themfelves?) whe
ther thefe two Seas iovne together in the Norrfi^gart:
but I have not heard 3 that any vnto this day, could at-
tayne vnto this point, but by certaine likelihoods and

der the North, opgofite to thaLQf <JMazgelUn. But it
lufficethfor ourfubledt, to knowe, that there is a fir me
Land on this Southerne part,as bigge as all EHr.opc,Afa
and Affricke : that vnder both the Poles we finde both
land and feaJUon£Ji^^cingjin otHcr. Whereof the
Ancients migHntanJm dooBFTand contradict it for
want of experience.

To confute the opinion 0/La<5fcmtius,n^ brides there bt
no Antipodes. CHAP. 7.

SEeing it is manifeft3that there is firme land vpon the
South part or Pole AntArttke , wee.muft nbwjeejf
it be inhabited :_thc which hath bene a matter very
diiputable in former times. LtiftafttitttPirmifM^and
S. Au?ufiincm<xkt atfuch as hold there be any Anti-

C3

^^ The J^aturall andMoraft

Mi. i*M podes, ( which is as much to fay , as men marching
MM***, c .*. with their fee te oppofite to ours 1 But although thefe
two authors agree in theisjcafls; yet doc they differ
much in their rtafons and opinions, as they were of
ery ^vers fpWts and Judgements. Latfavtiusfollowcs
l^e vulgar, lecming ridiculous vnto him that~the hea
ven fliould be round , and that the earth (hould bee
compaiTed in themidft thereof, like vnto a ball, where
of he writes in thefe tearmes , What reafon is therefor
fim? to affirm* y that there are Antipodes 9 whofifteppes are
oppofite to ours? Is it pofiible that anyfhould bee Jo grojft
and fimple as to beletve there were a people or nation
marching with their feet e vpwardes , And their heades
downrvardes , and that thinges wh&k are placed heere of
we fort , are in that other part hanging top fie turvic:
that trees and corne growc downwardes , and that raine,
Jhorv, & haile fall from the earth iy»?W.Then after fome
other difcourfe, the fame Latfantius vfeth thefe words,
The imagination and conceit which fome haue had,fuppor
fmg the heaven to be round , bath bene the caufe to in
vent thefe Antipodes hanging in the dire . So as I knowc
not what to Jay of fuch Philofophers , whoe having
once erred , continue (till objlinately in their opinions
defending ene another . But whatfbever he faietn , wee
that live now at Pw> and inhabire that part oFthc
worldjwhich is opofite to^j/^_and their Antipodes
fas the Colmographers doteachvsj finde not our
felves to bee hanging in the aire, our heades down-
ward,and our feeteon high. Truly it is ftrange to con-
fider, that the fpirit and vnderftanding of man can-
not attaine vnto the trueth, without the vfeof ima-
ginationrand on theotherpart, it were impoffible but
he fliould erre and be deceived, if hee fliould wholy

for-

Htftorie of the Indies lib . r.

forbeareit. We cannot comprehend the heaven to be
round as it is , and the earth to bee in the middeft of it,
without imagination . But if this imagination were
not controulcd and reformed by feafbn 5 in the end
wefhould bee deceiued $ whereby we may certaincly
conclude, thatinourfoules there is a certainelight of
heaven , wnereby, wee fte and iudge otThe interior
formes which prefent themfelves vnto vs , and by the
fame we alow of,or reied that which imagination doth
offer vnto vs . Hereby we fee that the rationall foule
is above allcorporall powers : and as the force and
ctenall vigour of truth doth rule in the moft eminent
part of man : yea, weplainely fee that this pure light
is participant and proceedesfrom thatfirft great light,
thatwhoib knoweth not this, ordoubteth thereof,
we may well fay that he is igmorant , or doubtes whe
ther h? be a man or no . So, if we fliall demaund of our
imagination what it thinkes of the roundnes of hea
ven , without doubt (he will anfwerevs as Lactantiu*
doth, That if the heaven were round,the Sun & ftarres
fliould fall, when as they move and change their pla-
ces>rifing towards the South. Even fo , if the earth did
hangintheayre, thofe which inhabite the other part,
fliould go with their fectevpwards, and their heades
downward , and the rainc which falles from above,
fliould mount vpward, with many other ridiculous
deformities. But if weconfult with the force ofreafbn,
(bejvill make fmaTTliccduihpt of all theie vaine ima*
ginations, nor fuffer vs to beleeve them no more than
a foolifli dreame . But Reafbn will anfwer with this
her integritie and gravirie, that it were a very grofTe er-
ror,tojmagine the whole world to belike vnto a houfe^
placing thccarth tor the foundation , ag^ the heaven

C 4 for

The J^aturail andMoratt

for the covering . Moreover flic will fay, that as in all
creatures the head is the higheft part andmoft eleva
ted , although all creatures have not heades placed in
one, and the fame (equation , fo me being in the high-
eft parr, as man , fome athwart, as fheepe, others in the
middeft,asfpiders:,) evenfo the heaven, in what part
foeueritbe, remaines above, and the earth likewife in
what part foever, remaincs vndemeath.Ourimaginati-
onjh^refhie isjgroundcd vpon time and place, the
which (he cannot comprehend nor conceive in gene-
rall, but in particular . It followeth, that when wee
ill all raife it to the confederation of things which ex-
ceede the time and place which are knowne vnto her,
then prefcmly flic (hrinkcsand cannot fubfift, ifreafon
doth not fupport her. In like fort we fee, vpon the difl
courfe of the creation of the worlde, our imagina
tion ftraics tofeeeke out a time before the creation
thereof, and to build the world : (he difcribes a place,
but fliee comes not to confidcr that the worlde
might bee made after another fafliion . ^isiM*'1-
ftandinjp: ,reafbn doth teach vs, that there was no
timc_betorcjhere was 'a "motion, whereof time Is
the meafure fneyther was there any . place before
tHe vnivcrfall , which comprehendes within it all
d< c*i. P'ace • Whgg^n^hg excellent Philofophcr^ driftotk
doth plainely fadsfie^and in few \vordesT that ar-
gument made agalnft the place of the earth, hel
ping himfelfc with our vfciof imagination , when
hee fay eth, and with trueth, That m the world the fame
flace of the earth is in the midft and beneath , and the
more a thing is in the middefl, the more it h underneath.
The which anfwer being produced by Lattamius
Firmian , yet hee doth paffe it ever without confu
tation,

Hi/lone of the Indie*, lib. i, 2?

tation, by reafon , faying that he cannot ftay there
on, and omitte the handling of other matters.

Thereafon why S. Auguftine denied tht Antipodes.

C H AP.8.

THe reafon which moved S. Auznftinc to deny the
^/gg^w^^fhgLthen thatformer
being of ahTgher iudgeinent,for the refon

y alieadged,
before men-

tioned (that the Antipodes fhould go vpwards) is con
futed by the fame Dodorinhis bookeof fcrmons in
thefe vvords3 The ancients hold \ that the earth of all parts
is beneath, And the heaven above, by reafon whereof the
Antipodes, which they fay go ofpofite vntovs, have like™
vnto vs the heaven above their heads . Seeing then S.
Auguftine hath confelled this to bee conformable to
good Philofbphie.) what reafon (hall we fay did move
fo learned and excellent a man to follow the contrary
opinion ? Doubtleffe he drew the motive and caufe
from the bowels of divinitie, whereby theholie Writ
doth teach vs, tfou all mankjnde doth come from the
firft man Adam 7an?to faythat men could pane to that
hewworUjtrolIinglhe great Ocean , were vncredible,
and a meere lye . And in truth , if the fuccefle an expe
rience* of what wehavefeene in thefe ages, had not fatifl
fied vs in this point , wehad yet held this reafon to bee
good. And^hhpugh -we know this reafon neither to_be
pertinent nor true , yet wflTwe makeanfwere there vn-
toTffieWifSn what fort, and by what meanes,the firft
linage of men might pafte thither , andliovve and by
\vhat meanes they came to people and inhabite the

Indies*

^6 The ^aturalland Moral!

Indies. And for thatwccmeane hccrcaftcr to intrcat
briefly ofthisfubieft, itfliallbcfit now tovnderftand
what the holy DocSor Auguftine difputes vppon this
^ matter in his bookes of the cittic'of God ^Jt is no point

til. i6.c*}.9 tKat we ought to belecve(as fomeaffirme} that there Are An
tipodes, that is to fay, men which inhabite that other fart
of the earth, in whofi region the Sunne rifeth when itfets with
<us , and that their Jteppes be oppofite and ccntrarie to ours,
feeing they affirwe not this by atiy certaine revelation which
* X they have , but onelj by A PbiiefophicaltiiffcoHrfe they makc^
whereby they conclude, that the earth being in the middeft
of the world , invironed of all parts and covered equallie
with the heaven , ofnecefiitiejhatnwft be in the low ft f lace
which uin thsjnidjTofthe v^rld . . After wardes hcc con,
tinues in theft words , 'fMtylic Scripture doth not erre,
neither is deceived in anie fort : the truth whereof is will
proved in that which it propoutfdeth of things which are
faffed , for as much as that which bqth bene fore-told, hath
fucceded in every point, as we fee: Anditisathingvoideef
all fen fe, to fay, that men could pajfe from this continent
to the newfound world & cut through the Vaft Ocean, feeing
it wereimpofsible for mentopajfeinto thofe parts any other
way, being mojl certain that at men defied from thefrft man.
Wherein we fee5thatall the difficultie S. Attgutiine hath
found, was nothing elfe but the incomparable greatncs
of this vaft Ocean. Gregorie Nazianzene was of the fame
opinion^ aflfuring (as a matter without any doubt) that
itwasnotpoflible to faile beyond the Straights of Gi-
braltar : and vpon this fubied he writes in an Epiftle of
his : I agree well with the faying 0/Tindarus , That pajl
Cadiz, that Sea if not nauigable. And hee himfelfe in the
funerall Sermon he made for faint Baji-l faith : It WAS
mt tollerabk for anie one failing on the Sea , to paffe the

Straight

wtttutm.

Hiftorie of the Indict, lib. i. 27

Straight of Gibraltar. And it is true, that this place of
Pindar us, where he faith , That it is not law full, nejther
for wife men norfooles, to know what u beyond the Straight
efGibraltarfatii becne taken for a Proverbe. Thus we
fee by the beginning of this Proverbe , how the Anci
ents were obltinately fetled in this opinion- as alfb by
the bookes of Poets , Historiographers and ancient
CofinograpKers^h^the end and bounds ofjheearth

/ whercthey pkntjthe

s /there they fet the limits of the Romanc
Bmpire, and there theydefcribe the boundesofthe
world . And not onely prophane writers fpeake in this
fbrt,but alfo the holy Scripture, to apply it felfe to our
phrafe faith, That /^r^/tf^Auguftus Carfai was pub-
lijhcd^ to the end that all the world [iwuld be taxed: andof
Alexander the great , that he Jlr etched forth his Empire
even to the end and vttermojl bounds of the earth . And in
another place they fay, that the Gofpell did flourifh
and increafe through the vniverfall world . For the
holy Scripture by an vfuall phrafe, calleth all the
worlde, that which is the greateft part thereof, and
was at that time difcovered and kno^vne . And the
Anciens wcreignorant, that the Eaft Indian Sea^
and that oTtHelWeft wercliavmable , wherin tfiey
Have generally agreed. By reafon whereof, Plinic
writes as a certaine trueth , that the feas which are be
twixt two lands, takes from vs a iiift moitie of the habi
table earth. For faith he, we cannot pafle thither, ncy-
ther they come hither. Finally, TullieyMacrobitts,Pom-
poniu* CMela^nd the ancient Writers hold the fame o-
pinion.

i8 The 3^aturalland Mora/I

Of i^dritfotles opinion y touching the new Worlde, and
abufid him to make him deny it. CHAP. 9.

BEfides all the former reafons , there was yet an o-
ther, which mooved the Ancients to bcleeve it to
beimpoffiblefor men to paffe to this new world : the
which they held} for that befidcs the vaftnefleof the
great Ocean, the heate of that Region, which they call
the burning Zom^ was fo cxceflive, as it would not
fuffer any man, how venturous orlaborious fo-ever,to
pafle by feaor land,from one Pole to an other. Forjal-
though thefcJPhilQibphers have themfelves affirmed,
that the earth was round, ( as in effedjtisj^andthat
vnder the 2. Poles therewas habitable land • yet could
they not conceyvc, that the Region, containing all
that lyeth betwixt the two Tropickes, (which is the
greateft of the fiveJZwe s or Regions 5 by the which the
Cofmographers and Aftrologers divide rhe Worlde)
might be inhabited by man. The reafon they give to
maintaine this Zone to be inhabitable, was/or the heat
of the Sunne,which makes his courfe diredly over this
Region,and approcheth fo neere,as it is fet on fire,and
To by confequence, caufeth a want of waters and pa-
ftures. ^risioiU was of this opinion, who although
hcwereagreatPhilofopher, yet was hee decey ved in
this poynt : for the cleering whereof , it fhall be good
to obferve his reafons,and to note wherein he hath dif-
courfed well, and wherein he hath erred. This Philo-
fopher makes a queftion of the Meridional! or Sou-
therne vvinde , whether wee fliould bclccvc it takes his

beginning

Hfilorieofthe Indies, lib. i.

beginning! from the South, or from the other Pole
contrary to the North, and writes in thefe termes. Rea-
fe# teacheth vs, that the, latitude andlargenefie of the habi
table earthy hath her boundes And limits, and jet all this h&-
tit Me earth cannot bee vnited andioyned one to the other \
by reafon the middle Region is fe intemperate. For it u cer-
uine, that in her longitude, which is from EatitoWett,
there is no immoderate coldnorheate,butin her latitude and
hcigth, which Is from the Pole to the Eqttino&iall Line. So
of we m*y wellfaffe the whole earth in her longitude , if the
great wjfe of the Sea , which ioynes lands together, were n*
biiitlerance. Hitherto there is no contradicting of uxf ri~
ttotle , who hath great reafon to affirme , that the earth
in her longitude , which is from Eaft to Weft , runncs
more equally, & is more proper for the life andhabita-
tion of man, then in her latitude from North to South.
The which is true>not onely for this forefaid reafon of
Arittotle , that there is alwayes one temperature of the
Heavens from Eaft to Weft, being equally diftant both
from the Northernecoldeand the Southerne heate.
But alfofor an other reafon, for that travelling alwayes
in longitude, we fee the day es and nights fucceed one
another by courfe, the which Meth not out going in
her latitude : for of neeeflitie weernuftcome to that
Region vnder the Pole , whereas there is continual!
night for fixe Moncths, a very inconvenient thing for
the life of man. The Philofopher pafleth on further,
reprooving the Geographers ,• which dcfcribed die
earth in his time , andlaith thus : Wee may difcerne the
trneth of that which I hdveftyd, by the fajpiges which may
be made by land , and the mvi^atiotts byfea , for there is a '
great difference betwixt the longitude and the latitude , for
the dtifancefrom thtfillars of Hercules,^ the Straight of

Gibraltar,,

The 3fyturatt and Morall

Gibraltar, vnto the East Indies, mmfc the proportion of
above five to three , the paffige' which is from Ethiopia t*
the lake tfMcotis in the forth ft cfnfaesofScythiajfa
which is confrmedby the account of tourney ts by landy& by
fty ting)** we do now know by experience: we havealfi know
ledge of the habitable earth , evenvnto thofe fartes which
Are inhabitable. And truelyin this point wee muftpar-
don cxfr/tftf /^feeing that in his time, they had not di£
covered beyond the firtt. Ethiopia , called the exterior,
ioynmgto^rafaamd^ffrtcke, the other Ethiopia
being wholy vnknownc in his age : Yea , all that great
Land, which we now call the Land of Prete Ian, ney-
ther had they any knowledge of the reft that lyes vn-
der the Equinofliall, and runnes beyond the Tropicke
ofCapricorne, vnto the Cape of good Hope/o famous
and well knownc by the navigation of Portugals; fb as
if wee meafure the Land from this Cape vnto Scythia
and Tart aria , there is no doubt , but this diftance and
latitude , will proove as great as the longitude 5 which
is from Gibraltar vnto the Eaft Indies. It is certaine,thc
Ancients had no knowledge of the fprings of Nilus,
nor of the endeof Ethiopia, and therefore Lttcan re-
prooves the curiofitie of luliu* C^,fearching out the
fprings of Nilus in thefe verfes;

O Romaine what availestheefo much travett,
tuctn.io. In fear ch of Niles/r# fiurce thyfelfe togravett.
And the fame Poet, fpeaking to Nile fayth:

Since thy frfl fiurce is yet jo vnrevealed^

N ile, what thoti art, is from the world concealed.

But-by the holy fcripture we may conceive that this
land is habitable : for if it were not, the Prophet So-
phonic would not fay (Tpeaking of thefe nations caL
jccj to the Gofpell, ; The children of my dtyerftd (fo he

calkth

Historic of the Indies, lib.u

catteth the ApoJIUs) fhattbringmcprefentsfrom beyond the
tancks </ Ethiopia . Yet (as I have laid) there is rcafbn
to pardon the Philofopher, whobeleeved the writers
and Cofmographers of his time. Letvs continue and
examine what followes of the fame Ariftotle : One fart
eft he world (faith he) which lieth towards the North , be
yond the temperate zone , is inhabitable for the exceeding
cold: the other part vpon the South, is likewife inhabit ame
teyondtheTropickefor the extreame heate . But thepartes
of the world lying beyond India on the one fide , andthepiL
lers ^Hercules on the other ^without doubt cannot beeioy*
nedand continued one with the other ifoasallthe habit a.
bleearthisnotconteinedinone continent , byreafon of the
fea which divides it . "fn this laft point he fpeakas^ruHi:
then hee continues touching the other parte^bf the<;
world, faying , // isneceffarie the earth Jhould fimx the
fameproportion with the Pole AnUrticke> asth^oliK^part
which i* habitable hath with the North : andjtbere:vn&
doubt, but in that other world all things Jhtuld bebrdrcda* in
ours, eftecially in the growing and order of the w$ids . And
having alleaged other reafons to no purpofef he con-
cludes,fay ing, We mnH conftffi ofnecefiitie, that the Sou-
therne wind is that which blowes and cornts jrom^^u^'
ning zone , the which being fo neere thefunne , wfaiies wa
ter andpaftures. This is ^r/^^opinion^nd ifeiiJth,
mans coniedure can hardly pafle any farther -^fel^S^f^^v
I do often confider (with a Chriftian contemplar11^ -*^
how weake the Philofbphie of the wife of this
hath beene in thefearch of divine things , feeing in
humaine things (wherein they feeme fo well readj
they often erjre. Art ftot te holds,that the habitable earth
of the Tole Antartike* in longitude from Eaftto Weft
is very great, and in latitude from the Pole Antartike

to

to theEquino&icall is very fmall : the which is fo con
trary to the truth , that in a maner all the habitation
on this fide the Pole Anunih is in latitude, (Imeanc
from the Pole to the line) and in longitude from Eaft
to Weft it is fo fmall, as the latitude exceedes it three
partesormore . In his other opinion he affirmes, that
the middle region is inhabitable, being vnder the bur
ning zone , burnt vp by the cxceffive heate caufed by
the necrenes of the funne , and by this reafbn hath nei
ther waters nor paftures. The which is in like fort con.
trary : for the greateftpart of this new world , isfcitu-
ated betwixt the two Tropickes vnder the burning
zone, and yet is it found very well peopled and inha
bited by men and orher fortes of creatures, being a
region of all the world the moft fruirfull of waters and
paftures,and very temperate in the greateft part, which
the will of God hath fo appointed 3 to (hew that even
in naturall things he hath confounded the wifedomc
of this world . To conclude , wee muft beleeve that
the burning zone is well inhabited 5 although the aun-
cientshave helditimpoffible . But the other zone or
region , which lyeth betwixt the burning zone and
that of thePole Antartike , although it bee in a climate
more commodious for the life of man, yet is it finally
peopled and inhabited , feeing wee know no other
dwelling in it but theiCingdome of * Chile and a fmall
portiomoyning to the Cape of good Hope . The reft is
pofTeiTedbythe0r<tt#f Although many be of opinion
(the which I likewife hold) that there is much more
land not yet difcovered, the which fliould befirme
land oppofite to the Kingdome of Chile, which runnes
beyond thecirckle orTropicke of capricorne. And if
there be any: without doubt it is a land of an excel
lent

HtHorieoftbe Indies lib . r. 3 \

lent temper, being in the rnidft of two extreames , and
fcituate in the fame climate with the beft regions in
Europe. And in this regarde Ariflotles coniedure was
good. But fpeaking of what is discovered at this day in
this zone, it is little in regard of the large countries in
habited vnder theburning zone

T&tf Plinie, and the tuncients, held the fame ofinio»
with Ariftotle. CHAP. 10.

pinion ofdriftotks, hath bene held by Plinie^

A who {aitfi thus , The temperature of the middle regi
on of the world , where the fanne continually runnes hu 6l*
courfe , tsfcorched and burnt vp <ts with a neere fre. loy-
ning to the fame region, there are two others of ey-
therfide, which (lying betwixt the heat of this bur
ning zone & the cruell cold of the other two extreams,)
are very temperate, and can have no communication
one with another, byreafbnofthe cxceffive heate of
the heaven : which hath bene the opinion of the An
cients , generally difcribed by the Poet in thefe
verfes.

Heavens circuit is offiue fynes, one whereof.
Which fliB, thefunne burnes, makes the earth below
With flames intempejliue redhottetoglow.
Andthe(amePoetinanotherplace. "
Ueare this, if any harbour in thatfeate
Whofe quarter vnder that Urge ^onc isfet
Amidftf our e others by thefunne entightned*
And another Poe t fpeakes more plaindy .

D As

The ^aturall and Moratt

As many regions are there on the ground.
As are in he A venjvhereinfut parts are found,
Whereof the midjl, through heateraifdjrom tfa raytz
Qffcorchingfonnejr*habitableftaies.
The A undents have grounded their general! opi-
tnonvpon one reafon, which feemed to them cer-
taine and not to be confuted : for finding that the
more a region drew neere vnto the South , the hotter
it was : theproofe whereof was fo infallible inthofe
regions 5 as by the fame reafon in I fa lie , Apulia is hot
ter then Tttfcane^ and inSpaineAnddozia then Bifiait.
A thing fo apparent > that although there bee but
eight degrees difference orkflTe betwixt the one and
the other 5<yet dp weefindetheone extreame hotte,
and the other very colde , whereby they did inferre,
that the region fo neere the South, having the funnc
fbdiredly for zenith, muft of neceflity bee continu
ally fcorched with heate . They did likewifc fee, that
the divers feafons of the yeere,as theSpring, Summer,
Autumne & Winter, were caufed by the neerenes and
diftanceof thefunne, finding alfo that although they
were farre from the Tropicke?by which the funne doth
paflein fummer, yetwhenit approched neere vnto
them,at the fame feafon they feltgreat heate. Whereby
they did conie£iure5 thatif they had had the funnp
fo neere vnto them as to go diredlly over their heads,,
the heate would have bene fo infupportable,as it would
burneand confume men with the vehemency thereof.
The feme reafon moved the Auncients , to thinke that
the middle region was not habitable, and therefore
they called it the burning zone. And in truth, if vifible
experience [did not vnfold this doubt, we fhould yet
confeffe , that this reafon were very peremptorie

and

Hiflorieof the Indies liB.r.^ 3?

and Mathematicall : whereby we may fee how weake
our vnderftanding is, to comprehend thefe naturall
things. But wee may (ay, it is fallen out to the great
good and happines of our age , to have the knowledge
of theft two great wonders, that is, to know how ear
fily we mayiaile through the great Ocean, and that
vnder the burning zone men inioy avery temperate
heaven, the which the Auncients could never beleeve.
Of thelaft of thefe two wonders3 touching the qualitie
and habitation of the burning zone , by the grace of
God we will difcourfe amply thereof in the next book.
I thinke it therefore fit in this booke to treat of the
maner of failing through theOcean, for that it imports
vs much for the fubie<S of this worke. But before wee
come to this point, it (hall be good to (hew what the
Auncients thought of thefe new men, whome we call
Indians.

Tbri in ancient Bookcswefndefomc knowledge oftbU
nave world. CHAP- j i .

LEtvs returne to that which hath beene formerly
fpoken. Wee muft neceflarily conclude, that the
Ancients did beleeve , that ey ther there were no men ^

, . _ . t r _ J , „ Plutarch.

beyond the Tropicke of Cancer ( as S.^uguJiine and
Lattanthts doe affirme) or if there were any , at the
leaft they did not inhabite betwixt the two Tropicks,
(as o/r/T/tf//(?and Plinie have maintained , and before
them the Philofopher Parmenides ) the contrarie
whereof is before fufficiently'prooved, both for the

D 2 OKC

The ^_atural\ anil Moral!

one and the other. But many through curiofitie may
demaund, if the Ancients had no knowledge of this
trueth, which to vs is now fo apparent.: feeing that in
trueth it feemeth very ftrange , that this newe worldc
which is fp fpacious as we doe vifibly fee it , fhould be
hidden from the Ancients by fo many ages. But fome
at this 'day , feeking to obfcure thefelicitie of this age,
and the glory of our Nation, ftrive to proove,that the
new-found world was knowne to the Ancients. And
in trueth. wee cannot deny , but there was Ibme appa-
rency. S.krome writing vpon the Epiftle to the Ephefi-
.i.td ifitf. ans, fayth. We feekc with reafon what the. Apoltle meaweth
in tbefe wordcs, where he filth. -you have walked for a feafon
according to the courfi ofthi* world jvhether he would have
<us to 1'ndersiand, that then 'is an other world .which neither
#, nor defends of this world : but other worldes, whereof
Clement writes in his Epistle , the Ocean and the worldes
which are beyond the Ocean : Thefe are the wordes of
&.Ierome, but -irupueth I cannot hnde this Epiftle of
S. Clement cited by S.Ierome: yet I beleeve vndoubted-
Iy5 that S. Clement hath written it , feeing S-Jerwmt ma
ke th mention thereof. And with reafon faint Clement
faith, that beyond the Ocean there is an other vvorlde,
yea, many woiides , as in trueth there is ; feeing there
is fo great diftance from one ncwe worlde to an other
new world: ( I meane from Peru and the Weft Indies,
to china and the Eaft Indies.) Moreover, P//^/>,who
hathbeenefo curious a fcarcher out of ftrange things,
reportes in hisnaturallHiftorie, thatffc/wwzaCap-
taine of the Carthaginians, fayled through the Ocean,
•in met ^'om r^e Straight of 'Gibraltar *, coafting alongft the
' land, even vnto the confines of \^drabia , and that hee
left this his Navigation in writing. If itbeeasP&w

writes,

HtHorie of'tbefndics. hb.i.

writes 3 it folio wes that Hannw Pay led as farre as the
Pcrtttgalsdo at this day , pafling twice vnder the Equi-
no&iall: which is a fcarcful! thing. And the fame Ptinit
reports of Cornelius Nepos a very grave Authour, who
faith , that the fame courfe hath beene fiyled by an o-
ther man, called Eudaxiiu^ but by contrary wayes : for
this EttdaxitM following the King of Latyres^afkd by
the redde fea into the Ocean$ and turning backe,camc
to the Straight of Gibraltar, the which Cornelius Nepos
affirmes to have happened in his time. And alfb other
grave Authors do write, that a (hip of Carthage driven
oy force of vvinde into the Ocean 5 came to a Land,
which vntill then was vnknowne: and returning to
Carthage, kindled agreatdefirein the Citiziens to diC
cover and people this land : the which the Senate per-
ceyving , did forbid this navigation by a rigorous de
cree* fearing that with the defire of new lands, they
fhould leave to love their owne Countrie, By all this
wee may gather, that the Ancients had fbme know
ledge of the new world: yet fhall you hardly finde in
the bookes of ancient Writers , any thing written of
our Amtric* , and all the Weft Indies : but of the Eaft
, Indies( I fay) there is fufficient teftimonie,not only of
that on the other fide , but alfoof that on this fide,
which then was fartheft off; going thither by a con
trary way to that at this day. Is it not eafie to find Mo*
loco in ancient bookes , which they called the golden
Cberfonefe : the Cape of Comori , which was called the
Promontorie of C&ci^ & that great & famous Hand of,
Sumatra, fb well knovvne by the ancient name of Ta-
frobana.Whzt fhall wee fay of the two Ethiofiaes , the
Brachmanes, and that great Land of the Cbinaes * Who
doubtes,but there was often mention made thereof in

D 3 ancient

38

ancient bookes ? But of the Weft Indies, we find not
in Plinie> that in this navigation they pafled the Hands
°^ t'ie Ca}Jar*es-> which he calleth Fortunate: the prin
cipal! whereof is fayd to be called Canariefot the mul
titude of dogs which are in it. But there is fcarce any
mention in ancient books of the voyages which are
made at this day beyond the Canaries , by the Gulph
which with reaion they call great. Yet many hold o-
pinion,that Seneca the Tragedian did prophecie of the
Weft Indies,in his Tragedie of c*flfflfa*,which tranfla-
ted, faith thus-

When our Sea fane andneereorfrctf^
H is Jlmrefoall farther yet extend.

Deftryedthcnfhall a Urge Land be,
By this profound Se<u navigation,
An other World, an other 'Ration,
All men ft all then discovered fee.

Th ule accounted heretofore
The worlds* extreme, the <^ortherne bound,
Shall be when Southwttt farts be found,
A merer Jjle, a neighbour fhoare.
This Seneca reports in thefe verfes5& we cannot we!
deny, but ( vnderftanding it litterally ) it is very true:
for if we reckon the many yeeres he fpeakes of^ begin-
ning from the time of the Tragedian , it is above a
• thoufand and foure hundred yeeres paft:and if it were
from the time of CMedea, it is above two thousand
yeeres, the which we fee plainely now accomplished:
fecine the pafTage of theOceanfo long time hidden,
hath beene found out, and that they have difcovcred a
great land and a new world inhabited, more fpatious

then

Hiftorieofthefndies.

then all the Continent of Europe and <^Jia. But
therein may aqueftion with reafon be made, whether
Seneca fpake this by divination , or poetically and by
chance. And to fpeake my opinion, I beleevehee did
divine, after the manner or wife men and well ad vifed •
for that in his time they vndertooke newe voyages and
navigations by fea , heeknew well, like a Philosopher,
that there was an other land contrary and oppofite vn-
to vs, which they call Antichthon. And by this ground
he might conceyve, that the induftric and courage of
man might in the endepafle the Ocean, and difcover
new lands and another world,for that in Senecats time,
they had knowledge of the Voyage which Plinie (pea-
keth of, whereby they pafled the great Ocean. The
which feemes to bee the motive of Senecaes prophecie,
as he giveth vs to vnderftand by thefe former verfes,af-
ter the which having defcribed the carefull life of the
Ancients, free from malice, he followcth thus:

Now if it not as etrtt it w<tsy

For whether the Ocean will or nill,

He trwertt is by hardy will:

Which paftime makes timefo tofajje.
And a little after he faith thus:

Now every boat dares fmmmt andfiort

On forging Seas, feariug nowracke:

Pajjengers feeking what they lacke,

So long a voyage thinke but foort.
'Nothing i* nowe more to difcover^

Noplace is now left to farprifc,

Townes now that for defence devife,

With new fortifications cover.

All in the world turn' d round abottf,

2fy thingin place as fwas enured,

D 4 N*

4-0 Tbe^jiturallandMorall

Nothing vnfeenC; nothing ajjurcd
"This Circlevnivcrft throughout.

The Indian,jv/w# at home ht Ate pits,
Drinkes of Araxis wattrs cold:
The Perfian rich in gems and gold,
Wajh in the Rhine and Elbe likewise.
Seneca did coniedure this by the great courage of
men, as that which fhall happen laft,faying,It fhall fall
outin the latter age, &c. as hath bin before mentioned.

of the opinion which Plato held of the Weft Indies.
CHAP. 12.

IF any one hath treated more particularly of the weft
Indies , the honor belongs to Plato, who in his time
faith thus. In thofe dajes, they could not fyle this Gulph
(meaning the Athntike Sea ( which is the' Ocean )
which meetes at the Straight of Gibraltar ) for that .the
pajfcge wasftept at the mouth of the pillars of Hercules,
(which is the fame Straight of Gibraltar} and this lland
was in thofe dayes ioyned to the forefaid mouth, and was of
that higneffey as it exceeded all Afia and Affricke together:
and then was there a fajjage te goejrom thefe I lands to o-
thers, and from thofe others llandes, they went to the frme
Land , the which was neercinvironed with the very Sea.
This is reported by Critias in Plato. And fuch as be-
leeve that this narration of Plato is a true Hifiorie>deli-
vered in thefe termes, fey, that this great dtlanticke I-
land ( the which did exceed both :Affridse-md Apa in
greatnefle) did then comprehend the greateft part of
the Ocean called Atlantike: which the Spaniards no\ve
fayle in: and that thofe other Ilands3 which ( he fayde (

were

Htilorieofthe Indies, lib.i. 41

were neere vnto this great one 5 are thofe , which wee
now call the Hands of Barlovante 5 that is, Cuba, Hifta-
niola, S.lohn de Port ricco, Jamaica, and other Hands of
that Countrie : and that the maine Land whereof hee
maketh mention, is the fame wee now call firme Land,
that is, Pm*and <^£merica*mA that Sea,which lie fiy th
is adioyniri-g to the firme Land, is the South fea > the
which he calleth the very Sea 5 for that in companion
of her greatnefTe, all other Seas, both ^Mediterranean y
yea, and the ^tlantike Sea^ire fmall in regard thereof.
Hereby in trueth they give a cunning and wittie inter
pretation to thefe Words of Plato. But whether this in-
terpretation fhould be held for true or not^ I am refol-
ved to declare in an other place.

That fome have held opinion that in places of holy Scrip*
ture , whereas they fteake of Ophir, is fob evader/loot?
cf our Peru. CHAP. 13,

§Ome hold opinion,that mention is made of the Weft
Indies in the holy fcripture,taking the region of Pern
for that Ophir which fb famous Robert Steevens , or to
fay more tt\\z\y Francis Fatableji man wellfeenein the
Hebre\V tong (as I have heard our mafter report, who
was his difciple) {aithinhis annotations vponthe 9.
chapter of the 3. booke of Kings , that the Ila^d of
Jltfyamola which Chriftopher Colombo found out , was
that of ' Ophir , from whence Solomon caufed to beef
brought jfoure hundred and twentie, or foure hundred
and 50. talents of moft fine and pure golde> for that /
thegoldeofO'^(? which our men bring from ffifta-

• i • r i r> f n . t i- • ^ Ji i

ntola,® of the lame faflnon and quauue. And there are

'many

42 .7 'he ^(aturall and Morall

many others which affirm? that our Peru is Ophir t
deriving one name from another, who beleeve^that
when as the booke ofParalipewenon was written, they
. called it Peru , grounding it vpon that which the holy
fcripture faith , that they brought from Ophir pure
gold , precious (tones, and wood which was rare and
goodly: which things abound in Peruyi$ they (ay . But
in my opinion, it is farre from the truth, that Pert*
fhould be ophir fo famous in the Bible . For although
in this Pcruy there be good ftore of gold , yet is there
notfuchaboundance, as it may be equalled with the
fame of the riches that was in auncient time at the
* Re***** Eaft fogies • I ^ncfc not that in Peru there are fuch pre-
*§'*•* cious ftoncs, or fuch cxquifite woods, as the like have
not bend feene at Itruftkm. For although there be ex-
quifite Emeralds , and fome hard trees of Aromaticall
Wood , yet do I not finde any thing of fo great com
mendation as the fcripture giueth vnto Ophir . More
over, it feemes not likely that Solomon would leave the
Eaft Indies (mod rich and plentiful!,) to fend his fleetes
to this farther land : whether if they had come fb of
ten (as it is written,) we had furely found more figncs
andteftimonies thereof. Moreover, the£fr>#0/0£/>of
the name of Ophir^mA the change or reduction tfiere-
of to Peru, feemestomeoffmallconfideration, being
moft certaine that the name of Peru is not veiy aun
cient, nor common to all that countrie . It hath beenc
vfuall in the difcoverie of the new world 5to give names
to lands and portesof the fea , according to the occa-
fionsprefented at their ariuall: and I beleeve that the
name of P era , hath bcnefo found out, and put in pra-
<5life : for we find heere that the name hath bcne given
to all the countrie of Pern , byreafon of a river focal-
led

Htiiarie of the Indies, lib.i. 45

led bytheinhbitantsofthecoimtrie, where the Spa
niards arived vpon their firft difcoverie . Whereby we
maintaine that the Indians themfelves bee ignorant,
and do not vfe this name and appellation to fignifie
their land. It feemeth moreover, the fame Authors
will fay, that^^r{pokenofinthefaipture5 is that
which we now call Andes, which are moft high moun-
taines in Peru . But this refemblance of names and ap
pellations is no fufficient proofe. If that were of force,
we might as well fay, that httan is lecfen , mentioned
in the holy fcripture . Neither may we fay , that the ^G'»f10-
names of Titw and JW, which the Kings Inguas '
ofPtfwdavfe, come from the Romans or Chriftians,
feeing itis too weake an argument , to draw a con'du-
fion of great matters . We fee plainely,that it is contra.
rie to the intention of the holy fcriptures, which fome
have written , that Ttiarfis and Ophir were one and
the fame Province, conferring the 22- chapter of the
4. booke of the Kings, with the 20. chapter of the fe-
cond booke o££artujfm0r'w , for that in the booke of
the Kings 5 it is {aid, that Ivfapkat prepared a fleete of
fhippesin Ajiongaber to fetch golde at Ophir , and in
PAralipomenen , it is written, that the fame fleete was
furnifned to go vnto Thar fa. Whereby ir may be {up.
pofed, that in thefe fore-faid bookes > where the fcrip
ture fpeakes ofT^/y/>ando^/>, that it meanes one
thing . Some one may demaund, what region or Pro-
vincethat o^/>was , whether Solomons fleete went
with the Mariners offfyram King of Tyre and Stdontv
fetch hold. And whether King lofaphats fleete , pre-$
tending to go , did fuffer fliipwracke,and perifh in Afi- 4.^*1*.
gng&berj& the holy fcripture doth teftifie. In this I do
v/illingly agree with the opinion oftofepb> in his books

of

44 7& ^aturall and Moral!

of Antiquities, where he faith , that it is a Province of
the Eaft Indies, the which was found by that Ofhir
thefonne ofjeffav, whereof mention is made in the
10. of Geneffis : and that Province did abound with
moft fine gold.Thereof it comes, they did fo much ex
tol the gold ofopbir or of Opbas,mas fbme vvil $y5this
word ofobrife is thefame with OfhrtfeJiQi finding there
(even fortes or kindes of gold (asS. lerome reportes,)
that of Ofhir was held for the moft fine, as heere we
efteeme the gold ofrattivia and Caramaya. The chie-
feftreafbn which moves me to thinke thato^/r is at
the Eaft Indies, and not in the Weft, is, for that Solo
mons fleete could not come hither , without paffing
the Eaft Indies, all China , and a great part of the fea:
being vnlikely they would paile over all the world
to come thither for gold, that continent efpecially ly
ing in that fort, as they could not come to the know
ledge thereof by any voiagebyland. And hereafter
we willhew that the Ancients had never knowledge in
thearte of Navigation 5 without the which they could
not runne fo farre into the fea . Finally , in thefe matters
(when as there appeares no certaineproofes,butonely
light conie&ures,) wee are not bound to beleeve but
what we (hall thinke good.

What Tbarfis tndOfhirfignijiein the My Scripture.
CHAP. 14,

IF every mans conie<£hire and opinion maybe allovv-
ed/or my part I hold,that in the holy fcripture thefe
words of Tharfis md Ofhir, moft commonly do not
fignifieany certaine place : but it is a word and figni-

fication

Hi/lorie of the Indies, lib. it 47

fication generall to the Hebrewes , as in our vulgar
tongue, this word of Indies 3 is generall vntovs in our
vfuallmaneroffpeech : for wee meaneby the Indies,
thoferich countries which are farre off, and ftrange
vntovs. SoweSpaniardsdoindifferemly call Indies,
the countries of Ptru,Mcxico, China, Malaca^ and Brefil:
and from what parts foever of thefe any letters come,
wee fay they bee from the Indies. , which coun
tries be farre diftant and different one from another.
Yet we cannot denie ,. but that name of * Indies , is pro
perly to bevnderftood of the Eaft Indies. And for that
in olde time they did fpeake of thefe Indies , as of a
countrie farre offr fo like wife, in the difcoverie of o-
iher remote lands, they have given them the names
of Indies , being diftant from the reft , and held as the
end of the world. Even fo, in my Judgement, Tkarfis
in the holy, fcripture, doth not fignifie any certaine
and determined place, but onely regions a farre off,
and (according to the vulgar opinion,) very rich and
ftrange: for that which lofepbus and fbme others would
affirme , that Tharfis is Tarfo, according to the ro^-
ning of the fcripture , in my opinion hath bene well
refutcdby S. Jerome : not onely for that thefe wordes
are written with divers letters , the one with an afpi.
ration, the other without : butalfo, that many things
are written ofTharJis, which cannot agree with Tarfo,
a Citie in Cilicia . It is true , that in fbme places of the
fcripture, Tharfis is faid to be in Cilicia, the which you
fhall find in the booke c&Ittdith , fpeaking of Holopker-
ne\ who having pafled the limits of Apyria&t came to
the great mountaines tfAnge, ( which perchance is
Taunt*,} which hillesbe on the left hand ofCifoia9 and
that he entred into all the Caftells^where he afTerabled

all

! e ^aturalla nd Morall

jfccs : having dcftroyed that famous Citic of
•ruined all the children of T harps and of
. -':L . wereioyning vnto the defart , and thofe
vvc • :. the South , towards the land of Cellon,
roin thence yzSed Euphrates : butas I have faide,'
iat which is ro written ofTharJis, cannot be applied to
, fthe Citic of Tfarfi. Theodoret and fbme otherSjfollow-
:; the interpretation of the 70. in fome places they
r Thtirf-s in Affiike , %ing, it was the fame Citic
-'hich was auncicnrly called Carthage , and is now the
Idngdome of Tbunti : and they fay , d&tfiwas ment to
gofhether, when as the fcripture reports, thathefled
from the Lord into T harps. Others pretend,that Thar*
psy is a certaine countrie of the Indies : where\7nto it
M Manet, leemes thatS. lerowt is inclined . I will not now de
cide thefe opinions : butlholde that in this cafe, the
fcripture doth not alwaies fignifie one region or cer
taine part of the world . It is true, that the wifemenor
Kings that came to worfhippe Chrift,were of the Eaft:
and the fcripture faith 3 they were ofSafra, Epha, and
^Madiem . And fome learned men holde that they
were of Ethiopia, Arabia, and Pcrpa : and yet the Pfal-
m*ft an<^ l^e Church fings ofthem : The Kings of Thar-
ftsjhallbringfrefents . Wee agree then with S Jerome:
ihatTharfis, is a word that hath many and divers figni-
fications in the fcripture. Som times it fignifies the Cri-
folite,orlacinthft£>r\z^ fbrnetimes a certaine region of
the Indies , fometimes the fea which is of the colour of
alacinth by the reverberation of the funne. But the
JameDocSor doth with reafon deny that Tharfts is any
region of the Indies whether lonas would fly,feeing that
parting from lofpa , it had beene impoffible to faile
vnto the Indies by that fea, for that lopfa (which at this

day

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. i,

day wee call Itffe, ) is no port of the red Sea , ioyning
to the Eaft Indian Sea 5 but of the Mediterranean
Sea , which hath no iffiie into the Indian . Where
by it docth plainely appeare , that the voyage
which Solomons Fleet made, parting from <^4pongabtr
(whereas the (hippes of king lofafhat were loft) went
by the redde Sea to Tharfis and Ophir 5 the which is di-
redly teftiffedin the Scripture. The which voyage was
very different from that which lonas pretended to
Thtrfis: feeing that ^Afiong^ber is the port of a Cittie
of laumea, feated vpon the Straight 3 whereas the red
fea ioy nes with the great Ocean.From this Ophirthzy
brought to Salomon gold,filver, Elephants teeth,Mon-
kies, Indian Cocks^, and their voyage was of three
yeeres : all which without doubt ought to bee vnder-
ftood of the Eaftlndies,which is fruitfulland aboun^
dant of all thefethinges^ as ?//#*? teftifieth, and our
owne experience doth witnes.

lefle they could not bring any Elephants teeth, thofe
beaftes beeing vnknownethere^ but they might well
bring gold , filver, andpleafantmonkies. Finally, the
holy Scripture, in my opinion , doth commonly vn-
derftand by this word of T^ir/J>,eyrher the great Sea^
or farre and ftrange Regions. So as hefuppofeththat
the prophecies which fpeake of Thar (is (feeing the (pi
nt of Prophecie may comprehend all things) may of
ten be applied to things of our new world.

50 The 3\(jtturalland Moral!

Of the Prophetic of Abdias, which fome doc inter fret te
be the Indies: CHAP. 15.

\A Any fay and affirme , that in the holy Scripture
-A-Vl.it was foretold long before, that this new worldc
fliouldbe converted to lefus Chrift by the Spanifli na
tion, and to this purpofe they expound the text of the
Prophecie of Abdi&s, which fay th thus: At the travfmi-
gration of this OJi, the children of ifraelfall pojjejje all the
the dwellings of the Cananites vnto Sarepte,W thetranf-
wigraiion of lemfalcm, which is at Bofphorus , fallpof-
fcjje the Cittics of the South, and they that fall five , fall
come vp to the hill of Sion to iudge the mount ofE£m,and
the kingdwne fall bte the Lordcs. This hath beene fet
downeacording to theletter,but the Hebrew Authors
reade it thus : And the transmigration of this Osi of the
children, which be the Cananitcs, <vnto Zarfhat ( which is
Trance ) and the transmigration of lerufalem ,which is in
Safharad (vnderftood for Spaiue) fall poffejft for inhe
ritance the Cities of the South, and thofe which procure fal-
vation , jhafl mount *vp to the hill of Sion , to iudge the
mount ofE&u r andthckixgdome fail be the Lords. Yet
fome of them doe not produce any fufficient teftifao-
ny of the Ancients, nor pertinent reafons to proove
that Sapharad( which S.Ierome doth interpret theBef
phw or Straight , and the 70. Interpreters Euphrates,)
fliould fignifie Spatne,but their onely opinion. Others
alleage the Caldean Paraphrafe, which is of this -opini
on, and theancient Rabbins , which expound it on this
fort j as alfo that Zarfhat is France , ( which the vulgar
atid the 70- Interpreters call Sarepte.*) But leaving this
difpute, which belongs to men of more leifure; what

neceflitie

Hiftoritof the Indies lik.r^

neccffitie is there to beleeve , that the citties of the
South or of ^MagA (as die TOAvrite) be thofe of this
new worlds Moreover, what need is thereto bekeve
and to take the Spanifh Nation for the trail/migration
from lerufakm to Sapharad 9 vnlefle we will vndcrftand
Jerufakm {piritually.and thereby the Church^So as by
the tranfmigration from lerufakm to Sapkarad , the ho
ly fphitefhewes vs the children of the holy Church,
which inhabit the ends of the earth,& the banks of the
Sea,for fo is S^^wWvnderftood in the Syrian tongue,
and doth well agree with our Spainc, which according
to tfie Ancients is the ende of the earth , bceing in a
manner all invironcd with Sea. And by the Citties of
the South, we may well vnderftand thefc Indies, feeing
thegreateftparteofthis neweworldeis fcated in the
South; and the better part looks to the Pole Antartike.
That which followeth iseafie to interpret, -viz. They
which procure Salvation , fall afcend the hilt ofSion , u
iudge the mount of Efau. For wee may fay, they vnite
themfelves to the dodtrine and ftrcngth of the holy
Church , which feeke to breake and difperle the pro-
phane errors of the Gentiles, for that may be interpre
ted to iudge the mount of Efau : whereby it folio wes,
that in thofe daies the Realme (hall ncyther bee for the
Spaniards, nor for them of Europe faut for lefas Chrift
our Saviour. Whofbcver fliall expound the Prophe-
cieof AbdiMm this fort , ought not to be blamed;
being moftcertaine, that the holy Spirit did vnder
ftand all (ecrets long before. And it fecmes there is
great reafon to beleeve,that mention is made in the ho
ly Scripture of a matter of fuch importance, as the diC
covcrie of the Indies, ofthe new world, and their con-
verfion to the faith, ifej faith in thefe wordes; oh the

E wings.

50 The S^aturall and Morall

,/. , wi»?s of fhips which come from the ether part of Ethiopia.

7/4V.IO.J0X/4 . o J J L 1111 t f • ^t . *

Many learned Authors hold, that al this Chapter is vn-
derftoed of the Indiesrand that fame Prophet in an o^
t]ier place faith ; Thofc which flail efiape out 0flfrael,fhal
goefarre off to Tharfis and to remote llands, where they foal
convert many Nations wrto the Lordc. Amongeft the
which , hee names Greece, Italit 3 Affricke with many o-
thers : the which without doubt may well bee applied
vnto the converfion of the Indies. Being moft certaine
thatthe Gofpelfhallbe preached generally throughout
the world, as ourSaviour hath promifcd, and then the
ende of the world fhall come. It followes then,and fa
we ought to vnderftand it0that there be many Nations
vpon the face of the earth, to whom lefus Chrift hath
not yet been preached. Whereby we may gather, that
there remained a great part of the world vnknowne ta
the Ancients, and that yet at this day, there is a good
parttodifcover.

come 1o the Indies*

the which was not willingly jior offetfurpofe.
CHAP. 16.

NO w it is time to make anfwer to fuch as fay there
are no Antipodes , and that this region where we
live, cannot bee inhabited. The hugegreatnesofthe
Ocean did fo amaze S. Auguttme, as he could not con
ceive how mankinde could pafle to this new-found
world. But feeing on the one fide wee know for cer
taine, that many yeeresagoe there were men inhabL
tingin thefe parts, fb likewiftwecannot deny butthe
foipture doth teach vscleerely, that all men are come

from

Hittorieof the Indies lib.r. 51

from the firft man: without doubt wefhall be forced to
beleeveandconfefle,that men havepaflcd hither from
Europe, Afia or Affrickc , yet muft wee difcover by what
meaaes they could pafle. It is not likely that there was
an other Noes Arke, by the which men might be tranf-
ported into the Indies, and much lefle any Angell to
cane the firft man to this new world , holding him by
the haireof the head, like to the Prophet ^stbacuc.-fa
we intreat not of the mightie power of God5 but only
of that which is conformable vntoreafbn, & the order
and difpofition of humane things. Wherefore thefe
two things ought to be held for wonderfulland wor-
thie of admiration, yea, to bee numbred among the
fecretsof God. The one is ; how man could pafTefo
huge a paflage by Sea and Lande. Thootheris- that
there beeing fuch multitudes of people, they have yet
beene vnknowne fb many ages. For this caufe I de-
maund, by what refolution, mrce or induftrie, the In
dians could pafle (b large a Sea, and who might be the
Inventer of fo ftrange a paflage? Truely I have often
times confidered thereof with my felfe, ( as many o-
thers have done) but never could I finde any thing to
fatisfie mec. Yet will I fay what I have conceived, and
what comes prefently into my minde, feeing that tefti-
monies faile mee, whom I might follow , fuffcring my
felfe to be guided by the rule of reafon, (d-houghit be
very fubtill.) It is moft ceitaine, that the firft men came
to this land of Pent by one of thefe two meanes, either
by land or by fea. If they came byfea/itwascafiially,
and by chance,or willingly ,& of purpofe. I vnderftand
by chance, being caft by force of fome ftorme or tern-
peft,as it happens in tcmpeftuous times. I meane done
of purpofe, when they prepared flcetes to difcover new

E z lands.

The^aturallanctMoratt

lands , Befides thefe two meanes, I fee it is not poflible
to ,find out any other , if wee will follow the courfe of
humane things , and not devife fabulous and poetical!
fidions5 for no man may thinke to finde another Eagle
as that otGanimede, or a flying Horfe,like vnto Perfettf,
thatfhouldcarie the Indians through theaire^ or that
perad venture thefe firft men haue vfed filhes , as Mir.
maides,or the fifh called a Nicholas, to pafle them thi
ther. But laying afide thefe imaginations and fopperies,
let vs examine thefe two meanes , the which will bee
— ^^,both pleafant and profitable . Firft in my iudgement,it
were not iarre from reafon to fty, that the firft and aun-
cient people of thefe Indies , have difcovered and peo
pled after the fame fort as wee do at this day, that is, by
the Arte of Navigation and aide of Pilots, the which
guide themfelves by the heigth and knowledge of the
heavens ,. and by their induftrie in handling and chan
ging of their failes according to the feafbn.Why might
not this wellbe? Muft webeleeve,that wealone,ancTin
this our age, have onely the Arte and knowledge to
faile through the Oceans Wee fee even now, thanhey
cut through the Ocean to ciifcover new lands , as not
long fince Alvaro Mendana and his companions did,
who parting from the Port ofLtma , came alongft the
Weft, to difcover the land which lieth Eaftward from
Pm*-andattheendofthreemoneths, they difcovered
the Hands, which they call the Hands <zi Salomon^ which
are many and very great , and by all likclchood,they lie
adioy ning to new Guinnit&i elfe are very neere to feme
Other firmeland . And even now by commandement
from the King and his Counfell , they are refolved to
prepare a new fleete for thefe Hands . Seeing it is thus,
-why may we notfuppofe3 that the Ancients had the

courage

Hittorie of the Indies, lib.u 53

courage and refolution to travell by fea , with the fame
intent to difcover the land which they call AntitthQ*
oppofiteto theirs, and that (according tothedifcourfe
of their Philofophie) it fliould be with an intent,not to
reft vntill they came in view of the landes they fought?
Surely there is no repugnancieor contrarietie in that
which wee fee happen at this day , and that of former
ages, feeing that the holy fcripture doth witnes, that
S&idmon tooke Matters and Pilots from Tyre and Sidon,
men very expert in Navigation, who by their indu- t.Tw 9.
ftry performed this voiagein three yeeres. To what * ^s10-
end thinke you doth it note the Arte of Manners, and
their knowledge , with their long voiage of three
yceres3but to give vs to vnderftand, that Solomons fleetc
failed through the great Ocean { Many arc of this opi
nion, which thinke that S.AaguJlws had fmallreafon
to wonder at the greatnes of the Ocean , who might
well conie&ure , that it was not fb difficult to faile
through, confidering what hath been fpokenof Solo
mons Navigation. But to fay the truth, I am of a con
trary opinion, neither can I perfwade my felfe,that the
firft Indians came to this new world, ofpurpofc,by a
determined voiage; neither will I yeeld, that the An
cients hadknowledgein the Art of Navigation,where-
by men at this day pafTe the Ocean , from one part to
another, where they pleafe, the which they performc
with an incredible fwiftnes and refolution ; neither do
I finde in all Antiquities, any markes or teftimonies of
fb notable a thing, and of fb great importance . Be-
fides, Ifindenot, that in ancient bookes there is any
mention made of the vfc of the Adamant or Load-
ftone,noroftheCompafTetofaileby: yea, Ibeleeve
they had no knowledge thereof. And if we take away

E 3 the

5.4- The Shatura H and Moral I

the knowledge of the compafle to faile by, we fhallea-
fily iudge ho\v impoffible it was for them to paflc the
great Ocean. Such as haue any knowledge of the fca>
vnderftand me well.-for thatitis as eafie to beleeve that
a Mariner in full fea can direct his courfe where hee
pleafe,without a compafle, as for a blinde man to fliew
with his finger any thing, be it neereor farre off. And
it is ftrange 3 that the Ancients have bene fo long igno-
rant of this excellent propertie of the Adamantftone:
f°r pi*ff*e > vvho vvas f° curious in naturall caufcs , wri-
ting of this Adamant flone^fpeakes nothing of that ver-
tue and propertie it hath , alvvaies to turnethe iron
which it toucheth towards the North : the which is
the mod admirable vertue it hath. AnHotley Theofhra-
fes>E>iofcoridMyLucretiw, nor any other Writers,or na-
10. turall Philofophers , that I have feeue, make any mcn-

tjon ^ercof , although they treate of the Adamant
ftone. Saint Augustine writing many and fundrypro-
. it cult, perries and excellencies of the Adamant ftone , in his

bookes of the Citie of God ' fPeakes nothing therc-
»ete. of. And without doubt, all the excellencies fpoken

of this ftone, are nothing in refpeft of this ftrange
propertie, looking ahvaies towards the North , which
is a great wonder of nature . There is yet an other ar-
9i(».i&.7.f.i* gUment? £orplwj€ treating of the firft invemers of No:-
vigation,and naming all theinftruments,yct he fpeakcs
nothing of tlie compaiTe to faile by , nor of the Ada
mant ftone. I fay onely,that the art to know the ftarres,
was invented by the Pb&niciens. And there is no doubt,
butwhatfbever the Ancients knew of the Art of Na
vigation , was onely in regard of the ftarres , and ob-
ferving theShoares, Capes, and differences oflandes.
And if they hadonceloft the fight of land , they knew

not

Hfihrie of the Incites, lib. i. 5 ?

not which way to dire<5i their courfc, butby the Stars
Sunne, and Moone : and that failing(as it doth often,
in a darke and cloudie feafon,) they did governe them-
felves by the qualitie of the winds , and by coniec-
ture of the waies which they had pafled. Finally they
went as they were guided by their owne motions. As at
the Indies jhe Indians faile a long way by fea , guided
only by their owne induftrie & naturall inftind. And it
ferues greatly to purpofe , that which Plinie writes of
the Handers ofT*pfri>aiM , ("which at this day, we call
Sumatra^) fpeaking in this fort , when as he treates of
the art and induftrie they vfe in failing. Thofe ofTa-
probamifie not the North to faile by : which defect theyfup-
ply with certainepnaU birdes they c&rrit with them , the
which they often Utflie , and as thefe birdes by a, natural in-
ftinft flic alwaies towards the I and, fo the Mariners dtretl
their courfe after them. Who doubtes then, if they had
had a#y knowledge of the compafTe , they would
not have vfed thcfe little birdes for their guides , to
difcover the Land . To conclude , this fufficeth to
fliew that the Ancients had no knowledge of the
fecrets of the Loadftone : feeing that forfb notable a
thing, there is no proper word in Latine, Greeke5or
Hebrew : for a thing of fuch importance , could not
have wanted a name in thefe tongues , if they had
knowne it . Whercvpon the Pilots at this day to di-
red him his courfe thatholds the helme, fit aloft in the
poopeof the Shippe, the better to obferuethecom-
pafle : where as in olde time , they fat in the prow of
the Shippe, to marke the differences of lands and feas,
from which place , they commaunded the Helme:
as they vfc at this day , at the entrie or going out
of any Port or haven : and therefore the Greekes

E 4 called

16 The ^(atitrallancf Moral/

called Pilots Prcritats, for that they remained ftill
in the prow.

Of the properties and admirable virtue $f the Adamant
Jlone for Navigation , whereof the Ancients hadne
knowledge. CHAP. 17.

BY that which hath been formerly fpoken 3 itap-
peares, that the Navigation to the Indies, is as cer-
taine, and as fhort, as wee are allured of the Adamant
ftone . And at this day , we fee many that have failed
{romLisbwe^o GVw/rom Siville to Mexico, and through
all the South fca,cven vntoCA/;w,and totheftraight of
Maggellan^nd that as certainely5& as eafily,as the Hus
bandman j>oeth from his Farmevnto theCitie. We
havealfo kenc men thiit have made fifteenc,yca, cigh-
teene voiages to the Indres,and we haveheard fpeake of
fome Ancients , which have made above tiventievio-
geSjpafring^and rcpafling the great Ocean,in the which
they have not fcene any fignes offuch as have trave
led, nor met with any paffengers to demand the way
of them. For as the Wife man faith >a (hip cutteth the
waves of the water, leaving noway where itpafleth,
nor any path in the flouds • But by the vcrtue and pro-
perrie of the Adamant ftonc , it makes as it were a bea
ten path in this Ocean.The high Creator of all things*,
having imparted this vertuevntoit, that by the touch
of iron , ithath alwaies his morion and afpedl towards
the North , in what part of the world foever you be.
Some fearch what fliould be thecaufe of this wonder-:
full propertie, and imagine I know not what fimpathie.
Butformypart, I take more pleafure and content in

the

Hittorieofthefnctiei.

the confederations of thefc wonders,to praife the pow
er and grcatnes of the Almightie, andreioyce in the
contemplation of his admirable vvorkes, and to fay
with&?/0w0#/peaking vpon this fubiedi, Ofathcrwhofe st'l*f
frovidence governe* and maintaines A fctceofwoody gi
ving it an ajfiircdway vpon the fa , and in the midjl of the
fivellingwaves, toflwvjhatin the like fort 9 thou canftjavc
and deliver m^nfiomallperillandjhipryracke^ yea, although
he were in themtdft ofthefca without jhippe. But for that thy
works are full ofwifedome, men hazard their lives in afmall
peeceofwood, and p*(Ji through the fain aft: ppe, and are
faved. And vpon the fameYubied the Pfalmift: faieth,
Thej which got&thefea injhippts , and traffcke by the great p- ^ ^
waters, fwvefeenc the workes of the Lord 5 And his wonders
in the dtpth of the fit . And in truth, it is not one of die
leaft wonders of God, thattheforceoffofinalla (tone
fhould command the fea , and force tlie infinite depth
thereof to obey him, and follow his commandemenr.
But for that it is an vfuall thing, and ieemes eafie, men
do not admire it,nor take any great regard thereof: and
for that his bountieis fuch , the ignorant make lefTe ac
count thereof . Notwkhftanding , fu<:has will duly
confident, are led by reafon, tobleflfc the wifedome
of God, and to givehim thankes for fo great a benefice.
Being then decreed in heaven, that thefe nations of the
Indies , which have lyen fo long hidden , fhould bee
knowne and difcovered , and that this rowt fhould be
frequented, to the end fo many foules fhould come to
the knowledge of lefus Chrift, and winne eternall life.
There was an allured guide provided for fuch as travell
that way, that is, the Compafle to faile by,and the ver-
tueofthe Adamant ftone . Wee doe not ccrtainely
know at what time this Art of failing was brought to

light,

The WjtturattandMoratl

light. But for my part, Iholdforcertaine,thatitisnot
v'eric Ancient, forbefides thereafonsalleadgcdin the
former chapter, I have not read in any ancient Author,
treatingofdialles,any mention made of the Adamant.
And yet vndoubtedly , the principal! and moft necefla-
rie inftumcnt for funne dialls, which we vie at this
day , is the needle of iron touched with the Adamant
ftoae . Some approved Authors write in the HMtoric
oftheEaft/W/tf, that the firft which began to difco-
ver this fecret vpon the fea,was Vafcor dc Ga?&a,vtho in
^theheigth of 'Mozambique, met with certaine Mariners
j>/i».//£a.«/».Moorcs , which vied this compafle or needle to faile
k j k tiie mcancs thereof, he (ailed through thofc

JJ •/, r \ i D i i •

M rt\>. leas : yet they write not from whom they learned this
Alt> Andfomeamongft themareofouropinion,that
the Ancients were ignorant of this fecret. Moreover, I
will (hew a greater wonder of the needle to faile by,
which we might hold incredible,if we had not proofe
thereofby vndoubted experience. The iron touched
or rubbed with that part of the Adamant ftone which
is towards the South,hath this vertue, to turnealwaies
and in all places to the contrarie , which is the
North . Yet doth it not in all places diredly regard it,
but hath certaine points and climats , where it dircft-,
lyregardes the North, and their ftaies : but changing
this climate,it inclines a little, either to the Eaft, or to
the Weft, the farther it goes from this climat , which
the Mariners cal Norrh-eaft,or North- weft,which is to
(ay, coafting or inclining totheE^ft, or to the Weft*.
And it is a thing of fuch confequence, to vnderfhnd
this declining orcoafting of the needle, that if they
ob(erve it not advifedly (although it bee fmallj they
fliall ftray wondeifully in their courfc , and arrive in

awother

Hiftorie of the fndict* lib.i.

another place then where they pretended to go. Once
a very expert Pilot of Portugal told mee, that there
were foure poyntes in all the world,whereas the needle
looked diredly towards the North, the which hee na
med, but I do not well remember them. One is in the
height of the Hand of Corvo at the Ter ceres or Acorcs^
which is very well knovvne to all men : but palling to a
greater altitude , it declines to the Weft : and contra-
ri wife , drawing to a lefTe altitude, towardes the Equi-
noctiall , it leancs to the Eaft. The matters of this
Arte can well tell how farre and how much . For
my part, I would gladly know, of fuch as prefume
to knowe all thinges , what fhould bee the caufe of
th'is eflfed , and for what reafon , a little yron ton-
ched with the Adamant ftone , rcceyves fuch ver-
tue, as to lookealwayes towards the North , and with
fuch dexteritie,thatitvnderftandcth thefundry Cly%
mates and fcituations of the world, and which way it
fliould turne and incline5as well as any Philofbpher or
Cofinographcr whatfbever. And feeing wee cannot
well difcovcr the caules and reafons of thefe thinges
which wee fee dayly , without doubt they were very
hard tobeleeve, if they were not apparent. Herein we
difcover our follie & vanitie, to make our felves iudgesc
& to fubieft divine & high things to our reafon & di£
courfe. Itis therefore better , as S. Gregork the divine
fayth, to fubieft reafon vnto faith, for that in her owne
manfionfliehathno governement. But this (hall fuf
fice. Let vs returne to our purpofe,and conclude, that
the vfe of the needle to {ayle by , was vnknowne to the
Ancients : whereby we may refblVc, that it was impo£
fible to make a determined voyage, parting from the
other world, to come to this by the Ocean.

Wkenm

rfo The WjtturattandMorall

Wherein dn anfoere is made to them that fay, that in
times faffed they have faykd through the Ocean,
CHAP* J8.

THat which is alleaged to the contrary of that
which hath beenefpoken, that Salomons Fleet fay-
led in three yeeres , is no fufficient proofe , feeing the
holy Scripture doth not diredly affirme, that this voy
age continued three yeeres-, but that it was made once
in three yeeres. And although wee graunt , that the
voyage lafted three yeeres , it mightbee, as it is likely,
that this Fleet fayling towards the Eaft/W/>/,was ftay*
ed in their courfe5 by the diverfitie of Ports and Regi
ons, which they difcovered : as at this day , in all the
South Sea, theyfayle from Cfer&tonewety/f/^the
which voyage, although it bee more certaine , yet is it
longer , by reafon of the turnings they are forced to
makevpon thcCoaft, and they flay in divers Portes.
And in trueth, I doe not finde in ancient bookes, that
they have lanched farre into the Ocean, neylher can I
beleeve, that this their fayling was otherwife then
they vfe at this day in the Mediterranean Sea : which
makes learned men to coniedure,that in old time they
didnotfayle without Owers , for that they wen tal-
wayes coafting along the (hoare : and itfeemes the ho
ly Scripture doth teftifieas much , fpeaking of that fa
mous voyage of the Prophet Ion<i*\ where it fay es,, that
the Marriners being forced by the weather r rowed to
land.

Bijlorie of the Indie*, lib. it 61

That we may conietture, how the frft Inhabitants of the
Indies came thither by force of weather, and not wil
lingly. CHAP* 19.

HAving flicwed-, that there is no reafbn tobekeve,
that thefirft Inhabitants of the Indies came thi
ther purpofely ; it followeth then , that if they came
by Sea, it was by chance 5 or by force of weather, the
which is notincredible, notwithftanding thevaftnefle
of the Ocean , feeing the like hath happened in our
time , when as that Marriner, (whofgjiame we are yet
^he end io great a worke , and of ftich

importancejfliould not be attributed to any other Au
thor then to God ) having ( through tempeft difcove-
red this new world,) left for payment of his lodging,
where he had received ifr . fg Chriftopber Columkm , the
knowledge of fo great a fecret.Even foitmight chance,
that fome of Europe or ^ffrickeln times paftjhave bin
driven by foule weather 3 and caft vpon vnkn:owne
lands beyond the Ocean. Who knoweth not5 that
moft, or the greateft part of the Regions in this newe
world, weredifcoyered by this meanes , the which we
muft rather ^tribute to the violence of the weather,
then to the fpirit and indiiftrie of thofc which have di£
covered. And to the end we may know, that it is not
in our timeonely, that they have vndertaken fuch voi-
ages, through the greatnefle of our fhippeSiand the va
lour and courage of our men: we may readein Pbnie,
that many of the Ancients have made the like voya
ges , he writes in this manner : It is reported that Caius
Ca?far,y5;^/0 Auguftus Ca?lar,^w»j- cbargtvpon the
Arabian Su 3 did there fie and fnde cerUinepecesandre-

mainders

6^ The P^aturall and Mora/I

mainders of 'Spanijh jlrippes that had perifled. And after
he faith : Nepos re fortes of the Ifyrtherne cirettite , that
they brought to Qjjin tgs Metellus Carler companion in the
Confulfiipto Cains Affranius (the fame Metellus being
thenProconfullin G&Atfcertaine Indians which had btenc
prefentedby the King tffSueden.- the which Indians .failing
from India,/^ their trafficke, were cajl vpon Germanic by
force ofiempeft . Doubtles, if Plims fpeaketh truth , the
1 Portugalcs in thefe daies,faile no further then they did
in thole two (hipwrackes , the one from Spaine to the
red Sea , the other from the Eaft Indies to Germanic.
The fame Author writes in another place, thatafer-
vant tfAnniu* Plocamw^ who formed the cuftomes of
theredSea, failing thecourfeof Arabia,^ therecame
fo furious a Northerne wind, that in fiftecnedaieshe
pafled Caramania, and difcovered Hippares , a port in
Taprobane , which at this day we call Sumatra . And
they report ofafhippeofc^r^^, which was driven
out of the Mediterranean Sea , by a NorthernAd,
to the view of this new world. The which is
thing to fuch as have any knowledge of d»Iea , to
know that fbmetimes a ftorme continu^^pg & furi-
ous,without any intermiffion . I ra^jel|^Pingjtp the
TggK^parringjronr the Canaries, fiaveJrlReene daies,
dlTcovered th^ firff lanJ^geopled _&y tFe Spaniards .
And without doubt, this voiage had beenlhorter , if
the Mariners had fct vp all their failes to the Northerne
winds that blew. It feemes therefore likely to me,that
In times paft,men came to the Indies againtt their wills,
driven by the furie of the winds . In/Vrfl, they make
great mention of certaine Giants, wfilch]hav€ Seen in
tlioIFparts, whofetoncs arej^Heene^atlS^^and
pf afaugc greameSj and b»y their proportion^

they

Hiftorie ofthe Indies, lib* i,

they fhould be thrice as big as the Indians. At this day
they report that the Giants came by fea , to make
warre with thofe of the Countrie, and that they made
goodly buildings, whereof at this day they (hew a
well, built with ftones of great price . They fay more
over, that thefc men committing abhominable finncs,
efpccially againft nature, were confumed by fire from
heaven. In like fort the Indians report of Yea, and
Arica, that in old time they were wont to faile farrc
to the Hands of the Weft, and made their voiages in
Scales skinnesblownevp. So as there wants nowitr-
neffes., to prove that they failed in the South fea, be
fore the Spaniards came thither. Thus we may well
coniediire, that the new world began to be inhabited,
by men that have been caft vpon that coaft by the vi
olence of the Northerne winds , as wee have feenc in
our age. So it is, (being a matter verie confiderable)
that the workes of nature of greateft importance, for
the moft part, have been found out accidentally , and
not by the induftrie and diligence of man . The grea
teft part of phificall hearbes,of Stones,Phnts,Mettalls,
Perlejgold, Adamant, Amber, Diamont, and the moft
part of fuch like things, with their properties and ver-
tups, hav^ rather come to the knowledge of man by
chance, then by art or induftrie , to the end wee may
Jmow^that the glorie & praife of fuch wonders, fhould
beatributed to theprovidenceofthe Creator>and not
to mans vnderftanding : for that which we thinke to
happen accidently, proceedes alwaies from the ordi
nance and difpofition of God,who does all things with
reafon.

all that hath benefaidjt u more likely
that thefrjl inhabitants of the Indiesjfrw^ by land,
CHAP. 20.

I Conclude then, that it is likely the firft that came to
thclxdies, was by fhipwracke and tempeft of we
ther , but heercvpon groweth a difficultie5which trou-
blethmemuch. For,fuppofe wee grant that the firft
men came from farre Countries , and that the nations
which we novvfee,are iffiicdfrom them, and multipli
ed; yet can I not coniedure,by what meanes brute
beaftes (whereof there is great aboundancej could
come there, not being likely , they fhould have bin im-
barked and carried by fea.The reafon thatinforceth vs
to yeeld, that the firft men of the Indies are come from
Europe,or^/7^, is theteftimonie of the holy fcripture,
which teacheth vs plainely , that all men came from
Adam. We can therefore give no other beginning to
thofe at the Indies, feeing the holy fcripture faieth, that
all beaftsand creatures of the earth perifhed^butfuch
as werereferved in the Arkeof Ato, for the multiplica
tion and maintenance of their kinde : fo as wemuft ne-
ceflarily referre the multiplication of all beaftes to
thofe which came out of the Arke of N$e , on the
mountaines of Ararat , where it ftaied. And by this
meanes , we muft feekc out both for men and beaftes,
the way whereby they might -pafTe from the old world
to this new. StimAaguftivc, treating vpon this quefti-
on , by what reafbn you fliall finde in feme Ilandes^
Wolves, Tigers, and other ravenous beaftes , which
breede no profit to men , feeing there is no doubt, but
Elephants, Horfes, Oxen, Dogges, and other beaftes

which

Hiftorie ofth; Indies liB . r.

which ferve man to vfe , have been cxprefly carried in
fliippes, as we fee at this day brought from the Eaft in
to Enwfe , and tranfported horn Europe, to Peru , al
though the voiages be verielong, And by whatmeanes
thefe beaftes which yeeld no profit, but are very hurte-
full (as Wolves,and others of that wilde nature) fliould
pafle to the /W/>*/uppofing,as it is certaine,that the de-
, luge drowned all the earth. In which Treatie,this lear
ned & holy manlaboures to free himfelfc of thefe diffi
culties, faying that they might fwim vnto thcfe Hands,
or that fome have carried them thither for their delight
inhuming : or that, by the will of God, they had been
newly created of the earth, after the fame maner of the
firft creation, when God faid, Lei the earth bring forth
evcrie living thing according to his kinde. Cattle , ana cree-
fingWormes, andthebeajlcsofthefeld, everyone in hU
^/^.Butifwe fliall apply this folution to our purpofe,
the matter will remaine more doubtftrll: for beginning
at the laft point, it is not likely, according to the order
of Nature, nor conformable to the order of govern,
ttuent eftabliflied by God, that perfeft creatures, as Li
ons, Tigers, and Wolves, fliould be engendered of the
earth, as we fee that Rattes, Froggcs,Bees, and other
imperfed creatures,are commonly engendered.More-
over,to what purpofe is that which the fcripturc faieth,
,and doth fo often repeate,T£<w/ta// -take ofaUthe beaftes Gcnt7m
AndbirdesoftbeAire>feveny and frven> ma'e and femde^
to maintaine generation vpon earth ^ if fuch beafts after
the deluge, fliould be created againe after a new kinde
of creation , without coniundipn of male and female?
And heerevpon might grow another queftion : See
ing fuch creatures are breeding on the earth (according
to this opinion) wherefore .are they not likewife in

F all

Tlie frfyt urallanctMoraU

all other panes of the maine Land ^ and in many
Ilandcs , feeing wee rauil not regarde the naturall
order of generation, but the boimtie of the Creator
On the other part * I will no thold it for a thing incre
dible , that they have carried fomeofthefcbeaftcsfor
the pfeafureof hunting : for thatwe often fee^Princes
and great menkeepe and nourifh in their cages, (onely
for their pleafure and greatnefle ) both Lyons , Beares,
.and other fevage beaftes , efpeeially when they arc
.brought from farre Countries : but to fpeake tfiat of
Woolves, Foxes and other beafts which yeeld no pro*
fite,and have nothing rare and excellent in them,but to
hurtthecattell^andtofay alfo that they have carried
them by fea for huming^ruefy it is a thing that hath no
fenfe. Who can imagine, that in ia long a vayage,meiv
would take the paynes to carrie Iroxes to Few, eTpcci^
ally oTthatkind^vhich they call ^^"wh^cR js the fit
thiefftHat I haVefeene^ Wtio woould likewifeTay,that
the have carried Tygers and Lyons? Truely it were a
thing worthy the laughingat , to thinke fo. It was fuf-
ficient, (yea, very much ) for men^driven againft thek
willesby tempeft,info long and vnknowne a voyage,
to efcape the danger of the Sea with they r owne lives,
without bufying themfelves to carrie Woolves-and
Foxes, and to nourifh them at Sea. Jf thefe beafts then
came by Sea , wee muftbeleeve it was by fwimmingr
which may happen ir^fome Hands not farre diftant
from others, or fpm the may ne Land, the which wee
cannot denie, feeing the experience wee have, and?
that wee fee thefe beaus, beeing preft to fwimme day
and night without wearinefle, andfo to efcape. But
this is to be vnderftood in final Straights and paflagcs:
for in- our Ocean, they would moeke at fuchfwin>

r

Hittorie of the Indies lib. tl

mers, whenas birds failein their flight, yea3thofc of the

greateft wing, vpon the paflage of fo great a Gulplv
And although we finde finall birdes , which flic above
a hundredlS^ues?as vye have often teencin o15r travel,
yent : islnriatter impoflible , at the leaft very difficult,
for birdes to pafle all the Ocean. All this hieing true
which wee have fpoken , what way fhall wee make for
beaftes and birdes to goe to the Indies t and how can I
fay, they paffcd from one worlde to an other? Icon
ieflure then , by the difcourfe I have made , that th
newgorl^ wbchw£c^^

redand^difioyne^d troju feotHer world; and to fpeafe
m^gmion^I have long beleeved^tEat the oneand the
other woridareioned aicontinucnc

ther in fofne part , or at theaftarc
yet to this day, there is no certainc knowledge of the
contrary. For towards the Artickc or Nortfierne Pole
all the longitude of the earth is not difcoveredj
many hold, that above Florida , theLandnmnesout
very large towards the North , and as they fay, ioynes l
with the Scithike or GtrmAine Sea. Otheraaffirme, that •
a Ship fayling in that Sea , reported to have feene the
coaft of Bacalats , which ftretcheth almoft to the conx
fines of Eurofc. Moreover5no man Tcnowes how farre
the land runncs beyondjfac.Cage of <JMendo^ iiuhc
Southfca, but that theyaffirme it is a great Continent/
wEIcHTunnes an infinite length : and returning to the
Southeme Pole , no man knovves the lands on the o-
ther part, of the Straight of (jMageSan. A fliip belon
ging to the Biflioppe ofPlatfaMe , which pafled the
Straight,reports to havefayled alvvaye^ within fight of
Land : the XfaHernwdo Lamer a Pilot doth amrmg,
who ( forcedly foule weather) paged twcTorrhrec de-

F 2 grees

TbeWjiturattandMoratt

grees above the fayd Straight. So as there is no reafbn
or experience that doth contradid my conceit and o~
pinion • which is,that thewhole earth is vnjtcdjk ioy-
nedLin fome part , or it the lealt, the one ^pgroGheth
neere vnto the^otherTlf this be trucks in effe<5Tthere
is fome likelyhood, ) theanfivereiseafietothedouht
wehave propounded, how the firft Inhabitants could
paflTe to the Indies : For that wee muft bcleeve they
could not fo conveniently come thither by Sea, as tra
velling by Land3 which might be done without confi-
dcration,in changing by little and little their lands and
habitations. Some peopling the lands they founrf,and
others feeking for newc 5 in time they came to inhabite
and people the Indies , withfo many nations , people^
and tongues as we fee.

By what memnes tame Beasts- faffed to the Indies.
CHAP. 21.

•npHe fignes and arguments, which offer themfelves
A to fuch as are curious to examine the Indians ma-
ners and fafliions, helpc aiuch to maintayne the fore-
fayd opinion : for that you (hall not finde any inhabi-
ting the Hands that are farre from themaine Land , or
from other Hands, as \hzBermudes, the reafbn where
of is, for that the Ancients did never iayle but alongft
thecoaft,andinviewof land : whereupon it is repdr^
ted, that they have found no great Ships in any part of
the Indies y capableto paffe fuch GuJphs3but onely Bal-
fees, Barkes and C^^f,which are all leffe then our long
boates, the which the Indians doe onely vfe, with the
which they could not runne through fb great a Pad

Htitorie of the Indies, lib , i . 69

fage, without apparant danger of fhip- wrackc: and al
though their fhippes hadbeene fufficient,yet had they
no knowledge of the Aftrolabeor Compaffe. If then
they had beene but eight or tennedayes at Sea with,
out fighi of land , they muft of neceflitie loole them-
fclves , having no knowledge where they were : wee
know many Ilandes well peopled with Indians , and
their vfuall navigations, the which wasfuch,as they
may well performe in Canoes and boats, without any
Compaffe to fayle by. Whenas the Indians of Peru,
which remayne at Tom&es, did fee our firft Spanifli
£hippes faylingto ?^«,and viewed the greatnefle of
their failes,being fpread,and of the bodies of the fhips,
they ftoode greatly amazed , not beeing able to per-
fvvade themfelves that they were (hippes,having never
feene any of the like forme and greatnefle, they fuppo-
fed they had bcene rockes. But feeing them advance,
and not to fincke, they flood tranfported with amaze
ment, vntill that beholding them necrer, they difcove-
red men with beards that walked in them, whom then
they held for fomegods or heavenly creatures, WhereT
by it appeares , how ftrange it was to the Indians to
have great Ships. There is yet an other rcafon, which
confirmes vs in the forefayd opinion , which is , that
thefebeaftes (which we fay are not likely to have been
tranfported by Sea to the Indies,} remayne onelyon
the maine Land.and not in any Ilands7foure dayes ior-
ney from the maine Land. I have made this fearch for
proofe thereof, for that it feemes to me a point of great
importance, to confirme me in mine opinion,that the
confines of the ladies, Europe, Apt , and Affricke have
fome communication one with another,or at the leaft,
approch very neere together. There are in ^fmmct

F 3 and

jo The ^(aturall and Moral!

and Peru many wildebeaftes,as Lyons: (although the£
be not like in greatnefle , fierceneffe , nor of the fame
colour redde , to the renovvmed Lyons of Africa.)
There arc' alfo many Tygers , very cruell > and more to
.the I&d/ans then io the Spaniardes : there ar&Iikewifc
Beares , but in no great aboundance : of Boares and
Foxes an infinite number. And yet if wee (hall fceke
for all thefe kindes of bcaftes in the Hands of Cuba*
Hijpatftota, lamaica, MargumtA , or Dominica, you frail
notfindeany. So as in thefayde Hands, although they
were very fertile, and of a great circuit , yet was there
notany kind of beaftes for fervice when the Spaniards
arrived , but at this day there are fo great troopes of
Horfes^Oxen, Kyne,Dogsand Hoggcs, which have
multiplied in fuch abundance , as now the Kine have
no certaine mafter, but belong to him that flial firft kil
them,beit on the mountaines or on the plaines5which
the faJiavsdo, onely to fave their hides.,whereof they
make great traffick, without any regard of the flefhto
eate it. Doggcs have fo increafed , as they march by
troopes , and cndammage the cattell no IcfTe then
wolves, which is a great inconvenience in thefe Hands.
There wants not onely beaftes in thefe Hands, butal-
fo birdesboth great and fmall . As forParrets^thereare
many that flic by flockes, but (as I have faid,) there are
few of any other kinde. I have not feene5nor heard of
any Partriges there, as in Pert*. Likewife, there arefevV
ofthofe beaftes, which at P^r« they call Cuancos,m&
VicuriM,\fa to wildc Goates, very fwifte, in whofe fto-
macke they find the Beezars (tone , which many do
greatly value : fometimes you fliall finde them as bigge
as a hens egge, yea, halfe as bigge againe . They have
no other kindc of beaftes, but fuch as we call Indian

fliecpe,

HiHw 16 of the Indies, lib.u 71

fliecpe,the which (befidcs their vvooll and flcfli (where
with they clothe and feede themfelves,) do ferv7e them
as Affestobeare their burthens . Theycarrie halfeas
much as a Moyle, and are of fmall charge to their ma.
fters.having neede, neither of fliooes, faddle, nor oates
to live by , nor of any furniture , for that Nature hath
provided them of all thefe, wherein (lie feemes to have
favoured thefepoore Indians. Of all thefe creatures,
and of many other fortes, whereof I will make menti
on, the maine land at the /W/tf.aboundes . Butinthe
Hands, there are not any found , but fuch as the Spani
ards have brought. It is true,that once one of our Fri
ars didfeeaTigre in an Hand , as hee reported vnta vs
vpon the difcourfe of his peregrination and iliipwracke;
but being demanded how farre it was from the maine
land, heanfwered, fixe or eight leagues at the moft;
which paflage, Tigres might eafily fwimmecver . We
may eafily inferre by thefe Arguments , and others like,
that the firft Indians went to inhabite the Indies , more
by land then by fea- or if there were any navigation, it
was neither great, nor difficult , being an indibitable
thing, that the one world is continued and ioyncd .
with the other,or at the Ieaft5they approach one neere
vn to another in fbme parts.

That the linage of the Indies , hath not faffed by the At-
lantike lUnd,a$fome do imagine. C H AP. 22.

SOme (following Platoes. opinion mentioned be-S4
for e,) affirm e, that thefe men parted from Europe >
or Affricke, to go to that famous and renowmed At-
, andfopaffed from one Hand vnto ano-
F 4 tlier.

yz The y^aturatt and Moral/

ther, vntill they came to the maine land of the todies?
for that Critic of Plato in his time difcourfeth in this
maner: if the Attantike Hand wereas great as all Afta^
and Affrikt together, or greater0as Plate faies, it (hould
of neceflitie containe all the Atlantike Ocean 7 and
ftretch evenvnto the Hands of the new world. And
P/rf^faicrh moreover, that by a great and ftrangede-
luge, the AtlatJtikc Hand was drowned , and by that
meanes the feawas made vnnavigable, through the
aboundanceof banckes, rockes,and roughnefle of the
waves, which wereyet in his time. Butin theend,the
ruines of this drowned Hand werefetled , which made
this fea navigable. This hath been curtoufly handled
and difeourfed of by fomc learned men of good
iudgement - and yet (to fpeake the truth) being well
confidered, they are ridiculous things, refembling ra
ther to ovids tales7then a Hiftorie or Philofophie^wor-
thy of accoumpt. The greateft part ofF/atocs Inter
preters, affirme, that it is a true Hiftorie, whatrfoever
Critias reports of the ftrange beginning of the Atlantike
Hand, of the greatnes thereof, ofthevvarresthey had
againft them of Eitrepe^vritli many other things. That
which gives it the more credite of a true Hiftorie, be
the wordes of Critic , (whom Plato brings in in his
time,} faying, that the fubiecfthe meanes to treate of^_
is of ftrangethings, but yet true. The other difciples
of P/4^,"confidering that this difcourfe hath more
fheiv of a fable.then ofa true Hiftorie,fay,thxit wemuft
take it as an a!legorie,and that fuch was the intention of
their divine Philofopher. Of this opinion & Frocks,
and Porfhire , yea, and Origcne, who fo much regardes
the writings of/Y/?tt,as when they fpeake thereof, they
feeme to bee the bookes QfMofes> or offfdraf : and

whereas

Htftorie ofthefnclics. lib . i.

whereas they thinke the writings of Ptat* have no fhew
of truth, they fay,they are to be vnderftood myftically,
and in allegories. But to fay the truthj do not fo much
refped: the authoritie of Plato, (whom they caB(DL
vine,) as I wilbdeeve he could write thefe things of
the Atlantike Hand for a true Hiflorie, the which arc
but rneere fables , feeing heeconfeflcththathee kar-
ned them of Critias, being a little child?, who (among
other fongs,)fung that of the Atlantike Hand. But whe
ther that Plato did write it for a true Hiftorie, or a fable,
for my part , I beleevethat all which he hath written
of this Hand, beginning at the Dialogue of Time, and
continuing to that ofCrtiiM, cannot be held for true,
but among children and old folkes. Who will not ac-
coumptita fable, to fay that Neptune fell in love with'
Clite^ and had ofher five paire of twinnesat one births
And that out of one mountaine, hce drew three found
balles of water,and two of earth , which did ib well re-
femble, as you would haveiudged them all one bow*
ell * What Ihall wee fay moreover of that Temple of a
thoufandpace long, and five hundred broade,whofe
wall'es without were all covered with filver, the feeling
of gold, and within ivorie, indented and inlaiedwith
gold,{ilver,and pearle ? In the end,fpeaking of the ru-
ine thereof, he concludes thus in his time , In one day,
and one night , came a great deluge ^ whereby attourfpuldurs
were fallowed by heafes within the earth ^ and in this fort
the Atlantike lland being drowned, it vanifiedin the Sea,,
Without doubt it fell out ^happily, that this Hand va-
nifhedfofuddenly, feeing it was bigger ^then Afia and
Affrih : and that it was made by enchantment. It is in
like (brt all one to fay, that the mines of this fo great
an Hand, are feene in the bottome of the fea -x and that

the

74- '3&i ^aturattandMoraH

the Mariners which fee them, cannot faile that way.
Then he addes, For this caufe vnto this dayythat Sea it not
navigable , ly reafon of the bancke which by little & little is

growne in that drowned lland. I would willingly demand
what Sea could fwallowvp fb infinite a continent of
land , greater then Afa zn&Affrike, vvhofe confines
ftretched vnto the Indies , and to fwallow it vp in fuch
fort , as there fhould at this day remaine no fignes nor
markes thereof, whatfocver : feeing it is well knowne
by experience , that the Mariners finde no bottome in
the Sea, where they (ay this Hand was . Notwithftan-
ding, it may feeme indifcreete and farre from reafon,
todifpute ferioufly of thofe things which are repor
ted at pleafurc, or if we (hall give that rcfpedl to the au-
thoritie of Plato fas it is reafon,)wcmuft rather vnder-
ftand them to fignifiefimply, fas inapidture) theprof^
peritie ofa Gitie, andwithall,theruine thereof. For
the argument they make , to prove that this AtUntikc
Hand, hath bene really and indeede, faying that the fea
in thofe parts , doth at this day beare the name of At-
lantike, is of fmall importance, for that wee knowe

^. Mount Atlo* 5 whereof Ptimt fayes this fea tooke

}i the name, is vpon the confines of the Mediterranean
Sea. And the fame Plinie reportes, that ioy ning to the
faid Mount, there is an Hand called Atlantike , which
hereportestobe litde, and of fmall accompt.

"That the ofinion of many which holdc , that the frtt
race of the Indians comes from the levves , is nti
true. CHAP. 23.

NO w that wee have (hewed how vnlikely it is, that
the fii'ft Indians paffed to the Indies by the Atlan
tike

Hiflorie of the fncfiet. lib.i. 7 $

tike Hand , there are others holde opinion 5 that they
tooke the way , whereof Efdras fpeakes in his fourth
booke, in this manner : ^4ndwherto4thoufawcft that he
gathered an other peaceable troofc vnte him , tbou fialt
know , thofe are the ten tribes , which were carted away cap
tives out of their own landjn the time of king Qzzas,w!jom
Salmanazar king of the hffynzr&-tooke captives, andlcddc
th:m beyond the river , fo were they brought into an other
land : but they tooke this council to themfelves^ to leave the
multitude of the heathen, ana go forth into a farther coun*
trie, where never mankind dwelt, that they might there ob-
fcrve their ft at tit es^ which they could not keepein their owns
land : and they entredby the narrowe pajjages of the river
Euphrates, for then God fiewed his wonders, and flayed
ike firings of the flood,, vntill they werepaffed over : for
the way vnto that Count rie is very long^y.eat of ay cere /inda
halfe , and thk Region i$ called Arfareth , then dwelt they
there vntill the latter time, and when they come forth againe,
the mo ft Cbtightie flail hold jtill the firings, ofthenvtra-
gaine , that they maygoe through • for thti cauje fawcft thoit
this multitude peaceable. Some will apply this text of EJ-
*/nz*tothe Indies ) faying, they were guided by God,
whereas never mankinde dwelt , and that the land
where they dwelt , is fb farre ofF3 as it requires ayeere
and a halfe to performe the voyage 5 beeing by nature
very peaceable. And that there are great figsies and ar-

fumentsamongft the common fort of ^Indians, to
reed a beleefe,that they are defcendedfrom the/flaw.-
for commonly you fhall fee them fearefull, fubmide,
ceremonious and fubtill in lying. And moreover they
fay, their habites are like vnto thofe the lews vfed- for
they weare a fiiort coat or \vaftc-coat5and a cloakc im-
broidered all abouyhey goe bare-footed,or with foles

tied

tied with latchets over the foot, which they call .
And they fay, that it appeares by their Hiftories , as alfo
by their ancient pictures, which reprefent them in this
fafhion,that this attire was the ancient habite of the He-
brewes, and that thefe two kinds of garments, which
the Indians onely vfe, were vied by Samfon , which the
Scripture calleth T unlearn , and Sidonem : beeing the
fame which the Indians terme waft-coat and cloake.
But all thefe conie&ures are light, and rather againft
them then with them$ for wee know well, that the He-
brewes vfed letters, whereof there is no fliew among
the Indians - they were great lovers of filver,the/e make
no care of it : the Icwes, if they were not circumcifed,
held not themfelvcs for Iewes,and contrariwife the/#-
dians arc not at all, neyther did they ever vfe any cere-
monie neere it, as many in the Eaft have done. But
what reafbn of coniedure is there in this , feeing the
lewes are fo careful to preferve their language and An
tiquities, (basin all parts of the world they differ and
are known from others,andyet at the Indies alone, they
have forgotten their Linage, their Law,their Ceremo
nies , their <JA4tfias ; and finally , their whole ludaifmc.
And whereas they fay , the Indians are feareful cowards,
fu perditions, and fubtill in lying ^ for the firft, it is not
common to all, there arefbme nations among the Bar-
baruns free from thefc vices,there are fome valiant and
hardy, there are fome blunt and dull of vnderftanding.
As for ceremonies and fuperftitions,the Heathen have
alwayes vfed them much5thc manner of habitcs defcri-
bed which they vfe,being the plainefland inoft fimple
In the world; without Arte, the which hath been com
mon, not onely to the Hcbrewcs, but to all other Na
tions 3 feeing that theveryHiftoryof £y?n*f (ifwec

(hall

Hi/lorie of the Indie?, lib. i, 77

fhall beleeve the Scriptures that bee Afotrftfa ) make
more againft them then for their purpofe : for hee faith
in that place , that the ten tribes went from the multi
tude of theHeathen , to keepe their ftith and ceremo-
nies^and we fee the Indians given to all the Idolatries in
the world. And thofe which holde this opinion, fee
well if the entries of the River Euphrates ftretdi to the
Indies, and whether it be neceffary for the Indies to i e^
pafle that way,as it is written. BefidesJ know not how
you can name them peaceable, feeing they be ahvaies
inwarreamongftthemfelves. To conclude, I cannot
fee how that Euphratesm Efdras Apocrypha , fliould be
a more convenient paflage to goe to the new world,
then the inchanted & fabulous AtUnitke Hand of Plata,

Tkercafonwhym can findnolcginmngoftbe Indians*
CHAP. 24.

^

IT is eafier to refute and con tradid the falle opinions
concey ved of^the Originall of the Indians , then to
fet dovvnea true and certaine refolution • for that there
is no writing among the Indians , nor any certaine re
membrances of their founders : neyther is there any
mention made of this new world in their bookes that *
• have knowledge of letters : our Ancients held , that in
thofe parts ,there were neyther men3 land, nor haven.
So as hee fliould fceme ra(h and prefumptuous , that
fhouid thinke to difcovcr the firft beginning of the In
dians. Bu t we may iudge a fane off,by the forma* di£
courfe, that thefe Indians came by little and little to
this newe world , and that by the helpe and meanes of
the neerenefle of lands , or by fbme navigation 5 the

which

78 T%e S^fturaUtnd Morall

which feetnes to race the mcanes whereby Lthey came,
and not that they prepared any arrnie to goe thither of
purpofe: ncyther that they have been caried thither
by any fhip-wracke or tempeft,a! though (brae of theft
ihings may chance in forne part of the Indies^ for thefe
Regions* beeing fo great, as they containe Nations
without number , we may beleeve, that fome came to
inhabite after one fort , and fome after an other. But
in the ende 1 refolvc vpon this point, that the true and
principal! caiife to people the Indies, was, that the
lands and limits thereof areioyned and continued in
fome extremities of the world , or at the leaft, were
very neere. And I beleeve , it is not many thoufand
yeerespaft,fincemen fiift inhabited this new world
and* Weft Indies 5 and that the firft men that entred,
were rather favage men and hunters , then bredde vp
in civill and well governed Common- weales : and
that they came to this new world, having loft their
ownc land, or being in too great numbers, they were
forced of neceffitie to feeke fome other habitation*-
the which having found , they beganne by little and
little to plant, having no other law , but fbme inftinft
of nature,and that very darke, and'fome cuftomes re-
mayning of their firft Countries. And although they
came from Countries well governed , yet is it not in
credible to thinke>that they had'forgotten all through
die trad of time and want of vfe^feeing that in S faint
and Italic we find companies of men , which have no
thing but thefhape and countenance onely, whereby
we may coniedure in what fort this new world grew
fo barbarous and vncivill.

What

Hijlorie of the Indies, lib.

What tkt Inditmrefort

CHAP. 25.

IT is no matter of any great importance , to know
what the Indians the mfclves report of their begin
ning, being more like vnto dreames , then to true Hi--
ftories.They make great mention of a deluge hapncd in
their Countrfe : but we cannot well iudgeif this de
luge were vniverfall (whereof the Icripturc makes men-
lion,) or fome particular inundation of thofe regions
where they are . Some expert men lay , that in thofc
Countries are many notable figrces of fbme great in
undation , and I am of their opinion which thinke that
thcfe markes andfliewesofa deluge, was not that of
Not , but fome other particular ,, as that which PUto
fpcakcs of,or De#cafiws{{Qud>whkh the Poets fing of:
wharfoever it be,the Indians fay,tha t al men were drow
ned in this delugeiand they report that out of the great
LzktTiticaca, came one Viracocha, which ftaied in Ti~
tguanACO) where at this day there is to bee feene the ru-
ines of ancient and very ftrange buildin gs , and from
thence came toCttfeo , and fo began mankinde to mul
tiply. They (hew in the fame Hand a fmall Lake, where
they faine that the funne hid himfclfe , and fo was pre-
ferved- and for this reafon they make great facrifices
vnto him in that place,both of (heepe and men.O thers
report, that fixe , or I know not what number of men^
cameoutofacertainccave by a window , by whome
imenfirft began tomultiplie: and for this reafon they
call them Pacaritampo.A.nd therefore they are of opini
on, that the Tam&os is themofl ancient race of men.
They fay alfb, that Mango Cap A, whom they acknow
ledge for the founder and chiefs of their ingua^^ was

lifted

So TbeNjtturallandMorall

iflued of that race, and that from him fprang two fami
lies or linages , the one of Havan Cufio , the other of
yrniCufco. They fay moreover , that when the Kings
/#£//<# attempted warreand conquered fundrie Pro
vinces , they gave a colour and made a pretext of their
cnterprife, faying, that all the world ought to acknow
ledge them • for that all the world wasrenuedby their
raceand Countrie : and alfo that the nue religion had
been revelled to them from heaven. But what availeth
it to fpeake more; feeing that all is full of lies and vani-
tie, and farre from reafon? Some learned men write,
that all which the Indians make mention of , is not a-
bove 4co.yeeres old;and whatfc ever they fpeake of for.
merageS;, is but a confufion full ofobfcuritie, wherein
we find no truth . The which may not feeme ftrange,
they having no vfe ofbookes, or writing; in fteede
whereof, they vfc counting with thdz^jjrif0caf»6yes9
the which is peculiarvnto them. By which reckon ing
all they can report is not paft^oo. yceres . InftrudHng
niy felfe carefully of them , to know from what land,
and what nation they pafled , to that where they now
live, I havefound them fo farre vnable to give-any rea-
(bn thereof,as they beleeve confidently, that they were
created at their firft beginning at this new world,where
they now dwell . But we have freed them of this error
by our faith, which teachcth vs,thatallmen came from
the firft man. There are great and apparant coniedures,
that thefe men for along time, had neither Kings nor
'common weales,but lived in troupes, as they do at this
day in Florida^ the Cbiriqu<itt?aj,thok ofBrefi/^ and ma
ny other nations, which have no cei taine Kings, but as
occafion is offered in peace or warre, they choofe their
Captaines as they pleafe , But Ibme men excelling

others

Hi florie of the Indies lib . i. Si

others in force and wit, began in time to rule and do-
mineere as Nembroth did: fo increasing by little and lit* GeH* ro»
tie, theyerecfted the kingdomes of Peru and Mexico,
which our Spaniards found: and although they were
barbarous, yet did they farrefurpafle all the other Indi
ans. Behold how the fbrefaid reafbn doth teach vs,that
the Indians began to multiply, for the moft part, by Cu
vagemen and fugitives, which mayfuffice touching
the beginning of thefe men we (peakeof, leaving
th e reft, vntill we treate of thek Hifto-
rie moreatlarge.

THE

Sz

SECONDBOOKE

of the Natural! and Morall Hi-

ftorie of the Indies.

That it is not out ofpttrpofc, but neceffark to trcate of the
nature of the Equwattiall. CHAP. i.

OR the well conceiving of things
at the Indies, it is necdfarie to know
the nature and difpofition of that R egi-
on 3 which the Ancients did call the
burning Zonc,the which they held in
habitable , feeing the greateft part of
this new world , which hath bin of late difcovert djies
and is fcituate vnder this region in the midft of heaven.
And it feernes to me greatly to purpofe which fome do
fay,that the knowledge of things at the/tf^/tt, depends
of the well vnderftanding the nature oftheJEqui-
noftiall : for that the difference which is betwixt the
one and the other world, proceeds in a rnaner from the
qualities of this Equino<5tiall . And we nnift note, that
allthefpace betwixt thetwoTropickcs, muft be pro
perly taken and held for this middle line , which is the

Equinodiall

Htttorie of the Indies lib . z.

Equino<3iall- fo called, for that the Sunne running his
courfe therein, makes the daies & nights even through
out the world: yea, they that d well vnder this line, in-
ioy, throughout the y eare, the fame equalitie of daies,
and nights. In this Equinoftiall line, we firide fo many
admirable qualities, that with greatreafon mans vndcr-
ftanding doth ftudie and labour to fearch out the cau-
fcs- not moved therevnto fo much by thedo&rine of
ancient Philofophers , as by reafonand certainc expe

rience.

For what reafon the Ancients held, that the burning
ZonevffAS inhabitable. CHAP. 2. .

Examining this fubie<S from the beginning, no
man can denie that which we plainely fee, that the
Sunne when it drawesneere, doth heatc, and when it
retyres, groweth cold. The daies and nightes,with the
Winter and Summer be witnefles heereof; whofe va-
rictie with the heate and cdfJ, growes by the ncerenes
and diftance of the Sunne. Moreover it is certaine,the
more the Sunne approacheth and cafteth his beames
prependicularly , the more the earth is fcorched and
burnt , the which we fee plainely in the heate of the
South,and in theforce of Summer , whereby we may
iudgc fin my opinion) that the farther a Countrie is
diftantfrom thecourfe of the Sunne, the more cold
it is.So we findeby experience, that the Countries and
Regions, which approach neereft to the North, are
coldeft: and contrari wife, thofethat lieneere thelfr-
diakc^ where the Sunne keepes his courfe, are moft hot.
For this caufe Et&iopia pafleth Affiike and Barbarie in

G 2 heat:

The^aturattanctMorafi

heate, -^rforfeexcccdcs Andalcufia, AndAloufa, Caftile
and Arrtg&n* furpafle #/«& and Frtunce . And the
more they decline to the North , the colder they are:
and ft> by confequence , thofe which approach neereft
to the Sunnerand are beaten perpendicularly with his-
beamc-s ; they do rnoffcfecle the heate thereof! Some
vrge another reafon to this effed: , which is > that the
motion of the heaven is very fodaineand light towards
fazTr&fikeSt but neere the Poles it is flow and heavie^
whereby they conclude, that the region which the Zo-
duh circles and conteines , is fee on fire with heate for
three caufrs and reafons * the one for the neerenes of
theSunne, theother, for that his beamesrefleddireft-
ly, and the third, far that it doth participate andfeele
this fwift and fodainc motion of the heaven. See what
reafon and difcourfe teacheth vs, touching thecaufe of
heat and cold vpon the regions of the earth . But what
fhalhvefay of the two other qualities, wet and drie?
Even the fame. For the drought feemesto glow by
the neerenes of theSunne, and moiftnes, being reti
red farre off, for that the qjjht being colder then the
day,islikewife more moift; and the day which is drier,
is alfo hotter. Winter, whilft the Sun runnes his courfe
farther oiF^is more cold and rainie^and Summer, when
the Sunne is neere, is morehotteand drie : for even as
the fire hath the propertie to parch and burne, fohath
it to drie vp the moiftnes . Thefe things therefore
confidered, ^//7^ and other Philofophers attribute
vnto the regions of the South,which they call burning,
an cxceffivc heat and adrouth likewife. And therefore
they (aid, this region is wonderfully fcorched and drie»
& fo by confequence, hath neither waters nor paflures,
whereby of neceffitie it muft be contrarie and vnfit for
mans life.

Hfilorie of the Indies, lib.il 8?

That the burning Zone // 'very moift , contrary ft the o-
finion of the Ancients. CHAP. 3 .

A LI that we have propoundcd,feemes vndoubted-
ly true, and to purpofe $ and yet the conclufion
they would draw from it, is diredly falfe; for that the
Region of the South, which they call the burning
Zone , is peopled and inhabited by men ; and wee our
fclves have flayed long there , beeing very com modi-
ous, pleafant and agreeable. If therefore it befo(as we
cannot denie it) that from a true proposition, we can
not draw a falfe conclufion , and yet this conclufion
ihould be falfe, ( as indeed it is,) we muft of neceffitie
returns backe the fame way, to examine this propoflti-
on more ftri&ly , & whence the error ihould proceede:
we will firft (hew the trueth, as allured experience doth
teach vs, then will we proove it , ( although it be verie
difficult ) and will endevour to give a reaibn, -folio w-
ing the termesof Philofophie. The laft point that wee
propounded , that the drought is greateft, whenas the
Sunne isneereR to the earth , feemeth certaineand in-
fallible, and yet it is very falfe 5 for there is never grea
ter aboundance of raine in the burning Zone^ then
whenas the Sunne goeth diredly over them, and is ve
ry neere. Truely it is an admirable thing', and worthy
obfervation, that the ayreismoftcleere/andwkhout
rayne vn^er this burning Zove , whenas the Sunne is
fartheft off- and contrariwife there is moft mvne, fiiow
andmifts, whenas the Sunne is necreft. Such as have
not travelled in this new world, wil happily thinke this
incredible, and it will ieemeftrangc even vntofuchas
havebeene there, if they have norwellobferved it.-but

GS the

The ^{aturatt andMoratt

the one and the other will willingly yeeld , in noting
the certaine experience of that which hath becne iayd
of tins part of Peru , which looks to the Southerne or
dntartikc Pole: the Sunneis then fat theft off, when it is
neereft vnto Europe,\hzt is, in Maie,Iune,Iuly and Au-
guft , whenas heeimkes his courfe in the Tropicke of
C^AT.During which Moneths>theaire at Peru is very
cleere and calme , neyther doth there fall any fnow or
raine • all their rivers fall much, and fomeare dried vp
quite: but as they cere increafeth, and the Sunne ap-
procheth neerevnto the Tropicke of Capri corne, then
begins it to raine and to fnow, and their Rivers fwell
from Odober to December. Then after that the Sun
retyring from Capricorm , whenas his beames refleft
diredly vpon the heads of them of Peru, then is the
violence of their waters great» then is the time of raine,
fnowj and great overflowings of their Rivers , when
as their heatc is greateft, that is 5 from lanuarie to mid
Marchrthis is fo trueand certainc,as no man may con-
tradid it. And at that time the contrary is found in the
Regions of the Pole Anicke , beyond the-E^/^^w//,
which proceeds from the fame rcafon. But let vs now
lookeinto the temperature of Panama &all that coaft,
as well of new Spaine , the Hands of Barlovent , Cuba^
Hifpamola, Jamaica, as of S.lohn de Port ricco, wee fliall
without doubt finde,that from the beginning of No-
vemHer^vntillAprill, they have the aire cleere and
bright; the reafon is , for that the Sunne paffing by the
Equmottialitv the Tropicke ofCapncor^e^ctyrcs from
thofe Regions more then at any other time of the
yeere. And contrariwife, they have violent ihovVcrs
and great fwellings of water, whenas the Sunne re-
turnes and is neereft vnto them, which is from Rine5vn-

to

HtHorie of the Indies, lib.2. 87

to September, for then hisbeamesbeatemoftvpon
them . The like happens at the Eaft Indies, as we learnc
daily by letters that come. Soasitisagenerallrule,
(although in ipme places there is an exception) that in
the Region of the South or burning Zonsy which is all
one, the airc is aioft cleere and drieft , whenas the Sun
is fartheft off; and contrariwife 5 when it approcheth,
there is greateft rayne and humiditie : and even as the
Sunne advanceth or retyreth little or much^ven fo the
eath abounds or wants water and moifture.

That in the Regions which be without the Tropicks,there
if greatcftftore of waters , whenas the Sunne is far
thest off , contrary to that vnder the burning Zone.
CHAP. 4.

IN Regions which lie without theTropicks, we fee
the contrary to that which hath beene fpoken :
for that the rayneis mingled with cold, & the drought
with heate, the which is well knowne in all Europe and
the old world, as we fee in* the fame manner in f he new
world, whereof the whole Kingdome of -Cfo'&isa wit-
nefle, which lying without the Tropicke QfCapricorne^
and in the fame height with Spaine , is fubicd to the
fame lawes of Winter and Summer , but that Winter
is there3whenas it is Summer in Spune, being vnder di
vers Poles. So as when it is cold in thefc Provinces, the
waters are in great aboundance , which is , when the
Sunne is fartheft off, fromthebeginningof Aprill, to
the end of September: finally,thedifpoiition of f:a-
fons is like to that in Europe, which is,that the heat and
drought comes whenas the Sunne returnes, which is

G 4 the

We frfytuM andMorali

the caufe that this Rcalmeof Chile approcheth nccrer
the temperature of Europe , then any other of the In
dies, as well in the frtiites of the earth, as in thebodies
and fpirits of men. The like they report of that part
which lies before the Inner Ethiopia, thatftretcheth
out in manner < f apointvnto the Cape BwneFJpe-
rance or Good Hope , the which they holde for a true
caufe of the inundations of ?(jle, which bee in Sum
mer, whereof the Ancients have ib much difputed,for
that in that Region the Winter and raine begins in A-
pril , v/nenas the Sunne hath pafled \^4rm : and thefe
waters, which part!/ grow from fnow,and partly frora
raine, aflembleand rruike great Lakes and Poolcs,fi oni
whence by good and true Geographic the River of
^k proceedes, and by this meanes goes by little and
little ftretching out her courfe , till that having ru nnc a
long way, it finally in the time of Summer overflow-,
cth^y^, which feemeth againfl Rature, and yet it is
certaincly reported ; for at what time it is Summer in
'Egtfty lying vnder the Tropicke of Cancer, then is it
winter at the fpringes of 7V//£,which is vnder the other
Tropicke of Capriwrne. There is in o^Wtr/r/ran other
inundation like to that of Nik,2t Paragucn^ or R iver de
la Plata^vhidi is as much to fay, as the River of filver,
the which receiving yeerely infinite waters which fall
from the Mountain es of Pm^doth fo terribly fwell in
her courfe, andover-flowcs that Region , as the Inha
bitants are forced, during thofe Moneths, to rctyre
themfelves into boats and Canoes , and to leave the
dwelling of the Land.

That

Hittorieoftbefndies. lib.2*

That betwixt the two Tropicks , thegres&t abouxdanct
ofrawe u in Summer jvith A dijcourfiof Wwterwd
Summer. CHAP. 5.

con dude, Summer is alwayes accompanied
A with heatc and drought r in the two temperate
Zones y and Winter with cold and moiftneffe : but vo
der the burning Zone thofe qualities are not alike, for
that raine accompanies heate , and drought followed*
the cold : I vndcrftand by cold,want of exceffive heat?
fo as Winter is taken in our Europe for the coldeand
ray nie feafon , and Summer for the hot and cleere fea«
fon. Our Spaniards which live at Peru 3 and in ne\ve
Spaine , feeing thefe two qualities not to concurre to.
gether as in Sfahw , call that feafon Winter , wherein
rhereis greateft aboundance of raine and waters 5 and
Summer , where there is little or none at ail : where
in they are piamely deceived,although they affirme by
a generall rule , that in the Mountainesof Perx,itis
Summer from the Moneth of Aprillto September,
for that the raine ceafeth in that feafon 5 and that Win
ter isr from the mnneth of September vnto Aprill, for
that the (howres returne then; and therefore itis win
ter and dimmer at the fame inftarrt that mSpame. So as
when the Sunne goeth diredly over their heads, they
then take it to bee the depth of Winter , having grea
teft flore of raine. But itis worthy to be lauehed at,
comming from ignorant men and vnlenrnedrfor even
as the diffcrenc" betvvixt tke day and night proceeds
fro n the prefence or abftncc of the Sunnein our he-
fntfphere, according to the motion of the fir ft motor,
which is the caufe of day and night • even fo the diffe

rence

po The 3^

rence which we fee betwixt Winter and Summer,pro-
ceeds from the neereneffe and diftance of the Sunne,
according to the motion of the faid Sunne , which is
the proper caufe. To fpeake trueth then, it is Summer
whenas theSanne is neercft, and Winter when it is
fartheft off. Both heate and coldne(Te,and every other
temperature, growes of neceffitie , by the neerenefic
and diftance of the funnc-but to iaine5or not to raine,
which is hunuditie and drought, doe notneceffarily
follow. It is therefore eafie to iudgefbefidcs this vulgar
opinion) that at Pcnijht Winter is cleere and without
raine, and the Summer full of fhowres^and not other-
wife, as many beleeve, that the winter is hotte,and the
fummer cold. They fall into the like error, vponthe
difference they make betwixt the Plaines and the
Mountaines of Peru , faying , that when it is fummer
vpon the mountaine, it is winter in the vallie, which is
in April 5 Maie, June , luly , and Auguft : for then the
aire is very cleere vpon the mountaine , without any
raine or miftes,and at the fame feafbn , we commonly
fee foggesin the plaine, which they call Guarva, which
is as it were a very fweet dew wherewith the funne is
covered. But winter and fummer , as it is faid, are cau-
fed by the neerencfTe and diftance of the funne. See
ing then that throughout all Pern , both vpon the
Mountaines and on the PIaines,the funne approcheth
and retyreth in one fort , there is no reafbn to fay, that
when it is fummer in one part, that it h winter in an o-
ther s yet is it no matter of any importance,to contend
vpon thefignification of words: Let them terme them
as they pleafe?and call that fummer when it raines not,
although the heat be greater. But that, whereunto we
mufthavegreateft regard, is the trueth of thefqbiecft,

which

Htftorieofthefndics. lib.2,

which is,that drought and want of raine,is not alwaies
greateft,when thefunneapprocheth neereft, as we fee
in the burning Zone.

That the burning 2Tone abounds with water sand ft-
JlttrcS) again ft the opinion of Ariftotle, who holds
the contrarie. CHAP. 6.

BY the former Difcourfe wee may eafily conceive,
that the burning Zone is notdrie, but abounding
with waters ; the which is fo true y as it exceeds all the
Regions of the world for (tore of waters , except in
fome parts, where there are fands and defart Coun
tries, as wee finde likewife in fome other parts of the
world. As for water from Heaven , wee have alreadie
fhevven, that there is great aboundance of raine, fnovv
and haile, which efpecially abound in the kingdome of
Pern. But as for land-waters , as rivers , fountaines>
brookes,fprings,floods,and lakes, I have not fpoken
thereof till now$ yet being an ordinarie thing, that the
waters below have a correfpondencie with them a-
bove, wee muft not imagine that there can bee any
wantrand in trueth there is fo great ftore of fprings and
fountaines , as you fliall not finde in any Region or
Countrie of the world ^ fb many lakes, mariflies , and
fuch ftore of rivers,for the grcateft part of America is
almoft inhabitable through too great aboundance
of waters : for that the rivers fwelled with the great
Raines in Summer , doe often overflow their banckes,
with fuch furie, as they breake all they incounter : and
in many places they cannot pafle, by reafon of the
raudde and myre of marifhes and vallies:for this caufe,

thofe

pz Tke^aturattandMorall

thofe that live neere to Paragtte#y( whereof wee have
made mention,) forefecing the rifing of the River be
fore it comes3 put themfdves and their goods into Co-
jz0^,anafoprefervethemielves and their goods, fioa-
ting vp and downe, almoft for the fpace of three mo-
neths : and when the River is returned within her
boundes, then they goeto their houfo , ftill wette and
dropping with thefiood. And this River is fogreat^as
Nile, Ganges & Euphrates all together cannot equall it.
But what fliall we fay of the great river vtMagdalaine,
which falles into thefea betwixt S.c^to"^andC*r-
tfcfigtw , and with reafon is called the great river ? Sai
ling in thofe parts , I was amazed to fee her ftreame
(which was very cleere) runne ten leagues into the fea,
being in breadth above two leagues, not mingling nor
vanquifhed with the violent waves of the O cean. But if
we fliall fpeake more of rivers,that great floud called by
(bmCjthe river of dmazons , by others MwAnntn , and
by fome, the river of OreBanA, which our Spaniards fai
led in their difcoveries , ought to blcmifh all the reft-
and in truth I am in doubt whither I may tearmeita
river, or a lea. It flowes from the mountain es ofPer^
from whence it receiues a great aboundance of water,
bothofraine and of rivers, which it garhereth into it-
then paffmg by the great plaines tfPautiti, Dorado^ and
the Amaz>ows,m the end it falles into the Ocean, almoft
right againft the Hand of Marguerite and Trinidado. It
hath fo large & broad a channel,fpccially in theiaft third
part of her length.as it contains in it many great Hands.
And that which feemes incredible, when you faile
through the midft of it., you fliall fee nothing but aire
and water. They fay moreover, that from the midft
you cannot fee nor difcover with the eye, many great

and

£li/lorie of the Indies, lib. 2,

and high mountaines which are vpon the bankes, by
reafon of her great bredth. We have learned from cre
dible perfons, the great and wonderful! bredth of this
riverf which in my opinion, defervcs well the name of
Emprefle and Queene of all flouds,) which was by the -
report of a brother of our company , who being then?
yong, filled it in the company of Peter tforfta, with
whom hee was prefent at all the adventures of this
ftrange entrie and difcoverie •• and at the feditious and
pernicious ads of that wicked T>ugo dAgmrra, , from
the which God delivered him to place him in our com-
pany.Such are the rivers in that region, which they call
the burning Zone, and the drie & parcht vp countrie,
in the which Aristotle and the Ancients affirmed there
were- neither waters, nor paftures. But feeing I have
made mention of the river of Maratww^ to mew the
abundance of the waters that are in the burning zone,
itfhallnot be from thepurpofe, to fpcake fomewhat
of that great Lake which they call Titicac*, which is in
the midft of the Province of Col/off. There are above
ten great rivers which loofe themfelves entring into
that Lake,and yet hath it no ifTue but one final! current
of water, although fbme hold it to be very deepe, and
offucha fafliion, as it is impoflible to build a bridge
over it,for the depth of rhe water, neither can they pafle
it by boate for the violence of the current . They pafle
it by an artificiall and notable pradice , peculiar to the
Indians, with abridgeofftravvlaied vpon the water,
the which (being of fo light a fubftancc)finkes not,and
yet this paflage is very eafie and fife. This Lake con*
tainesalmoftfoure fcoreleagues , thirtiefivc in length,
and fifteene in bredth at the largeft place. There are
many Hands which in olde time were inhabited and

tilled.

tilled, but now lie vvafte . It brings forth a great aboun-
danceofreedes , which the Indians call Totora, which
ferves them to a thoufand vfes-for it is meare forfwine,
for horfes, and for men , they make houfes therewith,
fire and barkes. To conclude, the Pros in this their 7V-
tora finde all they have needeof . Thefe Vros be fiich
dull and brutifh people,as they efteeme not themfelves
men. It is reported of them , that being demanded of
what nation they were? They anfwered,they were not
men, but Vros, as it were fome kinde of beaftes . There
are whole villages of thefe Tw inhabiting in the Lake
in their boates ofTotcray the which are tied together
and fattened to fomc rocke , and often times the whole
village changeth from place to place. So as hee that
would feeke them now whereas they were yefterday,
(hall finde no (hew nor remainder of them, or of their
village.The current or iffue of this Lake, having runnc
above fifrie leagues, makes another Lake, butlefle then
the firft which they call Pan A, and containes in it fbme
fmall Hands, but they finde no iffue thereof. Some
imagine it runnes vnder the ground, & that it falles in
to the South fea 5 siving out, that there is a branch of a
river which they fee rife and enter into the fea neere the
banke,having no knowledge of the Spring. But con-
trariwife,! beleeve that the waters of this Lake, diflblve
and aredifpearfed within the Lakeitfelfe through the
heateoftheSunne. This difcourfe feemes fufficient to
prove, that the Ancients had no reafon to holde, that
the middle region was inhabitable for the defecft of
waters, feeing there is fuch f tore both from heaven and
ontheearth.

•

Shewing

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. 2*

Skewing the reafon why the Sunne without the Troficks^
caufitkgreatejl quantitie of waters when it is far theft
fff^andcontrariwifi 9 within them it breedeth moftt
when ttti neereft. CHAP. 7.

Onfidcring with my felfe often titnes,what fhotiki
' caufe the Equinoctial to be fb moift,as I have faid •
to refute the opinion of the Ancients, I finde no other
reafon,but the great force of thefunne in thofe panes,
whereby it drawes vnto it a great aboundance of va
pors from out of the Ocean, which in thofe parts is ve
ry great and fpatious : and having drawne vnto it this
great aboundance of vapours , doth fuddenly diflblve
them into raine5and it is approoved by many tryed ex-
perienees.that theraine and great ffermes from heaven
proceed from the violent heat of the Sunne: firft (as
we have (aid before) it raines in thofe countries>when-
as the Sunne cafts his beames direftly vpon the earth,
at which time he hath moft force : but when the Sun
retyres,theheatis moderate, and then there falls no
raine: whereby we may conclude, that the force and
heat of the Sunne is the caufe of raine in thofe Coun
tries. Moreover we obferve, both in7Vr«,New Spawey
and in all the burning Zonc,t\\at the raine doth vfually
fall in after-noone , when as the funne-beames are in
their greateft force , being ftrange to fee it raine in the
rno;ning. And therefore travellers fore- feeing it,bcgin
their Journey es earely , that they may end and reft be
fore noone/or they hold that common lv it raines after
noone. Such as have frequented and travelled rhofe
Countries, can fufficiently fpeake thereof. And there
are, that ( having made fome abode there) fay5thar the

greateft

p 6 nefNjttttralland Merall

greateft aboundance of raine is, when the Mooneis at
the full; but to (ay the trueth, I could never make fuffi-
cient proofe thereof, although I have obferved it.
Moreover, the dayes, the yeere and the moncths,fhew
the trueth hereof, that the violent hcate of the funne
caufeth the rainein the burning Zone : experience tea-
cheth vs die like in artificial! thinges , as in a Limbcckey
wherein they draw waters from hcarbs & flowers ; for
thevehemencieof the fire forceth anddrivethvpaft
aboundance of vapours, which being pref!ed,and fin
ding no i(Tue,are converted into liquor and water. The
like wee fee in gold and filver , which wee refine with
quicke-filvcr, the fire being fmall and flow , wee draw
out almoft nothing of the quicke-filver, but if it bee
quickeand violent,it doth greatly evaporate the quick-
filver, which incountring the head above, dothpre-
fently turne into liquor, and begins to drop downe:
Even fo the violent heate of the funne produceth rfiefc
two effeds , when it finds matter difpofed, that is y to
draw vp the vapours on high, and to difTolvethem pre-
fen dy,and turne them into rainejWhen there is any ob-
ftacle to confume them. And although thefetnings
fteme contrary, that one funne within the burning
Zone, being neere,fhould cauft raine, and without the
Zone afarre off fhould breed the like efFe<%fo it is, that
all well confidered 3 there is no contrarietie. A thou-
land effects innaturall caufes proceedeof contraric
things by divers meanes : we drie linnen by the fire3and
in the aire,and yet the one heats and the other cooles-
paftures are dried and hardened by the fiinne and with
thefroft;moderate exercife provokes fleepc, being too
violent, it hindereth : if you lay no wooa on the fire,
it dieth$ if you lay on too much^t likewife quencheth:

for

Historic of tin Indies lib . 2. p 7

for the onely proportion entcitaincs and makes it to
continue. To well difcef nea tiling, it muft not be too
necre theeie, nor too farre off, but in a reafbnable diC
tance proportionable; being too farre off from any
thing, we loofe the fight , and too necre likewife, we
cannot fee it. If the funnebeames be \veake,they draw
vp no fogge from the rivers, if they be violent, having
drawne vp the vapours, they prcfendy cBflblvc and
confumethem; but if the heat be moderate, it drawes
vp and«preferves it : for this reafon the vapours rife not
commonly in the night, nor at noone, butin morning,
whetias the funne begins to enter into his force.Thcre
are a thoufand examples of naturail caufcs vpon this
iiibioft, which we fee do often grow from contrarie
things: whereby we muft not \vonder,if die funne be
ing neere^cngendcrsraine, and being farre off, works
the like effbfi : but being of a moderate and proporti
onable diftance,caufeth none at all. Yet there remaincs
one doubt, why theneerenes of the funne caufeth
the raine vnder the burning Zone, and without, when
itisfartheftoff. In my opinion the reafon is, that in
| Winter without the'Tropicks , the funne hath not
force fufficient to conftirae the vapours which rife
from the land and fea$ for thefe vapours grotir in great
aboundance in the cold region of the aire, where they
are congealed and thickened by theextremitieofthe
cold- and after bring prefTed they diflblvc and turne
into water. Therefore in Winter when the funne is
fartheftoff, the daiesfliort, and the nights long, his
heat hath fmall force: but when the funne approa-
cheth , which is in thefiimmer time, his force is fuch,
as it drawes vp the vapors, and fudd-ply consumes
anddifpeifeth them ^for the heat and the Lngth ofthe

H daies

The^aturallandMoratt

dales grow through the neerencs of the funne . But
within the Tropickcs vnder the burning Zone , the far
diftanceofthe funne workes the fame effeds that the
neerenes doth without theTropiks« by reafon where-
of5it raines no more vndcr the burning Zone when the
funne is farre off, then without the Tropicks when it is
ncereft, for that in this approaching and retyring , the
funne remaines alwaies in onediftance whence pro-
ceedes this effed of cleerenes . But when the funne is
in the period of his force in the burning zone.^nd that
he caft his beames direftly vpon the inhabitants heads,,
there is neither cleerenes nor drienes, as it feems there
fhouldbe, but rather great andftrange (bowers $ for
that by this violent heat,he drawes vp fuddenly a great
'aboundance of vapours from the Earth and Ocean,
which are fo thicke, as the winde,not able eafily to difl
perfe them, they melt into water,which breedcth the
cold raine in fo great abcundance : for the exceflive
heat may foone draw vp many vapours, the which are
notfbfbone diflblved : and being gathered together
through their great aboundance , they melt and diC
(blve into water . The which we may eafily difcerne
by this familiar example: roil a peece of pork e^mutton,.
or veale$f the fire be violent,and the meate neere, we
fee thefatte melts fuddenly, and droppes away, the rea
fon is, that the violent heat drawes forth the humour
and fatte from the meate, and being in great aboun,
dance, cannot diflblve it, and foit diftills more away:
But when the fire is moderate, and the meat in ane-
quail diftance, we fee that it roftes hanfomely , and the '
fatte drops not too fuddenly 5 for tbatthe moderate
heat drawes opt the moiftnes which it confumes fud
denly . And therefore Cookes make a moderate fire,

arid

ttittorie of the Indies KB, i.

and lay not their nieate too necrc nor too farre off, left
it melt away . The like may be feene in another expe
rience in candles of tallow or waxe, ifthevvike bee
great,it melts the tallow or the waxe, for that the heat
cannot confume the moiftnes which rifeth, but if the
flame be proporcionable, the waxe melts nor droppes
not, for that the flame doth wafte it by little and little
as it rifeth. The which feerneth to me the true rcafon,
why vnder the Equinocftiall and burning Zone, the vi
olence of the heat doth caufe raine,the which in other
Regions growes through want thereof.

vnderjland y that which bath been f or ^
mertyfyoken of the burning Zone. CHAP. 8.

IF in naturall and phificall things, we muft not fceke
out infallible and mathematical! rules , but that
which is ordinarieand tried by experience, which is
the moft perfeft rule, wee muft then belecve what wee
have (aid , that there is more humiditie vnder the bur
ning Zone then in other Regions^and that it raines leffe
there, when the funneisneereft, muft be taken and
vnderftood after one fbrt,as in truth it is the moft com
mon and ordinarie. But this is not to hinder the ex
ceptions which nature hath given to this rule 5 making
fome Regions of the burning Zone extreamely drie.
The which is reported of Ethiopia 5 and wee have
feene it in a great paitofP^, where all that land or
coaftj which they call Plaines, wants raine, yea,land wa
ters, except fbme vallies , where rivers f ill from the
mountaines-the reft is a fandie and barren (bile, where
you (hall hardly finde any iprings, but fome deepe

H 2 wells.

joo T^^,

welles. But with the helpe of God , wee will fliew the
reafbn why itraineth not in thefe Plaines ( the which
many demand-) for now I onely pretend to fliew,that
there are many exceptions tonaturall rules, whereby
it may happcn,rhat in fome part of the burning Zone,
it raincs not when the funne is ncereft , butbeing far-
theft off , although vnto this daie I have neither feene
nor heard of it:hut if it be fo , wee mufi attribute k to
the particular qualitie of the earth : andalfo, iffome-
times the contrarie doth chance 5 \ve muft have regard
that in naturall things there happens many contrari
eties and lets , whereby they change anddiffolve one
another. For example, it may be the funne will caufe
raine, and that the winds will hinder it, orelfe cauft
more aboundance then hath been vfiiail . The windes
have their properties and divers beginnings , by the
which they worke divers effeds , the which are moft
commonly contraiie to that which the order & fcafon
requires. Seeing then in all places we fee great varieties
in the yeere , which proceedes from the divers moti
ons and afpedes of Planets , it is not out of purpofc
to fay , that in theburningZone , wee may fee and ob-
ferve fbme things contrarie to that we have tried . But
to conclude , that which we have fpoken , is a certaine
andvndoubted truth, which is, thatthcgrcat draught
which the Ancients held to be in the middle region^
which they call the burning Zone, is nothing at all:
but contrarivvife there is great humiditie , and then it
yaines moft? when the funne is neereft.

Hifhrie of the Indies, lib.z. 101

That the Burning Zone it not 'violently hotte, but mode
rate. CHAP. 9.

Hitherto wee hauc treated of the humiditie of the
Burning Zone, now it (hall be fit todifcoinfeof
the other two qualities, Hotte, and Colde. We have
(hewed in the beginning of this Difcourfe , how the
Ancients held that the burning Zone was hotte and
exceeding drie,the which is not fo 5 for it is hote and
moift,and in the greateft part, the heat is not excefiive,
but rather moderate, which {ome would hold incredi
ble, if we had not tried it. When I pafled to the todies,
I will tell what chaunced vnto mee: having read what
Poets and Philofbphcrs write of the burning Zone, I
perfwaded my felfe,that comming to the Equinoftiall,
Ifliould not indure the violent heate, but it fell out
otherwifqfor when I paffed , which was when the fun
was there for Zenith, being entered into Aries, in the
moneth of March, I felt fo great cold , as I was forced
togointothefunne towarme me, what couldlelfe
do then , but laugh at Arittotks Meteors and his Philo*
fophie, feeing that in that place, and at thatfeafon,
whenas all fhould be fcorched with heat, according to
his rules, I, and all my companions were a coldeV In
truth there is no region in the world more pleafant and
temperate, then vnder the Equino&iall , although it
be not in all parts of an equall temperature , but have
great diverfities. The burning ^one in fome parts is
very temperate3 as in guiuo , and on the plaines of Pe-
f#,in (ome partes verie colde, as at Potozi , and in fome
very hote, as in Ethiopia, Brefill, and the UMolucques.:
This diverfitie being knowne and certaine vnto vs, we
muft offeree, fceke out another caufe of cold and heat

H 3 then

ici The 3\(aturall and Moral!

then the funne beames, feeing that in onefeafbn of
theyecre , and in places of one height and diftancc,
from the Pole and EquinoSiall we findefo great diver-
(hie, that fome are invironed with heat, fome with
cold,and others tempered with a moderate heat. Plata

» . . .

placeth his molt renowmed Awrtttemxia vnder the
burningZonc; thcnhefaieth, thatatccrtaine feafons
oftheyeere, it hath the funne for Zenith , and yet it
was very temperate, fruitfull, and rich. Ptinie faieth,
fi&rTaprobana (which at this day they tlRStttoatrA,)
Tpiin.i&jt*.i* is. vnder theEquinodtiall^sin effeditis, writing, that?
itisnotonely happieand rich^ butalfo peopled with
men and beads': whereby we may eafilyiudge, thatal-
thongh the Ancients held the heate of the burning
Zone to be infupportable , yet might they well vnder.
ftand, that it was not fo greatas they hdd fpoken. The
moft excellent Aftrologer and Cofmographer Pto'ome^
"and the worthie Philofopher and Phyfitian Avicen^
wereofa better refolution,beingboth of opinion, that
vnder the Equinodtiall > there were verie commodious
habitations.

? fje<*t of the burning Zone k temperately reafw
of the nrjne And thefiortnes of the daycs.
CHAP. 10.

Since the difcoverie of this nevvevvorlde, wee have
found by experience , that which late Writers have
held for trueth. But it is a natural! thing, whenas any
matter beyond our conceit is made knowne vnto vs by
experience, we by and by examine the caufe. Th^re
fore wee deiSre to know the reafon, why aRepio'n

where

Htilorie of the Indies, lib.!. 103

where the funne approcheth ncereft , is not oncly tem
perate, but in many parts cold. Confidering thi> mat
ter generally, I findc t\vo general cau(es,which maketh
this Region temperate : the one is that before mentio
ned , for that*this Region is very moift and fubied to
raine , and there is no doubt but the rayne doth refrefli
it, for that the water is by nature cold-and although by
the force of the fire it be made hotte , yet doth it tem
per this heat proceeding oncly from the funne-bcamcs,
The which we fee by experience in the inner o4>^/rf,
the which is burnt with the Sunne, having no fliowres
to temper the violence thereof. The clouds and mifts
are the caufe that the funne offends not fo much 5 and
the fliowers that fall from them , refrefli both the ayre
and the earth, andmoiftcnlikewifehowhot foeveric
be. They drinks raine water , and it quencheth the
third , as our men have well tried , having no other to
drinke. So as reafbnand experience doth teach vs,that
raine of it felfe doth temper the heat 5 and having by
this meanes (hewed , that the burning Zone is much
fubiect vnto raine, it appeares that there is matter in it,
to temper the violenceof the heat. To this I will adde
an other reafbn, which deferves to be kiiowne, not on
ly for this matter, but for many others • for although
the Sunne be very hotte and burning vnder the Equi-
noftiall, yet is it not long, fo as the heate of the day be
ing there fliorter, and of lefTe continuance, itcaufeth
not fo violent a heate ; the which it behooves tofpe-
cifie more particularly. Such as are pra&ifed in the
knowledge of the Spheare teach very well, that the
more the Zodiake is oblique and traverfing our Hem i-
fphere , the more vnequall are th •: daies and nights^and
contrari wife3where the fphcre is ftraight,and the figncs

H 4 mount

104- The ^aturatt and Moral!

mount dire<5Uy , there the dayes and nights are equal!,
And therefore in all that Region which is betweene
the two Tropicks, there is kfTe inequality then with
out them ,anci the more we^pproch the Line, the Idle
incqualitie we finde, the which we have tryed in thofe
parts. Thofe ofjgxittofor that they are vnder the line,
have not throughout the whole yeere, the dayes and
nights more (hort at one feafon , then at an other , but
are continually cquall. Thofe of Z/w/f-beeing diftant
almoft twelve degrees , finde fome difference betwixt
the dayes and the nights, but veiy little, for that in De
cember and Tanuarie, the dayes increafean houreor
little leflc. Thofe of Potcfy finde much more diffe-
rencc,both in winter and in fummer, being almoft vn
der the Tropicke. But thofe that live without the Tro-
pikes, find die dayes in winter fhorter, and in fummer
longer: the more remote they are from the Equinoctial
and come neere the Pole, as we fee in Germany and in
England, the daies are longer in fummer , then in Italic
and in Spaine. It is a thing frhich the Sphere doth
teach, and experiencedoth plainely fliew vs.VVe muft
addean other propofition, which is likewife true ancf
very confiderable for all the effedes of nature tovn-
deiftand the perfeverance and continuation of the ef
ficient orofe to worfce and moove. This prefuppofed^if
any one demaund of me, why vnder the Equinodiall
Line, the heat is not fo violent in fumrnerrasinfome
other Regions, ( as in ^Anddoufia in the moneths of
lulyand Auguft)! will anfwere^thatin ^Andckufia. the
dayes are longer,and the nights fhorter: and as the day
being hot, inflames and caufeth heat- fo the nights be
ing coldandmoift^givearefrefliing. According to the
which, at Peru, there is no fuch great heat , for that the

dayes

Htftorieofthefndies. Itb.z. 105

dayes in fummcr are not long, nor the nights fhort • • fo
as the heate of the day is much tempered by the freih-
ncffe of the night. And although the burning Zone
be neerer the S untie then all other Regions , yet doth
not the heatc continue there ib long. It is a natural!
thing , that a finall fire continued , heats more, then a
greater that laftes but little, efpecially if there bee any
riling torefrefli it. He therefore that fhal put thefe two
properties of the Zone in one ballance, that it is moft
ramie in the time of greateft heate, and that the daycs
are (horteft there, hefliall perchance finde them toe- x
quail the other two contrarieties, which bee , that the
Sunne is neerer and morediredly over them then in
other Regions.

That there be other rea/Sm befidts the former men
which Jbew, thut the burning Zone is temperate, e$e-
daily alongjl the Ocean. CHAP. 1 1 .

BEing a thing concluded, that the two forenamed
properties are common and vniverfal to all the re
gion of the burning Zone : and yet in the fame there
are found fome places very hote, and other exceeding
colde : Alfo, that the temperature is not there equall
in all places , but vnder one climate, one part is hote,
another colde, and the third temperate, all at onefea-
fon; we are forced to feeke out other reafons, whence
this great diverfitie fhould proceede in the burning
Zone, Difcourfing therefore vpon this queftion, Ida
finde three apparant and cehaine caufes, and a fourth
more obfcure anddarke* Tne apparant and certaine
caufes be: Thefirft istheOcean^ thefecond,thefci*
t tuation

tod The ^(jttural and M or all

tuation of the land, and the third, the nature and pro*
pertie of many and fundry windes. Befides thefe three
which I holde for manifeft , I beleeve there is a fourth
hidden and lefleapparant, which is thepropertieof
the fame land inhabited , and the particular influence
of the heavens. Whofbwoulde neerely confiderthe
caufes and generall reafbns before mentioned , (hall
finde them inefficient for the full refolution of this
paint , obferving that which daily happens in diverfc
partesoftheEquinofikill. Manomotapa, and a great
part of the kingdom ofPrefter to#are feated vnder the
line, or very necrc. In which regions they endure ex-
cefliveheate, andthemenareallbiacke; the which is
not onely in thofe parts of the land farre from the fea,
but alfo in Hands invironed with the fca . The Hand of
Saint jboma* is vnder the Line,the Hands of Cape Vcrd
are very neere , and both in the one and the other are
violent hcates : and the men are likewife blacke. Vn
der the feme line, or very neere, lies a part of Peru, and
of thenewkingdome otGrenado, which notwithftan-
ding are very temperate Countries, inclining rather to
colde thenheate, and the inhabitants are white. The
Country ofBrefiUis in the fame diftancefrom the line
with Peru , and yet both Brcfill and all that coaftis ex-
treamely hot, although it be in the N6rth fea , and the
other coaft of Ptrtt , which is in the South fea , is very
temperate. I fey then, that whofocver would confider
thefe differences , and give a reafon thereof , cannot
content himfclfc with thefe generall rules before fpe-
cified, to proove that the burning Zone may be a tern-
perate land. Among the fpeciall caufes and reafons , I
havefirft placed theSe^ for without doubt thencere-
nefle thereof doth helpeto temper and coole the heat:

fot

Hiftorieofthefndies. lib.2. 107

for although the water be fait , yet is it alwayes water,
whofc nature is cold, and it is a thing remarkeable^hat
in the depth of the Ocean 3 the water cannot be made
hot by the violence of the Sunne, as in rivers : finally,
even as falt-peeter (though it be of the nature of -fait)
hath a propertie to coole water 5 even fo we fee by ex-
perience, that in fome ports and havens, the fait- water
doth refrefli- the which wee have obferved in that of
Ca/lao, whereas they put the water or wine which they
drinke,intotheSea in flaggons to berefreflied, where
by wee may vndoubtedly finde , that, the Ocean hath
this properties temper and moderate the exceffive
heate : for this caufe we feek greater heat at land then
at fea, C&terisf&ribut^ and commonly Countries lying
neere the Iea5are coooler then thofe that are farther off.
C£tcrisj>aribtM,a& I have faid,even fo the grea -teft part of
the new world, lying very neere the Ocean , wee may
with reafbn fay , although it bee vnder the burning
Zone 3 yet doth it receive a great benefite from the fea
to temper the heat.

That the highett Undes tire tfa col&tfy md thereajo»

thereof. C H A. P . 12*

BVt if we fhafl yet fearch more particularly,we fhall
notfindeinall this land an equall temperature of
heate,although it be in equal diftance from the fea,and
in the fame degree, feeing that in fome partes there is
great heate, and in fome , very little. Doubtle(Ie5the
caufe thereof is , that the one is lower, and the other
higher ; which caufeth that the one is hoce,and the o-
ther colde , It is mod certaine, that the toppes of the

io8 The Natural and Morall

mountaines are colder then in the bottomc of the val~
lies, the which proceedes,not onely for that the funne
beames have greater repercuflions vpon lower places,
although it be a great reafon • yet there is an other,
which is, that the Region of the ayre is colder when it
is farthetl from theground. The Plaines of Cotiao at
Peru & ofPopaiaa in newSpawe make fufficicnt proofe
hereof For without al doubt thofe parts are high coun
tries , and for this reafon cold, although they be all in*
vironed with high points of mountaines,rnuch fubied
to the Sunne beames. But if we demand why at Peru,
and in new Spaine , the Plaines along the coaft be very
hote , and the plaines of the fame Countries of Peru
and new Spaine be contrariwife colder In truth I fee no
other reafon can be given , but that the one is a lowc
country, and the other high . Experience dooth teach
vs, that the middle region of the ayre is colder than the
neather . And therefore the more the mountaines ap
proach to the middle, the colder they are, being cove
red with (how and frofts. Reafon it felfe dooth yeelde

to it. Foriftherebeafphereandregiofloffire, as^r/
fat/eznd the other Philofbphers fay,the middle region
of the ayre muft be moft colde 3 by Antiparittdfis , the
coide being expelled and thickncd there, as in fummer
time we fee in wells that are very deepe. For this caufe
the Philofophers affirme , that the two extrcame regi
ons of the ayre, that above, and the other belowe , are
the hotteft, and the middle region more colde. Ifit be
thus, as experience doth teach vs, we (hall yet draw out
another reafon and notable argument, to (hew that th£
burning Zone is temperate, which is, that the greateft
part of the Indies is a high countrey , filled with many
mountaiaes ? which by their neerenefle refreih the

neighbor

Hiflorieofthehdiet. lib.** lop

neighbour countries. You may continually fee vppon
the toppes of thefe mountaines,fhow,haile and frozen
waters* and the coid fo bitter, as the graffe is all withe-
red, fo as the men and beafts which paffe that way, arc
benummed with colde. This, as I have faide, is in the
burning Zone : and it happens moft commonly when
they have thefunne forzenith.lt is therefore moft cer-
taine and conformable vnto reafon , that the nioun-
taines are colder than the valleis and plaines , for that
they participate more of the middle region of the aire,
which is very colde. The caufe why the middle region
of the ayre is more colde, hath bin mewed before : for
that the region of the aire next to the fiery exhalation,
the which (according to Anftotk) is vpon the fpheare
oftheaire, repells and thruftcsbacke all the colde., the
which retires it felfe in to themiddle region oftheaire,
by Antifdriftafis, as the Philofophers fpeake. Now ifa-
ny one ihould queftion with me in this manner;If it be
fo that the ayre is hot and moift, as Ariftoth holdcs,and
as we commonly fay, whence then proceeds the cold
which is congealed in the middle region of the ayre,
feeing it cannot come from the fierie fpheare ? For if it
come from the water, or the earth, by this reafon the
lower region of the aire fliould be colder than the mid
dle.

Toanfwer truely what I thinke, I will confeffe, that
this Argument and Obie&ion is fo difficult, as I am al-
moft ready to follow the opinion of fuch as reproove
the qualities, agreementsanddilagreements which A-
riftotle gives vnto the Elements, fay ing they are but i-
maginations, who for this occafion hold the aire to be
colde by nature . And to this end they vfe many ar
guments andreafons , whereof we will propound one

very

ii o The Jtyturalland Morall

very familiar and well knowne, leaving the reft aparte;
In the canicular dayes we are accaftotned to beate the
ayre with a fanne, and we finde that it doth refrefh vs-
fo as thefe Authors affirme,that heate is no private pro
perty of any other Element/but of fire only, which is
*« difperfed and mingled with all things (as the great D<r-

^ - - _ ** ^^ it* i***^ /** ^*^ i * /*•

vi* doth teach vs.) But whether it be lo , or otherwift
(for I will not contradict Arifofle, but in that which is
mod certaine) in the end they agree all, that the mid
dle region of the ayre is colder than the loweft next to
the earth, as experience dooth fliew vs - feeing that itv
this middle region are congealed, fhowe, haile, frofts,
and other fignes of extreame colde. The middle regi
on then which they call the burning Zone , having on
the one fide the fea , and on the other the mountaines,
we muft hold them for fufficient caufes to temper ajnd
coole the heate.

the colde windes be the fritteipallcaufito mtkt the
burning Zone temftr Ate. C H A H. 13,

THe temperature of this region ought chiefly to be
attributed to the property of the wind that blows
in that country, the which is pleafantandfrefli. The
providence of the great God Creator of al things hath
bin fuch,as he hath ordained frefh and coole windes in
that region where the funne makes his courfe ( which
feemes fhould be burnt vp ) that by their coolenes the
exceffive heate of the funne might be qualified . And
they are not farre from apparance of reafbn , which
held that the earthly Paradife was vnderthe Equino-
. If they had not deceived themfelves in the caufe

of

Ui/lorie of the Indies, lib.z* 111

of their opinion, faying that the equalitie of the daye$
and nights , was fufficient of it felfe to make that Zone
temperate ; to which opinion many others have beene
oppofite, of which number was that renowmed Poet,
faying;

* Thatcoati inceffantly by kotte be Ames tyred
0/Phoebus, who from thence never retired.

The coolenefle of the night then is not fufficient
to moderate andto.corred the violent heate of the
Sunne; but rather this burning Zone, receives fo fweet
a temperature,by the benefite of the frefh and pleafant
airc,as notwithftanding, it were held by the Ancients
to be more hotte then a burning furnace : yetthofc
which inhabite there , take it for a delightfull fpring.
It appeares by arguments and very apparant reafons,
that the caufehecreof confiftes principally inthequa-
litie of the winde. We fee in one climate,fome regions
and Citties hotter then others, onelyfor that they
feele lefle winde to refrefli them . The like is in other
Countries where no winde blowes, the which are all
on fire like vnto a furnace. There are many ofthefe
Villages and Towaes in Breft/l, Ethiefia, and Parague^
as every one knowethrand that which is more confide-
rable; wee fee thefe differences,not only on the Land*
butalfoon theSea: there are fbme feas where they
feele great heat , as they report of that of (JWozambigus
and Ormus in the Eaft, and of the Sea ofPanamA in the
Weftrthe which for this reafon, engenders and brings
forth great Lizards (called Cajainansy ) as alfo in the
faiofBrcfill. There are other feas in the fame degree
of height, very colde, as tharof Peru, in the which wee
were a cold, (as I have faid before) when we firft failed
it, which was in March, when the Sunne wasdiredly

over

Tie 3\(atiiralland Moral!

over vs. In truth on this continent, where the land
and fea are of one fort , wee cannot imagine any other
caufe of this fo great a difference,but the qualitie of the
windewhich doth refrefh them. If wee (hall ncerely
looke into the conlideration of the winde , whereof
we have fpoken, wee may refolve many doubts which
fbme obie<S,and which fceme ftrangeand wonderfull:
wherefore the Sunne catling his -beames vppon the
burning Zone, and particularly ttfew, a$d that more
violently then in Spaixrin the Canicular daies,yet they
defend the heat with alight covering,fo as witha flen~
der covering of mats or ftraw , they arc better prefer-
vcd from the heate , then in Spaine vnder a roofe of
wood, or a vault of ftone. Moreover, why are not the
nightes in fummer at Pew, ashotte and troublefbmc
as in S faint * Wherefore on the higheft tops of moun-
taines,cven amongft the heaps of fnow,you fliall fbme-
times feele greatand infupportable heater Wherefore in
all the Province of C0£w,when yecomeinto the (hade,
how little fo ever, you feele cold : But comming into
the Sunne beames , you prefently finde the heate ex-
cdfive t Why is all the coaft of Pm/,being ful of fands,
very temperate ? And why is Potozi fdiftant from the
filver Citie but eighteene leagues , and in the fame de
gree) of fo divers a temperature, that the Countrie be
ing extreamely colde, it is wonderfully barren and
drie? And contrariwife, the filver Citie is temperate,
inclining vnto heat,and hath a pleaiant and fertilfoik^
It is more certaine , that the winde is the principal!
caufe of thefeflrange diversities* for without thebene-
fite of thefe coole windes, the heate of the Sunne is
fuch , as (although it bee in the midft of the fnow,) it
burncs and fets ail on fire:but when the coolencs of the

aire

Hi/loris of the Indie!. 1 ib. 2 > n 3

£ise retumes fuddcnly , the heat is qualified how great
fbever it be: and whereas this coole winde raines ordi-
narie, it keepes the grofle vapours and exhalations of.
the earth from gathering together, which caufeahea-
vie and troublefome heat : whereof we fee theconrra-
nemEunps, for by the exhalation of thefe vapours,
the earth is alnioft burnt vp with the Sunne by day,
which makes the nigh tsfo hone and troublcfome, as
the aire doth often fetme like vnto a furnace: for this
reafbn, at Pew*, this freflincs of the winde , is the caufe
(by the meanesoffbmefmall (hade at. the Sunncfet-
ting) that they remaine coole. But contrari wife, m Eu
rope the moft agreeable and pleafing time in (ummer, is
the morning, and the evening is the moft hotte and
troublefome. ButatP^v/, andvnderalltheEquino(5U.
all it is not fo , for every morning the winde from
the fea doth ceafe, and the Sunne beginnes to caft his
beames ; and for this reafbn they feele the grcateft heac
in the morning , vntill the returne of the fame windes,
which otherwife they call the tide or winde of the fea,
which makes them firft to feele cold. We have tried
al this,whilft we were at the Hands of Barlwante, where
in the mornings we did fweat for heat, and at noonc
we felt a frefli dre-for that then, a North-eafterly wind
which is frefh and coole, doth commonly blow.

That they which inhabite vndtrthe EquinoftiaH, live
afaeeteandpleafintlife. CHAP. 14, -

IF thofe which have held opinion , that the earthly
Paradice wasvnder theEquinodiall,had beenegui-
dcdby this difcourfe , they had not teemed altogether

I deceived,

S^aturallandMorall

Deceived 3 not that I will conclude, that the delightful!
Paradice , whereof the Scripture fpeakes was in that
place, which were too great a temeritie to affirme it for
certaine. But I may well fay , if there be any Paradice
on earth 3 it ought to bee placed whereas they inioy a
fweete and quiet temperature - for there is nothing
more troublelbme or repugnant to mans life, then to
livevnder a heaven or aire that is contrarie3 trouble-
fome or ficklie:as there is frothing moreagreeable,then
to inioy a heaven that is found, fweet and pleafant:It is
certaine that we do not participate of any of the Ele
ments , nor have not the vfe of any fb often in our bo
dies as of the aire. It is that which invironeth our bo
dies on all parts,which enters into our bowells , and at
everieinftant vifits the heart; and there ingraves her
properties. If the aire be anything corrupted,it caufeth
death, if it be pure and healthfull , itaugmenteththc
ftrength; finally we may fay , that the aire alone is the
life of man : fo as although we have goods and riches,
if the aire be troublefome and vnholfome , wee cannot
live quietly,nor with content : But if the aire be health,
full, pleafant, and fweete , although we have no other
weal th, yet doth it yeelde con tent. Considering with
my felfe,the pleafing temperature of many Countries
" at the Indies , where they know not what winter is,
which by his cold doth freefe them,nor fummer which
doth trouble them with heat, but that with a Matte
they preferve themfelves from theiniuries of all wea
ther , and where they fcarce have any neede to change
their garments throughout the yeere . I fay, that often
confidering of this,! find that if men at this day, would
vanquifh their paflfions, and free themfelves from the
fhares of covetoufnefle, leaving many fruitelefle and

perni-

Uiflorie of the Indie*, lib.2. 115

pernicious difleines , without doubt they might live
at the Indies very pleafant and happily : for that which
other Poets fingof the Elifean fields and of the famous
Tempe, or that which Plau reports or faines of his At*
/<*»//& Hand; menfhould findeinthefelands5ifwitha
generous fpirit they would choofe rather to com
mand their filver and their defires, then to remaine
flavesastheyare. That which wee have hitherto diP
courfed,(hal fuifice touching the qualities of the Equi-
nodiall, of colde, heat, drought, raine, and the caufes
of temperature. The particular difcourfe of windes,
waters, landes, mettalls, plants, and hearts, ^whereof
there is great aboundance at the Indies,} {hall re-
jraine for the other bookcs^for the difficultie of that
which is handled in this, though briefly.
Will happily feeme too
tedious.

AN

$&&$&&

e.

An advertifement to the

Reader.

HE Reader mfijtvnderftand, that I
wrote the twofrftbookcs in Latine,
whenlw&s at Peru , And therefore
they fyeake of matters of the Indies.,
as of things -prefent : Being fince r^-
tttrned wto$Tpzm£y I thought good
to tranflatc them into our vulgar
tongue y and not to change my former
waner offreeach. But in thefvefollowing boohs , for that
I made them in Europe , / have becne forced to change my
ftile^ and therein to treate of matters of the Indies, a<$ of
'Countries and things abfent. Andforthat this divcrfitit of
fytech might with reafon offend the Reader, I have, thought
good to advert ife him thereof.

THE

THE

THIRD BOOKE

of the Naturall and Morall Hi-

ftorie of the Indies.

agreeable.

CH

AP

of the Indies, k
i.

Verie natural! Hiftorieisofitfelfc
plca(ing,& very profitable, to fuch
as will raife vp their difcourfe and
contemplation on high, in that it
doth move them to glorify the
Author of all nature, as welecthe
wife & holy men

t'/Win many Pfalmes. And/^likewifc, treating of the
fccrets of the Creator, whgreas the fame Lord anfwe-
reth/^fbamplie. He that takes delight tovnderftand
the wondrous works of Nature, fhal tafte the true plea-
fure & content of Hiftories- & the more,whenas he dial
know they are not thcfimple workes of men, but of the
Creator himfelf, & that he fhall comprehend the natu-
rall caufes of thefe workes, then fhall he truly occupie
himfclfe in the ftudie of Philofbphie . But he that (hall
raife his confideration higher, beholding the gret & firft
architect of all thefc marvells,he fhal know his wifedom

I 3 and

n8 ^ The Jtyturatt and Moratt

and infmitegreatnes,and( vrc may fay) (hall be divinely
imployed. And ft) the difcourfeof naturalhhings,may
ferve for many good confiderations , although the fee-
blenes and weakenes of many appetites , arc common
ly accuftomed to ftay at things lefle profitable , which
is thexlefire to know new things, called curiofitie. The
Difcourfeand Hiftorie of haturall things at the Indies
(befidcs the common content it gives,) hathyetano-
therbenefite, which istotreare of things a farreoff,
the greateft part whereof were vnknowne to the mod
excellent Authors of that pro feffion , which have bin
.among the Ancients. And if wee fhould write thele
natdrall things ofthe/W/w, (b amply as they require^
being foftrange, I doubt not butvvemight compile
workse, no le& then thofe of Plime, Theopbrattesjnd
Arittotlt* But I hold not my felfe fufficlent, and al
though I were, yet is not my intent^ but to note fome
naturall things whichlhaue fc-ene and knowne being
at the Indies &\ have received from men worthy of ere-
dit5 the which feeme rare to me , and fcarce knowne in
Europe. Byreafbn whereof, Twill pafle over many of
them briefly,ether bicapfe they are writen of by others^
or elferequirealonger difcourfe then I can now give*

Of the winces, their difference?, properties,
gentraU. CHAP. 2.

HAving difcourfed in the two former Books of that"
which concernes the heavens, and the habitation
of the Indies in general^ it behooves vs now to treate of
the three e!ements5rure, water and land, and their com
pounds, which be mettaUs,plants and bcafts$ for as for

the

Htiiorie of the Indies, lib.}*

the fire, Ifeenofpeciall matter at the Indies which is
not in other regions 5 vnleffe fomewill fay, that the
manner to ftrike fire in rubbing two ftones one againft
another, as tomtlndiansvfe, or to boy le any thing in
gourdes, cafting a burning ftoneintoit,and other fuch
like things, areremarkeable, whereof I have written
what might be fpoken . But of thofe which are in the
yulctns and mouths of fire at the Indies, worthy doubt-
lefle tobeobferved,! will fpeakein their order,treating
of the diverfitie of grounds, whereas theyfinde thefe
fires or Vnkam. Therefore to beginne with the winds,
I fay, that with good reafon,&*/0#w in the great Judge
ment which God had given him , efteemes much the
knowledge of th£ windes; and their properties,being
very admirable; for that fome are moyft , others drie,
fomevnwholefome, others found, fomehote, others
colde,fome calme and pleafant, others rough and tern-
pefluous, (bme barren,and others fertile, with infinite
other differences . There are fome windes which blow
in certarne regions, and are, as it were, Lordes thereof,
not addmitting any entry or communication of their
contraries. In (bmepartes they blow in that forte , as
fbmetimes they are Conquerours, fonmerimes conque
red- often thereare divers and contrary winds, which
cherunne together at one inftant, dividing the way
betwixt them, fbmetimes one blowing above of one
fort, and another below of an othertCrte- (bmetimes
they incounter violently one with another : which puts
them at feain great danger : there are fome windes
which helpe to the generation of creatures, and others
that hinder and are oppofite. There is a certaine wine!,
of fuch a quality, as when it blowcs in fome country}it
caufeth it to raine fleas,and in fo great aboundaunce,as

I 4 they

The 3\(aturatt and Moral!

they trouble and darken the airc , and cover all the fea
flioare : and in other places it raines frogges. Thefe di-
verfitics and others which are fufficiently knowne , are
commonly attributed to the place by the which thefe
windes pafTe. For they (ay, that from thefe places they
take their qualities to becolde^hote.drie or moyft3fick~
•ly or found, and fo of the reft, the which is partly true,
and cannot be denied • for that in afmall diftanceyou
fhall fee in one winde many diverfities . For example,
the Solantts or Eafterne winde is commonly hote and
troublefbme in Spaine^ and in Mttrria it is the cooled
and heal thfulleft that is , for that it paffeth by the Or
chards , and that large champainc which wee fee very
frefli. In Carthagene which is not ferre" from thence,thc
fame winde is troubleibme and vnholefome . The me-
ridionall ( which they of the Ocean call South , and
thofe of the Mediterranean fea, Mezo giorno) common,
ly israynie and boifterous,and in thefame Citie wher-
of I fpeake,it is vvholcibme and pleafant. Plinie reports
that in Affricke it raines with a Northcrne winde , and
riiat the Southerne winde is clecre . Hce then that fliall
well confidcr what I have fpoken of thefe windes, hee
may conceive, that in a fmal diftanceof land or fta,one
winde hath many and diverfe qualities, yea fometimes
quite contrary- whereby we may inferrc, that he draw-
eth his property from the place where it pafleth , the
which is in fuch fort true '( although we may not fiy in
fallibly) asitistheonely : arid principal! cauftof the.di*
vcrfiticof the windes . It is a thing we eafely finde,that
in a river containing fiftie leagues in circuite (I putte it
thus for an example ) that the winde which blowes of
the one parte, is hote and moift; and that which blowes
on the otherj is colde and drie : Notwithftanding this

diver-

Htilorle of the fndics. lib. 3.'

diverfitie is not found in places by which it pafleth, the
which makes nice rather to fay , that the windes bring
thefe qualities with them, whereby they give vnto
than the names of thefe qualities. For example,we at
tribute to the Northerns winde, otherwife called Cier-
to9 the property to be colde and drie, and to diffolvs
mifts; to the Southerne winde his contrary called Lc-
<v?fchey wee attribute the contrary qualitie, which is
raoift and hote, andingendersmifts. This being gene-
rail and common,we muft feeke out another vniverfall
caufe, to giveareafon of thefe effects. It is not enough
to fay, that the places by which they pafle , give them
thefe qualities , feeing that palling by the fame places
we fee contrary cffe<5h.So as we muft offeree confefle>
that the region of the heaven where theyblowe, gives
them thefe qualities ; as the Septentrtonaltis colde, be-
caufe it commes from the North , which is the regioa
fartheft from theSunne. TheSoutherne which blows
from the Midday or South , is hote, and for that the
bcate dravves the vapours , it is alib maift and raynie :
and contrariwife the north is drie and fubtile, for that
itfuffereth no vapours to congeale. And in this maner
wee may difcourfe of other windes, giving them the
qualities of the region where they blowe. But looking
more precifely into it, this reafon can not fatisfie me : I
will therefore demaund, What doth the region of the
aire by which they paflc, if it doth not give them their
qualities?! fpeake it,for that in Germanic thz Southerne
winde is hote and moift , andin ^/^/^theNortherne
is cold and drie . Notwithftandingitisraoftcertainc,
that in what region foever of Germame the Southerne
winde is ingendred, it muft needes be more cold then
anypartof Affnh where the Northerne is ingendred.

And

The 3\(attiralandMorall

And if it be fo, why is the Northerne winde more cold
in Ajfrike then theSoutherne in Germany fteirig it pro
ceeds from a hotter region? Some may anfvver me that
the reafon is,for that it blowesfrom the North, which
is colde- but this is neither fufficient,nor true : for if it
were fb , whcnas the Northerne winde blowes in Af-
jrikejt fhould alfo runne and continue his motion in al
the Region, even vnto the North, the which is notfo:
For at one inftant there blowe Northerne windes very
colde, in countries that are in fewer degrees- and Sou-
theme winds which are very hotte, in countries lying
in fnore degrees^ the which is moft certaine,vfuall,and
well knovvne. Whereby (in my opinion) wee may in-
ferre that it is no pertinent reafon to fay, that the places
by which the winds do pafle give them their qualities,
or thatthey be divedified for that they blowe from di
vers regions of the ayre,although the one and the other
havefome reafon , as I have /aid. But it is ncedefull to
feelce further , to knowe the true and originall caufe of
thefc fo ftrange differences which we fee in the windes.
I cannot conceiveany other,but that the fame efficient
caufe which bringeth foorth and maketh the winds to
grow,dooth withallgive them this originall quali tie :
for in trueth die matter whereon the windes are made,
which is no other thing(according to Arifotle)but the
exhalation of the interior Elements, may well caufe in
cffed a great parte of this di verfitie, being more grofle,
more fubtile, moredrie, andmoiemoifL But yet this
is no pertinent reafbn, feeing that we fee in one region,
where the vapours and exhalations are of one forte and
qualitie, that there rife windes and effedes quite con-
trary. We muft therefore referre the caufe to the high
er and celefUall efficient, which muftbe theSunne^and

to

H&orieofthefndics. lib* 3.

to the motion and influence of the heavens , the which
by their contrary motions, give and caufe divers influ
ences. But the beginnings of thefe motions and influ
ences are (b obfcure and hidden from men, and on the
other part,fb mighty,andoffbgreatforce, asthehoiie
Prophet David in his propheticallSpirite,and the Pro
phet lercmie ad miring the greatnes of the Lordefpeake
thus, <%!iprtfert vtntosdc tbefaurisfoif •> He that drawes Tfiim
the windes out of his treafures . In trueth thefe princi- lertmJ
pies and beginnings arc rich and hidden treafures : for
the Author of all things holdes them in his hand , and
in his power; and when itpleafethhim^ndeththem
foorth for the good or chaftifement of men, and fends
foorth fuch windes as hce pleafeth : not as that Eolu*
whome the Poets doe fooliflily faine to have charge of
the winds, keeping them in a cave like vnto wild hearts.
We fee not the beginning of theft windes, neyther do
we know how long they fhaJ continue^or whither they
fhall goe. But we fee and know well the diverfe effedts
and operations they have,evcn as the fupreame trueth,
the Au thor of all things hath taught vs, faying, Spiritt*
*ubi vult fair At, & voctm tins audis , & tiefcis <vnde *vtnit,
tut q*o vadit. The (pirit or winde btowes where itplea-
feth 5 and although thou fceleft the breith, yet dooft
thou n ^>t kn,)we whence it commeth , nor whither it
fliallgoe : To teach vs, that conceivingalittleof mat
ters which areprefent & common vnto tfs, wee^iould
not prefume to vnderftand that which is fo high and
fo hidden as the caufes and motives of the Holy-gh^ft.
It is therefore (u»licient that wee knowe his operations
andeflfe&es, the wMch areplainely difcovereJ in his
greatnes and cerf "dion •> , and to have treated alitle phi-
lofophicaUy of the wiadcs, and the caufes of their difl

ferenccs,

The ^atural and Moratt

ferences, properties, and operations , which wee have
produced into three; the place by which they paffe,the
regions where they blowe, and the celeftiall virtue, the
beginning and motive of the wiades.

OfcerUint properties of windes which blowe at thenw
worlds. CHAP. 3,

IT is a queftion much difputed by \^fri8ot!e, whe
ther the Southerne winde , which we call Abrcguo>
blowes from the pole Antartike, or onely from the E-
quinodiall line? which is properly to demaund, if
beyond the Equinodiall it holde thefamequaliticof
hoteandrainie, as we fee here. It is a poinrwhcrecfwe
may with reafonftand in doubt, for although it pafic
the Equino&iall, yetisitftill the Southerne wind /ce-
ing it comes from the fame parte of the worlde ; as the
Northemewinde which comes to the contrary;conti-
nues fiil the fame winde, although it paffe the burning
Zone and Equinodiall line. And it feemcs hereby^that
thefe two wmdes fliould hold their firft properties, the
one to be hote and moift, the other colde and drie- the
South to breedemifts and raine, and the North to diC
pcrfe them>and to make a cleere Skie . Notvvithftand-
ing Aristotle leanes to the contrary opinion , for that in
Europe the Northerne winde is colde^becaufe it comes
from the Pole, a region extreamely colde,and the Sou
therne winde contrariwifc is hotte , becaufe it comes
from the South , which is the region thcSur.ne dooth
moft heate. By this reafon then we fhould believe that
the South winde fliould be coldeto them that inhabite
on the other fide of the line, and the Northerne wind

fliould

Hiftorie of the Indies lib , 3.

fhould be hote, for in thofe partes the Southerne wind
comes from the Pole, & the Northerne from the Line.
And though it feemes by this reafon,that the Southern
winde fliould be more colde there.than the Northern
isheere.-forthat they holdethe region of the South
Pole to be more colde then that of die North , by rea-
fon that the Sunne ftayeth feaven dayes every yecre in
theTropike of Cancer , morethenitcidothintheTro-
picke of Capricorm , as it appeareth by the Equinoxes
and Solftices he makes in the two Circles , wherein it
ieemcth, that Nature would (hew the prehemincncc
and excellencieof this moity of the worlde, which is in
•the North, above the other parte in theSouth : fqasie
feemeth there is reafon to belceve that thefe qualities
of the windes doe change in pafling the Line; but in
trueth it is not fo , as I could comprehend by the ex
perience I had fome yccres, being in thofe partes of the
Indies , which lie on the South of the other fide of the
Line.

It is true, that the Northerne windeis not vfually
colde and cleere there as heere . In fome parts of Peru,
as at Lima, and on the Plaincs, they find the Northern
windes troublefome and vnwholefome , and all along
. the coaft, which runs above five hundred Ieagues,they
holde the Southerne windes for healthfull and coole,
and (which is more) moft cleere and pleafant; yea it
never raines, contrary to that wee fee in Europe, and of
this fide the Line. Yet that which chaunceth vpon the
coaft of Peru is no generall rule > but rather an excepti
on, and a wonder of Nature , neuer to raine vpon that
coaft,and ever to have one winde,\vithout giving place
to his contrary, whereof we will heereaftcrfpeakeour
minde.

Now

Now let vs fland vpon this point, that the Noi>
therne winde beyond the line, hath not the fame pro
perties, which the Sou therne winde hath on this fide,
although they both blow from the midday, to regions
and parts of the world which be oppofite and contra-
rie.Fer it is no generall rule there , that the Northernc
winde is neither hote nor rainie there, as the South
winde is on this fide 5 but contrariwife,it raines when-
asthe South winde blowes there , as we fee in all the
Sierrt or mountainc of Peru, in Chile, and in the Coun-
trie of Congo , which is on the other fide of the line,
and farre advanced into the Sea. And in Potozt like-
wife , the winde which they call Tomabani, (which is
our North,)if my memorie faile me not, is extreamely
cold, drie, and vnpleafant, asitisheere with vs. Yet
tloth not the Noi therne winde difperfe the cloudes
vfually there, as it doth heere : but contrariwife, if I be
not deceived, it doth often caufe raine. There is no
doubt , but the windes do borrow this great diverfitic
of contrarie effeds , from the places by which they
pafle, and the neere regions where they are bred, as we
fee by daily experience in a thoufand places. But fpea-
king in generall of the qualitie of the windes, we mufl
rather looke to the coaftes or partes of the world from
whence they proceede, then to obfcrve, whether they
be on this fide,or beyond the line,as it feemes the Phi-
lofopher held opinion. Thefe capitall windes, which
be the Eaft , and Weft , have no fuch vniverfall quali
ties.^ fo common in this continent>norin the other,
as the two former. The Solantu or Eafterne winde, is
commonly here troblefome & vnholfome, & the We-
fterne or Zephirusjs more milde and healthfull. At the
Indies ^and in all the burning Zone, the Eafterne winde

which

Hitlorie of the Indies lib . 3,

which they caller//?, is contrariwife very hcalthfull
andpleafant. Of the Weft, I cannot fpeake any thing
certaineor generall, for that it blowcs not at all, or ve
ry feldome in the burning Zone , for in all the naviga
tion betwixt thetwoTropikes, theEafterne windeis
ordinary . And for that it is one of the admirable
workes of Nature, it (hall begoodtovnderftand the
caufe and the beginning thereof.

That the burning Zone, the Brtfes, or Eafterly mnde$y
do continually blows , and without the Zone the rve-
jitrne , and that the Eajlerly are ordinarie alwaies
there. C H A p. 4.

lTp He waies at Sea are not as at Land, to returne the
A fame way they pafle. It isall one way (faieth the
PhilofopherJ from Athens toThebes, and from Thebes
to Athens ; but it is not fo at Sea 5 for we go one way,
and returne by another.The firft which difco vcrcd the
Eaft and weaft Indies , laboured much with great diffi-
cultie to finde out their courfe , vntill that Experience
(themiftris of thefe fecrets,) had taught them , that to
iaile through the Ocean, is not like the paffage in Italic^
through the Mediterranean fea, where in their returne,
they obferve the fame Ports and Capes they had fight
of in their paflage, attending ftill the benefite of the
winde,which changeth inftantly,and when 'that failes,
they have recourfe to their owers; and fb theGallies
go and come daily, coafting along the flioare- In fome
partes of the Ocean , they may not lookefor any other
winde then that which blowes , for that commonly it
continues long. To conclude > that which is good to

§°

ndMoraU

go by, is not fit to returne with : for in the fca beyond
the Tropicke,and within the burning Zone,theEafter-
ly windes raine continually , not fuffering their con
traries. In the which region , there are two ftrangc
things3theoneis,that in that Zone, (being thegreateft.
of the five, into the which the world is divided,) the
Eafterly windes (which they call Brifes) do raine, not
fuffering theWefterne or Sotithcrne, (which they call
lower vvindes,) to have their courfe at any feaibn of
theyeere : The other wonder is , that thefe Eafterly
windes never ceafe to blow , and moft commonly in
places neereft to the line, ( where it feemcs that calmes
(hould be more frequent, being apart of the world,
moft fubied ro the heate of the Sunne, but it is con-
trarie,for you fliall hardly finde any calmes there, and
the winde is cold and continues longer, which hath
been found true in all the navigations of the Indies.
This is the reafon, why the voyage they make from
Spaitte to the Weft Indies is fliorter,more eafie,and more
afliired,then the returne to Spaine. The fleetes parting
from SfaxkjKaNt more difficultie to pafle the Canaries,
for that the gulph ofYegttcs or of 'Mares, is variable, be
ing beaten with divers windes , but having pafled the
Canaries, they faile with a wefternc winde vntill they
come to the burning Zone,where prefently they finde
an Eafterly winde,and fo they faile on with full windes,
fo as they have fcant any necde to touch their failes
in the whdle voiage : for this reafon they called this
great gulph, the gulph of Donees for the calmenes and
plcafantncs thereof. Then following their courfe^they
come to the Hands ®£&wtdcfop& Dominique , Define^
Marigiiai.wtey and the reft , which in that place,be as it
were, the fuburbs of the Indies. There the fleetes fepe-

rate

Uiflorieofthelndieii Jib. 3, up

rate and divide themfelves, whereof fome (which go
to new Spaive,} take to the right hand towards H$am-
clapnd having difcovered Cape S . Anthonie 5 they pafle
vnto S. ihonDcliM, alwaies vfing the fame Eafterly
windes. Thofe for' the maine Land ,take the left hand,
difcovering the high mountaine vfTayrone 3 then ha
ving touched at Cartkagtnsy they pafle vnto Nomlrc
de Diffs.fi om whence they go by land to Panama , and
from thence, by the South fea to Peru. But when the
fleetes returne to Spaiv'e , they make their voiagc in this
fort: The fleete of Peru difcovers Gape S. Anthonie,
then they enter into the Havana , which is a goodly
Port in the Hand of Cuba. The fleete of new Sfaine,
doth likewife.touch at the Havana , being parted from
the true Crofle,or from the Hand of S. ikon Delttt, the
which is not without difficultie , for that commonly
Eafterly windes blow there, which is a contrarie winde
togotdthc//4V^?4. Thefe fleetes being ioyned toge
ther for Sfaine , they leeke their height without the
Tropicks, where prefently they finde Wefterly winds,
which ferve them vn till they come in view of the Aco*
resiOiTcrccrts, and from thence to Seville. So as their
voiage ingoing,is of a fmall height, not above tvventie
degrees from the line, which is within the Tropickes.
But the returne is without the Tropickes , in eight and
twcntieor thirtie degrees of height at the leaft, for
that within the Tropickes,the Eafterne winds continu*
ally blovv,the which are fitteft to go ftom5^ww to the
Weft indies, for that their courfe is, from Eaft to wefl-
and without the Tropickes , (which is in three and
twentie degrees of height,) they finde wefterly winds,
the which are the more certaine and ordinarie, the
farther you are from the line , and more fit to returne

K from

The 3\(jtturalland Morall

from the Indies '-for that they are windes blowing from
the South and Weft , which ferve to runne into the
Eaft and North. The like difcourfe is of the Navigati
on made into the South fca, going from new Spam,
or Pertt, to fatfki&ffines or 'China , and returning
from the Philippines or China to new S-faine , the which
is eafie , for that they ftilc alwaies from Eaft to Weft,
neere the line , where they finde the Eaiterly windes
to blow in their poope. In the y cere 1584. there
went a fliippe from C<Ae in Lima to the Philippines,
which failed 2000. and 700. leagues without fight of
land , and the firft it difcovered, was the Hand of 'Luf-
fon , where they tookeport , having performed their
voiage in two moneths , without want ofwinde or a-
ny torment, and their courfe was almoft continually
vnder the Iine5 for that from Lima( which is twelve de
grees tothe South) he came t&LMenitta, which is as
much to the North. Thclike good fortune had Ahar*
dtCMandana, whenas he went to difcover the Hands
ofSo/owartyfor that he had alwaies a full gale , vntill he
eame within view of thefe Hands 5 the which tauftbe
diftant from that place of Peru, from whence he parted,,,
aboutathoufand leagues , having runne their courfe
alwaies in one height to the South . The returne is like
vnto the voiage from the Indies vnto Sfaine : for thofe
which returne from the Philippines or China to Mexico,
to the end they may recover the Wcftcrne wrndesr
they mount a great height, vntill they come right a-
gainft thelfands o£lappov,and difcovering the Ctaptjw-
»^,they returne by the coaft of new Spaine, to the Port
of^capulw, from whence they parted. So as it is pro
ved likewife by this navigation, that they ftile eafily
from Eaft to Weft/within the Tropickes, for that their

Eafterly

Htjions of the Indies. lib*z*

Eafterly windes do raine : but returning from Weft to
Eaft, they muftfceke the Wefterne windes without
theTropickes, in the height of fevcn and twentie de
grees. The Portingales prove the like iq their naviga
tions to the Eaft Indies , although it be in a contrarie
courfe^for that going from Portwa/lthe voiageis trou-
blefome,buttheir returneis more eafie, for that in go-
ing,their courfe is from the Weft to the Eaft' fb as they
muft of neceffitie mount , vntill they have found their
generall windes , which they hold to be above the li
ven and twentith degree. And in their returne, they
difcover the Tcrceres , but with more eafe, for that they
come from the Eaft , where the Eafterly or Northerns
windes do ferve them. Finally, the Martinets hold it
foracertaineruleand obfervation, that within the Tro-
pickes continually raine Eafterly windes,and therefore
it is very eafie to faile to the Weft. But without the
Tropickes, there are in fome fealbnsEaftaly windes,
and infooie, and more ordinarie Wefterne windes:
by reafon whereof, they which faile fr.om Weft to Eaft,
labour alwaies to be out of of the burning Zone, to
put thenifelves in the height of (even and twentie de
grees. And for this reafon5men have indangered theni
felves to vndertake ftrange Navigations , and to feeke
out farre Countries vnknowne.

Of the differences ef the Brifes or E^erne windes , and
theWefterne, and tikewi ft of other windes.
CHAP. 5.

ALthough that which we havefpokcn, be generall
and wellapprooved , yet there remaines ftitta de-
fire in me to learne the caufe of this fccret 5 why vndet

K a the

theburning Zone we faile alvvaies from Eaft to Weaft,
with fo great facilitie, and not from Weaft to Eaft?
Which is as much as if wee fhould dcmaund, why the
Eafterly vvindes raine there, and not the Weafierly/or
that according to good Philofophic , that which is per-
petuall, vniverfall, andofitfelfe (asthePhilofophers
fayj muft have a proper caufe , and of it felfe . But be
fore I ftay at this queftion, which fecmes remarkeable,
it fhal be necefTary to fhew what we vnderftand by Bri-
fes or Eafterly windes, andWeafterly, for that it will
ferve much for this fubied, and for many other matters
touching windes and -navigations . The Pilotes make
two and thirty poyntsof windes,for that to bring their
fliip to the defired haven,they muft make their account
as punctually and as ftridly as they can; for bending to
the one fide, or the other, never fo little, in the end of
their courfe, tbey fhould finde themfelves farrefrom
their pretended place. And they reckon but twoo and
thirty quarters of the windes, for that more woulde
confound the memorie . But with reckoning as they
accompt two and thirty windes 5 fomay they -reckon*,
three fcore and foure, one hundred twenty and eight;
and two hundred fifty and fix. Finally, multiply thefe
panes to an infinite , for the place where the fhippc is>
being as it were the centre, and all hemifphere in cir
cumference , what fhould let , but wee may accompt
lines without number, the which comming from this
centre, drawediredly to thefelineall circles in fo many
partes, which might caufe as many diverfe windes, fee
ing that the winde comes from all partes of the hemi
fphere, which we may divide into as many parts as \ve
will imagine, yet the wifedomeof man, conformable
to the holy Scripture,obferves foure windes, the princt

pal

Hittorie of the Indie t. lib. 3*

pall of all others, and as it were the foure corners of the
worldc, the which they ioyne in making a crofle with
two lines, whereof the one goes from one Pole to an
other; and the other from one Equinodiall to theo-
ther. Of the one fide theNorth or ^4<{mUn , and the
Southerne windc or mid-day oppofite ; and on the o*
ther fide the Eaft, which comes from theSunne rifing^
and the Weaft from his fating. And although theholy
Scripture in fbme places fpeakes of other diverfities of
windes,as tfEurut and Aauik$y which thofe in the O-
cean fea call Nordeft, & they of the mediterranean fca,
GregH&l> whereof there is mention made in Saint Pauls-
navigation^ yet the fame holy Scripture makes menti?
on ofthofe foure notable windes,which all the worlde
knowes j which areas is laide, North, South, Eaft and
Weaft.

But for that we finde three differences in the rifing
of the Sunne , from whence the name of Eaft comes,
that is, the twogreateft declinings which he doth vfu-
ally make, and the meane betwixt them both, ashee
dooth rifein diverfe places, in winter, infummer, and
in that which Holdes the middle of thefetwofeafons.
For this reafon they have reckoned two other windes*
the Eaft of fummer,and the Eaft of winter; and by con-
fequence? two Weafts, the one of fummer > and the o-
ther of winter , their contraries . So as there arc eight
windes in eight notable poyntes of heaven , which arc
thetwoPoles, the two Equinoxes, thetwoSolftices,
and their oppofites in the fame Circle, the which arc
called by divers names and appellations in every place
of the fea and land. Thofe which faile the Ocean, doe
vfually call them thus. They give the name of North
to thofe windes that blowcfrom our Pole, which cam-

K 3

¥ke y^aturatt and MoraU

tth the fame name,ahd Northeaft that which is neereft,
and comes from the fummcr Eaft : They call Eaft that
which comes diredtly from the rifingEquino£Hall,and
Southcaft that which comes from the winter rifing.
To the Mid-day or Pole Antartike they give the name
ofSouthweft; and to that of the winters fetting, the
jiameofSputhweft, to the right fetting Equinodiall
.the name of Weft, and to the fummers fetting, North-
weaft.They divide amongft them the reft of the winds,
and give them their names as they participate and ap
proach to others : as North-northweaft> North-north-
eaft, Eaft-northeaft, Eaft-foutheaft, South-fouthweaft,
Weaft-fouth weft, Weaft-norweft; fo as by their names
we know whence they proceed. In the Mediterranean
fea, although they follow the fame divifion and mancr
of reckoning, yet doe they give them other different
names; they call the North TratnontatM, and his con
trary , the South Mcfygiornt, or My4y 5 theEaft they
sdk Levant, and the Weaft Poyant : and thofe which
erode theft foure they call thus : Southeaft is by them
named Xirocquey or Xaloqtte, and his oppbfite, which is
Norweft; MeffraS they call the northeaft. Grec or Gre-
guall^ and the Southweafthis contrary; Levefche, Li-
biquey or Affricawc . In Latine the foure knovvnc winds
bt,Seftentri0yAutter,Sit!?foianiM, Favomus- and thofe
which be interlaced are Aqnil^ Fulturnu*,dffrictM3n&
Coriu^ according vntoPfo/<;, Vttltttrnussn&Eurm^ is
the (ame winde that Southeaft or Xaloque , FavomiM is
the Weaft or PonzntyAqmlo and Sorest* is Nortest or Gre-
gud) or Tramontana, Affrictt>s zn&Libique is the South-
\veaftorLevcfche, i^fttfkrandNotMfis the South or
Midday, Corns and Zephiru* the Northweft or Meftral,
and to the Northeaft or Gregual, they give no 6ther

name

Hfilorieoftbe Indies, lib.

name then Vheriicitn ." Some divide them after an other
manenbut for that it is not now our purpofe to repeate
the Latine and Greeke names of all the windes, lette vs
onely (hew which be thofeamongft thefe windes, that
the Mariners of the Indian Ocean call Brifes,and lower
winds. I was long in fbme difficulty about thefe names,
feeing them to vie them very diverfly , vntill I found
that thefe names were more gen erall , then-proper and
peculiar. They call Brifes thofe which ferve to goc to
the Indies, the which bio we in their poope, which by
this meanes comprehend all the Eafterly windes , and
thofe which depend of them . And they do call lower
windes thofe which are fitte to retui nefrom the Indies >
which blowe from the South to the fummer-weaft, (o
as they be, as it were, two Efquadrons of windes ofey^
ther fide , the Corporalles be of one fide Northeaft or
Greguatt&n the other Sou thweaft or Levefche. But you
mull vnderftand, that of the number of eight windes
and differences which wehavecounted,five are proper
to faile by, and not the other three. I fay , that when a
(hip failes at iea , he may make a long voyage with one
of thefe windes, although they ferve him not equally^
but he cannot vfe any of the other three. As if aflirppe
goe to the South, he fhall faile with theNorth,N6fth-:
caft,Northweafl:, and with Eaft and Weaft : forfide-^
windes ferve togoe,or to come. But with a Southerne
wind he cannot (aile,being dire^ly contrary, nor with'
with his two Collaterals which is Southeft and South-
weft, which is a very trivial! thing,& common to them*
that faile. And therefore it isnot needefull to explaihe
them heere, but to fignifie that the fide- windes of the
right Eaft,are thofe which com monly blow to the bur
ning Zone, which they doe call Brifes.:" andihofefrom

K 4 the

The ^aturatt andMoratt

the South declining to the Weaft , which ferve to faite
from Weaft to Eaft , are not common in the burning
Zone , and therefore they feeke them without the tro*
pikes • and the Indian Mariners commonly call them
lower windes, or Vents dtiba*.

reafinwkjfaling'vnder the burning Zone,
Eaftcrly windctf C H A p . 6.

. . .

LEt vs now fpeakeof that which toucheth the Que-
ftion propounded, what fhouldbe thercafbn whic
vnder the burning Zone wee feileeafily from Eaft to
Weaft ,and not contrary: wherein wemuft prefuppoie
two certaine groundes. The one is, that the motion of
the firft moover , which they call Diurnall, notonelie
drawes and mooves with him the celeftiall fphear^s,
which are inferiour vnto him , as wee fee daily in the
funne, themoone, andtheftarres, but alfotheEle-
ments do participate of this motion, infbmuch as they
are not hindered . The earth is not mooved, by reafon
of her heavinefle, which makes it immooveable,being
far from this firft motor. The element of water moves
not likewife with this Diumall motion , for that it is
vnited to the earth and make one fphere,fo as the earth
keeps it from all circular motion. Butth'othertwo ele
ments of fire & aire,are morefubtil and neerer the hea
venly regions, fo as they participate of their motion,
and are driven about circularly , as the fame celeftial bo
dies. As for the fire, without doubt it hath his fphere,
fas AriftttU and other Philofophers have held ) but for
the aire(which is no point of our fubiecS) it is rnoft cer-
xaine that it mooves with a motion diurnal! , which is

from

Hiflorieofthefndicj. lib* 3* 137

from Eaft to Weaft, which we fee phinely in Comets
thatmoovc fromthe Eaft vnto the Weaft, mourning,
defcending , and finally turning in the hemifpheare in
the fame fort as the Starres move in thefirmament$ for
othcrwife thefe Comets being in the region & fphere
of the aire, whereas they ingender,appeares coafunui.
It fhould beimpoffible for them to moove circularly,
as they doe, if the element of the aire doth not moovc
with the fame motion that the firft motor dooth . For
thefe^elements being of a burning fubftance,by reafon
they Ihould be fixt,without mooving circularly, if the
fphere where they are did not moove-if it be not as \vp
faine , that forae Angell or intefle&uaH Spirite dooth
walke wkh the Comet , guiding it circularly . In the
yeere of our Lord God one thoufand five hundred fea-
vcnty and feavcn appeered that wondcrfoll Comet, (in
jformclikcvntoa feather) fromthehorizonalmoftto
the middeft ofheaven^, and continued from the firft of
November, vntill the eight of December : I fay from
the firft of November , for although in Sfalne it was
noted but the ninth of November ( according to the
tcftimony trf" Writers of that time) yet at Pwv, where
I was then, I rememberwcll, we did fee it, and oWervc
it eight dayes before,and all the time after. Touching
the caufe of this diverfity,fome may dilate vpon it par.
ticularfy , I wiH onely fncw , that during thofe fourtie
dayes whidi it continued, we all obferved (both fuch
as were in Spiinc , and we that lived then at the Indies)
that it mooved daily with an vniverfall motion , from
Eaft to Weaft, as the Mooneand other Planets, whcr-
by it appecres that the fphere of the aire,- being its Re
gion, the element it felfemuft of neceiTTtie moove aC
ler the fame fort . We noted alfo, that befides this vni-

verj&f

i>8 The frjjMtr aland MoraH

vcrfall motion, it had an other particular , by which it
moved with the planets fro weft to e'aft/or every night
it turned more Eaftward, like vnto the Moone,Sunne,
and Planet ofcVtnus . Wee did alfo obferve a third par
ticular motion, whereby it mooved from the zodiacke
towards the North- for after fome nights it was found
ncerervnto the Scptentrionall fignes. Anditmaybe
this was the reafbn why the great Comet was fooner
fcene by thofe that werelbutherly,as at Pern, and later
difcovered by them 'o£Europe':fot by this third motion
(as I have (aide) it approached neerer the Northcrnc
Regions. Yet every one may well obferve the differen
ces of this motion , fo as wee may well perceive, that
many and fundry celeftiall bodies, give their impreffi-
ons to the fphere of the aire. In like forte it is moft cer-
taine thattheayre mooves with the circular motion of
the heaven, from Eft to Weft, which is the firft ground
before mentioned. The fecond is no lefle certairie, the
which is, that the motion of the aire in thofe parts that
are vnder the Line , or neere vnto it, is very fvvift and
light, the more it approacheth to the Equinodiall- but
the farther offit is from the Line, approching neere the
Poles, the more flowe and heavie this motion is. The
rcafon heereof is manifcft , for that the moovingof the
celeftiall bodies , being the efficient caufeof the moo-
ving of the ayre , it muft of neccffitic be more quicke
and light , where the celeftiall bodies have their fwift-
eft motion.

To labour to fliew the reafbn why the heaven hath
a quicker motion vnder the burning Zone, which is
the Line, thenan any other part of the heaven, were to
make fmal\accoun t of men : feeing it is eafie to fee in a
wheele, that its motion is more flowe and heavy in the

\

Hittorieofthefndies. lib. 3.

partofgreateft circumference, thenintheleflc, and
that the greater circumference ends at one inftant with
thelefler. Fromthefe two grounds proceedes the rea-
fon, where fuch as faile great gulphs from eaft to weft,
doe alwaycs finde the winde in their powpc,going in a
fmall altitude , and the neerer they come to the Equi-
nO(5liall , the more certaine and durable the winde is.
And contrariwife,failing from weft to eaft, they always
findethe winde contrary ; for that the fwift motion of
the Equinodtiall drawcs after it the element of the aire,
as it doth the furplus of the higher fpheares. So as the
aire dooth alwayes follow the motion of the day . Go
ing from eaft to wcaft,without any alteration, and the
motion of the aire being fwift, draweth after it all the
vapours and exhalations which rife from the fea, which
caufeth in thofe Regions a continuall eafterly winde,
which runnes from the Levant. Father^f/^/S S Miches
a religious man , and of our company , who hath tra
velled the eaft and weft Indies, as a man ingenious,and
of experience,faid5that failing vnder the Line, or neere
vntb it, with a continued and durable feafon, it feemeci
to him to be the fame aire, moovedbythe heaven the
which guided the {hips, and was not properly a winde
nor exhalation ,but an aire moved with the daily couife
of the funne : for proofe whereof he fliewed , that the
feafon is alwayes equall 5 and alike at the gulph of Da-
nees : and in other great gulphes where wee faile vnder
the burning Zone, by reafon whereof their failes arc ai,
ways of one fafhion, without any bluftring, having no
neede, in a manner, to change them in all their courfe.
And if the ayrewere not moovedbythe heavens, it
might fometimes faile , fometimes change to the con*
trary, and fometimes there would grow fome ftormes.%

Although

The J^atur aland Moral!

Although this be learnedly fpoken,yet can we not de
wy it to be a winde, feeing there are vapdurs and exha
lations of the fea ; and that we fometimes fee the Brife
or eafterly winds ftrongerjfometimcs more weake, and
placed in that fort, as fometimes they can hardly carry .
all their failes. Wemuft then know (and it is true) that \
the aire mooved, draweth vnto it the vapours it indes- ,
For that the force is great, and fiadcs no refiftance , by
reafon whereof the eafternc and weafterne Iwindes are
continual!, and in a rnaner alway es dike, in thoie parts
which are neere the Line, and almoft vnder all the bur
ning zone, which k the courfe the Sunnefollowes be
twixt the two circles of Cancer and Capricorn*.

Why without the Zone, in A greater Altitude, wee fade &

C H A F. 7*

WHofb would neerely lookeinto what hath biit
fpoken , may likcvvife vnderjftand 5 that going
from the weft totheeaft, in altitude beyond theTro-
pikes, we ftiall finde wefterne windes, for that the mo
tion of the Equinodiall being fo fivift, it is a caufe that
the ay re mooveth vnder it according to this motion,
which is from eaft to weaft, drawing after it the vapors
and exhalations that rife of either fide the Equinodial
or burning zone , incountring the courfe and motion
of the zone , areforced by the repercuflion to retumc
almoft to the contrary, whence growc the fouthweaft
winds fb ordinary in thofe parts , Even as we fee in the
courfe of waters, the which (if they be incountred by
others of more force,) returneinamanerbacke. So it
.icemen to be like in vapours and exhalations, wherebjr

growes

Htfiorie of the Indies lib, 5.

it growes that the windes doe turne and feparate them
{elves from one part to another. Thefe wefterly winds
do commonly raine in a meane altitude, which is from
twenty and feeven to thirty and feven degrees, though
they be not fo certaine nor fo regularas the Brifes that
are in a lefTe altitude . The reafon is, for that the fbuth-
\veft windes are no caufes of this proper and equal mo
tion of the heaven, as the Brifes are , being neere to the
Line. But (as I have faid) they are more ordinarie,and
often more furious and tempeftuous . But palling into
'a greater altitude, as of fortie degrees , thereisaslmall
affurance ofwindesatfeaasatland * fbrfometimes the
eaft or north winde blowes, and fometimes the fouth,
orweaft : whereby it happeneth their navigations are
more vncertaine, and more dangerous.

M rions to the fore fad Rules, and of the Windes
andCalmes both at Landandai Sea. CHAP. 8.

T Hat which we have fpoken of winds, which blow
ordinarilie within and without the Zone, -muft
be vnderftood of the maine Sea, and in the great
gulphes; foratlanditisotherwife, where we findeall
forts of windes , by reafon of the inequalitie which is
betwixt the mountaines and the vallies- the great num
ber of Rivers and Lakes, and the divers fcituations of
Countries , whence the grofle and thicke vapors arife,
which are moved from the one part or the other, ac
cording to the diverfitie of their beginnings, which
cauiethefe divers windes the motion of the aire, cau-
fed by the heaven having not power enough , to draw
and move them with it. And this varietie of windes is

not

i2j.a The J^aturall andMorall

not onely found at land , butalfb vpon the fea coaft,

which is vndcr the bunting-Zone , for that there be fo-

raine or land windes which come from the land, and

many which blow from the fea $ the which windes

from the fea, are commonly more wholefbme and

more pleafant then thofe of the land, which are contra-

riwifetroublefbmeand vnwholefome , although it be

the difference of the coaft that caufeth this diverfitie:

commonly the land windes blow from mid-night to

the funne rifmg,and the fea windes vn till funne letting.

The reafon perhaps may be , that the earth, as a grofle

fubftance, fumes more whenas the funne (hincs not

vpon it , even as greene wood, or fcarce drie, fmoakes

moft when the flame is quenched. But the fea, which is

compounded of morefubtile partes, engenders no

fumes, but when it is hote, even as ftraw or haie, being

moid and in fmall quanticie , breedes fmoake when it

is burnt, and when the flame failes, the fume fuddenly

ceafeth. .Wharfoever it be, iris certaine that the land

winde blowes by night, and that of the fea by day. So

that even as there are often contrarie, violent, and tern-

peftuous windes vpon the fea coaft , fo do we fee very

great calmes. Some men of great experience report,

that having failed many great paflag<;s at lea vnder the

line,yet did they never fee any calmes, butthat they al-

waies make way little or much , the aire being moved

by the celeftiall motion , which is fufficien t to guide a

fliip, blowing inpoope,asit doth . I have already faid,

that a fhip of Lima going to ManiBd , failed two thou-

(and f eren hundred leagues, ahvaies vnder the line, or

not above twelve degrees from it 3 and that in themo-

neths of Februarie and March, whenas the funne is

therefor Zenith, andinaUthi$*fpacethey found no

calmes

Hiflorie of the Indies lib. 3.

calmes , but alwaiesa frefh gale , To as in two moneths
they perfoiTned this great voyage . But in the bur
ning Zone and without it , you ihall vfually fee great
calmes vpon the coaftes, where the vapors come from
the Hands, or maine land. And therefore ftormes and
tempeftes, and the fuddaine motions of the aire, are
more certaine and ordinarie vpon the coaftes, whereas
the vapors come from, the land , then in fujjl fca , I
meane vnder the burning Zone , for without it and at
fea,there are both calmes andwhirlewindes. Notwith-
ftanding, fometimes betwixt the two Tropickes, yea,
vnder the line , you (hall have great raine and fuddaine
fliowers.,yea, farre into the fea^ for the working where-
of, the vapors and.exhalations of the fea5are fufficient,
which moving fometimes haftily in the aire , caufe
thunder and whirlewindes , but this is more ordinarie
neere to the land, and vpon the land . When I failed
from Peru to new fyaixej. obferved,that all thetime we
were vpon the coaft Q?Pertt , our voiage was, (as it was
ordiharyj very catme and eafie , by reafbn of the Sou.
therne winde that blowes^having alwaies a fore winde,
returning from Spainc and new Spaine. As we pafTed
thegulph, lanching farther into thcfea, almoft vnder
the line,wc found the fcafbn coole,quiet,and pleafan t,
with a full winde, but comming neere to ^CAragtMy
and to all that coaft , we had contrarie windes 5 with
great ftore of raine and fogges. AH this navigation was
vnder the burning Zonerfor from twelve degrees to the
South 5 which is Lima, weelailed to the feventeenth,
which is. Gautulco, a port of new Spaine: and Ibeleeve,
that fuch as have obferved their navigations, made vn
der the burning Zone, (hall findeVhatlhave fiid,
which may fuffice for the windes which raine at fca,yn-
der die burning Zone. of

The jyjtturall andMoratt

,~Qffewc merveffow ejfefls of the windes, which are in
pmtfartesofthc Indies. CHAP. 9.

IT were a very difficult matter , to report particular
ly the admirable effe&es which fome windescaufe
in divers regions of the world, and to give a reafon
thereoflThere are windes,which naturally trouble the
water or the Tea, and makes itgreeneand black e, others
cleere as Criftall , fomecomfortand make glad, others
trouble and breede hcavines. Such as nourifli filke«
wormesjliave great care to (hut their windowes,when-
as the South- weft windes do blow, and to open them
to the contrarie: having found by certaine experience,
that their worrnes diminifh and die with the one, and
fatten and become better with the other ; and who fo
will neerely obferve it , (hall finde in himfelfe 5 that the
diversities of windes, caufc notable impreflions and
changes in the bodie , principally in ficke partes and ill
difpofed , when they are moft tender and weake./The
. ^°ty foipture calleth one a burning winde, another,

loa*.*. a winde full of dew and fweetncs. And it is no wonder
0^.13. if wee fee fuch notable effefts of the windes, inplants>
beafts , and men , feeing that we fee it vifibly in yron,
which is the hardeft of all mettalls ( I have feene grates
of yron in fome partes of the Indies, fo rufted and con-
fumed,that prelfing itbetwixt your fingers,it diffolved
into powder /as if it hadbeen hay or parched ftraw,
the which proceedes only from the winde which doth
corrupt it, having no meanes to withftand it .] But lea
ving apart many other great and notable effc<5ts,I will
onely make mention of two. The one, although it can-
feth pangs grater then death it fclfc, yet doth itnoit

breede

Hijlorie of the Indies, lib. 3,

brccdc any further inconvenience. The other takes a-
way life without feeling of it. The .ficknes of the fca,
wherewith fuch are troubled as firft begin to go to fca,
is a matter very ordinary - and yet if the nature thereof
were vnknowne to men^vc (hould take it for the pangs
of death, feeing how itaffidte and torments while it
doth lad , by the cafting of the ftomacke, paine of the
head., and other troublefome accidents. Butintructh
this ficknes fo common and ordinarie , happens vn-
to men by the change of the aire and fea. For al
though it be true that the motion of the fliippc helpcs
much, in that it moves more orleffe : and likewife the
infedions and ill favors of things in the fliippc: yet the
proper and naturall caufe , is the aire and the vapors of
the fea , the which doth fo weaken and trouble the bo
dy and the ftomacke, which are no taccuftomcd there-
vnto , that they are wonderfully moved and changed:
for the aire is the Element > by which wee live and
breathe, drawingitinto our entrailes, the which we
bathe therewithall. And therefore there is nothing that
fbfuddenly , and with fo great force doth alter vs, as
the change of the aire we breathe, as we fee in thofc
which die of the plague. It is approved by many expe
riences, that thereof the fea, is the chiefe caufe of
this ftrange indifpofition • the one is , that when there |
bio wes from the fea a ftrong breath , we fee them at the
land as it were fea ficke, as I my felfe have often found.
Another is , the farther wego into thefea, and retyre
from land , the more we are touched and dazeled with
this ficknes. Another is,that coafting along any Hand,
and after lancEmg into the matnc', wefhall there finde
the aire more ftrong . Yet will I not deny, but the mo
tion and agitation may caufe this ficknes 3 feeing that

L we

The Datura II and Moral!

\ve fee Tome are taken therewith paffing rivers in
Barkes : others in like fort going in Codies ancTCarol*
res, according to the divers complexions of the fto-
macke : as contrariwife , there are fome,ho\v boiftrous
and troublefome foever thefea be , doe never fecle it.
Wherefore it is a matter ccrtaine, & tried,that the aire
of the Tea, doth commonly caufe this effed infuchas
newly go to fea.I thought good to fpeake this, to fliew
a ftrange effecfi, which happens in fome partes of the In-
dfefjwhere the ayre & the wind that rains make men da-
fcie^notlcfie^but more then atfea. Some hold itfor afa-
b!e,others fay it is an addition: for my part I will fpeake
what I have tried . There is in Peru , a high mountainc
which they call Panacaca , and having heard fpeake of
thealteratibn it bred,I went as well prepared as I could,
according to the inftru&ions which was given me , by
fuch as they call raguianos or expert men : but not-
Withftaftding all my provifion,when I came to mount
the degrces,as they call them , which is the top of this
•mountaine, I was fuddenly furprizcd with fo mortall
and ftrange a pang^that I was ready to fall from the top
to the ground: and although we were many in compa
ny ,yct every one made hafte (without any tarrying for
his companion,) to free himfelfe fpeedily from this ill
paf&ge. Being then alone with one Indian, whom I in-
treated to helpe to ftay me, Iwasfurprifed with fuch
pangs of draining & cafting, as I thought to caft vp my
heart tor>^ for having caft vp meate,fleugme,& choller,
both yellow and greene 5 in the end I caft vp blood,
with the ftraining of my ftomacke . To conclude , if
this had continued, Ifhould vndoubtedly have died-
but this lafted not above three or foure houres, that we
were corneinto a more convenient and naturall tcmpc-

Hi(lorh of the Indies, lib. 3* 14,7

rature, where all our companions ( being fouteteene
or fifteene) were much wearied . Some in the pafla^c
dcmaundedconfeflion, thinking verily to die- others
left the ladders and went to the ground , beeing over*
come withcafting, and going to the ftoole : and it was
tolde me, that fbme have lolt their lives there with this
accident . I beheld one that did beate himfelfe againft
the earth, crying out for the rage and gricfe which this
paflageofP^rw^haddc cauled . But commonly it
dooth no important harme, onelythis,paineand trou-
blefomc diftaftc while it endures ; and notonely the
paflage ofPariacaca hath this propertie, butalfb all
this ridge of the mountaine y which runnes above five
hundred leagues long, and in what place (beveryou
pafle,you (hallfinde ftrange in temperatures, yet more
in fome partes then in other, and rather to thofc which
mount from thcfea,then from the plaines. Befides Pa~
r'tACACAy I have parted it by Luctnts and Sow - in an o-
ther place, by Collegia* , zndbyCavaw. Finally, by
foure different places,goingand comn)ine,and alwaics
in this paffagc I have felt this alteration, although in no
place fo ftrongly, as at the firftin Pariactca, which hath

e tried by allMiich as have parted it. And no doubt
but the winde is the caufeofthis intemperature and
ftrange alteration, or the aire that raignes there. For the
bcft remedy (and all they finde)is to ftoppe their nofes,
their earcs,and their mouthes, as much as may be,and
to cover themfelves with cloathes , efpecially the fto-
macke, for that the ayrc is fubtile and piercing , going
into the cntrailes, and not onely men feele this alterati
on ,but alfo beads that fometimes ftay there, fb as there
is no fpurre can make them goe forward . For my part
I holdc this place to be one of the higheft parts of land

L z in

Tbs S^iuraUand Mcrall

inthevvorlde; for wemountawonderfullfpace . And
in my opinion, the mouiitaine Afrw*fe of Spam, the Wi
rwces, and the Alpes of Italic, are as ordinarie houfes, in
regardcof hie Towers . I therefore perfvvade my felfe,
that the element of the aire is there fo fubtile andddi*
cate , as it is not proportionable with the breathing of
roan, which requires a more groffe and temperate aire^
and I beleeve it is the caufe that doth 16 much altertha
ftomacke, & trouble all the difpofmon. The paflages of
.th e mou ntaines Ncwde, and other otEitrepe^ which I
have fcene, although the aire be coldc there, and cloth
.force men to weare more clothes y yet this coldedoth
not take away the appetite from meate y but contrarit
•wife it provokes • nej^ther dooth it caufe any cafting of
theftomacke, but onely fome paine in thefeetcand
handcs. Finally, their operation is outward . But that
of the Indies i whereof I fpeake (without molefting of
footeorhand, or any outward parte) troubles all the
entrailes within : and that which is more admirable;
;whenthc{iinneishote, which makethmee imagine,
that the griefe wee fcele comes from the qualitic of the
aire which wee breathe : Therefore that is moft fubtile
and delicate, whofe colde is not fb fenfible, as piercing.
y 4}J* A Ail this ridge of mountains is, for th e moft.part,defart,
without any villages or habitations for men , fb as you
/hall fcarce finde any fmall cotages to lodge fuch as do
paffe by night : there are no beafts, good or bad, but
;&mericunos, which are their countrey muttons, and
have a ftrange and wonderfull property , as ! (ball iliew
'in his place. Thegrafle is often burnt, andallblacke

^ j the aire, and this ddarrrunnes fiveand twenty or
thirty leagues overthwart* an3Tin length above five
hundred leagues. There are other defarts or places in

habited,

* lib.j.

habited, which at Ptrmhey call Punas ({peaking of the
fecond poyn t we promifeaj where the quallirie of the
ayrecuttcth off mans life without feeling. In former
time the Spaniardes went from P<r/*3totherealmcof
cMltby thismountaine, but at this day they do pafle
commonly by fea, and fometimes alongft the fideofit.
And though that way be laborious and troublefome,
yet is there not fo great daunger as by the mountaine,
where there are Plaines, on the which many men have
periftied and died, and fomctirnes ha ve fcaped by great
bappe,whereof fbme have remained lame. There runs
a (mall breath,which is.not very ftrong nor violenr,but
proceedes in fuch forte, that men fall downe dead,in a
manner without feeling,or at the kaft, they loofe their
feete and handcs : the which may feeme fabulous 3 yec
isitmofttrue*

I have knowne and frequented long, the Gennerall
ItromeCtftiftAi theaunticntpeoplerofc^/?^ who had
loft three or foure toes, which felioffin palling the de-^
{artofC^/7/?, being perifhed with thisairc, and when
he came to looke on them, they were dead, and fell off
without any paine, evcnasarotten Apple falleth from-
the tree. This Captaine reported, that of a good army
which hcehad conduced by thatplace, imhe former
yeeres, fince the difcoverie of this kingdome by Alma-
gro,?L great partof the men remained dead there,whofe.
bodies he found lying in thedefart, without any ftinlc
or corruption -adding thervntoone thing very ftrange>
that they found a yongboy alive,and being examined
how hee had lived in that place, hccfaide, that hee laie
hidden in a little cave , whence hec came to catte the
flefh of a dead horfe with a little knife 5 and thus had he
nouriflicd himfelfealpngtime, with I know not how

Lj. many

150 The 3\(4ttirafl anJMoratt

many companions that lived in that fort, but now they
were all dead, one dying this day, and another to mor-
tdw, faying that hee defired nothing more then to die
there with the reft,feeing that he found not in himftlfc
any difpofition to goe to any other place,nor to takea-
ny tafte in any thing . I have vndemoode the like of o-
thers>and particularly of one that was of our company,
who being then a Secular man , had pafled by thcfe de-
farts : and it is a ftrange thing, thequalitieof this coldc
aire, which killes3 and aUb preferves the dead bodies
without corruption . I havealfo vnderftoode it of a re
verend religious man, of the Order of Saint Deminiktj
and Prelate thereof, who hadde feene it parting by the
defarts : and which is ftrange, hee reported,that travel
ling that way by night, was forced to defend himfelfe
againft that deadly winde which blowes there (having
no other mcanes ) but to gather together a great num
ber of thofe dead bodies that lay there, and made ther-
of,as it were, 3 rampire and a bolfter for his head : in
this manner did he fleepe, the dead bodies giving him
.life . Without doubt this isa kinde of cold to piercing,
that it quencheth the vitall heate , cutting off his influ
ence; and being (b exceedingcolde, yet doth not cor
rupt nor give any putrifadHon to the dead bodies , for
that putrifa<5Kon grovveth from heate and moyftnefle .
As for the other kinde of ayre which thunders vnder
the earth, and caufcth earthquakes , more at the Indies 9
then in any other Regions, I wil fpeake thereof in trea
ting the qualities of the land at the Indies. We wil con
tent our (elves now with what wee have fpoken of
the wind and aire, and pafle to that which is to be fpo
ken of the water.

of

Htilorie of the Indies* lib. 3. 151

'

Of the Ocean that invirons the Indies, A»dtfthe North
and South Sw. CHAP. ic.

A Mongft all waters the Ocean is the principaH, by
./JLwhich the Indies have beene difcovered , and are
invironed therewith $ for either they be Hands of the
Ocean fea, ormaine land ?i the which wherefbever it
ends, is bounded with this Ocean. To this day they
have not difcovered at the Indies any meditcrranian feay
as in Eurofe,Afia#n& Ajfrike, into the which there en
ters fbme arme of this great fea^nd makes diftindl feas>
taking their names from the Provinces they bathe.-and
almoft all the mediterranean Seas continue and ioync
together, and with the Ocean it felfe, by the ftraight of
tf/Ir4//4r,whkh the Ancients called, the Fillers of Her-
fffles , although the red fea beeing feparated from the
mediterranean feas r enters alone intarfte Indian Oce
an- and the Cafpian fea ioynes not with any other :fo
that at thc/W/^weefinde notanie other fea then this
Ocean,which they divide into two, the one they call
the north fca>arid the other the fbuth/or that the Indies
which were firft difcovered by the Ocean,and reacheth
vnto Spaine,\i&> all to the north,and by that land there
after difcovered a fea on the other fide, the which they
called the South fea , for that they decline vntill they
have pafled the Line : and having loft the North, or
Polearticke, they called it South . For this caufe they
have called all that Ocean the South fea, which lieth
on the other fide of the Eaft Indies, althogh a great parr
of it be feated to the north,as al the coaft crfnewJ/w*%
Nuara$nii,Gttatimal4iLn&Panama. They fay, thathee
that firft difcovered this fea, was called

L 4

The Datura! and Moratt

Bilbo, the which be did by that part which we now
call maine land, where it gro wes narrow , and the two
feas approach foneere the one to the other, that there
is but leaven leagues of diftance: for although they
make the way eighteene from 'N&nttrtdi Dios, toPa-
#amA,y& is it with turning to fecke the oommoditie of
the way, but drawing a dired line, the one fea (hall not
be found more diftan t from the other. Some have diC
courfed and propounded to cut through this paflage
of feavcn leagues , and toioyne one fea to the other,
to make the paffige from Peru more commodiousand
cafie, for that thefe eighteene leagues of land betwixt
Nomhre dt Dies and Panama js> tuorepainefull and char
geable then 2 joo. by fea, whercvpon fomc would fay,
it were a meancsto drowne the land , one fea bdng
lower then another. As in times pad we finde it writ-
ten,that for the fame confideration, they gave over the
enterprize to win the red fea intoAfafe , in thetimc of
King Sefetfris,znd fincejn the Empire of the Ottomans.
Butformypart, Iholdfuch difcourfes and propofiti-
onsforvaine, altliongh this inconvenient fhould not
happen,the which I will not hold for afftired. I beleeve
there is no humaine power able to beat and breakc
downe thofe ftrong and impenetrable mountaines,
whkh God hath placed betwixt the two feas,and hath
made them moft hard rockes , to withftand the furie of
two feas. And although it were poffible to men , yet
in my opinion they fliould fearc punifliment from hea-
ven,in feeking to correct the workes , which the Crea
tor by his great providence hath ordained and dirpofed
in the framing of this vniverfall world. Leaving this
difcotirfe of opening the land , and ioyning both feas
together 3 there is yet another leflc ralh 5 but very diffi
cult

Htilorie of the Indies, lib.

cirit and dangerous to iearch out . Whether thcfe two
great girfphes doioyne in any other part of the world,
which was the enterprise tf Fernando MagetUnz^w-
tugall gentleman 5 whofe great courage and conftan-
cic in the refearch of this fubied, and happy fucceffe in
thefinding thereof, gavethename of etei nail memory
to this ftraight , which iuftlythcy call by the name of
the difcovcrer ^Magellan, of which ftraight we will in-
Create a little, as of one of the greateft wonders of the
world. Some have beleeved, that this Straight which
<JMAgdl&n had difcovered in the South fea , was none,
' or that it was ftraightned , as Don ^Alonfo d'Arfilk
writes in his Auracane : and at this day there are fbme
that fey, there is nofuch ftraight, but that they are
Hands betwixt the fea and land , for that the maine
land endes there, at the end whereof are all Hands,
beyond the which the one fea ioynes fully with the o-
ther , or to fpeake better , it is all one Sea . But in
turth it is moft certaine, there is a ftraight and a long
and ftretched out land on eyther fide, although it
hath not yet beene knowne how farrc it ftrctcheth
of the one fide of the ftraight towards che South. After
UMagdbw, a fliippe of the Biflioppe of Plaifancs paffed
the ftraight, Don Guitieres Carvatil, (whofe mafte they
fay is yet sit Lima > at theentrie of the palace/) they
went afterwards coafting along the South , to difcover
the Straight, by the commandement of Don Garcia of
^Mcfidoc: y then govern er of Chille, according to that
which Captaine Latin Hero found it and paflcd it. I have
read thedifcourieand report he made, where hefaieth,
that he did not hazard himfelfetolandin the Straight,
but having difcovered the North fea,he returned back,
for the roughnes of the tioic,\vintcr being now come>

which

which caufed the waves comming ftom the North, to

grow great and fwelling , and the fea continually fo-

ming with rage. Inour time,Fr4rttitIfrakai\ Englifliw

roan,p^Ied this ftraight. After him, Captaine&*ra/-

cnto paSTed it on the South fide. And laftly, in the yeere

15 87. other Englifhmen pafled' it, by the inftru&ion of

Drake , which at this time runne along all the coaftof

Peru* And for that the report which the matter Pilot

that pafled it made ,,feemeth notable vntome^ I will

heerefetitdowiie. ' • '

QftRe Straight ^Magellan, and how it wasfAJjed\
dt+ CHAP. ii.

IN the yeere of our Lord God , one thoufand five
hundred feaventy nmz,FrAnci* Drtkc having pafled'
the Straights thatrunne alongeft thecoaft of cht&^nd-
all PerUf and taken the fhippe of Saint lean d'Anthom,
where there was a great number ofbarres of filver , the
Viceroy Don Francisof Toledo armed and fent foorth
two good fliippes, to difcover the Straight, appoynt-
ing Peter Sarmiento for Captaine 5 a man learned in A-
ftrologie. They parted from Callat of Lima in the be*
ginning of Odobcr5 and forafinuch as vpon that coafl
there blowes a contrary winde from the South 9 they
toolce the fea, and having (ailed litle above thirty days
with a favourable winde , they came to the fame alti
tude of theStraight:butfor that it was very hard to dif
cover, they approchedneere vnto the land,where they-
entred into a great Buy, in the which there is an Archie
pelague of Hands: ^f/w^^^grewobftinatc, that this
was the Straight^ and ftaieda whole moncth to findc if

ffi8orieoftkfnJics\ lib. 5.

cut, by diverfe waycs creeping vppeto the high maun-
taines. But feeing they could not difcover it , at the in.
ftance of fuch as were in the army , they returned to
fea. The fame day the weather grew rough, with the
which they ranne their courfe, in the beginning of the
night the Admiralls light failed fo, as the other fliippe
never fee them after : The day following, the force of
the winde continuing ftill, beinga fide wind, theAd-
miralles fliippe difcovercd an opening, which made
land,thinking good to enter there for fhelter, vntill the
temped were paft . The which fiicceeded in fiich fort,
as having difcovcred this vent, they found that it rannc
more and more into the land; and conie&uring that
it fhould be the Straight which they fought,they tooke
the height of the Sumac, where they found thernfclves
in fiftic degrees and a halfe, which is the very height of
the Straight : and, to be the better aflTured, they thruft
out their Brigandine, which having run many leagues
into this artne of the fea, without feeing any end, they
found it to be the very S traight . And for that they had
order to paileit, they planted a hie Crofle there, with
letters thereon, to the end, that if the other fhip (hould
chance to arrive there, they fhould havenewes of their
Generall,and folio vV. They pafled the S traight in a fa
vourable time without difficultie , and pafling into the
north fea , they came to certaine vnknowne Ilandes,
\vhere they tooke in frcfh water ,and other refrefhings:
From thence they tooke their courfe towardes Cafe dt
Pert, from whence the Pilotc maior returned to Peru,
by the way oFCarthageM, and Panama , cany ing a diC
courfe of the Straight to the Viceroy , and of all their
fucceffe , of whom he was well rewarded for his good
fervice.

But

But Captaine Peter Sarmiento (ailed from Cape Vert
to Seville in the fame (hip wherewith he had paflTed the
Straight,and went to Courtjwhere his Maieftie rewar
ded him 5 and at his inftance , gave commaundement
to prepare a great army, which hefentvnderthecom-
maundof 'Diego F lores de V aides, to people and fortifie
this Straight. But this army, after variable fuccefie*
fpent much, and profited little.

Returning now to the Viceadmiralles fhippe,which
went in company of the Generall , having loft him in
the ftorme,they tooke thefea,but the wind being con-
traiy and ftormy , they looked all to perifh , fo as they
coufefled themfelves , and prepared for death. This
tempeft continued three dayes without intermifllon^
and hourely they feared to runne on ground; but it fel
out contrary , for they went ftili from land, vntill the
cndcof the third day, that the ftorme ceafed y and
then taking the height, they found themfelves in fif-
tie fixe degrees : but feeing they had not crofled, and
yet were farre from land, they were amazed, whereby
they furmized (as ffernando LamerettAde me) that the
land which is on the other fide of the Straight, as wee
goeby thefbuth fea, runncsnot the fame o romer that
it doth to the Straight , but that it turneth to the Eaft:
forclfeit wereimpolfible but they fhoukk have tou
ched land , having runncfb long time with this erode
winde : but they pafTed on no further, ncy ther coulde
they diicover the lands end ( which fomeholde to be
chcrej whether it were an Hand on the other fide of the
Straight, where the two feas of North and Sonth doe
ioyne together, or that it did runne vppe towardes the
Eaft , and ic^ne with the knd of reft* , as they call it,
which anfwers to the Cape of Good Hope (as it is the

opi-

Hrtforie. of the Indies liB^. 157

Opinion of fome.) The trueth hereof is not tb this day
well knowne, -neither is there any one found that hath
difcovered that land. The Vicei'oy Don teartm Hen
rique faide vnto me , that he held this report for ari in
vention of the Englltb, that the Straight fliould prefent-
lie make an Hand ? and that the two feas did ioyne to
gether ; for that (beeing Viceroy of New Spame) hce
had diligently examined the Portugal! Pilote, who had
bin left there by France Dfake, and yet had no know-
ledge of any fuch matter by him. But that was a very
Straight, andamaineland on either fide. Returning
then to the faide Viceadmirall , they difcovered this
Straight (as the faide Hernando Lamer a reported vnto
mee) but by another mouth or crime , and in a grea
ter height, by reafon of a ccrtaine great Hand which is
at the entrie of the Straight, which they call, the Bell,
for the forrne it carries . And (as he faide) hee woulde
have paired it : but the Gaptaincarid foiildiers woulde
not yeelde therevnto, fuppofing that the time was too
farrefpent, and that they wereingreatdaunger. And
fo they returned to Chilk and Peru 3 without paffing it.

Of the Straight which fime holae to be m Florida .
CHAP. 12.

EVen as Magellan found out this Straight vppon the
South, fo fome have pretended to difcover another
Straight, which they fay is in the north, andfuppofe
it to be in ^r^whofe coaft runs in fuchfort,as they
kno we no end thereof. Peter Melende^ the AdeUnudey
a man very expert at fea, affirmeth for certaine, that
there is a Straight, and that the King had commanded

him

158 The J^aturatl andMoratt

him to difcover it, wherein he (hewed a great defifc :
he propounded his rcafons to proove his opinion, fajN
ing , that they have fcene fome remainders of fhippes
in the North Tea , like vnto thofe the which the Chi-
noisvfe,whichhadbeencimpo(fible, if there were no
paflagefrom one (ea vnto another. Moreover, he re-
ported,that in a ceitaine great Bay in Florid* , (the
which runnes 3 oo. leagues within the landj they fee
Whales in fome feafbn of the yeere, which come from
the other fea. Shewing moreover other likelihood, he
concludes, that it was a thing agreeing with the wife-
dome of the Creator , and the goodly order of nature,
that as there was communication and a paflage betwixt
thetwofeasatthe Pole J*t*rtik , fo there fliould in
like fort,be one at the Pole Artikc , which is the princi-
pall Pole. Some will fay , that Drake had knowledge of
this Straight, and that he gave occafion foto iudge,
whenas he parted along the coaft of new Spainc by the
South fea. Yea, they hold opinion,that other Englifh*
men which this yeere 1 5 87. tookc afhippe comming
from the P Mif fines , with great quantitic of gold and
other riches, did palle this ftraight, which prize they
made neerc to tiitCallifkornes , which courfe the fhips
returning from the Philippines and China , to new
Spainc, do vfually obferve. They confidently beleeve,
tnat (as the courage of man is great,and his defire infi
nite, to findc new mcanes toinrich himfelfe) fo with-
in few yeercs this fecret will be difcovered. And truly,
it is i thing worthie admiration, that as the Ants doal-
waies follow the trace of other -• fb men in the know-
ledge and fearch of new things , nrver ftay, vntill they
have attained the defircd end for the content and glo-
rieofmen . Andthehighandctcrnall wifedomcof the

Creator

Htttorie of the Indies lib. 3*

Creator vfcth this curiofitie of men, to communicate
the light ofhis holy Gofpell to people, that alwaies live
in the obfcure darkencffe of their errors. But to con
clude, theftraight of the ^//^Pole(iftherebcany)
hath not been yet difcovcred. It fliall not therefore be
from the purpofe, to fpeake what we know of the par
ticularities of the Antartike&m^ity already difcovered
and knowne^ by the report onuch as have feene and
obfcrvcd it.

Ofthtfrtfcrties rftk Straight ^Magellan.
CHAP. I3.J

THis Straight, as I have faid , is iuft fifiic degrees to
theSouth, and from onefca to another, fourfeorc

mth€narrowefl:placc,it
is a league and little lefle, whert it was intended the
King fhould build a Fortto defend the paflage . It is fb
deepe in fome places , that it cannot be founded , and*
in fonic places they findc grovnd at 1 8. yea, at 15. fa-
domes. Of thcfc hundred leagues which it containes
in length from onefea vnto the other 5 it is plainely
fecne,that the waves of the South fea,runne so.leagues,
and the other 70. arc poflefled with thebiBowes and
wavesof the North fea » But there is this difference,
that the 30. leagues to the South, runne betwixt die
rockes and moft high mountaines,whofe tops are con
tinually covered with fnow : fo as they feeme) by rca-
fon of their great height) to be ioyned together, which
makes the entrie of the Straight to the South fo hard
to difcover. In thefe 30. leagues, the fea is very deepe,
and without bottome , yet may they faften their fhips

to

to the land, the banckes being ftraight and vneven;
but in the 70. leagues towards the North , they findc
ground* andof either fide-there are large piaines, the
\vhich tbey call CMnM. Many great rivers of fairc
and cleere water runne into this Straight , and therea
bout are great and wonderful! forreits , whereas they
finde, fome trees of excellent wood and fwcete, the
which are not knowne in thefe partes , whcrcoffuch as
paHed from thence to Peru^ brought fome to (hew.
There are many mcdowes within the land, and many
Hands in the midft of the Straight. The Indians that
inhabite on the South fide, are little, and cowards,
thofc that dwell on the North part , are great and vali
ant .• they brought fome into Spam, which they hadde
taken. They found peeces of blew cloth, and other
markes and fignes that fome men of Europe had palled
there. The Indians faluted our men with the name of
It fa. They are good Archers , and goe clad inwildc
beafts skinnes, whereof there is great aboundance.The
waters of the Straight rife and fall as the tide , and they
may^vifibly fee the tides come of the one fide of the
North fea, and of the other from the South} whereas
they meete, the which (as I have (aid)is thirtie leagues
from the South , and three fcore and tenne from the
North. And although it feemes there fhould be more
daunger then in all the reft, yet whenas Captaine Sar-
miwto liis fliippe (whereofl fpake) paded it, they had
no great ftormes 5 but found farre lefle difficultie then
they expeded : for then the time was very calme and
pleafant. And moreover, the "waves from the north
(ea,camebroken,by reafon of the great length of three
fcore and tenne leagues,and the waves from the fouth
fca were not raging , by reafon of the great dcapth 5 in

which

Jib. 3,

which deapth, the waves breake, and arefwallowed vp.
It is true,that in win ter the flraigh t is not navigable,by
rcafbn of the tcmpef ts and raging of thefea in that fea~
fon . Some fhippes which have attempted to pafle the
Straight in winter, haveperiflied . Oneonelyfhippe
pafled it on the South fide , which is the Captaine I
made mention of. I was fully inftru&edofallthatl
have fpokcn by the Pilote thereof, called Hcrnando A-
/o#/?,aiid have feene the true difcription of the Straight
they made in paflTing it , whereof they carried the co-
pie to the King ofspaine, and the original to their vice-
royof/Vm

o;

Of the tWiflg And flowing of the Indun Occw.
CHAP. 14.

INc of the moft admirable fecrets of Nature is the
ebbing and flowing of the fea , not onely for this
ftrange property of rifing and falling , but much more
for the difference there is thereof in diverfe feas , yea in
diverfe coaftes of one and the fame fea. There are fome
feas that have no daily flowing nor ebbing, as we fee in
the inner Mediterranean, which is fatThyrene fea,and
yet it flovves and cbbes every day in the vpper Mediter
ranean fea, which is that of Venice , and iuftlygiveth
caufc of admiration, that thcfetwo feas being Medi-
terrancan,and that of Venict being no greater then the
other,yet hath it his ebbing and flowing as the Ocean,
and that other fea of Italic noneatall. There arefbmc
Mediterranean feas, that apparantly rife and fall everie
moneth 5 and others that ney ther rife in the day , nor
I in the moneth. There are other feas, astheSpanifhO-

M cean,

The yS

d Mora/I

cean, that have their flux and reflux every day 5 and
befides that, they have it monethly, which commeth
twice, that is to fay, at the entry, and at theful of every
Moone, which they call Spring tides. To fay that any
fcahath this daily ebbing and flowing , and not mo
nethly , I knowe not any. It is ftrange , the difference
we finde of this fubied at the Indies., for there are fbme
places whereas the fea doth daily rife & fall two leagues'
as at Panama^ and at a high water it rifeth much more-
There are other places where it doth rife and fall fo lit
tle, that hardly can you finde the difference . It is ordi
nary in the Ocean Tea to have a daily flowing and eb
bing, and that was twice in a naturall day , and ever it
falls three quarters of an houre fooner one day thervan-
other, according to the courfe of the Moone : fa as the
tidefalles notalwayes in one houre of the day. Some
would lay, that this flux and reflux proceeded from the
locall motion of the water of the fea $ fo as the water
that rifethon the one fide,falles on the other that isop-
pofitevnto it: fo that it is ful fea on theonefidewhen
as it is a lowe water on the oppofite, as we fee in a kettle
full of water, when wee moove it, when it leanes to the
one fide the water increafeth- and on the other it dimi-
aifheth . O thers affirme , that the fea rifeth in all partes
at one time, anddecreafethatoneinftant : as the boy-
ling of a pot , comming out of the centre it extendeth
it felfe on all partes, an<3 when it ceafeth , it falles like-
wife on all partes.

This fecond opinion is true , and in my Judgement,
certaine and tried, not fo much for the reafbns which
thePhilofophers give in their Meteors , as for the cer-
taine experience wee may make.For to fatisfie my felfe
vpon this point and queftion, I demanded particularly

of

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. .3.

of the faid Pilot,how he found the tides in the ftraight,
and if the tides of the South fea did fall whenas thofe
of the North did rife. Andcontrariwife (thisqueftion
being true) why the increafe of the fea in one place, is
the decreafe thereof in another,as the firft opinion hoi-
deth. Heanfweredthatitwasnotfo, but they might
fee plainely, that the tides of the North and South f eas
rife at one inftant, fb as the waves of one fea incountrcd
with the other , and at one inftan t likewife they began
to retire, every one into his fea, faying, that the rifing
and falling was daily feene, and that theincounterof
the tides (as I have faide) was at three fcore and tenne
leagues to the North fea, and thirtie to the South.
Whereby wee may plainely gather, that the ebbing
and flowing of the Ocean is no pure locall motion, but
rather an alteration : whereby all waters really rife and
increafe at one inftat, and in others, they diminish, as
the bpyling of a pot , whereof I have fpoken . It were
impdfiiblcto comprehend this poynt by experience, if
it were not in the Straight, where all the O ccan , both
on th'one fide,& on th'other ioynes together: for none
but Angelles can fee it,and iudge of theoppofite parts:
for that man hath not fo long a fight,nor fb nimble and
fwift footing as were needefull, to tranfporte his eyes
from one parte to another , in fo fliort a time, as a tide
will give him refpite,which are only fix hourcs.

T

Jry Ft (hers, and 'their tnaftcr offjhing at the
Indies. CHAP. 15.

IHere are in the Indian Ocean > an infinite number
of fiflies, the kindes & properties whereof the Crc-

M 2 ator

ator only can declare. There are many fiich as we have

in the fea Q( Europe, as fliaddes, and alofes which come

from the fea into the rivers; dorads, pilchards, and ma-

ny other. There are others, the like I doc not thinke to

havefeenein thefe partes, as thofe which they doe call

C4£rt£#,which doe fomewhat refemble the trowt,and

in new Spain they call them Bibos, they mount from

the fea into the livers . I have notfeencanytf^^/

there, nor trowts, although fome lay therearein Ckilk.

There are Towns in fome partes vpon the coaft of Peru,

but they are rare,and fome are of opinion, that at a cer-

taine time they do caft their fpawne in the Straight of

Magellan, as they doe in Spain at the Straight ofGibraL

tar, and for this reafon they finde more vpon the coaft

ofc£///<?, although thofe I have feene there, are not

like to them in Spain. At the TIandes (which they call

Barlovente) which are Cub*, Saint Dominique^ Port ri-

que, and lamaique, they find a fifh which they call Ma.

vati, a ftrange kinde oi fifh,if we may callitfifh, a crea-

ture which ingenders her yoong ones alive, and hath

teates , and doth nourifli them with milke, feeding of

grailc in the fieldes , but in effed it lives continually in

the water, and therefore they eate it as fi(h; yet when

I did eate of it at SaintD^w/>/^<fonafriday,rhadde

fome fcruple, not for that which is fpoken, but for that

in colour and tafte it was like vnto morfelles of veale, (b

isitgreene, and like vnto a cowe on the hinder partes.

I didde woonder at the incredible ravening of the Ti-

&*>mf,orfharkes, whenasldid fee drawne from one

(that was taken in the Port) out of his gullet,a buchers

great knife, a great yron hooke, and a peece of a co wes

head with one whole home, neytherdoe I knoweif

both were there,or no. I did fee in a creeke made with

that

Htftorieoftbefnelies. lib. 3.

that lea, a quarter of a horfc for plcafurehanging vpon
a ftakc, whither prefcntly came a company or thefe Tu
hurons, at the fmel thereof : and for the more pleafure,
this horfeflefli was hung iu theaire, I knowe not how
many hand breadth/rom the water 5 this company of
fifh flocke about it, leaping vp,and with a ftrange nim-
blenefte art off both flefli and bone off the horfeleg,
as if it had beene the ftalke of a lettuce ; their teeth be
ing as ftiarpe as a rafour. There are certaine final! -fifties
they call fatmbos, which cleave to thefe Tiburons^ ney-
ther can they drive them away , and they are fed with
that which falles from the Tiknrons . There are other
ffinall fifties, which they call flying fifties, the which arc
found within the tropickes, and in no other place, as I
thinke : they are purfued by the Ducatles^ and to efcapc
them they leape out of the fea , and goe a good way in
feheayre , and for this reafon they are called flying Fi
fties : they havewings as it were of linnen cloth,or of
parchment, which do fupporte them fome fpace in the
ayrc. There did one flie or leape into the ftiippe vvher-
in I went, the which I did fee, and obferve the fafliion
of his wings.

In the Indian hiftories there is often mention made
o£Ltz>*rJs or CAynuns (as they call them) and they arc
the very fome which Plinit and the Antients call Cro
codiles, they findc them on the fea fide, and in hote ri-
vcrs/or in colde rivers there are none to be found. And
therefore they finde none vpon all the coaft of Peru vn-
to Payra, but forward they are commonly feene in the
rivers, Itisamoftfierccandcruellbeafl:,althoughitbe
flow and heavic. Hee goes hunting and feekes his prey
on the land, and what hee takes alive, he drownesit in
the water, yet dooth hee riot eate it, but out of the wa-

M 3 ter,

i66 The 3\(

ter , for that his throatc is offuch a ifaftiion , as if there
cntred any water, he ftiould eafily be drowned . It is a
woonderfull thing to fee a combat betwixt a Caymant
and a Tigre, whereof there arc moft cruel! at the todies*
A religious man of our company tolde me that he had
feenethefebeafts fight moft cruelly one againfttheo-
ther; vponthefeafhoarethe Caymant with his taile
gave great blovves vnto theTygre, driving with his
great force to carry him into the .water: and theTygre
with his pawesrefifted the Caymant, drawing him to
land.. In the end the Tigre vanquiflied and opened the
Lezard; itfeemesby the belly, the which is moft ten-
der and penetrable , for in every other parte hee is fo
hard, that no lance, and fcarce a harqucbuze can pierce
it. Thevidory which an Indian had of a Caymant was
yet more rare : the Caimant h^d carried away his yong
childe , and fodainely plunged into the fea- the Indian
mooved with choller , caftliimfelfe after him, with a
knife in his hand , and as they are excellent fwimmers
and dievers 5 and the Caymant fwimmcth alvvayes on
the toppe of the water , hee hurt him in the belly, and
in fuch (brt , that the Caymant feeling himfelfewoun-
ded, went to theihoare , leaving the littleinfant dead*
But the combate which thelndians have with Whales
is yet more admirable, wherein appearcs the power and
greatnefle of the Creator, to give fo bafe a Nation (as
be the Indians) the induftry and courage to incoiinter
the moflrfierce and deformed beaft in the worldc , and
only to fight with him,buralio to vanquifh him^not
to triumpii over him . Confidering this , 1 have often
remembred that place of the Pfalaie r-fpeaking of the
Whale, Draco ifle quern forwafti ad illudeKdum 'eimi -r
What greater mockeiie can there be, then to fee an In
dian

Hiftorieoftbefndies. lib. 5.

dian Icade a whale as bigge as a rnountaine,vanquifhcd
with a corded The maner the Indians of Florida vfc(as
fbme expert men have toldeme) to take thefe whales,
-(whereof there is great (lore)is, they put themfclves in-
•to a Canoe, which is like a barke of a tree, and in fwirru
ming approach neere the whales fide , then with great
dextcritie they leape to his necke , and there they ride
•as on horfe backe expeding his time , then hee thruftes
:afharpeand (trongftake (which hee carries with him)
into the whales nofthrill , for fo they call the hole or
vent by which they breathe , prefently hee bcates it in
with an other flake as forcibly as hee can-in the meane
fpace the whale dooth furioufly beate the fea , and rai-
feth mountaines of water, running into the deepe with
great violence, and prefently rifethagaine,not knowing
what to doe for paine $ the Indian ftill fittes firme , an3
to jgive him full payment for this trouble, he beates an
other (lake into the other vent or nofthrill, fo as he flop
peth him quitevand takes away his breath ing, then hee
betakes him to his Canoe, which he holdes tied with a
corde to the whales fide , and goes to land, having firfl
tied his corde to the whale, the which hee lettes runne
with the whale , who leaprs from place to place, whi-
left he finds water enough:being troubled with paine,
in the end hee comes neere the land, and remaines on
ground by the hugenefle of his body, vnable any more
to moove • then a great number of Indians come vnto
the CoTrqueror, to gather his fpoiles,they kill him,and
cut his flefh in peeces, the which is bad enough • this do
they drie and beate into powlder, vfingitformeate, it
dooth lad them long : wherein is fulfilled, that which
is ipoken in another Pfalme of the whale , Dedifti eum
populi* l&thiopttm : Peter MendeZ the Addtwtadt

M 4 did

>did often fpeakc of this kinde of fifhing * Whereof Afo.
titrJes makes mention in his bookc . There is an other
fiiliing which the Indians do commonly vfein thcfca,
the which, although it be leiTe , yet is it worthy the re
port. They make as it were faggots of bul-ruflies or
diie fedges well bound together , which they call BaL
fu, having carried them vppon their fhoulders to the
fea5 they caft them in^nd prcfently leape vppon them^
being fo fet, they lanchout intothedeepe, rowing vp
and downe with fnjall reedes of cyther fide : they goe a
league or two into the fea to fifh, carrying with them
their cordes and nettes vppon thefc faggots, andbeare
themfclves thereon. They caft out their nettes, and do
there remaine fiiliing the greateft parte of the day and
night, vn till they have filled vp their meafure , with the
which they returne welfatisfied.Truely it was delight-
full to fee them fifhat Callao of Limafa that they were
many in number, and every one fct on horfcbacke, cut
ting the waves of the fea/which in their place of fifhing
aregreat and furious, reftmbling the Tritons or Ncp-
tnnes , which they paint vppon the water > and beeing
come to land, they drawe their barke out of the water
vpon their backes>the which they prefently vndoe,and
lay abroade on the flioare to drie . There were other
Indians of the vallies of Tea which were accuftomed to
goe to fifli in leather, or skinnes of fea- wolves, blownc
vp with winde, and from time to time they did bio we
them like balles of winde, left they ftiould finke. In the
valeofc^y^, which in olde time they called GttArw,
there were a great number of Indian fi(herssbut bicaufe
they refifted the/w^, when he came to conquer that
land, hemadefhew of peace with them, and therefore
#> feaft him , they appoynted a iblcmiie fii3iing of ma
nic

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib.],

jue thoufand Indians, which went to tea in their veflels
of reeds; at whofe returne , the Ingua ( who had layde
many fouldiersinambufh) madeacruellbutcherieof
them, fo as after ward this land remained vnpeopled,
although it be aboundant and fertile . I did fee an o-
ther manner of fifhing, wherevnto Don Francis of To-
If do the Viceroy didde leade mee, yet was it not in the
fea, but in a river which they call great in the Province
of Charcas, where the Indians Chiraquanas plunged
into the water , and fwimming wyth an admirable
fwiftnefle , followed the fifli , where withdartes and
hookes which they vfc to carry in their righthand, on
ly fwimming with the left ) they wound the fiftuand fb
hurt, they brought them foorth , feeming in this more
like vnto fiflies then men of the land. But now that
we have left the fea , let vs come to other kinde of wa
ters that remaine to be fpoken of.

Of Lakes and Pooh* that be At /^Indies.
CH AP. I<S.

IN place of the Mediterranean Sea, which is in the
old world , the Creator hath furnifhcd this new
with many Lakes, whereof there are fomefb great, as
they may be properly called feas ; feeing the Scripture
calleth thatofPaleJlina fo, which is not fo great as fome
of thefe. The moft famous,is that of Titicaca, which is
at Peru, in the Province of Catia* , the which as I have
faid in the former booke , containes neere fourfcore
leagues in cornpafTe , into the which, there runnes ten
ortwdve great rivers. A while fince, they began to

failc

170

faile in it with barkes an cMhippes, wherein they procte-
ded fo ill , tha: the firft llilppe was fplit with a tempcft
that did rife in the Lake. The water is not altogether
fewer not fait, as that of the fea , but it is fo tbicke, as it
cannot be drunke. Thereare two kindes of fifhes breed
in this Lake in great aboundance, the one they call £#-
cbes> which is great and favorous, but phlegmatike and
vnwholefome ; and the other Bogos ^ which is more
healthfull,akhough it beleffe add fuller of bones;th ere
are great numbers ofwilde-duckes and wigens.When-
as the Indians willfeaftit, or fliew delight to any one
that pafleth along the two ban ekes , which they call
Chucuytotti&Qmafego, they afTemble a great number
of Canoes , making a circle and invirdtiihg thefowle,
vntill they take with their hands what they pleafe- and
they call this maner of fifhing Chaco. On the one and
the other bankeof this Lake3are the beft habitations of
Peru. From the iffue thereof there growes a lefler Lake,
although it be great , which they call Paria , vpon the
bankcs whereof, there are great numbers of cattell,
efpecially fwine, which grow exceeding fatte with the
grafiTe vpon thofe banks. There are many other Lakes in
the high mountains,whence proceede brooks & rivers,
which after become great flouds. Vpon the way "from
^r equip fa toCaSdo^ there are two Lakes, vpon the
mountains ofth'one & other fide the way,from th'one
flowes a brboke, which growes to a floud,and falles- in
to the South fea • from the other, they fay the famous
river of Aporima takes her beginning; from the which,
Tome hold that the renowmed river ^^of Awaz,osy other-
wife called c^r^w/rproceedes, withfo great an af-
fembly and aboundance of warcrs, which ioyne in
thefeniountaines. Itis^queftionmaybeoften asked,

why

Hfitorie of the Indies, lib.;; 171

why there are fomanyXakes in the toppes of theft
mountaines, into the which no river enters , but con-
trariwifc, many great ftreames iffue forth , and yet do
wefcarcefee thefe Lakes to diminifh any thing at any
feafon of theyeere . To imagine that thefe Lakes grow
by thefnow that melts,or raine from heaven, that doth
not wholy fatisfie me: for there are many that have not
this aboundance of fnow , nor raine , and yet we fee
no decreafe in them, which makes me to beleeve they
are fprings which rife there naturally, although it be
notagainftreafon, tothinkethat thefnow and raine
helpefomewhat in fome feafons . Thefe Lakes arefo
common in the higheft toppes of the mountaines,
that you (hall hardly finde any famous river that takes
not his beginning from one of them. Their water is
Very cleere, and breedes little ft ore of fifh,and that lit-
tleis very finall, by reafon of the cold which is there
Continually. Notwithftanding, fome of thefe Lakes
be very hote, which is another wonder. Attheendof
the vallie of Tarapaya xi^ere to P0toz,i ,, there; is a Lake
in forme round , which feemes to havebeen made by
compa(Tc,whofe \vater is extrertmely h,pte,and yet the
land is very colde: they areaccuftomed t6 bathe them-
felves oeere the banke , for elfe they cannot indure the
heate being farther in. In the midft of this Lake, there
is a boiling of above twenty foote fqiiare , which is the
very fpring ,. and yet (notwithftanding the greatnes of
thisfpring) itisneverfeene toincrcalein any fort: it
feemes that it exhales of it felfe , or that it hath fome
hidden and vnknowne LTue', • neither do they fee i t dc-,
create-; which is another wooder., .although they have
dra\vnt from it agreatftreame , to make tertame icn-
gincs gandcfor iiiettall^confideruig the great quantity

of

ijz ¥htfr(4turatt anJMoratt

of water that ifTueth forth,by reafbn whcreof,it flio uld
dccreafc. But leaving Peru, andpafifingtonew^/w,
the Lakes there, arcnoleffetobcobferved; efpecially
thatmoft famous of 'Mexico, where we finde two fortes
6f waters>one (alt Lake to that of the fea,and the other
cleerc and fweete , by reafbn of the rivers that enter in
to it. In the midft of this Lake,is a rocke verie delight*
full and pleafant , wlierc there are baths of hotc water
that iflue forth, the which they greatly cftcerne for
their health. There are gardins in the middeft of this
Lake, framed and fleeting vpon the water , where you
may fee plottes full of a thoufand fortes of hearbes and
flowers, and they are in fuch fort, as a man cannot well',
conceive th^m without fight . The Citieof Mexico, is
fcated in the fame Lake, although the Spaniards have
filled vp the place of the fcituation with earth, leaving
onelyfome currents of water, great and fmall, which
enter into the Girie, to carrie fuch things as they have
neede of, as wood, hearbes, ftone, fruites of the coun-
trie , andall other things. When Cortex conquered
Mexico fa caufed BrigAndins to be made5yet afterwards
he thought it more fafe not to vfe them: thetfore they
vfe Canoes, whereof there is great ftore . There is great
ftoreoffifli in this Lake, yet have I notfeene any of
price : notwithftanding , they iay the revenue of this
Lake,is worth three hundred thoufand duckets a yecre.
There are many other Lakes, hot far from this,whence
they bring much fifh to Mexico . The Province of Me-
chovMAn is fb called,for that it abounded! greatly with
fifh. There are goodly and great Lakes, in the which
there is much fifh , and this Province is coole and
healthful!. There are many other Lakes, whereof it is
notpoffiblcto make mcfction, nor to know them in

Htilorie of the Indies lib. 5.

particular, onely we may note by that which hath
occnc difcourfed in rhe former booke , that vnder
the burning Zone there is greater abundance of Lakes,
then in any other parte of the world : and fo by that
which we nave formerly fpokcn, and the little we (hall
fay of rivers aud fountaines, we will end this difcourie
ofWaters.

tfmAny and divers Springs And Fountaines,
CHAP. 17.

Here is at the/* «Efa>as in other parts of the world,
great diverfitie of Springs, Fountaines, andRi-

vcrs,and fbme have ftrange properties.
of Peru, (where the mines ofquick-filvcrbe,} there is
a Fountaine that cafts forth hote water, and in running,
the water turnes to rocke,of which rocke or ftone,they
build in amauerall the houfes of the Village. This
ftonc is fofi, and eafie to cuttc , for they cut it as eafily
\vithyronasifitwcrewood, itislight andlafting. If
men or beafls drinkc thereof, they die, for that it con-
scales in the very cntrailes, and turnes into ftone, and
for that caufe fome horfcs have died. As this water
turnes intoftone, the which flowes , ftoppes the pat
(age to the reft-fo as of ncceffitie it changeth the courfe,
and for this reafon it runnes in divers places,as the rockc
increafeth. At the point of Cape S. HeUim , there is a
fpringorfountaine of pitch, which at Peru, they call
Coffey. This (Tiould be like to that which the Scripture
fpeakes of the favage valley , where they did finde pits
of pitch. The Mariners vfe thefe fountaines of pitch or
to pitch their ropes and tackling, for that it

. ferves

The ^aturallandMoratt

ferves them as pitch and tarre in Spaine. When I failed
intonewS/w/wby thecoaftof/Vw, the Pilot fhewed
me an Hand, which they call the He of Wolves, where -
there is another foumaine or pit ofCtppey or pitch, with
the which they anoint their tackling. There are other
foijjuaines and fprings of Goultran roz.cn , which the
Pilot (an excellent man in his charge,) tolde me he had
feene , and that fometimes failing that waies 3 being fb
farre into the fea, as he had loft the fight of land,. yet
did he know by the fmell of the Cappcy , where he was,
as well as if he had knowne the land , fuck is the favour
that iffues continually from that fountaine. At the
baths, -which they call the baths vflngua , there is a
courfe of water, which comes forth all hoteandboi-
ling^and ioyning vnto it, there is another whofe water
is as cold as ice . The Ingua was accuftomed to temper
the one with the other; & it is a wonderfull thing to fee
fprings of fo contrarie qualities 5 fb neere one to the o-
ther.There are an infinit number of other hote fprings,
fpccially in the Province of Ckarcas,in the water where
of, you cannot indure.ro hold your hand, the fpace of
an Ave Marians I have feene tried by wager. In a farme
neere to C#/?0Jprings a fountain of falt,which as it runs
turns into fait, very white & exceeding good, the which
(if it were in another countiie) were no fmall riches,yet
they make very fmallaccoumpt thereof, for the ftore
they have there. The waters which runne in Guay/iqucl^
whichisinF<?r^, almoft vnder the Equinodliall line,
are held to be healthfull fortheFrenchdifeafe, ando-
ther fuch like , fo as-they come from many places farre
off to be cured. And they fay the caufe thereof is, for
that in that Countrie there is great aboundance of
rootes, which they call SdlepAreillc, the vertue and ope
ration

Hiflorie of the Indies lib, 5, 175

ration whereofis fb knowne, that it communicates Im
proper tie to the waters wherein it is put to cure this
difeafe. Bilcanota is a m oun tainc the which (according
to common opinion,) is in the highelt part of Peru, the
toppe whereof is all covered with fhow, andinfome
places is blacke like coale. There i/Tueth forth of it,two
iprings in contrarie places , which prefently growe to
be very great bjrookes,and (b by little and little become
great flouds, the one goes to C allot, into the great Lake
Titicaca, the other goes to the lands, and is that which
they call Yucty , which ioyning with another , runnes
into the North fea, with a violent and furious courfe.
This fpting 5 when it comes out of the rocke Btkanota,
as I have faid,is of the colour of lie,having an asfliie co-
lour,and caftes a fume as a thing burnt, the which runs
farrein this fort, vn till the multitude of waters that
runne into it , quench this fmoake and fire which it
drawes from the fpring. In new Sfoinc, I have fcene a
fpring as it were inke , fomewhat blew , in Peru ano
ther , of colour ted like bloud , wherevpon they call it
the red river.

Of Rivers. GHAP. is.

AMongft all fivers, not onely at the Indies, but ge
nerally through the world , the River Maragnon,
or of Amazons, is the chiefe , whereof we havefpoken
in the former booke. The Spaniards have often failed
it, pretending to difcover the lands, which by report
are very rich, efpecially thofe they call Dorado and Pay-
titiy lean Je Salvies, the AdeUntade, made a memorable
entrie, though of fmall effeft. There is a paflage which

they

they call Pong*, one of the moft daungerous in all the
vvorlde ; for the river being there ftraightned, and for.
ced betwixt two high ftecpe rockes : the water falles di*
redly downe with fo great a violence, thatcomming
fteepedowne, itcaufethfuchaboyling, asitfeemeth
impofliblc to pafle it without drowning : yet the cou-
rage of men durft attempt to pafle it, for the defire of
this renowmed Dorado : they flipt do wne from the top
tothebottome, thrufton with the violence and cur
rant of the floud, holding themfelves faft in their Ca
noes or barkes : and although in falling they were tur
ned topfie turvic , and both they and their Canoes
plunged into the deepe, yet by their care and induftry
they recovered themfelves againc ; and in this fort the
whole army efcaped, except fome few that were drow
ned . And that which is more admirable, they carried
themfelves fo cunningly, that they ncyther loft their
powldcr nor munition. In their returne (having fuflfe-
red many troubles and daungcrs) they wereforced, in
the end , to pafle backe that fame way ) mounting by
one of thofehigh Rockes>fticking their poniards in the
rocke.

Captaine Ptter<fOrfi4arc\2fa an other entry by the
fame river, who being dead in the fame voyage, and
thcfouldiersmutined; other Captaines followed the
cntcrprifc,by an armc that comes into the north fea. A
religious man of our company told vs, that being then
a fccular man, he was prefent in a manner at all thaten-
terprifc, and that the tides did flowealmoft a hundred
leagues vp the river , and whereas it enters into the fea,
(the which is vnder the Line,or very neere) it hath 70.
leagues breadth at the mouth of it, a matter incredible;
and which cxceedcs the breadth of the Mediterranean

Hiftoris of the Indies, lib. 5. 177

ica, though there be fbme others, who in their dcfcrip-
tions give it but twenty five or thirty leagues brcdth at
the mouth. Next to this river that ofPLita, or of Silver
holdes the fccond place, which is othcrwifc called Fara-
gw9 which runncsfrom the mountaincs of Peru, into
the fea, in thirty five degrees of altitude to the South :
it rifeth (as they fay) like to the river ofAT//* , but much
more without companion, and makes the fields it over-
flowes like vnto a fea , for the fpace of three moneths,
and after returneth againe to his courfc,in the which
fnips do faile many leagues againft the ftrcame. There
are many other rivers that are not of that greatnes, and
yet are equall : yea they furpafle the greateft ofEurtpc,
as that of MAgdAkiney neerc to Saint Marthc the great
river, and that ofAlwHui* in new Spaae, and an infinit
number of others . Of the fouth (ide,on the mountains
ofPtrtt, the rivers arc not vfually fo great, for that their
current is not Iong,and that many waters cannot ioyne
together, but they arc very fwift, defcending from the
mountaines, and have fodaine falles, by rcafon where
of they arc very dangerous , and many men have pert-
(hed there . They increafc and overflowc moft in the
timeofheatc. I have gone over twenty and leaven ri
vers vpon that coaft 5 yet did I never paffc any one by a
foord.Thc Indians vfe a thoufand dcvifes to pafle their
rivers. In fom places they have a long cord that runs fro
one fide to th'othcr,& thereon hangs a basket, into the
which he puts himfelfe that meanes to pafle 5 and then
they drawe it from the bancke with another corde , fo
as hee paflcth in this basket . In other places the Indian
pafleth, as it were onhorftbacke, vppon a bottle of
ftraw, and behinde him hee that defires to pafle ^ and
(b rowing with a pceceof a boorde , carries him over.

N In

The ^aturalland Moral!

In other places they make a floate of gourds or pompi
ons, vppon the which they fet men with their ftuffe to
carryover, and the Indians having cordesfaftned to
them, goe fwiraming before , and drawe this floate of
pompions after them, as horfes doe a Coach : others
goc'behindc thrufting it forward. Having pafled,they
take their barke of pompions vppon their backe , and
returne fwimming : this i-hey doe in the river of Saint
at Pm/.We pafled that of Alvantdo'm new Sfaive vpon '
a table, which the Indians carried vpon their flioulders,
and when they loft their footing^they fwamme.Thefe
devifes, with a thoufand others wherewith they vfe to
paffe their rivers, breede a terrour in the beholders,
helping themfelves with fuch weake and vnfure means^
and yet they are very confident., They do vfe no other
bridges but of haire or of ftraw . There are now vppon
fome rivers bridges of ftone 5 built by the diligence of
fome govcrnours, but many fewer then were needfull
in fuch a country, where fo many men are drowned by
default thereof, and the which yeeldes fo much filver,
asnotoneiytyd/>£, but alfo other flrange Countries
make fumptnous buildings therewith. The Indians do
drawe from thefe floudes thatrunne from the moun-
taines to the vallies and plaines>many and great brooks
to water their land , which they vfually doe with fuch
induftry,as there are no better in Murcuy nor at MilUn
itfelfe, the which is alfo the greateft and onely wealth
of the Plaines of Pew, and of many other partcs of the
India.

of

Hiftoris of the Indie t. lib. 5* 178

Of the qu&litieofthe land at the Indies ingenerdlL
CHAP. 19.

WE may know the qualitie of the land at the In-
dks^ forthegreateftparte (feeing it is the laft
of the three Elernents,whereof wee have propounded
to treate in this Booke) by the difcourfe we have made
in the former Booke of the burning Zone , feeing that
the greateft part ofthe/^'^dooth lievnderit. But to
make it knowne the more particularly,! have obferved
three kindes of lands , as I have pafled through thofe
Regions : whereof there is one very lowe, another ve
ry high, and the third which holds the middle of thefe
two extreames . The lower is that which liethbv the
fea coafts , whereof there is in all partcs of the Indies,
and it is commonly ve;y hote and moid,, (basic is not
(bhealthfull- and at this day weieeitkffe peopled, al;
though in former times it hath beene gready inhabited
with Indians, as it appeared! by tiie.iiiiioriesof New
S fains and Peru , and where they kepfar.d lived , for
that thcfoilc was naturall vnto them being bred there.
They lived of fifhing atfea, & of fecds,drawing brooks
from the rivers, which they vfedfor want of raine,
for that it raines little there , and in fomc places no tat
all. This iowecountrie hath many places inhabitable,
as wel by reafon of the finds which are dangerous, (for
there are whole mountaines of thefe fancies) as alfo for
the marifhes which grow by reafon of the waters that
fall from the npuntaines, which finding- no ifliie in
thefe flatte and lowe landcs, drowne them , and make
them vnprofitable.

Nz And

i8 o The ^aturalland Morall

And in trueth the greatcft parte of all the Indian fea
coaft is of this ibrt, chiefly vppon the South fea : The
habitation of which coafts is at this prefent fo wafted &
contemned that of thirtie partes of the people that in
habited it, there wants twenty nine; and it is likely the
reft of the Indians will in (hort time decay. Many, ac
cording to the varictic of their opinions , attribute this
to diverfe caufes^ fome to the great labour which hath
beeneimpofcd vppon thefc Indians $ others, vnto the
change and varietie of meates and drinks they vfe,fincc
their commerce with the Spaniardes^ others to their
great exceffe& drinking, and to other vices they have:
for my part, I hold this difbrder to be the greatcft caufe
of their decay, whereof it is not now time to difcourfc
any more. In this lowe countrey (which I fay general
ly is vnhealthfull, and vnfit for mans habitation) there
is exception in fome places which are temperate and
fertile, as the greateft part of the Plaines of Peru^ where
there are coole vallics and very fertile.The greateft part
of the habitation of the coaft entcrtaines all the traffikc
ofSpaiffe by fea : whereon all the eftate of the Indies de-
pendeth. Vpon this coaft thercare fome Towncs wel
peopled,as Lima and Truxitlo in PcruyPanama and Car-
thagena vppon the maine land, and in the Hands S.
Dominique, PortRiCco, and Havana^ with many other
Townes which are leflc than thefe, as the true Croflc
in newSpaiitCt fc^Arigtui and others in Peru: the ports
are commonly inhabited, although but flcnderly. The
fccond fort of land is contrary, very high, andbycon-
fequent, colde and drie,as all the mountaines are com
monly. This land is neither fertile nor plcafaat,but ve
ry healthfull, which makes it to be peopled and inhabi
ted, There are paftures, and great ftore of cattell, the

which

Hfilorieofthe Indies, lib,

which, for the moft partc, cntertaincs life, and by their
cattell, they fupply the want they have of come and
graine, by trucking and exchange. But that which
makes thefe Jandes more inhabited and peopled, is the
riches of the mines that are found there, for that all o-
beys to golde and filver . By reafon of the mines there
are fome dwellings of Spaniards and Indians , which
are increafed and multiplied , as Potozi and GafaAw-
Uc qua m Peru, andCacatecdj'm new Spam. There are
alto through all thefe niountaines great dwellings of
the Indians,which to this day are maintained^yea feme
will fay they increafe, but that the labour of the mines
dooth conlumc many, and fome generall difeafes have
deftroyed a great part, as the Cocolifle in new Sfawe.-yet
they finde no great diminution . In thisextreamitiecf
of high ground they finde two commodities, as I have
{aide, of paftures and mines , which doe svell counter-
vailc the two other that are in the lower grounds alon-
gcft the feacoaft,that is,the commerce of the fea, & the
aboundance of wine which gro weth not but in the hot
landes* Betwixt thefe two extreames there is ground
of a rneane height , the which,although it bee in fbme
partes higher or lower one than other 5 yet doth it not
approach neyther to the heate of the fea coaft 5 nor the
intemperature of the mountaines . In this forte of foile
there groweth many kindes of graine , as wheate,bar-
ley,and mays, which grows not at all in the high coun
tries , but well in the lower, there islikevvifeftoreof
pafture,cattel,fruits,and greene forrefts.This partis the
beft habitation of the three, for health and recreati
on ; and therefore it is beft peopled of any par te of the
Indite, the which I have curioufly obferved in manie
voyages that I have vndertaken , and have alwayes

N 3 found

The Pfyturatt and Moratt

found it true , that the Province beft peopled at the 70-
dies be in this fcituation. Let vs looke ncere ly into new
Spatnc , (.the which without doubt is the beft Province
the Sunne dooth circle) by what parte foeveryou doc
enter, you mount vp; and when you have mounted a
good height, youbeginnetodefccnd> yet very little :
and that land is alway es much higher then that along
thefeacoaft.

All the land about Mexico is of this nature and fcitu
ation- and that which is about the Vulcan, which is the
beft f bile of the Indies ^ asalfoin/Vr//5 Arequipa, Gtta.
mangtuanA Cufco, although more in one then in the o-
ther. But in the end,all is high ground , although they
defcend intodeepe vaUeies^andclimbevppetohigh
mountaines : the like is fpoken of£ft/tt0,SawtI'*y,2nd
of the beft of the new kingdome. To conclude , I doe
beleeve that the wifedome and providence of the Cre
ator would have it fb, that the greateft parte of this
countrey of the Indies fliould be hillie,that ittnight be
of a better temperature : for being lowe , it had beenc
Very hotte vnder the burning Zone , efpecially being
farre from the fea . Alfo all the land I have feene at the
Indies ]& ncere to the mountaines on the one fide or the
other, and fbmetimesofallpartes : So as I have often-
rimes (aide there, that Ivvoulde gladly' fee anyplace,,
from whence the horizon did fafTiion it felfeandend
by the heaven, and a countrey ftretched out and even,
as we fee in Spawe in a thou fand champaine fields; yet
doe I not remember that I have ever feene fuch figh tes
at the indies ,. were it in the Hands, or vpon the maine
land, although 1 have travelled above feaven hundred
leagues in length. Butaslhavefaidv% theneerenefTeof
the mountaines is very commodious in this region, to

temper

Htilorieoftbe Indies, lib. 3.

temper the heatc of the Sunne. To conclude, thebeft
inhabited partes of die Indies are as Ihave (aide: and ge
nerally , all that countrie aboundcs in grafle, part ures,
and forrefts, contrary vnto that which Jriftotleand the
Auntients did holde . So as when weegoe out of Eu.
rope to the Indies, wee woonder to fee the land fb plea-
iant,greeneandfreih . Yet this rule hath fbme excepti
ons, & chiefly in the land of Peru, which is of a ftrange
nature amongft all others, whereof wee will now pro-
ccedetofpeake.

Of the properties of the land of Pern.
CHAP. 20.

"r iT 7Ee mean e by Per^ not that great parte of the
V V worlde which they call America, feeing that
therein is contained Brefil, the kingdome ofchille, and
that of Grenade, and yet none of thefe kingdomes is Pe
ru, but onely that parte which lies to the South , be
ginning at the kingdome of gujtto, which is vnder the
Line , and rutines in length to the realrnc rfcht/te , the
which is without the Tropickes, which were fixe hun
dred leagues in length , and in breadth it containes no
more then the mountaines, which is fiftie common
leagues , although in iome places, as at CbachapajM, ie
be broader . This parte of the world which we call Pe
ru, is very remarkeable,and containes in it ftrange pro
perties, which ferveth as an exception to the general!
rule of the Indies. The fir ft is , that vpon all that coaft it
blowes continually with one oncly winde , which is
South and Southweaft , contrary to that which clooth
vfually blow vndei4 the burning Zone , The fecond is,

N 4 that

that this winde being by nature themoft violent, tem-
peftuous, and vnheSthfuIl of all others, yet in this re
gion it is marvellous pleaftng, heahhful7and agreeable:
fo as we may attribute the habitation of that part there-
.vnto, without the which it would be troublcfome and
inhabitable, by reafon of the heatc , if it were not refre-
fhed with the winde. The third propertie is, that it ne
ver rallies, thunders ,fno\vcs, nor hailes in all this coaft,
which is a matter worthy of admiration. Fourthly,that
alittle diftance from the coaft it raines and fnowes ter
ribly . Fiftly > that there are two ridges of mountaines
which runne the one as the other, and in one altitude,
notwithftanding on the one there are great forrefts,and
it raines the greateft part of the yeerc, being very hotq-
and the other is all naked and bare, and very colde:fo as
winter and fummer are divided on thofc two rnoun--
taincs, andraineandclcerenefTcitfclfe^ For the better
vnderftanding hereof , wee muft confider that Peru is
divided as it were in to three partes , long and narrow,
which they call Lanes , Sierra*, and Andes ^ the LAW*
runnes along eft the fea coaft; ihcSierras be all hillcs,
with forne vallies 5 and the Andes befteepe and craggie
mountaines. ThzLanos or fea coaft, have fome tenne
leagues in breadth, in (ome parts lefle,and in fome parts
alittle moreiTheS/Vm* containes fome twentie leagues
in breadth : and the Andes as much;fometimes more,
fometimesleiTe.JThey runnc in length from north to
fouth,and in breadth from eaft to weaft . It is a ftrange
thing , that in fo fmall a diftance;as fiftie !eagues,equal-
lydiftant from the Line and Pole, there fhould bee fo
great a contrarietie, as to rainealmoft contmuallyirr
one place, and never in the other. It never raines vpon
the coaft wLan&s , although there falles fometimes a

final!

HiHorieoftkefndin. lib. 3. 185

imall dew, which they call Guarva, and in CafiillMolli-
714, the which fornetimes thickens, and fallesincer.
taine droppes of water , yet is it not troublefome, nor
fuch as they neede any covering. Their coverings are
of mattes with a little earth vpon them which is fuffici-
ent. Vpon the Andes it raines in a manner continually,
although it be fometimes more cleere then other . In
ihe Sierra which lies betwixt both the cxrreatnes, it rai-
ncth in the fame feafon as it dooth in Spaixe , which is
from September vnto A prill, but in the other feafon,
the time is more cleere, which is when the Sunneis far.
theft off, and the con trarie when it is neereft, whereof
we have difcourfed at large in the former booke .\ That
which they call Andes , and Sierra , are t woo ridges of
moft high mountaines, which runne above a thoufand
Ieagues,thc one in view of the other, andalmoft equal-
ly. There are an infinite number of ricagufs, which
breedeinthe<SV<?w.f, and are properly like vnto wilde
goates , very nimble and fwift. There arcalfo of thofe
beafts which they call GUWACOS and Paces , which are
flieepejwhich we may wel terme theaffe of that coun.
trey; whereof we (hall fpeake in their place .And vpon
the Andes they finde Apes> very gentle and delightfu!l>
and Parrots in great numbers. There alfo they find the
hearb or tree which they call COCA , that is fo greatly e-
tteemed by the Indians , and the trafSckethey make of
it, is worthy much mony.

That which they call Stem, caufeth vallies, whereas
it opens, which are the beft dwellings &?Pem , as is the
valley ofXavxa tfAndAguvjla*^ and Tucay. In thcfe val-
lies there growes wheat>mays and other fortes of fruits,
but lefle in one then in the other. Beyond the Citie of
Cttfeo , ( the ancient Court of the Lordes of thofe

Rcalraes,)

The ^(atwal and Adorall

Realmes,)the two ridges ofmoimtainesfeperatethem."
felves one from the other, and in the midft leave a
plaine and large champian, which they call the Pro
vince of CalLw , where there are many rivers and great
ftore of fertile paftures : thereisaliothatgreatLakeof
Titicaca. And although it bea ful foile,and in thefame
height and intemperature , that the Sierre having no
more trees nor forrefts , yet the want they have of
bread, is countervailed with the rootes they fowe ,. the
which they call -Papas , and they grow in the earth.
Thisrooteis the Indians foode- for drying it,and ma
king it cleane, they make that which they call Cbugno*
whicftisthe bread and nourifliment of thofe Provin
ces. 'There are otherrootes an dfrnallhearbes which
theyeate. ItisahealthfulKoile, beft peopled, and the
richeftofall the/^w, for the aboundance of cattell
they feed, as well of thofe that are in Europe, as fhcepe,
neate, andgoates, asofthoieoftheCountrie, which
they call Gmnacos and Paces, and there are ftore of Par-
tridges.Next to the Province ofCaffaff, is that of Char^
w, where there are ho tevallies very fertile 3 and very
high rockes,thc which arevery rich in mines,fb as in no
part of the world (hall you finde better, nor fairer.

The retftw why it rams on the Laws, ahng ikt
coaft. C HAP. 21.

F Or that it is rare and extraordinarie to fee a Conn-
trie where it never raines nor thunders 5 men defire
naturally to know the caule of this ftrangenes.The rea-
fbn which fomegive that have neerely looked in to it,
15, that vpon that coaft there rile no vapors , fufficient

Hittorie ofthefndies. lib. 3. 187

to engender raine forwant of matter- but onely that
there be fmall and light vapors, which cannot breede
any other then miftes and dewes , as wefee ifi Europe,
oftentimes vapors do rife in the morning , which are
not turned into iaine,but into miftes only : the which
grovves from the fubftance, which is not grofle and fuf-
ficient enough to turne to raine . They fay, the reafon
why that which happens but fome times in Europe,
falles out continually vpon the coaft of Peru, is, for
that this region is very drie , and y eeldes no groffe va
pors. The drincffe is knowne by the great abundance
fof fandes 3 having neither welles nor Ibuntaines , but
£>ffifteene ftades deepe 3 (which is the heigh t of a man
Or more,)and that is neere vnto rivers,the water where
of, piercing into the land , giues them meanes to make
welles. So as it hath beenibundby experience, that
the courfe of rivers being turned,the welles have beene
dried vp,vntill they returned to their ordinarie courfe:
and they give this reafon for a materiall caufe of this
effeft, but they have another efficient, which is no lefle
confiderable, and that is the great height of the Sierrcy
which comming along the coaft, fhadowes theZ^w-
fo as it fuffers no winde to Howe from the land , but
Jabove the toppes of thefe mountaines . By meanes
whereof, there raincs no winde, but that from the Sea,
which finding no oppofite, doth not preffe,nor ftrainc
forth the vapors which rife to engender raine* io as the
fliadowe of the mountaines keepes the vapors from
thickning, and convenes them all in to miftes. There
are fome experiences agree with this difcourfe- for that
it raines vpon fome fmall hilles alon^ the coaft , which
are leaft fhadowed , as the rockes of^t/co and Arec\ui-
/M. Ithath rained infomcyeeres*whenas thcNorthern

or

i88 The ^(jttural and Moratt

or eafterly windes have blowen : yea , all the time they .
have continued, as it happened in (even tie eight, vpon
the Lanos of Tr//g///0,where it rained aboundantly, the
which they had not feenc in many ages before . More
over, it rain es vpon the famecoaft, in places, whereas
the Eafterly or Northerne windes be ordinarie , as in
Guayaquil, and in places whereas the land rifeth much,
and turnes from the fliadow of the moun taines, as in
thofe that are beyond Ariqu* . Some difcourfe in this
mancr , but let every one thinkeas he pleafei It is mod
certaine, that comming from the mountaines to the
vallics, they do vfually fee as it were tvvo heavens , one
cleere and bright above, and the other obfcure , and as
it were a graievaile fpread vndcrneath 5 which covers
allthecoaft : and although it raine not, yet this mift is
wonderfull profitable to bring forth graffe, and to raife
vp and nourifli the (eede : for although they have plen-
tie of water, which they draw from the Pooles and
Lakes , yet this moifture from heaven hath fiich a ver-
tue,that ceafing to fal vpon the earth,it breedes a great
difcommoditie and dcfe$ ofgraine and feedes. And
that which is more worthy of admiration, thedrieand
barren iandes are by this deaw f b beautified with grafle
and flowers, as it is a pleafing and agreeable fight , and
verie profitable for the feeding ofcattell, as we fee in
the mountaine called Sandie, neereto the Cittie of
Kings,

Ofthepropertie tfncw Spainc,0/V& lUnds^and of other
Lands, CHAP. 22.

NEw Spaifie paileth all other Provinces in paftures,
which breedes infinite troopcs of horfe, kine,

fheepe,

Htttorie of the Indies litx 3. 187

flieepe, and other cattell. It aboundesinfruiteandall
kinde of praine. To conclude, it is a Coun trie the beft
furniihca,and moft accomplifhed at die Indies. Yet Pe
rt* dothfurpaffeit in one thing, which is wine, for that
there growes (lore, and goodj and they daily multiplie
and increafe, the which doth grow in very hote vallies,
where there arc waterings. And although there bee
vines in new Spainc, yet the grape comes not to his ma-
turitie, fit to make wine. Therealbnis/orthatitraines
therein lulie and Auguft5whenas the grape ripens:
and therefore it comes not to his perfection. And if a-
ny one through curiofitie would take the paines to
make wine, it fhould be like to that ofGettu* and Lorn-
bardie, which is very fmall and fharpe,having a tafte like
vnto veriuice. The Hands which they czMBarloventc^
which be HiftanioU, Cuba, Pen Ricco, & others there a-
bouts, are beautified with many greenepaftures, and
abound in cattell , asneate, andfwine, which are be
come wilde. The wealth of thefe Hands,be their fugar-
workes and hides. There is niuch CafstAfijiuU & ginger.
It is a thing incredible, to fee the multitude of thefe
marchandizes brought in one fleete , being in a maner
impoflible that all ^r^fliouldwaftefb much. They
likewife bring wood of an excellent qualitie and co-
Iour,as Ebone, & others, which ferve for buildings and
loyners. There is much of that wood which they call
Lignum finttum or Guagt, fit to cure the pox. All theft
Hands and others there abouts, which are many,have a
goodly and pleafant afpe<5, for that throughout the
yeere, they are beautified with grafle & greene trees,fb
asthcycannotdifcernewhenit is Autumne or Sum-
mer , by reafon of continual! moifture ioyned to the
heatc of the burningZone. And although this land be

of

iS 8 The ^dturall and'M'oratt

of a great circuite, yet are there few dwellings, for that
of it ielfe it engenders great Arcabntos^ as they call
them, which be Groves or very thicke Coppefes : and
on the plaines there are many maridies and bogges.
They give yet another notable reafon , why they are fo
fmally peopled , for that there have remained fcvvna-
turall Indians, through theinconfideratenefTeand dif-
order of the firft Conquerors that peopled it : and
thercfore5for the moftpart, theyivfeJftgw, but they
coft deere, being very fit to till the land. There growcs
neither bread nor wine in thefe Hands, for that the too
great fertilitic and the vice of thefoile, fuffers them
not to feede,but caftesall forth in grafle,very vncaqual-
ly. There are no olive trees, at the leaft,they beare no
olives, but manic greene leaves pleafant to the view,
which beare no fruite. The bread they vfe is of Cacave,
whereof we fhallheereafterfpeake.There is gold in the
riuers of thefel lands, which forne draw foorth, but in
fmall quantitie , I was little leffethen ayeerein theft
Handstand as it hath beene told meofthemaineland of
the jW/tt/where I have not been, as in Floridd,NicAra-
quA,GuatmtaU, and others, it is in a maner of this tem-
per,as I have defcribed:yet have I not fet downe every
particular of Nature in thefe Provinces of the firme
land,having no perfed knowledge thereof.The Conn-
trie which doth moft refc-mble Spaine , ,and the regions
of£^^,inalltheWejfl/W/V5, istherealme ofchille,
.which is without thegenerall rule of thefe other Pro
vinces, being feated without the burning Zone, and
the Tropicke of Capricorn. This land ofit felfe is coole
and fertile, and brings forth all kindes of fruites that be
in Spainc^ ityeeldes great aboundancc of bread and
wine, andaboundesin paftures and cattell . Theaireis

whple-

Ht^orie of the Indies lib, 5.

wholefbme and clecrc , temperate betwixt heate and
cold , winter and dimmer are very diftincS, and there
they finde great ftore of veiy fine gold. Yet this land
is poore and finally peopled., by reafon of their conti-
nuall warre with the Auricanos, and their aflbciates, be-
ing a rough people and friends to libertie.

Of the vnknwne Land^ and the diver fitie of a whole
day, betwixt them of the Eaftandthe Weft.
C H A P. 23.

THere are great conie&ures, that in the temperate
Zone at the Antartike Pole , there are great and
fertile lands : but to this day they are not difcovered,
neither do they know any other land in this Zone , but
that ofChil/ey andfome part of that land which ruanes
from Ethiopia , to the Cape of GW Hope, as hath been
faidin thefirftbooke; neither is it knowne if there be
any habitations in the other two Zones of the Poles,
?nd whether the land continues aqrfftretcheth to that
which is towards the Antartike or South Pole. Nei
ther do we know the land that lies beyond the ftraight
of Magellan, for that the greateft height yet difcovered,
is in fiftiefix degrees5as hath beene formerly faide5 and
toward the Artike or Northerne Pole^it is not knowne
how farre the land extendes,which runnes beyond the
Cape of Me#dofin,ar\d the Calipbornes, nor the bounds
and end of 'Florida , neither yet how farre it extendes
to the Weft. Of late, they have difcovered a new land,
which they call New Mexico*, where they fay is much
people that f jpeake the Mexicaine tongue. The Phftipf**
KCS and the following Hands, as fome report that know

it

ip o The ^aturall anctMoratt

it by experience, ranne above nine hundred leagues.
But to intreate of China , Cochinckin* , Syam, and o-
ther regions which are of the Eaft Indies^ were con
trary to my purpofe,which is onely to difcourfe of the
Weft : nay,they are ignorant of the greateft part of A.
memo,, which lies betwixt PtrnznABrefili, although
the bounds beknovvne of all fides, wherein there is di~
verfitie of opinions ; feme lay it is a drowned land , full
of Lakes arid waterie places- Others affirme there arc
great and florifhingkingdomes,imagining there be the
Paytiti, the D trade ,and the Citjars, where they fay are
wondei full things. I have heard one of our company'
fay, a man worthy of credite, that hee had feene great
dwellings there, and the waiesasrauchbeaten5as thofe
betwixt Salawaxca,znd Filladtllit&e. which he did fee,
vvhcnas Peter tfOrfia, and after, thofe that fucceeded
him, made their en trie and difcoverie by the great ri
f^tttdfynsy who bcleeving that the Dorado which

they fought, was farther off, cared not to inhabitc
there, and after went both without the Dorado, which
they could not findc, and this great Province which
they left. To fpsake the tru th,the habitations of^Mc-
rica,ttt to this day vnknowne, except the extrcamitics,
which are Peru, Bre/iH, and that pait where the land be-
ginnes to ftraighten , which is the river of Silver , then
7#r#/%*#,which makes the round toC&/$?and Char CM.
Of late we have vnderftood by letters from fbme of
ours which go to S. Croixjn the«5V<7r<?,that they go diC
covering ofgreat Provinces and dwellings , betwixt
Brejttt and Peru. Time will revcile them, for as at this
day the care and courage of men is great, to compafTe
the world from one part to another ; foweemaybe-
Iccve, that as they have difcovered that which is now

knowne3

Ui/lori$ of the Indies, lib* 3, 191

knownc, they may likewife lay open that which re-
maines , to the end the Gofpell may be preached to
the whole world, feeing the two Crownes tePortttgAll
andCaffiffe, have met by theEaft and Weft, ioyning
their difcoveries together, which in truth is a matter to
be obfervcd , that the one is come to China and lappan
by the Eaft, and theother to the Philippines, which arc
neighbours , and alnioft ioyning vnto China , by the
Weft: for from the Hands ofLuffw, which is the chiefc
of the Philtppwes , in the which is the Citicof J/*/*///*,
vnto Mac**, .which is in the lie of Cr0fr#,are but foure
(core or a hundred Ieagues5and yet we finde it ftrange,
that notwithftanding this fmalldiftance from the one
to the other, yet according to their accoumpt, there is
a daies difference betwixt them • fo as it is Sunday at
Macan^ whcnasitisbutSatcrdayatJi/4^!r, andfbof
the reft. Thofe of Macau and of China have one day ad
vanced before the Philippines. It happened to father
Alonfc Sancbes,of whom mention is made before , that
parting from the Philippines, he arrived at Mown theie-
cond day ofMaic, according to their computation,
andgoingto%theMa{TeofS.^/^^/;W, he found
they did celebrate the feaft of the invention of the holy
Crode/or that thjey did then reckon the third ofMaic.
The like happened vnto him in another voyage be
yond it.

Some have found this alteration and diverfitic,
ftrange , fuppofing that the fault proceedes from the
one or the othcr,the which is not fo :bu t it is a true and
well obfervcd computation>for according to the diffe
rence of waies where they havebeene, wcmuft nece£
(arilyfay, that when they meete, there muft bee diffe
rence of a day 3 the reafon is, for diat failing from Weft

O to

The S^jituralland Morall

to Eaft,they alvvaics gnine of theday,findingthe funne
rifingfooncr : and contrarivvife, thoie that failefrorn
Eaft to Weft, do alwaiesloofeof the day , for that the
Sunne rifeth latef vnto tl em -and as they approach nee-
icr the Eaft or the Weft y they have the day longer or
fliorter.In Peru, which is weft ward in refpcft vfSpaine,
they are above fixehourcs behinde- fo as when itk
noon e in Spaixc ,. ins morning at Ptru^ and when it is
morning heere, it i . mid-night there. I have made cer-
tainc proofe thereof, by the computation of Eclip-
fo of the Sunne and Moone. Now that the Portugalls
have made their navigations from Weft to Eaft, and
the Gaftilhns from Eafl to Weft, when they came to
ioyneandm?eteat \hzPhiIipptnesmdMacan, the one
have gained twelve houres , and theothcr hath loft as
much; fo as at oneinftant, and in one time, they finde
the difference of twentie houres, which is a whole day;
(b as nccedarily , theone are at the third of Maie, when-
as the others accoumpt but thefecond; and whenas
the one doth faft forEafter eve, the others cate flefh
for the day of thcrefurre&ion. And if we will imagine
that they pafle farther , turning once againe about the
world, vfing thefime computation,when they fhould
returne to ioyne together, thtyfliould finde by the
fame accoumpt, two daies difference : for as I have
faide, thofe that go to the Sunne rifing , accoumpt the
day fooner, fot that the Sunne rifeth to them foonery
and thofe that go to the fetting , accoumpt the day la
ter, for that it goes from them later : finally, the diver-
fitie of the noone tide, caufeth the divers reckoning of
the day. And now for as much as thofe that doefiilc
from Eaft to Weft, change their noone tide without
perceiving it,and yet ftill follow the fame computation

they

£H!ioris of the Indies, lib. 3, '193

they did when they parted ; of neceffitie having made
the compaffe o f the worlde, they muft findc the want
of a whole day in their computation.

Of the Volcws or rents of fire. CHAP. 24.

ALthough we findc vents of fire in other places, as
mount &ttu and WefmriOj which now they call
mountS^/r, yet is that notable which is found at the
Indies . Ordinarily thcfe Volcans be rockes or pikes oi
mofthighmountaines, which raifc themfelves above
the toppes of all other mountaines ; vpon their toppcs
theyhaveaplaine, and in the midft thereof a pitte or
great mouth^which difcends even vnto the foote there- •
of 5 a thing verie terrible to beholde . Out of thefe
mouthes,thereifTues fiuoake,and ibmetimcsfire : fomc
caft little fmoake 5 and have in a maner no force ofyoL
cans, as that of Arequtpty which is of an vnmeafurable
height, and almoft all fand. It cannot be mounted vp
in leffe then two daies , yet they have not found any
fliewoffire, butonelythe reliques of fbme ftcrifices
which the Indians made while they vvereGentiIcs,and
fomctimes it doth caufe a little fmoake. The Vole An of
Mexico which is neere to the Village of Angels , is like-
wife of an admirable height, whereas they mount thir
ty leagues in turningjfrom tht*£f9&wf iflueth not con
tinually, but foFnetimes,nlmoft every day^a great exha
lation or whirle-winde of fmoake, which afccnds di-
redly vp like to the fhot of a CroiTe-bow , and growes
after like to a great plume of feathers , vntill it ceafeth
quite, and is prefently converted intoanobfcure and
darke cloude. Moft commonly it rifeth in the morning

O z after

The ^(aturalland Mora/I

after the Sunne rifing, and at night when it fetteth , at*
though I have feene itbreake out at other times. Some
times it doo th caft foorth great ftore of aflies after this
fmoake . They have not yet feene any fire come from
it^yet they fcareit will iffiie forth and burneal the land
round about , which is the beft of all the kingdotne :
And they holde it for certaine , that there is fome cor-
refpondencie betwixt this Vulcan & the Stern of Tlax-
<vtfo, which is ncere vnto it, that caufeth the great thun
ders and lightnings they doc commonly hcare and fee
in thofe parts.

Some Spaniards have mounted vppc to this Volet*,
and given notice of the mine of fulphre to makepowl-
der thereof. CVrtasreportes the care hce had todifco-
verwhat was in this Vokan . The Vdcans of Guaumalla,
are more renowmed, as well for their greatnefle and
height : which thofe that failc in the South Sea difco-
verafarreofF> as for the violence and terrour of the fire
it cafts. The three and twentieth day oF December, in
the yeere of our Lord God one thoufand fivehundred
eighty and fixe, almoft all the Cittie ofGMnvxfA fell
with an Eanhquake, and forne people flaine. This VoL
fan had then fixe moneths together, day and night caft
outfrom the toppe, and vomited as it were, a floud of
fire, the fubfhnce falling vpon the fides of the Volc&ny
was turned into allies like vnto burnt earth (a thing pat
fing mans iudgement, to conceive how it could caft fo
much matter from its centre during fixe monerfis , be
ing accuftomed to caft fmoake alone , and that Ibme-
times with fmall flaflies. This was written vnto me be
ing at Mexico , by a Secretarie of the audience of o/^-
timalla, a man vvoorthy of credite , andatthattimeir
had not ceafedto caft out fire. This y cere paft,being

in

Hi$Qrieoftbe!fncfie$. lib.?,

in gtsitto in the Citric of '.Ki-^s^ ' the DP/^^ which is
neere thcrcvnto, caft fuch aboundance of afhes, that in
many leagues compafle thereabout it darkncd the light
of the day : and therefel! fucli ftore in -gritto , as they
were not able to goein the ftreetes . There have beene
othet J^/wtfj fcene which caft neither fmoake, flame,
nor yet afhes,but in the botome they are fee-tie to burn
with aquicke fire without dying : fuch a one was that
which in our time a covetous and greedy Prieft feeing,
perfwaded himfelfe that they were heapes of golde hee
did fee burning , imagining it coulde be no other mat
ter or fubftance , which had burnt fo many yeeres,and
not confumed. And in this conceit hee mzde certaine
kettles with chaine's, and an infeurnent, to gather and
drawe vp the golde out of this pitteor Volcw : but the
fire fcorned hirn/or no fooner did his yron chaineand
caldron approach neere the fire, but fodaincly they
were broken in peeces. Yet fometoldemee, that this
man was ftill obftinate , feeking otherinventions for to
drawe out this golde.as he imagined.

Whatfioxldbe tkereafin why thefreavdfaoake contL

CHAP. 25.

THere is noneede now to mate any mention of o-
thcr Vulcms, feeeing wee may well vnderftand by
the former what they are :yetisitwoorthy thefearch,
what fhould be the caufe why the fire arid fmoake con
tinues in rhefe Vdcans ; for that it fcemes a prodigious
thing, yea againft the courle of Nature,to vomite and
caft out fb many flames . Whence dooth this matter
proceede, or whether it be ingendred within thcbovv-

O 3 elks

The J\£atural and Morall

clles thereof? Some have held opinion,that thefe Vdr
cans confunie the inner fubftance they have of Nature;
and for this reafori they beleeve, that naturally they fhal
end , whenas they have confumed the fuell (as a man
may fay) that is within them . According to which o*
pinion we fee at this day,fbme mountaines and rockes,,
from whence they drawe a: burnt ftone which is light,
but very hard , and is excellent to builde with, as that
which is carried to Mexico. And in effedfc thereare fomc
fhewes of that which hath beene fpoken, that theft
tnoun&ines or rockes hadde fomctimes a naturall fire,.
which hath died after the matter was confumed- and
fo thefe ftones have reniay ned burnt and pierced with
the fire as we fee . For my part, I will not contradidt it,
that in thofc places there hath not bin fire fometimes,
ovyolcans. But there is feme ditficul tie to be beleeve it
ftiould be fo in all Folcans, confidering the matter they
caft out is almoft infinite; and that being gathered to-
geth^r , it could not be contained in the fame conca-
vitie from whence it goes . Moreover , there are fbrne

Voices y that in hundreds^yea thoufands of yeeres are
alwaies of one fafhion, cafiingout continuaHy/mokc,
fire, and allies. P/w/>the Hifloriographer of naturall
things (as the other Piwie his nephew reports) fearch-
ing out the fecrct how this fliould pafle : and approch-
ing too neere th'exhalation of fire cfone of thefe Vol-
r^^,died; and thinking by his diligence to find an end
thereof, had an errd of his life. For my parte, vpon this
confideration I think,that as ther ai^e places in th'earth,
whofe vertue is to dmw vaporous matter , and to con
vert it into water,which be the fountaines that alvvayes
runne, and have alvvayes matter to make them runne,
for that they drawe vnto them the fubftance of water.

In

Htflorie of the fndics .lib.

Inlikeforte there are places that have the propertie to
dra\v vnto them hote cxhalations,and to convert them
into fire and fmoake which by their force and violence
cart out other thicke matter which diffblves into allies,
into pumice (lone, or fuch like fubftance : and fora fuf-
ficient argument to proove it to be fo in thcfc PolunsJ
they fomctimes caft fmoke,and not alvvayes.and fome-
times fire, and not alwayes, which is according to that
it can drawe vnto it, and digeft,as the fountaines which
in winter abound, and in fummer decreafe ; yeafome
are qsite dried vp , according to the force and vigour
they have,and the matter that is prefented : even foit is
of thefe /^/ta#j,whichcaftfire more or kffe atcertaine
feafbns. Others fay, that it is hell fire 5 which ifTueth-
there, to ferve as a warning , thereby to confider what
is in the other life : but it hell (as Divines holde) be in
the centre of the earth, the which containes in diame
ter above two thou&nd leagues, we can not iudge that
this fire is from the centre- for that hell fire (as laint Ba-
Jil and others teach ) is very different from this which
wee fee, for that it is without light , and burneth with- ^
out comparifbn much more then ours. And therefore
I conclude, that what I have faide, feemes to me more
r-eafonable.

Of Earthquakes. CHAP. 26.

COme havehcld,that from thefe Folcans which are at
^the Indies, the earthquakes proceed?being very com
mon there : but for that they ordinarily chance in pla
ces farre from thofePWhtftfj it can not be the totall
caufe. It is true they have a certainefimpathy one-with

O 4 ano-

ip8 The ^atural and Moratt

another, for that the hote exhalations which engender
in the inner concavities of the earth , feeme to be the
material! fubftance of fire in the F0/<r^;,r,whereby there
kinalcth an other more grofle matter, and makes thefe
fhewes of flame and fmoke that come forth. And thefc
exhalations (finding no eafieiffiie in the earth)move it,
to iffte forth with great violence,wherby we heare that
horrible noife vnder the earth, and likewife the (baking
of the earth , being ftirred with this burning exhalati
on ^ Even as gunpowlder in mines,having fire put to it
breaks rockes and walks : and as the chefnut laid into
the lire, Icapes and breakes with a noyfe,whenas it cads
forth theaire (which is contained within the huskc)by
theforce of the fire:Even fo thefe Earthquakes do moft
commonly happen in places neere the water or fca . As
we fee in Europe, and at the/W/tf, thattownes and cit-
ties fartheft froai the fea and waters areleaft afflided
therewith • andcontrariwife, thofe.that are featedvp-
on portes of the fea, vpon rivers, the lea coaft, and pla
ces neere vnto them, fccle mod this calamitie. There
hath happened in Pmi, (the which is wonderful!, and
worthy to be noted) Earthquakes which haverunne
from Cmlle vnte £wtto , and that is above hundred
leagues, I fay the greateft that ever I heard fpeake of,for
Idler be more common there. Vpon the coaft vfchiUe
(I remember not well in what yeare) there was fo terri-
blean Earthquake, as it overturned whole mountains,
and thereby itopped th;j courfe of rivers which it con-
verted'into lakes, it beat downetownes, andflewa
great number of people, caufing the fea to leave hrr
place fome leagues , fo as the fhippes remained on drie
ground , farre from the ordinary roade, with many o-
thcrhcavie and horrible things, And as I well remem
ber

HiHorie of the Indies, lib.},

ber, they fay this trouble and motion, caufed by the
Earthquake 5 ranne threehundred leagues alongeft the
coaft. S.ooncafter3 which was in theyeerc eighty two,
happened that Earthquake ofdrequtpa, which in a ma-
ner overthrew the whole citie. Since in the yeere eigh-
tie fixe, the ninth of Itilie, fell an other Earthquake in
the cittie otKings, the which as the Viceroy did write,
hadderunnea hundred three (core and tenne leagues
alongeft the coaft, and overthwart in the Sicrre fiftie
leagues.The mercy of the Lord was great in this earth
quake, to forewarne the people by a great noyfe which
they heard alittle before the Earthquake , who taught
by former experienccs,prefently putthe^nfelves in fafe-
tie, leaving their houfes, ftreetes,and gardins, to go in
to the fieldes ; fo as although it ruined a great parte of
the Cittie, and of the chiefeft buildings, yet theredied
not above fifteeneor twenty perfons of all the Inhabi
tants. It caufed the like trouble and motion at fea 5 as it
had done at Cbitle, which happened prefcntly after the
Earthquake, fo as they might fee the fea furioufly to flic
out of her boundes,and to runne neere two leagues in
to theland, rifing above foureteenefidome : it cove
red all that plaine, fo as the ditches and peeces of wood
that were there, fwammeinthe water. There was yet
an other earthquake in the Realme and Citcie of gj^tr
to - and' it feemes all thefe notable Earthquakes vppon
that coaft, have fucceeded one an other by order, as in
trueth it is fubied to thefe inconveniences. And there
fore although vpon the coaft of Per a , there, be-no tor
ments from heaven, as thunder and lightning y yet are
they not without feare vppon the land : and fb everie
one hath before his cies, the Heiaults of divine luftice,
to moove him to feare God. For as the Scripture faith*

ico The ^aturatt and Moratt

Fecit h&c vttimtAtur. Returning then to our purpofe,t
fay the fea coaft is moft fubied to thefe earthquakes?the
reafon is , in my iudgement 5 for that the water ciooth
flop the conduites and paflages of the earth, by which
the hote exhalations fhould paffe, which are engende
red there. And alfo the humiditie thickning the fuper-
ficies of the earth, dooth caufethe fumes and hot exha
lations to goe clofc together and incounter violently in
the bowells of the eanh, which doe afterwards breake
forth.

Some have obferved , thatfuch Earthquakes have
vfually hapned, whenas a ramie feafon falles after fome
drieyeeres. Wherevpon they fay, that the Earthquakes
are moft rare, where are moft welles, the which is ap-
proovedby experience. Thofe of the Cittie of Mexico
holde opinion, that the Lake whereon it is feated,is the
caufe of the Earthquakes that happen there, although
they be not very violent:and it is moft certaine,that the
Townes and Provinces, farre within the land, and far-
theft from the fea , receive fometimcs great lofTcs by
thefe Earthquakes , as the Cittie of Chachapoyas at the
Indies, andin/ta&thatof^mi>v*, although vpon this
fubicft . It feemes this latter, being neere to a river,and
not forre from thc^r/^/Vfea , fliould rather be num-
bred among the fea-Townes. In the yeere of our Lord
* one thoufand five hundred cightie and orte, in Cuguno,
a Cittie of Pent, otherwif e called the Peace, tli ere hap
ned a ftrange accident touching this fubieft. A village
called Angoango (where many Indians dwelt that were
fbrcerersand idolatrcrs) fell fodainely to ruine , fo as a
great parte thereof was railed vp and carried away, and
many of the Indians fmothered, and that which feems
incredible(yctteftified by men of credit) the earth that

was

Hittorie of the Indies, lib.}* 201

was ruined and fo beaten downe , did runnc and flidc
vpon the land for the fpace ofa league and a halfe , as it
had beene water or wax molten, fo as it ftopt and filled
vppeaLake, and rcmayned fofpread over th: whole
countrey.

How the land and ft a imbrue one att other.
CHAP. 27.

IWil end with this Element of earth, vnitingit to the
precedent of water, whofe order and embracing is
truely of it felfe admirable. Thefe two elements have
one fpheare divided betweene them , and entertaine
and embrace one another in a thoufand fortes and ma-
ners . In fome places the water encountersthe land fu-
rioufly as an enemy , and in other places , it invirons
it after a fvvccte and amiable manner. There are partes
whereas the fea enters far within the had, as comming
tovifiteit; and in other partes the land makes reftitu-
tion, carting his capes,points and tongues farreinto the
lea, piercing into thebowclles thereof. In fome partes
one element ends and another beginnes, yeeldingby
degrees one vnto another. In fome places (where they
ioyne) it is exceeding deepe, as in the Hands of the
South Sea, and in thofe of the North, whereas the
fhippes ride dole to the land^and although they {bund
three fcore and tenne, yea foure (core fadomes, yet do
they findeno bottome, which makes men conie&ure,
that thefe arepikes or poynts of land which rife vp from
the bottome, a matter woorthy of great admiration.
Heerevpon a very expert Pilots laid vnto me, that the
Hands which they call of Woolves>aud others> that lie

at

2 oz The f^afafjtll And Morall

at the entry of the coaft of New Sfaine , beeing called
Coc&Sy were of this manner.

Moreover , there is a place in the midft of the great
Ocean, without the view of land, and many leagues
from it, where are feene as it were two towers or pikes
of a very high elevated rocke, rifingout of the middeft
ofthefea, and yetioyningvntoit theyfindenobot-
tome.No man can yet perfectly comprehend,nor con
ceive the full and perfeft forme of the land at the In
dies , the boundes being not wholy difcovered to this
day : yet wee may gheffe that it is proportioned like a
. heart with the lungs. The broadeftof this heart isirom
Brefill to Peru, the poynt at the ftraight o£Magef/a?3,znd
the top where it ends is the firme land, and there the
continent begins by little arid litle to extend it fclfe vn-
till wee come to the height Q£ Florida and the vppcr
landes, which are not yet well difcovered. We may
vnderftand other particularities of this land at the Indies >
by the Commentaries which the Spaniards have writ
ten of their fuccefleand difcoveries ; and amongeft the
reft, of the Peregrination which I have written; which
in trueth is ftrange, and may give a great light. This in
my opinion may fufficeat this time, to givefom know
ledge of things at the Indies ^ touching the com-
4 mon elements, of the which all parts of
the worlde are famed,

(V)

THE

THE

FOVRTH BOOKE

oftheNaturallandMorall Hi-

ftorie of the Indies.

Of three ki fides ef mixtures or compounds , of the which

CHAP. i.

Aving in treated in the former
bookc of that which concernes
, the Elements, and the fimples of
i\izlndie$> in this prefent booke
we will difcourfe of mixtures and
compounds , Teeming fit for the
fubied we (hall treatc of. And aK
though there be many other fun-
driekindes , yet we will reduce this matter into three,
which are Mettalls, Plants, and Beafts. MettaHs are(as
plants,) hidden and buried in the bow els of the earth,
which have fome conformirie in themfclves , in the
forme and maner of their prodtidion- for that weefec
anddifcovcr even in them, branches, and asitwerea
bodie, from whence they, grow and proceede , which

are

204

•

are the greater veines and the lefTe, fb as they have a
knitting in themfelves : and it fcemes properly that
•thefc mineralcs grow like vn to plants 5 not that they
have any inward vegitative life, being onely proper to
plants : but they are engendered in the bowels of the
earth , by the vertue and force of the Sunne and other
planets,and in long continuance of time,they increafe
and multiply after the rnaner of plants . And even as
mettallsbe plants hidden in the earth , fo we may fay,
that plants be living creatures fixed in one place, whofe
life is maintained by the nourishment which Nature
•furnifheth from their firft begnning. But living crea-
turesjurgafle plants L in thatthey have a more perfect
being- and therefore have neede of a more perfect
foode and nourifhment- for thefenrch whereof, Na-
ture hath given them a moving and feeling to difcover

a

is fertile and better fcafoned a nourifhment for plants.
TheTame plants ferve as a nourifhment for living crea
tures, and the plants and living creatures together as
a nourifhment for men , the inferiour nature alwaies
ferving for the maintenance and fuftentation of the fu-
periour, andthclefleperfedyeelding vnto the more
perfe<ft: whereby, we may feg how much it wan ts? that
gold and filvcrajfid other thTngs which men fomuch
cfteemebylheir covetoufneffe , ihould be the happi-
nes of man, wherevnto he fliould tend,feeing they be
fo many degrees in qualitie inferior to man 5 who hath
j>een created and made onely to be a fubic<5l to fervc
thevniverfall Creator of all things, as his proper end
and perfeft reft, and to which man, all other things in
this world , were not propounded or left, but to gaine

this

Ht tforie of the Indies lib . j ; z o ?

this lad end. Who fo would confider of things created,
and difcourfe according to this Philofbphie, might
draw fome fruite from the knowledge and confidera-
tion thereof, making vie of them toknovvandglorifie
their Author.But he that would pafleon farther to the
knowledge of their properties and profits , and would
curioufly fearch them out, hee dial] finde in thefe crea
tures, that which the Wifeman faies5that they arefnares
and pitfaltes to thcfeeteof fooles & ignorant, into the $4*. I4f
which thefifMlahd loofc themf elves daily. To this in-
tent thereforc,and that the Creator may DC glorified in
his creatures,! pretend to fpeake of fome things in this
Bookc, whereof there are many at the Indies worth the
report, touching mcttalls,plants,and hearts, which are
i proper and peculiar in thofe parts.Bu t for that it were a ;
great worke to treate thereof exadly^nd requires grea
ter learning and knowledge; yea, much more Irifure
then! have, my intent is only to treate of fome things
fuccin&ly, the which I have obferved , as well by expe-
! riencc>as the report of men of crcdite, touching thefe
three things which I have propounded, leaving ta
i men more curious and diligent to treate more amply
of thefe matters,

of the aioundanctAndgreAt quwtitie efMettatlatthe
£T(/?Indies. CHAP. 2.

THe wifedome of God hath nade mettalls for phi-
ficke,and for defence,for ornament and for inftru-
ments for the worke of men, of which foure things we
may eafilyyeelde examples, but theprincipallendof
matalk?and the laft thereof, is, for that the life of man:

hath

ao 6 The ^aturallanctMorall

hath not onely needc of nourishment as the beads,
biicalfo he muft workeand labour according vn to the
reafon and capacitic which the Creator hath given
him. And as mans vndei (landing doth apply it felfe to
divers artcs ai}a faculties , fo the fame Author hath gi
ven order , thathee fhould finde matter and fubicd to
diverfe artes, for the confervation, reparation, furetie,
ornament and exaltation of his workes. The diverfi-
tie therefore of mettalls , which the Creator hath flint
vpin thecloiecs and concavities of the earth, is fuch,
and fo great > that man drawes profitand commoditic
from everic one of them. Some ferve for curing of dif
cafes, others forarme&aqd for defence againft the ene
mies , (bme are for ornament and beautifying of our
perfbns and houfes , and others are fit to makeveflels
andyron-workes, with divers fafliions of inftruments,
which the induitry of man hath found out and put in
pradt/e. But above ^1 the vfes of mettalls , which bee
umpleand natutal,the communication and commerce
of men hath found out one, whichjsjh
the which (as the PhilofopfieTfaieth) is
£*&*. all things. And although naturally ,and of it felfe,it be
but one onely thing, yet in value and eftimation wee
may fay, that it is all things. Monyjs^ntcm asj t were,
mcatcj clothing, houfe^ JiorJeranJfineTaTIvwhatloe^
vermanharfi ncede of 7 By this meanes all obeycs to
mony5andas the Wifeman faith,to finde an invention
that one thing fliould be all. Men guided or thruft for-
ward by a naturall inftind ? choofe the thing moft du
rable and moft maniable , which is mettall , and a-
mongftmettals, gave them the preheminence in this
invention of mony , which of their nature were moft
Durable and incorruptible , xvhidi is filvcrand gh

Hi florie of the Indies lib 4. 207

The which have bin in efteeme, not onlieamongft the
Hebnwes AfirianStGreeksSyR&mms^ndQthz? nations of
Europe and A(ia^>ut alfo4 amongft the moft retyred and
barbarous nations of the world,as by the Indians both
; Eaft and Weft ,- where gokTand filvef is iieldth'gfe^:
efteeme, imploying it for the workes of their Temples
and Pailaces,& for theattyring and ornament of kings
and great pcrfonases. And although \vehavefound

C? *• . «••? j^^Ma*rJ^"^~naiB I -^ Tf '• "~~ ^^ — 9

fo&ctBart?aria%s ^ \yhjch know ncithergoldjjgr^IvciC
as it is reported ofthofeof^^^,, which tookcTtTie
bagges and fackes" wherein tfiefilver was , the which
they caft vpon the ground, and left as a thing vnprofi-
table , And Plmie likewife writes

which abhorred gold, and therefore they buried it, to
the end that no man fliould vfeit. But at this day they
finde few of th efe Floridiens or Babittcyus , bu t great
mirnbcrs of fuch a?efteeme,reeke?and make accoumpt
of gold and fflver,havingho 'rife?3etofeamcit of theft
that go from Europe. It is true., their comoufngflcjs
not yet come to the heigh tofoun, neltherT5v?tK^
fomuch worfliippedgold and filver, 'although they
were Idolaters , as feme blirid^ Chnfjians , who have
committed uianf great duf-rages for gold and filver.
Yet is it a thing very worthy confideration , that the
wifedome of the Etcrnall Lord, would inrich thofe
panes of the world,which are rnofc remote5and which
are peopled with men oflcfle civilitie andgoverne-
ment, planting there great ftore of mines, and in the
greateft aboundance that ever were , thereby to ;nvite
mcr^to farch out thofc lands^ and to pofleflTc them, to
the end that by this occafion, they mightplant religi
on 5 and the worfhip of the true God , amongft thofe
that knew it not, fulfilling therein the prophecie of

P Ifiie,

2 o 6 The J^aturallanctMorall

hath not" onely neede of nourifliment as the beads,
but alfo he muft workc and labour according vnto the
reafon and capacitic which the Creator hath given
him. And as mans vnderftanding doth apply it felfe to
divers artcs arid-faculties , fo the fame Author hath gi
ven order , thathee fhould finde matter and fubied to
diverfe artes, for the confervation, reparation, furetie,
ornament and exaltation of his workes. The diverfi-
tie therefore of mettalls , which the Creator hath flint
vpin thcclofets and concavities of the earfh, is fuchf
and (b great , that man drawes profitand commoditic
from evericoneofthem. Some (erve for curing of di£
eafes, others forarme^aqd for defence againft the ene
mies, Come are for ornament and beautifying of our
pcrfbnsandhoufes, and others are fit to makeveflels
andyron-workes, with divers fafliions of inftrumcnts,
which the induftry of man hath found out and put in
pra&Ue. But above ^1 the vies of mettalls , which bee
fimpleand natural,the communication and commerce
of men hath found out one, which is thgjjepf mQflffi »
the which (as the PhilofbpHerTaleth) is the mcafiu-cTof
$ *• £&*• all things. And although naturally ,and of it felfe,it be
** - but one onely thing, yet in value and eftimationwec
may fay, that it is all things. Monyiwjilo.YS asitvvere,
m^te2do^in£jTO^^

ver man hath ncede^xfT By this meanes all obeycs to
<l*f.i*. niony^andas the Wifeman faith,to finde an invention
that one thing fliould be all. Men guided or thruft for-
ward by a naturall inftin<ft , choofe the thing moft du
rable and moft maniable , which is mettall 5 and a-
inongftmettals, gave them the preheminence in this
invention of mony , which of their nature were moft
Durable and incorruptible , \yhic

Hiftorie of the Indies lib, 4* 207

The which have bin in efteeme, not onlieamongft the
Htbnwts AjSriaMtGreektStRffmansjLndother nations of
Europe and Afiajaut alfo amongft the moft retyrcd and
barbarous nations of the world,as by the Indians both
Eaft and Weft , where goUTand filvef is If efdlii'gfe^t:
efteetue, imploying it for the workes of their Temples
and Pallaces,& for theattyring and ornament of kings
and great • peribnages. And although wehavcfound
fgsffe Bar&ariafts^ which know neither^oIdjjgr^Ive'fT
as it is reported ojTthofec>f^^, which tookcTthe

bagges and fackes* wherein tfieiver was , the which
they caft vpon the ground, and left as a thing vnprofi-
table. AndP//;^ likewife writes of_the BAbitacques%
which abhorred gold, and therefore they buried it, to
the end that no man fliould vfeit. But at this clay they
finde few of thefe Floridiens or Bakiiacr*uc$ , but great
numbers of fuch a?efteeme/eeke,and make accoumpt
of gold and filver,havingho ne^etofeameit of theft
that go from Europe. It is true., their comoufiiHT
not yet conic to the heigh tofours,
fomuch worfluppedgold and filver , although they
were Idolaters , as (erne bYi^Cmijians , who have
committed manfgrea"t 'duf-rages fbfgold and filver.
Yet is it a thing very worthy confideration , that the
wifedomc of the Etcrnnll Lord, would inrich thofe
partes of the world ,whkh arc rnofi remote5and which
are peopled with men oflcfle civilitie andgoverne-
ment3 planting there great ftore of mines, and in the
greateft aboundance that ever were, thereby to invite
men to fearchout thotc lands, and to poffeflTc them, to
the end that by this occafion, they might plant religi
on 5 and the worfhip of the true God , amongft thofc
that knew it not, fulfilling therein the prophecie of

P Iie,

208 The ^aturall and Mcrall

?fae> %ing , that the Church (hould ftretch forth her
boundes , not onely to the right , but alfo to the left:
-which is vnderftood asS. AngnHme iaieth , that the
Gofpell (hould be fprcad^broad . not onely by thofe
that fincerely, and with a true & perfeft charity preach
and declare it,but alfo by thofe that publifh intending
to temporall ends 5 whereby wee fee, that the Indian.
jand jr -being- more abonodant in mines and nches7
Kath beene in our ag^ft^inflrucledjnthc^hr£fl:ian
religion^the Lord vfing oiir defires and inclinations ta
Uve his foveraigne intentions. Herevpon a Wife man
faid, that what a father doth to marie his daughter wel,
is to give heragreat portion in mariage- the like hath
God done for this land fo rough and labourfome , gi
ving it great riches in mines, that by this meanes it
might be the more fought after. At the WcfUgafa.

oTSlIfortes of met-

o

goldTand arnongllall the regions and partes ofSie //;-
tics, th£ralmes^j[Pm/ abpund moft in thefe mettalls,
especially with gold, filver, quicke.filver, or mercurie,
whereof they have found great ftore,, and daily difco-
vcr new mines. And without doubt,according to the
qualitieoftheearth, thofe which are to difcover, arc
without companion, farrc more in numbcr^then ihofc
which are yet difcovered: yea, it feemes that all the
land is fowed with thefe mettalls, more then any other
in the world that is yet knowne vnto vs , or that and-
cm writers have made mention of.

Of

Hiftorie of the Indies, Jib.

0//A? qttalitie And nature of the earth where the mettaB?
are found, and that all thefe mettalls are not im ployed
at the Indies, and how the Indians vfcd them.
CHAP. 3.

Hereafon why there is fo great aboundance of
mettalls at the Indies, (cfpecially at the weft of Pe~
ru, aslhavefaide,)' is the will of the Creator, who
hath imparted his giftesas itpleafed him. But com-
ming to a naturall and philofophicall reafon , it is veiy Th il9 /rf
true, which Philonz wife man writes,faying, that gold, Gemf.mttn

filver, and mettalls , grow naturally in land that is moft
Tiarren and^niruitemll. And we fee, that in lattdTof
goocTteiupcrature, the which are fertile with grade
andfruites, there are feldome found any mines 5 for
that Nature is contented to give them vigour to bring Eftu ^
forth fruites more neceflarie for the prefervation and
maintenance of the life of beafts and men. And con-
trariwife to lands that arc very rough, drie, and barren,
(as in the higheft mountains and inacceffible rockes of
a rough temper,) theyfmde mines of filvcr,ofquicke-
filvcrand of gold,and all thpfe rkhesf which are come
into Spaincfiscc thcTWeftj^
been drawne out ot iiich places which arc^rough and
full,bare and fruitle(Te:yet the tafte of this mony,makes
thefe places pleafing and agreeable, yea, well inhabited
with numbers of people. And although there be, as I
have faid, many mines of all kinds of mettalls as at the
Indies , yet they vfe none but thofeofgold and filver,
and as much quicke-filver as is neceflarie to refine their
gold and filver. Theycarric yron thither from S faint
and China. As for copper, the Indians have drawne

P2 Of

nd Morali

vfc , which confumeth all other racttalles, (as the fajnt
Pli»ic faith) dooth not any thing waftc golde, nor yet
hurte it, neither is iteaten,norgrowetholde. And al
though his fubftancc and body be firme and folide; yet
dooth it y eelde andbow woonderfully^the Beaters and
Drawers of golde knowe well the force it hath to bee
drawen out without breaking. All which things well
confidered, with other excellent properties , will give
men of Judgement to vnderftand, wherefore the holie
. Scripture dooth compare Charitic to golde. Tocon-
cant.$. elude, there is little neede to relate the excellencies:
M?s-£ thereof to make it more defirable. For the greateft ex-
eellencie ithath,is to be knowne(as it is) amongft men,
for the fupreame power and greatneffe of the worlde.
Comming therefore to our fubied 5 at \helndies there
is great abundance of this mettall,and it is wel knowne
by approovcd hiftories, that the/ggy^f of Peru did not
content themfelves with great and fmall veflc!sofgpldT
as pots, cups, goblets, and flagons ; yea with kowles or
great ve(Tells, but they had chairesalfo, and litters of
maflie golde: andin their Temples they hadfetvppe
mainelmages_ofpnrcjo!dc , whereof they finde fbme
^at^^r^^but notfuch ftoreaswhen the firffCon-
querours came injgjiieon^^
who found great Sealure5anJwiSoutdoub^
much more hidden in thearth by the Indians. It would
feeme ridiculous to rcporte that they have made their
horfe (hoocs of filver for want of yron , and that they
have pay gLtjiree hundred crownes-for^bottle ofwjne,.
and other ftrange things 5 and yet in trueth this hath
come to pafTe , yea and greater matters. Thej^drawe
after thrcefprts or at the leaft, I

have feene all three vfed.

granes

Hiflorieoftkefndies. lib,jt!

graines, in powlder, or in ftpne. They do call golde in
gram^fmall morfels of gold, which they find whole,
without mixture ofany other mettall , which hath no
neede of melting or refining in the fire : and they call
them pippins, for that commonly they are like to pip
pins, or feeds ofmelons,or pompions : and that whcr-
of lob fpeakes, when he faies, Lwe illius <f#r#;#5though
ibrnctimes there be greater , and fuch as I have feene
weighed many poundes . It is the excellence of this
mettall alone (as P//## affirm es) to be found thus pure
.and perfe<5i, which is not feene in any other mettalles,
which are alwayes earthly, and have afcumme, and
needepurging by the fire : I have likewife feene filver
naturall like to Yea thcrcjs anotljerkindg.

which the Indians call Papas, SS3T!ometimes they find
peeces very fiue and pure , like to fmall round rootes,
the which is rare in that mettall,but vfuall in gold.Thcy
finde little of this golde in pippin , in refpeft of the o-
therkindes. Golde in ftoneis a veine of gold thatgrp-
weth or ingenJereth within the ftone or flint, as I have
feene in the mines ofCuruma, within the government
of Salines, very great ftones pierced and intermixed
with gpldjothers that were halfe gold, and halfe ftone.
The golde which groweth in this manner , is fourid in
pittes'or mines , which have their veines like to the fil
ver mines, but it is very hard to drawe it foorth : Agas
Ur chides writesjnjiis firft bookc of the Eritkreari or red
fea (as Phocion rcportes in his B&Kotheca) of the man
ner and fafliion to refine golde, drawne out of ftones,
the which the antient Kings of 'Egypt were wont to vfe,
&it is aftrange thing to fee how that which is written
refemblcs properly to the mannerrfievj^c_a^this day
in refining thcfe mettalTs QT^iSiifiS^i^r^\\Q grea-

4 teft

^eftg^^itiej>fgolde which is dtawneat tint Indies, is
that in powlder, the which is found in ftreamcsand
places whcr much water hath pa{Ted,becaufe the flouds
at the /W/V.T 'abound in thiskinde of golde 5 As the An
cients for this occafion did celebrate the river of Tarits

in iSjwggj PacJolus'm sl/ia^nd G&ngts in the Eaft Indie?*
and called them RameMA*'trt_9the which we others call
golde in powlder, aad of this fort is the grcatt ft quan-
titie of golde they have at this day . At this prefent in
the Hands ofBarlovevf, ffi/paniola.Cuta^nd Port Ricco^
there hath beene3and is great quantity in the rivers,bu t
they bring lit tie from thence into Spainc, Jorwantof
ttoiaUjtalUnhal^iamspfjiiec^ & the difficuF

tie to drawe it. Therc is great aboundance in the king-
dome o/// of j/'w/aad in the newRealmeof

• ^^c mo& famous golde is that ofCaraMtva- in Peru,
and of ValdiviA in Chille.y for that it rifetK with hisTl-
k>y and perFec^fon^ wEich is twentyriirec carrats and a
halfe, and fometimes more . They makeaccomptlikc-
wife of the gold of Verdgu&\& be very fine. They bring
much golde ^^^ggJ£2JB ^c Pkiltfpfncs^ and China *
but commonly it is weake,and of bale alloy . Golde is
commonly found^iixtyvithiSIyeror^vith copper ;but
that which is mixecl witFTfilver is commonly of fewer
carrats then that which is mixed with copper. If there
ktfa$Ft parte of filver , PfcVfaieth, it is then properly
, called £/^7///w5which liath theproperty to (hinc-niore
at the lightof the fire, then fine gold or fine filver. That
which is incorporate with copper, is commonly of a
higher value. The^refinepowldrc^goldcin baiens,
washing it in many waters, vntill the fandfalles from
it, and the golde as moft heavic i emaineth in the bot-

tome

Htilorle of the Indies, lib.^. 2*5

tome. They refine it likewise with quickc-filver and

ftrong water, for that the allumcTwhercof they make

tEIs water hath the vertue to feparate gold from drofle,

or from other mettalls. After iris purified and molten,

they mjcejjjjckes or fmall barres to caryjt vnto Sfaine\

for being in'povvldeivthey cannot transport itTixyrn the

todies , tor they can neither cuftome it , marke it , nor

take fay, vntill it be molten. The forefaidc Hfftorio'. .

grapherreporteth that Spawe above all other Countries At, / fl^.

of the world, did abound in gold and filvcr- efpecially ^f^

Galitta and Portugal}^ above all, the ^.gg^y, whence

hee faieth they brought every yeere twenty thoufand

pounds ofgolde , and that they found not fo great a-

boundance in any other place. The which is confirmed

inthebookeof Macabccs, where it is (aide, thatamon-

geft the great riches of the Romans , they had in their

hath appoynted
ferve another , which doe imparte their wealth to par
ticipate their governement for the good the one of
the other, in communicating mutually the goodcs
and graces they doe inioy : wee can not value nore- '
fteeme the quantitic of golde that is brought from the
Indies^ but we may well fay, it is much more then that
which Pliny reports was brought veerely from Sfdint
to Rome. In the fleece where I came, which was in the *»?• %
yeere, 1585. the declaration ofthefir me land was^fi*^
oftwelye caflbnsor chefts of gold'e, every cation at
the leaft weied foure^r^f/, that is a hundred weight;
and athoujancj fifty ^nd fixernares from New Spaine^
\vhich was for the King on-!^,be<ides"Thafwhich- came
for Merchants and private men being regi/tred^ and

much

The y^aturatt and Moratt

much that came vnregiftred . This may fufficc touch
ing the golde of the todies, and now we will fpeake of
filver.

Of the Silver At the Indies. CHAP. 5.

WE rcadethefewordesintheBookeof/0£, SiL
ucrluth certain beginnings and roots in hit veins.
And golde hath a fetled place y where it wgeuders andthic*
kens, yron with digging is drarvxe out of the earth, and Jlonc
molten with hcate i* turned into confer : Hereby he wife
ly fliewes in few words, the nature of filvcr, golde, y-
ron & copper. We have fpoken fomethingcf the pla
ces where golde is ingendered and congealed, which
is either of the forefaide ftones in the dcapth of rnoun-
taines, and in the bowells of the earth : or in thcfand
of rivers, and where brookes haverunne, orelfeon
the toppes of mountaines , the which golde in powl-
der runnes downe with the water. And this is the com
mon opinion they holde at the Indies . Wherevppon
manyofthecommonfbrt believe that the deluge(ha-
ving drowned all, even to the higheft hills) hath beenc
the caufe thatat this day they finde this golde in the ri
vers, and in places fo farre off . Now we wil (hew how
they difcover the mines of filver, their veines3 rootes,
and beginnings whereof /<?£ fpeakes.

And firft I will fay,that the reafbn why they give fil-
yer the fecond place among all other mettalles^is, for
that it approacheth neerer to golde then any other,be-
ing more durable and lefle indomaged by the fire,and
more maniable then any other : yea it pafleth golde in
brightnefle,beauty and found, the which is cleere,and
agreeable 5 for the colour is more conformable and re-

fembling

Htilorie of the Indies. lib.^X 217

(cmbling the light, and the found more pcrcing,more
lively ,and more delicate. Likewife there are fome pla
ces where they value filver more thengoldc. It is yet
an argument, to iudge that gold is more factious rhen
all other mettalls , for that it is found widvgreater dif-
ficultie • and Nature feemcs more (paring in bringing
itfoorth (although there be countries as they fay of
Chine) wjyre they finde goldemore eafily then filvcr:
yet it is more common and ordinarie , to. finde filver
with more facilitie and greater abundance then gold.
The Creator hath furniflied the Weaft7#<//mvith fb
great a treafure of filver,as all that which we reade of fit
antient Hiftories, and that which is fpoken of the
mines ofspaiae, and other provinces , is not compara
ble to that we fee in thofcpaites. Th cjsings of filycr
arccomtnonty found in mountaines, and high rockes
very defart , although theyliave fbmetimes bin found
in Plaines and Champaines. There are two different
kindes, the one they call ftragling, the other fixed and
fetlcd. The draggling, are pceccs of mettall found in
certaine places > the which drawneaway , there is na
more found. But the fixed veines , are thofe which
have a continuance in depth andjength^likc to great
branches and armcs of trees- ancfwhen they find anie
one of them , they commonly finde many in the fame
place.The maner to purge & refine fily^rwl^chjthe 7^.
diavstiwe Wed,was by melting,in diSofving thismaffe
of mettall by fire, which cafts the earthly drofle aparte,
and by his force Separates filver from lead 3 tinne from
copper, and other mettalls mixt . To this end they did
build fmall furnaces in places whereas thewindedid
commonly blow,and with wood and cole made their
refining, the which furnaceslnPfr'** they call G^^
• " " " Since

The y^aturaU and Moral!

Since the Spaniards entred, befides this manner of re?
fining which they vft to this day : they likcwife refine
filver with quicke-filver, and draw more by this means
then in refining it by fire . For there is fome kind of fil
ver mettall found which can by no meanes be purged,
and refined by fire, but onely with quickefilver . But
thiskinde of mettall is commonly poore andweake,
the which vfually theyfindeingreateftaboundance.
They cal that poqre whichjields leaftfilvgr,and great
quantTtie otother rnettall^and that rich which yieldes
moft filver. It is ftrange to fee,not onely the difference
betwixt the refining of mettall by fire , and without it
by quicke-filver , but alfo that fome of thefe mettalles,
which are refined by the fire, can not well be molten
with anvartificialljvinde,^ bellowes 5 but when
ir is kmoled andTblovven with the naturall ay re, or na-
turallwinde. The mettall of the mines of Porcois eafi-
ly refined with bellowes , and thatofthe mines .of Po-
t<*z,i cannot be molten with bellowes, but only by the
^breath of their GUANAS, which are (mall furnaces vpon
the fides of the mountaines, built exprefly where the
wincje lies, within the which they melt this mettal^and
though it be hard to y ieldc a reafbn for this difference,
yetisitmaftcertaine and approoved by long experi
ence : fo as the greedie defire of this mettall fo much
valued amongft men, hath made them feck out a thou-
fand gentle inventions and devifes , whereof wee will
heereafter make mention. Thechjefe places ofthe In.

rawe'filver , are New Spaine,

and Peru 5 but the mines of P^« farre furpaflTe the reft;
and amongft all others of the vvoiide , thofe tfPotozi,
whereof wee will intreate alittle at leafurc, being the
moft famous and remarkeable things at ti&lndits.

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib./j.*

Of the mount MM or ^///^Potozi, W/fe difcow ry<
thereof. CHAP. 6.

THc mountaine or hill 'offotosJfb famous, fcituate
in the Province of Choreas^ the kingdorae of /Y-
ru, diftant from the Equinodtiall rowardes the South,.
or Pole Antartike, 21, degrees and two thirds : fo as
it falles vndcr the Tropicke , bordering vpon the bur
ning Zone, and yet this region is cxtreamely cold,yea,
more then old Cafliffm the kingdomecf S^/W~ and
more then Flanders it fclfe^although by reafon it (Iiould
be hote or temperate , in regard of the height and ele
vation of the Pole where itisfeated/The reafon ofthis
fb cold a temperature 5 js the height ofthe moumaitic^
whereas colde and intemperate windcs continually
blow , efpecially that which they call Thamahavi^
which is boiftrous and moft cold . It raines moft com
monly in Iunejulie,and Auguft. The ground and (bile
ofthis mountaine is drie,cold5and very vnpleafant/yea
altogether barren;,which neither engenders nor brings
forth any fruite,gra(Te,iiorgraine- itis naturally inhabi
table, for the intemperature of the heaven^and the bar-
rennes ofthe earth. But the force of filvcr , which
drawesvnto itthedefire of all things, hath peopled
this mountaine more then any other place in allthefe
Kingdom es,making it jfbfruitfull of all kindes of meats,
as there wantes nothing that can be defired , yea, in
great aboundance^ and although there be nothingbut
what is brought by carriage,, yet every place aboundes
fo with frukc, con faves exqulHte wings^lkes^jSe all o -
ther delicats,as it is not inferiour to any other part.This
mountaine is of colour durfff red, and is in forme plea
ting

izo The^aturallandMoratt

fingat the firft fight , refembling perfectly the fafliion
ofapavilion,or of a fugarloafe. It exceedes all other
hillcs and mountaines about it in height. The way
whereby they afcend,isvery rough andvrteven, and
yet they go vpon horfe-backe. It is round at the top, &
at the Jbote Jt hath a league in circuite. Itcontaines
From the toppetb the hot tome i68o.jCQmmon yardes>
the which reduced to the meafure of Spanifh leagues,
makes a quartero fa league. Atthefooteofthismoun-
tame there is another fmall hill that rifeth out of it , in
the which there hathbeenefbmetimes mines ofmet-
tajl difpearfed , which were found as it were in purfes,
and not in fixed or continued veines« yet were they ve
ry rich, though few in number. This fmall rocke was
called by the Indians Guayna Potozi, which is yong Pt-
tofyi at thefoote whereof beginnesthe dwellings of
the Spaniards and Indians , which are come to the ri
ches and worke ofPetozi , which dwelling may con-
taine fome two leagues in circuitc,and the greateft feraf-
ficke and commerce of all Pert* is in this place. The
mines of this mountaine were not digged nor difcove-
red in the time of their Inguas, which were the Lordes
of Pern^ before theSpaniardes entrcd , although they
had digged and opened the minespf Porco , neere to
Potofy, diftant onely fixe leagues. Thereafbn might be
the want of knowledge thereof, although fomc do re
port I know not what fable , that having fbmetimes la
boured to open thofe mines , a voyce was heard,com-
maunding them not to touch it, being referved for o-
thers. In truetlvthey had no knowledge ofPotozi, nor
of the wealth thereof, till after twelve yeeres that the
Spaniards were entred into Pent, theHIfco very where
of was made in this manner.

An

Hiftorie of the Indies lib. $. 2x1

An Indian called Gualpa, of the Nation of Ckumfa
lilca, which is a Province of Cufei, going one day to
hunt for venifbn 5 pafiing tovvardes the weaft whither
thcbeaft was fled , he beganne to runne vppe againft
therocke, which at that time was covered and plan-
ted with certaine trees,they call £rinua,md with thick
buflies , and as he ftrivcd to gette vp a way which was
ibmewhat rough andvneafic, hee was forced to lay
holdevponabraunch, which ifliied from a veine of a
filvermine (which fince they have called Rich) which
he pulled vp , perceiving in the hole or rootc thereof
mettall, the which hee knew to be veiy good 3 by the
experience hee had of the mines of Porco : and after
finding vpon the ground, certaine peeces of mettall,
which lay broken and difperfed neere to this veine, be
ing (carle well able to iudge thereof,for that the colour
was fpoyled and changed by the Sunne and raine. He
carried it to Porco to trie by the Guttyras ( which is the <.
triall of mettall by fire , and. having thereby found the '
great riches and his happy fortune, he fecretly digged
and drew mettall out of this veine , not imparting it to
any man, vntil that an Indian called Guanc*, of the val
ley ofXaura, which is vpon the bordures of the Cittie
of Kings, who remaining at Porco, neerc vnto Gualpa of
C^wfofe'/^pcrccved oneday-that he made a refining,
and that his wedges and brickes were greater then fuch
as were vfaally made in thofc places : and alfo increa-
fing in his expence of apparrell , having till then lived
butbafely. For this reafon, and for that the mettall his
neighbour refined was different from that of Porco, he
thought to difcover this fccret,and wrought fo,that al
though the other kept it as fecret as hee could,yet tho-
row importunitie he was forced to carry him vnto the

rockc

2 ^^ The J^jtturall and Morall

rocke of Potent , having enioyed this rich treafure full
two months. And then Gualpa the Indian willed Guan.
CA for his part to take a veine , which he had difcovcred
neare to the rich vcine , which at this day is called the
veine of Diego Centenojk&t was not leflc rich, but more
hard to diggeand todrawe foorth - and (o by agree
ment they divided betweene them the richcftrockcja
the world . It chaunced after, the fr^rfGttaffca fin3>
ing fonie difficulty to digge and drawc foorth his met-
tall , being moll hard, and the other Gutlfa refufing to
impart any of his mine vnto him, they fell at debate-fo
as GUMCA of Xtwrd grieved therewith,and with Ibmeo-
ther difcontentSjdifcovered this fccret vnto his maifter
callcdjr/&ygg/a Spaniard, who thenremained at Porc$.
This r>&;w/defirous to vnderftand the trueth , went
to Pvtozf, &finding the riches his Tdmcona or fervant
^a<^ ^coverec^ vnto k*m> caufed the Indian GUAKCA
tobeinrollcd , vndcrtaking witS him the laide^vdne;
, which was called Centexo, they call it vndertaking, that
is as much as to note and marke the mine, and fcTmuch
ground in circuite for him , which theJLgwe jgraunts
vnto thofe that difcover any mine , or vnto tKo/ethac
digge them; by meanes whereof , having difcovcred
them to the luftke, jheyj^mayned Lords ofthe mine,
to" dig and drawe foorth the filver, as being their owne*
paying only their duties vntq^Ae^King, which is a fift
£frt?/ So as thefirft difcovery andflnregrftring oftKe
mines oF?^«wasthe 2 1 . of ApriUn the yeare of our
Lord,6ncthoufandfive hundred fortie five in the ter-
ritorie vfPorco, by the faide rilUncl a Spaniard , and
Guam* an Indian . Prefently after they difcovered an
other veine, which they called the veine of Tinnc^thc
which is very rich, although it be rough and very pain-
full

Htftarie of tin Indies lib.

full to worke in, the mettall being as hard as flint. Since
thethirtieday of Auguftin the fame yeere of athou-
fand five hundred forty and five the veine called Men-
ditu was inrollcd , and thcfc are the foure principall
veines of Potent . They fay of the rich veine, thefirft
that was difcovred that the metall lay above the ground
the height of a launce , like vnto rockes, raifing the fu-
perficies of the earth > like vnto a creft of three hundred
footelong^ and thirteene_tbbtc broade, and that this
remainedbare SFvncovered by the deluge. This veine
having rcfifted the violence and force of the water 5 as
tfie hardeft part. The mettall was (b rich as it was halfc
fflvc^and this vclne continued in his bounty fiftieor
'tliree fcorc ftacfes , which is the height of a man , and
then jt failed . In this maner the mines of Pottzi were
difcovered by the Divine Providence, who (for the fc-
licitie of Spainc) would have the greateft treafure that e-
ver was in this world, difcovered , at fuch time whenas
theJEmperour Charles the fift of famous mcmoric held
t&e EmpiFe, thekingdomesof^/w, and the Seignio-
rieof htlndks . Prefently after that, the difcoverie of

*»»• -^M^« ** -»^.

Potozi was knownein Peru^ many Spaniardes, and the
moft parte of tbe Bourgeois ofthefi(vcrCittie , which
is eighfeehcl^uesTroiiiP<?^/, came thither to take
mines : yea there came many Indians from divers pro
vinces, efpecially tha GMfigdorcs vfPorcofo as within
a fhort fpaccit was the beft peopled habitation of ali
thekingdorne.

Of the ire A fun which u daily dramcfrom the rockc

4rr»0tMtai#e0fPotozi. C H A p. 7.
Have often doubted , if in antient Hiftories there
were found any & rich mines, as thofe we have feen

. *M\ ~-
* **

andMoratl

in our time in Peru. If there were ever rich mines in the
worlde3and famous for this effed, they have bin theft
ofSpaitte, which they ofCart/jagc did inioy, andfince,
the Romans, the which as I have (aide, are not oncly fa
mous and efteemed in prophane bookes, butalfo, in.
the holy Scriptures, Hee thatmaketh moft particular
mention of theft mines,- attheleaft that I have feene,is
P%/A,who writeth thus in hisjiaturall Hiftorie : They
jin'defifoer almojt in all provinces^ Ivtthat 0/Spaine is tm /

ot

which gr owes and ingenders in a barren fotle t vppon
mount tines and rocks . It is a certains and infallible thing,
that in places where they have ence difioverea any ofthefe
wines, there are others not f Am offy which is blw&ife found
in aft other mettalls , and for this the Greekesjn my opinion,
called them mettalls.lt is grange that the pits or holes ofthefe
mines cfS paine, the which they beganne to dig$e in Hanni-
bals//^^5 are at this day, and hold the names of their difco-
•uerers. Amongtt theft mines y that which Bebcllo difcovt-
redy which holdes his name vnto this day, WM veryfamoM*
*nd they fay ityeeldedfogreatriehesto Hanniball-j that evt-
rieday they gathered three hundred founds weight of fiherr
And'unto ihti.day they havewviies continued labour ingifr
thi* minefi as it k r^mdi^i / f . hsindredpa&s deep into the
mount aine^ Out of which pits, notwithstanding the deapthy
the Ga(comes that labour in them dram out the water , that
they may worke with more eafe , whileti their candelks and

\?enebretrd.m t- r i r i j • / i i t • /» /

tights loft, ana that m fucb woitndaunce^ itjeemes to be a
river . Hitherto are the woordesofPfo^thewhichl
would fet downe word by word, the better to content
fuch as know what mines be,fteing that what is tried at
this day, was then in vfe . And truely the riches of this
mine of Hannibal vpontheP/m#&*#hilles, was great
and famous, which the Jta#w#,rpofleflcd, having con

tinued

Hnlorie of the Indies lifx.j.. zz?

tinued the worke even vnto P links time, which was a-
boiu three hundred yeeres. The deapth of this mine
was fifteen? hundred pafe, which is a mile and ahalfe:
and it was fo rich in the beginning, that it was woorth
daily to the maifter thereof three hundred poundes, at
twelve ouncest^tl^poujid^But although jhis vyeje a
great treafure, it did not approach nccrc to that which
in our tune hath bin found in Potofy : for as it appear-
ethby the Regifters of the houfe of contraction of that
Province, and as many antient men worthy of credite
doe teftifie 5 vvhenas jhc licffltiatc /W& governed that
Province , the'whlchTvasmany yeercsafter the difco-
very of this mountaine , they did every faterday enter
a hundred and fifty andtwoo hundred thoufan^pce-
ces^whereof the Kings fift amounted to thirty and for-
*fy thoufand peeces^ and for every j/eereji millionand
ahalfe^jor little lefle. So as according to that computa- ^*
tion they didde drawe every day from this mine thirtie
thonfond peeces , whereof there came to the King for **«'> J3-
his fift^fixe thoufand peeces a day. e"/*™

There is yet another thing to be ipoken of, to (hew
the riches of Potty, that the account which hath -been
made, was only of iilver that was marked and cuftomed.
And it is wcl knowne in Peru, that they have long vfed
filver in theft Rcalmes, which they call currant, which
was neither marked nor cuftomed . And they holde it
for certain which know theft mines, that in theft daies,
the greateftparte of filver drawne at Potozt , was not
cuftomed, and this had courfeamongeft the Indians,
and much amongft the Spaniardes, as I have fcene con-
tinued^to my time^fo as it may appeare.,the third part of
the riches of ?0/0s/',yca the one halfe came not to light,
neither was it cuftomed . There is yet a more notable

confi-

«i, ' »

^^6 The ^jtturall andMoraU

confideration, in that which Plinic faieth , they hadde
digged a fifteene hundred pafes in this mine of Bcbclb}
and that continually they found water, which is the
greateft hinderaunce they have todrawe foorth theyr
mettall. But in this ofPotofy although they have dig
ged two hundred ftades or heights of a man in deapth*
yetTdid they never findeany water, which is the great-
eft happinefTe of this mountaine. But the mines of Por-
eo , whofe mettall is good and very rich, are at this day
left for the difcommodi tie of water 5 which they have
found in their worke- for they are two infupportable
labours in fearching of the mettall- firffto digge and
breake the rockes , and then to drawe out the water all
together. The firft of them,that is, to cut through the
rockes, is paine enough; yea very hard and exceffiverji-
nally, at this day the King receives forhisfift yeercly,^1
from the mines ofPg/gs/, a million offilvcr , befides^
the wealth that growes by quickcfilver , andotherroy- *
al! prerogatives , which is a great treafure . Some men
of iudgement having caftvptheaccomptes, fay, that
what hath becne. brought into the cuftomehoufeof
P&tofy vnto the yeere of our Lord , onejhoufandjv^
hundredeiglity,and five , amounteth vnto aliundred
thoiiland millions of peeces of eflay, whereof every
fa - L , Pcccc is woorthj^irtcejieriall^and a fourth parte, not
^ reckoningThelilver whicEhathbm caried away with-
outcuftome, or that hath beenecntredinorherroiaH
cuftome houfes, or the filver that hath beene wrought
in the country, which is not entred, the which is innu
merable, although the firft Rcgifters of Entries are not
fo exadly kept as at this day 5 for that in the beginning
and firft difcoveries, they made their rcceitbyflflwiffj
fo great was their aboundance*

But

e Indies, lib.^. 227

. But by: the -inftrudibns and remembraunccs cfiDon

'Fwncifw.de Toledo the Viceroy in the yeare of our Sa- ****

ylour Chrift, one tbouiand five hundred feavemyand

foure they find feventy and fixe millions to that yeere?

and from that yeare to eighty five inclusive, i t appeares

bytheroyallregiftcrs, there were thirty five millions

inoreentred. They fentthis accomptto the Viceroy

from P$toz,i, in the yeere I have mentioned,being then

in Ptr^ and fince the wealth that hath come from P cr»

by ihip, hath amounted to much more . In • thatflcete

where I came, in the ycaie one thoufand five hundred . M .

eighty feaven, therg^were eleven millions tran/portcd. / ^ " ****

in the two flcetsoT/V;^ &Mc~xico\ whereof two thirds

were in that of Peru , and ahnoft the one halfe for the

King. I thought good to fct this downe particularly, ^ ~ -A .

to fliew the power which hisjieavenly Maieftie hath

given to theXings of j^£^heaping io many Crowns

and -Kingdomes vpon them , who ( by the efpeciall fa-'

vour of heaven) hayeioyned the Eaft with the Weaft

Indies, invirpningThe whole worlde with thelrPowerT

T his digreiTion fiiailfove to fnew the riches of Pototy

we will now ihew how they labour in the mines, and

how they refine their niettalls.

flow they labour in the mines ofPotozl
CHAP. 8.

Boctius complaining of the firftinventerof mines,
fpakewell-

Hens primus quisfitit ille>
i^furi qw ponder A teJH.
Gemmafqtie> latsre volentes,
PrecioCapericulafodit?

The P^Aturatt and Morall

, who was tkefr

So curious &nd Acwrft*

Who digged out of the mi

UMans minde to vndermind,

Hcaviemights ofgolde ore,

Better concealdibcf ore:

i^dndpearle crept intogr<wnd>

Paleforfeare to be found:

Galwg gold, wringing rings^

P recto ft* > Lut perilous things.

yy jth reafon hecalleth them precious dangers, for the
great labour and perill wherewith they draw out thefc
mcttallSjWhich men fo much cftceme. P//^/>faies,that
in Italic there are many mines,but the Ancients would
not fuffer their people to worke in them,onely to pre-
ferve the people. They brought thefe mettalls from
fyainc, and made the Spaniards labour in the mines as
tributaries. The like doth Sftinc now with the Indies 9
for there remaining many mines of mettall yet in
Sfaiflcjhsy will not Tecke them,nor fuffer any to worke
in them, by reafon of the inconveniencies which hap-
pen daily, but they bring them from the Indies, where
they digge it with much labour and perill . Thisrocke
ofPotozi, containes as I have faid 3 foure principair
velnes, that is, the Rich veine, thatofc^/^^ that of
Tinne,and that ofMtmktt* All thefe veines are of the
Eaft part of the mountaine , as looking to the Sunne
* „ rifing, for on the Weft partthere is not any. The fore-
faid vcines runne from North to South, which is from
Pole to Pole. In the largeft place they have fix fopte,
and in the nan-owSaTpanne bredth. There arc others
of divers fafhions that runne out of the faid veines; like
as out of the great armes of trees, there commonly

fprowt

Htilorie of the Indies Atb.-^.

(prowtfoorth lefle. Everic vcine hath divers mines
which arcpartesand portions of the fame,di(Hn<3and
divided betwixt divers Mafters, by whofc names they
are commonly callcd.The great mine containes jburc-
fcore yardes , neither raayTt be more by the law, and
the leaft containes foure . All thefe mines are at this
day very deepe. In the rich mine they reckon 78.
mines,which are So.yards deeper a hundred ftades or
height of a man, anci infomeplaoes two hundred . In
theveineofCm.w, are 24. mines , whereof fome arc
70. or 8©. ftades deepe, andfo of the other veines of
this mountaine. For a remedie to this great profun-
ditie, they have invented mines, which they ca\\Socc*
fonts , which are caves or ventes made at the footc of
the mountaine,the which go croffing til they incoun-
ter with the veines : for v/ee muft vnderftand, that al
though the veines ranne North to South, as hath been
faid , yet is it in declining from the toppe to thefootc
of the- mountaine, which may be as they beleeveby

And by this

account, ai .hough the mines extend in fuch a proFun-
ditic, yet there femaines fix times as much fpaccvmo
thebottome or roote,the which they fay ,aremoft rich
and aboundant , as the body and fpring of all veines.
Although vnto this day we havcfeene the contrary by
experience, for the higher the vemeis to thefuperfici-
cs of the earth, the more rich the^BndeTtTancTthe dee
per it goes, the poorer it is, and of the ba(er aloy.
They then invented the Soccabonsfcy which they enter
to work£ in the mines very eafily , with lefle charge,
paine,arid danger. They haveeightfoote in breadth,
and a ftade in height,the which they fliut with doores.
By them they drawc forth their mettall very eafily,

¥he 3^aturatt and Moratt

& the proprietary of the S&ccabon , the fift part
of all the mettall they draw forth . There are nine alrea
dy made, and others are begunne. They were twenty
' v ^ and nine y ceres in making_of oncSofcato^ as they call
it /of the venome tharfloweTh'om the rich vcine. It
was begunne in the yeere 1550. the eleventh yeere of
the..difcoverie,and was ended in the yeere 1585. the ele
venth of Auguft. This Soccabon croffedthe rkhveine
thirtiefive ftadesfrotn theroote orfpring, and from
thence where it met to the mouth of the mine , were a
hundred thirty fiveftadcs. So as they muft defcend all
this depth to labour in the mine. This Soccakon con-
• v- taines from his mouth vnto the veine otCrufcroi& they

***** callit, 250. yardes, in which worke were fpent twentie
nineyeeres, whereby wee may fee what great paines
men take to draw filver cut of the bovvells of the earth.
They labour in thefe mines in ^ontjnualldaiiccnes and
obfcurltle, without knowledge of day or nigEFT And
forafmuch as thofe places are never- vifited with the
Sunne- there is notonclycontinualldarkenes^butalib
an extreame colde, with fogroge anjii re con traryjp
thedifpofidon of man rfoas, fuch as newly enter^are
ficlce^as they at fea. The which happened to me in one
of the(e mines , where I felt a paineatjtheheart , and
beatingof the ftomacke.Thofe that labour therein,vfe
candles to light them , dividing their worke in fiich
fbrt,as they that worke in the day , reft by the night,
and ft> they change.The mettall is commonly hard^and
therefore they breakelt with hammers , fpnttrng and
hewing it by force , as if they were fiintes. After they
carry vp this mettall vpon their fhoulders , by ladders
ofdiree branches, made of neateslether twiftcdlike
peeces of wood , which are crofled with ftavcs of

wood-

Hiftoneofthefnclies. lib. 4.. 251,

wood; fo as by every one of thefe ladders they mount
and difcend together.They are ten ftades long a peece:
and at the end of one, beginnes another of the lime
length, every ladder beginning and ending at plat-
formes of wood , where there are feates to reft them,
like vnto galleries, for that there are many of thefe lad
ders to mount by one at the end of another. A man
carries ordinarily the weight of two Arrobes ,of met-
tall vpon his fhoulders 3 tied together in a cloth in ma-
ner of a skippe,and fo m ount they three and three. He
that goes before carries a candle tied to his thumbe:
for (as itis faid,)th ey have no light from heaven , and
fogo they vp the ladder holding it with both their
handes, to mount fb great a height, which commonly
isabovecihun^^ thing,and

wliich^5reeds an amazement to rhinke vpon it,(b great
is thedefire offilver, that for the gaine thereof^men in.
dure any paincs. And truly it is not withouf rcafon5
that Plime treating of this fubieft , exclaimesand faies
thus,f^ enter even into the bowdkcfthe earth >and go hm-
ting after ricbs$>even to ths place of the dammd. And after
in the fame boolce hefaieth : Thofethat feeke for met-
tails , performe*workes more then Giants , making
holes and caves in the depth of the earth , piercing
mountaines fo deepe by the light of candles , whereas
the day and the night are alike , and in many moneths
they fee no day. So as, often the walles of their mines
fal,fmotheringmany of them that labour therein. And
afterwardes he addes , They fierce the htrd rocke with
harmmrsofyrov , wayingi$oj>otiftdes^ and draw out the
mttu'l vpon their fiottlders, labour ing day and wight y o:ic
delivering his charge to another , and a!lin darkenes ^ owly
th& loft fees the light; with mdges and hammers they brukc.^

the

Tfie Datura! and Moratt

theJJintes , how hard <wdftroflgfoefuer 5 for the hunger of
gold i* yet more farfc andftrong . This Plinic faies , who
although he fpeakes as a hiftoriographerofthat age,
yet doth he feeme to prophecie of this time. Neither
is it IcflTe which Phocion ofAgatkarchides reports of the
great travell they indure , whom they called Chryfios,
in drawing out of golde : for as the faid Author faieth,
gold and filver are as painefull to digge and drawc
forth, as they are pleafing to poflefle.

How they refine the Mcttatt of Silver CHAP. 9.

np He Veines as I have (aid , where they finde filvtf,
A runncs betwixt two rockes. which they call the
^ Chafe 5 whereof the one is commonly as hard as flint,

and the other (oft and eaficto breakc. This mettall is
not alwaies equaL and of the fame bountie, for you
{hall finae in one and the fame vcine , onefbrt of met
tall very rich /which they adlCu?//*, otTMaita, from
which they draw much filver • and another is poore,
from whence they draw little. The moft rich mettall
of this mountaine.isof the colour o^mbcr . and the
fiext is that which Inclines to black?? There is other
fomcwhat red, and other of the colour of aflies : final
ly of divers and fundric coloures, which feeme to fuch
as know them not, to be ftones of no value . But the
miners do prefcntlyknow his qualitieand'perfedion,
by certaine fignes and fmall veines they finde in them,
carry all this mettall they drawe out of thefe
ftiines,vpon Indiffi flicepe > which fenT them as Affes
to carryit to the millcsbthe richeft mettall is refined by
melting in thofe fmall furnaces , which they call Guay*
m>for that is moft leadie; by reafon whereof, it is mort

fubied

Htflorieofthefndici.

fubicft to melt, & for the better melting thcrof, th'/#-
dions caft in amatter,they caUfrw0fo,which is a mcttal
fal of lead. The raettal being in thefe f urnafes, the filth
and earthie drofle , through the force of the fire , re-
maincs in the bottome, and the filver and lead meltj
fo as the filver fwimmes vpon the lead,vntill it be puri
fied • then after they refine the filver many times, after
this maner of melting. They have vfuallydrawneout
of one quintall of mcttall, thirtie^ fortie, and fiftie pee^
ces ot /ilver , and yet I have feene tome moft excellent
that have bin fliewneme, where they have drawne in
the melting; two hundred, yea, two hundred and fiftie ^ t>e\*$
peeces of filver of a^uintall of mettall; a rare wealth* Jr
and almoft incredible , ifwe had not ieene the tryall
thereof by fire, but fuchmettalls are verie rare. The
pooreftmetDll isthauvhichyeeldestwo, three, five,
or fix peeces, or little more. This mettall hath com
monly little lead,but is drie, and therefore they cannot
refine it with fire. And for this reafoa in PotoQ , there
was great ftore of thefe poorc mettalls , whereof they
made no great account, but were reie<aed like ftrgvy,
and as the skumrae of the' good mettall 5 vntill they
found meanes to refine itbyquicke-filver^ whereby
theskumme they^alled OquiMbe was of great profir,
forthequicke-filverby aftrange and wonderfuil pro
pertie , purifies the filver , and is apt for thefe mettalls
which are drie and poore, wherein they confumclefle
quicke-filvcrthen in the richer: for the richer they are>
the more needc of quickc-filver they have. At this day
the moft vfuall inancr of refining in P^/^',is byquiclcc-
filver, asalfointhc mines ofCacttcca, and others of
new Sftute. There were in old time vpon the fides and

/, above fix thouland Gwyr<u, which

— *~

arcfmall furnaces where they melt their mettall , the
which were placed like lightes, ( a ples&nt fight to be
hold by night,) caftinga lighta farre offlike aflame of
fire. Butat this day there are not above two tfaoufand,
for that (as I havefaid,) they vfe little melting , but re
fine it by quicke-filver, the which is the greateft profit.
And for that the properties of quicke-filver are adrai-
rable^ind that this mancr of refining of filver is remark
able, I will difcourfe of quicke-filver , of the mines
and worke, and what is requifite for that fubiecfr.

v

Ofthew&n^rfiillfropcrt^sof^mcke-fihcr.
CHAP. 10.

/~\ Vickefilver, fo called by the Latines , for that it
V^junnes and flides fuddcnly from place to place,
amongft all other mettalls hath great and wbnderfull

r Yffurc* The firft ls,although it be a true mettall,yet is
it not hard,neither hath it any certaine forme norfub-
fiftance like to other metta!Is,but is Iiquide5not like vn-
to gold and filver molten, but of his owne proper na-
ture^and although it be a liquor , yet is it more heavic
then any other mettall : and therefore all others fwitri
above and finke not to thebottome., being more light.

*Efiave feene_two poundes ofyjon put into a barrell of
quicke-filver, thevvhich did"fwimme aboutJikevnto

t<t wood or corke vpon the water . Phnie gives an excep
tion heerevnto, faying, that gold alone doth finkc and
not fwimme above it. I have not feene the experience;
but it may be this grovves 5 by reafbn that quicke filver
by nature doth inviron gold 5 and covers it , which is
one of themoft important properties it hath • for it

ioynes

tt$orie of the India, lib.^ ^^><j

ioynes with gold in a ftrange maner , it feekes it where
it lies, and invirons it in fuch fort, as it doth diftinguifli
and feperate it from any other body or mettall where
with it is mixt : for this reafon fuch take gold as will
preferve themfelves from the dangerrs and difcommo-
dities of quicke-filver. They have vfed a remedic to
thofe (in vvTiofe eares they had put quicke-filver, to
caufc them to die fecretTy, ;"io putlittle plates of gold
into their eares, (for that gold hath the vertue to draw
out Mercurie,}jnd[after they drew out thefe plates all
whltewith the quicke-lilver, itdidftickcvntp .them..
Being one day at Madril, Invent to fee theexquifitg
workes which lacomo deTreco, (a rare worke.man of]
Mila#y) made for S.Laurence theJfc&r//, itwas my haj
to be there one day, whenas they gilded certainep<
ces of a counter table of brafle, which is done wit!
quicke-filver;and for that the fume of Mercuric is mor-
tall , he told me that the worke-men preferved them-
felvesfrom this venome, by fwallowing a double duc-
katofgoldroledvp; the which being in tHefiomacke,
draw^ vnto it all the quicke-filver that enters in fume
by the eares, eyes, noftrilles, and mouth, and by this
meanes freed themfelves from_ the danger <of quicks
filver,which the gold gathered in the ftomacke^nd af
ter caft out by the excrements : a thing truly worthy of
admiration. After the quicke-filver hack purified and
purged gold from all other mettallsand mixtures, he
islikewife feperated from the goldehis friend by the
heate of the fire , the which purifies it from all quicke- ^

filver. P//#/Vfaies.jtatb^

they did fepera'tegoldTfrom quicke-filver . It feemes to
me the Ancients had no knowledge to refine filver by
quickc-filver, which at this day is the greateft vfe, and

chiefc

The SVjtturall and Morall

chicfe profitc of quickefflvcr ; for that he faies plainely,
that quickefilver ioynes with no other metrall but with
gold^and when he makes mention of refining of filver,
he fpeakes onely but of the manner of melting; where
by wee may inferre that the Ancients had no know
ledge of this fecret . In truth, though there be a league
and iimpathie betwixt golHe~and' quicksilver, yet
wliereas the mercuric finaesnogbld/it ioynes with fil-
ver, though not in the like maner as with gold - but in
theend,itdoth clenfe and purge it ftyip earth, copper.
& leadjamongft the which" tiie (ilvcr growes, without
any ne^de of fire to melt it : y e t m uft they vfe fire to fe-
rperatc it from'tBelilver,as"I will (hew hereafter.Quick-
Clver holds no account of other mettalls , but of golde
ind filver-but contrariwife it doth corrupt them,force
and confumc them , and fiieth from them as much as
may be. The which is like wife admirable , and for this
caufe they put it in earthen veffells, or mbeafts skinnesv
For if it be put in veflells of copper, of yron , or other
niettall /it preiently piercethand corrupts them^nd
therefore Plmie calleth it the pbyfon of all things , for
that it confumcs and fpoyles all. Wefinde quick-filver
in the graves of dead^men , which after it hath confu-
med the bodies, comes foorth pure and whole. There
hath beene likewife found in the bones and marrow of
men and beafb,who having received it in fume by the
mouth and nofthrills,congeales within them and pier,
ceth even vn to the bones. Therefore it is a dangerous
thing to frequent fo perillous and mortall a creature. It
hath an orheLpropertie, which ist to runne and make a
liundred thoufand 'fiiiall droppes, whereof not one is
loft, be they never folittle, but they returne every way
to their liquor . It is almoft incorruptible, having no
thing

Hijlorie of the Indie?, lik^, 237

thing in a maner that may confume it. And theifpre P//-
nie calles it the eternall fweate. It hath yet another pro-
pcrtie, that although it depth feparate gold from cop
per, and all other met talles, yet they that will guildc
copper, brafle, or filver, vfe quicke-filvcr as themcancs
of this vnion ; for with the helpe thereof they guilde
mettalls. Amongeft all the woonders of this Orange li
quor that feemes to me moft woorthy obfcrvation.that
although it be the weigh tieft tiling in theworlde, yet
is it converted into the lighteft of the worlde, which is
fmoake, and fodainely the fame fmoake which is fo
light a thing , turnes againe into io heavy a fubftance,
as is the proper liquor of quicke-filver , whereinto it is
diflblved; for this fmoake ^countering the mettall on
high, beingafolidebodie, or comming into acolde
region , fbdainely it thickens and is converted into
quickefilver , and ifyou fet him once againe to the fire,
hee dooth likewife returne into fmoake, to be refolved
againe into quicke-filver . Aftrange tranlmutation of
fo heavy a fubftance into fo light a thing^and of fo light
into fo heavy, the which we may hold for a rare thing
in Nature. And therfore the Author of Nature is iuft-
ly to be glorified in thefe and all other ftrange proper
ties of this mettall , feeing that all things created doe
properly obey their fecretand vnknownelawes.

i-flfoer, and how they
dtfiovmdtheferich mines in Guanc&*
vile*. CHAP. u.

Vicke-filverisfoundin akinde of ftone, which
clooth likewifeycdde Vermillion, which the An-

tients.
\

z$8 The 3^aturall and Moral!

tients called Jl//#/V^and atthis day they call the Ima
ges ot criltall miniades, which are painted with quick-
filver. The Antients made great accompt of this Mini
um or vcrmillion, holding it for a facred colour, as Pit-
#/>reportes, faying, that the Romans were accuftoiued
to paint the face oflupiter, and the bodies of thofc that
triumphed in Ethiopia : yea their idollcs and their Go
vernors likewifc had their faces coloured with this Mi»
mum . And this vermillion was fo cfteemed at Howe,
(which they brought onely from Spaine , where they
had manypittes and mines of quickefilver, which con
tinue there tx>t55^3ayy"tEat"tnc ^war/v fufFered it not
to be refined in Sfaivc,le& they (hould ftealc fomc ofit,
but they carried it to 'Rome, fealedVp in a mafic as they
drew it out of the mine, and after refined it . They did
yecrely bring from SP4inc, especially from Andalufic, a-
bout tenne thoufana pound weight, which the Romdtis
valued as an infinite treafurc. I have reported all this
out of that Author, to the end that thofe which doe fee
what pafleth at this day in Peru , may have the content
to know what chanced in former ages,among the migh
ticft Lords of the world.I fpcake for the InguiK kjngsof
Peru, and for the naturall Indians thereof wRcKnavc
laboured and digged long in thefc mines of quickc-fil-
ver , no t knowing what quickc-filver was, feekingone-
\\f^Cinabrium or vcrmillion, which they call Limpi,
the whlcK they cfteemc much, for that (ame effeft that
P//»/>reportes of the Romans and. Ethiopians, that is, to
paint the face and bodies of themfelves and their idolls:
the like hath been much pradifed by the Indians, efpe-
cially when they went to the warres , and vie it at this
day in themfeafts and dauncing , which they call flub-
bering/uppofing that their faces and vifages fb flubbe-

red,

Hittorie of the Indies lib.^,

red, did much terrific, and at this day they holdc it for
an ornament and beautifying^for this caufe there were
.. ftrange workes of mines in the mountaines ofG*4MA~-
vilcA^ which areiri Peru , neere to the cittie ofGujman-'
jwjjOUt of the which they drew this mcttal,it is of fuch
a manner, that if at this day they enter by the- cares or
Socuboms, which the Indians made in thofe day es, they
loofe themfelves, finding no paffage out : but they re
garded not quicke-filvcr, which naturally is in the fame
iubftanccor mettall of vermillion, neither hadde they
knowledge of any fuch matter.

The Indians were not alone for fb long a time with
out the knowledge of this treafure,butlikevvifethe Spa
niards, who vn till the -yeare of the incarnation of our +». ifft .
Saviour>one thoufand five hundred three fcore and fix,
and threescore and leaven (at fuch time as the licenti
ate ta//r0 governed in P^raj) difcovered not the mines
of quicke-filver > which happened in this manner.
A man or iudgement called Henrique Guarcts, a Portu-
gall borne, having a peece of this coloured mettall , as
I have faide, which the Indians call Limpi, with which
they paint their faces, as hee beheld ic well 5 found it to
be the fame which they call Vermillion in Cajltffe 5 and
for that hce knew well that vermillion was drawne out
of the fame mettall that quickefilver was, hee coniedu-
red the(e mines to be of quickefilver, went to the place
whence they drew this mettall, to make mail thereof.
The which hee found true , and in this forte the mines
of/V£V#inthe territorieof Gu^mangua^ being difco
vered, great numbers of men went thither todrawc
out quickefilver, and ib to carryjtto Mexico, whcrg
they refine filver by"themeanesofquickefirver, whero^
with many areinriched. This country of mines which

R they

^ 4.0 The J^aturall andMorall

they call GtuwMvilcajNtt then peopled with Spaniards
and Indians that came thither , and come ftill to workc
in thefe mines of quicke-filver, which are in great num
bers, and very plentiful! : but of all thefe mines, that
which they call d'Amador de Cabrera , orofSaintes, is
goodly and notable. Itisarpcke of moftjiard ftone,
interlaced all with quickcnlvcr , and of that greatnefle,
that it extendcs abovefoure fcorc Tarres or yardes in
length, and forty in breadth; in which mine they have
many pittes and ditches, ofthree Tcore and tenne ftades
decpe, foas three hundred men may well worke toge
ther- fuch is the capacity thereof . This mine wasdif-
covered by an Indian tfAmador ofCtkrera, called Na-
. vwcopd of the villa gevf-Acoria; the which Amddor of
Cabrer* caufed to be regiftred in iaisname . He was in
furteagainft the Procurer fifcall , bht the vfufruitc was
adjudged to him by fentence as the difcoverer.SinceTTe
foldc his in terefl to another, for two hundred and fifty
thoufaud ducates ; and afterwards thinking he had bin
deceived in the fale , he commenced an adionagainft
'the buyer, being worth, as they fay, above five hun
dred thoufand ducats ; yea,(bme holde it to be worth
a million ofgolde : a rare thing to fee a mine of that
wealth.

Whenas Don Fraxcifco of T^W^governcd in Pcrte;
there was one which had bin in <JMexicoy and obferved
how they refined filver with mercury , called Pere Fer-
nandesdc Valefio , who offred to'refine filver at Potoz-i,
with mercury- and having madetriall thereof in the
yeare of our redemption , one thoufand five hundred
ftaventyandone, pcrfourmed it wkh credits ; then
beganne they to refine filver at Poto^ vrith quickfilver,
which they tranfported from GHOttfiwtticqH*, which

was

Hiflorie of the Inches lib..]-.

was a goodly helpe for the mines ; for by the meanes
of quickefilverthey drew an infinite quantity ofmcttal
from thefe mines, whereof they made no accompt, the
which they called fcrapings . For as it hath bccnc fold,
the quickefilver purifies the filver, although it be cine,
poore.anct of bale alloy ^ which ^an not bcdoonebv
melting in the fire . The CatholikeKingdrawes from
it quickefilver mines, without any charge or hazard,
almoft foure hundred thoufand pecces of a mine , thc_
which are foureteene rialls a peece, orlittlc lefle,bdides
tHc rights that rife in Potozi , where it is imploycd, the
which is a great riches. They doe yearely^one with an
other , drawe from the(e mines of Guwcavrtca , eight
thoufand quintalls of quickefilver, yeaand more.

The maner hw to drwt out fyvcke-filvtr , And bow
they refine Silver. CHAP. 12.

LEtvsnow fpeake how they draw out Quicke-fil-
ver, and how they refineSilver therewith. They
take the ftone or mettall where they finde the quicke-
filver, the which they putinto the fire in pots of earth
well luted,being well beaten, fo as this mettall or ftone
commingtomeltbythe heateofthefirc, the quicke.
filver feperates it felfe, and ffocsforth in exhalation,
and (bnietimcs even with tHciliioalicFoiFthe fire, vm'dl
it incoimtcrs iomc body where it itaigsand congcales,
and ifit pate vp higher, without meetingbfany hard
fubftance, itmountesvpvntiilitbecoldej and then
congeled,itfallesdowne againe. When the melting is
finilhed , they vnftoppe the pottes and draw forth the
Aicttall,fometimes flaying vntill it be very cold, for if

R a there

The ^aturall and Moral!

there remained any fumeor vapor, which fliould in-
counter them that vnftopt the pottes^they were in dan
ger of death/or to bebenummed ot'their limbes, or at
tKelcaft, to bpie their teeth. And for that they fpend
an infinite quantitie of wood , in the melting of
thefe mettalls. A Miller called Rodrtgo dc lores,
found out a profitable invention, which was, to gather
certaine draw which growes throughout all thofc
mountaines of Peru, the which they cdlTche, it is like
vntoa hard reede wherewith they make their fire. It is
aftrange thing to fee the force which this ftrawhath
to melt and diflblve thefc metta!ls5the which falles out,
l& ( as Plinic (hies> that there is gold which melts more eafi-
ly with the flame of ftravv , then with hote burning
coales. They putthe quickejSlycr thus molten into
skinnes, for that itTceepes beft in lether,and in this jfbrt
they lay it into the Kings ifare-hovvfe, from whence
they carry it by fea to driqua, andfo to P0t0zj by land
vpon their fhcepe. There is yeerely /pent in Pcto^i for
therefining of mettalles , about fix or feven thouiand
qutntalles of quicke-filvcF3 Tbdides that they drawe
Irom the plates, (which is the earth or drofTe of the firft
wafliings of theft mettalls, which are made in cal
drons.) The which plates they burne in their furnaces,
to draw out the quicke-filver which remain es in them:
and there are abovejfifde of thefe furnaces in the Citie
ofPrto^t, zndinTarpaya. (The quantitie of mettalls
which they refine , (as ibme men of experience have
made the account,) doth amount yeerely to above
threehundrcd thoufind quintalles/rom the earth and
Brofle wRctebTbeing molt and refined,they may draw
yeerely above two thoufand quintalles of quick-filver.
We muft vi^rfbndthere are divers fortes of mettalk,

for

Hittorie of the Indies, lib./}..

for fome yeclde muGhfilvcr > and wafte little c^uicke-
IjTvcr; .others confumc much quickc-filvcr, andyeclde
little iilver* • and there are others which confume much
qiiicke-filver,and yeeldes much fiber- and others that
confume little quicke-filvcr.and alfo yeelde little filver;
and as men incounter in thefe mettalles , fo they grow
rich or poore in their trafficker. Although commonly
the rich 'mettall yeeldes much filver, and confunles
much quicke-fiiver ; and likewife that which is poore,
yeeldes little filver, and confumes as little mercuric.
They firftbeat and grinde the mct'tall very faall, with
hammers ana othenn(truments,which beat this ftone
likevnto tannc milles, and being well beaten, they
fearceit in a copper fearce,making the poulder as fmall
and fine, as if it were horfehaire : thefe fearces being
well fitted, doefift thirtie quintalles in a day and a
night- then they put the poulder of the mettall into the
vdTelsvpon furnaces, whereas they anoint it and moi>
tific it with brine , putting to everie fiftie quintalles of
pouT<JeF5five quintalk of fait. And this they do for that
the fait feperates the earth and filth 5 to the end the
quicke-filver may the more eafily draw the filver vnto
it. After they put quicke.filver into a peece of holland
andpreffe it out vpon the mettall, which goes forth
like a dewe,alvvaies turning and (Hiring the mettall, to
the end it may be well incorporate. Before the inven
tion of thefe furnaces of fire, they did often mingle
tlieir mettall with quicke-filver, in great froughes, let
ting it fettle fome daies, and did then mix it, and ftirre
it againe, vntill they thought all the quicke-filver were
well incorporate with the filver , the vyhich continued
twgntie daies and more , and at the le'aff nine daies.
Since they difcovcred (as the defire to get is diligent,)

R 5 that

The 3\(aturaU andMoratt

that to (horten the time fire did much' helper to incor
porate filver the (boner with quickc-filver, they inven
ted thefe furnaces , whereon they fct veflels to put in
their mettall , with faltand quicke-filver ^ and vnder-
neath they put fire by little and little, in furnaces
made for the nonce vnderneath^fo as in five or fix dales
the quicke-filver is incorporare with the filver. And
when they finde that the mercuric hath done his part,
and aflembled all the filver, leaving nothing behinde,
but is well imbrued as a fpunge doth water,dividing it
from the carthjead, and copper , with thewhichitis
engendered. Then aFtcrthey leperate it likewife from
thequicke-filvcr, the which they do in this fort ; they
put the mettall in caldrons , and veii'ells lull of water,
wherewith certaine wheeles they turne the mettall
round about,as iftheyfliould make muftard,andfo the
earth and drofTe goes from the mettall with the water
that runs away:The filver & quicke-filver as nioft pon
derous remaining in the botome- the mettal which re-
maines,is likevn'co fandrthen they take it out and wafli
it againe in great platters of wood,or keelcrs full of wa
ter, ftill drawing the earth fromit,vntill they leave the
filver and quicke-filver well clenfed. There flippes a-
wayalfofomefmall portion of filver and quicke-filver
with the earth and drofle , which they call wafhings,
the which they after wafli againe and ^3i5\v out the
remainder. When the filver and quicke-filver are clen
fed and beginne to fhine, and that there remaines no
carth,thcy put all the mettall into a cloth , which they
ftraine Jout very tercibly^To'as all the quicke-filver
palTeth out, being not incorporate with the filver, and
the reft remaines as a loafe of filver ? like to a marke of
alnapnds prcfled to draw oyle. And being thus preiied,
the

Htilorie of the Indies, lib. 4., 24.*

the remainder contoines but the fixtpartin filvciyand
five in' mercuric. So as if tFere remaipes a markc of
threeicorc pounds, ten are of filver,and fiftie of mercu*
rie. Ofchefe markes they make pinnes, (as they call
them,)like pine apples,or fugar Ioaves5 hollow within,
the which they commonly make of a hundred pound
weight ; then to federate the filver from the quickest-
ver, they put it into a violent hre, which they"coVeif
with an earthen vcflell,like to the mold of a fugar loafe,
orvntoa capuchonorhoode, the which they cover
with coales, and fet firevntoit; whereby the quicke-
filver exhales infmoake , the which ftrikingagainft the
capuchonpf earth,it thicRns an3fdiftil!s jik€ 'vnto tKc
firioalce of a potte covere J; and by apipelikevnto a
limbecke, they receive the quicke-fdver which diffills,
the filver remaining without changing the forme v bu t
invveight it is dimimjEeH'fivc partes or that it was, and
tlie which is worthy tlie obiefvation.

Of two of thefe loaves they make one barreof^lver, ,
in weight 65 . or 6 6. markes ; and jtuhis fort they carry
J£5Q tl^ ipucHTciiftome, andmarke. SilveiTdrawnc
with merojrie, islolne , that it never abates of two -
thoufand three hundred and fourefcore of alloy, and it f *
is fo excellent , that the worke-men areinforced to a-
lay inputting (bme mixture tolt, as they do likewife in
their mints, whereas their mony is ftampt. Silver in-
dures alljhefe martiredomes? (if we may fb call it.)' to
berefined , the \vhich if we confider weflTit is a bodie
framed where they grinde,fift> kn'eadejay the levcn, &
bake the filver : befidesalhhis, they wafli it and fraflh it
againeb they bake it and bake it againe , induringthe
peftells,fives,troughes,furnaces, caldrons, prcfles: and
finally, by the water and fire. I ipcake this, for that fee-

R 4 ing

The ^(atftraB aridMorall

feeing this art in Potofy, I did confider what the S crip-
tare fpeakes of the iutt,Colabit eosetfur^abit quail ar^en-
*£2^ And that which they fpeaEcTnafethcT pan , Sic
vTargentumfurgatum terra y purgatum feptuplum. So as
topurifiefilver, to refine and clenfe it from the earth
and ftone where it engenders, they purge and purifie
it feven times : for in eflfedt it pafleth their handes (even
times, yea, oftener, vntill it remaines pure and fine • fb
is it in the word of God , where the foules muftbe (b
purified3that (hall inioy the heavenly perfection.

Of their Engines to grinds the metutt, And of their
triallofSiher. CHAP. 13.

TO conclude, thisfubie&offilverandof mettalls,
there remaines yet two things to fpeake of, the one
is of their engins ana milles, the other of their eflay or
triall : I have faid before5how they grinde their oiettah
for therecevingof the quickfilver,which is done with
tiiverfe inftruments and engins , foinewith hories like
yntx> hand-milles , others like waFcr-millcs » of which
two ForteslfHere "are great numbers, but for tEat the
' water they doe vfe commonly, is but of raing,whereof
they have not fiifficient bin three months ; jnlKe^care/
Decemberjanuary, and February [for this reafon they
have made Lakes and ftanding Pooles^vhich containe
•ini'circuite about a thoufand and fix hundred roddes,
and in deapth three ftades^ there are (eaven with their
fluces : fb as when they have ncede of any water, they
raift vp a fluce , from whence runnes a little ftreame of
water, the which they ftoppe vppon ho!y-dayes. And
when the Lakes and Pooles doc fill , and that the y earc

abounds

Hiftorieoftbefndiu. Jib.^. 24.7

abounds with raine, their grinding dooth then conti
nue fixe or feaven moneths; fo as even for filvers fake
men defire a good yeere of Vaine in Potozi, as they doe
mother places for bread. Thereare_forneother£ngins
in Tarapaya<whidi is a valley threcfor foure leagues di-
flant from Potozi , whereas there runnes a river as in Q-
ther parts. The difference of thefe engins is, that fome
J;QC with fixe peftels.fom_c with twejve,and others with
foureteene. They grindeand bcate tRe mettall in mor-
ters, labouring day and night ; and from thence they
carry it to be lifted , vpon the bankes of the brooke of
Potozi. Therearefortjreight water-milk, of eighteen,
and twelve peftells,and foure oinhe other fide, which
they c2\\Tanacogmgnoim the CittieofTarapaya, there
are two and twenty engins all vpon the water 5 befides
there are thirty goe with horfes in Potofy, and many o-
thers in divers Cartes, fb great the defire of man is to
get filver, which is tryed by deputies appoy nted by the
King.

To give the alloy to jvery peece, they cary the bars
of filver«vnto the Allay maifter, who giv^ to 'every one
his number, for that they carry many at once5he antes
a fmail peece oiFevery one, the which he weighs iuftly,
and puttes them intoacrufct> which is a fmall veflcll
rna3e ot burut bones beaten ; after hee placeth everie
crufibleinhisorderinthe furnace, giving them a vio
lent fire, then the mettall melteth, and that which is
lead, ^oes into fmoakc , andriie copperand tinne di(^
folves, the diver remayning moft fi(ie,^of the colour of
fire. It is a ftrange thing, that being thus refined, al
though it be liquide and molten , yet it never fpilles,
were the mouth of the crufiblc turned downewardes;
but it remaynethfixed , without the lofle of a droppe,
~^~~~ ' "THe

The Datura! and Morall

' The Aflay maifter knoweth by the colour* and other
* fignes, when it is refined^ then dooth he draw thecru-
fibles from the fire, and weighs every peece curioufly,
obferving what every one wants of his weightier that
which is of high alloy^ jvaftes but little, and that which
is baler, diminiflieth much • & according to the wafte,
he fees what alloy he beares,according to the which he
markes every barre pundually . Their ballaunce and
weights are fo delicate , and their graines fo fmall , as
they cannot take them vppe with the hand , but with a
fmall paire of pincers : and this triall they make by can
dle light, that no ayre might moove the ballance. For
of this little the price of the whole barre dependeth.
In trueth it is a very delicate thing,and requires a great
dexteritie, which the holy Scripture vfeth in many pla-
ces,to {hew how God prooves his chofen;andto note
the differences of the merites oFEuKTwlieFeas God
gives the titIe^fH~Af!aj^maifter to" the Prophet lere-
wic , that hee may trie and declare the fpirituall vertuc
of men, and of his workes , which is the proper workc
of the Spiritc of God, being he that weighs the Soules
of men . We will reft content with what we have fpo-
ken touching filver, mcttalls and mines , and will paffe
to the two other mixtures , the which are plants and
beafts.

Of Emcraldes. CHAP. 14.

IT (hall not be from the purpofe, to fpeake fbm thing
of Emeraldes, both for that it is a pretious thing, as
golde & filver, as alfo for that they take their beginning
jjfrom mines and mettalls,as Ptinie reportes. The Eme
rald hath bin in old time in great efteeme , as the fimc

Author

Hiftorieoftbefndic!t< lib.^, 24.9

Author writes , giving it the third place amongft all ic-
welles and pretious ftones, that is next to the diamond
and pearle . At this day they doe not fo much cfteeme
the Emerald ,nor thepearle, for the greataboundance
is brought of theie twd forts from the Indies , onely the
diamond holds the principality, the which can not be
taken from it. Next,the rubies comein price and other
ftones, which they hold more pretious than tire Eme
rald. Men are fo defirous of fingularities & rare things,
that what they fee to be common,they do notefteeme.
They report of a Spaniard , who being in Italic when
the Infos were firft difcovered, (hewed an Emerald to
a Lapidary, who asking him the value thereof, after he
had well viewed it, being of an excellent luftre and
forme , he prized it at a hundred ducats : he then fhe-
wed him an other greater than it , which he valued at
three hundred ducats . The Spaniard drtinkc with this
difcourfe , carried him to his lodging , (hewing him a
casket full . The Italian feeing fo great a number of E*
meralds, fiyde vnto him , Sir, theft are well woorth a
crowne a peece : the like hath happened both at the
Indies and in Spaine , where the ftones have loft their e-
ftimation,for the great abundaunce they findc of them
there.

P//#y reportes many excellencies of the Emerald, a-
mongft the which he faith , that there is nothing more
pleafing, nor more healthfull for the fight; wherein he
hath reafbn, but his authority importeth little, feeing
there is fuch ftorc . It is reported that Lelia a Romanc
Damebdfowed vppon a fcoffionand a garment cm-
broidenfd with pearle and emerald 400000. ducats,the
which at this day might be doone with lefle than forjy
thoudnd ducats, yea two fuch . In diverfc partes of the

Indies*

hdits, and the Kings of Mexico , didde much efteeme
them; fome did vfe to pierce their nofthrils, and hang
therein an excellent Emerald : they hung them on the
vifages of their idolles. Thegrcateftftoreisfoundin
the NewKingdomeof Grenado, andPm/, neerevnto
MAnta and port VkiL There is towardes that place a
foile which they call , the Land of Emeraldes 5 for the
knowledge they have of aboundance to be there : and
yetvnto this day they have not conquered that Land.
The Emeralds grow in ftones like vnto criftall 5 I have
feene them in the famcftone , fafhioned like a veinc,
and they feeme by little and little to thicken and refine.
I have feene fome that were halfe white, and halfe
greene 5 others all white, and fome greene and very
perfite. Ihave feene fome of the bignefTeofa nut, and
there have bin fome greater foundrbut I have not kno-
wen that in our time they have found any of theform
and bignefle of the platt or iewel they have at Genes.thc
which they efteeme (and with reafbn) tobea iewellof
great price, and no relique ; yet without companion,
the Emerald which Tk&pttrajtw fpeakes of, which the
King tfBabilon prefented to the King of Egypt, furpaf-
feth that of Genes $ it was foure cubitcslong , and three
broade, and they fay, that in /#/y/<T/TcmpIe,there was
a needle or pyramide, made of foure Emeralds ftones
of forty cubits long, and in fome places foure broade,
and in others two : and that in his time there \vasm
Tir in Pier cules Temple, a pillar of an Emerald . It may
be (as Plinie faieth) it was of fome greene ftone, fbme-
whatlike to theEmerald.aed they called it a falie Eme
rald. As fbme will fay, that in the Cathedrall Church
of Cordofa there are certaine pillars of Emeraldes which
i'cmaine fince it was a Mef quite for the Kings Mirama-

molws

Hiftorie of the Indies, lik.q.* 251

matins Moores , which raigned there. Inthefleete, the
yeareone thoufand five hundred eighty and feven, in
the which I came from the Indies 3 they brought twoo
cheftsof Emeraldes, every one weighing at the leaft
foure^r0£tf, whereby weemayfeetheaboimdauncc
they have. The holy Scripture commends thefe Eme
ralds as pretiousiewells , they number themamongeft
the pretious ftoncs, which the hie Prieft carried on his
Ephod orbreaft-plate, asthofc which did beautifie the
walks of the heavenly tirttfilem.

CHAP. 15.

O'w that we intreat of the.great riches that comes
from the Indies, it were no reafon ta forgette the
Pearle, which the Ancients c^&MMgueritts > and at
the firft were in fo great eftimation , as none bu t royalt
perfbns were fuffercd to weare them : . but at this day
there is fuch aboundance as the Negrcs themfdves do
v/earechaincs thereof 5 they groivein lliellsor oyfters,
in eating whereof I have found pearles in the midddt
of them : Thefe oifters within are of the colour of hea
ven, very lively. In (bme places they make fpoones,the
which they call mother of Pearle. The pearles do differ
much in forme,in bignes5figure, colour and poli(hing5
folikewife in their price they differ much. Some they
call Ave Mtriacs, being like thefmall graines of beades*
others are Pater softer s , being bigger. Seldome (hall
you finde two of one greatneffe,forme,and colour.For
this reafbn the Romans (as Pliny writeth) called them
Vnions. Whenas they doe finde two that are alike in all
poyntes, they raifc the price much>e(pecially foreare-

ring.

The Wjituralland Moral!

rings. I have fccnc fomc payres valued at thoufands of
ducats , although they were not like to Clccpatr^es two
pearles, whereof Pliny reportes , either of them being
woortha hundred thoulan.d ducats , with the which
this foolifli Quecne vvonne a wager fhe hadde made a-
gainft-W '^rc Anthony, tofpendin one fupper above an
hundred thoufand ducats- fo at the laft courfc fliee di£
folved one of thefe pearles in ftrong vineger, & dranke
itvp. They fay the other pearle was cutt in two, and
placed in the Pantheon at Rome, at tli eares of the image
of Venus. Efipe reportes of Clevis thefonne of a Come
dian, who in a banquet prefented to every one of his
ghefts (amongeft other meates) a rich pearle diiTolved
in vineger, to make his feaft the more royall and fump-
tuous.

Thefe were the follies of thofe agcs,and thofe at this
day arc nothing IclTe, for that we fee , not onely hattes
andbandes, but alfo buskins, and womens pantofles,
(yea ofbafe condition) imbrodred all over with pearle.
They fi(h for pearles in diverfe psrtes of the Indies, the
greateft aboundaunce is in the fouth Seas , nccre vnto
Panama, where the Ilandes of pearles be , as they call
them. But at this day they finde greateft ftore, and the
beft, in the north Sea , the which is neare to the rive
of Hatch. I did fee them make their fifliing, the which
is done with great charge & labor of the poore flaves,
which dive fixe,nine, yea twelve fadomcs into the fta,
to feeke for oyfters, the which commonly are fattened
to the rockcs and gravell in the Sea, they pull them vp,
and bring them above the water to their canoes, where
they open them, drawing forth the treafurethey have
within them. The water of the Sea in this parre is veric
colde, but yet die labor and toile is greateft in holding

of

Hi/lorie of the Indiet. lib*4>

of their breathjfbmetimes a quarter,yea halfe an hourc
together,being vnder the water at their fifhing. And to
the end thefe poore (laves may the better continue and
holde their breaths, they feede them with drie meates,
and that in fmall quantitic , (b as covetoufncfle makes
them abftaine ana faft thus againft their willes . They
imploy their pcarles to diverfe workes> and they pierce
them to make chaincs, whereof there is great (tore
in every place. In theyeere of our Lorde onethoiu
(and five hundred eighty one I did fee the note of what
came from the Indies for the King, there were eighteen
maces of pearle 5 befides three caskets , and for parti
culars, there were twelve hundred threefcore and foure
marks , and befides them, fea ven caskets not pierced/
which heeretofore we would have efteemed and helde
for a lie.

Ofths Indian Bre4dymd0fMajst C HAP. 1 6 .

IN our difcourfe of Plants, wee will beginne with
thofc which are proper and peculiar to the Indies^
and after with the reft that are common to the Indies
and Europe ; and forafmuch as plants were chiefly cre
ated for the nourifhmentofman, and that thechiefe
( whereof he takes his nouri(hment,)is bread5it (hall be
good to (hew what bread the Indians vfe, and where
on they live for want thereof. They have (as we hare
heereja proper name, whereby they note and figni-
fie bread, which at Peru, they call Tanta, and in other
places by another name. But the qualitieand fubftance
of the bread the Indians vfe , differs much from ours:
for we findc not they had any kinde of wheat or barly,

nor

The J^aturall and Moral!

£or any other kinde of graine which they vfc in Europe
o make bread withall : infteede whereof they vfed
other kindcs of graincs and rootes , amongft the
which Mays holds the firft place 5 and withreafon, in
Castile they call it Indian wheat , and in Italic they call
it Turkey graine. And even as wheat is the moft com*
mon graine for the vfeof man, in the regions of the
old world, which we Europe, Afia, and Affrikc : So in
- the new found worlde, the moft common graine is
Ways, the which is found almoft in all the kingdomes
of the Weft Indies, zsatPcrtt, new Spain, in the new
kingdomeof Grai9adotmGautima!la,in Chillc, andvpon
the maine land. I do not finde that in old time, in the
Hands ofBarbvwtt, as Cuba S. Dominique, lawaique,
and S. lean , that they vfed Mays : at this day they vfe
ttiuchr^andc^^/, whereofwewill prefentlyin-
treate. I do not thinke that this Mays is any thing infe-
riour to our wheat, in ftrength nor fubftance , but it is
more hote and grofle , and engenders more bloud,
whercvpon they that have not bin accuftomed there-
vnto,if they eat too much,ihey fwell and becomefcab-
bed. It growes vpon canes or rcedes; every one bearcs
one or two grapes or branches, to the which the graine
is faftened^and although the graine be bigge, yet finde
they great (lore thereof, (basin fome cluftersl have
toldfeven hundred graines. They mU ft plant it with
the hand one by one , and not very thicke ; it defires a
hote and moift ground, and growes in great aboun-
dance in many places of the Indies. It is not ftrange in
thole countries to gather 300. Fanegues or meafures for
one fb wen. There is difference of Mays as there is of
wheat,one is great and very nourishing, another frnall
anddrie, which they call Moroche 5 the grccne leaves

and

Hifiorte of the Indies lib^. 2?*

and canes of Mays, is a good foode for their mules and
horfes^and it ferves them for ftraw when it is dried; the
graine is of more nouriilirnent for horfes thenbarly-
and therefore in thofe countries, they vfe to water their
horfes before they eate, for if they fhould drinke after,
they would fvvell as when they eate wheat. Mays is
the Indians bread, the which they commonly eate
boiled in the graine hote , and they cal! it Mote, as the
Chmw &ndlopp0Mis eate their Rice fodden with the
hote water- fomettmes they eate it baked. There is
fome Mays round and bigge, as that of Lucanat, which
the Spaniards eate rofted as a delicate meat, and hatha
better tafte then Bwbciffes , or rofted peafon. There is
another kinde of eating it more pleafant, which is, to
grinde the Mays ; and to make fmall cakes of the flow-
cr,the which they put in the fire, and then bring them
hote to the table. In fome places they call th em Arc-
fM. They make alfo round bowles of this paite , and fo
trimme them that they continue long, eating it as a
dainty difh.

They have invented at the Indies (for frhmdifeand
pleafurc)acertainckindeofpafte, they doe make of
this flowc mixt with fugar, which they call bifcuits and
mellinders. This Mays ftrves the Indians,not only for
bread, but alfo for wine : for they do make their drinke
thereof, wherewith they are fooner drunke than with
wine of grapes . They make this wine of Mays in di-
verfe fortes and maners, calling it in Peru AC*A, and by
the moft common name of the Indies chicfu. And the
ftrongeftis made like vnto beere, fteeping the graine
vntilfit breake . After they boy le it in fuch fort , that it
growes fo ffarong., as alittle overthrbwes a man . In Pe
ru they call this Sora, it is defended by the Law, for the

S great

256

great inconveniences that grow thereby , making men
drunke. ButthisLaweisillobferved, for that they vfe
it ftill ; yea they fpend whole dayes and nights in drin-
kingcarowfe. Pliny reporteth, that this mancrof beve-
rngeofgraine ftieped, and after fodden • wherewith
they were drunke, was in old timevfed in SfaineyFrdftC€
and other Provinces , as at this day in FUnders they vie
ale made of mault. There is another maner of making
this ACIM or Chicba^ which is to charnpc the mays, and
make a leven thereof, and then boile it- yea the Indians
holdc opinion , that to make good leven , it muft bee
champed by old withered women, which makes a man
ficke to heare , and yet they doe drinke it. The clean-
Heft manner, the moft wholefome,and that which leaft
harmcth , is to roaft the Mays, which the moft civil In-
duns doe vfe, and fomc Spaniardcs , yea for phyficke :
For in effed they findc it a very wholefomc drinke for
the rtines , fbas you (hall hardly finde any one at the
•Indies complaine of painein the backe, for that they do
drinke of this Chicha. The Spanyards and Indians eatc
this Mays boyled and roafted for daintinefle , when it
is tender in the grape like milke^ they putteit into the
pot, and make fawces that are good to eate. The buds
of Mays are very fatte,andferveinftecdeofbutterand
: oyle : fo as this Mays at the Indies fervcs both for men
\ and beafts,for brcad,wine,and oilc. For this rcafbn the
Viceroy Don Francifio de Toledo fa/de, that Peru hadde
two things rich, and of great norifliment, which were
Mays, and the cattellofthecountrey. In truth he had
reafon , for thefe two things didfervc them as a thou-

I will aske fooncr than I can anfwer it, whence -M*ys
was firft carried to the Indies > and why they do call this

profits-

Hi florie of the Indies* lib.^*

profitable grainc in lulic, Turku grained for;in trueth I
doc not findc that theAmientsmakeanymentioixof
this grainejthough that mil (that Plwtc writes to come
from the Indies into ///*//>, tenneyeares before he didde
write it) hath fbme refemblancc vnto Mays , for that it
is agraine, as he faics, that growcs in reede, and covers
it felfc with the Ieafe,and hath the toppe like haircs, be
ing very fertile^ all which things agree not with mill.
To concIude,God hath imparted to ev'ry region what
isneedcfull. To this continent he hath given wheate,
which is the chiefe nourishment of man-and to the In.
dians he hath given Mays,which hath the fecond place
to whcate , for the nourifhment of men and beafts.

, Papa, Chunes^
CHAP. 17.

IN fome partes of the indies they vfe a kinde of bread
they call Crww, which is madeofacertainerootc
they call Tuca : This Tuca is a great and groffe roote,
which they cuttc in fmall mor&lls, they grate or fcrapc
it, and then put it in a preile to ftrainc, making a thinnc
and broadc cake thereof, almoft'like vnto a Moores
target or buckler^ then doe they drie it , and this is the
breade they eatc. It hath no tafte , but is healthfull and
of good nourishment: For this reafon wcfaid, being at
S. Demimke, that it was the proper foode for great eat-
crs, for that they might eate much, without any fearc
of furffetting . They muft of necdlitie water this Caca*
iv before they eate it : it is fliarpe , and eafely watered
with water or broath, wherein it is very good,for that
it (wells much , and fo they make Capirottdcs, but iris

S 2 hardly

258 The^aturallandMorall

hardly (Ueped in milkc, inhonnyofcancs, or in wine,
for that thefc liquors cannot pierce it , as it doth bread
made of wheate. Of thisOww there is one kind more
delicate than any other, which is that they make of the
flower called Xauxau, which theydomuchcfteemein
thofepartes. For my pane, Icfteeme more a morfell
of bread,how hard & black foe.ver. It is a ftrange thing
that the iuice or water that commeth from this roote
when they ftraine it, which makes the Cacwi is a dead
ly poifon , and killes any that drinkes thereof : but the
fubfhnce that rcmaineth, is a very wholefome bread
andnourifhment, as we have (aide. There is another
kinde ofYttca, which they call fweet, and hath not this
poyfonintheiuyce : this is eaten in the roote boyled
or roafled, and is good rccate . Cacavi will keepe long,
and therefore they carry it to fca in fteede of bifcuit.
The place where they vfe-moft of this bread, is at the I-
lands of Eayloeutnte> which are S.Domimcke, Cuba, Port
Ricco, lamaiqucy andfome others thereabouts- for that
thefoile of thefe Hands will neither beare wheate, nor
3/ays, for whenas they fowe wheate, it comes vp wetf,
andisprefcntlygreene, butfovneqtiaHy,asthey can
not gather it ; for of the feede fowen , at one inftant,
fome isfpindled/omeisin the eare, and Ibmedoth but
biid,one is great and an other little , one is in the <*raf!e
and another in the graine; and although they have car
ried labourers thitherto fee if there were any tillage or
Art to be vfed , yet could they finde no remedy for the
quality of the earth . They carry mcale from New
Spaixe or the Canaries, which is fo moid, that hardly
can 'they make any profitable bread, or of good tafte.
The wafer cakes wherewith they fay MafTc", did bend
Hke to wetpaper^ by reafonof the extreame humiditk

2nd

HiHorie of the Indies, lib. 4..

and heate which are ioyntly in that countrey. There is
another extreame contrary to this, which hinders the
growing of mais or wheate in ibme parts of the Indies,
as on the heigh t of the Sierre of Pm/,and the provinces
which they call of Colas, which is thegreateft pane of
this Realme , where the climate is fa colde and drie , as
it will not fuffer any of thefe ieedes to grower in fteede
thereof the Indians vfe an other kindc of roote , which
they call Papas, thefe rootes are like to grownd riuttes,
they are CnalTrootes, which caft out many leavcs.They
gather this PapM , and dry it well in the Sunne 3 then
beating it they make that which they call Chuno, which
keepes many daies, and fcrves for bread . In this realirie
there is great trafficke otcbuno, the which they carry ta
the mines of Poto^t : they likewifeeate of thefe Pjp^s
boyledorroafted, thereisonefweete of thefe kindes,
which growes in hot places, whereof they do make cer-
taine fawces and minced meates,which they call Locro.
To conclude, thefe rootes are the bread of that land- ro
as when the yeare is good, they reioyce much, for that
aftendmes they freeze in the earth, la great is the cold
of that Region : they carry Mays from the valley or
fca coaft, and the Spaniardes which are dainty , carrie
likewife from the fame places wheate meale , whereof
they doe make good breade, becaufe that thelandis
drie.

In other partes of the Indies, as at ifaPhilippinQ
they vfe Rice infteade of bread, whereof there growes
very good , and in great aboundance in all that coun
trey, and in china, and it is of good nourifhment, they
feethe it in purcelaines, and after mix it hote with the
water amongeft other meates. In many places they da
make their wine and drinkc of this Rice , fteeping, and

S 3 then

andMoraU

then after bcty ling it, as they do thebcerc in F launders,
or the ACHA in Pm/.Rice is a meate not much lefle com
mon and generall throughout the world, than wheate
ormays,andperchaunce more; forbefides that they
vie it, inChina^ loppon, and the Philippines, and in the
greateft parte of the Eaft indies $ it is a graine moft com
mon in Affrike and Ethiopia . It requires a wet ground,
almoft ovcrflowneliketo a medow.In Eurept,Peru,and
Mexico , where they have the vfc of wheate, they eatc
Rice as a meate, and not for bread- they feethe it with
milke or with broth , or in fome other forte. The moft
exquifitcRice commeth from the PhilippincsmAchi-
riA, as hath been e fay de. Andthismayfufficetovnder-
ftand what they eate generally at the Indies in fteade of
bread.

Of divers Rootes which grow At the Indies.
CHAP. 18.

Although in thefe parts the Land be moreaboun-
dant and fertile in fruitesthat growes vpon the
earth, by rcafon of the great diverfitie of fruite trees,
and plants we have $ yet for rootes and other things
that grow vndcr the earth , the which they vfe for
meates, in my opinion there is greateft aboundance
there : for of thcfe kindesof plants,wc have readiihes,
turneps, parfncps, carrots, lickes, garlike, and fome o-
ther profitable rootes.But in thofe countries they have
fo many divers fortes , as I cannot reckon them ; thofc
which I now remember befides Paf&, which is the
principally there is Ocas, TCAnocecM, Camotes,Fata4^ Xi-
r, TUCA, CochuehA, Cavi, Trtora, Mani, and an in-
number of other kindcs, i&ti\t-P*uttrts , which

they

Htilorie of the Indies, lib. 4..

they cate as a delicate and toothfonae meate. They
have likewifc carried Fruitcs to the Indies from thele
parts, the which profpcr better there, then the Indian
plants do, brought into Europe • the reafon in my opi
nion is,for that there is greater variety of temperatures
then in thcfe partes, by meanes whereof, the plants in
thoferegions do rife and profper better , fitting them-
felves to the temperature they require, And th£ rootes
and plants which grow there , and were not tranipor-
ted from hence,are better then they be heere- for oni-
ons , garlike and parfnips are not in Spainc, as they be
at Pm*:and as for turnips, there is fo great abundance,
as they have increafed in fo me places in fuch fort , that
as they have affirmed tome,) they could notdeftroy
the aboundance which grewvp, for to (owe corne
there. Wee have feeneredifhrootesasbiggcasamans
arme, veiy tender, and of a good taftey and of thefe
rootes I have fpoken, fomeferve for ordinarie meate,
as the CAinores, which being rofted, ferve as pulfe.
There arc other rootes that ferve them for dainties,
as the Cochuchoi it is a fmall fweete roote, which fomc
preferve for more delight. There are other rootes fit
to coolers the Piquima, which is in qualitic very cold
and moift, and in dimmer it rcfrefheth and quencheth
the thirft-but the Pap^f and 0<r^,be the chiefe for nou-
ri(hmentandfubftance. The Indians cfteeme garlike
above all the rootes of Europe , and hold it for a fruite
of great force : wherein they want no reafon,for that
it comforts andwarmes the ftomacke, for that they
eate it with an appetite rawc as it comes out of the
ground.

S4 of

^6^ The y\atttratt and MoraU

Of divers fortes of greens Hearts , nndPu>lfes> nnd of
thofe they call Con combreSyPines^or Pine Apples >fwall
frxties of Chi\\c>Arifl of Primes. CHAP. 19

S Being wee have begunne with the leifer Plants, I
might in few words, touch that which concernes
Flowers and Pot-hearbes , and that which the Latines
cz\\Arbttjla, without any mention of trees. There arc
fbme kindes of thefe (hrubbes at the Indies , which arc
of very good tafte. Thefirft Spaniards named many
things at the W/mvith fuch Spanifh names,as they did
molt rcfemble^as PwesjConcombres^nd Prunes, althogh
they be very different fruites to thofe which are (b cal
led in Spaine. T he Pines,or Pine-aples, are of the fame
fafliion and forme outwardly to thole ofCatflle, but
wi thin they wholy "differ, for that they have neither
aples,nor fcales5but areall one flefh, which may beea-
ten when the skinne is off, it is a fi uite that hath an cx-
-cellentfmell, and is ver)r pleafant and delightfull in
tafte,it is full of iuycc, and ofa fweeteand fliarpe tafte^
they eate it being cut in morcclls , and fteeped a while
in water and fair. Some fay that this breedes choler,
and that the vfe thereof is not very healthfull. But I
have not feene any experience thereof, that might
breedebeleefe. They grow one by one like a cane or
ftalke,which rifeth amongfl: many leaves,like to the lil-
lie,but fomewhat bigger. The apple is on the toppe of
every cane, it growes in hote and moift groundes, and
the beft are thofe of the Hands QfB&tip0ttc. It growes
notinP^», but they carry them from the Andes, the
which are neither good nor ripe. One prefented one
of thefe Pine-apples , to theEmperour Charles the fifr,

which

HiHorieofthefndiet.

which muft have coft much paine , and care to bring
it fofarre, with the plant from ihc-lfiJies, yet would he
not trie the tafte. I have feene in new ty^'^confervcs
of thefe Pines , which was very good. Thofe which
they czllConcowbres, are no trees, but fhrubbes, conti-
nuingbut oneyeerc. They gave it rhis name, for that
fome of this fruite, and the moft part, is in length, and
roundnes like to the Cwcombres of Sfaine : but for the
reft they differ much, for they are notgreene, but vk>~
let,yellovv,or white, neither are they thornie or rough,
butpolliihedand even , having a very different tafte,
and farfe better then that of S fains , for they have a
ffiarpe fweete tafte, very pleaafant when it is ripe , yet
isitnotfofharpeasthePine. They are very coolc,full
of liquor andofeafiedigeftion, and in time ofheatc,
fit to refrefli. They take away the rinde which is white,
and all that remaines is meat. They grow in a tempe
rate foile, and require watering. And although for the
refcmblance they call them. Concombres , yet are there
many ofthem round,and others of a different fafihiori:
Ib as they have not the figure ^Concombres. I do not
remember to have feene this kinde of fruite in new
Sfaitte> nor at the Hands, but vpon the Laws of Pent.
That which they call the little fruite of Chillc, is of the
Iamefort5very pleafantto eate, & comes neerethe tafte
of chcries, but in all other things it differs much : for
that it is no trcc,but an hearbe, which growes little and
fpreades vpon the earth , cafting forth this little fruite,
the which in colour and graines , refembles almoft the
mulbery, when it is white and not ripe, yet is it more
rough and bigger then the mulbery. They fay this lit
tle fruite h naturally found in the fieldcs ofchilk,
where I have feene ofthem. They fet it vpon plants

and

and branches, anditgrowcs like any other fhrubbe,
Thofe which they call Prunes , are verily the fruites of
trees , and have more refcsnblancc then the reft to our
plumbs. There are divers forts,whercof they call feme
Prunes of Nicar*g*ajhe which are very red and fmall,
and have little meat vpon the ftone, but that little is of
an exquifitetaftc; and of a fharpenes, as good,or rather
better then cheries. They hold this fruitc to be very
holefbme , and therefore they give it to ficke folkes, e-
{pccially to provoke an appetite. There are others that
be great and of a darke colour , they have much meat,
but it is grofTe and of no taftc , like to the Chwacanas,
which have every one two or three fmall ftonesjBut
toreturne to pot-hcarbs , Ifinde not that the Indians
had any gardins of divers hearbs and plants, but did
onely till the land in fomepartes for pulfes, which
they vfe , as thofe which they call Fr/ folks and Palarcs,
which ferve them aseurlcntils, beanes, or tares : nei
ther have I knowne that theft pulfes,or any other kinds
that be in Europe, were there before the Spaniards en-
tred,who carried plants and pulfes from Sprite thither,
where they now grow and increafe wonderfully , and
infbrae places cxcccdc greatly the fertilitie of thde
panes. Asifwcfpeakeofmellons which grow in the
vallieof Yuca, in Peru, whoferoote becomes a flalkc
that continues many yeeres carrying mellons yeerely,
and they trimmc it like vnto a tree; a thing which I do
not know to be in any part o£Sp#Me. But that is more
monftrous of the Calibaffes or Indian Pompions , and
the greatnes they have as they grow, cfpecially thofe
which arc proper to the Countrie , which they call
Capallos^ the which they eatc moft commonly in Lent,
boiled arid trimmed with fome other fa wee. There arc

Htttorieoftbefndics. lib.^.,

athoufandkindcsofCrf//^^?/, fomcarc fo deformed
in their bigncs, that of the rindc cut in the middcft and
clcnfed , they make as it were baskets to put in all their
meat for their dinner. Ofthclcflerthey make vcflells
to cateanddrinkc in , and do trimmc them hanfomcly
for many vfes. I have fpoken this of fmall plants, wee
will now fpeakc of greatcr^butfirft of their ;fv/, which
isoftheleffer.

!

0/Axi or Indian Ptfper. CHAP. 20.

THey have not found at the Weft Indies any kinde
of Spices, proper or peculiar to them, as pepper,
cloves, cinamon, nutmegges or ginger, although one
of our company, who had travelled much, and indi-
vcffcpartes, toldevs, thatinthedefartsofthellandof
famdqM he had found trees where pepper grevve . But
they arc not yet aflured thereof, neither is there anie
trade of theft fpices at the Indies ,. The ginger was car
ried from the Indies to Hift*nioUy and it hath multipli
ed fo, as at this day they know not what to do with the
great aboundaunce they have. In the fleetcthc yeare
1 5 87 .they brought 2205 3 .quin tails of ginger to Seville:
but the naturall fpice that God hath given to the weaft
Indies j& that we call in Cc/?/#,Indian pepper, and in In.
dia,Axi , as a generall worde taken from the firft land
of the Hands, which they conquered. In the language
ofCufeo, it is called rchu , and in that of Mexico , Chili.
This plant is well knownc, and therefore I will fpcakc
alittle, onelywecmuftvnderftand, that in oldctime
it was much efteemd amongft the Indians,which they
carried into places where it grew not , as a marchan-

dife

^66 The ^atural and Morall

difeofconfequence.lt growes not Vpon cold grounds,
as on thcSitmofPcrtt, but in hote valleis , where it is
often watered . There is of this Axi of diverfe colours,
fome is greene/ome red , fome yellow, and fbme ofa
burning color, which they call Caribe, the which is ex-
trcamely (harpe and biting; there is an other fort not fo
fharpe, but is fo fweete, as they may eate it alone as any
other fruit . There is fome of it very fmall and pleafing
inthemouth, almoftliketothcfmellofmuske, andis
very good . That which is (harpe and biting in this A-
xi, be the veines and the graine onely 5 the reft is not :
for that they eate it greene and dry, whole and beaten,
in the pot , and in iawces, being the chiefe fawce, and
'allthefpicethey have at \hcIitJics. When thisAxi is
token moderately, it helps and comforts the ftomacke
N^ fordigeftion : but if they taketoomuch , it hath bad
cfFe(5h,for of it fclfe it is very hote,fuming,and pierceth
greatly, fo as the vfe thereof is, preiudiciall to the health
of yong folkes , chiefely to the foule 5 for that it pro
vokes to luft . It is ftrange, that although the fire and
heate of it be well knowne by experience., and that eve
ry man faies, it burnes in the mouth and the ftomarke;
yet fome, yea many holde, that the Indian pepper is
not hote, but co!de> and well tempered . But I might
fay to thcm,thelikefliould be of pepper- though they
brought me as many experiences as they woulde of the
one and the other : yet is it a very mockery to fay it is
not hote 5 feeingitisin the higheft degree. They vft
fait to temper this Axi, having great force to corre&it,
and fb they moderate one with the other by the con-'
^y_ / trarietie that is in them / They vie alfo Tomates^ which

arecolde and very wholefomc . It is a kinde of graine
great and full of iuyce, the which gives a good tafte to

lawce,

£liftorie of the Indies,

fa wee, and they are good to care. They have generally
throughout the Indies of this Indian pepper , at the I-
lands, new Sptine, Peru, and all the reft that is difcove-
red. And as mays is the generall grains for bread, fo 4*
xi is the moft common {pice for fcwces.

CHAP. 21.

COmming to the greater plants or trees at the Indies >
the firft that (hall be necdefull to treate of, is the
Plane QvPlttano, as the vulgar call it. I have been fbine-
times in doubt, whether the Plane which the Antients
have fo much celebrated 5 and that of the Indies were of *
onekinde. This wellobferved, and that which they
write of the other, without all doubt they will appears
to be of fundry kindes r The reafon why the Spaniards
called it Plane, (for thclndians had no luch name) was
as in other trees, for that they have found fome refem
blance of the one with the other , even as they called
fbme fruites, prunes, pines, and cucumbers, being far
different from thofc which are called by thofe names in
CdftiHe . The thing wherein was moft refemblance , in
my opinion, betwixt the Planes at the Indies^nA thofc
which the Antients did celebrate, is the greatnes of the
leaves, for that theft have them very great and coole,
and the Antients did likewiie much efteeme them for
the greatnefle and coolencfle of their leaves . It is alfo a
plant that require th much water, and in a maner con
tinually, which agrees with the facred Scripture that
faith;Z/'& to the PUne mere the waters. But in tru th their
is no more companion nor refemblance of the one
with the other , then there is (as the Proverb fiich) be
twixt an egge and a chefnut. For firft, theantient plane

carries

268 The S^atw all and Moral!

carries no fruit, at the leaft,they made no account ther-
of , but the chiefcft reafon why they efteenied it, was,
for the fhadow , for that there was no moreSunne vn-
dcr a Phnc thari vnder a roofe. And contrariwifc, the
reafon why they fhouldc regardc it atthe/W/<?/, yea
make great accompt thereof, is by reafon of this fruitc,
which is vciy good ; for they have little ihade . More
over, the antient Plane had the body fb bigge, and the
boughs fo fpread,that Pliny reporteth of one Liciniw a
Ilomane Captaine, who with eightecncof his compa
nions dined at cafe in th'hollow of one of thefe planes:
and of the Emperour Caiw Caligula, who with eleven
of his ghefts feafted vpon the toppc of an other Plane,
where he made them a fumptuous banquet. Thelndi.
an Planes have neither fo great nor hollow bodies,nor
fobroade boughs . He faieth moreover, that thcaunti-
ent Planes grew in Italic and in Spain* , although they
had beenc brought thither from Greece $ and firft from
Afia y but the Indians Planes growe neither in Italy nor
mSpainc. I fay they growe not there, for although we
have fccnc fome at Seville in the Kings gardins^yet they
profper not, nor are of any account . Finally, whatfoc-
ver they find alike betwixt the one and the other,is ve
ry different. For although the leaves of tfeeauntient
Planes were very great , yet were they not fuch,nor fb
grcatasthofcatthe/W/'tf, feeing that Pliny compares
it to the leafc of a Vine or Figge tree.
6 The leaves of the Indian Plane, areofa wonderfull
bignes, and are, in a maner, fufficient to cover a man
from the foote to the head , fo as no man can doubt
but there is great difference betwixt the one and the
other. But put the cafe that this Indian Plane be diffe
rent from the ancicnt,yct deferves it no lefle commen
dation,

H&orie of the Indies lil>4.

dation, it may be, more, byreafon of the profitable
qualities it hath. It is a plant that makes a ftocke within
theearth , out of the which fpriqgs many and fundric
fiens and fprigges , divided, and not ioy ned together.
Thefc fprigges grow bigge, every one making a (mall.
tree apart," and in growing they .caft forth thefe leaves,
which are of a fine grecne iinooth, and great as I have
faid. When itisgrownetothcheightofa ftadeanda
halfe, or two, it ptutes forth one only bough of fruite,
whereon Ibmetimes there are great numbers of this
fruite, and (bmetimes lefte. I have tokbvponfbmeof
theft boughs three hundred, whereofevery one was a
(panne long morcorlefle, and two or three fingers
bigge; yet is there much difference heerein , betwixt
fbme and others, they take away the rinde , and all the
reft isafirmekernelland tender, good toeate,and nou-
lifting. This fruite inclines more to cold then heate.
They are accuftomed to gather the boughs or clutters,
as I have faid,being greene, and put them into veffells,
where they ripen,being well covered, especially when
there is a certaine hearbe mingled with it, which ferves
for thiseffca. If they fuffer them to ripen on the tree,
they have a better tafle , and a very good fmell , like to
Camoiffcs or fweet apples.They laftalmoft all theyeere,
for that there arealwaicsyong ones that grow out of
this ftocke; fo as when one endes, another beginnes to
yeclde his fruite, the one is halfe ripe and the other be-
ginnes to bud anew , fo as one fucceedcs another, and
the fruite continues the whole yeer?. In gathering the
clufter, they cut the fprigge or ftalke , for that it beares
but one , and never but once : but as I have faide , the
ftalkeremaines, and cartes forth newfienesorftalkes,
vmill it growes olde and dies. This Pkne continues

many

2 jo

many yeares, and requires much moifturc , and a very
hote ground. Theyputafliesatthefooteof it, for the'
better entertaining t|j£rof3and they make finall groves,
and very thicke , which are of great profit and revenue
vnto them ; for that it is the fruite they vfc moft at the
/W^andisgenerallin all places, although they (ay
the firft beginning comes from Ethiopia. And in trueth
the Negros vfe them much y and in fome places they
fervc them as bread,y ea they make wine of them.They
cate this fruite ravve like other fruits- they likewife roaft
it, and makertiany forts of potages, and conferves,and
inalhhingesit fcrveth very well. There is a kindeof
fmall Planes, white and very delicate, which in Hif]>4-
nioU they call Dominiqucs. There are others which arc
ftronger and bigger, and red of colour. There growesT
none in the kingdocne of Peru , but are brought from
the Indies^ as from Mexico , Cucrnavaca, and other val-
lies . Vpon the firme land , and in fome Hands there
are great ftore of Planes, like vnto thicke groves. If this
plant were fit for the fire, it were the moft profitable of
all others, but it is nothing fit,for neither the body nor
the boughs will burne , and much leffe will it fcrvc for
building, being a fappy wood, and without force. Yet
Don Alwze DArzJlU (as it is faid) vfed the leaves of this c
tree dried , to write a pai te of the Auricana,3x\& in truth
it may ferve for want of paper, feeing that the leafe is as
broade as a flieet of paper,or little lefle^and foure times
as long.

A

Of CACAO and Coca. CHAP. 22.

,Lthough the Plane be the moft profitable.,yet that (
CACAO is moft cfteerncd at Mexico , and the COCA in

Hiftomoftke fndict. lib.^. 271

in which two rrees they have great fuper/HtionL
The Cacao is a fruit little lefle than almonds , yet more
fatte , the which being rqafted hath no ill tafte. It is fb
much efteemedamongeft the Indians (yea and among
the Spaniards) thatit is one of the richeft and the-grea-
teft traffickes of new Sfainc : for being a drie fruite5and
that keepes long without corruption,they cany whole
jDhippes loaden from the province QfGuati&aSa. The
laftyearean Englifti Pirat did burnein the Port of Gua- . 4 •
tulco in newSprifte, above a hundred thoufand charges
of Cacao. They vfe it in fteede.of money , for with five
Cacaos they buy one thing, withthirtiean other, and
with a hundred an other , without any comracfidion.
and they vfe to give it to thepoore tha^beg for almes.
The chiefe vfe of this Cacao y is in a drincke which they
£&\Chocff0t#t£i whereof they make great accprnptiii
that Country, fooliflily, and without reaib^jgfor it is I
loathfbme to fuch as are not acquainted wiiSlf,having ]
askumme or froth that is very vnpleafarit to tafte, if
they be not very well conceited thereof. Yet it is a
drinke very much eftecmcd among the Indians,where-
with they feaft noble men as they pafle through their
Country. The Spaniards both men and women, that
areaccuftomed to the Countrey,arc very greedy of this
Chochdlate. They fay they make diverfe fortes of it,fbmc
hotCjfome colde, and fbmc temperate, and put therein
much of that ' Chili ^ y ea they mike pafte thereof, the
which they fay is good for the ftomacke , and againft
the Catarre . Whatfbevcr it be , fuch as have not been
nourifhed there , are not very curious thereof J-The
tree whereon this fruitegrowes , is of reafbnable big-
nefle, and well faflnioned , it is fo tender, that to keepc
itfromtheburaingoftheSunne, they plant neerevn-

T to

iji The 3^atural and MoraK

toit, a great tree, which ferves onely to fhadow it , and
they call it the mother of Cto0.There are places where '
they are like to the Vines and Olive trees o¥spajnc*fh&
province where there is greateft abundance for the traf-
tike of Marchandife, is Guatiwal/aJfiheve growes none
in Peru, but Cocay wherein they hold an other great fu-
perflition, which feemes to be fabulous. In tructh the
trafHcke of Coca in Poto&t doth yearely mount to above
halfea million of peeces, for that they vfc foui^Jjcoir
and : tgnne2 or foure fcore and fifteene thoufand baskets
every yeare . In the yeare , one thoufand five hundred
/f f) jeightythree, they fpent a hundred thoufand. A basket
of Coca in Cufio is woorth two peeces and a halfe , and
three-and in Fttoziit is readily worth foure peeces,and ,
five Tomixes, and five peeces tried. It is a kinde of mar
chandife, by the which all their Markets and Faires are
made with great expedition. This COCA whereof they
makefuch account, is a {mall greene leafe, which grow-
cth vpon fmall trees about a fadojne high, and in hote
and moyft grounds; every foure moneths it cafts forth
this leafe , which they call Trejmitaf or Tremoy • it re
quires great care in planting, beeing very tender , and
much more to keepe it, when it is gathered . They laic
it in order in long & narrow baskets, and fo lade theyr
fheepeofthe Country, which go in troopes^vith one,
two, or three thoufind baskets of this marchandife.
They bring it commonly from the Andes and vallies,
where there is an extreamc heate , and where it raines
continually themoft part of the yeare: wherein thc/»-
ditnf endure much labour and painc to entertaine ir>
& often many dic-fqr that they go from the Stem and
colde places to till and gather them in the Andes . And
therefore there hath beene great queftion and diverfity

of

Hiftorieoftbefndies. lib.^.. 275

of opinions among learned men,whether it were more

| • expedient to pull vp thefe trees, or to let them growe,

but in the end they remained . The Indians efteemc it

much, and in the time of their Kings Inguat it was not

lawfull for any of the common people tovfcthis Coca.

without licence from the Governor. Their vfe is to ca-

ryitintheirmouthes, chawing it. and fucking out the i

iuyce3but they fwdlowjtnot^They fay it gives them '

great courage., and isVery pleafing vnto them . Many

grave men holde this as a fupcrftition & a meere imagi

nation : for my part,and to fpeake the truth, I perfvvade

not my felfe that it is an imagination-but contrariwiic,

I thinke it worl&and gives forceand courage to the In-

| dians:fot we fee the effe£ts,which cannot be attributed

| to imagination^ to go fbme daics without meate,t>ut

; onelya handfull of Coca , and other like effects. The

j fawce wherewith they doe eate this Coca , is proper c-

i nough, whereof I have tafted, and it is like the tafle of

i leather. The Indians mingle it with the afhcs of bones

| burnt and beat into powlder^or with lime, as others af-

| firme , which feemeth to them plealmg and of a good

i tafle; and they (ay it dooththem much good. They

| willingly imploy their money therein,and vie it as mo-

! ney : yet all thefe things were not inconvenient , were

not the hazard of the trafficke thereof, wherein fo ma

ny men are occupied . The SeigniorsJ^?^, vfed Coca

as a ddicate androyall thing , which they offered nioft

in their iacnhces, burning it in honor of their idolls.

OfM. agueytfund, Cv chenille, Amr^nd Cotton.
CHAP. 23.

Mdgttcy is a tree of wonders, whereof the Notaries
or Chapetons(as the Indians call them)arc wont

T z to

274 ^e ^dttw aland Mora ft

to write miracles, in that ityccldeth water, wine, oyle/
vineger,honny, lirropc, threedc, needles , andathou-
fand other things. It is a tree which the Indians eftecmc
niuchinnewSjto/w, &havc commonly in their dweI-!
lings fome one of them for the maintenauncc of life • it
grows in the fields, and hath great and large leaves ? at
{the end whereof is aftrong&fliarp point, which ferves
to faften little pins,or to fowe as a needlc-& they draw
out of this kafc as it were a kinde of threed which they
vfc. They cut thcbody which is big, when it is tender,
wherein is a great hollownefle, by which the fubftancc
mounts from the root, and is a liquor which they drink
likewater,beingfwcet&frefh . This liquor being fod-
den,turnes like wine, which growes to vineger,fuffring
it to fowre, and boyling it more, it becomes as hony ,&
boyling it halfe,it lerves as firrope .v whichas healthful!
enough,.and of good tafte- in my Judgement it is bet
ter then the firropeof raiffns. Thus doe they boyle this
liquor, and vfe it in diverfe fortes, whereof they drawc
a good quantitie, for that in fome feafbn they draw dai
ly fome pots ofthis liquor. There are alib of thefe trees
in Peru, but they are not fb profitableas in new Sfaine-.
. The wood of this tree is hollow and fo ft, and ferves to
keepe fire, like to the match of aiharquebuze, and pre-
ierves it long; I have feeue the Induins vfe it to that end.
TheT^^//isaDotherfamoustreeinnew5^4/^ .- if
we may call a tree a heape of leaves gathered together
one vpon another, it is the ftrangcft ftfhiond tree of all
otherD for firft there grows one leafeout of the ground,
then another vpon it, and fo one vpon one, tillit com-
ineth to his pei fedion; bnt as the leaves growe vp,and
on the fides, thofe vnderncath doe become grear,and
loofe in a manner the forme of leaves 5 making a bodie

and

Htflorie of the Indies lib 4. 27 $

and braunches, which arc fharpe,pricking and defor
med , fo as in fome places they doe call it a Thiftle.
There arc thirties or vvildc T malls , the which do carry
no fruitc, or elfe it is very pricking without any profit*
There are likevvife plan ted Tunalls which yeeldefruite
much eftecmed amongft the Indians, the which they
call TIWM , and they are much greater then Plumbes,
and long. They open the fliell which is fatte,andwith-
init is meate and (mall graines 3 like to thofe of figges,
which be very fwecte^they have a good tafte,efpccialiy
the white, which have a pleafing finell, but the red arc
not vfually fo good. There is another forte of Tunxlk,
which they efteeme much more, although it yeeldes
no fruit, yet itbeares an other commoditie and profit,
which is of the grainc, for that certayne fmall wormes
breedein theleaves of this tree^when it is well husban
ded, and are therevnto faftned,covered with a certain e
fm:i!I fine web,which doth compaiTe them in daintily;
and this H tint Indian Cochenilk, Co famous,and where
with they diei.igraine. They let it drie,and being dt>
cd, carry it into Spaine , which is a great and rich mar-
chandile.The arobe of this C^>fc»/&Qrgraine is worth
many ducats. Inthefleete, the yeare 1587. they did
bring five thoafend fixe hundred feventy feven arobes,
which amounted to twoo hundred fourefcore three
thoufand feven hundred and fifty peeces,& commonly
there comes every yeare as ^reat a wealth.

ThefeT«#4& grow in temperate grounds inclining
to colde. In Peru there growcs none to this day, I have
feenefome plants in Sp*i»c, but they deferve notefti-
mation. I will l]ieake foniething likewife of the Anir,
although it comes not from a tree , but from an hearb,
for that it ferveth for the dying of cloth , and is a mar-

T 3 chandife

The 3\£atftr*0 andMoratt

chandifc which agrees with thegraine^ itgrowethitt
great aboundance mnevjSpaine, from whence there
came in the fleete I mentioned 5263 . arobes , or there-
abouts, which amounted to fo many peeces .(Gotten
likewifegrowes vpon fmallftmibs , and great trees like
to little apples , which doe open and yeelde forth this
wehbe- which being gathered, they Ipinne to make
ftuffes. It is one of the things at the 'indies of grcateft
profite,and moft in vfe- for it ferves them both infteed
of flaxe and wooll to make their garments. It groweth
in alioteToyleTand there is greatftorejn the vallies,
anJieTcoaft ofPfrtf, in new Spaine, the Philippines zn&
China. Butthegreateftftoreofany place that f know,is
in the province o£Tucuw4??,m that of fair t Crot* of the
Sierfe^ and at Paraguay, whereas Gotten is thni-chiefc
revenue. They carry cotten into Spain- from the Hand
of Saint Dominike: andtheyearethatllpakeof, there
came 64000. arobes . At the Indies whereas this cotten
growes , they make cloth , which both the men and
women vfe commonly, making table napkins thereof,
yea and failes for their fhippes . There is forne courfe,
and other that is fine and delicate- they die it intodi-
verfe colours, as wee doe by our woollen cloth in Eu
rope.

OfMameyStGtMyavo^andPaltos CHAP. 24.

« M^* / T ^e^e Plants we have fpoken of, are the moft pro-
•*• fitable of the Indies ja\A the molt neceffary for the
lifebf man : yet there are many other thatare good to
eate, among the which the Mameys are efteemed , be
ing in fafhion like to great peaches > anH bigger , they
have one or two {tones within them, and thek meate

is

Htilom of the Indies, lib.^.. 277

is fome what hard. There are fome fweete, and others
fomewhat fower,and have the rinde hard. They make
cpnferves ofthemeate of this fruite , which is like to
m armelade. The vfe of this fruite is reafonable good,
but the conferves they make thereof, are better. They
grow in Hands. I have not feene any in Peru. Ic is a
great tree, well fafhioned, and a reafonabl^irclcafc.
*ThcGMtyav0s be other trees which commonly carry *"*****''**

I an ill fruite, full offower kernells, and arc like to lit tie
apples. It is a tree little efteemed vpon the firm e land
and at the Hands 5 for they fay itfmells like to the P//-

I naifes. The tafte and favour of this fruite is very grofle,
and the fubftance vnholefbme. In S. Dominique and
other IIands3 there are whole mountaines full of thefe
Guayavos,and they fay,there was no fuch kinde of trees
before the Spaniards came there, but that they broght
them they know not from whence. This tree hath

i multiplied infinitely, for that there is no beaft that will
eate the kernells or the graine , fo asl>eing thus fcatte-
rcd on theearth, being hoteand moift, it multiplies in
this fort. In Pezu^htGiiayavos differs from others, for
that the fhiiteis nqtrecl? but white, neitherhath it any
ill line 11, but is of a very good tafte- and of what fort of
G tf ay twos { bever it bee , the fruit is as good as the beft
ofSpaine, efpecially of thofe which they call Guayavos
de Matos^nd of other little white Guayvilles. It is a fruit
reafonably holefome , and agrees with the ftomacke,
being of a ftrong digeftion, and cold jThe Palus com-
monly are hote and delicate . The Palto is^a great trgc,
and carries a faire Icafe, which hath a fruite like to great
pearcs : within it hath a great ftone , and all the reft is
ibftmeate, fo as when they are full ripe, they are as it
werebuttcr^and have a delicate tafte. InPeru the Palta*

T4

The J^aturallandMoratt

are great, and have a very hard skale , which may be ta
ken off whole. This fiuite is mod vfuall in Mexico 3 ha
ving a thinneskinne, which may be pilled like an ap
ple : they hold it for a very holefome meate , and as I
havefaid, it declines a little from heat. Thefe M away a
GtMyavos^ndPaltosfre the Indians peaches?apples,and
peares; and yet would I rather choofe them of Europe.
*• * But fome others by vfe, oritmaybebyaffedion, doc
more efteeme thole of the Indies . I doubt not but fuch
as have not feene nor tafted of thefe fruites , will take
fmall pleafure to reade this difcourfe, yea, they will
grow vvearieto heareit, as I have done in writing it,
which makes me to abridge it, fpeaking of fome ether
fortes of fruites, for itwcreimpofllble to intreate of
them all.

OfCbico^apote, Amonat^nd Capollis.
CHAP. 25.

SOme defirous to augment thinges at the ln£es'9
have given out that there is no kinde of fruite like
* vnto Cotigna£,m marmelade, and another which taftes

like a meate made of almonds and creame, which they
call BUnckewanger , for that the tafte of them deferves
fa thefe names , the marmalad is that which they call C<t~
fates, or Cbicoc apotts , which have a fweetglaflc , and
neere vnto the colour of marmalade.Some Crollos, (for
fo they call the Spaniards borne at the In 'dies >) fay that
this fruite pafTcth all the fruites ofSpairte in excellency:
yet am I not of that opinion^at the leaft they fay , it paf
feth all other fruites in tafte; but I will not dwell vpon
this qucftion , for that it doth not deferve it. Thofc
te/,\vherein there is little difference,

grow

Hi/lone of the Indie!, lib.^*

grow in the hotcft partes of new 'Sf Aim , neither have I
knowledge of any f uch fruite in the firme land of PC-
ru. As for the BUnchmnnger , it is that Annum or Gua-
jAfuiftf, which gro wes in the firnie land, which is faflio-
ned like vnto a peare,a little fliarpe and opened, with
in it is white, tender and foft like butter, fweeteand of
apleafingtafte: It is no whitmeatc, though they call
it Blancktmavger , but in truth they have added much
vnto it, by giving this name : although it be delicate
and of a fowcie and delicious tafte, and according to
the iudgement of fome , it is held for the beft fruite of
the Indies, yet hath itmanyblacfce kernells within it,
and the beftvvhich I have feeneis in new£/v*/^5wherc
the Capofosgpovr, which be like vnto cheries, with a
ftone , but fome what bigger : the forme and fhape is
like vnto cheries, of a good tafte, being fweete aud
fharpe; but I have not fccne any Capollyu in any other
Countric,

OfmanyforttsoffrttitfTrces,ofC0C6S, Almondes, of
the Andes > And Almonds ofChachapeyas.
iC HAP* 26.

IT were not poflible to reckon all the fruites and
trees at ihc Indies, for that I remember not many,
and there are many more whereof I have no know.
ledge- and in my opinion, it were troublefome to
(pcake of all thofc I now remember. There are fome
groflc fruites , as thofc which they call Lncum^ (of
which fruite they fpeake in a proverbe>that it is a coun-
terfet riccThe^Prfrand the nuttes

which they call imprifoned • whicTTfruitcs feemeto
many, to be the fame kinde of nuttes we have in Sfaine$

yea

z8o The J^atur aland Moratt

yea, they fay, if they were often tranfplanted from
place to place, they would carry nuttes altogether like
to thofe ofSpaiwe. And the reafon why the fruite is fo
vnplea(ant,is,for that they are wilde. To conclnde,we
ought well to confiderthe providence and riches of
the Creator, who impartcsto fo divers partesofthe
world,fuch varictie of fruite trees , all for the fervice of
man that inhabites the earth . And it is an admirable
thing to fee fo many different formes, taftes, andef-
fe&svnknowne, whereof we did never hearefpeake,
before the difcoverie of the Indies. And whereof Plinie
himfelfe, Dioftorides and Tkeophraftes, ( yea, the moft
curious,)had no knowledge, notwithftandingall their
fcarchanddilligence. There have^beenefome curious
men of our agc^jvhich have wriHenTomcT Trearifes
et the Indian plants, of hearbcs, and rivers , and of
their operations for phifickc, to whom they may flic
for their better inftrudion. I onely pretend, (and in
icw words,) to treate fuperficially of that which comes
to memory touching this fubiecft ; yet do I not thinke
it good to paffe away vnder filcnce theCiraror Indian
palmes, by reafon of a very notable propertie it hath.
I call them palmes , not properly , or that it beares
dates,but that they are trees like to other palmes. They
are high andftrongb and the higher they grow, the
broader they firetch out their branches. Thefe Cocas
yield a fruit which they likewife call Q?£W,wherof they
commonly make veflells to drinke in , and fome they
fayhaveavertue againftpoifon, and to curethepaine
in the fide. The mute and meate being dried, is good
to eate, and comes neere in tafte to grccne chefnu ttes.
When the Coco is tender vpon thetree, thefubftance
within it, isasitwqreniilke, which they drinke for

daintines.

Hiftorieofthefnclies. lib.^.. 281

daintines , and to refrefh them in time of heate. I have
ieene of thefe trees in S. lean dc Port Ricco, and other
parts of the to dies, and they report a wonderful! thing,
that every moneth or Moone, this tree caftes forth a
new branch of this Cocos -y fo as it yeeldes fruite twelve
times in theyeere, as it is written in the Apocalips:
and in truth this feemeslike vntoit,for that all the bran
ches are of different ages, fome beginning, others be
ing ripe, and fome halfe ripe. Thefe Cocos , are com
monly of the formeand bignes of a (mall melon^There
is of another kinde which they call^ff/Af,thc which
is a better fruite, whereof there be fome in Chillc. They
are fome what lefTe then nuttes , but more round.
There is another kinde ofCocos , which have not the
kernel! fo oyli? , but within they have a great number
offmall fruitcs like almonds , likcvnto the graincsof
aPoungarnet.

Thefe almonds are thrice as biggeas thofeofCaJiiffe,
and refenrible them in tafte,thogh they be more fliarpe,
and like wife moift and oylie . It is a good meate , they
vfe it alfo in feafting-for lack of alnaons to make march-
panes,and fuch other things. They. call them Almonds
of the Andes, for that thcfe Cocos growe aboundantlie
vpon the Andes ofPrng* they are fo ftrong and hard,as
to open them,they muft beate them with a great ftone,
when they fall from the tree. If they chance to hit anie
one on the head, he hath no more need ofany furgeon.
It is an incredible thing, t'lat -within theholloweof
thefe Cocos, which arejnobiggeL than the reft, or litrlc
more, there areJucE^^ But

as touching aI:iKvids"in d^'orher fruitcs, all trees muft
ye?l Je to the al non Js QfChachMMMj whichlcannot
otherwife call . It is the ino*1 pleafing , delicate, and

" "^

281 The ^jtturalland Mcralt

wholefome fruit of all that I have fecne at the Indies f/
a learned Phyfitian did affirme , that amongeft all the
fruits at the Indies, or in Sfaive, none came neererhefe
Almonds in excellence . There are both greater and
leflTethari thofe of the Andes ,b\\t all are fatter than thofc
Q$Ca/fa/lt. They arc very tender to eate, and they have
much iuy ce and fubftance $ and are oy lie and very p!e-
tant : they grow vpon high trees, bearing great leaves.
And as it is a prcdous thing, fo nature hath given them
a good covering and defence, beinginahuskefbme-
what bigger, and more pricking than a chcfnut. Yet
when this huske isdrie, they eafily dravve foorth the
graine * They fay, that the Apes who are very greedie
j ^ of this fruit , and whereof there is aboundance in Cha-

chapoyatofPerft (which is the onelycountrey (to my
knowledge) where thefetrees doe growe) fearing they
fhouldpricke them, and yet defirous to draw forth the
almond, they caftthem from the toppe of the tree a-
gainftthcftones, and having broken the huske, they
open them toeate thefruite at their pleafure.

Ofmtny and Aiverfe flowers, andoffifne trees which

jeddonely A flower, and hew the Indians

do vft them CHAP. 27.

He Indians are great lovers of flowers, and in new
Sfainc more than in any other part of the worlde,
& therefore they are accuftomed to make many kindes
, of nofcgaies , which there they call SuchiUtswiih fuch
1 prety varietie arid art^ns nothing can be more pleafing.
^ TheyTiave ii~cuftomeamongft them , that the chicfcft
man offer their SttchiRos or nofcgaycs in honour to No-
blemen,and to their ghcfts-1 nnd they prcfented vs with

fuch

Htilom of the Indies, lib^, 283

fuchabqundanceaswe pafTed through that Country,
as we knew not what to doe with them- and at this day
they vfe the principall flowers of Caftill^ to that end/or
that they growe better there than heere,as gilliflowers,
rofes5jafmins, violets,orange flowers , and other fortes
which they have tranfported outofSpaixe. Therofe
tree groweth too faft in fome places , Ib as they beare
no rofes . 1 1 chaunced one day that a rofe tree was bur-
ned5 and the (lens which fprowted out , prefently bare
aboundance ofrofes, and thereby they Icarnd to prune
them, and to cut off the fuperfluous braunches, fb as at
this day they yeeld reafbnable ftore of rofes .{But befids
thefe kindes of flowers , which have becne tranfported
from hence. There are many others,whofe names I da
not know, whereofifomeare red, blew^jdlow, violet
and white, withathoufand differ enFcolour77wh ich
the Indians did vfe to carry on their heads, as feathers
for ornament. True it is,that many of thefe flowers are
onely pleafing to the flghr, having no good favour, ey-
ther they are groffe, or elfe they have none at all ; and
yet there be forneofan excellent fcent. As thofe which
growe vpon a tree termed byihemFbripoftJit or carry
flower, which beares no fruit, butonely thefe flowers,
which are greater than the Lillie , ancfaFe like to little
bells, all white, which have within them faiall threeds,
as we fee in the lillje : it leaves not all theyeare to beare
thefe flowers , whofe fmell is woonderfull fweete and .
agreeable, cfpecially in thecooleof the morning. The
Viceroy Don Frantifco de Toledo fent of thefe trees vnto
King Philip, as a thing woorthyto be planted in royall
gardins.jln newSpatw the Indians efteeme much of a f
flower, which they call rolofuchil^ which fignificth flo- It
wer of the heart/or that it beares the forme ofa heart^

and

The Ffaturatt and Moral!

and is not much Icfle. There is like wife an other great
tree , which bearcs this kinde of flower , without any
truite ; it hath a ftrong favour, and in my opinion, too
violent > the which may feeme tofomcrnorepleafing.
Itisathingwellknowne, that the flower which they
calloftheSunne, hath the figure of the Sunne, and
turnes according to the motion thereof. There arc o^
ther kindes which they call gilleflowcrs of the Indies 9
the which are like to a fine orange tawnie vellet, or a
violet; thofc have no fcent of any account, but oncly
are fake to the eye. {There are other flowers which be-
fides the bdautic of the eye , although they have no
fmell,yct have they a fav6ur like vnto crcfTes, the which
if you fhoulde eate with outlooking of them , you
would iudge them to be no other. {The flower ofGra-
VAdille is held for an admirable thing , and they fay, it
hath in it the markes*of the paffion , and that therein
they note the nailes, the piller, the whips, and crowne
of thornes, and the \voundes,wherein they are not al
together without reafon , and yet to finde out and ob-
ferve thefe things , it requires tbmepietie tocaufe be-
kefe: but it is very exquifite and faire to the eye, al
though it have no fin ell. (The fruite which theyalfb
call Granadille is eaten and drunke • or to fpeake more
proper!y,fucked,for a refrefhing ; this fruite is fweete,
and too fweete after fbme opinions.jpfhe Indians have
vfed in their feafts and dances, to carry flowers in their
handes, and the Kings and Noblemen carry them for
their greatnes. For this reafon wecommowly fee their
ancient pi&ures with flowers in their hands,, as we fee
heere with gloves. I thinke this fufficicnt touching
flowers. They vfe Bdfylic to this effcd:, although it bee
noflower,but anhcarbc onely, which they were wont

to

Htiiorie of the Indies, lib.^.. 285

to plant carefully in their gardins5but now they regard
knot- foasitgrowes onely about their poolesand
ponds,

Of Balme. CHAP. 2g.

THe Soveraigne Creator hath not onely fafhioned
Plants to ferve as meat, 'but alfb for recreation, for
phi(icke,and for the cure of man . I have fpoken fbme-
what of thofe that ferve for nourifhment 3 which is the
chiefe3and a little of thofe that ferve for recreation, and
nowweareto intrcate of thofe which are proper for
phificke , wherein I will fpeake fomething. And al
though all plants are medicinall when they are well
knowne and applied, yet there are fome things efpeci-
ally, which wee fee direftly ordained by the Creator l
for phificke-and for the health of man :as liquors,oiles,
gummes, androzines, which come from divers plants;
and hearbes , and which eafily fliew by experience
whereto they are proper. Above all, Baulrneiswith
reafon efteemed for the excellent fmell , but much
more for the exquifiteeffe&it hath to cure woundes,
and divers other remedies, as experience hath taught
in the cure of difeafes. The Balme which comes from
the Weft Indies js not of the fame kind of right Balcne
which they bring from Alexandria or Caire> and in old
time was in Iitdea^ which ludeafa Plime writeth) did of
all the world poileffe this greatneife , vntifl the Empe- p/^.,^.
ror VefiApan broght it to Koms & into /to&.The reafon
why 1 fty the liquor of the one and the other are not of
one kinde , is for that the trees from whence it comes
arb very different : for the balme tree of Palestine was
finall, and fafhioned like to a Vine (as Plinic reporteth)

who

who had fecne it , and thofe that at this day that have
feenc them in the Eaft , fay as much. Asalfo the holy
Scripture calles the place where the Balme thickens,
Vine £>tEngmdd<j) for the refcmblance it hath to vine,
At the Indies I have feene the tree from whence they
drawj:he Balme , which is as bigge as a poungarnet
tree,Tnd fome thing ncere thefafhion • and if my me-
moryfailesmenot, it hath nothing common with the
v*lie 3 although that Strabo writes, that the ancient tree
of Balme, was of the bignes of a poungarnet tree. But
in their accidents and operations, their liquors are-a
like, as like wife they be in their admirable (mails 5 and
in the cure arid healing of wounds, in colour and fub-
ftance, feeing they report of other Balmes that there is"
fbme white, vermilion, greene, and blacke, the which
is likewife feene in that of the Indies. And as they drew
forth the ancient in cutting and making incifions m
[ the barke,to caufe the liquor to diftill out , fo do they
I with that at the Indies, although it diftilks in greater a-
boundance. And as in the ancient there isonekinde
which is pure, the which they call Of^al/amum^hich
bcithevery tcarcs that diftill, fo as there is another
fort which is not fo exquifite , the which they drawe
from thebarke and leaves drained and boiled on the
fire,the which they call Xilobalffammn, The likeis alfb
in the Indian Balmes ; there is one pure that diftilles
from the tree, and others that the Indians draw out by
(training and boiling the leaves and wood , yea , they
do fophifticate and augment it with other liquors , to
make it increafe. I It is not without reafon they call it
Balme, forintrutnitisfo, (although it be not of the
famekinde of the ancient, J yet it is much eftecmcd,
and (liouid be more, if the great aboundance were not

the

H&orieofthefndie*. lib^, 287

the caufe as in Emeraldes and Pearles. That which irn-
portes moft , is the vfe wherein it is imployed , for
creamc and vndtions in the Church, and in fuch veno-
ration : for that the Apoftolike fea hath given libertie
to give creamc of Balrne at the Indies, and that they
(hould vfc it in confirmation and other ceremonies
which they vfc.fThey bring Balme to ^/w from new
ty4/#<?,fronrthe Province ofGuattwaf/a, from Chtappa,
and other places where it aboundes moft, although the
moft cfteemed be that which comes from the Hand
of Tollu , which is vpon the maine land, not farre from - j
Carthagenc. This Balme is white, and commonly they - C*"^
holde the white to bee more perfeft then the red, al
though Plinie gives the firft place to the vermilion, the pfoi.**^ :i)f •
fecond to the white, the third to grecne,and the laft to
blackc- but it feemesthat Stralo efteemed more the
white Balmes as ours tloc . Menardes difcourfeth t

at large of the Indian Balme in the firft and fecond
part ,efpecially of that ofCarthagcnc and ToRu? which is
all one. I have not found that the Indians in olde time
did much cfteeme Balme, norjet imploy it in any im- '
portant vfe,althoughJ/^^r^7faicth , that the Indians
cured rfieir woundes therewith, and from thence the
Spaniardes learned it.

Of Amber, And other Oyles, GumsyondT>rugges, which
they bring from the Indies CHAP. 29.

XT Ext to Balme , Amber holdes the~ fecond place:
JL/N it is another liquor which is likcwife fweeteand
medicinall - but more thi eke , and turnes into a paftc
of a hote complexion, and a good perfume, the which
they apply to woundes, bruifes, and other neccflitic%

V where-

a88 The ^atwaland Moraft

wherein I will rcferre my felfe to the Phifitions , efpe-
cially to Dodor Memrdes 3 who in his firft Part, hath
written of this liquor, and many others that are phifiu
call,which comes from the Indies. This Amber comes
from ncw^ww , which hath that advantage above o*
ther Provinces in goomes, liquors, and iuycc of trees>
whereby they have fuch aboundancd of matter , for
perfume and phifi eke, as is the/frwgg, whereof there
comes great ^^Qfoj^l^ Suchicofdly which is another
kindc, itorax and enccnfe,which have excellent opera-
tions, and have a very good fmcll fit for fumigations.
Likewife the TacAmaha&t and Ctrannd , which are alfo
very medicinalL They bring likewife from this Pro
vince OTleofAfpicke , which thePhifitians and Pain
ters vfemudi", the one for platters, the other to vcrnifli
their pictures. They Bring alfo for thePhifitians,C^/4
j$ulf> the which growes plentifully in S. DtmiMquc*
It is a great tree , which carries thefe canes as his fruite.
They brought in the fleete wherein I came from S. D^-
mnique for tie eight quintalles of Ctfsta fiftulc.. S&lcep*-
rallc is not Icfle knowne , for a thouiand rcme3ies
wherein it is vfed. There came in the fame fleete fiftie
quintalles from the fame Hand. There is much of this
BtltfpAr&lit ztPeru^ and rnoft excellent in the Province
ofGwyggg-iSy which is vnder the Line. Many goto be
cured into this Province,and it is the opinion of fomCj
that the pure water cnely which they drinke, gives
them health, for that it paifeth by rootes as I have faid,
from whence it drawes this vertue , fo as there needes
no-great covering or garments to make a man iweate
in that countrie. The wood ofGua^, which they call
Lignum fwtlum , or Indian wood growes aboun-
dantly in thefarnellands^andisasheavieasyron, fo

as

Httforie of the fatties, lib^.

asitprefcntly finkcsin -the.w3ter,heereof they brought
in the (ame fleeter 50. quintalJs, and they might have
brought twentie, yea, a hundred thoufand of this
wood,if there were vfe for it. There came in the fame
flectc,andfrom the famelland, 130. qdntallesofjto.
Jiff wood, the which is fierie red, fo well knowne, and
much vfed in dyingand other things. There are at the
Indies infinite numbers of other aromaticall woodes,
gummes, oyles, and drugges , foas it is not pofTible to
name them all,neither doth itnow much import. I fay
onely, that in the time of the Kings Inguas QfCtzfio,
and the MexicAinc Kings, there were many great perfo-
nages expert in curing of difeafes with (imples,and did
goodly cures, having the knowledge of the many ver-
tues and properties ofhearbes, rootes , woodes,and
plants, which grow there, and whereof the Ancients
of £#rp^ have had no knowledge. There are a thou
fand of thefe fimples fit to purge , as the rootes of Me-
the Picons ofPunua

> w, the" oy le gfFig- trees , and many other things , the
which being well applied, and in time, they hold to be
*>fno leflfc efficacie then the druggef that come from
the Eaft T[he which mayj^c feene in reading tfic"cli£

in the firft and ie-

condPart, where he treats amplv^of Tobacco, or Pc~

•^^ in i ' ~-- .^ 4 """ - . — «• 1_ I — '• ""**- —

the have made notable e

_

jj ey ave mae notae experiences a-

gainupoifbn. Tobaccois a fmall tree or plant,common
enough^ the which hath in it^rarc vertues, as amongft
others itfavesforacounterpoifon, like to many and
divers other plants : for the Creator of all things hath
imparted his vertues at his pleafure, not willing that a-
ny thing fhould grow idle.But it is another foveraigne
gift to man, to know them and their proper vfes, the

V 2- which

which the fame Creator gives to whomc hee pleafcth;
Doctor Fran^Jlmundes hath made agoodly worke
] vppon thisTuBIed^of^/^ plants, liquors, and other
I phificall thing$rbythe"Kings expreflTe commifliQn and
comrnaundcment, caufingall the plants at the Jndie*
to be lively painted , which they fay are above a thou-
fand two hundred-arid that the worke coft above three
fcore thoufand ducats: out of which worke the Dodor
NArdu* Anthoniu* an Italian Phyfitian hath madea cu
rious extrad , fending him to the forefiid bookes, that
defires more exadly to knovve the plants at the Indies &
fpecially for phyfickc.

ofgrtatfomfts at the Indies jf Cedars >ofCciivatjwd other
great trees. CHAP. 30.

Although from the beginning the earth did bring
foorth plants and trees by the commandement of
the Lord,yet hath it yielded more in one place than in
another: and befides the plants and trees, which by the
induftryof man have beenc Iran/planted and carried
from place to place , there are many which Nature i&
felfc hath brought forth . Idobeleeve,thatofthisfoft
there are moreat the new world, which we do call the
Indies y either in number or diveriitie, than in the olde,
as Enrojx^4(ia,Q\' Ajjnkt. The reafon is, for that the cli
mate at the Indies is generally hot and moift,as we have
declared in the fecond Booke, againft the opinion of
the Auntients, which caufeth the earth naturally for to
bring foorth an infinit number of wilde plants, where
by the greateft part of the Indies is inhabitable,being a J-
••nioft impoffible to travell by reafon of the woodes and
thicke forrefls that are there, which they labour dailie

to

Hiflorie of the Indies

to cut downe . It hath bin needefuil (pafling through
fome panes of the 'l#Jics y efpecially where they newly
cntred)to make their way,in cutting downe trees, and
pulling vp bufhes, fb that (as fome religious men have /
written that have tried it) they coulde not fometimes
have paffed above a league in a day.One of our brothers
(a man worthy of creditc) reported vnto vs,that being
ftraied in the mountaines, not knowing which way he
fhouldepafTe,hefell among fuch thickebufhcs,thathe
was forced to go vpon them, without fetting foote to
the ground, by the fpace of fifteene whole dayes : and
to fee the Sunne , or to marke fome way in this thicke
forreft full of wood,he was forced to climbe to the top
of the higheft trees to difcover. He that fhall reade the
difcourfe of his travel!, how often hce was loft.,and the
wayes he pafled, with the ftrange adventures that hap-
penedvntohiin, the which I have written briefly, be- ^
ing fj worthy the knowledge, and having. my felfe tra- *
veiled alittle over the mountaines at the Indies, were it
but the eighteenc leagues betwixt Nomlre de Dios and
Panama, may vv^ll iudge what great forrefts there are.
So as having no winter in thofe parts,to nip them with
colde, and the humiditie of the heavens, and earth be
ing fo great, as the mountaines bring foorth infinit for- /
refts, and the plaines which they^alLfe'iww , great *A
plenty of grafle: there is no want oiFpafture f or feeding,
of timber building, nor of wood for fewell.lt is impof-
fible to let downe the differenccTanHlormes offb ma-
nyjvildetrees , for that the names of the greateft parte
are vnknowne.

Cedars in olde time fo much efleemed, are there ve-
ly comrnon,both for buildings and ftippes, and they
arc of diverle fortes, fome white, and fomeredde^vcry

V 3 odori-

~- 1***4^

Ttte ^aturallandMoratt

odoriferant . There are great (tore of Bay trees , very
pleafanttobeholdevpon the AndtsoHPeru, vpponthe
mountaines, in thellandsof Nicaragua, and in New
SpAiye. There are alfo infinite numbers of Palmes and
Ceivas,whereof the Indians make their Canoes,which
areboatesrnadeofonepeece. They bring into Spatne
from the Havana, excellent timber.In the Hand ofCtt.
ba, there are infinite numbers of like trees, as EkencyCA-
evana, Grenadtlle, Cedars, and other kindes which I do
not know. There arc great pine trees in New Spainc,
though they be not foitrong as thofe in Spring : they
bearenopignousorkernells, but empty apples . The
oaks as they cal them of GV^/<*'p/,is an excelent wood
and fweet,when they cut it^yea there are kanes or mod
high recdes, of whofc boughs or fmall reedes they doc
make bottles and pitchers to carry water , and do like-
. wife vfe them in their buildings. There is likewife the
*****+* wood ofjMajt(le, or Firre, whereof they make mafts for
their (hippes , and they holde them as ftrong as yron .
Uttolk is a tree of many vertues , which cafteth foorth
Imail boughcs, whereof the Indians make wine. In Me-
xico they call it the tree of Pent , for that it came from
thence: but it growes alfo in New Spainc^ and better
than thofe in Pent . There are a thouiand other trees,
\vhich werea fuperfiuous labour to imreate of, where*
of fome are of an exceeding greatnefTe, I will fpeake on.
ly ofone which is mTlacoChav&ya^ three leagues from
Guayacam New Spaine : this tree being meafurecl with-
in,being^hollow5 was found to have ninefadome, and
without, nearetothe roote, fixteene, and fomewhat
higher, twelve. This tree wasftrooke with lightning
from the toppeto the bottome, through theheart^the
which caufed this hollowncfTe^they fay that before the

thua-

Hiftorie of the Indies

thunder fell vpoti it, it was able to ftiadovv a thoufand

men, and therefore they did aflemble therefor theyr

dauncesandfuperftitions : yet to this day there doth

remaine fomq, boughesand verdure, b,ut not much.

They know n<$t what kinde of tree it is, but they fay it

is a kind of Cedar. Such as (hail finde this ftrange , let

them reade wha:Plinic reporteth of the Plane of tidU,

the hollow whereof contained foure fcore footeand

one, and feemed rather a Cabbin or a houfe , than the

hollow of a tjree , his boughs like a whole wood , the

fhaddo w whfcreof covered a great part of the field . By

that which is writen of this tree, we have no great caufe

to wonder at the Weaver, who tiadde his dwelling and

loom? in theholbw $f a chefnut tree ; and of another

chefnut tree,if it were not the very fame , into the hot

low whereof there entered eightcenemenon horfe-

backe, and paflfcd out without difturbing one another.

The Indians did commonly v{e their idolatries in thefe

'trees, fo ftrar.^e an \ deformed, even as did the antient

Gen tiles, as Ibaie Writers of our time doe report.

Of Plants and fruits wh>ch hive bitpcarriedottt
line t$the Indies.
CHAP. 31.

THe /^^4»/have received more profit,and have bin
berter recompenfed in plants that have bin broght
fromfyrf//^, thin in any other mavchandi(e , forthat
thofe few which are carried fr on the Indies into Spainc,
growe little there, and multiply not \ and contrariwife
the great number that have beene caried fromSpaine to
the W/>^pro -per w :1 & multiplie greatly : I know not
whether I (hull attribute it to the bounty of theplants

V 4 that

194-

that goe from hence , or to the goodnefTe of the Ibilc
that is there . Finally, there is at the Indus any good
thing that Spainc brings foorth « in fonie places itis bet.
ter, in fome worfc, as whcate, barley, hearbes, and all
kindes of pulfes, alfo lettuce, colewortesf radifhes, oni-
onSjgarlike, parfley,turneps,p2rfeneps, Etctngems, or
apples of love, ficcorie, bcetes, fpinage, peafe, beanes,
vetches- and finally, whatfoever growcthheereofanie
profite, fo as all that have voyaged thither , have beenc
curious to carry feedesofall forts,andall havegrowen,
although diverlly, fome more,fome Iejffe.{As for thofc
trees that have mod aboundantly fru&ified, be orange
trees, limons, citrons^nd others of that fort . In fbmc
partes there are at this day 3as it werewholewoods and
forrefts of orange trees: the wtTcfiTeeming ftrange
vntomee, I asked who had planted the fields withfb,
many orange trees^r they made mee anfwer, that it did
come by chaunce, for that oranges being fallen to the
ground,and rotten, their feeds did fpring, and of thofe
which the water had carried away into diverfe partes,
thefe woeds grew fo thicke : which feemed tomea ve
ry goodreafon .J I have faide that this fruite hath gene
rally increafed moft at the Indies 5 for that I have nor
beenein any place but I finde orange trees, for that all
their fbyle is hote and moift , which this tree moft de-
fires. There growes not any vppon the Sierrt or moun-
taine, but they carry them from the vallies or fea coaft.
The confeve of oranges \vhich they do make at the I-
lands, is the beft I have feene anie where^peaches5preC
fes and apricockes have greatly multiplied,eipeaally in
At Peru there growls few of thele kindes

of fruites3exceprgeachcs, and much lefle in the Ilands.
There growes a^Hahdg^res^yct but fcarccly :therc

are

Hiftorie of the Indies.

arcbut few plumbs , but aboundanceof figges^chiefly
in Peru. They finde cjuinces in all the country of the

fuch aboundance, as they

gave vs fifty choice ones for halfe a riall. There is great
liore ofpomegranets , but they are all fweete , for the
{harp are not there eftecmed. There are very good me-
Jonsln fomcpartes of Per*. Cherries both wilde and
tame have not profpered well at the Indies, the which I
do not impure to want of temperature, for that there is
of all forts, but to carelefnefle , or that they have not
well 6bferved the tcmpcrature.^To conclude, I do not
finde that in thofe partes there wants any dainty fruite.
(As for groffefruites , they have no Mllottcs nor cheC
mutes, neither doe I finde that any have growne there
to this day . Almonds gro we there, ^utrarely . They
carry from Sfainefot fuch as are dainty mouthed,both
almondsTnuttcsT and filberds • but I have not kno wne
they had anyjn£dlersor_fovifts, which impprtes little,
In my Judgement, this may fuffice to fhew that there
wanteth no delightfull fruites. Now let vs fpeake fbme-
\yhat of plan tsf hat profit,and which have been carried
from SfauK, and fo will ende that Treatife, beeing too
troublefome.

Of grafts, vignes, olives, mMerles^ndkAncs tffug&r*
CHAP. 32.

IMeaneby profitable plants,thofe, which bcfidesthat
which they cate in thchoufe, bring filverto thcyr
maifters; the chiefe of thefe is the vigne,whereof com-
meth wine vineger, grapes, greeneand dry, veriuyce,
and firrope. But the wine is the beft. There growes no
ivine,nor grapes in the Ilandes, norfirmeland^ butin

new

The ^

new Spaine, there arc fbme vignes which beare grapes,
^ x and yet make no wine. The caufe is, for that the grape
ripens not well, by reafon of the raine that falles in the
months of July and Auguft, which hinders their ripe-
- - ning, fo as they ferveonely to eate. They carry wine
out ofspaiwe, andf torn the Canaries, to all partes of the
^ 'T '" '*' Indies, except Peru and the realme of Ckitte, where there
„ are vignes that yeelde excellent wine , which increafe
daily both in quantity ,for that it is a great jiches in that
country, and in beauty, for that they are Ifrcome with
time and pra&ife cnore?expert vignerous . The vignes
of Peru are commonly in hote vaflies , where there are
••• >v- - ; %.< waters,which they water with the hand, beapfe there ;
x* ,,-r.i fallcs no raineatallfrom heaven; and vppondieZ^w
v « ,,.« v and siare it comes not in time. Thereat Ibme places
where the vignes are not watered, neither from heaven
nor earth, and yet they increafe in great aboundance,
»** - -- as in the valley of Tea, and in the ditches that they call
. - > ^\ VtHACt£(i,m which places they finde ditches, or th'earth
funcke downeamongeft the dead ftnds,which are tho-
rowout the yeare of a woonderfull coolencfle; .and yet
it raines not there at any time, neither is there any ma-
ner of mean es to water it artificially^ the reafon is, be-
caufe the foile is fpongious, and fuckes vp the water of
the rivers that fall from the mountaine, which moiften
thefe fands , or elfe it is the rraoiftnefle of t^e fca , as o-
theis fuppofe , which paffing over this fand , is the
caufe why it is not barren nor vnprofi table, as the Phi-
lofopher teaches. The vignes havefo increafed there,as
for this caufe onely the tithes of the Churches are mul
tiplied five or fixe times double within thefe twentic
yeares.Thcmofl: fertile vallies for vignes be Viftor nearc
to Arequifa, Tu in the territory QfLima, and CaraguM

in

Ui/lorie of the Indies, lib*^* 297

in the Countrey ofckuqttiavo; they carry this wine to
Potoz,i,Cttfcom& divers partes, which yeeldes a great
revenue : for notvvithftanding all the aboundance they
have, a bottle or arobe is there woorth five or fixe due.
kats, and if it be Spanifh wine (as they commonly car:
ry in their fleetes) it is woorth tenne or twelve. They
make wine like to that vtspamc, in the realme of Cbitte,
being hi the fame climate-but it corruptcth being carri
ed to Pcru:thcy catc the grape where they cannot drink
the wine. And it is ftrange,that in the citty of Cttfco you
(hall finde ripe grapes all the yearelong : thereafonis
(as they fay) for that thofc valleis bring foorth fruits in
diverfe moneths of the yeare,cither for that they cutte
their vignes in diverfe feafons, or that this varietic pro.
ceedes from the quality of thefoyle^ but whatfbeverir
be,it is moftcertaine, thereare fome vallics which car
ry fruit all theyeare. If any one wonder at this , it may
be he will wonder much more at that which I fliall fay,
and perchaunce not beleeve it. There are trees in Peru,
whereof the one party eeldes fruit one fixe moneths of
the y eare , and the other halfe part yeeldes fruite the o-
ther fixe moneths. In Malfa which is thirteene leagues
from the Cittie of Kings, there is afiggetree, whereof
the one halfe which is towardes the South 3 is greene,
and yeeldeth his fruite one feafon of the ycare , that is,
when it is fummer vpon the Sicrre, and the other mot-
ty towards the Lottos or fea coaft,is greene,and yeeldes
his fruite in the other contrary feafon , when it is fiim-
mer vpon the Lanos , which groweth from thediverfe
temperature, and the ayre which commeth from the
one par t,and the other. The revenue of wine there is
not fmafl^but it gocth not out of the country. But the
filke that is made in new Spainc is tranfported in to other

coun-

countries, astoP<?>-#. There were no Mulberrie trees
in the/W/'#,butfuch as were brought from Spawefind
they grow well, efpecially in the province which they
&i\\MtficcqtiA, where there are filkc-worraes, and they
put to worke the filke they gather , whereof they make
very goo^l taff ataes : Yet to this day they have made
ney thcr damaske, fattin,nor velvet . The fugar yet is a

freater revcnue,for they not only fpend it at the Indies,
utalfo they carry much into Sprint fot the canes grow
exceeding well in many parts of the Indus. They have
built their engins in the Hands, in Mtxico,m Pm*5 and
in other partes, which yeeldeth them a very great reve
nue.

Itwastoldeme, that the engine for fugar in W^ifca,
was worth yeerely above thirty thoufand peeces of re
venue. That of ChicanM ioyning to Truxtllo, waslikc-
wi(c of great revcnue^nd thofe of new S paint are of no
lefle-and it is a ftrange thing to fee what (lore they con-
fume at the /#&/ . They brought from the Hand ofS.
Dominique, in the fleetc wherein I came eight hundred
ninety eight chefts of fugar, which being (as I did fee)
(hipped at PortRicco (every chefi(in my opinion) wci- .
ed eight arobes,every arobes weighing five and twenty
pounds, which are two hundred weight of fugar) is
the chiefe revenue of thefe Hands, fo much are men gi
ven to the defire of fweete things. There are likewifc o-
lives and olive trees atthe/iwfe/, Ilayin^vv/V^andin
Peru, yet hath -there not beene to this day any mill for
oile , for that they eatc all their olives, and drcffe them
well: they finde the charge is greater to make oile than
the profit,and therefore they carry all the oyle they do
Ipend from Spainc. Andtieerc we will end with plants,
and will paffe to fuch beads as beat the Indies.

^

Htitorieoftbe Indies, lib.^. 295?

OfBeaftsIx*ringwQoll>andofKme. CHAP. 33. -

Ifindethere arc three kindes ofbeafts at ^ Indies f
whereof fome have been carried from ty^/jr* -others
areofthefamekindewe have in Europe, and yet not
carried by the Spaniardes$and others are proper to the
Indies, whereof there are none in Spawe. j Of the firfl
kinde are fheepc, kine?goatcs,(\vine Jiorfes^rfTes.dogs,
cattcs and other fuch bcafts 5 for tHer^are"ofall thefe
kindes at the Indies. The fmaller cattell have greatly
multiplied, and if they could make profite of theit
woolls by (ending them into Ettrops,\t were oneof the
greateft riches the W/whad, for there the flockesof
ihecpc have great pafltires, whereas their feeding failes
not.In Peru there is fuch ftore ofpaftiires and feedings,
as no man hath any proper to himfelfe , but every man
feedes his troupes. where he pleafeth. For this reafon
there is commonly great (lore of flefh , and very good
cheapc,and all other things that come from flicepe,:as.
liiilke, andcheefe. For a time they loft their vtoolles,
vntillthatfome beganneto husband it, and to make
cloth and coverings , which hath beene a great hclpe
for the poorer fort of the countiie, for that the cloth of
C.AStilk is very deerc there. There are many Clothiers
in Pent, but more in new Spai&e , yet the cloth that
comes from Spaine, is farre better , whether the well
be more fine 5 ortheworke-mcnrnore expert. Infor
mer times there were men that did pofleffc threefcore.
and ten, yea, a hundred thbufand fheepe , and at this
day they have not many lefle. If this were in Europe^
were a very great fubftance, but in that countrieicis
but a mcdne wealth. In many panes of the Indies, and

Tta ^aturall and Moral!

I tbinke in the greateft part , fniall cattdl do not in.
creafeand profitc well>by reafbn that the grade is high,
and the foile fo vicious, that they cannot fecde fo well
as great cattell. And therefore there is an infinite num
ber of kine, whereof there arc two kindes . Some arc
tame and go in troupes, as in the Landof Chorea, and
other Provinces of P<r*,as alfo in all new Sfaine : from
thefe tame kine they dravvfuch profitc as they do in
Sfainc, that is, theflefh, butter, calves, and oxen to till
the ground. The other kindeis wilde,\vhich live in the
mountaines and forrefts,and therefore they tame them
not , neither have they any matter to whom they arc
proper, both for the roughnes and thickenes of the
forreft, as alfo for the great multitude there is, and be
that firft killes them,is the mafter,as of any wildebeaft,
Thefcwilde kine have fo multiplied mS.Domfftiqvei
and thereabouts , that they troupe together in the
fields and woods bythoufands, having no matter to
whom they appertaine. They hunt thefe beaftsonely
for their hides5they go to the field on horfe-backe with
their weapons to hough them, courlmg the kine : and
when they have ftrucken any and ftaied thera,they are
their ownc , they flea them and carry the hides home,
leaving the fiefli , which every one negleds for the
aboundance there is, ibas fbmehave teftified in this
Ilandjthatin Ibmc places the aire hath been corrupted
with the aboundance of thefe {linking carcafts. The
hides they bring into Spaitte,is one ofthe beft revenues
of thellands,& of new Spaine.ln the fleet the yere 1 5 87.
there came from S. T>omini^ue^ 3 544 4. hides,and from
new Sfrinc&tf 50. which they value at 965 ?2.peeces,fb
as when they difchargc one of thefe flcctcs,it is admira
ble to behold the river tfStvtlle, and in the arcenall

(where

Htilorie of the Indies. lib.^. 301

(where they vnlade,)fb many hides ,and fb much mar-
chandize . There arc alfb great numbers of goates,
whole cheefe profitc is their tallowe, befides their kid-
milke and other commodities, for that both rich and
poore vfe this tallowe for lightcs , for as there is a great
quantitie , fo do they make very good accoumpt of it;
yea, more then of oyle, but all the tallow they vfe is
ondy of the males. They vfe theirskinnes for fhooes,
yet I hold them not fo good, as thofe which are carri
ed from CaftiU. Horfe have multiplied there , and are
very excellent in many places • yea in many partes
there are races found as good as the beft in Spaine 5 as
well for palling of a carrier, and for pompe, as alfo for
travell : and'thereforethey vfehorfes moft commonly,
although there be no want of moyles , whereof there
are many, efpecially where they make their carriages
by land. There is no great numbers of afles, having no
great vfe for thcm,neither for travell nor fervice.There
are fome few cammells; I have feenc fome in Ferity
that were brought from the Canaries , and have multi
plied there alittle. Iti S. Dominique, dogges have fb
multiplied in number and bignes,asat-this day itisthe
fcourge and affliction of thatlland: for they eatethe
flieepc,and go in troupes through the fields. Such that
kill them are rewarded like to them that kill woolves

in Spaifls.ht the firft there were no dogges at the todies
but fome beads like vnto little dogges , the which the
Indians call Alco^x\d therefore they call all dogges that
go fro;n Sfw&j&y thefamc name, by reafbn of the re-
fcmblance that is betwixt them. The Indians doe fo
love thefe little dogges, that they will fpare their meate
to feede them, fo as when they travell in the countrie,
they carrie them with them vpon their flioulders, or in

their

*Ike ^f

hd Mor/tll

their bofomes, and when they are ficke, theykeepe
them with them , without any vfe, but onely for coin-

s of Europe, which the Sfaniardes found
KS,Andhw thcyfioitldfafft thither.
CHAP. 34.

IT is ccrtainc that they have carried from Sfaine all
thefe beafts whereof I have fpoken, of which kindes
ihere were none at the Indies 5 when they were firft difc
covered about a hundred yeares fince- for bcfides that
it may be wel approved by witnefles at this day living,
It is alfo a fufficient argument to fee that the Indians
in their tongue,have no proper words to fignifie thefe
beafts, but they vfc the fame Spanifli names, although
they be corrupted : for being ignorant of the tiling,
they tooke the word common to thofe places fronj
whence they came. I have found this a good rule, to
difcerne what things the Indians had before the Spa-
niardes came there , and what tRey had not : for they
gave names to thofe they had and knew before, and
have given new names to thefe that are newly come
vnto them , which commonly are the fame Spanifh
names, although they pronounce them after their ma-
ner, as for a horfe, wine, and wheate. They found of
fome fortes of beafts that are in Europe •,& were not car
ried thither by the Spaniards.There are Lions,Tigres,
Bcarcs,Boares, Foxes,and other fierce & wilde beafts,
\vhereof we have treated in the firft booke, fo as i t was
not likely they fhould paffe to the Inditsby Sea , being
impoflibletofwimmethe Ocean: anditwereafolfie
to imagine that men had imbarkcd them with them.

H&orie ofthefadies.

it followes therefore that this worlde ioy nes with the
new in fbme part: by which thefebcafts might pafle,
and foby little aftd little multiplied this world. The li
ons which I have fecne, are not red, neither have they
fuchhaireas they vfually paint them with. They arc
grey, and not fo furious as they feemc in pidures. The
Indians aiTcmble in troupes to hunt the lion, and make
as it were a circlc3which they do call Chtco, wherewith
they inviron them, and after they kil them with (tones,
ftaves, and other weapons. Thcfe lions vfe to clirnbe
trees, where being mounted, the Indians kil them with
launccs and croflcbowes, but more eafily with harquc-
buzes. The Tygres are more fierce and cruell, and are
more dangerous to mecte, becaufc they breake foorth
and aflailc men in treafon : They arc fpotted>as the Hi-
ftoriographcrs defcribe them.I have heard fbme report
that thcfe Tygres were very fierce againft the Indians,
yet would they not adventure at all vppon the Spani
ards, or very little- and that they would choofean JW/-
an in the middeft of many Spaniardcs, and carry him
away.

The Bcares which in Cufco they call Otoioncos, be of
thefamekinde that ours are, andkeepein the ground.
There arc few fivarmes of Bees , for that their honnic-
combes arc found in trees, or vnder the ground , and
notinhivesasinCf#///<r. Thehonny comhes which I
have fecne in the Province of Chares , which they call
Chiguanas, are of a grey colour,having little iuyce,and
are more like vnto fweete ftravve, than to hony combs. ^
They fay the Bees arelitle, like vnto flies-and that they ]
fwarme vnder the earth. The hony is fharp and black/
yet in fbme places there is better , and the combes bet-
ter&ihioned, as in the province ofTwuntM in chffe,

X and

304

mdmCarthagwe . I have not feene nor heard fpeakc
of wilde boarcsj but of foxes and other wild beafts that
care their cattell andfowle, there are more than their
flicpheards would willingly have. Befides thefe beafts
that are furious and hurtfull , there are others that arc
profitable, and have notbeene tranfported by the Spa-
niardes, as ftaggesand diere, whereof there is great a-
boundanceinalltheforrefts. But the greateftparteis
a kinde of dicre without homes, at the Icaft, I have ne
ver fcene nor heard fpeake of other, and all are without
homes like vnto Cwcos. It feemes not hard to beleeve,
but is-almoft certain, that all thefe beafts for their light-
neiTe , and being naturally wilde,have palled from one
world to an other,by fome parts where they ioyne/ee-
ing that in the great Hands farre from the mainc land I
have not heard that there are any, though I have made
diligent inquiry.

of Fewles which are heere, and are at ike Indies > And
how they could pajfc thither.
CHAP. 35.

-«- pr rEe may more eafilybeleeve the fame of birdeSj
V V and that there are of the fame kindes that wee
have,as partridges^urtles^pigeons, ftockdoves,quailes,
and many forts of falcons, which they fend from New
Sfawe, and Peru, to the noblemen of Sfaine , for they
make great accompt of them. There are alfo Herons
and Eagles of diverfe kindes- and there is no doubt but
1 thefe birds & fuch like, have (boner paflcd thither than
* lions,tygres;and ftagges . There arelikewife at the It-
dies great numbers of parrots, efpccially vpon the An-
dc$ of Peru, and in the Hands of Port Ricco and faint J?^-

Hiftorieofthefnclies. lib.^,

minique, where they flee by flockes,as pigeons do here. 1
To conclude, birdes with their wings may goe where
they will; and truely many kindes might well nafle the
gulph3 feeing it is certaine,as Plinie affii mcth, that there
are many that paffc the fca , and goe into ftrange regi
ons, although I have not read that any fowle hathpaC
fed by flight fb great a gulph, as is the Indian Ocean,yct
hold I it not altogether impoflible, feeing the common
opinion of mariners , that you (hall finde them twoo
hundred leagues and more from the land, And as Ari-
ftotle dooth teach, that birdes endure the water cafely,
having little refpiration, as wee fee in fea fowle, which
dive and remain long vnder the water. Even fo we may
fey , that the fowle which bee at this prefent vppon the
thaine land, and in the Hands at the Indies 9 might padc
the fca, refting themfelves in fomc fmall Hands , or vp-
on fome land which they difcovered by a natural! in-
ftin& (as Plinie reporteth of (bme)or peradventurc fal
ling into the water, when they were weary of flying,
and after beganne their flight anew when they had alit-
tle refted. As for the fowles which we fee in the Hands,
where there are no beads, I beleeve certainly that they
pafled by one of the forcfiyde meanes . Bin for other
birdes which we finde vppon the maine land, efpecial-
ly thofe whofe flight is fhorte , it is more credible that
they came thither as the beads did , which are of the
lamekindes that wee have in Europe. For at the Indies
there are great birds, very heavy, as Eftr idges, whereof
there are many in Peru ; which doe vfe fometimes to
terrific the IndtAn flicepe as they do goe with their bur
thens.

But leaving thefc birds that govern themfelves w ith-
out the care of man, but oncly for hawking,Iet-vs now

X z fpcake

}o 6 The &£atw*Und oral

fpeakeoftame fovvle ; I wondered at hcnnes 5 feeing
there were fom at the Indies before the Spaniards came
there, the which is well approovcd,for they have a pro-
per name of the country,and they call a hcnne GiMlpt,
and the egge Pouto, and they vie the fame proverb wee
doe, to call a coward, a henne. Thofe that were at the
difcovery of the Hands ofSdmm, do report that they
have feene hcnnes there like vnto ours : wee may con
ceive that the henne being fo tame a fowle,and fo pro
fitable , men might cany them with them when they
parted from one place to'anothcr , as we feeat this day
the Jndiansm their travel carry their henne with them,
or chicken vpon the burthen they have on their (boul
ders : and likewifc they carry them eafily in their cages
of reedcs or wood. Finally, there beat the Indicsmwiy
kindes of beafts and birdes , fuch as we have in Eureft,
• as I have fpccified , and other fortes which I leave to o~
ihers to difcourfe of.

How it fjfouldbcfofiiblty thatdt tit Indies there jheuld
icaxie fortes of be a ft s 5 \vhmofthe like arc
nowhere elfe. CHAP. 36.

IV wcrea (natter moredifficult, to flicw, and prove,
what beginning many & fundry forts of beads had,
which are found at \\izlndies, of whole kindes we have
none in this continent . For if the Creator hath made
them there , wee may not then alleadgenor flie to No
ahs Arke , neither was it then neceffary to fave all forts
of birds and beafrs , if others were to be created anew.
Moreover, wee could not affirme, that the creation of
the world was made andfinifhed infixcdayes, if there
were yet other new kinds to make, and fpcdally pcrfit

beafls,

Hi ftorie of the Indies lifc^. 307

bcafts, and no lefle excellent thin thofe that are know-
en vnto vs : If we fay then that all thefe kindes of crea
tures were prefervcd in the Arke by Neah , it folio vves,
that thofe hearts, of whofe kindes we finde not any but
at the Indies, have pafled thither from this continent's
we have (aide of other bcafts that arc knowne vnto vs.
This fiippofed,! demand how it is potfible that none of
their kinde flioulde remaine heere ? and how they are
found thcrc3 being as it were travellers and (hangers*
Truly it is a queftion that hath long held me in fiifpens.
I fay for example, if the flieep of Peru, and thofe which
they call Pasos and Guanas os , are not found in any o-
thcr regions of the worlde, who hath carried them thi
ther? or how came they there? feeing there is no fliew
nor remainder o£them in all this worlde? If they have
not pafled from fomc other region,ho w were they for
med and brought foorth there? It may be GOD hath
made a new creation of beafts . That which I fpeake of
thefc Pacosmd. Guanacos may be faid of a thoufand difl
ferent kindes ofbirdes and beafts of the forreft, which \
have never beene knowne , neither in fhape nor name; I
and whereof there is no mention made,neitheramong
the Latins, norGreekes, nor any other nations of the
world . We muft then fay, that though all beafts came
out of the Arke, yet by a naturall inftin6t, and the pro
vidence of heaven , diverfe kindes difperfed themfelves
into diverfe regions , where they found themfelves fo
well, as they vvoulde not pane; or if they departed,
they did not preferve themfelves, but inprocefleof
time, perirtied wholy, as we do fee it chaunce in many
things . For if we fliail looke precifely into it, we (hall
finde that it is not proper and peculiar alone to the /;/-
dies, batgencralltomany other Nations and Provin-

X j cc$

;o8 *tte PfatHrall *nJ Mora/1

ccs of Afta>Eunfc, and Affrik:^ where they fay there are£
ccrtainckindes of creatures, that are not found in other
regions, at the leaft if they be any where elfc , they arc*
knowne to be carried from thence- Seeing then thefe
creatures cameout of the Arke,as for example, the ele
phant which we findeonly in theEaft /W/^, and from
thence have bcene imparted to other regions, wee may
iky as much of thefe creatures ofPeru, and of others of
the Indies ^ which arc not found in any or' er pai t of the
world. .

Wee may likewifecor.fider well vr pan this fubiecU:,
whether thcfebcafls differ in kind, an. nrially fr >m
all others , or if this difference be accm which,

mightgroweby diverfe accidents, as wefceimhclinav
ges oftnen,fome are white,crhers blackc, fome giauts>
others dwa, fes : an^ in apes,fome have no ta:t", others-
have : and in ihceperfome are bare,others have flecxes5
Come great and fti ong with a long necke,gs thofc of PC*
Bothers weake and Iittle,having a (hort ncckc,as thofc
ofCashf/e. But to fpeake diredly, whofo would by this
Difcourfe, fliewing only thefe accidental! differences,
prefcrve the propagation ofbcafts at the /#<//#, and re
duce them to thofe ofEttrtfr he flial vndcrtakca charge
he will hardly difcharge with his honor. For if we (hall
Judge the kindcs of beafts by their properties , thofe of
the Indies are fo diverfe, as it is to call an r gge a chcfhut,
.to feeke to reduce them to the knowne kinds of£ur0fe.

OfFowks that are prefer to the Indies.
CHAP. 37.

ere are many kindcs of notable fowles at the //r*
9 ey ther of the fame iort that ours be, or of dif
ferent

Hi ftoric of tke Indies lib.4*

ferent.They bring ccrtainc birds from Chin 4, that have
no fecte,and all their bodies arc almoft feathers. They
fit not vpon the ground, but hangvpon boughs, by
firings or feathers which they have , and fo reft them-
fcj ves,!ike flies or aierie things. In 2Vr0 there are birdes
which they call Tontineiis, fo fmall , that often times I
have doubted feeing them flic, whether they were bees
or butter-flics- but in truth they arc birdes. Contrari-
wife, thofe which they call Cwdores , be of an excee
ding grcatnes, and of iuch a force, that not onely they
will open a fheepc and eatc it , but alfo a whole calfe.
Thofe which they call Auras , and others P^//^J,
( which in my opinion are of the kindc of ravens,) arc
ofaftrangelightncs, and have a very quicke fight, be
ing very fit to clcnfc Citties, for that they leave no
onion nor dead thing. They paflethe night on trees or
vpon rockes, and in the morning they come to the
cities and townes , fitting on the toppcs of the higtieft
building^ where they attend their prey. Their yong :
h o'o \\ ' ii;c feathers y as they report of ravens , and fo
change into blacke.

' I- ie GvticawayAC bebirdes bigger then Parrets,& re-
f'riibl- mem TORI thing; they areefteemed for the varil
eric c ?t :heir f eather s,which be very fairc & pleafing. In
ftafi&f&inc there are abouncUrnce of birdes with excel-
len: feathers , fo as there be not any found in Europe
thr lilies neere them,as we mayTee by the images of
fc^ti ?rs they bring from phence , the which are (with
great reafan,)much valued and efteemed, giving cauic
oif admiration, that wfeh the feathers of birdes , they
IhoulJ m;i!<efo excellent a worke, and fopcrfedly e-
qual!, AS c!iey fecnieprop"rly to be the true coloures of
a painter., and have fo lively and pleafing a regard; as

X 4 '

310 Tlx ^atur all and Moral!

the Painter cannot 6cceede it with his penciil and co
lours. Some Indians which are good and expert
workemen in this Art , will reprefent perfectly in fea
thers, whatfoeverthey fee drawne with the penciil, fo
as the Painters of Spainc, have in this point , no advan.
tage over them. Don Philip the Prince ofSpaim , his
' fchoolemafter, did give vnto him three figures or por
traitures made of feathers, as.it were to put in a Brevia
ry. His Highnes did (hew them to King Phil/phis fa
ther, the which his Maiefty beholding attentively /aid,
that hce had never feene in fo fmall a worke , a thing
oirfo great excellency and perfedion. One day as they
preferred to Pope Sixties quintw , another fquare big
ger then it, wherein was the figure of St. Francis, and
that they had told him it was made of feathers by the
Indians,hc defired to make triall thereofrouching the
table with his fingers, to fceif it were of feathers, for
tha'titfeemedftrange, to fee them fo properly fitted,
that the eye could not iudge nor difcerne whether
they were nauirall colours of fathers , or artificial!,
done with thcprncill. It is a goodly thing to fee the
luftrewhich a grcene, an orange tawny like gold, and
other fine colours do caft, and beholding them ano
ther way they feeme dead colours. They make thebeft
and goodlieft figures of feathers in the Province of
Meck&vAcan^hd in the village ofPafcaro. The manner
is with fmall delicate pinfors they pul the feathers from
the dead fowles, and with a fine pafte they cunningly
ioy nc them together.Thcy ta!<e the fmal & delicate fea
thers of thofcbiais, which in Peru they call Tomineyes,
or others like vnto them, which have the moft perfed
colours in their feather. The Indians (befidesthefe
images,) did vfe feathers in many other moft excellent

workes,

orie of the Indies, lib.^.

,tvprkes, efpecially for the ornament of Kings and No-
blcmen,thtir Temples and Idolls. 1 here are alfb other
great birdes, which have excellent and fine feathers,
.whereof they make plumes of fundry colours', efpecL
#Uy when they go to warrc, inriching them with gold
*ndfilver very artificially, which was a matter of great
price. They have the fame birdes ftill,but they arc not
fo curious, neither do they raakcfo many gentill devi-
fes as they were wont. There arc other birdes at the In-
dits , comrade toihefe of fb rich feathers , the which
(befides that they are ill favovred,) ferve to no other
vfe but for dungDand yet perchance they are of no leffc
profite. I have considered this, wondering at the provi
dence of the Creator, who hath fo appointed, that all
creatures fliould fervc man. In feme Hands or Pht-
res , which are ioyning to the coaft gof Peru^ wee
fee the toppcs of tjie mountaines all white, and to
fight , you would take it for fnow , or for fome white
land , but they are heapes ofdung of fea fo wle which
go continually thither : and there is fo great aboun^
dance , as it rifcth many ellcs , yea , many launces in
height,which feemes but a fable. They go with boatcs
to thefe Ilands,oncly for the dung,for there is no other
profit in them. And this dung is fo commodious and
profitable, as it makes the earth yeelde great abouru
d mce of fruite.Thcy cal this dung GHAIIO> whereof the
valley hath taken the name, which they call Limagua-
*u,in the valleys ofP^> where they vfe this dung,and
it is the mod fertile ofallthatcountrie. The quinces,
poungranets,and other fruitcs there, exccede all other
in bountie and greatnes-and they fay, the reafon is, for
that the water wherewith they water it , paflTeth by a
. land compaffed with this dung , which caufeth the
beaatb of this fruitc. So as thefe birdes have not only

the

*J*

the flefli to fervc for meate,their finging for recreation,
their feathers for ornament and beautie , but alfb their
dung ferves to fatten the ground. The which hath bin
{b appointed by the fovcraigne Creator, for the fef-
tice of man >that he might remember to acknowledge
arid be loyall to him from whom all good proceedes.

OfBuftsfcrthe Chaff s. CHAP. 38.

T> Efides the Beafts of Chafe , whereofwc have fpo-
JLJ ken, which be common tothe/^/wand^^^
there are others which I doe not remember to have
feene heere,vnleflfc perhappes they have been brought
from thence. There are beafts called Sainos, made like
fin'^Jl. hogges , which have this fingular to themfelves,
to have their navill vppon the ridge of their backes:
thefe go by troupes through the woods, they are crucll
and nothing fearefull,but contrariwifc they a(faile,and
have their tallcnts fliarpe as rafors, wherewith they
itiake dangerous wounds and incifions, if fuch as hunt
them put not themfelves in fafetie.Such as hunt them,
(for themore fafer killingof them,) they climbe vp into
trees, whither the Saints or hogges come prdentlyin
troupes , biting the tree when they cannot hurte the
man , and then with their launccj they kill what they
will. They are very good to cate, but they muft of ric-
ccffitiecut off the round pecce where thenavilgrowes
vpon thcbacke; for otherwife within^ day they cor
rupt. There is another kinde oflitde bcaftlike to fuc.
Ving pig ges, and they call them Guadatwaias. I am in
doubt whether there were any • f wine at the Indies,
Before the Spaniard es came thither, like to thefe in
for that in the difcovcrie ofthe Hands ofSob-

matf,

Htflom of the Indies lib. 4.*

it is (aid, they found hcnncs and fwine ofSpaine.
But howfocver it be, it is moft certaine, that this cattell
hath greatly multiplied at the Indies. They eate the
flefli frefh , and hold it to be as holefomc and as good,
as if it were of mutton; as in Carthagcncm fome partes,
they are become wildcandcruell,the which they hunt
like wildc boares, as we fee in S. Dominique ,and other
Hands where the beafts live iti the f orrefts. In fome pla
ces they fcedc them with the grainc of Mays, and they
grow wonderfully fatte,to have the greafc, which they
vfe for want ofoylc-in fbmeplaces they make gamons,
as in TollttM of new Spainetznd in Paria at Peru. Retur
ning then to fuch beafts as are peculiar there, even as
the Sainos arc likevnto fwine , though fbmewhat lefle;
even fo the Dagtts rcfcmble fmall kine, but more vnto
mules, having no homes. .The hides of ihefe beafts arc
much efteemcdfbr jerkins and other coverings, they
are fo hard as they refift any blow whatfbcver . And as
the Dtntts be defended by the hardnes of their hides,
fothofe which they call Armadillos are by the multi
tude of their fcales, which open and fliut as they pleafe
like to a curaflc . There be litlc beafts which go thorow
the woods,called^;vW/% , by reifbn of the defcn ce
they have hiding thcmfclves within their fcales ; and
opening when they lift : I have eaten of them, and doe
not holdc it fora meate of any g«cat woorth 5 but the
flefti of the 7 guana* is a better meate, but more horri
ble to the eye : for they arc like to the very Lizardes of
S faint, although they be of a doubtfull kinde, for that
they go to the water, & camming to land they climbe
the trees vpon the bankes ; and as they caft themfelves
from the trees into the water, the boat'es watch vnder-
neath to receive them. The Chiwhilfa is an other kind

of

Ztyjiturall and Morall

of fmall beads, likefquirrels, they have a woondcrful!
fmootheand foft skinne, which they weare as a health-
full thing to comfort the ftomacke , and thofe partes
that have needc of a moderate heate 5 they make cove-
/ rings and rugges of the haire of thefe ChinchMes, which

are found on the Sicrre of Peru , where there is like wife
a fmall bcaft very common which they caL C^jf^, and
which the Indians hold for a very good meate,and they
are accuftomed often to offer thefe Cujcs in their fa-
crifices. They are like fmall conies , and have their bo-
rows in the grocmd , and in fbme places they have vn-
dermincd all the land : fome are grey,fome white, and
(bmefpeckled. There are other (mall animalles which
they call ViftachaJ&rid. are like to hares, although they
be bigger, they hunt them and eate the flefli. Of com
mon hares these are great flore in fomeparts. Thercarc
alfo connies in the realme of guitto, but the good arc
come from Sprint. There is another ftrange beaft , the
which for his great heavinefle, and flowneffc in moov-
%*^ing, they cz\\Perico-ligero, or the little light dogge,hec
hath three nailes to every hand, and mooves both hand
and feete , as it w^rc by compafle and very heavily : it
is in face like to a monkie , and hath a flirill crie • it cli-
meth trees, and eates Ants.

Of Mi cos or IwkAfl Monkics. CHAP 39.

THroughoutallthe mountaines , eytherof thcfel-
lands of the firme land, orofthc/flwfef, there are
infinite numbers ofMices or Monkies,which are a kind
ofapes,but veiy different, in that they have a taile, yea
averylong one. And aniongeft them there are fbme
kinds which arc thrife, yea fourc times bigger than the

ordinary*

Hilhrit of the Indies, lib.^.

ordinary; fome arc all blacke,fome bay ,fome grey,and
fomefpotted . Their agiliticand maner of doing is ad
mirable, for that they feemc to havereafon &difcourfe
to go vpon trees , wherein they fccrnc to imitate birds.
Going from Nombrc de Dios to Panama, I did (eein Ca-
fira, one of thefe monkies leape from one tree to an o-
ther, which was on the other fide of a river,making me
much to wonder. They leape where they Unwinding
their tailes about a braunch to (hakeit ; and when they
will leape further than they can at once, they vfe a pret
ty devife, tying themfelvcs by the tailes one of another,
and by this meanes make as it were a chaine of many:
then doc they launch themfelves foorth , and the firft
holpen by the force of the reft, takes holde where hee
lift, and fo hangs to a bough, and helpes all the reft, till
they be gotten vp. It were long to report the fooleries,
trickes,traverfes, andpleafantfportes they make when
they are taught, which feeme not to come from bruit
beafts , but from a manlike vnderftanding . I /awe one
in C.irthagettem the Governours houfe,fo taught,as the
things he did feemed incredible : they fent him to the
Taverne for wine, putting the pot in onehand,and the
money in the other ; and they could not poffibly gctte
the money out of his hand, before he had his pot full
of wine. If any children merte him in the ftreete , and
threw any ftones at him , he would fet his pot do wne
on the one fide, and caft ftones againft the children till
he had allured his way, then would he returne to cany
-home his pot . And which is morc,although hec were
a good bibber of wine (as I have oftentimes feene him
drinke, when his maifter hath given it him) yet would
he never touch it vn till leave was given him.They told
rncmoreover, thatif hcefaweany women painted, he

vvould

would fall vppon them, pull off their attire,and would
fecke to bite them.

This may be an addition which I have not feene,but
I doe not thinke there is any beaft in the world approa-
cheth fo neare the conversion of a man , as this mon
key dorh . They report fo many things,which for fearc
Ifliouldebethoughtto give credite to fables, or they
fliould befo efteemed, I tbinke belt to omitte, bleffing
the Author of all creatures , in that hee vrould create at
kinde of beaft, onely for the recreation and delight'of
man . Some report that they carried ihefe iMictsot
Monkies to Solomon from the Weafr -Indies but for my
parte, I holdeit was from the Eaft Indies.

Ofyicugnes,andTArttgncsifPttu.. CHAP. 40.

A

Mongft the moft remarkable things at the Indies
of Pent , be the Vicngnts, and fheepe of the coun
ts e£j n*f ti ie,as they call them , which are tra&able beafts and
ofgreatprofite- ther/V^warewilde^and theflieepc
are tame. Some thinke that the Vicugnes are thofc
which Arittotky Plittit,and other Authors call Caprcas,
vyhichare wildegoates, and in truth they havcfome
refemblance, for the lightnes they have in the woodes
and mountaines , but yet they arc no goates > for the
Vicugms have no homes , as thofe have, whereof Art*
nolle ifiakes mention ; neither are they the goates of
the Eaft Indies fiom whom they draw the Bezar ft on e;
for if they be of thatkinde,it were a diverfe one , as in
the race of dogges , the maftie is divers from the grcy-
hoimd.The Vicugnts of P^»arcnot thofe beafts which
carrie the Bezar ftone , in the Province of new Sfaine,
which there they cal 9tffyrtp$M that they are a kind of

Stasges

Hit farie of the Indies, lib.^.. 317

Stagges and Vcnifon 5 yet do I not know-in any part
of the world there be any of thefe beafts , but in Peru,
and in Chills, which are countries ioyning one to ano
ther. Thefe Ficugnes are greater then goatcs, andleffe
then calves. Their haire is of the colour of dried rofes,
fomcwhat cleerer; they have no homes like Stagges
and Goates\ They feedevpon the heigheft tops of the
moun taines , which they call Pugn*is. The fnowe nor
froftdoth not offend them, but contrariwife they feem
to delight in it. They goe in troupes, and runnemoft
lightly 5 when they meete with any travellers or beafts,
they fly a way jfeeming very fearefull,'and in flying they tt
drive their yong ones before them. They do not finde
that they multiply much : and therefore the Kings /#-
gua* did defend the hunting of Vicuspts^ if it were, not
for their feafls , or by their commandernent. Some
comp!aine>;that fince the Spaniards entred there, they
have given too much libertie to hunt the rtcugtfes^nd
by this meanes they are much diminiftied. The maner
the Indians vfe in their hunting , they aflemble many
men together , to the number of 1000. or 2000. yea,
more, andinvironingagreat circuit of wood, they
hunt their game vntill they have compafled it in on
all parts,and by this meanes they commonly take three
or foure hundred , andfo choofingwhat they lift, they
let go the reft, efpecially the females for breede. They
are accuftomed to fheere thefe beafts , and of their
fleece to make coverings and rugges of great value, for
that this wooll is like to white filke , which laftes long:
and as the colour is naturall and not died , fo is it per-
petuall. The ftuffes that are made of this wooll,are ve-
ly frefh & good in fummer, and they hold them profi
table for the inflammation of thereines, & other parts

tera-

318

tempering the exceffiveheate.This wooll hath the like
vcrtue when it is made in quiltes , and therefore fbmc
vfe it to that end, for the trial! they have made thereof.
They fay moreover, that this vvooll or coverings made
thereof, is phificall for other indifpofitions , as for the
govvt: yet doe I not know that they have made any
certaine triall thereof.The flefh of thefe Vicugncs is not
good, although the Indians catc it, and drie it.For the
effe&s of Phyficke, I will fay what I have feene vppon
the Sierre of Peru, comming one night into a Tambo or
Inne? being much afflicted with paine in mineeies,
. thinking they would fallout, (the which dooth com.
mealy happen in thofe partcs , for that they pafTe tho-
rowphces covered with fnow , which is the caufeof
this accident. Being troubled with this paine, and out
of patience,there came 'mlndiait woman which faid to
me, Father, lay this to thine eics, and thou fhalt be cu
red, it was a peece of the flefli ^Vicngnes newly killed
& all bloody. I vfed this medicine,&prefently the pain
ceafed,and foone after went quite away. Befides thefc
Chacos which is the moft common manner of hunting
at the Indies , they have vfed another more private to
take them, which is, that comming necre, they do cafl
certaine lines with plummets of lead, which intanglc
their legges,(b as they cannot runne,and by this means
they take the Vicugne. The chiefe rcafon why this bcaft
is cfteemed, is, by reafbn of the Befyrs ftone they findc
in them, whereof we will intreate heercafter . There
^^^ is another kinde of beafts , which they call Tarugucs,

which likewife are wilde , and more nimble than the
Vicugnes . They are greater of body, and more horc.
They have fbft eares and hanging : they goenot in
troups as the Vicugnts. I have not feene them but alone,

and

HiHoriffoftbefndics.

and moft commonly in high places . They alfb drawc
Be^ars ftones from thefe Tarttgues, which are greater,
and have more operation and vertue.

O/Pacos, GuM<tcos\and Indian Mutlws.

C HAP. 41.

f-pHcre is nothing at Pern of greater riches and profit
A than the cattell of the country, which our men call
Indian fhccp, and the Indians in their general! language
call them LAWA. For all things well confidered, it is a
beaft of thegreateftprofite and leaft charge of" any that
Iknowe: from them they dravvemeate and clothing,
as from thefheepe tfSpainc . Moreover they have the
benefiteto carry all things they have needeof, vfing
them tobeare their burthens : and they have no needc
ey ther of fhooes or faddles,nor yet of oates, but he fer-
veth his maifter for nought , feeding on rhe grade hee
findes in the fieldes • fb as God hathfurnifhed them of
fheepcand mares, and all in one beaft. And as it is a
poorc nation, fo woulde hee in this poy nt free them
from charge , for that there is much pafture vppon the
Stem : and this kinde of cattell hath no needc of any
other charge. There are two kindes of thefe (liecpe or
Lam**, the one they call PACOS^ (heep bearing wooll,
and the others arc bare,and have litle wooll,fo are they
better for burthen 5 they are bigger than great fhecpe>
and lefTe than calves , they have a very long necke , like
to a cammell, whereof they have good needc : for be
ing high of ftature, they have nccde of a long necke^
clie fhould they be deformed. They are of divcrfe co
lours, fome all white, others all blacke , forne grey and
fome fpotted3 which they call Moromwo . Itelndians

Y . had

had great frprrftitions in choofing the hearts forfkri-
fices, of what colour they fhould be , according to the
diverfiticof feafonsandfacrifices. Their flefli is good,
although it be hard, but that of their Lambs is the bet-
ter, and the moft delicate that can bee eaten : yet they
eate not many,for that the chiefe fruite and profit they
y ielde, is their wooll, to make clothes5and their (ervicc
to carry burdens.The/W/ww make fluffs of this wooll
wherewith they clothe themfelves,the one is grofe and
common , which they call Hanaca , and the other fine
and delicate which they call Cumbi /they make car
pets and coverings, and other exquifite workes, which
laft long, and have a very faire luftrejike halfe filke:and
that which is moft rare, is their maner of weaving their
workes, being both fides alike, fo as you fhall not find
any end in a whole peece. The \ngua. king of Peru had
many chiefe workemcn, to make this vvorkc ofCum&i:
and the which, for the moft part , were rcfidentin the
Province GfCMftcBifii, ioyning to the great lake of Ti-
ticAco, . They die this wooll into diverfe fine colours,
withfundry kindes of hearbes, whereof they make ma
ny fortes of \vorkcs;both courfe and fine. All the Indi-
A&SJ both men and women, \voorkein \hzSierre , arid
have their loomes in their hotifts , having noneedeto
bnyanyftuflxsfouthdr neceffary vfes . Oftheficfhof
thefc (lieepe they make Cufcbdrgut , or dried flefli, the
which will laft very long , whereof they make great ac-
compt. They are accuftomed to drive troupes of thefc
fheepe with burthens, and to go in bandes, three hun-
dred;five hundred,yea a thoufand in a company , with
wine, mays, coca, chuno, quicke-filver, and all other
kindes of marchandife, and of filver, which is the beft
of aH.They carry barres of filver from Potofy to Ariq***

which

Hiflwfceftbefndic*.

which is three fcore and tenne leagues. I have often
w ondered to fee thefe troupes of fiieepe laden with, a
thoufandortwothoufind barresof filver , andmuch
m tre, which is above three hundred thoufand ducats,
w v hout any other guard o r elccrt than forne lndi<w!>
which ferve onely to guide thefe (heepe, and to lade
and vnlade them, or at themoft/omefew Spaniardes:
and they flecpe all night in the rhiddeft of the ficldes,
without other guarde : and yet in fo long a way and fo
weake a guarde, they never tinde want or lofTe of anie
thing in fo great a treafure of filver,fo fafe is the way in
Peru. The burthen which one of thefe fheepedooth
commonly carry ,is offoure or fixe arrobes: when their
voyage is long they goe not above two, three, or fotire
leagues at the moft on a day . Thofe that guide thofe %$££*
troupes , have their ordinary lodgings, where they are
afliired to have water and pafture, and there they vn
lade and fet vppe their tents, making fire, and dreffiug
their meates, which is not painefull, although it be a
fleugmatikeand flowe manner of travell . When there
is but one dayes iourney,one of thefe flieepe will beare
eight arobes in weight, or more , and beares this bur
then eight or tenne leagues in a day, as the poore foul-
dicrs were wont to doe, when they marched through
Peru. This kinde of cattell delights moil in a cold air?,
and for this caufe they live vporr the Sierrc , and die in
the Law, by reafbn of the heate . Sometimes thefe
(heepe areall covered with ice and froft , and yet they
continue found and well. The bare fliecpc are pleafant
to behold, for they will (by vpon the way, raifing vppe
their neckes , and will looke vpon any one very wiftly,
and fo they remaineabng time, without mooving or
anyfhewoffcarc, which giveth occafion of laughter,

Y z feeing

feeing them thus to ftand. And yet fometiraes they do

frowe amazed fodainely , and runne away with their
urthens, even to the higheft rockes, fo as not being a-
ble to come vnto them, they are conftraind to kil them
with anharquebuze, left they fhould loofe their barres
of filver, which they fometimes carry . The PAC os will
grpw reafty vnder their burdcns,ly ing downe,and will
endure to be cutte in a thoufand pecces before they wii
rife when this humor takes them : whereof the proverb
growes in Peru, tofaythatoneisreaftie, to fignifie^he
is obftinate- ; for that when any of thefe beafts is moo-
die , it is with excefle : the remedy they have is, to ftay
and fit downeby the/tatf, making much on him, vntill
thefitbepaft,and that he rife : and fometimes they arc
forced to ftay two or three houres. They have a difcafe
like to fcabbes, which they call Caracbe, whereof they
commonly die . The Antients had a remedy , to bury
them quicke that had the Carachc> left they (houlde in-
fed the reft, being a very contagious difeafe, and goes
from one to another. An Indian that hath one or two
of thefe fhecpe,is not reputed poore, for one of them is
woorth fixe or feavcn peeces of aflay, and more, accor
ding to the time and places*

Of the Bcfyarsftone. C H A p. 42.

THe Bezaars ftone is found in all thefe beafts before
mentioned, which are proper to Per»9 whereof
fome Authors of our time have written whole bookcs,
which they may reade that defire to have a more parti
cular knowledge. For theprefent fubie&itfliallbefuf-
ficien t to fty, that this ftone which they call Bczttr , is
found in the ftomackc and belly of this bcaft,foai times

one

Hiftom of the Indies

one alone, fbmetimes two, three, and foure. They are
very different in Ibrm^greatnefle and colour , for that
(bine are fmall like filberds, Sc leffe; others like walnu ts5
fome like pigeons egges, and others as biggeas a hens
cggc: and I have feenefome as biggeas an orange $ in
forme Tome are round , others in fefhion like to lentils,
and many other formes.Foi4 their colour, fom are black,
fome white, fome grey, darkegreene, and others, as if
they had beene guilded. It is no ccrtaineruletoiudgg
thebcftand moft fine by the colour or forme. All thefe
ftones are made and fafliioned ofdiverafilms and skins
one vpon another. In the province of Xaura and other
.provinces of Peru, they find thefe (tones in divers kinds
of beafts,both wild and tame,as in the Guanacos, Paces,
yicitgncsjx\& Taruguesfomc adde an other kind,which
they fay are wildegoates,which the Indians cdlCypris.
Thefe other kindcs of beaftes are very well knowen in
-Peru, whereof wee have already difcourfed .The Gua-
•wcos or country (heepe, or P^^have commonly the
•lefTer ftones,and blacke , neither are they fo much a{>-
frroovedforthevfcof Phyficke. They draw the gree
ted Bez^ar ftones from the Vicugnes, and they are grey,
or white, or of a darke greene, ivhich are helde for the
better.

^

t*xc£llent ? whergprthere arc fome reafonable Bigge:
Ihey are commonly white, inclining to grey; and they
have the filmes commonly bigger and thicker than the
'.reft.

They finde the Bezaar- flone equally both in male
and female. All hearts that ingender it^cfaavv the cuidT
and commonly feede vpon thcfnow anHTockes. The
Indians reporte& teach by tradition from their fathers
and Ancients, thatimhe province of Xwr*,. andin o-

ther

thcr provinces of Peru, there arc many herbs and venc£
mous hearts, which poifon the water and the paftures
where they cate and drinke, and where they breathe:a-
middeft which venomous hearbs there is one very well
knownc of the Vicugm, by a naturall in(Hn&, and of o-
ther beafls that ingender the -Bezaar ftone , which eate
this hearb, and by meancs thereof they prefervc them-
felves from the poifoned waters and paftures : and they
fay, that of this hearb the ftonc is compounded in the
ftomacke^ whence it drawcs all the vertue againft poy.
fon and other \voonderfullcffe<5b . This is the opinion
& tradition of the Indians, difcovercd by men of great
experience in the kingdomc of Pin^which agrees with
rca(bn5and with that which Plinie reports of themoun-
taine goates, which are nouriflied and fed vpon poifon
without fuffering any harmc . The Indians being de-
maunded,why the (heepc,kinc,goates5and calves, fuch
as arc in Cattiffe, have not the Bezaar ftone, feeing that
they fcede on the fame rockes : their anfwer is 3 That
they beleevc not5 that thofe beafts ofCattille eatc of that
hearbjOr that they have found the Bczaar ftone in flags
and fallow dicre. This fecmes to agree with our know-
lege, for that in new S faint they find the Bewar ftone,
although there be no ricugne$,PMos,Tarugucs,nm Gua-
nacos, but only ftags, in fome of which they findcthefe
ftoncs.

Theprincipall vertue of the Befyar ftone is againft
poifon and venomous difeafes , although there bee
heercin divers opinions, fome hold it foramockerie,
others for a miracle. Howfoever it be , it is moft cer-
tainethat itis of a great operation,whcn it is applied in
time,& convenient in a maner, as hearbes5 and to per-
fons capable and difpofed : jfor there is no medicine

that

Hiftorie of the Indies li&4*

that doth alwaiescurc infallibly. In £/«*£• a ,

we have feenc admirable effafis of this ftone , againft
\htTAverdette, which is a kinde of plague, but not fo
muchasinP<r#. They do apply it beaten and putinto
fome liquor, whjc5may make it fit for the CjjreoFmg^
lancholy,the fafllng fickencs3peftilent feavers, & many
other difeafes. Some take it in wine,others in vineger,
with water Dezakac, ofLcangue Je6eufe,bomgc and o-
thcr fortes , as the Phifitians and Apotkaries can tell.
The Bezaar ftone hath no proper favour , as Rafts the
Arabiw doth tcftifie. Wee have feenc notable mails,
and there is no doubt but the Author of this vniverfall
world,hath given great vertues to this ftone. The Beza-
4r ftones which comes from the Eaft/W/tf, have the
firft place of account, they are of an olive colour , the
fecondarc thofcofP^, and the third thofebfNew
Sfainc. Since that thefeftoncs were in requeft,they fiy,
the Indians have made artificiall ones^and^pany when
they fee thefe ftones greater then the ordinarie , they
take them to be falfe and counterfeit : triall and expe
rience is the bcftmiftres to know them. One thing is
worthy admiration, that they grow and are fafhioned
vpon very ftrange things, as vpon the tagge of a point,
vponapinnc, orapecccofwood, which theyfindc
iruhe centre of this ftone, and yet do they not hold it
falfe,for that the beaft might (wallow it, and the ftone
thicken vpon it, and growes one vpon another, and fo
itincreafeth. I did fee in Peru, two ftones fafliioncd
vpon Pignons of CtftiBc , which made vs to wonder
much, for that in all P<?r0, we had not feene any pines
WPignMsofCatfiltt, if they were not brought from
Sp4t»ey which (eemes to me very extraordinary. This
little may fufficc touching the BCSMTS ftone. They

Y 4 bring

bring other phificall ftoncs from the 7W/#,as the ftonfc
of £fy/Vu£f ,or of/fate , the bloud ftone, the ftones of
niilke,and of the fea, Thofe which they call Cornering
fortheheart, whereof there is no neede to fpeake, ha
ving nothing common with the fubiedl of beaftes,
whereof we have intreated : which gives vs to vnder-<
ftand how the great Matter and Author of all, hath
imparted his bcnefites and wonderful! fecrets, ?
to all partes of the world; for the which he
is to beglorified for ever.

.

A Prologue to the Bookes following.

HAvingintrcatcdofthe Natural Hijlorie of the Indies,
Iwil hereafter difcourfi of the MoratlHiftor^ that it te
fiyjfthe deeds andcuftorttesofthe Indies.jF0r after the he a-
venjhe temperature, the jcituationfo the qualities of the new
world^after the elements & mixtures -Jmean mettals giants ^
& beafts, whereof we havefysken in the former Eookes^ oc*
cafion didferveiboth Order& Reafon doth invite vs to con
tinue and vndzrtake the difcourp efthofc men which wha-
bite the new world. And therefore I pretend in the following
,bookes ^ tofaealtewhat I thinke worthie ofthisfubmZ^ And
for that the intention ofthtiHiftorie, is not ondy to give,
knowledge of what hath faffed at the Indies, but afi to conti-
nue this knowledge, to the fruit? we may gather by it , wjycjt
is to helps this people for their foules health^, and to glorifa
the Creator and Redeemer , who hath drawne them from tht
obfcure darkenes of their infdditie, and imparted v^to them
the admirable light of 'his Gofpel. Aud therefore Iwitlfrjl
jpeake in thefe bookes fallowing , what concerncs their retigi-
en, orftperftit'ton, their cufiomcs, their idolatries, and their
facrifices - and after, what concernes their policie and go
vernment, their Uwes, cujlomes, and their dcedzs. Andfor
that the wcmorie is preserved amontjt the Mexicainc Na~
tsbn^of their beginnings }ficcefiions,warres, and other things
mrthie the relation : beftdes, that which flail be handled in
the ftxt booke , I wiU make a peculiar Difiowfein the fe-
•venthjfhcwing the difyofition andjwewarnings this Nation
JjadofthenervJtinrdojneofChriJl our Lord* which jhould .
beext'.ndedTn thtft Countries , and ft ould conquer them ta
hinfelfe, a* he hath done in aH the reft of the world. The
which in truth is a thing worthie of great confederation, to
fee how the divine providence hath appointed, that the light

tfhisword jbwUjifldeafaflage inthe furtheft boundewf
the world. It it not my proiett at this time to write what the
Spaniards have done in thofe panes, for there are bookes e~
now written vpon thitfubiett , nor yet how the Lordesfer*
wants have laboured and prof ted 5 for that requires a new
labour. 1 willoneh content myfelfe to plant this Hiforie and
relation At theaoores of the Gofpel^ feeing it is air eadie en
tered, andtomakeknowne the^T^atur all and M or all things
tfthe Indies ; to the end that Chrillianitie may be planted
andaugmented ^ *i it is expounded at large in the bookes we
havewritten£)e procuranda Indiorum t&M.Andifanj
we winder atfemefajhions & cuftomes of the Indies,^ wil
fcorne them asfooles^ or abhorre them at di<velijk and inhu
mane people , let him remember that the fame things, yea,
worJe^hAvebeenefeeneamongjl the Greekes and Romans,
who have commanded the whole world \ at m may eafly vn-
Aerftandjiotonely of our Authors,** Eufebius, ^Ccfarca,
Clement Alexandrine, and others^ tut alfo of their owne^
rffPlinie, Denis Halicarnaflis , and Plutarke : for the
Prince of darkenes being the beadofalllnfidelitie, it is no
new tkingtofinde among Inf dells, c ruelties, flthines 3 and
follies fit for fitch a M after. And although the ancient Gen
tiles have farrc furpaffed thefeofthe new world in valour
andnaturall knowledge , yet may wee obferve many things
in them worthie the remembrance. But to conclude,they (hew
tobe bar barout people, who being deprivedoft he (upernatu.
'roll light y wi^ikewffiph^

THE

FIFT BOOKE

of the Natural! and Morall Hi-

ftorie of the Indies,

Tbtt the Pride and Malice of the Divcll, hath becnetfa
caufc ofldolatrie. CHAP, r .

HE Pride and Prefumption of
the Divcll is fo great & obftinate,
that alwaies hce feekes and flrives
tobchonoured as Godrand doth
arrogate to himfelfe all hec can;
whatfoevcr doth appertaine to
the moft high God , hce ceafcth
not to abufe the blindc Nations
of the world > vpon whom the cleerc light of the holy
Gofpelhath not yet fhonc. Wee reade in /^ofthisj
prowd tyrant , who fcttes his eyes aloft , and amongft
all the fonncs of pride, he is the King. The holy Scrip,
ture inftru&es vs plainclyofhis vile intentions, and
his overweening treafon , whereby he hath pretended
to make his Throne, cquall vnto Gods, laying in Efoy,
Thox diddejipty within thyftlfc, I will mwnt <vf to haven, J

and

3} o The S^atvrall and Moral!

dndfctmjchairevfon tilth* ftarres of heaven , and I wilt
fit vfon the toppt ojthe Firmament'* and in the fides of the
Ndrthjmttafcend above the height ofthecldudss, andrviS.
fa {fa to fa mojl High. And in Ezechiel , Thy heart rvaf
lifted 'vp, and thw> haft fad, I am Cod , and have fit in the
chaireofGed intbe midjl of the fea. Thus doth Sathan
continually peffift in this wicked de-fire, to make him-
felfeGod. And although the iuft and (were chaftife-
mcnt of the moft high hath fpoiled him of all his
pompe andbeautie, which made him grovvprowd,
being intreated as his fellonic and indifcrction-had
defervcd,as it is written by the fame Prophcts^yet hath
he left nothing of his wickednes and perverfe pracfti-
fes, the which hee hath made manifeftbyallmeanes
poflible,likeamaddogge that bites the fword where.
with he is ftrucken.For as it is written,the pride of fuch
as hate God, dothalwaiesincreafe. Hcncecomesthc
continuall and ftrangc care which this encmie of God
hath alwaies had,to make him to be worlhipt of men ,
inventing fo many kinds of Idolatries, wherbyhe hath
fo long heldthe greteft part of the world in fubie&ion-
fo as there fcarce rernaines any one corner for God &
a.it. his people of ifrael. And fince the power of the GoC
9 fyd pel hath vanquifliedand difarmed him,and that by the
^ force of the Crofle, hee hathbroken and ruined the
moft important and puiflant places of his kingdomc
with the like tyrannic , hee hath begunne to aflaile the
barbarous people and Nations fartheft off, ftrivingto
maintaine amongft them his falfe and lying divinitie,
the which the Sonne of God had taken from him in
his Church, tying him with'chainesasinacagcor pri-
ibn, like a furious beaft to his great confufion, & reioy~
cing of the fervants of God,, as he doth fignify in lob.

But

HiUorie of the Indies, lib.?.

But in the end, although idolatrie had bcene rooted
out of the bed and moft notable partcs of the worlde,
yet he hath retired himfelf into the moft remote parts,
and hath ruled in that other part of the worlde, which
although it be much infcriour in nobilitie , yet is it not
ofleffe compafle. There are two caufes and chiefe mo
tives, for the which the diveli hath fb much laboured
to plant idolatry and all infidelity, fo as you (hall hard
ly finde any Nation where there is notfomemarkes
thereof. The one is this great prefumption and pride,
which is fuch, that whofo would coniider, how hee
durft affront the very Sonne of God, and true God in
faying impudently, that he ihould fill downe and wor-
fliip.him : the which he did, although he knew not ccr-
tainely that this was the very God, yet hadhe fome o-
pinion that it was the Sonne of God. A moft cruel! and
horrible pride, to dare thus impudently affront his ^
God; truely he (hall not finde it very ftrangc , that hee
makes himfelfe to be worfhipped as God, by ignorant
Nations , feeing hee would feeke to be worfhipped by *
God himfelfe , calling himfelfe God , being an abho-
minable and deteftable creature . The other caufe and / -\
motive of idolatrie, is the mortal! hatred hee hath con
ceived for ever againft mankinde. For as oar Saviour ; ^
ftith, hee hath beene a murtherer from the beginning,
and holdes it as a condition and inseparable qualitie of
his wickedneffe . And for that he knowes the greataft
miftry of man,is to worfhip the creature for God : for
this reafbn hee never leaves to invent all fortes of Idola
tries, to deftroy man , and make him ennemy to God.
There are two mifchiefes which the divell caufethin i-
dolatry^ the one, that hee denies his God , according '
to the text^T^ haft left thy God who crated flfor:The o-

ther

thcr is , that hec dooth fubied himfelfe to a thing bafa;
than hirnfelfe ; for that all creatures are inferior to the
reafonable, and thcdivell, although hec be fnperior to
man in nature , yet in eftate he is much inferior,fceing
that man in this life is capable of Divinitie and Eterni-
tie . By this meanes God is diflionoured, and man loft
in all parts by idolatry, wherwith the divell in his pride

W 9 *

is well content.

Of many kindes of idolatry the Indiays have vfed,
C H A p. 2.

s*f. H. T Dolatry faieth the hoIy-Ghoft by the Wife man, fs
* the caufe.beginning,and end of all miferies, for this
caufe theenemy of mankindehath multiplied fo many
fortes and diverfities of idolatry , as it were an infinite
matter to fpecifie them all . fct we may reduce idola
try to tvvoo heades , theone grounded vppon naturall
things 3 the other vpon things imagined and made by
mans invention . The firft is divided into two • for cy-
thcr the thing they worfhip is general!, astheSunnc,
Moone, Fire, Earth and Elements, or clfe it is particu
lar, as fbmecertayne river, fountaine, tree, orforreft,
when thefe things are not generaly worfhipped in their
kindes, but onely in patticular. In this firft kind of ido
latry they have exceeded in /V/#,and they properly cal
it Gttaca. The (econd kinde of idolatry which depends
ofmansinvention&fiftions , may likewifebe divided
into two fortes, one which regards onely the pure arte
and invention of man, as to adore the Images or fta-
tucs of gold,\vood,or RoneofMercvry or Palla*, which
ney thcr are , nor ever were any thing elfe but the bare
pidures: and the other that concerncs that which re
ally

'HiUorie of tke Indies, lib.?.

ally hath bccne, and is in tructh the fame thing,but not
fuch as idolatry faines5as the dcad,orfome things pro.
per vnto them, which men worfhippe through vanitic
and flatterie , fo as wee reduce all to foure kindcs of i-
dolatry , which the infidells vfe $ of all which it behoo-
veth vs to fpeake fbmcthing,

That the Indians havefome knowledge of God.
CHAP. 3.

FIrft, although the darken efle of infidelitieholdeth
thefe Nations inblindeneflc , yet in many thinges
the light of truth and reafon works fomewhat in them.
And they commonly acknowledge a fupreame Lorde
and Author of all things , which they of Peru called
ffytifacfoi and gave him names of great excellence , as
Fachacamac,mPachayachachic, which is, the Creator
of heaven and earth: and Vfapu, which is admirable,and
other like names . Him they did worfhip , as the chie-
fcft of all, whom they did honor in beholding the hea
ven . The like wee fee amongeft them of Mexico, and
China, and all other infidelles - Which accordeth well
with that which is faide of Saint Paul}m the Ads of the
Apoftles , where hee did fee the Infcription of an Al-
tare5 IgnotoDeo : To the vnknowne God . Where-
vpon the Apoftle tooke occafion to preach vnto them,
faying, He whotne yw worfhip without knowing , him doc I *&**•
preach vatoyou. In like fort, thofe which at this day do
preach the Gofpel to the Indians, find no great difficul-
tie to perfvvade them that there is a high God and Lord
overall, and that this is the Chriftians God, and the
true God. And yet it hath caufcd great admiration in
me, that although they had this knowledge, yet had

they

The ^atural! and Moral!

they no proper name for God , If wee (hall feoke into
the Indian tongue for a word to anfwer to this name cf
God, as in Latin, D<?/#,m Greeke,T/w,in Hebrew,£/,
in Arabike, Alta^ but weefliall not finde any iixthe Cuf-
can or Mexicaim tongues. So as fuch as preach or write
to the Indiws , vfe our Spanifli name Dies, fitting it to
the accent or pronounciation of the Indian tongues,thc
which differ much, whereby appeares the fmall know
ledge they had of God, feeing they cannot fb much as
name him 3 if it be not by our very name : yet in trueth
they had fome little knowledge 5 and therefore in Pern
they made him a rich temple, which they called P<*~
chacamac , which was the principall Sanduarie of the
realine. And as it hath becne faide5 this word vtPachx-
camacjszs much to fay,as the Creator, yet in this tem
ple they vfed their idolatries, worfhipping the Divcll
and figures. They likewife made facrifices and offrings
to VirAcocha.) which heldethe chiefe place amongft the
worfliips which the Kings Ingua made . Heereof they
called the Spaniards VirocechM , for that they holde o-
pinion they are the ibnnes of heaven,and divine; even
as others did attribute a deitic to P^/and Bar tubas >cz\-
ling the one lupiter, and the other Mercuric, fo woulde
they offer facrifices vnto them , as vnto gods : and as
\Attei 18 the Barbarians of c^f^//V(? (which is CMalte) feeing
that the viper did not hurt the Apoftle^they called him
God.

As it is therefore a trueth , conformable to reafbn,
that there, is a foveraigne Lorde and King of heaven,
whome the Gentiles (with all their infidelities and ido
latries) have not denyed, as wee fee in the Philofbphy
QfTiwee in Plato, in the Metaphif ickes QtArijlotlc, and
in the ^Efculape o£Trtfatgi/ler,tt alfo in the Poefies of

Homer

HiHorieoftbefnctics. Kb. 5.

'Homer & Virgil. Therefore the Preachers of the Gofbe'
have no great diificultie to plant £ pcrfwade this truth
of a fupreame God , be the Nations of whomc they
preach never fo barbarous andbrutifli. But it is hard
to roote out of their mindes, that their is no other
God,nor any other deitie then one : and that all other
things of thenifelves have no power,being,nor worke-
ing,proper to thcmfclves, but what the great and only
God and Lord doth give and import vn to them. To
conclude, it is neceffaric to perfwade them by all
meanes,in reproving their errors,as well in that where
in they generally faile, invvorfliiping more then one
God , as in particular, (which is much more) to hold
for Gods, and to demand favour and helpe of thole
things which are not Gods, nor have any power, but
what the true God their Lord and Creator hath gi
ven them.

O/thefrft kindt ofldolttrie, vpon ntiurallAnd'vm-
ver fall things. CHAP. 4.

NExt to F/r^0^,orgtheir fupreme God^hat which
moft commonly they have and do adore amongft
thelnfidells,is theSunne^and after thofe things which
are moft remarkable in the celcftiall or elementaric na-
ture,as the moone, ftartes, fea, and land. The Guacas,
or Oratories, which the Ingnas Lords of Peru, had in
greateft reverence,next tortracocha and the funne,was
the thunder which they called by three divers names,
ChuquilU, CatHtIla> and iKtiiSapa, fuppofing it to bee a
man in heaven , with a fling and a mace, and that it is
in his power to caufe raine, haile, thunder, and all the
reft that appertaines to the region of the aire, where the

Z cloudes

The y^a

cloudcs engender. It was zGvaca, (for fo they called
their Oratories,) generall to be all tixlndians of Peru,
offering vnto him many facrifices : and in Crf/?0,whi-ch
is the Court and Metropolitan Cittie, they did facri-
fice children vnto him, as to the Sunne. They did wor-
fhip thefe three ^Viracocha, the Sunne, and Thunder
after another maner then all the reft,as Pello writes who
had made triail thereof, they did put as it were a gaunt
let or glove vpon their hands, when they did lift them
vp to vvorfliippe them. They did worfhippc the earth*
which they called Pachtmama^ the Ancients did the
goddefTe Tcllta : and the fca likewife which they call
Mamacdch^ as the Ancients worfhiped T/&tf#, QtNcf-
tune. Moreover, they did worfliip therainebow, which
were thearmes and blazons of the /#£/**,. with two
{hakes ftretched outon either fide. Amongft the ftarres
they all did commonly worship that which they called
cWhi,and we heere CabriHc. They did attribute divers
offices to divers ftarres , and thofe which had neede of
their favour did woiihip them , as the fhepheard did fa-
crifice to a ftarrefhhich they called VrcukilUy > which
they hold to be a flieepe of divers colours, having the
care to prefervc their cattell; and they imagine it is that
which the AftronomcrscallT)^. Thcfe (hepheards
worfliippe two other ftarres \ which walke neere vnto
them, they call them CatttckiHaj, and VrcuchilUy ; and
they faine them to bean Eiveand a Lambc . Others
warfliipped a flarre which they called Mtchtcwy , to
which) they attribute the charge and power over fer-
pents5and fnakes, to keepe them from hurting of them.
They afcribe power to another ftarre , which they cal
led Chitguinch'wchay, (which is as much as Tigrc,) over
Tigres,Beares,and Lyons, and they have generally be-

lecved

HittorieofthefnJict. lib. 7. 337

lecved, that of all the hearts of the earth , there is one
alone in heaven like vnto them, the which hath care of
their procreation and increafe. And To they did obferve
and-worfhip divers ftarres , as thofe which they called
ChMAn^TopAtarca^Mamantin, Mirco, Miquiquicay, and
many other. So as it feemed they approached fome-
what neere the propofitions ofP/atoes Idecs. The Mex^
icaines almoft in the fame maner after the fuprcamc
God,worfhiped the Sunne: And therefore they called
HernwdoCoru^) as he hath written in a letter fen t vn
to theEniperour Charles thefift.J Sonneof the Sunne,
for his care and courage to cornpafie the earth. But
they made their greateft adoration to an Idol called
VitzAlifuzstlijhz which in all this region they called the
moft puiflant and Lord of all things : for this caufe the
Mexicawes built him a Temple , the greateft 5 thcfai-
reft, the higheft , and the moft fumptuous of all o-
ther.The fcituation & beautie thercof,may wel be con-
iedured by theruincs which yet remainein the midft
of the Cittic of Mexico&ut heere the Mexicaines Idola-
trie hath bin more pernicious and hurtfull then that of
the/#f#4*, as wee fhall fee plainer heereafter, for that
the greateft part of their adoration and idolatrie, was
imployed to Idols,andnot to naturall things,although
they did attribute naturall cflfeds to thefe Idolls , as
raine, multiplication of cattell, warre, and generation,
CTenasthc Greekesand Latins have forged Idolls of
Pbcebufy tJMercurie^ lupiter, rjMiwrvAyandotCWars.
To conclude, who fo (hall neercly looke into it , (hall
findcthis manner which theDivell hath vfed to de
ceive the Indians, to be the fame wherewith heehath
deceived the Greekes and Romans, and other ancient
Gentiles3giving them to vnderftand that thefe notable

Z a creatures,

creatures, the Sunne, Moonc, Swires, and Elements,
had power and authorise to doe good or harme to
men. And although God hath created all thefe things
for the vfe of man , yet hath he fb much forgottehinr-
felfe?as to rife vpagainft him. Moreover5he hath imba-
iedhimfclfc to creatures that are infcriour vnto him-
felfc, wprfhipingand calling vpod their vvorkes, forfi-
king his Creator. As-thc Wile man faicth well in thefe
wordes, All men are vatic aftdabvfcd that have itotthz
#f^ knowledge of God , feeing they could not know him, that />,
by the things that famed good vnto them: and although
they have behe id his workes , yet have they not at tamed to
know the anther and maker thereof, but they have beleeved
that thef.rejvwdcjfaift at re, the cow ft oft he flarresy great
rivers, with Sunns atidMoonc, were Gods and govern ours
cfthe world : and being in love with the beatttie ofthtfe
things, they thought they foouldefteeme them a* Gods. It Is
rea'bn they (liould consider how much more faire the
Creator is, feeing that he is the Author of beauties and
m'akcs all things/Moreover, if they admire the power
andeifeds of thefe things , thereby they may vnder-
ftandhovv much more mightiehee is that gave them
their being, for by the beautie and greatnes of rhecre-
atures,they may iudge \vhst the aMker is. Hitherto are
the wordes of the Booke of Wifedomc , from whence
\ve may draw a good and ftrowg argument, to over
throw the Idolatric of Infidclls Twho feeke rather to
fcrye the creature then the Creator , as the Apoftk
doth iuftly reprehend them. But for as much as this i^
no t of our prefen t iiibied, and that it hathbeen fuffici-
ently treated of in die Sermons written againft the er
rors of the Indians, it (hall bee fufficientnow tofhew
that they did worihip the great God * and their vainc

and

Htfturie of the Indies

and lying gods all ofonefafhion : for 'their maner to

ycaytoriracKki, totheSunne, the Stan cs, and the

*eft of their Idolls , was to open their hands , and to

make a certaine found with their mouthy (like people

thatkiffed,) and to askc that which every one defired

in offering his facrifices, yet was there great difference

fcetwixt the wordes they vfed in fpeaking to the great

TicwirAcwh* , to whom they did attribute the chcefc

power and comrnandement over all things , and thofe

they vfed to others , the which every one did worfhip

privately in his houfesas Gods or particular Lords, fay.

ing, that they were their interceflors to this great Tic.

civiracocba.'This maner of worfhip,opening thehands,

and as it werekiiling,hath foniething like to that which

70£ had in horror, asfitforldolaters,faying, Jflhave,^

kijfid my hands ryithmyntouth^ beholding the Sunnewhen

it fhincsjr the Moont whcx it is light , the which u a great

i#iquitie,Andto deny t he mojl great God.

Of the Idolatry the Indians vfedtoparticular things.
CHAP. 5.

T He Divell hath not bcene con tented to make thefc
blinde Indians to worfliippetheSunne, Moone,
Starres, Earth and Sea5and many other gencrall things
in nature , but hee hath paffed on further, giving them
for God , and making them fubie<5i: to bafc and abie&
things, and for the moft part, filthy and infamous . No
manneedes to woonderat this barbarous blindnes , if
hee remember what the Apoftle fpeakcth of Wife men
and Philofophers, That having knowne God, they did
notglorifie him, nor give him thankes as to their God>
but they were loft in their own imaginations and con-

Z i ceipts,

340 The 3\(atttrall andMoratt

ccipts, and their hearts were hardened in their follies,
and they have changed the glory and deity of the eter*
nail God, into (hews and figures of vaine and corrupti
ble things, as men, birds, beaftsandferpents: we know
well tint the Egyptians did worfliip the Dogge of oft.
r#,the Cow of lfa,and the Sheepeof Artomon:t\\e. Ro
mans did worfliip the goddefle Februa, or Feavcrs,ancl
theTarpeiev Goofe : and Atbenes the wife did worfliip
the Cockc and theRaven, and fiich other like vanities
and mockeries , whoreof the aunticnt Hiftories of the
Gen tiles are full. Men fell into this great mifery , for
that they would not fubie<5t themfelves to the Lawe of
the true God and Creator , as Saint Atfawtjit& dooth
learnedly handle , writing againft Idolatry . But it is
vvonderfullftrange to feethe excefle which hath beenc
at the Indies , efpecially in Peru : for they worfhipped
rivers, fountaincs, the mouthes of rivers , entries of
mountaines, rockes or great ftones, hilles and the tops
of mountains5which they call AfAchitat^n^ they hold
them formatters of great devotion. To eonclude,they
did worfliip all things in nature^whichfeemed to them
remarkable and different from the reft,as acknowledg
ing fome particular deitie.

They flicwd me in EttxitoXlcM of Naftaz little hill or
great mount of fand , which was the chiefe Idoll or
GUACA of the Antients. I demaunded of them what di-
vinitie they found in it^They anfwered , that they did
worfliip it for the woondcr, beeing a very high mount
of fand, in the midftof very thickc mountains of ftone.
Wee had needein the cittieof Kings^ of great ftore of
great wood 5 for the melting of a Bell, and therefore
they cut downeagreat deformed tree, which for the
greatnefle and antiquitie thereof had bcene along time

the

Hiftdm of the Indies lib.?.

the Oratorie and GHAC* of the Indians. And they belee-
ved there was a certaine Divinity in any thing that was
extraordinary and ftrange in his kinde, attributing the
like vnto {mail ftonesand mettalk; yea vnto rootcs and
fruites of the earth, as therootes they call -.Papas. There
is a ftrange kinde which they call L*lUbu<u, which they
kifled and worfhipped . They didlikewife woorfliippc
Beare$5Lions,Tygres and Snakes,to thend they fliould
not hurt them : and fuch as their gods bee, fuch are the
things they offer vnto them in their worihippe . They
have vied as they goe by the way , to caft, in the croflc
wayes, on the hilles, and toppcs of mountaines, which
they call Ap.achittM> olde fliooes , feathers, and Coca
chewed, being anhearb they vfe much. And when
they have nothing left, thcycaftaftone asanoffring,
that they might pafle jfreely,and have greater force,the
which they (ay increafeth by this meanes, as.it is repor
ted in aprovinciall Counfell o[Pertt . And therefore
they finac in the hie wayes great hcapcs offtonesxoffe- *•?•*
red,and fuch other things . The like follie did the An-
tientsvie, of whome it is fpoken in the Proverbs, Like
runto him tkdt offer eth flams vnto Mercuric , fitch a ont is
bee that honoured fortes , meaning that a man fhill reape
no more fruit nor profit of the fecond than thefirft,for
that their God Mercury, made of ftone , dooth not ac
knowledge any offering, ney ther doth a foole any ho
nour that is doonc him. They vfed another offring no
letTe pleafint and ridiculous,pulling the hairefrom the
cyebrowes to offer it to' the Sunne, hi\\s,4pacbittas 5 to
the winds,or to any other thing they feare. Such is the
miferies that many Indians have lived inland do to this
day, whom the divell doth abufe like very Babes, with
any foolifh illufion whatfoever : So dooth Saint ckrj-

Z 4 foflomc

The ^(aturall and Mor all

fojlwe in one of his Homilies compare them , butthc
icrvants of God which labour to draw them to falvati-
on , ought not to contemne thefe follies and childifli-
nefle, being fufficicnt to plunge thele poore abufed
creatures into eternallpcrdition 5 but they ought with
good and cleere reafons, to drawe them from fo great
ignorance. For in trueth it is a matter woorthy of con-
fideration , to fee how they fubieft themfelves to fuch
as inftrud them in the true way of life. Ther is nothing
among all the creatures more beutifull than the funne,
which all the Gentiles did commonly worfhip . A dit
creete captaineand good chriftian told me,that he had
with a good reafon perfwaded the Indians, that the
Sunne was no god. He required the Cacique or chiefe
Lord, to give him an Indian that were light, to carry
him a Letter- which doone,hc faide to the Cacique, Tel
mc,who is Lord and chiefe, either this Indian that car«
ries the letter, or thou that doft fend him? The Cacique
anfwered, without doubt I am, for he dooth but what
I commaund him . Even fo replied the Captaine , is it
of the Sunne we fee, and the Creator of all things : For
that the Sunne is but a fervant to the moft high Lordf ,
which (by his commaundement)runnesfwiftly,giving
light to all nations. Thus thou fecftit is againft reafon
to yeeld that honour to the Sunne, which is due to the
Creator and Lord of all. The Captaines reafon plea-
fed them all 5 and the Cacique with his Indians faydeit
was trueth, and they were much plcafed to vndcrftand
it.

They report of one of the Kings inguu , a man of a
iubtill fpirite, who (Teeing that all his predeceflbrs had
worfhipped the Sunne,) (aid, that lice did not take the
Sunne to be God,neither could it be/or that God was

Biflorie of the Indies, lib. 5.

a great Lord, who with great quiet and leafureperfor-
mcth his workes, and that the ^unae doth never ceafe
hiscourfe, faying, that the thing which laboured fo
much could not fecme to be God. Wherein hee fpakc
truth. Even fo,when they fliew the Indians their blind
errors , by lively and plaine reafons, they are prefently
perfwadedand yeeldeadmirably to the trueth.

Of another kinde of idolatry vpon the dead.
CHAP. 6.

f-pHere is an other kinde of idolatry, very different
JL from the reft,which the Gentiles have vfed for the
deads fake whom they loved and eftecmed : and it lee-
meth that the Wife man would give vs to vnderftand,
that the beginning of idolatry proceeded thence , fay
ing thus ; Tbefceking ofldolks was the beginning of firm-
cation, And the bringing up of them it the deftruttion of&ft^
for they were net from the beginning , neither jhall they con.
^linuefir ever y but thevanitit and idleneffc of men hath
found out this invention , therefore Jhall they flwrtly come to
j an wd :for when a father mourned heavily for the death of
his mifirablefonnei he made for his confilaticn, an Image of
<ths dead man i andbeganne to worjhippe him asagM^whoA
-lit tie before had ended hit daks like a mortallman, comman~
ding hlsfervants to make ceremonies &focrijices in remsm- j^ //
irance of him. TbtMinproceffi of time this vngratiotx cu- *

Jlornc waxtngflrwg) WM hddfor a latve , and Images were
worfbipped by the commaundemwt of Kings and Tir antes.
Then th^ybeganne to doe the like to them that were abfint,
tndfuchas they could not honour in preface, being farre off ]
they did worship in thufort, canfmg the Images of Kings to
fa brought whom they woulb worflrip, fepptyng (h ^u in
vention)

f*+f.4h q

th

•V,*
\ '.;

> •

*.- i*

,A

344

mention) their ab fence whom they defired to flatter . The cit.
rioptie of excellent workmen increafedthx ldolatrie,for thefe
Images were made fo excellent by th'dr Art, that the ignorant
wer e provoked to worjhippe them , fo as by the perfection of
their Art ey pretending' to content them that gave them to
make , they drew Pictures and Images farre more excellent:
and ]the 'common people, ledde with the pew and grace of the
worke , didholde and ejleeme him for a God , w horns before
they had honoured as a man : And this wa* the miserable er-
rour of men , whofometim&s yeelding totkeir^affeclion and
fence , fometimes to thefiatterie of their K ings ,did attribute
<unt oft ones the incommunicable name of Cod , wot flipping
them for Gods.

All this is in the booke of Wifedome,\TOorth^toJbe
notedj and fuch as arc curious in the fearch of Anti-
uities, fliallfinde that the beginning of idolatry were
cfe Images of the dead . I fay idolatry, which is pro
perly the^voH^ : for that it is

not ccrtaine that this^ther idolatry to worfhip the cre
atures , as the Sunne , and the hoftes of heaven , or the
number of Planets and Starres, whereof mention is
made in the Prophets, hath beene after the idolatry of
Images, although without doubt they have made idols
jn honour of the Sunne,the Moone,and the Earth ^Re
turning to our Indians they came to the height off cfo-
^atly by the fame meanes the Scripture maketh menti-
on of : firft they had a care to kecpe the bodies of their
Kings and Noblemen whole,from any ill fcent or cor-
ruption above two hundred y cares . In this forte were
their Kings Ingua* in Cufco , every one in his Chappell
and Oratorie} fo as the Marquife QfCanctte being Vice
roy, to root out Idolatry, cau fed three or foure of their
gods to be dravvne out and carried to the city of Kingst

which

f the Indies, lib. 5.

which bredde a great admiration, to fee thefe bodies
I (dead fo many yeares before) remaincfo faireand alfo
whole. Every one of 'thefe Kings Inguas left all his trea-
fure and revenues, to entertaine the place of worfhippe
where his body waslayed, and there were many Mi-
nifbrs with all his familie dedicated to his fcrvice : for
no King fucceHo. did vfurpethe tre^fures and plate of
j his prcdeceflbr, but he did gather atfncw for himfelfe,
and his pallace. They were not conteut with this ido
latry to dead bodies, butallb they made their figures
and reprcfentations : and every King in his life time
1 caufedafiguretobemadewherinhewas repreftnted,
which they called Gmoigui^ which fignifieth brother,
for that they (houlddoe to this Image , during his life
<and death, as much honor and reverence as to himfel£
! They carry ed this Image to the warres, and in procefifi*
on for rayne or fayre weather , making fundry feaftes
j and facrifices vnto them. There have bcenemany of
i thefe Idolles in Cufco, and in that territorie, but nowc
! they fty that this luperftition ofworfliippingof ftones
1 hath altogether ceafed, or for the moft part, afterthey
had beene difcovercd by the diligence of the LicentL
I ate Polio, and the firft was that of the Inguas R0ch4,chk£
of the faftion or nee ofHanam Cttfeo.And we find that
among other Nations they had in great eftimation aud
reverence the bodies of their predeceflbrs,and did like-
wife worfliip their Images.

OfSuperftitions they vfed to the Dead. CHAP. 7.

T He Indians of Peru belecved commonly that the
Soules lived after this life, and that the good were
in glorie,and die bad in paiae$ fo as there is little diffi-

cultie

cultie to pcrfwade them to thefe articles. But they
not yet come to the knowledge of that point, that the
bodies fhould rife with thefoules.-And therefore they
did vfe a wonderfull care, as it is faide , to preferve the
bodies which they honoured after death : to this end
their fucceflbrs gave them garments , and made facriff-
ces vnto them , efpedially the Kings Ingots , being ac*
companied at their funeralls , with a great number of
fervants and women for his fervice in the other life:
and therefore on the day of his deccafe,they did put to
death the woman he had loved beft , his fervants and
officers that they might ferve him in the other life;

Whenas GuatMcapA died , (who was father to At*~
g*A!pa,at what time the Spaniards cntred,) they put to
(leath aboue a thoufand perfbns of all ages and condi
tions, for his fervic'e to accompany him in the other
lifr, after many fbngs and drunkennes they flew them;
and thefe that were appointed to death , held them-
felves happy . They did facrificc many things vnto
them , especially yong children , and with the bloud
they made a ftroakeon the dead mans face , from one
care to the other. This fuperftition and inhumanitie^to
kill both men and women, to accompanie and ferve
the dead in the other life, hath beene followed by o-
thers , and is at this day vfed amcngft fome other bar
barous Nations. And as Polio writes, it hath beene in
a maner generall throughout all the Indies. The Reve
rent Beda reportes , that before the Englifli men were
converted to the Gofpel, they had the fame cuftome,
to kill men to accompany and fervethedead.lt is writ
ten of a Portugall 5 who being captive among the Bar
barians , had beene hurt with a dart , fo as he loft one
eye , and as they would have facrificed Jiim to accom
pany

Htilorie of the Indies, lib.?.

pany a Nobleman that was dead ? hcefaid vntdthcm,
that thole that were in the other life, would make fmall
account of the dead,ifthey gave him a blind man for a
companion, & that it were better to give him an atten
dant that had both his eyes ; this reafon being found
good by the Barbarians, they let him go. Befids this fu-
perdition of fac'rificing men tQ the ded, which they vfe
but to great Perfonages , there is another far more ge
neral & common in all the70*//«, which is>- to fet -mcate
and drinke vpon the grave of the deacUmagjning they
did feede thereon , the which hath likewife be.ene an
error amongft the Ancients , as fax&tfttguttim writes,
and therefore they gave them meateand drinke. ,At

'this day many Indian Infidclk, doe fecretly draw their
dead out of the churchyard, and bimethernonhilles,
or vpon paflages of mountaines , or elfe in theirowne
houfes. They have alfo vfed to put gold and filver in
th eir mouth3 hands,and bofome.and to apparell them
with new garments durable , and well lined vndcr the
herfe-

Thcy beleeve that the (bules of the dead wandred vp
and downeand indure coldejthirft^unger and travcll,
and for this caufe they make their annivcriaries, cariy-
ing them clothcs>meate.and driuksg..So as the Prelates,

. nnhcir Synodes, above ail th ings, give charge to their
Priefts to let the Indians vnderffand, that the offerings
that are fet vpon the feptilchre,is not to feede the dead,
but for the poore and minifters 5 and that God alone
dooth feede the foules in the other life • feeing they

\ neither eate nor drinke.any corporall thing, being ve
ry necdefull they (hould vnderftandit, left they fliould
convert this religious vfe into a fuperftition of the gen
tiles, as many doe.

of

The yfyturafl andMoratt

Of the manner of bury ing the dead among theMex-

icame andfwdrie other NAUQW.

CHAP. 8.

HAving reported what many nations of Peru have
done with their dead, it (hall not be from the pur-
pofc, to make particular mention of the Mexicaines in
this poynt, whofe mortuaries were much fblempniied,
and full ofnotablefollies.lt was the office of the priefts
and religious of Mexico (who lived there with a ftrange
obfervance , as (hall be faidcheereafter ) to interre the
dead, and doe their obfequies. The places where they
buried them, was in their gardens, and in the courts of
their owne houfes : others carried them to the places
of facrifices which were doone in the mountaines : o-
thers burnt them , and after buryed the afliesin theyr
Temples $ and they buryed them all, with whatfbcver
they had, of apparel,ftones,and Jewells . They did put
the a(hcs of fuch as wereburnt into pots, & with them,
the Jewells, ftones, and earerings of the dead, how rich
and prctious foevcr. They did fing the funerall offices,
like to anfweres , and did often lift vp the dead bodies,
dooing many ceremonies . At thefe mortuaries they
did eate and drinke ; and if it were a perfon of qualitie,
they gave apparrell to all fuch as cametotheinterre-
ment. When any one dyed , they layd him open in a
chamber, vntill that all his kinsfolkes and friendes were
come, who brought prefentsvnto the dead, andfalu-
ted him as if he were living. And if hee were a King or
Lord offome towne, they offered him flaves to be put
to death with him, to the end they might fervc him in
the other world. Theylikewife put to death his prieft,

or

Htitorie of the Indies, lib./. 34.9

or chaplaine (for every Noble man had a prieft which
admimftred thele ceremonies within his houfe, ) and
then they killed him , that hee might execute his office
with the dead. They likewife killed his cooke, his but
ler, his dwarfes, and deformed men, by whome he was
moft ferved : neyther did they fpare the very brothers,
ofthe dead, who had moft ferved them : for it was a
greatneffeamongeft the Noble men, to be ferved by
theyr brethren and the reft . Finally, they put to deatn
all of his traine, for the entertaining of his houfe in the
other world : and left poverty fhould oppreffe them,
they buried with them much wealth , as golde, filver
ftones,curtins of exquifite worke,bracelets of gold^and
other rich pceces. And if they burned the dead , they
vfed the like with all his fervants , and ornaments they
gave him for theother world . Then tooke they all the
afhes they buryed with very great fblemniry . Theob-
fequies continued tenne dayes with fbngs of plaints,
and lamentations, and the prieftscaried away the dead
with fo many ceremonies , and info great number, as
they couldc fcarce accoumpt them. To the Captaines
and Noblemen they gave trophees and markes of ho
nour, according to their cnterprifts and valor imploy-
ed in the warres and governements$ for this effc<5t they
had armes and particular blafons . They carried thefe
markes or blazons to the place where hee defired to be
buried or burnt, marching before the body, and ac
companying it, as it were in proceffion, where the
priefts and officers of the Temple went with diverfc
furnitures and ornaments, fbme cafting incenfe,othcrs
finging, and fome (bunding of mournefull flutes and
drummes, which didmuchincreafetheforrowofhis
kinsfolkesandfubieds. The prieft who did the office
"L was

The 3\(atura!l and Moratt

was decked with the markes of the idoll which the no
ble man 'had reprefented • for all noble men did repre-
fent idolles5and carried the name of fbme one : and fot
this occafion they were cfteemed and honoured. The
order of knighthoodedid commonly carry thefcforc*
(aide markes. He that fhould be burnt, being brought
to the place appoynted5they invironed him with wood
of pine trees, and all his baggage , then fct they fire vn-
to it 5 increafing it ftill with goomie wood , vntill that
all were con verted into afties, then came there foorth
a Prieft attired like a Divell, having mouthes vpon eve
ry ioynt of him, and many eyes of glafle, holding a
great ftaffc, with the which hee did mingle all the afhes
very boldly, and with fb terrible a geflure, as hec terri
fied all the affiftants. Sometimes thisminifter hado-
ther different habites, according to the quallitieof the
dead. I have made this digreflion of obfequies and fu-
neralls , vpon the idolatry and fuperftition they had to
the dead . It is reafon to returne now to our chiefc fub-
ie#, and to finifh this matter,

The fourth and I aft k'mde of idolatry th: Indians vfid>
fffccially tht Mexicaines to Images and
Id0fls. C H AP* 9.

ALthough in trueth God is greatly offended with
thefe above named Idolatries, where they woor-
fhip thecreatures^yet the holy-Ghoft doth much more
reproove and condemne another kind of idolatry, and
that is of thofethatworfhip Images and figures made
by the hand of men, whichhavcnothingclfcin them
but to be of wood,ftone,ormettal!5and of fuch forme
as God hath given them. And therefore theWifeman

fpeaketh

Iltfiorieoftkefnclics. lib. 5*

fp? aketh thus of fuch people , They are m [erMe, whofe
hopes may be counted among the dud , that have catted the
workes of wens handtsgods, asgo!de.tfiher^and the inventi
on 0ft he likenesofbsaftes, or ajruitlefjcftone&hicb hath no
thing mere in it than antiquitie. And hee dooth divinely £f* .44.
follow this propofmon againft this errour and follie of J^;^
the Gentilcs-as alfo the Prophets Efay, leremyyBarnc>&
Kins Z>4v/Wdoetreate thereof amply. It is convenient

^? i j

and neceffary that the Miniftcrs of Chrift which do re-
proove the errors of idolatry ,fliould have a good fight,
and confider well thefe reafbns which the holy-Ghoft
dorh fo lively (et downe, being all reduced into a fhort
fen tence, by the Prophet ofee , Hee that hath mads them
w& a workman, and therefore can they be no gods, therefore
the Calfe of SamariayZw/^ like the Spiders mbbe. Return
ing to our purpofe, there hath becne great curiofitie at
the Indies in making of idollcs and pifturcs of diverie
formes and mattei's, which they worfliipped for gods,
and in Peru they called them Guacas, being commonly
of fowlc and deformed beafts,at the leaft, fuch as I have
fccne,were fo. I beleeve verily that the Divel, in whofc
honour they made thefe idolles , was pleafed to caufc
himfclfe to be worfhipped in thefe deformities, and in
trneth it was found fo, that the Divell fpakeand anfwe-
red many of thefe Guacat or idolls, and his priefles and
niinifters came to thefe Oracles of the father oflies,and
fuch as he is,fuch were his counfells and prophefies. In
the provinces ofNew Spaine,Mexico, Tefcuco, TlafiaRa,
Cholula, and in the neighbour countries to this realme,
this kinde of idohtry hath becne more pa<5ti(cd than in
any other realme of the world. And it is a prodigious
'thing to heare the fuperftitions reherfed that they have
vfcd in that poy nt , of the which it fhall not be vnplea-

A a font

fant to fpeake fomething. The chicfeft idoll of Utxic*
\ was, as I have faydc , Vitzilifutdi . It was an image of
wood like to a man,fet vpon a ftoole of the colour of a.
zure,in abrankard or litter, at eveiy corner was a piece
j of wood in forme of a Serpents head . The ftoole fig-
nified that he was fet in heaven : this idoll hadde all the
Forehead azure, and had a band of azure vnder the nofe
from one eare to another : vpon his head he had a rich
plume of feathers , like to the beake 6f a fmall bird, the
which was covered on the toppe with goldeburniflied
very browne : heehadin his left hand a white target,
with the figures of five pine apples, made of white fea
thers, fet in a croiferand from above ififued forth a creft
of gold, and at his fides hec hadde fourcdartes, which
(the Mexicaines fay) had beene fern from heaven to do
thole adcs and prowefles which (hall be fpoken of : In
his right hand he had an azured ftaffe, cutteinfafhion
of a waving fnake. All thcfe ornaments with the reft
hee had, carried his fence as the Mexicaines doe ihew;
the name ofrit^iliputzli fignifies the left hand of a fla
iling feather..

I will fpeake heereaf ter of the prowde Temple , the
facrifkes, fcafts and ceremonies of this great idoll, be-
ing very notable things. But at this prdcnt we will on-
ly (hew, that this idoll thus richly appareled and dcckt,
was fet vpon an high Akare, in a fmall peece or boxe,
well covered with linnen clothes, iewells, feathers and
ornamentsof golde,with many rundles offeathers,thc
f aircft and moft cxquifite that could be found : hce had
alwaics a curtine bcfprehim for the greater veneration,
loyning to the chamber or chappell of this idoll, there
wasapeeccofleffeworke, and not fo well beautified,
•where there wasanftther idoll they called T/ahc. Thcfe

two

Hittorieofthefndici. lib; 5.

two idolls were alwaycs together, for that they held
them as companions, and of equall power . There was
another idoll in Mexico much efteemed, which was the
god of repentance,and of jubilies and pardons for their
finnes. They called this idoll Tti(catKp»c*bt was made
of ablacke fliining ftone like to lajcl, being attired with
fome Gentile devifes after their manner; it had eare-
rings of golde and filver, and throughlfte nether lippc
afmallcanonofcriftall^mlengthhalfeafoote : in the
which they fometimes put a grcenc feather, and fome
times an azured, which made it refemble fometimes an
Emerald, and fometimes a Turquois : it had the hairc
broided and bound vp with a haire-lacc of golde bui-
niflied , at the end whereof did hang an eare of golde,
with two firebrands of fmoake painted therein, which
did fignifie the prayers of the afflifted and linnets that
he heard, when they recommended themfelvesvnto
him. Betwixt the two earcs hanged a number of (mall
herons. Hehadaiewellhangingathisnecke, fo great
that it covered all his ftomackc : vpon his armes brace
lets of golde* at his navilla rich grecne ftone rand in
his left hand a fanne of pretious feathers, ofgreene, a-
zure and yellow , which came forth of a looking glaflc
of golde, {hining and wellburniflied , and that figniS-
ed, that within this looking glafle hee fawewhatfoever
was doone in the world. They called this glaffe or cha-
fton of golde IrUcheaj4, which fignifies his glaffe for to
looke in . In his right hand he held foure dartes,which
fignified the chafticement hee gave vnto the wicked for
their finnes. And therefore they feared this idoll moft,
left he (hould difcover their faults and offences. At his
feaft they had pardon of their finnes , which was made
every foure y eares , as (lialbc declared heereafter.They

A a i held

held this idoll TcfcatkpHca for the god of drought,of ft-
mine, barrenndleand peftilence : And therefore they
paynted him in another forme,being (etin great maie-
fty vppon a itoole cornpaffcd in With a red curtin,pain-
ted & wrought with the heads and bones of dead men.
In the left hand it had a target with five pines, like vnto
pine apples of cot ton : and in the right a little dart with
a threatning countenauncc, and the arme ftretcht out,
as if he would call it $ and from the target came fourc
dartes. It had the countenance of an angry man, and in
-choler,thebodyall painted blacke,and the head full of
Quailes feathers. They vfed great fuperftition to this k
doll, forthcfearetheyhadof it. In C^/////ivvhichisa
commonwealth of Mexico, they worfhipt a famous i-
. doll which was the god of marchandife, beingto this
day greatly given to trafficke. They called it gnttzaal.
fOtiit.

This idoll was in a great place in a tempfc very hie r
i it had about it,golde, filver, Jewells, very rich feathers,
and habites of divers colours . It had the forme of a
man, but the vifagc of a little bird, with a red bill , and
abovea combefull of vvartes , having ranckes of teeth,
and the tongue hanging out. It carried vpon the head,
a pointed my ter of painted paper, a tithe in the hand,
and many toycs ofgolde on the legges ; with a thou-
fand other foolifh inventions, whereof all had their fig-
nifications, and they worfhipt it, for that hee enriched
whomehee pleafcd, as3/*7jw*#and Plutm. In tructh
this name which the Ch&luanos gave to their God, was
veryfirte, although they vnderftoode it not: theycal*
led it Syttydftow, fignifying colour of a rich feather,
for f uch is thedivell of covetoufneffe. Thefe barbarous
people contented not theniftlvesto have gods ondy,

but

Hittorie of the Indies lib. 5.

but they had goddeffcs alfo, as the Fables of Poets
have brought in, and the blind gentility of the Gmkes
and Jto;»4tfj worfhipt them. The chiefe goddcflc they
worfhipt was called Tofy which is to fay, our granmo-
ther, who as the Hiftories of Mexico report, was daugh
ter to the king of Culhuac*n^ who was the firft they flca-
ed by the commaundemen t of Pit^putel^whom they
(acrificed in this fort, being his fifter, and then they be-
ganne to flea men in their facrificcs , and to clothe the
IMng withthcskinnesofthc faaificed , having learn
ed that their gods were pleafed therewith, as alfo to p.ul
the hearts out of them they [acrificed, which they lear
ned of their god, who pulled out the hearts of fuch as
he puniflied in Tutta, as fhall be feyd in his place . One
of thefe god jeffes they worfhipt had a fbnne, who -was
a^great hunter, whome they of Ttifcalla afterward es
tooke for a god , and thofe were enneiTiies to the Mex-
icdims3 by whofe ayde the Spaw'ardes wonne Mextw.
The province ofTlafcal/a is very fit for hunting,and the
people are much given therevnto. They theif ore made
% great firaft vnto this idoll,whom they painted of fuch
a forme,«as it is not now needeftill to loofe any time in
the dcfcription thereof . The feaft they made was plea-
fcnt, and in this fort : They founded a Trumpet at the
breake of dny , at the found whereof they all afTcmblcd
with their bowes3arrows, netts, and other inftrumenrs
for hunting : then they went in proceflion with rheyr
idbll , being followed by a great number of pf 6'ple to
a high mountayne , vpon the toppe whereof they had
made a bovver of leaves, and in the middeft thereof an
Altare richly deckt , where-vpon they placed theidoll.
They r/iarched with a great bruit of Trumpettes , Cor-
^FlUtes and Drummes , and being come vr,to the

A a 3 place

place, they invironed this mounttinc on all fides, put*
ting fire to it on all partes : by raeancs whereof manie
beaflsflew foorth , asftagges, connies, hares, foxes,
and woolves, which went to the toppe flying from the
6re. Thefc hunters followed after with great cries and
noyfeofdiverfeinftrumencs, hunting them to the tog
before the idoll,whither fled fuch a n umber of beaftes,
in fo great a preafe, that they leaped one vpon another,
vpon the people, and vppon the Altare, wherein they
tooke great delight . T hen tooke they z great number
of ihefe bcafts 5 and facrificed them bv-fore the idoll, as
fcagges and other great beafts, pulling out their hearts,
as they vfein theficrificeof men, and with the like ce
remony : which done, they tooke all their prey vppon
their fhoulders, ana retired with their idoll in theiamq
manner as they caoiejand entered the citty laden with
all theft things , very ioyfull, with great flore of mu-
ficke, trumpets, and drummes, vntill they came to the
Temple, where they placed their idoll with great reve*
rence and folemnitie . They prefently went to prepare
their venifon , wherewith they made a banquet to all
the people- and after dinner they made their pjnye?,re-
prefentations, and daunces before the idoll. They had
a great number of other idolles,of gods and god defies*
but the chiefe were of the Mexicaine Nation , and the
neighbour people as is (aide.

Of arrange mancr of idolatry pracirfed
tbeMexicaims. C H A p. 10.

AS wee havelaide that the kings i
fed Images to be made to their likeneflc, which
they called their GUAC os or brothers , caufing them for

to

Hittorit of the Indies lib.?. 557

to be honored like themfelves : even fo the Mexicains
have done of their gods , which was in this fbrte.They
tooke a captive, fuch as they thought good , and afore
they did facrifice him vnto their idolls - they gave him
the name of the idoll, towhomehec fhoiild be facrifl-
ced, and apparelled him with the fame ornaments like
their idoll, faying, that he did reprefent the fame idoll.
And during the time that this reprcfentation laftcd,
which was for .1 yeere in feme feafts, in others fixe mo-
neths, and in others Icflc : they reverenced and wor.
(hipped him in the lamemaner, as the proper idcll$and
in the meane time he did cate,drincke, and was merry.
When hee went through the ftreetes, the people came
forth to worfliip him , and every one brought him an
5lmes,with children and ficke folkes,that he might cure
them, and blefle them,fuffering him to doe all things at
hispleafure, onelyhecwas accompanied witttenne
or twelve men left hefliould flie.Aiid he(fo the end he
might be reverenced as he paflcd) fometimes founded
vppon a fmall flute, that the people might prepare to
w %iphim. The feaft being come, andhcegrovvnc
. fatt?, they killed him,opened him,and eat him,making
a (blempne facrifice of him.

In trueth it was apittifull thing to confider in what
ff^rt Sathan held this people in his fubie&ion, and doth
many to this day, which commit the like cruelties and
abhominations, withtheloiTeof the mifcrablefbules
and bodies of fuch as they offer to him, and he l&ughes
andtnockesatthc follieof thefepoorc mrferable crea
tures, who deferve well, for their offences, tobeforfa-
ken of the moft high God,to the power of their advcr*
fary, whom they have choftn for their god & fnpport.
But feeing wee have (poken fufficient of the Indians

A a 4

35 8

idolatric: itfollowcs that we treate of their Religion,
or rather Superftitian 5 which they vfe in their facrifi-
ces,temples,ceremonies5and the reft.

How the Di'vdl hath labored to wake himfclfe cquall
unto God y ^nd to imitate him in his Sacrifices ,Ri-
bgion, and Sacraments. CHAP. n.

Efore wee come to this point, we ought to confi,
cfe one thing, which is worthie of fpcciall re
gard , the which is, how the Divell by his-pridehath
oppofed himfclfe to God- and that which God by his
wiieciqme hath decreed for his honour and feryice,
and for the good and health of man, the Divell ftrives
to imitate and to pervert, to bee honoured., and to
-caufe man to be damned : for as we fee the great God
hath Sacrifices , Priefe , Sacraments, Religious Pro-
phetSjand Minifter^^dcdicated to his divine krvice and
; holy ceremonies > fo the Divell hath hi* fecrifices,
priefts,his kinds of ficraments,his minifters appointed,
his fecluded and fained holinefle, with a thousand
fortes of falle prophets.. All which will bee pleafint to
vnderfland , being declared in particular, and of no
fmall fruitc for -him that fliall remember, how the Di-
veil is the father of lies , as the truth iaieth in the Gat
pel-1, and th erefo-re hec feekes to vfurpe to himfelfe the
glorieof God,anU to counterfaitthe light by his dark-
n.es; TheSooth-faiers of Egipt taught by their mafter
Nathan, laboured to do wonders, like vnto thole of
tjtfofes and ^4rony to be.equall vnto them. We reade
in the Bpokc of ///4^>ofthat3//V^,Priefl: of the vainc
Idoll,\vhich vfed the lame ornaments which were vfed
in the Tabernacle of the true God , as the Ephod, the

Seraphin,

EHftorie of the ladies.* lib.?, 3 :;p

Seraphin,and other things. There is icarce any thing
inftitutedby Icfus Chrift our Saviour in hisLawe of
his Gofpcl , the which the Divell hath not countei fai-
ted in forne fort , and carried to his Gentiles , as may
befeenein reading that which we hold for certaine,by
the report of men worthieof credite , of the cuftomes
and ceremonies of the Indians, whereof we will treate
inthisBooke.

Of the Temples that were found 4t the Indies,
CHAP. J2.

BEginningthen with their Temples, even as the
great God would have a houfe dedicated , where
his holy name might be honoured, and that it fhould
be particularly vowed to his fervice$ even fo thcDivel,
by his wicked pradifes , perfwaded Infidells to builde
him prowd Temples > and particular Oratories and
Sanctuaries, In every Province ofPeru, there was one
prindpall Guaca, orhoufeofadorationjandbefides it,
thei'e was onegenerall throughout all the Kingdome
of the IngiiM^ amongft the which there hath beene wo
famous and notable, the one which they called PAcht-
mamiy is foure leagues ftom///^, whereat this day
they fee theruinesof a moil ancient and great buil
ding, outof the which Francis Pizarre and his people
drew infinite treafure, ofveflel! and pottes of gold and
filver, which tliey brought when they tooke the ingu*
Alugtt&lfa. There are certaine memories and difcour.
fes which fay,that in this Temple the Divell did 'peake
vifibly?and gaveanlvvers by his Oracle, and that fomc-
times they did feca fpotted fnake : and it was a thing -
very common and approoved at the Indies^ that the

Divell

7T>c J^aturall and Moral!

Divcll fpakc and anfwcrcd in thefefaife Sanduarie*
deceiving this mifcrable peoplc.But where the Gofpel
isentred,and the Crofle of Chrift plan ted,the father of
lies is bccom mutc,as Plutwk writes of his time,C#r cef*
faverit PithtM fender t wacula: and Milne Martir treates
an^yofth^filc^e which Chrift impofcdtodivells,
which fpake by Idolls,as it had been before much pro-
phecied of in the holy Scripture.The maner which the
Infidel Minifters & Inchanters had to confult with their
gods, was as the Divell had taught them. It was com-
monlyin the night,they entred backward to their idol,
& fo went bending their bodies & head , after an vglie
maner, and fo they confulted with him . The anfwer
he made, was commonly likevntoafearefullhifling,
or to a gnafhing which did terrific them»and all that he
did advertife or command them 5 was but the way to
their perdition and ruine. There are few of thefe Ora
cles found now, through the mercy of God, and great
powreoflefus Chrift. There hath beene in Pm* ano
ther .Temple and Oratorie, moftefteemed, which was
in the Citticof Cufco , where at this day is the mona-
ftcrie of S. Dtminicke.'Wc may fee it hath been a good
ly and a ftatelyworke, by the pavement and ftones of
the building,which remaine to this day. This Temple
was like to the Pantheon of the Romans, for that it was
the houfe and dwelling of all the gods • for the Kings
Inguas did there behold the gods of all the Nations
and provinces they had conquered,evcry Idoll having
his private place, whither they of that Province came
to worfhip it with an cxceflivc charge of things which
they brought for hisfervice. And thereby they fuppo.
fed to keep fafely in obedience,thofe Provinces which
they had conquered, holding their gods, as it were in

hoftagc

tiiflorieoftkelndi€s. lib.f.

hoftage. In this 6mc houfe was the Piitcha^ which was
an Idoll of the Sunne, of raoft fine gold,wroughtwith
great riches of ftoncs,tfae which was placed to the Eaft,
with fo great Art, as the Sunne at his rifing did caft his
bearnes thereon : and as it was of inoft fine mettall3his
beames diJ reflet with fuch a brightnes,that it fcemed
another Sunne. The Ingua* did worfliip this for their
God3and the f&kinMk* , which fignifies the Creator
of heaven. They fay, that at the fpoilc of this fb rich a
Temple, afouldier had for his part this goodly plate
of gold of the Sunne. And as play was then in requeft,
he loft it all in one night at play5whencccame the pro-
verb they have in Pert* for great gamefters, faying, that
they play the Sunne before it tifeth.

Of the ProwdTcmples at Mexico.
CHAP. 13.

THeSuperftitions of the Mexicaines , have with
out comparifon beene greater then the reft 5 as
wellin their ceremonies , as in the greames of their
Temples, the which in old time the Spaniards called
fey this word Cu , which word might bee taken from
the Ilanders of S. Dominique^ or of Cuba, as many other
wordes that are in vfe, the which are ncyther from
•Spains , nor from any other language now vfuall a-
mong the Indians,as is Mays, Chico^ VaqmdnojCh^eTon^
and other like.There was in Afcv/flp,this C«,thcfamous
Temple ofritztliptttzl^it had a very great circuite,and A
within a faire Court. It was built of great ftones, in fa-
fhion of (hakes tied one to another,and the circuite was
called Coatepantli, which is,a circuite offtakes : vppon
the toppe of every chamber and oiatoric where the

Idolls

i Tie y^aturall And Mcratt

Idolls.\vcre,wasafinepiller vvruogh twit h (mall ftoncs;
blickaas ieate,fetin goodly order, the groundraifed vp
with white & red, which below gave agreat light, vpon-
the top of the pillar were battlements very artificial
ly made, wrought like fhaik'Sj&pported by -two Indians-
of (lone, fitting , holding candleftickes in their hands,'
the which were like Croifants gamilhed & enriched
at the ends, with yellow and grecnc feathers and long
fringes of the fame. Within the circuiceof this court,
tfrere were many chambers of religious men , and-o*-
thers that were;appointed for the fervice of the Priefls
and Popcs/or fo they call the Jbveraigne Priefts which ;
ferve the Idoll. This Courtis fo great and fp&tious,-
as eight or ten thoufand pcrfons dul daunce eafily in
round,holding hands,the which was an vfuall cuftome
inthatReahnc, although it feeme to many incredi
ble.

There were foure gates orentries,at theEafl^Weft,
Northland South- at every oneof thefe gates beganne
a^faire cawfcy of two or three leagues long. There was
in the midft of the Lake where the Cittieof Mexico
isbuilt,fo.urclargecawfeiesin crofTe, which did much
beautify it- vpon every portall or entery, was a God
or Idoll, having the vifage turned to the caufey,right a-
gainft the Temple gate of Vh^tliput^li . There were
thirrkfteppesofthirtiefadomelong, and they divided
from the circuit of the court by a ftt -e'ete that went be
twixt them 5 vpon the toppc of thefe fteppes there
Was a walkc of thirtie foote broade , all plalfterd with
chall<e,in the midft of which \valke was a Pallifado arti
ficially made of very high trees., planted in order a fo-
domeone from another. Thefe trees were very bigge,
and all pierced with fmall holes from the foote to the

top,

Htiiorie of the Indies, lib.?,

top, and there were roddcs did runne from one tree to
another, to the which were chained or tied many dead
mens heades. Vpon every rod were twcntie iculles,
and thefe ranckes of fculles continue from the foote
to the toppe af the tree. This Palliflado was full of
dead mcns (culls from one end to the other,the which
wasawonderfull mournefull fight and full of horror.
Thefe were the heads of fuchashadbecnefacrificed-
for after they were dead , and had eaten the flefh , the
head was delivered to the Minifters of the Temple,
which tied them in this fort vntill they fell offby mor-
cells- and then had they a care to fet others in their pla
ces. Vpon the toppe of the Temple were two (tones or
chappells, and in them were the two Idolls which I
havefpoken Qf,P*t&ifpxfifo and his companionT/4/i;,
Thefe Chappells were carved and graven veryamS
cially, and fo high , that to afcend vp to it,thcre was a
ftaireofftoneoffixfcore fteppes. Before thefe Cham
bers or Chappells , there was a Court of fortie foote
fquare, in the midft whereof, was a high (tone of five
hand breadth , poynted in fafliion of a Pyramide , it
was placed there for the facrificing of men; for being
laid on their backes,it made their bodies to bend > and
fo they did open them and pull out their hearts, as I
{ball fhewe heereafter. There were in the Cittieof
Mexico, eight or nine other Temples,the which were
ioynedone to another within one great circuire, and
had their private (hires , their courts, their chambers,
and their dortoires. The entries of fome were to the
Eaft,fometothc Weft, others to the Southed Tome
'to the North. All thefe Temples were curioufly
wrought, and compared in with divers fortes of bat
tlements and pidureSjWith many figures of ftoncs, b -

ing

The ^aturall and Moratt

ing accompanied and fortcficd with great and large
ipurres or platformcs. They were dedicated to divers
gods: but next to the Temple ofritziliput^li, was that
ofTcfealifftca , which was the god of penaunce and of
punilhmentSjVery high and well built.

There were fourefteps to afcend, on the toppc was
a flat or table of fixe fcore foote broad, and ioyning vn-
to it was a hall hanged with tapiftry and curtins of di*
verfe colours and works. The doore thereof being low
and large, was alwayes covered with a vaile, and none
but the priefts might enter in. All this Temple was bea
tified w ith diverfe images and pj&ures moft curiouflyj
for that thefe two Temples were as the cathedrall chur-
ches^and the reft in refpe&ojf them as parifhesand her-
mitages.-they were fofpatious,and had fo many cham
bers', that there were in them places for the minifterie,
colleges,fchooles,and houfes for priefts, whereof wee
willintreate heereafter . This may fuffice to conceive
the divells pride 5 and the mifery of this wretched nati
on , who with fo great cxpence of their goods , their la-
bour,and their lives,did thus ferve their capital! enimy,
who pretended nothing more than the deftrudion of
their foules, and confimiption of their bodies . But yet
they were well pleafed , having an opinion in their fb
great an error , that they were great and mighty gods,
to whome they did thefe fervices.

Of the ? ricflcs And their offces.
CHAP 14.

WE find among all the nations of the world,men
fpecially dedicated to the ferviceof the true
God, or to the Me, which ferve in ficrifices, and de
clare

Hittom of the Indies, lib.?.

dare vnto the people what their gods command them.
Ther was mMtxico aftrange curiofitie vpon this point.
And the divell counterfeiting the vfc, of the Church
of God 5 hath placed in the order of his Pricfts , fomc
greater or fuperiors,and fomelcflc,the one as Acolites,
the other as Levites , & that which hath made me mod
to woonder, was, that the divel would vfurpe to him-
felfc thefervice of God- yea and vfe the fame name: for
the Mexicaincs in their an tient tongue called their hie
Priefts ftpM, as they (hould fay foveraigne Bifhops, as
it appeares now by their Hiftories. The Priefts of r//.^
IjptetzJi fucceedcd by linages of certaine quarters of the
Citty, deputed for thatpurpofc , and thofe of other i-
dolls came by eledion , or being offered to the temple
in their infancy. Thedayly exercife of the Prieftes was
tocaft incenfeontheidolles , which was doonefoure
times in the fpace of a natural! day . The firft at breakc
ofday, the fecond at noone,the third at Sunnefetting,
and the fourth at midnight. At midnight all the chicfe
officers of the Temple did rife , and in fteade of bells,
they founded a long time vpon trumpets, cornets and
flutes very heavily; which being ended, he thatftid the
office that weeke, ftept foorth,attyred in a white roabe
after the Dalaiatike manner , with a cenfor in his hand
fullofcoales, which he tooke from the harth burning
continually before the Altare- in theother handhehad
a purfe full of incenfe,which he caft into the cen(br,and
as he entred the place where the idoll was, he incenfed
it with great reverence, then tooke he a cloth, wkh the
which he wiped the Altar and the curtins. This doonc,
they went all into a Cbappell, and there did a certaine
kinde of rigorous andaufterepenaunce, beating them-
felvcs, and drawing of blood, as I (hall fhew in the trea-

tife

tor*n and Moratt .

life of Penance, wliich the Divcll hath taught tohk
creatures ; and heereof they never fayled at thefe Mat-
tins at midnight . None other but the Prieftes might
entcrmeddle with their facrifice?, and every one did
imploy himfdfc according to his dignity and degree.
They did likevvife preach to the people at fomc feaftes,
as I will (hew when we treate thereof. They had reve
nues, and greatofferings were made vnto them . I will
fpeake heereafter of their vndion in Confecrating
their Prieftes . In Pern the Prieftes were entertained
of the revenues and inheritance of their God , which
they called Chdcar&s, which were many, and alfo vcric
rich.

Of the men an cry of Virgins which the divttthath
invented for bis fer vice.
CHAP. 15.

A S the religious life (wherof many fcrvants of God
X\have made profcfTion in the holy Church , immi-
tating lefus Chrift and his holy Apoftles) is very pica-
fing irfthe fight of his divine maiefty, by the which his
holy Name is fo honoured, and his Church beutified:
So the father of lies hath laboured to imitate and coun
terfeit him hcerein 5 yea , -as it were hath ftriven with
God in the obfovance and auftcrelife of his miniftcrs.
There were in Peru many monafteries of Virgines (for
there are no other admitted ) at the leaft one in everie
Province . In thefe monafteries there were two fortes
of women,onc antient^which they called Mamacomts,
for the inftrudion of theyoong 5 and the other was of
yoong maidens, placed there for a cei taine time , and
after they were drawne foorth, either for their gods or

for

of the 'Indies lit .5.

They called this houfc or monaflery A-
_ r, which is to fay, the houfe of the chofcn.Hvc
ry monaflery had his Vicar or Governour called Appo-
partAca , who had liberty and power to choofc whome
he pleafed, of what qualitie loever, being vnder eyght
yeares ofage, if they feemed to be of a good ftature and
conftitution.

Thefe Virgines thus fhut vp into thefe rnonaflcries,
\vereinflrufted by the Momacoma*, in diverfc thinges
needcfall for the life of man , and in the cuftomcs and
ceremonies of their gods; and afterwardes they tooke
them from thence , being above fouretccne , lending
them to the Court with furegards, whereof fome were
appoynted to ferve the Guacas and San&uaries , keep
ing their virginities for ever : fome others were for the
ordinary facrifices that were made of maidens, ando-
ther extraordinary facrifices, they made for the health,
death., orwarresof the /#£#<*; and the reft fervcd for
wives and concubines to the Ingm , and vnto other his
kinsfolkes and captaines, vnto whome hee gave them,
which was a great and honourable recompencc : This
diflribution wa's vfed every yearc . Thefe monafierics
poflefled rents and revenues forthcmaintenaunceof
thefe Virgins,which were ingreatnumbers.lt was not
lawfull for any father to refufehis daughters when the
AppopatMctTcquircd them for the fervice of thefe mo-
nafleries. Yea many fathers did willingly offer their
daughters , fuppofing it was a great merit to be facrifi.
cedforthe/^«/t. If any of thefe Mortt<,uontMmAclIa$
were found to have trefpafled againfl their honour, it
was an inevitable chafticement to bury them alive, or
to put them to death by fome other kind of cruell tor
ment,

Bb The

The divcll hath even in Mtxic* had ft me kind of re
ligious women , although their poffeflion was but for
one yeare , and it was in this forte : Within this great
circuit whereof we havefpoken, which was in the prin-
cipall temple, there were twohoufes like cloyfters, the
one oppofite to the other,one of men,the other of wo-
men : In that of women, they were virgines onely,of
twelve or thirteene yeares of age,which they called the
Maydes of Penaunce. They were as many as the men,
and lived chaftly and regularly, as virgins dedicated to
theferviceof their god. Their charge was, tofweepc
and make cleane the temple , and every morning td
prepare meate for the idoll and his minifters , of the
almes the religious gathered. Thefoode they prepared
for the idoll were (mall loaves in the forme of hande$

j and feete , as of marchpane : and with this bread they
prepared certayne fawfes which they caft dayly before,
the idoll, and his priefts did eate it.as tjhofeof &*<*/,that
Daniel ipcakcth of. Theft virgins had their haire cutte,
and then they let them grow for a certaine time : they
rofeat midnight to the idolls mattins, which they day4
ly celebrated, performing the fame exercifcs the religi:
ousdid. They had their Abcfles who impleyed them
to make cloth of diverfe fafliions for the ornament of
I their idolls and temples. Their ordinary habite was all

f -white, without any workc or colour. They did their
penance at midnight, facrificingand wounding them-
felves, and piercing the toppe of their eares, they laydc
the blood which iffucd foorth vpon their checkesrand
after, (towafli off the blood ) they bathed themfclve*
in a poole which was within their montftery. They li
ved very honeflly and difcreetly^and if any were found
to have offended^ although but lightly, prefently they

were

Hiftomoftb? Indies

.were put to death without rcmiflion, faying,
pollu ted chchoufe of their god. Theyheldeit for an
iugur^and advcrtifcment , thatfomeoncof thereligi-
ous, man,or woman,had committed a 6ult,whcn they
fttv a Ratte or a Mowfe paflc, or a Bat in the chappcll
of their idoll,or that they had gnawed any ofthc vailes,
for that they fay, a Catteor a Bat would not adventure
to committefuch an indignity, if fbme offence had not
gone before; , aad then they beganne to make fearch of
the fa<3 , and having difcovcred the offender or offen-
dors, of what quality foever,thcy prefently put them to
death.

None were receyved into this monaftery, but the
daughters of one of the fixe quarters 5 named for that
purpofe : and this profeffion continued, as I have fayd,
the fpacc of one whole ycarc : during the which time,
their fathers, and they thcmfclvcs had made a vowe to
fcrvc the idoll in this manner, and from thence they
went to be married. Thefe virgins of Mexico, cfpecially
they of Peru had fom? rcfemblance to the Veftall Vir
gins of Romejs the Hiftories fliew, to the end wee may
vnderftand how the divell hath defired to be fcrved by
them that obfcrvc Virginitic, not that chaftitie is plea-
fing vnto him, for he is an vncleancfpiritc , but for the
denrc he hath to take from the great God , as much as
in him licth, this glory to be ferved with cleanncfTe^and
integrity.

Ofthc Monkeries if rtligtout men that the diveR bath ;^-
<ventedforfuperjtitiQit. CHAP. 16.

IT is well knowne, by Letters written by the fathers
of our company from lapfon the number and multi-

B b a tuuc

The ^(jtturallanctMoratt

tude of religious men that are in thofe Provinces,
\Vhometheycall #oncos, and alib their fuperftitions,
cuftomcs and lies.Somc fathers that have been irv thofe
countries, report of thefe Boncos and religious men of
Chw*) faying, that thcrearemany Orders, and of di-
verfe fortes , fome came vntojthem clad in white,bear-
inghoodes, and others all in blacke, withouthaireor
hoodc,and thefe are commonly little efteemed, for the
Mandarins or minifters of luftice vvhippc them, as they
doe the reft of the people. They make profeffion , not
to eatc any flefh, fim, nor any thing that hath life , but
onely Rice and hearbes ; but in fecret they do eate any
thing , and are worfe than the common people . They
fay the religious men which are at the Court , which is
at Paqtiin, are very much eftecmed. The Mandarins go
commonly to recreate thetnfelves at the Narells or mo-
nafteries of thefe Monkes , andreturne in a manner al-
wayes drunkc. Thefe monafterics commonly are with
out the tovvnes, and have temples within their clofe:
yet in China they are not greatly curious of idolles,or of
temples, for \hz Mandarins little cfteeme idolls>and do
hold it for a vsine thing, and worthy to belaughed at:
yea they beleeve there is no other life,nor Paradice5but
tobe in the office of the Mandarins,nor any other hel,
than the prifons they have for offendours . As for the
common forte, they fay, itisneceflary toentertayne
them with idolatry , as the Philofopher himfclfe tea-
- cheth his Governors : and in the Scripture it was an
excufe which Aaron gave, for the idol of the Calfe,that
he caufed to be made • yet the Cbinoisvfcd to tarry in
the pou pe of their flitppes, in little chapels, a virgin im-
bofttfetina chaire with two Clnnois before her kneel
ing inmaner of Angels , having a light burning there

both

Hifiorie of the fndies. lib. 5.

froth chy and night. And when they are to

they do many facrificcs and ceremonies, with a great

noyfe,ofdriimmesandbells,cafting papers burnt at the

poupe.

Cotnmingtoourreligiousmcn, I doc not know?
that in Peru there is any proper hqufes for men,bu t for
the Priefts and Sorcerers , whereof there is ail infinite
number . But it feemeth, that in Mexico thedivcl hath
fet a due obfervation : for within the circuit of the great
temple there were rwo monafteries, as before hath bin
feyd, oneofVirgins,whercofIhavefpoken, the other
of yoong men feciuded, of pighteene or twenty yeares
ofage,which they called religious. They weare ihaved
crowncs, as the Friars in thefe partes, their hairealit tic
longer which fell to the middeft of their eare , except
the hinder part of the head , which they let gro we the
breadth of foure fingers downe to their Shoulders, and
which they ty ed vppe in trefTes. Thefeyoong men that
ferved in the temple of VMtyi&tt&ti lived poorely and
chattely, and did the office ot Levites3miniftring to the
priefts and chiefe of the temple, their inccnfe, lights, &
garments-they fwept and made cleane theholy places,
bringing wood fora continual fire to the harth of thcic
god , which was like a lampe that ftill burnt before the
Altar of their idoll.Bcfidcs thefe yong men,there were
other little boyes>as novices, that ferved for manual! v-
fes,as to deck the temple with boughs, rofes,and reeds,
give the Priefts water to wafhwith, give them their ra-
fbrs to facrifice 3 and goe with fuch as begged almes to
carry it. All thefe had their fuperiors, who had thego-
vernemcnt over them, they lived fo honcftly , as when
they came in publike , where there were any women,
they carried their heads veryloyvc, with their eyes to

B b the

The^aturallancfMoratt

the ground, not daring to beholde them : they had lin-
nen garments , and it was lawfbil for them to goeinto
the Citty fourc or fixe together, toaske alniesinali
|j quarters: and when they gave them none, it was lawful
^ to go into thecorne fields and gather theearesof cornc
or clufters of Mays,which they mod needed3 the Mai-
fter not daring to fpeake, nor hinder them . They had
this liberty,becaufe they lived poorely , and had no o«
ther revenues?but almes. There might not be above fif
ty live in penance, rifing at midnight to found the cor
nets and trumpets to awake the people. Every one wat
ched theidoll in his turne, left the fire before the Altarc
fhould die : they gave the cenfor , with the which the
Prieft at midnight inccnfcd theidoll, andalfointhe
morning, at noonejand at night. They were very fub-
ie& and obedient to their fuperiors, and pafled not any
oncpoynt that was commaunded them. And at mid
night after the priefthad ended his cenfing,they retired
themfelves into a fecret place?npart,facrificing,& draw
ing blood, from the calfes of their legges with fliarpc
bodkins : with this blood they rubbed their temples^
vnder their eares : and this ficrificc finiihed, they pre-
fently wafht themfelves in a little poole appoynted to
that end. Thefeyongmen did not annoint their heads
and bodies with any Pctum , as the Prieftes did : their
garments were of a courle white linnen cloth they do
make there. Thefe exercifes and ftridneflc of penance
con tinued a whole yeare,during which time they lived
with great 'aufteritie and fblitarineiTe. In truth it is ve
ry ftrange to fee that this falfe opinion of religion hath
fo great force among thefe yoong men and maidens of
Mexico, that they will ferve the Divell with fb great ri
gor and auftcrity, which many of vs doe not in the fer-

vicc

Htiorie of the Indies lifc,j.

vfc<of the moft high God , the which is a great fhame
*nd confufion. for thofeamongft vs that glory to have
doone a fmall penaunce , although this exercife of the
Mexicaincs, was not continuall, but for a yeareonely,
which made it the more tollerable.

andtheStritfnes the Indians have vfcd
AttheDivellsferfvafion. CHAP. 17.

SEeing we are come to this point , it fhall bee good
both'to difcover the cm-fed pride of Sathan, and to
confound it , and fbmewhat to quicken our coldnes
andflothinthefervice of the great GOD : tofpeake
fbme thing of the rigor and ftrange penance this mi-
ferable people vfed at the Divells perfwafion , litfeto
the falfe Prophets of Baal , who did* beate and wound 5
themfclves with lancets, drawing forth bloud • or like
thofe that facrificcd their fbnnes and daughters vnto
loathfbmc Edfhegor 5 pafling them through the fire , as
holy Writ teftifieth : forSathan hath alwayes defircd
tobeferved, to the great hurtc and fpoyle of man. It
hath beene faid that the priefts and religious of Mexico,
rofe at midnight 5 and having caft inccnfe before the i-
dolt, they retired themfelves into a Ltrge place , where
there were many lights; and fitting dovvne, everyone
tookea poynt ofMattguay, which is like vnto an'awle or
fliarpe bodkin, with the which, or with fome other
kindesoflauncctsorrafors, they pierced the calfes of
their legges neare to the bone , drawing foorthmnch
blood, with the which they annoynted their temples,
& dipt thefe bodkins or lancets in the reft of the blood,
then fct they them vpon the battlements of the Courr,
ftkkt in gloabcs or bowks of ftrawc, that all might fee

Bb 4 and

374- *T%e ^aturallandMoraU

and know the penance they did for the people: they do
wafh off the blood in a lake appoynted tor that pur-
pofe, which they call Ez>a$Angttt^ which is to fay, water
ofblood.

There were in the Temple a great number of bod
kins or lancets, for that they might notvfe one twice.
Moreover,thefe Priefts and Religious men, vfed great
fadings, of five or ten daies together,before any of their
great feaftes3and they were vnto them as our foure em
ber weekes: they were fo ftri<S in continence,that fome
of them (not to fall into any fenfualitie, ) flit their
members in the midft, and did athotifand thingcsto
Uiakethemfclves vnable , left they fhould offend their
gods /They drunke no wine,and ilept little,for that the
greateft part of their exercifes were by night, commit
ting great cruelties and martiring themfelves for the
Divell, and all to bee reputed great faftei sand peni
tents.

They did vfc to difcipline themfelves with cordes
foil of knottcs,and not they onely, but the people alfo
vfcd this punishment and whipping, in the proceffion
and fofl they made to theidoilT(?^//^^,the which
fasl have /aid before,)is the god of penance ; for then
they all carried in their hands new cordes of the threed
<$$ Maguey a fadome long, with a knot at die end, and
therewith they whipped themfelves, giving great la-
(hes over their flioulders. The Priefts did faft five daies
together before this feaft, eating but once a day, and
they lived apart from their wives, not going out of the
Temple during thofe five dates , they did whip them
felves rigoroufly in the maner aforefaid . The lefuites
which have written from the Indies , treate amply of
the penances and exceeding rigor the Bovcosvk, all

which

Historic of the Indies, lib.f. 375

which was but counterfeit, and more in (hew, then in
trueth. In Peru to folemnize the feaft of the Tta,which
was great , all thepeoplc faded two daies • during the .
which,they did not accompany with their wives,ney-
ther did they eate any meate with fait or garlike, nor
drinkeCferf. They did much vfethiskinde of farting
for fbme finnes,and did penance, whipping thcmfelves
with fliarpe flinging nettles, and often they ftrooke
themfelves over the fhoulders with certainc ftones*
This blinde Nation, by theperfwafionoftheDiveU,
did tranfport themfelves into craggy mountaines,
where fometimes they facrificed themfelves , carting
themfelves downe from (bmehighrocke. All which
are but fnares and deceites of him that defires nothing
more then the lofleandruineof man.

Of the Sacrifices the Indians m&dt to the Divell^and
whereof. CHAP. 18.

IT hath beeneinthe aboundance and diverfitieof
Oflfrings and Sacrifices taught vnto the Infidells for
their idolatrie, that the enemy of God and man, hath
moft (liewed his fubtiltieandwickednes. And as it is
afit thing and proper to religion, to confumethefub-
ftance of the creatures , for thefervice and honour of
the Creator , the which is by (acrifice : even (b the fa
ther of lies hath invented the meancsto cauft the cre
atures of God to be offered vnto him,as to the Author
and Lord thereof. The firft kinde of facrifices which
men vfed,vvas very fimple: for Caint offered the fruites
of the earth, and ^<f//thebeft of his cattell, the which
likewife Noemd Abraham did nfierwardes , and the o-
thcr Patriarkes^ vntil that this ample ceremony of Lwi G

was

37*

Tl^

was given by Mofes> wherein there arc fo many fortes"

and differences of facrifices of divers things,for divers
affaires,and with divers ceremonies. In like fort,among
fome Nations, hee hath beene content to teach them
to facrifice of what they had : but among others hec
hath pafled farre^giving them a multitude of cuftornes
and ceremonies vpon facrifices , and fo manyobfer-
vances, as they arc wonderfull. And thereby it ap-
peares plainely, that he meanes to contend and equall
himfelfe to the ancient law,and in many things vfurpe
the fame ceremonies. Wee may draw all the facrifices ~
the Infidellsvfe into three kindes, one ofinfenfible
thin gsb another of beafts, and the third of men. They
did vfe in Peru to facrifice Coca, which is an hearb they
eftcemenmch, of MAJS 9 which is their wheate, of co
loured feathers,and o£chaquira,\vl\id\ otherwife they
call Af0//0,of fhelles or oyfters, and fometime gold and
filvcr, being in figures of little beafts. Alfo of the fine
ftuffe ofCumbi, of carved and fweete wood, and moft
commonly tallow burnt.. They made thefe offerings
or facrifices for a profperous winde,and fairc weather,
or for their healtl^and to be delivered from fome dan
gers and mifhappes. Of the fecondkinde, their ordi-
nary facrifice was of Cuyes , which are finall beafts like
rabbets, the which the Indians eate commonly. And
in matters of importance,or when they were rich men,
they did offer Paces , or Indian fheepe, bare, orwith
wooll,obferving curioufly the numbers, colours, and
times. The maner of killing their facrifices, great or
fmall, which the Indians did vfe according to their an
cient ceremonies , is the fame the Moores vfe at this
day ,tbe which they call Alqmble, hanging the beaft by
the right fore legge, turning his eyes towards the Sun,

/peaking

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib.?. 379

(peaking certaine Wordes , according to the qualitie o^
the (acrifice they flew: for if it were of colour, their
wordes were direded to Cbuqwlla, and to the Thun-
der,that they might want no water : if it were white &
fmoothe , they did offer it to the Sunnc with certaine
wordes : if it had a fleece, they did likewife offer it him
with fome others, that he might fliine vponthem and
favour their generation : If it were a Guanaco, which is
gray,they direded their facrifice to yiracocha. In Cufio
they did every yeare kill and iacrifice with this ceremo-
ny5afhorne(heepc to theSunne,and did burneit , clad
in a red wafte-coate,and when they did burneit , they
caft certaine fmall baskets of Coca into the fire, which
they call Vilcaronc^ for which facrifice, they have both
m£ n and beads appointed which (erve to no other vfe.
They did likewife facrifice fmall birdes , although it
were not fb vfuall in Peru as in Mexico , where the (a-
crificing of quailes was very ordinaric. Thofe of Pern
did facrifice the birdes otPttna, (for fo they call the de-
fart when they fhould go to the warres, for to weaken
the forces of their adversaries GUACM. They called
thefe facrificcs Cuzjovicca, or ContewccAy or ffttailavtix.
ca, or Stphwicca, and they did it in this maner : they
tooke many kindes of (mall birdes of the dcfart , and
gathered a great deale of a thornie wood, which they
call r<*0///,thc which being kindled, they gathered to
gether thefe fmall birdes . This aflembly they cal
led £MCO, then did they caft thenf into the fire, about
die which the officers of the facrifice went with ccr
taine round ftones carved, whereon were painted ma
ny (hakes, lions,toades, and tigrcs,vtteringthis word,
VfAchum, which fignifies, let the vi&oric be given vnto
vs, with other wordes, whereby they %ed the forces

of

578

of their enemies GMC<U were confounded, And they
drew forth certaine blacke flieepe , which had beenc
keptclofe fome daies without mcate , the which they
called rw3and in killing them they fpake thefe words-
As the hearts of thefe beafts be weakened, fo let our
enemies be weakned. And if they found in thefe flicep-'
that a certaine pcece offlcfh behind the heart were nor
confumed by fafting and clofekecping, they then held
it for an ill augure. They brought certaine black dogs,
which they call Appuros , and flew them, cafting them-
intoaplaine, with certaine ceremonies, caiifing fomc1
kinde of men to eatethis flefli, the which facrifices
they did, left the InguA fhould be hurt by poifon : and>
for this caufe they faftcd from morning vntill the ftafs
were vp, and then they did glut and defile themfelvcs
like to theMoores. This facrifice was moft fit for them
to withfland their enemies gods : and although at this
day a great part of thefe cuftomes have ceafe^, the wars
being ended,yet remaines there fome relikes, by rcafon
of the private or generall quarrels of the Indians ym the
Caciques ym in their Citties.Thcy did likewife offer and
facrifice flidles of the fca, which they call MoBo, and
they offered them tothefoumainesand fprings, fay.
ing, that thefe fhells were daughters of the fea, the mo
ther of all waters. They gave vnto thefe fhclls fimdrie
names, accord ing to the color, and alfo they vfe them-
to divers ends. They vfed them in a manerin allkinde
of facrifices , and ycc to this dayihey put beaten fliells
in their Chica, forafuperftition. Finally they thought
it convenient to offer facrifices of every thing they did
fow or raife vp. There were Indians appointed to doe
thefe facrifices to the fountaine, fprings, «ind rivers,
which paffed through the townes,or by their C&.w#y

which

Ui/lork of the Indie!, lib.?*

which aretheir farmes , which they did after feedc
time,that they might not ceafe running, but alwaies
water their groundes. The forcercrs did coniure, to
know what time the facrifices fliould be made, which
being ended 5 they did gather of the contribution of
the people, what fliould be facrificed and delivered
them to fuch as had the charge of thefe facrifices.They
made them in the beginning of winter, at fuch time
as thefountaines , fprings, and rivers, did incrcafeby.
the moiftures of the weather, which they did attri
bute to their focrifices. They did not facrifice to the
foumainesand fprings of thedcfarts. To this day con-
tinues the refpeft they had to fountaines , fprings,
pooks,brookes,or rivers, which paffe by their Citties
or Chacras, even vn to the fountaines and rivers of the
cjefarts. They have afpeciall regard and reverence to
the meeting of two rivers , and there they wafli them-
felves for their health, anointing themfelves firflwi.th
the flower ofMays&r fome other things, adding there-
vnto divers ceremonies , the which they do likewifc
in their bathes.

• • •

Of the Sacrifices they made $f men.
CHAP. 1-9.

THemoftpittifulIdifafterof thispoore people, is
their flavery vnto the Devill, faerificing men vnto
him, which are the Images of God . In many nations
they had vfed to kill (to accompany the dead, as hath
beene declared) fuch perfons as had been agreeable vn
to him , and whomethey imagined might beftfervc
him in the other world. Bcfides this,they vfcd in Peru,
to facrifice yong children of foure or fix yeares old vn*

to

5 So The -S((aturall and M craft

to tenne : and the greateft partc of chcfe facriFccs
for the affaires that did import the /#£**, as in fickenes
for his health: and when he went to the warres for vi-
dory, or when they gave the w;eathe to their new /#-
£«4>which is the markeof a King, as heere the Scepter
and the Growne be . In this folemnitie they facjrificed
the number of two hundred children/rom foure to ten
yeares of age, which was a cruell and inhumane fpe<5hu
cle. The manner of the facrifice was to drownethern
and bury them with certaine reprefentationsand cere
monies : fometimes they cutte off their heads, annoin-
ting themfelvcs with the blood from one care to an o-
ther.

They did likewifc (acrifice Virgines , fbmeof thera
that were brought to the Ingu* from the monaftcries,
ashathbeenefaide. In this cafe there was a very great,
andgcnerallabufe : If any Indian qualified , or of the
common forte, were ficke, and that the Divine tolde
him confidently that he (hould dk,thcy did then facri-
ficc his ownc fonnc to the Sunne,%or to VtwhocA, defi-
ring them to be fatisfied with him,and that they would
not deprive the father of life. This cruelty is like to that
the holy Scripture fpeakes of, which king Mod vfed in
ftcrificing his firft borne fbrinc vpon the wall , in the
fight ofalllfrael, to whome this ad fecmed {b mourn-
full , as they would not preffe him any further, but re
turned to their houfes. The holy Scripture alfb (hewes
. that the like kinde of (acrificc had beene in vfe amongft
the barbarous nations of the Cananeans and lebufeans
and others, whereof the booke of Wifcdome fpeakes,
The) ctttit peace t$ live infogreM mtftrits andvcxatiens as
toftcrijice their went children 5 or to doe other hidden fieri -
fees, ^ to WAich whole nights , doing the acfcs offookS) and,

fo they keepe no clcanenejfi in their life , nor in their mArria*
ges, but one through envy takes AWAJ the lift of an other, an
other takes away his wife and his contentment , and aU is in
conf»{iffn> blood jnurther, tktft, deceipt Corruption , ivjiddu
tie^fiditionty penuries, mutinies, forgetfulnejjc ofGodjollu*
tion of fouks, change offexesandbirthjnconftancieefmar-
fiiges, and the disorder of adultery and flthineffe. : for ido
latry is thefincke ofallnnftries. The Wife man fpeaketh
thisofthofe people of whome D4i;/^complaines, that
the people of Ifrael had learned thofecuftomes, even
ttHacrifice their fonnes and daughters to the divell,thc
which was never pleafing nor agreeable vnto God. tor
as hce is the Authour of life , and hath made all thefe
things for the commodi tie and good of m'an , foishec
not pleafed that men (hould take the lives one from an-
other- although.the Lord did approove and accept the
willingneflTe of the faithfull patriarke Abraham, yet did
hee not confcnt to the deede, which was, to cut off the
head of his fbnne : wherein wee fee the malice snd ty*
ranny of the divell, who would be herein-as God, tak
ing pleafure to be worfhipt with the effufion of mans
blood , procuring by this meanes ,*the ruine of foule
and body together, for the deadly hatred he beareth to
jnan, as his cruell enemy.

Oft he horrible ptcrifices of men which the Mexi-
caines tfeJ. CHAP. 20.

ALthoughthey of Per* have fiirpaflfed theMexi- ^ ^^,
cainesin the (laughter and facrifkre of their chil- ^ '(
dren, (for I hive not read nor vnderftood that the Me-
xicaines vfed any fuch (acrifices ) yet they of Mexico -
have exceeded them, yea all the nations of the worlde*

in

oral!

in the great number of men which they had facrificec*.
and in the horrible maner thereof. And to the end we
may fee the great miieric wherein the DiveH holdes
this blind Nation, I wil relate particularly the cuftomc
and inhumane maner which they haveobferved : Firft
the men they did facrificc were taken in the vvarres,
neythcr did they vfc thefe folemne facrifices but of
Captives: fo as it feemes therein they have followed
the cuftome of the Ancients. For as (bme Authors fay,
they called the facrifice ViftiinA 5 for this reafon , be-
caufeitwas of a conquered thing : they alfo called it
HojliaqiMpnb hojle , for that it was an offering made of
their enemies, although they have applied this word
toallkindes ofdcrifices. In truth the Mextcaints d\&
not (acrifice any to their idolls, but Captives , and the
ordinarie warres they made , was oncly to have Cap
tives for their facrifices : and therefore when they did
fight, they laboured to take their enemies alive, and
not to kill them, to inioy their ficrifices. And this was
the reafon which Motc^um* gave to the Marquife d#
Vdly when he asked of him5 why being fo mighty, and
having conquered fb many kingdomes , heehad not
fubdued the Province of TlafcaHa, which was fo neeref
Mote$umt anfwercd him , that for two reafbnshee had
not conquered that Province , although it had becnc
eafie,if he would have vndertaken it : the one was for
the cxercife of the youth of Mexico , left they fnould
fall into idlenes and delight: the other and the chief e
caufe why he had refervcd this Province, was, to have
Captives for the facrifices of their gods. The. maner
they vfed in thefe facrifices,was, they affembled with
in thePalifladoe of dead mens failles , (as harh bcene
faid,) fuch as (liould befacrificed, vfinga certain e cere
mony

Hiftorie of the Indies

mony at the foot of the palifado, placing a great guard
about them. Prefcntly there ftept foorth a Pried, atty-
red with a fhorte furplife full of tafTelles beneath , who
came from the top of the temple with an idollrnade
of pafte of wheatc & mays mingled with hony, which
bad the eyes made of thegraincsof grccne glafle , and
the teeth of the graines of mays , hee descended the
ftcppes of the temple with all the fpcede he coukUntf
mounted ona great ftonc planted vpon a high rerraffir
in the midft of the court. This ftone was called guaux-
icdti, which is to lay, the ftone of Eagle, whereon he
mounted by a little ladder, which was in the fore part
of the terrafe,and dcfcended by an other ftairc on the
other fide,ftiil embracing his idoll.Thcn did he mount
to the place where thole were that fliould be ficrificed,
ihcwing this idoll to every one in particular, faying vn-
tp them- this is your god. And having ended his (hew,
he defcended by the other fide of the ftaires, and all
fuchas ihould die , went in proceflion vnto the place
where they fhould bcfacrificed, where they found the
Minifters ready for that office. The ordinary manner
of facrificing was, to open the ftomake of him that was
facrificed, and having pulled out his heart halfc alive,
they tumbled the man downc the ftaires of the Tem
ple, which were all imbrewcd and defiled with blood:
And to make it the more plaine, fixe facrificers beeing
appointed to this digni tie , came into the place of fa-
crifice, fourc to holae the hands and feete of him that
fliould be (acrificed, thefifttoholdehishead, and the
fixt to open his ftomacke , and to pull out the heart of
the facrificed. They called them Cfiachihxwii which
in our tong is as much, as the miniftersof holy things.
It was a high dignitie, and muchefteemedamongeft

C c them,

v<i<

Tfo y^atwatt andMoraU

.^wherein they did inhctitc and fucccdeas in afee
.pic. The miniftcr who had the office to kill, which
vis thefixtamongeft them, was efteemcd and honou
red as the foveraigne Prieft and Bifhop , whofc name
was different.according to the difference of times and
foieiTinities . Their habit.es were likewife divers when
they came foorth to the facrifice, according to the di^
verfitie of times. The name of their chiefedignitie was
Papa and Tofilztfl* their habite and robe was a red cur-
1 tin after the Dalmatike faihion, with taffellcs belowe, a
cro wne of rich feathers, greene, white, and yellow vp.
on his head , and at his cares like pendants of golde,
wherein werefet greene ftones, and vnder thelip vpon
the middeft of the beard hee had apeccelike\ntoa
finall canon of an azured ftone. Theft ficrificers came
with their faces and handes coloured with afliining
blacke. The other five had their haire much curled,
and tied vp with laces of leather,bound about the mid-
deft of the head: vpon their forehead they caried fhiall
roundelets of paper painted withdivcrfe colours, and
they were attired in a Dalmatike robe of white, wroght
with blacke . With this attire they reprefented the ve
ry figure of theDivclljfo as it did ftrikefeare and terror
into alhhe people, to fee them come forth with fo hor
rible a reprefemation . The (bveraigne prieft carried a
great knife in his hand.of a large and fliarpc flint : ano.
ther prieft carried a coHer of wood wrought in forme
of a fnake : All fix put themfelves in order, ioyningto
this Piramidallftone,whereoflhavefpoken, being di-
re&ly againft the doore of the Chappell of their idol!.
This ftonc was fo pointed, as the man which was to be
ftcrificed,being laid thereon,vpon hisbacke,did bend
infuchfort, as letting the knife but fall vpon his fto-

mackc

Hifiorie of the Indies li!*,?. 38?

macke , itopened very eafily in the middeft. When
the ficrificers were thus in order, they drew forth fuch
as had beenetaken in warrc , which were to be iacrifi-
ccdat thatfeaft, and being accompanied ! with a guard
of men all naked , they caufecfthem to mount vp thefe
large ftaires in ranke , to the place where the Minifters
were prepared: and as every one of them came in their
order,thc fix facrificers tookc the prifoner, one by one
foote,anothcrby theother,and one by onehand,ano-
ther by the other, caftinghim onhisbacke vponthis
pointed ftone, where the fift of thefe Minifters put the
coller of wood about his necke, and the high prieft o-
pencd his ftomackc with the knife, with a ftrangc dcx-
teritieand nimblenes, pullingout his heart with his
hands,the which he (hewed fmoaking vnto the Sunne,
to whom he did offer this hcate and fume of the heart,
and prefently he turned towardes the idoll,and did caft
the heart at his face,, then did they caft away the body
of the facrificed , tumbling it downc the ftaires of the
Temple, the ftone being fet fo ncerc the ftaires,as there \L
Were not twofoote fpace betwixt the ftone and the jvti,
firft fteppe,(b as with one (purne with their fbote,they j / •
caft the body from the toppeto thebottome. In this
fort one after onethey did lacrifice allthoft that were
appointed. Being thus flaine, and their bodies caft
downe, their matters, or fuch as had taken them, went
to take them vp, and carried them away : then having
divided them amongeft them, they did eate them, ce
lebrating their feaft and folemnitic. There were ever
forty or fifty at the leaft thus facrificed, forthat they
had men very expert in taking them . The neighbour
Nations did the like, imitating the Mexicaines in the
cuftomcs and ceremonies of the fervice of their gods.

Cca of

38 6 The 3\(atural! andMoratt

Of another kind of facrifces of men wbtih the Mcxi*
cainesvfed. CHAP. 21.

*~l~<Here was another kinde of facrifice which they
1 made in divers feafts, which they called Racaxipt
Vtlit^ti^ which is as much as the fleaing of men. They
call it ib, for that in fome feafls they tooke one or more
flaves, as they pleafed 5 and after they had flead him*
they with thatskinne apparelled amanappoymed to
that end. This man went dauncing and leaping tho-
row all the houfes and market places of the cittie, eve
ry one being forced to offer fbmething vnto him : and
if any one failed, hee would ftrike him over the face,
with a corner of the skinne, defy ling him with the
congealed blood. This invention continued vntill the
skinne did ftinke : during which time, fuch as went ga
thered together much almes, which they imployed in
necefiary things for the fervice oftheir gods . In many
of thefe feafls they made a challenge,betwixt him that
did {acrifice , and him thatfhould be facrifyced thus :
they tied the (lave by one foote to a whcele of ftone,
giving him a fvvord and target in his handes to defend
hirnfclfe: then prefemlyftept foorth hcc that facri-
ficcd him, armed with another fivord and target :ifhe
thatfhouldbe fncrificed defends himfelfe valiantly a-
gainft the other 5 and refifted him, hee then remayned
freed from the (aerify ce, winning the name of a fa
mous Captaine,and fo was reputed : but if hee were
vanquiflied, they then facrifyced him on the ftonc
vvherevnto he was tyed.; It was an other kinde of facri-
fyce , whenas they appoynted any flave to be the re-
prefcntation of the idoll, faying that it was his pi<5iure.-

They

HMorieoftheJndiet. lib. ?* 387

they every yeare gave one flave to the Priefts3that they
might' never want the lively image of their idoll. At
his fyrft entry into the office, after hee had becne well
wailied, they attyredhim with all the ornaments of
Ait idoll , giving him the lame name . Hee was that
-.whole yeare reverenced and honoured as the idoll it
Iclfe, and had alwayes with him twelve men for his
guardc,left hccfhouldflic, with which guardethey
Buffered him to goe freely and where hee would : and
if by chaunce he fled, the chiefeof the guarde was put
in his place to reprefent the idoll, and after to be facri*
ficed.

This Indian had the moft honourable lodging in nil
the temple,where he did eate and drinckc^and whither
all the chiefe Minifters came to ferve and honour him,
carrying him meate after the manner of great perfbna-
ges . When hee went through the ftreetcs of the citie,
hee was well accompanyed with noble men , he carri
ed alittleflute in his hand , which fometimes hefbun-
dcd, to give them knowledge when he parted : Then
prefently the women came forth with their little chil
dren in their armes, which they prefented vnto him,
faluting him as god. All the reft of the people did the
like : at night they put him in a ftrong prifbn or cage,
left he fhouH flie5 and when thefcaft came , they fa-
crificed him, as hathbecne (ayde . By thefeandmanie
other meanes hath the Divell abufed and entertained
thefe poore wretches , and fuch was the multitude of
thofe that had beene facrificed by this infernall cruel-
ty,asit feems a matter incredible,for they affirme there
were fbrne dayes five thou&nd or more,and that there
were above twenty thoufand ficrifyced in divctic pla
ces* The divcll to intertaine this murther of inen>vfed

Cc a

Tie ^{jtturall and M oraS

a pleafant and ftrangc invention , which was, when it
pleafcd the priefts of Sathan they went to their Kings,
telling them how their gods died for hunger, and that
they Ihould remember them. Prefently they prepared
themfclves, & advcrtifedone another, that their gods
required meate , and therefore they fliould command
their people to be ready to goe to the warres^and thus
thepeopleaffembled, and the companies appoynted
went to field, where they muftred their forces; and all
their quarrelland fight was to take one an other for fa-
crifice , ftriving on either fide to take what captives
they could , fo as in thefe battells they laboured more
to take,then to kill, for that all their intention was to
take men alwc, to give them to their idolls to eate, for
after that maner brought they their lacrificc vn to their
gods. And wee muft vnderfiand, that never king was
crowned vntill he had fubdewed Tome province>frora
the which hec brought a great number of captives for
the facrifices of their gods , ib as it was an infinit thing
to fee what blood wasfpiltin the honour of the Di-
vell.

How the Indians ?*,'*& weary ^ and could not endure the
cruelty ofSAthan. CHAP. 22.

\I Any of thefe Barbarians were nowe wearied and
-iVl tyred with fuch an exceffive cruelty, in (heading
fo much blood, and with Ib tedious a tribute, to be al-
wayes troubled to get captives, for the feeding of thrir
gods, fceming vnto them a matter fupportable^yet left
they not to foil owe and execute their rigorous lawcs,
for the great awe the minifters of thefe idols kept them
in, and the cunning where with they abufed this poorc

people.

Hiftorieofthe<fnc{ie3. lib. ?.

people. But inwardly they defired to be freed from fb
heavy a yoke . And it was a great providence of God-
that the firft which gave them knowledge of die Lawe
of Chrift, found them in this difpofition : for without
doubt it fccnicd to them a good law, and a good God,
to be fcrvcd in this forte . Heerevpon a grave religious
man in New Sfrint tolde me, that when he was in that
Country heehad dcmaunded of an auntient Indian, a
man of qnalitie, for what reafon the Indians haddefb
foone received the Lawe of Icfus Chrift, and left their
owne, without making any other proofe, triall, or dif-
pute thereon, for it feemed they had changed their re
ligion, without any fufficient reafbn to moovethem.
The Indi'in anfwered him,Belecve not Father,that we
have embraced the Law of Chrift fo rafhly as they fay,
for I will tell you, that we were already weary and diC
contented with fuch things as the idolls commaunded
vs, and were determined toleaveit , and to take an o-
ther Law. But whenas we found that the religion that
you preached had no cruelties in it, and thatlt was fit
for vs,& both iuft and good,we vnderftood and belee-
ved that it was the true Law, and fo we received it wil
lingly . Which anfwer of this Indian agrees well with
that we read in the firft Difcourfe, that Fernar/d Cortex
fcnttothc Emperour Chtrlcs the fife , wherein heere-
portes, that after he had conquered the ^citty of Mexi-
fOy being in Cuyoacan, there came Ambadadors to him
from the province and commonwealth ofMtcfwac**,
. requiring him to (end them his law,and that he would
- teach them to vnderftand it, bccaule they intended to
leave their owne, which feemed not good vnto them,
which Cortez, graunted , and at this day they are the
beft Indians, and the trueft Chriftians that arc in New

C C 4

Sp&ine . The Spaniards thatfaw thefe cruell facriffces,
refotved with all their power to abolifli fo dctcftablc
and curfeda butchering of rnen^and the rather,for that
in one night before their eies they fawe threcfcorc or
.thrcefcore and tenne Spaniards facrificed , which had
beene taken in a batteli given at the conqueft of Mexi
co : and another time they found written with a cole
in a chamber in Tc^cufco thefe wordes- Heerefkcha mi-
fir able WAK wMprifonermth his companions whom they of
Tczcufco didjkcrifcc.

There happened a very ftrange thing vpon this fub-
led:, and yet true, being reported by menworthicof
credite,which was, that the Spaniards beholding thefe
facrifices , having opened and drawne out the heart of
theluftieyongman, andcaft him from thetoppe of
theftaires, (as their cuftomewas,) when heecamcat
the bottome , he faid to the Spaniards in his language,
Knightes, they have flaine me , tfcte which did greatly
mooveourmen to horror and pittie. It is no incredi
ble thing, that having his heart pulled out ., hee might
Ipeake, feeing that Galen reportes that it hath of ten
chanced in the facrificeofbeafts7 after the heart hath
G*l**.iA.*.df beene drawne out, and caft vpon the altar, the beads
' have breathed, yea, they did bray and ciyoutalovvde,
andfometimesdid runne. Leaving this queftion how
this might bee in nature, I will follow my purpofe*
which is, tofliewhow much thefe barbarous people
did now abhorre this infuportableflaverie they had to
that infernall murtherer , and how great the mercy
of the Lord bath beene vnto them; imparting his moft
fvveete and agreeable law.

Htiiorie of the Indies, lib*?,

How the i)jfueS$4t& laboured to imitate and counter-
forte the Sacraments ef the holy Church.
CH Ap_2f._ .i^

Hat which is moft admirable in the hatred and
prefumption of Sathan, is, that he hath not onely
counterfaited in idolatry and facrifices, but alfo in cer-
taine ceremonies , ourfacfaments, which lefiis Chrift
our Lord hath inftituted , and the holy Church doth
vfe, having efpecially pretended to imitate, in fome
fort, the Sacrament of the Communion, which is the
moft high and divine of all others,) for the great error
of Infidells which proceeded in this maner. In the firft
moneth, which in Pent they called Rayme, and anfwe-
reth to our December,they made a moft fblemnefeaft,
called CapAcrayme^ wherein they made many facrifices
and ceremonies, which continued manydaies : du
ring the which, noftranger was fuftercdtobeeatthc
Court which was in Cufco. Thefe daics being paft,they
then gave libertie to ftrangers to enter, that they might
be partakers of the feaftcs and facrifices , miniftring to
them in this maner. The UAmtamM of the Sunne,
which were a kindeof NunnesoftheSunne, made
little loaves of the flower of Mays , died and min
gled with the bloud of white fheepe , which they did
facrifice that day ; then prcfencly they commanded
that all ftrangers fhould enter, who fet themfelves in
order, and the Priefts which were of a certaine linage,
difcending from LMquiyttfa0g#i * gave to every one a
morcellofthcfe fmall loaves, faying vntothem, that
they gave thefepeeces, totheendtheyfliouldbevni-
ted and confederate with the InguA , and that they ad-
vifed them not to ipcake nor thinkc any ill againft the

39* The 3\£aturaliand Moral!

/#£#4,butalwaiestobeare him good affedion, for that
thispcecefhould bcawitneffeof their intentions and
will, and if they did notas they ought,he would difcb-
ver them and bea|aiRft*hem. They carried thefe final!
loavcs,in great platters of gold and iilver appointed for
that vfe, & all did receive & cate thefe peeces, thanking
the Sunne infinitely for fo great a favour which hee
had done them, (peaking wordes and makingfigncs of
great contentment and devotion : protcfting that du
ring their lives , they would neither do nor thinkcany
thing againft the Sunne nor the InguA : and with this
condition they received this foodc of the Sunne, the
which (hould remaine in their bodies for a witnefle of
their fidelitie which theyobferved to the Sunne and
to the lugu* their King. This manerof divclifh com.
municating they likewife vfcd in the tenth moneth
called Coyarayme, which was September, in the fb-
lernne feaft which they called Cyta^doing the like cere
monies. And befides this communion (if it be lawfull -
tovftthis word in fo divelilh a matter J which they
imparted to all ftrangers^hat came 5 they did likewife
fend of thefe loaves fo all their GUACOS, fanduaries, or
idolls, of the whole Rcalmc, andatoneinftantthry
found people of all fides , which came exprefly to re
ceive them, tovrhomtheyfaid (in delivering 'them,)
that the Sunne had fent them that, infignc that hee
tvould have them all to vvorfliipand honour him , and
likewife did fende them in honour of the Caciques.
Some perhappes will hold this for a fable and a fidi-
on: yet is it moft true,that fince the In^ua, Tupavg?,(thc
which is hee that hath made moft lawes,cuftom^,and
CGremonies,as Numadid in ^«^:)this mancr of com
munion hath continued, vntill that the Gofpelofour

Lord

Historic of the Indies, lib.?.

Lord lefus Chrift thruft out all thefefuperftitions, gi
ving them the right foode of life, which vnites their
ibukstoGod : whofb would fitisfic himfelfe more
amply, let him reade the relation which the Licentiate
Polio did write, Don lertmmo de Leayfi Arch-bifhop of
the Cittic ofKwgs, where he (hall finde this and many
other things which he hath difcovered and found out
by his great dilligcnce.

la wh4t nuner the Divellhttk laboured in Mexico t &

co»ntcrfaite thcfcajl of the holy Sacrament *nd

Communion vfedin the holy Church.

CHAP. 24.

IT is a thing more worthy admiration5to heare fpeak
of the 1-eaft and folemnitie of the Communion
which the Divcll himfelfe the Prince of Pride, orday-
nedin^/mr^, the which (although it bee fomewhat
long,) yet {hall it not be from the purpofe to relate , as
it is written by men of credite. The MexicAines in the
moneth of Maie , made their princi pall feaft to their
godr/V^//^/^//, and two daies before this feaft, the
Virgins whereof I havefpoken , (the which were (hut
vp and fecludedin the iamc Temple, and were as it
were religious women, ) did mingle a quantitic of the
feede of beetcs with rofted Mays, and then they did
mould it with honie, making an idoll of that pafte , in
bigncfTe like to that of wood, putting infteede of eyes,
grainesofgreene glide, ofblue,or white^andfor teefh,
graines of Mays , (ct forth with all the ornament and
furniture that I have faid. This being finiflied, all the
Noblemen came and brought it an cxquifitr and rich
garment,likc vn to that of the idol, wherewith they did

attyrc

all and Moral!

attyrc it Being thus clad and dcckt, they did ftt it in an
azurcd chaire, and in a litter to carry it on their fhoul-
tiers. The morning of this feaft being come, an hotirc
before day, all the maidens came forth attired in white,
with new ornaments , die which that day were called
the Sifters of their god rtt%liputi(li, they came crowned
with garlands of Maysrofted and parched 3 being like
ynto.azahar or the flower of orange , and about their
i\eckes they had great chaines of the fame, which went
bauldricke-wife vnder their leftarme. Their cheekes
were died with vermillion,theirarmcs from the elbow
to the wrift, were covered with red parrots feathers.
And thus attyrcd,they tooke iheidoll one their Shoul
ders, carrying it into the Court , where all the yoong
men were., attyred in garaentcs of sn artificial! red,
crowned after the famemaner, like vnto the women.
Whenas the maidens came forth with the idol!, the
yong men drew neer with much reverence, taking the
litter wherein the idoll was, vpon their (houlders, car
rying it to the foote of the (hires of the Temple^wherc
nl the people did humble thernfelves,laying earth vpon
their heads, which was an ordinarie ceremonie which
they did obferve at the chiefefeaft of their gods. This
ceremony being ended, all the people went in procef-
fion with all the diligence and fpeedc they could , go
ing to a mountain which was a league from the city of
AtewV^called C}jafu!tefcr& there they made facrifice?.
Prefently they went from thence with like diligence,
tcpgo to aplsccneere vnto it, which they callcd,-^/^-
atjAVAjt, where they made their fecond ftation : and
from thence they went to another Burgh or Village a
league beyond Cuyotcan^ from whence they parted,
returning to the Citic of Mexico, not making any .0 then

ftation.

Hijlorie of the Indies.

ftation. They wen tin this fort above foure leagues in
three or foure houres , calling this proccfiion y Tpayn*
Vitztiputzft. Being come to the foote of the ftaircs,
they lee downc the brancard or litter with the idoll,
tying great cordes to the armes of the brancarde, then
with great oblervance and reverence , they did drawe
vp the litter with the idoll in it to the top of the Tem
ple, fomc drawing above, and others helping belowe,
in the meanc time there was a great noifc offluitcs*
trumpets, cornets, and drurnmes. They did mount it
in this manner , for that the ftaires of the Temple were
very fteepe and narrow , fo as they could not carry vp
the litter vpon their (houlders, while they mounted
vp the idoll , all the people ftoodein the Court with
muchfcverence and feare.Being mounted to the top,
anJthat they had placed it in a little lodge of roies,
which they held readie5prefently came the yong men,
which ftravved many flowers of fundric kindes,where-
| with they filled the temple both within and without.
This done, all the Virgins came out of their convent,
| bringing peeces of paftc compounded of beetcs , and
; rofted Mays, which was of the fame paftc whereof
I their idoll was made and compounded, and they were
of the fafhion of great bones. They delivered them
to the yong men, who carried them vpand laid them
vp and laide them at the idolls fecre , wherewith they
filled the whole place , that it could receive no more*
They called thefe morcels of pafte, the flefhand bones
Gfritztlifut^li. Having layed abroade thefe boncs>
prefently cameall the Ancients ofthe Temple^riefts,
Lcvites, and all the reft of the Minifies according to ,
their dignities and antiquities , (for heerein there was 1
aftriilorder amongft them , one after another, with]

'theirl

$9 6 The 3Vjtturalh.ndMorall

their vailts of diveffe colours and workes, every ofieac-
doling to his dignity and officcjhavirig garlands vp6ft
their heads, And chaines of flowers about their neckes:
after them came their gods and goddeffes whom they
wOrfhipt of diverfe figures , attired in the fame livery,
then putting themfelves in order about thofc morfells
& peeces of pafte , they vfed certaine ceremonies with
fihgitig and dauncing . By meanes whereof they were
blelTed and confecrated for the fle(h and bones of this
idoll.

This ceremony and blefling ( whereby they were
taken for the flefli and bones of the idoll) being ended,
they honoured thofe peccesin the fame forte as their
god. Then came foorth the facrificers, whobegannc
thefecrificeofmeh, in the manner as hath beene (po«
ken, and that day they did facrificea greater number
than at anyother time, for that it was the moft folemnc
fe^fttheyobferved. The facrifices being ended, all the
yoong men and maides came out of the temple attired
as before, and being placed in order and ranke one di-
re&lyagainft another, theydauncedbydrummes the
which founded in praife of the feaft , and of the idoll
which they did celebrate. To which (bng all the moft
ancient and greateft noble men did anfwer, dauncing
about them , making a great circle as their vfe is , the
yoongmen arid maides rertiayningahvayes in the mid-
deft. All the citty came to this goodly fpecSacIe, and
there was a commatindemcnt very ftridly obfcrved
throughout all the land, that the day of the feaft of the
idoll r/V^/r/wte/^they fhould eate no other meate3btit
this pafte with hotly ,vvhcreof the idoll was made. And
thisfliould be eaten atthepoiht of day , & thry fhould
drincke no AKvaternorjiny otherthing till after n-one:

they

Hiftorit of the Indies, lib, 5*

rfiey held it for an ill fignc, yea for ftcrilege,to doe tfie
contrary: but after the ceremonies ended, itwaslgw-
full for them to eate any thing.During the time of this
ceremony , they hid the water from their li tic children,
admonifhing all fuch as had thevfeofrcafbn, not to
drinke any yvater ; which if they didj th$ anger of God
would come vpon them , and they fhould die , which
they did obfervc very carefully and ftridly . The cere
monies, dancing, andfacrifice ended, they went to vn-
clothe themfelves , and the priefts and fuperiors of the
tern pie tooke the idoll of pafte, which they /poyled of
all the ornaments it had, and macje many peeces, as
well of the idoll it felfc as of the tronchons which were
confecrated, and then they gave them to the eommu-
nion, beginning with the greater, and continuing vn-.
to the reft, both men, women, and little children, who
received it with fuch teares, fcare, and reverence, as it
Was an admirable thing , faying that they did eate the
flefh and bones of God, wherewith they were grieved.
Such as had any ficke folkes demaunded thereof for
them, and carried it with great reverence and venerati
on.

All fuch as did communicate, were bound todve
the tenth of this feede, whereof the idoll was made.
The folemnitie of the idoll being ended , an olde man
of great authorise fteptvp into a high place, and with
alowde voice preached their lawe and ceremonies.
Who would not wonder to fee the divell fb curious to
feeke to be vvorfliipped and reverenced in the fame ma-
ner that lefus Chrift our God hath appoynted and alfo
taught, ^and as the holy Church hath accuftomedc'
Hereby it is plainely verified what was propounded in
the beginning, that Sathan (hives (all he can; to- vfurp

and

and chalengc vnto hicnfelfc the honor and fervicc that
is due to God alone, although he dooth ftill intcrmixc
with it his cruelties and filthinefle , being thefpiriteof
njurther and vncleanenefle, and the father of lies.

QfConfefws andCcnfefiien which the Inditnt
<vfed. CHAP. ^$.

He father of lies would likewife counterfeit the fa-
cramentofConfeflion, and in his idolatries feekc
to be honored with ceremonies very like to the mancr
of Chriftians* In Peru they held opinion,that all difea-
fes and adverfi ties came for the finncs which they had
committed : for remedy whereof they vied facriflces:
moreover they confcfled themftlves vcrbally,almoft in
all provinces, and had Confeflbrsappoyntcd by their
fiiperiors to that end , there were fbme finnes referred
for the fuperiors. They received penaunce, yea fomc-
times vei y fliarpely , efpecially when the off endor was
a poore man,and had nothing to give his Confeflbur.
This office of Confeffbr was likewife exercifed by wo
men. The manner of thefe confeflbrs fbrcerers whom
they call 1C chain or Tcbtiri, hath becne mod generall
in the provinces of Collafuio . They holde opinion, that
itisaheinousfinneto concealeany thing inconfeflir
on. The Ychuyri or confcObrs difcovered by lottes, or
by theview of fbme beaft hides,if any thing were con
cealed, and punifhed them with many blowes , with a
ftonevponthcfhoulders, vntill they had revealed all,
then after they gave himpcnaunce, and did facrificc.
They doe likewife vfc this confeifion, when their chil-
dren,wives,husbands,or their Caciques be (Icke, or in a-
ny gt^eat exploite . And when their ivguA was ficke7all
• - the

Hittorie of the Indies lilxj.

the provinces confefTed themfelves , chiefly thofe of
the province ofC&l/at. The Confcfibrs were bound to
hold their confeffions fecret, but in certaine cafes limi
ted . The finnes that they chiefly confcflcd , was firft
to kilionc another out of warre, then to fteale, to take
another mans wife, to gtvepoifon or fbrcery to doe a-
ny harme : and they helde it to be a grievous finne , to
be forgetfull in the reverence of their Guacas, or Orato
ries, not to obferve the feafts, or to fpeake ill of the In-
£/^5and to difobey him. They accufed not themlelves
of any fecret a&es and'finnes . But according to the re
port of fomePriefts , after the chriftians came into that
Countrey, they accufed thcrafelvcs of their thoughts.
The/flg»4 confefled himfelfe to no man , but onely to
the Sunne, that hee might tell them to VtrAchoca, , and
that he might forgive them . After the In^ua Kad been
confeffed, hee made a certaine bath to cleanfe himfelfe
in a running river, faying thefe words : I have told my
finnes to the Sunne, receive them, O thou River, and
carry them to the fea , where they may never appearc
more. Others that confefled,vfed likewife thefe baths,
with certaine ceremonies very like to thofe the Moores
vfeat this day, which they call Gitadoy, and the Indians
call them Opacuna. When it chaunced that any mans
children dicd,he was held for a great finner,faying that
it was for his finnes that the fbnnedied before the fa-
ther. And therefore thofe to whom this had chanced,
after they were confc(Ted,they were bath'd in this bath
called Opacttna, as is {aide before. Then fome deformed
Indian, crookebackt,andcounterfet by nature, came to
whippe them with certaine nettles. If the Sorcerers or
Inchaunters by their lots and divinations affirmed that
any ficke body Ihould die, the ficke man makes nq dif-

D d ficulty

4.00 The^aturallanctMoratt

ficulty to kill his owne fbmie, th ough he had ho oth'ifj.
hoping by that meanes to efcap e<deatb , laying that in
his place he offered his fohnc in facrifice. And this cru-
cltie hath beene pradifedin fome places, evenfince
the Chriftians came into that countrey. In trueth it is
ftrange , that this cuftome of confeffing their fecret
finncs, hath continued folong<amongeft them, and to
doe fo ft rid penances, as, tofaft,togiveapparell,golcl
arid filver,to remaine in the raountaines,and to receive
man/ftripes vpon the (boulders . Our men fey,that in
the province of chiquito , even at this day they meete
with this plague of Confeflbrs or Tchttrity whereas ma^
ny ficke perfons repaire vnto them :but now, by the
grace of God,this people bcginnes to fee cleerely the
effed: and great benefite of our confeffion , wherevnto
they come with great devotion . And partely this for
mer cuftome hath beene fuffered by the providence of
the Lord, that confeflion might not feeme tedious vn
to them.

By this meanes the Lord is wholy glorified, and the
Divell (who is a deceiver) deceived . And for that it
concerneth this matter, I will reporte the manner of a
ftrange confeflion the Divell hath invented at lappon&s
appeares by a letter that came from thence, which faith
thus : There are in Ocaca very great and high and ftiep
rockes,whichhaveprickesorpoynts on them, above
two hundred fadome high . Amongeft theferockes
there is one of thefe pikes or poyntes fb terribly high,
that when ihzXawabufis (which be pilgrimes) doe but
looke vp vnto it, they tremble,and their haireftares,fb
fearefull and horrible is the place. Vpon the toppeof
this poy nt there is a great rod of yron of three fadome
long, placed there by a ftrange devife, at the end of this

rod

Hi florie of the Indies It5.jr. 4.01

rodde is a ballance tied, whereof the fcales are /b bigge,
as a man may fit in one of them : and the Goqnu f which
be divells in humane fhape) commaund theie pilgrims
to enter therein one after another, not leaving one of
them : then witlian engine or inftrument which moo-
veth, by meanes ofa wheele, they make this rodde of
yron whereon the ballance is hanged , to hang in the
aire,one of tliekXawabufy being fet in one of the fcales
oftheballaunce. And as that wherein the man isfettc
hath no counterpoifc on the other fide , it prefently
hangethdowne, and the other rifeth vntill it meetes
with and toucheth the rodde : then the Goqnti telleth.
them from the rocke, that they muftconfefle them-
(elves of all thefinnes they have committed, to their re
membrance , and that with a lowde voyce , to th'end
that all the reft may heare him. Then prcfently hee be-
ginnethto confefle, whileftfbmeofthe ftandcrs by do
laugh at the finnes they doe heare; and others figh, and
at every finne they confeflTe, the other fcaleof the bal
lance fallesalittle, vntill that having tolde all his finnes,
itremaines equall with the other, wherein thefbrrow-
fqll penitent fits: then the Goquis turnes the \vheele,and
drawes the rodde and ballance vnto him, andthePil-
grime comes foorrfyhen enters another,vntill all have
pafled. A lapponois reported this after hee waschrift-
ned, faying that he had bcrene in this pilgrimage, and
entred the ballance feaven times, where he had confefl
fed himfelfe publikely. He (aide moreover, that if anic
one did conceale any finne, the empty fcaleyeelded
not: and if hee grew obftinate after inftancemadeto
confefTe himfelfe,refufing to open all his finnes,the Go*
^cafthim downe from the toppe, where in an in-
ftant he is broken intoa thonfind peeces. Yet this ehri-

D d 2 ffian

ftian,who was called John tolde vs>that commonly the
feareand tcrrour of this place is fo great to all fuch as
enter therein , and the danger they fee with their eies,
to fall out of the ballance, and to be broken in peeces,
that feldoine there is any one but difpovers all his fins.
This place is called by anothername Sangenotocorojktt
is to fay, the place ofConfeffion : wee fee plainely by
this difcourfe, how theDivell hath pretended to vfurp
y nto himfelfe the fervice of God, making confcffion of
finnes (which the Lord hath appoynted for the reme
dy of man) a divellifli fuperftition , to their great loflc
and perdition. He hath doone no leffe to the Heathen
oflappm, than to thofe of the provinces of Cellao in

Of the MomMabk vnftion which the Mexicaine pricftes
And other Nztiojus vfcd, and of their witchcraftes.
CHAP. 26.

GOd appoynted in the nuntientLawe the manner
how they (liould confecrate Akrons perfon , and
the other Priefts, and in the LavTe of the Go/pel , wee
havelikcwifetheholy crcamcandvndion which they
vfe when they confecrate the Pricftes of Chriflr. There
was likewife in the auntient Lawe a fweete conipofi tr-
on, which God defend fliould be employed in anie
other thing then in the divine fervice. The'Divel hath
fought to con ntcrfet all thcfe things after his manner,
ashee hathaccuftomed, having to this end invented
xhings io f owle and fikhic, whereby they dif cover wel
who is the Author. ThepriefkofriiieidoIlesinAfmr^
\vereannoynted in this {bit, they annointed the body
fromthefootetothehtad> and all the haire likewife,

which

lib* ?. 405

which hung like trefles, or a horfe niane , for that they
applyed this vndion wet and moyft. Their hairegrew
fo, as in time it hung downe to their ham rues , fo hea-
yily , that it was troublefome for them to beare it , for
they did never cut it, vntill they dted,or that they were
•difpenfed with for their great age , or being employed
in governments or fbrne honorable charge in the com
monwealth. They carried their haire in treffes, of fixe
fingers breadth /which they died blacke with the fum?
of iapine5or firre trees, or refine- for in all Antiquirie it ^
hath bin an offring they made vnto their idolls, and for
this caufeit was much efteemed and reverenced. They
were alwayes died with this tin&urefrom the footcto
the head, fo as they were like vnto (bining Negroes,
and that was their ordinary vndion : yet vvhcnas they
•went to facrifice and give incenfe in the mountaines,or
on the tops thereof,or in any darke and obfcure caves,
where their idoHes were , they vfed an other kindc of
vnftion very different, doing certaine ceremonies to
take away feare, and to give them courage . This vqc-
tion was made with diverfe little venomous beaftcs, as
fpiders, fcorpions, palmers, falamandersand vipers,the
which the boyes in the Colledges tooke and gathered
together , wherein they were fo expert , as they werc
alwayes furnifhed when the Prieftcs called for them.
The chiefe care of theft boyes was , to hunt after thefe
beads; if they went any other way, and by chaunce
met with any of thefe beads, they flayed to take them,
with as great paine, as if their lives depended thereon.
Bythereafon whereof the Indians commonly feared
not thefe venomous bcafts, making no more accompt
than if they were not fo , having beene all bred in this
cxercife. To make an ointment of thefe beaftes , they

Dd 3 tooke

The ''JfyturalUnd MoraK

took them all togcther3and burnt them vpon the harth
of the Temple, which was before the Altarc , vntill
they were confumed to afhcs : then did they put them
in matters with much Tobacco or Petum ( being an
hearbe that Nation vfeth much,to benummc the flcfh,
that they may not feele their travell) with the which
they mingle the aftes, making them loofe their force-
they did likevvife mingle with thefeafhes, fcorpions,
fpidersand palmers alive, mingling all together, then
did they put to it a certainc feedc being grownd,which
they call ololuchqui, whereof the Indians make a drinkc
to fee vifions , for that the vertue of this hearbe is to
deprive man of fence. They did likewifc grindcwith
thefe afhes blackeand hairic wormes^whofe hairc only
is venomous 5 all which they mingled together with
blacke, or the fume of rofine 5 putting it in fmall pots,
which they fet before their god,(aying it was his mcate.
And therefore they called it a divine meate. By means
of this oyntment they became witches.and did fecand
fpeake with the Divcll. The prieftes beeingflubbered
with this oyntment, loft all feare, putting on a fpirit of
cruelty. By reafon whereof they did very boldely kill
men in their facrifice s , going all alone in the night to
the mountaines , and into obicure caves,contemning
all wilde beafts, and holding it for certaync and appro
ved, that both lions, tigres?lerpents, and other furious
beafts which breedein the mountaines , andforrcfts,
flcddc from them, by the vertue of this Petum of their
god.

And in'trueth though this Pctum had no power to
make them flie, yet was the Divellcs pidurcfufficicnt
whercinto they were transformed. This Petum did al-
fo ferve to cure the ficke, and for childret^and thcrforc

HiHorieofthefndies. lib. 7.

all called it the Divine Phyficke.-andfo they came from
all partcs to the fupcriors and priefts, as to their faviors,
that they might apply this divine phyficke, wherewith
they anoynted thofe parts that were grieved.They faid
that they felt heereby a notable eafe ,. which might be,
for that Tobacco and ololuchqui have this propertie of
themfelves,to benummc the flcfh,being applied in ma-
ner of an emplaifter , which muft be by a fironger rea-
fon being mingled with poyfbns,and for that it did ap- '
peafeand benummethepainc, theyheldeitforanef-
fe<5t ofhealth5and a divine virtue. And therefore rannc
they to thefe priefts as to holy men, who kept the blind
and ignorant in this error, perfwading them what they
pleafed, and making them runnc after their inventions
and divellifh ceremonies, their authority being fuch,as
their wordes were fiifficicnt to induce beliefe as an ar
ticle of their faith. And thus made they a thoufand fir-
perftitions among the vulgar people, in their mancr of
Offering incenfc, in cutting their haire, tying fmall flo
wers about their necks,and firings with fmall bones of
fiiakeSjCommaunding them to bathe at a certaine time;
and that they fhould watch all night at the harth, left
the fire fhould die,that they fhould eate no other bread
but that which had bin offered to their gods, that they
fhould vpon any occafion repaire vnto their witches,
who with certaine graines tolde fortunes,and divined,
looking into keclers and pailcs full of water. The for-
cercrs and minifters of the divell vfed much to befmere
themfelves . There were an infinite number of thefe
witches, divines, enchanters, and other falfe prophets.
There remaines yet at this day of this infedion,althogh
they be fccret,not daring publikely to cxercife their fa-
crileges,divclifh ceremonies &fuperftitions, but their

D d 4 abufcs

The 3\(jiturallandMoratl

abufes and wickednes are dtfcovercd more at large and
particularly in the confeflions made by the Prelates of
>Peru.

There is a kinde of forcerers amongft the Indians
allowed by the Kings Inguas , which are as it were
• footh-faiers, they take vpon them what forme and fi
gure they pleafe,flying farre through the aire in a fhort
time,beholding all that was done. They talke with the
Divell , who anfvvereth them in certaine ftones or o-
ther things which they reverence much. They ferve as
coniurers, to tell what hath paflcd in the fartheft partes,
before any newes can come. As it hath chanced fince
the Spaniardes arrived there,that in the diftanceof two
or three hundred leagues , they haveknowne the mu
tinies, battailes3rebellions,and deaths,both of tyrants,
and of thofc of the Kings partie , and of private men,
the which have beene knowne the fame day they
chanced , or the day after , a thing impoffible by the
courfe of nature. To worke this divination, theyfhut
themfelves into a houfe,& became drunk vntil they loft
their fences, a day after they an fvvered to that which
was demanded. Some affirme they vfe certaine vndi-
onsThe Indians lay,that the old women do common,
ly vfe this office of witch-craft, & fpecially thofe of one
Province, which they call QM/Y/<?,and of another towne
called Manchey , and of the Province of Guarochiri.
They likewife (hew what is become of things ftolne
and loft. There are of thcfe kindes of Sorcerers in all
partes, to whom commonly doe come the AnAConas,
and Cyva, which ferve the Spaniardes , and when they
have loft any thing of their maftcrs , or when they de-
fire to know the fiiccefle of things paft or to come , as
when they goc to the Spaniardes attics for their pri
vate

Htifarie of the Indies. lit.?. 407

vatc affaires, or for the publike, they .demaund if their
voyage (hall be profperous,if they fliall be ficke, if they
fliall dieaor returne fafe;if they fliall obtaine that which
they pretendrand the witches or coniurers anfwer,yea,
or no5having firft Ipoken with the Divell3in an obfcure
place : fb as thefe Anacwa* do well heare the found of
the voy ce , but they fee not to whom thefe coniurers
fpeake, neither do they vnderftand what they fay .They
make a thoufand ceremonies and facrifices to thisef-
fed: , with the which they mocke theDivell and grow
exceeding drunke , for the doing whereof, they parti
cularly vfe an hearbe called yiSea , the iuyce whereof
they mingle with their chic* , or take it in fbme other
lbrt,whereby we may fee how miferable they are, that
have for their mafters , the minifters of him whofe of
fice is to deceive. It is manifeft that nothing doth fo
much let the Indians from receiving the faith of the
holy Gofpel , and to pei fever therein , as the confer-
rence with thefe witches, whereof there have bin, and
are ftill, great numbers , although by the grace of the
Lord, and diligence of the Prelates and Priefles , they
decreafe, and are not fo hurtcfull. Some of them have
beene converted and preached publikely, difcovering
and blaming themfclves, their errors and deceites, and
manifefting their devifes and lies , whereof wee have
feene great effe&s :as alfb we vnderftand by letters from
7,^0#,that the like hath arrived in thofe partsrall to the
glory and honour of our Lord God.

Of other Ceremonies wdCuftovnes of the Indians,rp£/V£ arc
like vnto ours. CHAP. 27.

l""p He Indians had an infinite number of other cc-
•* remonies and cuftomes , which refemblcd to the

• antient

4-oS The y^tttrtH andMoratt

ancient law ofMofes , and fbme tothofc which the
Moorcs vie, and fome approached ncere to the law of
the Gofpel, as their bathes or OfactwA, as they call
them : they did wa(h thcmftlves in water, to clenfe
them from their fins. The Mexicaines hadalfb amongft
them akindc of baptifae, the which they did with ce*
remony , cutting the eares and members of yong chil
dren new borne, counterfaiting in fomc fort the cir-
cumcifion of the lewcs.This ceremony was done prin
cipally to the fonnes of Kings and Noblemen: prcfent-
ly vpon their birth thcprieftes did wafh them,and did
put a little fword in the ri^ht hand.and in the left a tar-
get.And to the children of the vulgar fort,they put the
raarkes of their offices , and to their daughters inftru-
rnents to fpinnc,knit,and labour. This ceremony con
tinued fourc daies, being made before fome idol!.
f They contraded mariagc after their maner, whereof
1 the Licentiate Polio hath swritten a whole Treatife, and
I will fpeake fomcwhat thereon heereaftcr. In other
things their cuftomes and ceremonies have Ibmefhew
ofreafbn.The^/tfAr/V^/^/werc married by thehandes
of their prieftesin this fort. The Bridegroome and the
Bride ftoodc together before theprieft , who tooke
them by the hands asking the'm if they would manie,
then having vnderftoode their willes, hee tooke a cor
ner of the vaile wherewith the woman had her head
covered , and a corner of the mans gowne the which
he tied together on a knot, and foled them thus tied
totheBridegroomes houfe, where thercwasaharth
kindled,and then he caufed the wife to go fevcn times
about the harth, and fo the married couple (ate downe
together , and thus was the manage contraded. The
Mcxicaincs were very iealousof the integritie of their

vvives:

Htiforie of the Indies, lib.?. 409

wives : fo as if they found they were not as they ought
to be, (the which they knew ey ther by fignes or difho-
neft wordes,) they prefentfy gave notice thereof to
their fathers and kinsfolkes of their vvives,to their great
ihamc and diflionor , for that they had not kept good
guarde over them. But they did much honour and
refpeft fuch as lived chaftely , making them great
banquttes , and giving great prefentes both to her
and to her kinsfolkes. For this occafion they made
great offerings to their gods , and a folemne banket in
thehoufcofthc wife, and another in the husbands.
When they went to houfe they made an invento
ry of all the man and wife brought together , of pro-
vifions for the houfe5of land,of icwells and ornaments,
which inventories every father kept , for if it chanced
they made any devorce, (as it was common amongeft 3
them when they agrecnot,) they divided their goods
according to the portion that every one brought, eve
ry one having libertie in fuch a cafe , to marry whomc
they pleafed : and they gave the daughters to the wife,
andthefonnesto the husband. It was defended vpon
painc of dcath^not to marry againe together, the which
they obfervcd very ftri&M And although it fceme that e
many of their ceremonies Wree^vith ours, yet Differ
they much for the great ^SEomination they mingle
therewithall. It is common and generall to have vfual-
ly one of thefc three things, either cruelty,filthines, or
flouth : forall their ceremonies were cruclhnd hurte-
full , as to kill men and to fpill blood , arc filthy and
beaftly , as to eate~and drinkcjathommcj^f their I-
^olls^and alfo topiflcmlthc honour oFtficm, carrying
them vgpn theifffioulders, to annojntind[ bcfme^rc
thcmfeivcslSthily , and to do a thou&nd fortes of vil-

lanics,

Th

lanics, which were at the leaft,vaine , ridiculous, an&
idle,and more like the adions of children,thcn of men.
Thecaufc thereof is the very condition of this wicked
fpirit, whofe intention is alwaies to do ill , provoking
men ftill to murthers and filthines , or at the leaft to
vanities and fruitelefie adions, the which every man
may well know, if he duly confider the behaviour and
a&ionsof theDivell,towardes thofehefets to deceive.
For in all his illufions we finde a mixture of thefe three,
or at leaft of one of them . The Indians themfelrjfs
(fince they came to the knowledge of our faith,) laugh
and nrocke at thefe fooleries and toy es, in the- which'
their gods held them bufied , whom they ferved more
fb* feare, leaft they fliould hurtc them, in not obnying
them in all things , then forany love they bare them.
Although feme, yea, very many lived, abufed and de
ceived, with the vainc hope of temporal! goods, for
oftheeternalltheyhadno knowledge. And whereas
the temporall power was greateft , there fuperftition
hath moft increafcd, as we fee in the Realmes of Mexi
co and Cufco ^ where it is incredible to fee the number
ofidolls they had : for within the citty of Mexico there
were above three hundred Mango IngiiA Tufangui, a-
f niongft the Kings of Cufco, was hee that moft augmen-
! ted the favice of their idolls, inventing a thoufand
kindes of facrificcs/eafts^nd ceremonies.The like did
King ifodt in Mexico yvt\\o was the fourth king. There
wasalfoagreat number of fuperftitiom and ftcrifices
in other Nations of the Indians^ as in the Province of
Guattm*U,rt the Hands in the new Kingdom e, in the
Province of C*/&,and others that were like 'Common-
wealthesand Comminalries. But it was nothing in re-
ufio, where Sathan was as mKowe,

or

Hi(lorie of the Indies, lib.?. 4.11

or in his Ierttfalem,vnti\l he was caft out againft his will,
and the holy CroflTc planted in his place, and the King-
dome of Chrift our God occupied 3 the which the ty
rant did vfurpe.

tkkrAttd by them a/*Cufco,
Divctt would imitate the wyftcrieofthehdy
Trinitit. CHAP. 28.

TO conclude that which concernes Religion,there
reftes fomething to fpeake of the feaits and folem-
ni ties which the Indians did celebrate, the whieh(for
that they are divers and many) cannot be all fpecified.
The Ingnas Lords of Peru, had two kindes of feafts,
fomc were ordinarie , which fell out in ccrtainemo-
ncths,oftheyeere: and othei*s extraordinary , which
were for ccjtaine caufes of importance , as when they
didcrownc anew King, when they beganne fbme
warre of importance, when they had any great neede
of water or drought,or other like things. For the ordi
nary fcafts, we mufivnderftand, that every moneth of
the yeare they made feafts5and divers facrifices, and a!- *
though all of them had this alike , that they offered a
hundred iheepe , yet in colour, and in forme, they are
very divers. In the firft moneth which they call Rayme^
which is the moneth of December, they made their
firft feaft, which was the principallofall others, andfbr
thatcaufe they called it Capacraymey which is to fay,
a rich and principall feaft. In this feaft they offered a
great number of fheepc and lambs in facrifice,and they
burnt them with fweete wood, then they caufedgold
and filver to be brought vpon certaine flieepe , fetting
vppon them three Images of the Sun,and thrcc of the

thunder^

The 3\^aturall and Mo rail

.nder,the father, the fonne,and the brother. In thefc
feafts they dedicated the Ingua* children , putting the
£/*4tttforenfignesvponthem,and they pierced theit
cares: then fomeolde man did whip them with flings,
and annoy n ted their faces with blood, all in figne that
they fliould be true Knights to the Ingua. No ftranger
might remaine in Cufco during this moneth , and this
feaft, but at the end thereof they entred3and they gave
vnto them peeces ofthepafte of mays with the blood
of the facrifice , which they did eate in figne of confe^
^ deration with the Jngua 5 as hath bin faid before ,| It is
«**• ^ "'• ftranga that the Divell after his manner hath brought a
trinitie into idolatry,for the three images of the Sunne
called Apomti, Ckumnti, andMtiquaoqui which fignifr
eth father and lord Sunne, the fonne Sunne, and the
brother Sunne. In the like maner they name d the three
Images vfCbuqitifU , which is the God that rules in the
region of the aire,where it thunders, raines and fho vvs.
I remember, that being in Cuquifactj an honourable
prieft (hewed mean information, which I had long in
my handes, where it was prooved that there was a cer-
tzmeGuaM or Oratory , whereas the Indians did wor-
'fhip an idoll called Taftgtfanga, which they faide was
one in three, and th ree inone. And as this Prieft flood
amazed thereat, TlaideTRaf the Divell by his infernall
and obftinate pride (whereby he alwayes pretendcs to
make himfelfeGod,) did ft'cale all that he could fro in
the trueth5to imploy it in his lyings land deccitsjCom-
mingthento the feaft of the fccond moneth, which
they called [Carney ^ befides the ftctifices which they
made, they did caft the afhes into the river , following
five or fixe leagues after , praying it to carry them into
the fea, for that the rirocboca fliould there receive this

prefcnt.

Hi florie of the Indies, lib.?,

prefent. In the rhird/oimli and fift moiieth, they offe
red a hundred blacke fheepe, fpeckled, and grey, with
many other things, which I omitte for being too tedi-
bus. Thefixtmonethis called HatiMcnty«i Aymorey,
which anfwereth to Male, in the which they facrificed
a hundred fheepe more, of all colours : in this moone
and moneth, which is when they bring Maie from the
fieldes into thehoufe, they made a feaft , which is yet
very vfuall among the Indians -, and they doe call it Aj-
wvrey.

This feaftis made comming from the Chacra or
farms vnto the houfe, faying certaine fongs, and pray
ing that the Mays may long continue, the which they
call Mamacora. They take a certaine portion of the
moft fruitefull of the Mays that gro wes in their farmes,
the which they put in d certaine grenier which they
doe call Pirua , with certaine ceremonies , watching
three nightes : they put this Mays in the richeft gar
ments they have, andbeeing thus wrapped and dreC
fed, tfiey worfhip this Pirm , and hold it in great vene-
ration, faying it is the mother of the mays of their inhe
ritances, and that by this means the mays augments & :
is preferved. In this moneth they make a particular fa-
crifice3and the witches demaund of this Pirii*, if it hath
ftrength fufficient to continue vntill the nextyearetand
if itanfwers no, then they carry this Mays to thefarme
to burne, whence they brought it, according to every
mans power ; then make they another Pirua ^ with the
fame ceremonies, faying, that they renue it, to the end
the feede ofMays may not perifh,and if itanfwers that
it hath.force fufficient to laft longer, they leave it vntill
the nextyearc . This fooKfti vanitie continueth to this
day, and it is very common amongeft the Indians to

have

4.14- ^ Wjtttir all and M wall

have thcfe Pirttat, & to make the ti^fXdjmorq* The
feaventh monethanfwerethto lune, andiscalledvf/*-
caycutyui lntirv)mi> in it they made the feaft that is caL
Icdfotiraym, in the which they facrificcd a hundred
fliecpe called GuAnAcos^ and faide it was the feaft of the
Sunne. In this moneth they made many Images of
gmntiA wood carved, all attired with rich garmentes,
and they made their dancings which they do call Cayo.
At this feaft they caft flowers in the high wayes , and
thitherthe Indians came painted , and their noblemen
had fmall plates of golde vpon their beards, and all did
fing ; wee muft vnderftand that this feaft falleth almoft
at the fame time,whenas the Chriftians obferve thefo-
lempnitie of the feply Sacrament, which doth referable
it in fome fort, as in dauncing, finging and reprefenta-
tions. And forth is caufc there hath beene, and is yet
among the Indians jwhich celebrated a feaft fomewhat
like to ours of the holy Sacrament) manyfuperftitions
in celebrating this ancient feaft of Intiraymi. The eight
month is called Chahaa Huarqui, in the which they did
burne a hundred fheepe more,all grey, of the colour of
VtfcAchA^ according to the former order, which month
doth anfwer to our luly. The ninth moneth was called
Ttpagais, in the which they burnt an hundred flieepe
more, ofa chefnut coloured they do likewife kill and
burneathou(andc«j^, totheendthefroft, theayre,
die water, nor the funne ihould not hurt their farmes:
and this moneth doth anfwer vnto Auguft . The tenth
moneth was called Cojarajnl , in the which they burnt
a hundred white fheepe that had fleeces. In this month
which anfwereth to September, they made the feaft
called Sitna in this manner : .They affcmbkd together
thefiiftday of the moone before therifing thereof: and

in

Hiflorie of the Indies lib . ?.

in feeing it they crycd aloude, carrying torches in their
handes, and faying, Let all harmegoe away, finking
one an other with their torches . They that did this,
were called Panconcos: which being doone, they went
to the common bath, to the rivers and foimtaines, and
every one to his own bath, fetting themfelves to drink
foure dayes together . In this moneth the Mamacomts
of the funne made a great number of fmall loaves with
the blood oft he iacrifices , and gave a peece to every
ftranger; yea they fcnt to every Gu&ca throughout the
rcalmc^and to many Cur ACM, in figneof confederati
on and loyaltie to the Sunncand the Ingtia* as hath bin
faid.

The bathes drunkennefle and fomc relickes of this
feaft Situ*, remaineeven vnto this day , in fomc places,
with the ceremonies a little different , but yet very fe.
cretly , for that thefe chiefe and principall feafls have
ccafed.The eleventh moneth HomardymiPunchMquis,
wherein they facrificed a hundred flieepe more. And
if they wanted water,to procure mine, they fet a black
flieepe tied in the middell ofaplaine , powring much
Chic* about it , and giving it nothing to cate , vntill it
rained, which is pra&ifcd at this day in many phces,in
the time of our Oilober. The twelfth and laft month
was called Aymara, wherein they did likewife ficrifice
a hundred flieepe, and made the feaft called RAymican-
taraRayqttis. In this moneth which aunfwered to our
November, they prepared what was neccflaryforthc
children that fliould be made novices, the moneth fol
lowing, the children with the old men made a certaine
fliew, with rounds and turnings : and this feaft was
called Itttfaytni , which commonly they make \
raines too much,or too little?or when there is :i

E e ' Among

41 6 The y^aturatt andMorall

Among the extraordinary feafts which were very ma* »
ny, the mod famous was that which they called Tf#.'-
This feaft Ttu hath no prefixed time nor feafon, but in
time of neceflitie. To prepare themfelves thereunto,
all the people fafted two dayes, during the which they
did neyther company with their wives , noreate anie
meate with felt or garlicke, nor drinke any Chic A . All
did affemble together in one* place, where no ftraunger
was admitted, nor any beaft: they had garments and or
naments, which fcrved onely for this fcaft. They mar
ched very quietly in procefifion , their heades covered
with their vailes, founding of drummcs, without fpea-
king one to another.This continued a day and a night;
then the day following they daunced and made good
cheere for twoo dayes and two nights together,faying,
thauheir prayer was accepted. And although that this
feaft is not vfed at this day,withall this anticnt ceremo-
ny], »yet 'commonly they make another which is verie
like, which they call Ayma , with garmentes thatfervc
onely to that end, and they make this kindof proceP
fion with their Drummes, having farted before , then
after they make good cheere, which they vfually doe
in their vrgent neceffitics. And although the Indians
forbearetofacrifice beafts, or other things publikely,
which cannot be hidden from the Spaniardes, yet doe
they ftill vfc many ceremonies that have their begin-
nings from thefe feafts andauntientfuperftitions: for
at this day they do covertly make this feaft of Ytu, at
the dances of the fcaft of the Sacrament, in making the
daunces ofLy^/naf/a^a, and tfGuacon, and of others,
according to their auntient ceremonies, wherevnto we
ought to take good regarde . They have made more
large Difcourfes of that which concerneth this matter,

foi1

Hiftorie of the Indies lib. 5. 4.17

forthe neceflary obfervationofthe abufesand fupcr-
ftitions the Indians had in the time of their gentility,to
the end the Prieftes and Curates may the better take
heede . Let this fuffice now to have treated of the ex-
ercife wherewith the divell held thofe fuperftitious na
tions occupied, to the end, thatagainft his will wee
may fee the difference there is betwixt light and dark-
nes, betwixt] the trueth of Chrift and the lies -of the

of God and man hath
countcrfet thofe things

Gentiks, although the ennemy
laboured with all his dcvifes to c

which are of God.

Ofthefeafl oflubike which the Mexic tints celebrated.
CHAP, 29.

.

THe Mexicaines have beene no Me curious in their
f eafts and fblemnities, which were of fmall charge,
but ofgreat effufion of mans blood. Wee have before
fpoken of the principal! feaft of yit^ilifut^li , after th e
which the feaft of Tczc*tif>#A was moft folempnizcd.
This feaft fell in Maie , and in their Kalender they cal
led it T*z>colt:\\ fell every foure yeeres with the feaft' of
Pcnaunce , where there was given full indulgence and
remiflionoffinnes. In this day they did facrifice a cap
tive which refembled the idoll Tezcalipuca , it was the
nineteenth day of Maie: vpon the even of this feaft, the
Noblemen came to the Temple , bringing a new gar
ment like vnto that of the idoll, the which thePrieft
put vpon him^having firft taken offhis other garments,
which they kept with as much, or more reverence than
we doe our ornaments . There were in the coffers of the
idoll many ornaments, iewellcs 5 earerings, and other
riches, as bracelets and pretious feathers which fcrved

Eea to

The S\£aturallahdMoraU

to no other vfe, but to be there, and was worfhipped as
their god it felfe. Bcfides the garment wherewith they
worfhipped the idoll that day , they put vpon him cer-
taine cnfignes offeathers , with fannes , fhadowes and
other things, being thus attired and furnifhed, they
drew the curtaine orvailefrom before the doore, to
the end he might be feene of all men vthcn came forth
one of the chiefe of the temple5attirecj like to the idoll,
carrying flowers in his hand , and a flute of earth, ha
ving a very fharpe found5and turning towards the eaft,
he founded it, and then looking to the weft3north and
fbuth he did the like. And after he had thus founded to
wards the foure parts of the world ((hewing that both
they that were prefent and abfent did hcare him) hec
put his finger into the aire,and then gathered vp earth,
which he put in his mouth, and did eate itin figneof a-
deration. The like did all they that were prefent, and
weeping, they fell flat to the ground , invocating the
darknefle of the night, and the windes?intreating them
not to leave them, nor to forget them, or elfe to take a-
way their lives, and free them from the labors they in-
dured therein.Theeves,adukerers,and murtheftcrs,and
all others offenders had greatfcareand heavinefle,whi-
left this flute founded- fo as fome could not diflcmblc
nor hide their offences . By this meanes they all de
manded no other thing of their god, but to have their
offences concealed, povvring foorth many teares,with
great repentaunce and forrow , offering great ftore of
incenfe to appeafe their gods . The couragious and va
liant men ., and all the olde fouldiers^that followed the
Arte ofWarre, hearing this flute , detnaunded with
great devotion of God the Creator , of the Lorde for
whome weelive,of thefunne, and of other thdrgods,

that

Hiflorie of tie f tidies. lib. 5. "419

that they would give them vi&orie againft their enne-
mies, and ftrength to take many captives, therewith to
honour their facrifices. This cereraonie was doone ten
dayes before thefeaft : During which tenne dayes the
Prieft did found this flute, to the end that all might do
this worfhip in eating of earth , and demaund or their
idol what they pleafed :they every day made their prat
ers, with their eyes lift vp to heaven, and witbfighs and
groanings, as men that were grieved for their finnes
and offences ./Although this contrition was onelie for "
feare of the corporal punifliment that was given them, N,
and not for any feare of the eternal!, for they certaine-
ly beleeved there was no fuch fevere puniihment in the
other life.

. And therefore they offered tftemfelves voluntarily ;
to death, holding opinion that it is to all men an allu
red reft. The firft day of the feaft of this idoll r<%cali-
fuca being come, all they of the Citty aflembled toge
ther in a court, to celebrate likewife the feaft of the Ka-
lender, whereof wee have already fpoken , which was
called ToxcoAhb, which fignifies a drie thing : which
feaft was not made to any other end , but to demaund
nine, in the fime manner that we folemnife theRoga-
tions : and this feaft was alwayes in Maie, which is the
time that they have moft neede of raine in thofe coun
tries. They beganne to celebrate it the ninth of Maie,
ending the nineteenth. Thelaft day of the feaft the
Prieftes drew foorth a litter well furniflied with curtins
and pendants of diveriefafhions. This litter had (b ma
ny arrnes to holde by as there were miniftcrs to carry it.
All which came forth befmeered with blackeand long
haire, halfe in trefTes with white firings , and attyred
b the livery of the idoll . Vpon this litter they fet the

E e 3 pcrfo-

The 3\£atura!lanelAdoraB

pcrfonagc of theidoll, appoyntcdfor this feaft, which
they called the rcfcmblance of their God Tetylipuca,
and taking it vpon their flioulders,thcy broght it open
ly to the foote of the ftaires : then came forth the yong
men and maidens of the Temple, carrying a great cord
wreathed of chaines of roafted mays, with the which
thcyinvironed the Litter, putting a chainc of the fame
about the idollcs neckc , and a garland vppon his head.
They called the cord Toxcalt ,£gnily ing the drought
and barrenncfle of the time. The yoong men came
wrapped inrcddecurtines, with garlands and chains
of roafted mays. Thcmaides were clothed in new gar
ments, wearing chaines about their neckes of roafted
mays ; and vpon their heads my ters made of rods co
vered with this mays,thcy had their feete covered with,
feathers, and their armes and cheekes painted. They
brought much of this roafted mays,and the chicfe men
put it vpon their heads, and about their ncckes,taking
flowers in their handes . The idoll beeing placed in his
litter, they ftrewd round about a great quantitie of the
boughes of Manguey , the leaves whereof are large and
pricking.

This litter being fet vpon the religious mensfhoul-
ders, they carryeditin proceffion within the circuitc
of the Court , tvvoo Priefts marching before with cen-
fors, giving often incenfe to the idoll 5 and every time
they gave incenfe, they lifted vp their armes as high as
they could to the idoll, and to the Sunnc, faying, that
they lifted vp their praiers to heaven,even as thcfinokc
afcended on high . Then all the people in the.Coutt
turned round to the placewhither the idoll went, eve
ry one carrying in his hand new cords of the threcd of
raanguey, a&domelongj withaknotteatdicend,and

with

Hifiorieofthefncfiei. lib, jr. 411

with them they whipped themrelves vppon the flioul-
dcrs; even as they doe heere vppon holy Thtirfcday.
All the walks of the Court and battlements were full
of boughs and flowers, fo frefh and plea&unt, as it did
give a great contentment. This preccffion being en-
ded,they brought the idoll to his vfual place of abode,
then came a great multitude of people with flowres,
drefled in divcrfe fortes, wherewith they filled the tem
ple and all the court,lb as it fecmed the ornament of an
Oratory. AH this was putte in order by the prieds, the
yoong men adminiftring thefe things vnto them frorri ., ,
without. The chappell or chamber where the idoll re-
mayned was all this day open without any vaile. f &

This done , every one came and offered curtines, : 9
and pendants ofSwdafiy, precious ftones, iewells, in-
fence, fweete wood, grapes, or eares of May s, quailes :
and finally, all they were accuftomed to offer in fuch
{blemnities. Whenas they offered quailes, ( which was
the poorc mans offering J they vfed this ceremonie,
they delivered them to the prieftes, who taking them,
pulled off their heads, and caft them at the foote of the
Altare, where they loft their bloud 5 and fo they did of
all other things which were offered. Every one did of
fer meate and fruite according to their power 3 the
which was laid at the foote of the altar , and the Mini-
fters gathered them vp, and carried them to their
chambers. This fblemne offering done, the people
went to dinner, every one to his village or houfe, lea
ving the feaft fufpended vntill after dinner . In the
meane time,the yong men and maidens of the temple,
with their ornaments, werebufied to ferve the idoll,
with all that was appointed for him to eate : which
meate was prepared by other women, who had made

D4 a

a vow that day. to fervc the idoll. And therefore
as had made this vow, came by the point of day , offe
ring themfelvcsto the Deputies of the Temple , that
they might command them what they would have
done,the which they did carefully performe.They did
prepare fuch varietieof meates, as it was admirable.
This meate being ready ,and the houre of dinner come,
all thefe virgins went out of the Temple in proccflion,
every one carrying a little basket of bread in her hand,
and in the other 5 a difli of thefe meates ; before them
marched an old man, like to a fteward, with a pleafant
habite,he was clothed in a white furples downe to the
calves of hislegges , vpon a dublet without fleeves of
red leather,like to a iacket, hee c arried wings infteede
of fleeves, from the which hung broade ribbands, at
the which did hang a fmall Calibaffi or pumpion,
which was covered with flowers, by little holes that
were made in it, and within it were many fuperftitious
things.This old man thus attyred5marched very hum
bly and heavily before the preparation, with his head
declining: and comming neere the foote of the ftaires,
he made a great obeifance and reverence. Then going
on the one fide, the virgins drew neere with the meate,
prefenting it in order one after another, with great re-
verence. This fcrvice prefented, the old man returned
as beforejeading the virgins into their convent. This
done, the y ong men and minifters of the Templc,came
forth and gathered yp this meate, the which they carri
ed to the chambers of the chiefe Priefls of the Temple,
who had faded five daies,eating onely once a day, and
they had alfo abftained from their wives, not once go
ing out of the Tern pie in thefe fivedaies. During the
which, they did whlppe themfelves rigoroufly with

cordes

Hittom of the Indies, lib.?.

iCordes, they did eatc of this divine meate, (for fb they
called it,) what they could, neither was it lawfull for a-
ny other to eate thereof. All the people having dined,
theyaflembledagaineinthe court to fee the ende of
the feaft, whither they brought a captive, which by the
.fpace of a whole yeare3had reprefentcd the idoll,being
attyred,decked, and honoured,as the idollit felfe, and
doing all reverence vnto him, they delivered him into
thehandes of the facrificers, who at thatinftantpre-
fented themfelves, taking him by the feete and handes.
The Pope did open his ftomacke,and pull out his hart,
then did he lift vp his hand as high as he could , (hew
ing it to theSunne,and to the Idpl^as hathbeene faid.
Having thus facrificed him that reprefcnted the idoll5
they went into a holy place appointed for this purpofe,
whithci; came the yong men and virgins of the Terns
pie, with their ornaments , the which being put in or
der, they danced and fungwit^ drummesand other
inftruments , on the which the chiefe Priefts did play
and found. Then came all the Noblemen with en*
fignes and ornaments like to the yongmen 5 who dan
ced round about them. They did not vfually kill any
other men that day,but him that was facrificed, yet
every fourth yeare they had others with him , which
wasintheyeare of lubile and full pardons. After Sun
fet, every one being fatisfied withfbunding,eating,and
drinking,the virgins went a! to their convent,they toot
great dilhes of earth full of bread mixt with hony, co
vered with fmall panniers, wrought and fafhioned
with dead mens heads and bones, and they carried the
collation to the idoll,mounting vp to the court, which
was before the doore oftheOratorie: and having fet
themdowne, they retired in the fame order as they

came.,

The ^aturatt anJMoraH

came, the ftcward going ftill before. Prefently
forth all the yong men in order, with canes or reedos
in their handes , who beganne to runneas faft as they
could to the toppe of the ftaires of the Temple , who
fliould come firft to the diflies of the collation. The El
ders or chiefe Priefts obferved him that came firft, (e-
cond, third , and fourth , without regarding the reft.
This collation was likewife all carried away by the
yong men,as great Relicks. T his done, the foure that
arrived firft were placed inthemidftofthe Antients
of the Temple, bringing them to their chambers with
much honour , praifing them, and giving them orna
ments- and from thence forth they were refpeded and
reverenced as men of*marke. The takingof this collati-
onbeing ended , and the feaft celebrated with much
ioy and noife , they difmifled all the yong men and
maides which had ferved the idpll-by meanes whereof
they went one after anoth er, as they came forth. All
the fmall children of the colledges and fchooles , were
at the gate of the court, with bottomes ofruftiesand
hearbes in their hands, which they caft at them,mock-
ing and laughing, as of them that came from the fer-
viccoftheidoll: they had Jibertie then to difpofeof
themfclves at their pleafure,and thus the feaft ended.

Of the Feaft of Merchants, which thofe ^/Cholu tecas did
celebrate. CHAP. 30.

A Lthough I have fpoken fiifficiently of the fervice
-*-*» the McxttAwesdid vnto their gods,yet will I /peak
fomething of the feaft they called Stytzacoaalt, which
was riie god of riches,the which wasfolemnifed in this
inatrcr. Fortie daks before the Marchants bought a

flave,

Htitorie of the Indies, lib.?,

(lave well proportioned, without any fault or blemifh,
cither of fickenes orofhurte, whome they did attyre
with the ornaments of the idoll, thathemight rcprc-
fent it fortic daies. Before his clothing they did clenfc
him 3 wafhing him twice in a lake , which they called
the lake of the gods ; and being purified, they attyred
him like the idoll. During thefe forty daies , hee was
much refpe&ed for his fake whom he rcprefented. By
night they did imprifbn him, (as hath beene faid,) left
he ihould flie, and in the morning they tooke him out
ofprifon, fetting him vpon an eminent place, where
they ferved him, giving him exquifite meates toeatc.
After he had eaten, they put a chaine of flowers about
his necke, and many nofcgaies in his hands. Hee had
a well appointed guard, with much people toaccom-
pany him. When he went through the Cittie, he went
dancing and finging through alltheftreetes, that hee
might bee knowne for the rcfemblance of their god^
and when hee beganne tofing, the women and little
children came forth of their houfes to falutc him , and
to offer vnto him as to their god. Two old men of the
Antients of the Temple, came vnto him nine daies be*
fore the feaft, and humbling themfelves before him,
they faid with a low and fubmiffe voyce,Sir, you muft
vnderftand that nine daies hence the exercife of dan
cing andfinging doth end,and thou muft then die$ and
then he muff anfwer, in a good houre. They call this
ceremony, Neyolo Mdxiltle^tli, which is to fay, the ad-
vertifement : and when they did thus advertile hinr7
they tooke very carcfull heede whether hee were fad5,
,or if he danced as Joyfully as he was accuftomed , the
which if he didnotascheercfullyasthcydefired,they
made a foolifh fuperftition iathismaner , Theypre-

fcntiy

4* 6 ¥ke ^aMraU and Moratt

fently tookc the iacrificing raters , the which they wa-

fhed and clenfed from the blood of men, which remai

ned of the former facrifices , Of this wafliing they

made a drinke mingled with another liquor made of

C<zftz0,giving it him to drinke^they faid that this would

make him forget what had beene faid vnto him , and

would make him inamaner incenfible, returningto

his former dancing and mirth. They faid moreover,

that he would offer himfelf chcerefully to death,being

inchanted with thisdrinke.Thecaufe why they fought

to take from him thisheavinefle, was, for that they

held it for an ill augure, and a fore telling of fome great

harme. The day of the feaft being come;aftcr they had

done him much honor, fung , and given him incenfc,

thefacrificers tookehim about mid-night and did fa-

crifice him,as hath beene faid, offering his heart vnto

the Moone,the which they did afterwardes caft againft

theidoll, letting thebodie fail to the bottomeofthc

ftaires of the Temple, where fuch as had offered him

tooke him vp, which were the Marchants, whoft feaft

it was. Then having carried him into the chiefeft mans

houfe amongft them , the body was dreft with divers

fawceSjto celebrate(at thebreake of day,) the banquet

and dinner of the feaft , having firft bid the idol! good

morrow , with a (mall dance, which they made whilft

theday did breake,and that they prepared the facrifice.

Then did all the Marchants aflcmbleat this banket,

cfpccially thofe which made it a trafficke to buy and

fell flaves , who wer^ bound every yeare to offer one,

for the refemblance of their god. This idoll was one

of the moft honoured in all-theland : and therefore

the Temple where heevvas, was of great authoritie.

There were thrcefcorc ftaires to afcend vp vnto it, and

on

Hi/lorie of the Indies, lib.?.

onthetoppcwas a court of an indifferent largeneffc,
very finely dreft and plaftered, in themidft whereof,
was a great round thing like vnto an Oven, having the
cntrie low and narrow : fbas they muftftoopc very
low that fliould enter into it. This Temple had cham-.
bers and chappells as the reft , where there were con-
vents of Priefts, yong men, maides, and children, as
hath beene faid: and there was one Pricft alone refident
continually > the which they changed weekely : For al
though there were in every oneof thefe temples, three
or foure Curates or Ancients, yet did every one ferve
his wecke without parting. His charge that weeke/af- }. '//I/
terhehadinftru&edthe children, ) was to ftrikc vpa
drumme every day at the Sunne fetting , to the fame
end that weare accuftomed to ring to evenfong. This M^J

drumme was fuch as they might hearethehoufe found
thereof throughout nil the partes of the Cittic, then c-
very man {hut vp his merchandife, and retired vnto his
houfe , and there was fo great a filence, as there (eemed
to be no living creature in the Towne. In the morning
whenas the day beganne to breake , they beganne ta
found the drumme" which was afigneofthedaybe-'
ginning , fo as travellers and ftrangcrs attended this fig-
nail to beginne their iournies, for till that time it was
not lawfull to goe out of the cittie.

There was in this temple a court of a reafbnable great-
ncs5 in the which they made great dances, & paftimes,
with games or comedies the day of the idolls feaft- for
which purpofe there was in the middeft of this court a
theatre of thirty foote fquare very finely decked and ^
trimmed jthe which they decked with flowers that day,
with all the arteand invention that mought be, beeing
invironed round with Arches of divers flowers and fea
thers,

thcrs , and in fome places there were tied many fmall
birdsjconntes, and other tame beafts . After dinner all
the people aflembled in this place, and the players pre-
fcntedthemfelveSj and played comedies , fome coun
terfeit the deafe, and the rheumatike , others the lame,
fome the blinde, and without handcs , which came to
feeke for cure of the idoll : the deafe anfwered confu-
fedly , the rheumatike did cough, the lame halted, tel
ling their miferies and griefes , wherewith they made
the people to laugh 5 others came foorth in the forme
of little beafts, fome were attired like fnailes5others like
toades, and fome like lizardes: then meeting together,
they tolde their offices, and every one retyring to his
place,they founded on fmall flutes, which was pleafant
toheare. They likewife counterfeited butterflies and
fmall birdes of divcrfe colours , and the children of the
Temple reprefented thefe formes , then they went in-
to a little forreft planted there for the nonce,where the
Prieftesof the Temple drew them foorth with inftru-
ments of muficke . In the meane time they vfed many
pleafant fpeeches, fome in propounding, others in de-
fending,wherewith the afliftants were pleafantly inter-
tained. This doone, they made a maske or mummerie
with all thcfe perfonages , and fo the feaft ended : the
which were vfually doonein their principall feafts.

What profit may be drawne out of thu difiourfeofthc
> Indians fiiperftiuons. CHAP 31.

THis may fuffice to vnderftand the care and paine
thelndians tooke to ferveand honour their Idolls,
or rather the divell : for it were an infinite matter , and
of fmall profit, to report every thing that hath pailtd,

for

Hiftorie of the Indies* lib. 5*

for thar it may feeme to feme needleflc to have fpokcn
thus much : and that it is a lofTe of time , as in reading
the fables that are fained by the Romaines of Knight-
hoode. But if fuch as holde this opinion will looke wel
into it, they (hall finde great difference betwixt the one
and the other : and that it may be profitable for many
confiderations , to have the knowledge of the cuftoms
and ceremonies the Indians vfed : firft this knowledge
is not only profitable,but alfo neceflary in thofe coun
tries where thefe fuperftitions have beene pradifcd, to
the end that Chriftians,and the maifters of the Law of
Chrift, may know the errours and fuperftitions of the
Antients, and obferve if the Indians vfe them not at
this day5either fecretly or openly. For this caufe many
learned and worthy men have written large Difcour-
fcs,of what they havefound:yea the Provincialhroun-
fells have commaunded them to writeandprintthem, I
as they have dooncin Lima 3 where hath becncmadc a )
more ample Dilcourie than this .And therefore i t im-
portethforthe good of the Indians, that the Spani-
ardes being in thofe parts of the Indies, fliould have the
knowledge of all thefe things. This Difcourfe may
likewile (erve the Spaniards there,and all others wher-
foever , to give infinite thankes to God our Lord, who
hath imparted fo great a benefite vnto vs , giving them
his holy Lawe, which is moft iuft, pure, and altoge
ther profitable. The which we may well know, com
paring it with the lawes of Sathan , where fb many
wretched people have lived (b miferably . It may like-
wife fervc to difcover the pride^nvy^deceipts^and am-
bufhes of the Divell, which he pradifeth againft thofe
heholdes captives,feeeing on the one fide hee feekcs to
imitate God , and make comparifon with him and his

holy

The ^atHralland Mora II

holy Lavvc, and on the other fide : hccdooth mingle

with hisa&ions fb many vanities, filchincffc and cruel

ties, ashee that hath no other praftife but to fbphifti*

cate and corrupt all that is good . Finally, hee that (hall

fee the darkcnes and blindenes wherein fb many Pro

vinces and Kingdoms have lived fb long time, yea and

wherein many Nations, and a great part of the world

live yet, deceived with the like trumperies , he can not

(if he have a Chriftians heart ) but give thankcs to the

high God, for fuch as hee hath called out of fo great

darkencs, to theadmirable light of his Gofpel : befee-

chingthe vnfpcakeable charitieof the Creator to pre-

lervc and increafe them in his knowledge and obedi

ence , and likewife be grieved for thole that follow ftill

the way of perdition. And that in the end hee bcfeech

the Father of Pitty, to opcnvnto them the treafures

and riches of IcfusChrift, who with the Father

and Holy-ghoft raignes in all

cv>

THE

SIXT BOOKE

of the Natural! and Morall Hi-

ftorie of the Indies.

That they errt in their opinion , which holde the Indians
to want Judgement. CHAP, i.

Aving treated before of
the religion the Indians v-
fedj pretend to difcourfe
in this Booke of their cu-
ftoms,policy,and govern-
ment, for two confidera-
tions : the one is to con
fute that falfe opinion ma.
ny doe commonly holde
of them, that they are a
grofe and brutifli people, or that they have fb little vn-
derftanding 5 as they fcarce defervethenameofanie:
So as many exceffes and outrages are committed vpon
them, vfing them like bruiteteafts, and reputing them
vnwoi thy of any refped ^ which is fo common and fb
dangerous an errour (as they know well who with any

F f zcale

The Skater all and Mcr all

zeale and confideratibn have travelled amongft them,
and that have fecne and obfervd their fecrets and court.
fells- ) And moreover, for the fmall regard many make
of thefe Indians , who prefume to knowe much 5 and
yet are commonly the moft ignorant and prefumptu-
ous. Ifindeno better mcanes to confound this perni
cious opinion, then in relating their order and maner,
\vhenas they lived, vnder their owne lawes , in which
(although they had many barbarous things, and with
out ground,y ct had they many others worthy of great
admiration , whereby wee may vnderftand, that they
were by nature , capable to receive any good inftru&i-
ons : andbefides, they did in fome things, paflemany
of our common-weales . It is no matter of marvell if
there were fo great and grofe faults amongft them, fee-
ing there hath been likewife amongft the moft famous
Law-givers and Philofophers (yea without exception,
ZK/*r£#f and Plato) and amongeft the wifeft common
wealths, as theRomanes and Athenians, where wee
may finde things fo full of ignorance, and fb worthy of
laugh ter,as in trueth if die common weales of the Mex-
icaincs; or of the Inguat, hadde beene knowne in thofc
times of the Romans and the Greekes, their lawes and
governemcntshad been much efteemed by them: But
we at this day little regarding this, enter by the fvvord,
without hearing or vnderftanding • perfwading our
felvcs that the Indians affaires delerve no other refpe<3,
butas of venifon that is taken in the forrcfl, and broght
for ourvfe and delight,

The moft grave tand diligent , which have fearched
and attained to the knowledge of their fecrets,cuftoms
and antient governement , holde another opinion,and
admire the order and difcourfe that hath been betwixt

them.

Hi^one of the Indies, lib; tf ,

them* . Qfvvhich number is Pohondeguardo, whomel
vfually followe in the diicourfe of matters of Perx,md
for theft of Mexico lohn de Toiiar , who had a Preben d
in the Church tfMexics , and is now of our company
of lefuites , who by the commaundement of the vice
roy Don Martin Enrique* , have made a diligent and a
large colle&ion of the Hiftories of that nation,and ma
ny other grave and notable perfbnages 5 who both by „*
word and writing have fufficiently informed me of all
thofe things I (hall hereftt downe. The other end, and
the good which may followe by the knowledge of the
lawes cuftomes and government of thelndians,is,that
wee may helpeand governe them with the fame Jawes
and cuftomes, foj- that they ought to be ruled accord,
ing to their o vvne lawes and priviledges,fo farre foorth
as they doc not contradict the Lawe of Chrift, and his
holy Church, which ought to be maintained and kept v* ***
as their fundamentall lawes. For the ignorance of laws
and cuftomes hath bred many errours of great impor-
taunce , for that the Governours and ludges 3 knowc <

not well how to give fcntence, nor rule their fubie<5ts.
And befides , the wrong which is doone vnto them, a-
gainftreafon , it is preiudiciall and hurtefull vnto our
fclves • for thereby they take occafion to abhorre vs, as
men both in good and in evillalwayes contrary vnto
them.

Oftheftpfutationof times , and the Kalenderthe
Mexicaines vfed. CHAP. 2.

A Ndtobeginnethcnbythedivifion andfupputa-
/\tion of times which the Indians made, wherein
truelywcc may well perceive the great fignes of their

F f i viva-

Derail

vivacitie and good vnderftanding. I willfirft fliewin
what forte the Mexicaines counted and divided their
yeere, their moneths, their kalender, their computati-
- ons, their vvorldes and ages. They divided theyearc
* into dghteene moneths , to which they gavetwemie
jfoyeCwhercin the threchundred and three fcore days
/ n ^ are accompliflicd, notcomprehendingin any of thefe
moneths the five dayes that remaine, & make the yeare
perfect. But they did reckon them apatte, and called
them the dayes of nothing:during the which, the peo
ple did not any thing^neither went they to their Tern-
pies , but occupied themfelves only in vifiting one an
other, and fo fpent the time: the iacrificers of the Tem
ple did like wife ccafe their facrifices . |Thefc five dayes
being paft,they begannethe computation of theyeare,
whereof the firft moneth and the beginning was in
March, when the leaves begannc to growe grecnc, al-
"though they tooke three dayes of the moneth of Fe
bruary ; for the firft day of their yeere was, as it were,
the fixe and tvventie daY_of February, as appeareth by
their kalender , within the which ours is l&ewife com
prehended and contained with a very ingenious Arte,
which was made by the aritien t Indians thafloiew the
firftSpaniardes.il have fcene this Kalenderjand have it
^yetinmycuftody, which well deferveth the fight , to
vnderfland the difcourfe and induftiy the Mexicaine
Indians had. Every one of thefe cightceae monethes
had his propername^nd his proper pidure,the which
was commonly taken of the principal! feaft that was
made in that moneth , or from thediverfitie of ty mes,
which the yeere cauied in that moneth . They had in
tjiis Kalender certainc dayes marked and diflinguilhed
for their feails. And they accomp ted their weeks by

thii>

43$-

thirteenedayes, matkingthe dayes with a Zerdot ci
pher, which they multiplied vmothirteenc, and then
beganne recount, one, two, &c. They did likewife
marke the yeares of thefewheeles, with foure fignes or
figures, attributing to every yeare a peculiar figne,
whereof one was of a houfe, anotherofaxronny , the
third ofa reede,and thefourth of a flint. They painted
them in this fort, noting by thofe figures the yeare that
didninne, fayingoffoina'nyhoufes, of fo many flints
offuchawheele, happenedfuchathing. Forwemuft
vndcrftand that their wheele , which was art age, con
tained foure weekcs ofyearcs, every wceke containing
thirtcene yeares, which in all made fif tie twoo yearcs.
In the midft of this wheele they painted a Sunne,from
the which went foure heames or lines in crofle to the
circumference of the wheele • and they made their
courfe , even as the circumference was divided into
foure cquall partes , every one with his line, having a
diftinft colour from the reft,and the foure colors were,
greene, blew, reda and yellow : every portion of thefe
foure had thirteene feparations which had all their
fignes or particular figures, of a houfe^a conny , a reed,
or a flint, noting by every fignea yeare, and vppon the
;head of this figne they painted what had happened that
yeare.

And therefore I did fee in the Kalender mentioned
the yeare when the Spaniards entered Mexico, marked .
by the pidure ofa man clad in red , after our manner, /
for fuch was the habite oF the firft Spaniard , whorae I
remand Cortes fent, at the end of the two & fifty years,
which finiflied the wheele « They vfed a pleafant cere
mony, which was , the laft night they didde brcakeall
their veflclles and ftuffe, and put out their fire, and all

Ffj the

Tbe^atnraUandMorall

, the lights, faying,, that the worldcfhould end atthefi*.
I nifhing of one ot thefe whceles, and it might be at that
' time : for ({aid they) feeing the: worldemullrfien end*
what neede is thereto provide meate to eate,and ther--
fore they had no further neede of veflel nor fire. Vpon
this conceit they paded the night in great feare, faying
it might happen there would be no more day , and they
watched very carefully for the day- but when they faw
the day beginhe to breake , they' prefently beat manic
drummes,and founded cornetsvflutes5and other inftru*
mentspfioyandgladnefle, faying, that God did yet
prolong the time with another age , which were fiftie
twoyeares. And then beganne an other wheels The
firft day and beginning of this age they took new fire,
and bought new veflelles to drefle tht'ir meatc, and all
went to the liigh Pried for this new fire , having firft
made a folemne facrifice,and given thanks for the com-
mingof the dayr and prolongation of another age,.
This was theinnanncr of accounting thek yearcs,mo-
Meths, weekes, and ages.

Mew the Kings Ingitas accounted the yeares awl
mamths. CHAP. 3.

ALthough this fiipputation of times pradifed t*
mongeftthe Mcxicaincs, bee ingenious enough
and certaine, for men that had no learning ; yet in my
opinion they wanted dilcourfe and confideration, h-l-
Ying not grounded their computation according vntO(
tlie courfe of the mbone, nor diftributed their months
'accordingly , wherein thofeof Peru have far (urpaffcd
diem : for they divided their yeare into as many dayes,
ferfe<Slyaccomgliftiedas.we do hecre,^andinto twelve

moneths

HiHorieoftbe'fndies. lib. 6. 437

moncths or moones, in the which they imployed and
confurned the eleven daics that remaind of the moone
as Polo writes. To make the computation of their yeare
fiircandcertaine, they vfcd this induftry 5 vppon the
mountaines which are about theckty sfCufco (where
the Kings Inguas held their court , beeing the greatcft
ftn&uaryofthofercalmes, andaswe-fhouldfayan o-
ther Rome) there were twelve pillars fet in order,and in
fuch diftaunce the one frOiiKhe other, as every month
one of thefe pillers did note the rifing and fettingof the
funne. They called them Succmga,, by meanes where
of they taught and (hewed, thefeafts, and thefeafbns
fitte to (bweand reape,and to do other things . They
did certaitie facrilices to thefe pillars of the fnnne. Eve-
f y month had his proper name,and pecular feafts.They
begtnncthe yeare by January as wee doe . Butfince, a
king/»^«4 called Pathacuto, which fignifies a reformer
of the Tern pie, beganne their yeare by December, by
reafon J (as I coniedlure) that then the Sunne returneth
from thelaft poynt of Capricorne, which isihe'-tropike
neei-eft vnto them. I know not whether the one or the
other haveobfcrvcd any Bifexte, although Ibme holdc
the contrary . The weekes which the NleKicaines did
reckon, were not properly weekes, being not of feaven
dayes : the/ag-nwf likewife made no mention thereof
which is no wonder , feeing the account of the weeke
is not grounded vpon the courie of tlie funne , as that
of the yeare, nor of the moone, as that of the month*
but among the Hebrewes it.is grounded vpon thecrc-
ation of the world, as 3/<?j//?/reporteth ; and simongeft
the Greekes and Latins vpon the number 6f thefeveii
.planets , of whofe names the dayes of the weeke have
taken their denomination 5 yet was it much for thoffe

Ff4 Indi-

T£eZh(atttr all and Mora U

Indians, being men without bookes and learning, to
have a yeare, feafons, and feafts , fo well appoynted as
Ihavefayd,

Ihit no nation of the Indies bath bttne found to favt
had the vfe 0f letters. CHAP 4.

1*; Etters were invented to fignifie properly the words
jL/wc do pronounce, even as woordes (according to
the Philofopher) are the fignes and demonftrations of
Kians though tes and conceptions. And both the one
and the other (I fay the letters and words) were ordai
ned to make things knowne. The voyce for fuch as arc
prefent, and letters for the abfent , and fuch as are to
cpme. Signes and markes which are not properly to
fignifie wordcs, but things, caanot be called, ncyther
in trueth are they letters,akhough they be written/or
wee can notfiy that the Pi&ure of the funne be a wri
ting ofthefunne,butonelyapidure; the like may be
(aide of other fignes and characters, which have no re-
Ambiance to the thing , but ferve onely for memoric:
for he that invented them,did not ordaine them to fig.
nifie wordes, but onely to note the thing : neyther do
they call thofe charaders, Ictters5or writings,as indeedc
they are not, but rather ciphers, or remernbraun.ces,as
thofe be which the Spherifts or Aftronomers do vfe,
to fignifie divers fignes or planets of Mars, Venw,

,.

, Such charaders are ciphers, and no letters : for what
n^me foever Mars may have in Italian, French,or Spa-
nifli5this charader doth alwaies fignifie it, the which is
not found in lettersrfor althogh they figuify the thing,
yet is it by meanes of words. So as they which fcnow

Hittone of the Indies, lib.tf.

not t^e tongiie>vnderftand them not : as for example, '
tfaeiGreeke§ ndrthe Hebrews , cannot conceive what
this word Sol doth fignifie,although they fee it written--
for that they vnderftand not the Latine word : foas
wriritigand letters are onely pra&ifed by them, which
fignifie wordss therewith. For if they fignifie things me
diately , they are no more letters nor writings , but ci
phers and pidures : whereby we may obferve two no
table things.Thc one,that the memory of hiftories and
antiquities may bee preferved by one of thefe three
meanes, either by letters and writings, as hath beene
Vfed atnongft the Latines , Greekes , Hebrews , and
many other Nations»or by painring,as hath beenc vfed
almoft throughout all the vvorid,«f or it is Cud in thefe*
cond Nicene Coiinfell^F^///^ is a bwkeforfoolcs which
c<Mnoire<ide:&i by ciphers and chara<fters,as the cipher
fignifics the number of a hundred, a thoufandando.
thers,vvithout noting the word ofa hundred,or a thou-
fand.Thc other thing we may obferve thereby, is that
which is propounded in this chapter, which is, that no
Nation of the /W/V/difeoveredin our time, hath had
the vfe of letters and writings, but of the other two
fortes, images, and figures. The which I obferve, not
onely of the Indies of Peru, and new Sfaine, but alfb of
/4//w*,and China. And although this may feemefalfc
to fome/eeingit is teftified by the difcourfes that have
beene written , that there are fo great Libraries and V-
niverfities mChinaym&Iapfon^ and that mention is
made of their C^^Jetters, and expeditions , yet that
which I fay, is true , as you may vnderftand by the dijP
courfe following.

of

Oftkefafiion 0f Letters yavdBo&kes3ibe Ckinois vfiJ.
CHAP. 5.

Here are many which thinke, and it is the raoft
common opinion , that the writings which the
Chinois vfed}are letters, as thofc we vfe in Europe, and
that by them wee may write wordes and difcourfes,
^and that they only differ from our letters and writings,
in the diverfitie of cara&crs, as the Greek es differ from
the Latines, and the Hebrews from the Chaldces. But
jtisnotfo, for they have no Alphabet, neither write
they any letters,bu tall their writing is nothing elfe but
painting and ciphering : and their letters fignifie no
panes of diftin<5tion&, as-ours do, but are figures and re-
.prefentations of things , as of the Sutinc , of fire , of a
,man,of the fca,and of other things.The which appears
plainely, for that their wrritings and Chapas, are vnder-
.ftood of them all , although the languages .the Cbinm
jpcakc,are many and very different , in like fort as our
numbers of ciphers are equally vnderftoocde in the
Spanifl^French, and Arabian^ongues : for this figure
S. wherefoever it be,fignifies eight^althogh the French
call this number of one (brt,and the Spaniards of am>-
ther.So as things being of themfclves innumerable, the
letters likewiieor figures which the Chmm vfe to, fig,,
nifie them by, are in a maner infinite: fo as he that fliaH
readc or write at China,, (as the Mandarins doe, ) muft
iknow and keepe in memory at the Icaft fourcfcore and
five thoufand charafters or letters, and thofe which are
perfect herein,know above fixfcorc thoufand. Arrange
and prodigious thing; yea, incredible, if it were- not
teftified by men worthy of crcdite,ns the fathers of our
c-^cnpnny, who. arc there continually, learning then

language

Hfilorie of the Indies, lib.?. 44,1

language and writing , wherein they have ftudied day
and night above tenne yeares, with a continual! labour-
for the charitie of Chrift, andthedefireof falvation
of foules , prevailed in them above all this labourand
difficultie. For this reafon learned men are fo much e-
fteemed in China, for the difficultie there is to conceive
them: & thofe only have the offices of Mandarins>Go-
vernoursjudges, and Captaincs. For this caufe the fiu
thers take great pains to inftruft their children to reade
and write. There are many of thefe fchooles where the
children are taught, where the matters teach them by
day,and the fathers at home by night : fb as they hurt
their eyes- much , and they whippe them often with
reedesD although not fo feverely as they doc offenders.
They call it the Mandarin tongue , which requires a
mans age to be conceived, Andyou muftvnderftand,
that although the tongue which the Mandarins fpeakc,
bee peculiar and different from the Vulgar, which
are many, and that they ftudie it, as they doe La-
tine & Greeke heere,and that the learned only throgh-
outallC&*M,do vnderftand it : foitis notvvithftanding
that all that is written in it,is vnderflood in all tongues:
and although all the Provinces doc not vnderftand
one another by fpeaking,yet by writing they doe : for
there is bu tone fort of figures and characters for them
•all , which fignifie one thing , but not the fame word
and prolation : (ceing(as Lhave (aid,) they are onely to
denote the things,and not the worde, as we may eafily
vnderftand by the examples of numbers in ciphering,.
And they of'typon & the Chinois, do reade and vnder-
ftand well the writings one of another, although they
be divers Nations , and different in tongue and lan
guage . If they fpeake what they ^reade or write,they

fliould

The 2\(aturatt and Moral!

ihouldnot bee vnderftood. Such arc the letters and
bookes the Cbinois vfe , being fo famous in the world.
To make their impreffions^they grave a boord or plank
with the figures they will print , then do they ftampe
as many leaves of paper as they lift , of the ftme fort as
they have made their pkftures, the which are graven in
copper or wood. But a man of iudgement may aske,
how they could fignifie their conceptions by figures,
which approached neereor referable the thing they
would reprefent? As to fay,the Sunne heats,or, that he
hath beheld the Sunne, or, the day is of the Sunne. Fi
nally , how it werepoflible to denote by the fame fi
gures , the cafe , the coniun&ion 5 and the articles,
which are in many tongues and writings ? lanfwer
therevnto , that they diftinguifli and fignifie this vari-
ctic by certainc points, ftrikes, and difpofitions of the
figure. But it is difficult to vndcrftand how they can
write proper names in their tongue,e,rpecially offtran-
gers,being things they have never fecne, and notable
toinvent figures proper vnto them. I have made triall
thereof being in Mexico with the Chino'is, willing them
to write this propofition in their language, lofephAco-
fta i*comejromVcr\\:2r\& fuch like: \vherevpon the Chi'
nots was long penfive , but in the end hce did write it,
the which other Chinou did after reade, although they
did vary a little in the pronoun tiation of the- proper
name. For they vfe this devife to write a proper name:
they feeke out fomrthing in their tongue, that hath re-
femblance to that name , and fet downe the figure of
this thing. And as it is difficult among fo many proper
names , to finde things to refemble them in the prola-
tion,(bisit very difficult and troublcfome 5 to write
fuch names. Vpoa tfjis purpofe/ather A/lonfo Saxchel^

told

Hifiom of the Indies

told vs,that when he was in c£/#<*,being led into divers
Tribunall feates,from Ma#derm to Mmderin$\sy were
long in putting his name in writing in their Cbapas^
yet in the end they did write it after their maner , and
fo ridiculoufly, that they fcarce cameneere to the
name: and this is the falhion of letters and writings
which the Clrinoti vfcd. That of the laffwoti appro-
ched very neere , although they affirme that the No-
blemenof lap f on that came in to Europe > did write all
things very eafily in their language, were they of our
proper names: yea, I have had fome of their writings
{hewed me , whereby it feemes they fliould have fome
kinde of !etters,althotigh the greateft part of their wri
tings, be by the characters and figures^as hath bin (aide
of the Cbinois.

CHAP. 6.

HeJfathers of our company fay, that they have not
feene in China , any great fchooles or vniverfities
of Philofbphie, and other naturallfciences^ beleeving
there is not any , but that all their ftudie is ia the Max*
dArin tongue , which is very ample and hard, as I have
faid : and what they ftudie, bee things written in their
owne tongue3which be hiftories of fe<3s,and opinions,
of civill Iawe$,ofmorallproveibes,of fables, and many
other fuch com pofitions that depend thereon. Of di
vine fciences they have no knowledge, neither of na
tural! things,but fome final! remainders of ftraied pro-
pofitions, without art or methode, according to e-
verie mans witte and ftudie. As for the Mathema-
tikes 5 they have experience of the celeftiall motions,
and of the ftatres. And for Phificke, they have know*

ledge

44 4. The. ^(aturallanctMorall

l.cge of hcrbs,by means whcrof, they cure many difeu
fes,& vfe it much. They write with pcnfils,& have ma
ny books writcn with the hand,and others printcd,but
in a bad order. They are great plaiers of comedies, the
which they perform with great preparation of theaters,
apparel,bels, drums,and voices. Some fathers report to
have (cenc comedies which laftcd ten or twelve clayes
and nights, without any want of comcdians,nor com
pany to bcholde them. They doe make many different
fceanes,and whilft fome aft, the others fcede and deep.
In thefe comedies they do commonly treate of moral!
things,and of good examples, intermingled with plea-
fant devifes. This is the fumme of that which our men
report of the letters and exercifes of them of China^
wherein wee muft confeffe to be much wit and indu-
ftrie. But all this isoffmallfubftance5forin eifcdtallthe
knowledge of the Chinois , ttfndes oncly to readeand
write, & no fartherrfor they attaine to no high know
ledge. And their writing, and reading, is not properly
reading, and writing- feeing their letters are no letters
that can repi'efent wordes , but figures of innumerable
thingSjthe which cannot belearned,but in a long time
and with infinite labour. But in the end with all their
knowledge, an Indian of Peru or Mexico, that hath lear
ned to reade and write, knowesmore then the wifeft
Mandarin that is amongft them : for that the Indian
with foure and twcntic letters which he hath learned,
will write all the wordes in the world: and a MAndarin
with his hundred thoufind letters , will be troubled to
write feme proper name,as of Martin w Alonjc,& with
greater reafon he flialbe lefle able to write the names of
things hcknowesnot Soas the writing in 'China ,\s no
other thing but a maner of painting or ciphring.

Hiflorie of the Indies Jib.tf.

Ofthcfdfbion of Utters and writings which the Mex-

CHAP. 7,

WEfinde amongeft the Nations of New Spainc
a great knowledge and memorie of antiquitic-
and therefore fearching by what meancs the Indians
had prcfervcd their Hiftorics , and fo many particulari
ties,! learned, that although they were not fb fubtill
and curious as the Chinois,and thofe oflapp^yct had
they fomekindeof letters and bookes amongeft them,
whereby they prefcrved (after their manner) the deeds
of their predeccffbrs.In the province of Tu-Utw, where
the Bifhoprickc is , which they call de Honduras , there
were bookes of the leaves of trees, folded and fquared,
after their manner, in the which the wife Indians con
tained the distribution of their times , the knowledge
of the planets, of beafls and other naturall things3with
their antiquities, a thing full of great curiofitie and dili-
gence.lt feemed to fomc Pedant that all this was an in-
chantment & magicke arte,who did obflinately main*
tainc,that they ought to be burnt/oas they were com
mitted to the fire. Which fince, not oncly the Indians
found to be ill done , but alfo the curious Spaniards,
who defired to know the fccrets of thecountrey . The
like hath happened in other things : for our men thin
king that all was but fuperftition , have loft many me-
rporialls of ancient and holy things, which might have
profited much. This proceedeth of a foolifh and igno
rant zeale, who not knowing, nor feeking to knowc
what concerned the Indians , fay preiudicately , that
they are all but witchcrafts, and that all the Indians arc
but drunkards , incapable to know or karne any thing.

For

For fuch as would be curioufly informed of thcm,have
found many things worthy of consideration . One of
our company of lefuites, a man very witty and wel ex
perienced, did affemble in the province of Mexico > the
Antients oiTcfcuco, ofTaf/a, and of Jtfm^conferring
at large with them , who fhcwed vnto him their books3
hiftorics and kalenders, things very woorthy the fighr,
bicaufe they had their figures and hierogliphicks,wher-
by they reprcfented things in this mancr : Such as had
forme or figure, were reprefentcd by their proper him-
•gcs, and fuch as had not any, were reprefented by cha*
raders that fignified them, and by this meanes they fir
gured and writ what they would . And to obferve the
time when any thing did happen, they had thofe pain
ted wheeles, for every one of them contained an age,
which was two and fifty yeares, as hath beene (aid • and
of the fide of thofe wheeles,they did paint with figures
and. characters righ t again ft they eare, the memorable
things that happened therein. As they noted the yeare
whenas the Spaniards entred their Countrey , they
painted a man with a hatte and a red ierkin , vpon the
Cgnc of the reedevwhich did rule thcn,and fo of other
accidents . But for that their writings and characters
were not fufficient as our letters and writings be , they
could not fo plainly exprefle the words, but onely the
fubflanccof their conceptions. And forafmuch as they
were accuftomed to rehcrfe Difcourfes and Dialogues
by heart, compounded by their Oratours and auntienr
Rhethoritians, and many Chapas made by their Poets
(which were impoflible to learne by their Hicrogli-
phickes and Charaders) the Mexicaines were very cu
rious to have their children learne thofe dialogues and
compositions by heart. For the which caufe they had

Schoolcs,

Hi/tone of the Indies, lib. ^

Schoolcs, and as it were, Colledgcs or Seminaries
where the Auncients taught children thefe Orations,
and many other things, which they prefervedamongft
them by tradition from one to another, as perfeftly, as
if they had beene written; efpecially the- oioft famous
Nations had a care to have their children (which had
any inclination to be Rhctoritians, and to pradife the
office of Orators) to learne thefe Orations by heart: So
as when the Spaniardes came into their Country, and
had taught them readeand write our letters, many of
the Indians then wrote thefe Orations^, as fbme grave
men doe witncs that had read them . Which I fay, for
that fome which (hall happly reade thefe long and elo
quent difcourfesiiUhe Mcxicaine Hiftorie, willeafilic
belceve they havebccne invented by the Spaniardes,
and not really taken and reported from the Indians.Buc
having knownc the ccrtainc trueth, they will give cre-
dite (as reafonis) to their Hifto ties. They did alfb
write thefe Difcourfes after their manner, by Charac
ters and Images: and I have fecne for my better fttis-
fa&ion, thtPtt&tit/ltr, AveMaria,zndSMtl/, orge-
ncrall confcfGon of our faith ,written in this manner by
the Indians.

And in trueth whofbever fhall fee them, will won.
dcr thereat . For, to fignific th efe wordes, I a finncr do
confeiTcmy felfc, they painted an Indian vppon his
knees, at a religious mans feete, asonethatconfefleth
himfelfe : and for this,T<? Godmoft mighty $\zy painted
three faces with their Crowncs,like to the Trini tie,and
To the gkriout Virgme tMwie, they painted the face of
our'vLady,and halfe the body of a little childe : and for
S.Peter and S. Paid, heads with crowns^ and a key with
afword : and whereas images failed , they did fet char

G g rafters,

448

ra#ers5as Wherein ibavefwncd, &c. whereby wee may
conceive the quickenefle of fpirite of thcfe Indians,fee^
ing this manner of writing of our prayers and matters
of faith hath not beene taught them by the Spaniards,
neither could they have done it, if they had not had
an excellent conception of that was taught them. And
I have feene in Pert* , a confeffion of finnes brought by
an Indian, written in the fame forte with piftures and
characters, painting every one of the tenne Gomman.
dementes , after a certaine manner , where there were
certaine markes like ciphers, which w&e the finnes hee
had committed againft theCommaundements. I no*
thing doubt but if any of the moft fufficient Spaniards
wereimployed to make memorials of the like things
by their images and markes, they would not attaine vn-
toitinawholeyeare, no not in tenne.

t Of Regiftersandthe manner of rcckomngwbich

the IndUns of Pent vfed. :

C H A P. 8. *

.'••

BEfore the Spaniardes came to the Indies , they of
Peru had no kinde of writing, either letters, chara-
<5krs, ciphers^or figures,like to thofeof China and Mex
ico : yet preferved they the rrreaiory of their Antiqui*^
ties^and maintaine an order in all their affairs, of peace,
warre, and pollicie, for that they were carefull dbfer-
vcrs of traditions from one to another, and the yoong
ones learned, and carefully kept> as a holy thing, what
their fuperiors had tolde them , and taught it with the
like care to their poftcritie. Befides this diligence,they
fuppliedthe want of letters and writings, partelyby
painting , as tHofe of 'Mexico y (although they of Pcre

were

Ifttforie ofthefntties. lib. 6. 449

were very grofe and blockifli ) andpartely, andmoft
commonly by guippos. Thcfe grippes are memorial^
orregifters, made of bowes, in the which there are
diverfe knottes and colours, which do fignifie diverfe
things, arid it is ftrange to fee what they have exprefled
and reprefented by this meanes : for their >&gjffif.BstV:t
them infteede of Bookes of hiftories,of lawes, ceremo-
nies,and accounts of their affaires . There were officers
appointed to keepe thefe 'J%uipp0s,the which at this day
they call guipoumyos, the which were bound to give
an account of every tiling^, as Notaries and Regiftcrs
doeheere. Therefore they fully beleeved them in all
.things, for according tothevarietieof bufinefle, as
warres,pollicie, tributes, ceremonies and landes, there
Werefundry guippos 01 braunches, in every oneof the
which there were fomany knottes little and great, and
firings tied vntb them, fomcrcd, {bmegreenc, fome
ble w,fomc white • and finally , fuch diverfitie, that e .
ven as wee derive an infinite number of woordes from
the foure and twenty letters, applying them in diverfe
fortes 5 fo doe they drawe innumerable woordes from
their knottes^ ana diverfitie of colours . Which thing
they doe in facha manner, that if at this day in Pertt,z-
ny Commiflary come at the end of two or three yeares,
to take information vppon the life of any officer, the
Indians come with their (mall reckonings verifiedjfay-
ing, that in fuch a village they have given him fo miny
egges which hee hath not payed for , in fuch a hoiifc d
henne,in an other, two burdens of grade for his horfe^
and that he hath paied but fo much mony,and remain-
cth debtor fo much. The proofe being prefently made
with thefc numbers of knottes and handfulls of cords,
it rcmaines fora cettaine tcftimiony and rcgiftef. I did

Gg z fee

fee a handfull of thefc firings , wherein an Indian wo-
man carried written a generall confefTioh of all her life,
and thereby confeflcd herfelfc , as well as I could have
done it in written paper. I asked her what thofe firings
meant that differed from the reft : (heaunftvered nice,
they were certainecircumftaunccs which the fin requi
red to be fully confeffed.Befide ihtfcgiftppu of thred,
they have an other, as it were a kindeof writing with
fmallftones, by meanes whereof, theylearnepun&u-
ally the words they defire to know by heart. It is a plea-
fant thing to fee the olde and the impotent ( with a
wheclemadeof fmallftone§) learnc the Pater xtftcr.
with another the AVS Marti, with another the Crecde;
and to remember what flone fignifics,JF&^nw cwei-
vedbytheholy-gkojl, and which, Suffered vndcrPwtittt
Pilate.

It is apleafant thing to fee them correft themfelves
when they doc erre • for all their corre&ion confifteth
onely in beholdingof their fmall ftones. One of thefe
whiles were fufficient to make mee forget all that I do
knowe by heart . There arc a great number of thefe
ivheeles in the Church-yard es Jbr thispurpofe. Butit
feemcsakinde of witchcraft, to fee an other kindeof
4^i/^, which they make of graincsof Mays, for to
caft vp a hard account, wherein a good Arithmetitian
would be troubled with his penne to make a divifion :
to fee how much every one muft contribute : they do
dra we fb many grain es from onefide, and adde fo ma
ny to another,with a thouiand other inventions.Thefc
Indians wil take their graines,and place five of one fide,
three ofanother, and eight of another, and wil change
one graineof one fide^and three of another: So as they
finifi) a ccrtaine account, without ening in any poynt:

and

Hiftorieofthe Indies, lib* 6

2nd they fboncr fubmittc themfelves to reafbn by theft
',^5/^/5 what every one ought to pay,, then we can do
With the penne . Hereby we may fudge if they havea-
ny vnderftanding, or be brutifh : for my parte, I think
they paffe vs in thofe things , wherevnto they do apply
themfelves.

Of the order the Indians holJc in their writings.
CHAP, 9.

IT (halbc good to adde heerevnto what we have ob«
fervcd,toucbingthelndians writings : for their ma-
ncr was not to write with a continued line , but fiom
the toppe to the bottomc, or in circle-wile . The La-
tines and Greeks do write from the left -hand vnto the
right, which is the vulgar and common manner we do
vfe. The Hebrcwescontrariwifebeganne at the right
to the left , and therefore their bookcs beganne where
ours did end. The Chiwis write neither like the Greeks
nor like the Hebrews , but from the toppc to the bot
tomc , for as they be no letters but whole wordes, and
that every figure and charafter fignifieth a thing, they
have no neede to aflemble the parts one with an o th er,
and therefore they may well write from the toppe to
thebottome. Thofe of Mexico, for the fame caufe did
not writein line, from one fide toanother^but contra-
rie to the Chinol$y beginning belo\v,they mounted vp-
ward. They vfed this maner of writing, in the account
of their daies, and other things which they obferved:
Yet when they did write in their wheels or fignes,they
beganne from the middeft where the Sunne was figu
red, and fo mounted by their yeeresvnto the round
and circumference of the Wheele. To conclude, wee

G g 3

Tbe^aturallandMoratt

findefoure different kindes of writings, fomc writte
from the right to the left , others from the left to the
. right, fome from the toppe to the bottome, and others
from the foote to the toppe , wherein wee may difco-
ver the diverfity of mans Judgement.

How the Induns difpatched their Mcflcngtrs.

CHAP. 10.

•

TO finifli the maner .they had of writing, fome may
with reafbn doubt how the Kings oftMexiw and
JV/^had intelligence from all thofe realm cs that were
fo great , or by what meanes they could difpatch their
affaires in Court, feeing they had no vfe of any letters,
nor to write pacquets : wherein we may be fatisfied of
this doubt, when we vnderftand, that by wordes> pic
tures, and thefe memorialles, they were often advert! *
fed of that which paffed.For this caufe there were men

- of great agilitie, which fevcd as cumers , to goe and

come, whome they did nourifli in this exercife of run-!
ningfrom their youth , labouring to have them well

? ' breathed, that they might runne to the toppe of a high
hill without wearines. And therefore in ^Mexico they
gave the prize to three or foure that 'firft mounted vp
the ftaires of the Temple, ashathbeenefaidin thefor-
nierBooke. And mCttfco , when they made their fb-
lemne feaft ofCapacrAyffte, the novices did runne who
could fafteft vp the rocke of Tnacauri. And the exercife
of running is general^ muchvfed among the Indians*
Whenas there chaunced any matter of importaunce,

. they fen t vnto the Lordes of 'Mexicojibs, thing painted,

Whereof they would adsrertife them , as they did when
the firft Spanifliftiips appeared to their fight, &when

they

Hittorie oftkefncKcs. lib. 6. 453

they tooke TofAnchan. In Peru they were very curious
of footemen,and the Ingtta had them in all partS of the
realme, as ordinary Pofts called Chafquis, whereof (hall
be fpoken in his place.

Of the mAnner of government, and of the Kings
which the Indian shad.
CHAP. ii.

IT isapparant, that the thing wherein thefe barba
rous people (how their barbarifmc , was in their go-
vernement and manner of commaund : for the more
that men approch to reafon,the more milde is their go-
vernement and leflfe infolent; the Kings and Lords are
more tradable, agreeing better with their fiibieds, ac
knowledging them equall in nature, though inferiour * ,
in duetie and care of the commonwealth. But amongft /*
the Barbarians all is contt ary,for that their government
is tyrannous, vfing their fubieds like beafts , and leek-
ing to be reverenced like gods: For this occafion many
nations of the Indies have notindured any Kings , or
abfblute & (bvcraignc Lords,but live in comminalties, $inJ^t
creating and appointing Captains and Princesjfor cer-
taine occafions onely, to whome they obey durinjg the
time of their charge, then after they returne to their for
mer eftatcs.The greateft part of this new world (where
there are no fettled kingdomes , nor cftablifhed com
mon weales,neither princes nor Succeeding kings) they
governe themfelvcs in this manner, although there be
fome Lordes and principall men railed above the com
mon fort \ In this forte the whole Countrey tfchille is
governed, where the Auracanes, thole of Teutape/tand
others, have fo many yecres refifted the Spaniardcs.

G g 4 And

S^aturall 4nel Mora/I

And in like fort all the new kingcjome o£GrwaJffy that
of Gutti-maSa , the Ilandes , all Fl&rida, BreJiS, Lufi»
and other countries of great circuite : but that in fomc
places, they are yet more barbarous, fcarcely acknow
ledging any head, butallcommaundand governein
common, having no other thing, but wii, violence,in-
duftry and diforder, fo as he that moft may, moft com-
maunds. \At the Eaft Indies there are great kingdomes,
well ordered and governed, as that &fSf4*sBt/#Xg4,tnd
others, which may bring to field when they pleafe, a
hundred or two hundred thoufand men.

Aslikewife theKingdomeofC^*, the which in
greatnesand power,furpa(Teth all the reft, whofe kings,
(as they .report J have continued above two thoufand
yeares, bymcanes of their good order and govern
ment. But at the Weft Indies, they have onely found
twoKingdomes orfetled Empires, that ofthe3/m-
tMnes in new Sftttft&tyd ofthelngtttis in Peru. It is not
eafictobefaid, which of the two was thcmightieft
Kingdome, for that A/(?/tp/»^exceeded them of Per* >
in buildings, and in the greatnes of his court : but the
IngUiUy did like wife exceedc thcMexicawesjn treafure,
riches,and greatnes of Provinces. In regardc ofanti-
quitie, the Monarchic of the/tfj/^, haththcadvan^
tage,alchough it be notmuch3and in my opinion,they
havebccneequall infeacesof aitncsand vidories. It
is aioft certaine3that thcfe two Kingdomcs have much
exceeded all the IndianProvinces , difcovered in this
new world, as well in good orcJer and government, as
in power and wealth, and much more in fuperftition
andfervicc of their idolls,having many things like one
to an other. But in one thing they differed much, for
among the 3/rAr/V^^thefucceflion of thekingdome,

was

Hiftvrieofthelndits

wasbyeleftion, as the Empire of the Romans, and
that of Ptrn , washereditarie , and they fuccceded in
bloud,as the Kingdomes ofFraunce^nd Sprint. I will
therefore hcereafter trcatc of thefe two governments,
(as the chiefc fubieft and beft knowne amongft the
Indians,) being fit for this difcourfe, leaving many and
tedious things which are not of importance.

Of the Government of the Kings And Ingua* ^Peru.

C HAP. 12.

XHe Inziw which ruled in /V/7/,beingdcad,his hut-
full fonne fucceeded him , and fo they held hini
that was borne of his chief e wife, whome they called
Coy a. The which they have al waies obferved fince the
time ofan IngtM,calld TxpMgrijWho married his fitter:
for thefe Kings held it an honour to marry their fitters.
And although they had other wives, and concubines,
yet the fucceifion of the Kingdome appertained to the
fonne of the Coy*. It is true , that when the King had
a legitimtfte brother, he fiicceeded before the fonne,
and after him his nephew , and fonne to the firft. The
€W4&a,£id Noblemen, held the (ame order of fucce£
fion in tKeir goods and offices. And after their maner
they made exceffive ceremonies, and obfequies for the
deadiThey obferved one cuttome very great & full of
ftatc, that a King which entred newly into his King-
dome, fliould not inherite any thing of the movables,
implements, and treafurc of his predeceffour , buthec
mutt furnifh his houfe new, and gather together gold,
filver, and other things neceflarie, not touching any
thing of the deceafed, the which was wholy dedicated
for his Oratoric orj7/w<<, and for the entertainment
of the family he leftTtHe^vhich with his o£ipriog,was

abvaycs

45 6 The- 'ShfatttraD andMoratt

alwaiesbufied at the facrifices,ceremonies, and fervicc
of the dcceafed King : for being dead, they prefently
held him for agod5making facwfices viito him,wwges,
and fuch like. (By this meanes, there was infinite trea-
furein Peru: for every one of the InguasjnaA laboured
to have his Oratorie and treafure iurpafle that of hi$
prcdeceflbrs. (The markeor enfigoc, 'whereby they
took poileflionof the realme,was a red rowle of wooll,
more fine then filkcy the which hung in the middeft
of his forehead : and none buttha/jg** alone might
weareit, for that it was asaCrowne and royall Dia*
demeryet they might lawfully wearea rowle hanging
on the one fide^neere vnto the eare,as fome Noblemen
did , but onely the Ingtta might carry it in the middeft
of his forehead.| At fuch time as they tooke this roule
or wreathe, they made folemne feafts, and many iacri-
fices, with a great quantity of vefTell of gold, andfil-
ver,a great number offmallformes or images of (heep,
made of gold and filver> great abundance of the ftuffes
QiCumly, well wrought, both fine and courier 5 many
fhells of the fea of all fortes, many feathers, and a thou-
land (heepe, which muft be of divers colourslThen the
chiefe Pried tooke a yong child in his handes, of the
age of fix or eight yeares, pronouncing thefe wordes
with the other minifters fpeaking to the image fcfr/-
rawc&a, Lerdwe offer this vnte theejhat then maieft tn#in«
.tAinfus in quiet, and helpc vs in our rvarres, wAtnUinc our
Lord the Ingua in hifgreatnes and eft ate , that hee may aL
waiesincreafe, giving him much knowledge togovcrne vs.
There were prcfent at thisceremony and oath , men
of all partes of the Realm e , and of all Guaca* and San-
duaries. | And without doubt, the affecftion and reve
rence this people bare to their Kings Inzuat, was very

great

Hi^orie of the Indies, lib.tf. 457

great, for it is never found that any one of his fubieftes
committed treafon againft him, for that they procee
ded in their governments , not only with an abfolute
po wer5 but aub with good order and iuftice, fufFering
no man to beopprefledrjThe lngu& placed governours
in divers Provinces,amongft the which, feme were fu-
periors,and did acknowledge none but himfelfe,other*
wereof lefle commaund ? and others more particular j
with (b goodly an order, and fuch gravitie, as no man
durftbee drunke, nor take aneareofMays from his
neighbour. fThefe /#£/&& held it for a maximc , that it
was neceflary to keepe the Indians alwaies in adiion:
and therefore we fee it to this day , long cawfeies and
workes of great labour, thewhich they fey were made
to exercife the Indians, left they (houldrenrjaineidle.
When he conquered any new Province, he was accu-
ftomcd prefently to fend the greateft part, and the
chiefe of that Country into other Provinces, or elfe to
his Court, and they call them at this day in Ptrv, \Miti-
WM , and in their places hee fent others of the Nation
of C/^efpecially the orcioncs, which were as Knights
of an ancient houfejrhey punifhed faultes rigoroufly.
And therefore fuch as have any vnderftanding heereo£
hold opinion, that there can be no better government
for the Indians > nor more afliired, then that of the
Jngua*.

Of the diftr&ution the Inguas made ef their r*efJeS.
CHAP. 13.

TO relate more particularly what I have fpokeit
before,you muft vnderftand,that the diftribution
which the //^//^madc oftheirvcflells, was foexadt

and

The JVjtturall andMoratt

and diftind, as he might govcrne them all with great
facilitie, although his realme wereathoufind leagues
long : for having conquered a Province, he prefen tly
reduced the Indians into Towns and Comminalties,
the which he divided into barides, hce appointed one
to have the charge over every ten Indians , over every
hundred another5over every thoufandanother,& over-
tenthoufend another, whom they called Hum* , the
which was one of the greateft charges. Yet above all
in every Province, there was a Governour of the houfc
of the Inguts , whom all the reft obeyed , giving vnto
him every yeare in particular account of what had pat
fed, that is , of fuch as were borne, of thofe that were
dead and of their troups and graine. | The Governors
went every yeare out of Cvfto , where they remained,
and returned to the great feaft ofSayntt, at the which,
they brought the tribute of the whole Realme to the
Court • neither might they enter but with this condi-
tionKll theKingdome was divided intofoure panes,
\vhicn they called Tahuantinfuyd ^ that is, Chinchafuyo,
Collafiiyo,Andefvyo^ & Condefuyo^ according to the foure
waies which went from O*/?0,where the Court was re-
fident, and wherethc general! aflemblies of the realoie
were made . Thefe waies and Provinces being anfwe-
table vn to them , were towards the foure quarters of
the world, ColUfujo to the South, Chinchafttyo to the
Hvtt\\Condcfuyo to the Weft5and Andcfuye to the Eaft.
In every towne and village, there were two fortes of
, people, which were oFHatianfey*, and Frit? fay 4, which
is as much to fty 5 as thofe above, and thofe below.
When they commandedany worke to be done , or to
furnifh any thing to the Ingua , the officers knew pre-
fently how much every Province,Towne,and Family,

ought

H&oriejf the Indies Jib.tf,

ought to furniih : fo as the divifion was not madeby c*
quail portions, butbycottization, according to the
qualities and wealth|oftheCountrie. So as for exam-
pic, if they were to gather a hundred thoufand F&nc~
gK& of Mays, they knewprefently how much every
Province was- to contribute, wercit a tenth, a feventh,
or a fife part.The like was of Townes and Villages, Ail-
IOS>QZ Lmagcs.{Thc guipocdmtyos, which were the of.
ficers and intendams, kept theaccount of all with their
firings and knottes , without failing, fetting downe
what every one had paied , even to a hen, or a burthen
of wood 5 and in a moment they did fee by divers regi-
fters what every one ought to pay.

Of the Edifcts Andmtner of building 0ftklngaa&&y$
CH A ?. 14.

T"* H E Edifices and Buildings which the Inguts
A made in temples,fortre(fe, waies, countric hou-
fes,and fuch like, were many in number, and of an ex-
ceffivc labour, as doth appeare at this day by their ru-
ines and rcmainders,both in Cuft09Ty*puwi&jF4»*{&>
and other places , where there arc ftoncs of an vnmca-
furable greatncs:fo as men cannot conceive how they
were cut,brought,and fet in their places. There came
great numbers of people from all Provinces, to workc
in thefe buildings and fbrtrefles, which the Ingua cau-
fcd to be made in Cafio, or other partes of the Realme.
As thcfc workes were ftrangc,and to amaze the behol.
ders,wherein they vied no morter nor ciment, neither
any yron, or fteele, to cut, and (et the ftones in vvorke.
They had no engines or other inftruments to carrie
them, and yet were they fo artificially wrought, that

in

in tjiany places they could nortec the ioyn tes rand ma
ny of tbele ftones are fo big, that it wet e an incredible
thing,if one fhould not fee them.( At Tugvavacff,! di4
meafure a ftonc of thirty eight foote long,of eighteene
broade^and fix thicke. (And in the wall of the for trcflc
of C/*/?0? which is otMeallM , there areftones ofa get
ter bignes. And that which is moft ftrange,thefe ftones
|>eingnotciunorfquaredtoioyne, but contrariwife*
very vnequall one with another in forme and great-
nes,yetdid they ioync them together without ciment,
after an incredible maner. All this was done by the
fofee of men, who endured their labour with art invin
cible patience. Fortpioyneonc fton^ with- an other,
they were forced to Candle and trie many of them of-
ten> being vneven .' The Ingut ap^poynted every ycare
what numbers of people fliould labour in thefe ftones
and buildings, and the Indians made a divifion amon-
geft them, as of other things, (o as no man was opprefc
fed . Although thcfe buildings were great, yet were
they cctaimonly ill appoy nted and vnfit^ alm'oft like to
the Mcvfqurtes or buildings of the Barbarians.
1 They could make no arches in their edifices 5 nor
nfiorterorcymenttobuildethemwithall : when they
&w arches of wood built vpon the river of Xaura, the
bridge being Snifhed j and the wood broken downei
they -all beganne tb( rurme away , fuppofing that the
bridge which was of ftbne fhould prefently fell ; but
when they found it toitand firme, and that the Spa-
niards:\veftt'On it/the Cirque {aide to his companions^
Uis reafw'wtfkouldfervetheftmen ', whointruethfeeweio
be tkc children of the Sunn^ made were

6freedes; plaited 5 which they tied to the bankes with
great Ifakes/ forvthatthey coyld not make any bridges
u of

offtoncorwood . The bridge which feat this day vp-1
on the current of the great lake Chiqutito in CoHto is acfc
mirable, for thecourle of that water is fo decp,as they
can not fettle any foundation, and fo broade, that it-is
impoffible to mafcean arch to pafTe it : fo as it wasalto-
gether impofliblc to make a bridge eyther of wood or
ftonc. But the witand induftry of the Indians invented
a meanes to make a firmc and afTurcd bridge, being on
ly of ftrawe, which feemeth fabulous, yet is it very
true : For as we have faid before, they did bittde rogc-
ther certaine bundles of recdes, and wecdes, which do
grow in thelakc that they callTfew^, and bcingalight
^ratter that finkes not in the water, they caft it vppon a
great quantity of reedes, thenhavingtycd thofebnn^
dlesofweedes to either fide of the river, both men and
hearts goe over it with .eafe : paffing over this bridge!
have woondcrcd, tKat of fo common and eafie a thing;
they had n;ade abridge, better,' and more aflfured than
the bridge of boates from Seville to Triane. I have mea~-
fured the length of this bridge, and as Iremember, it
was above three hundred foote- and they fay that the
depth of this current is very grcatrand it feemes a^ove,
that the waiter hath no motion, yet they fay, that at the
bottome it hath a violent and very furious courfe. Atld
this fhallfufficcfor buildings.

Of the Inguas revenues , 4 nd the order ofTribtit e$

t hey impofedvpon the Indians.

CHAP. 15.

THe IngHM riches was incomparable , for although
no king did inberite the riches and treafure of his
precleerflbvyet had he at coitimaund, all the riches of

his

his reatmes, afivell filvcr and gold, as the ftuffe ofC##r.
&,and cattcll, wherein they abounded, and their grea-
teft riches of all, was their innumerable number of vaC
italics, which were all imploycd as it pleafed the King.
They brought out of every province what he had cho-
fen for tribute. Thcc£/£#.fent him (weete and rich
woods; the LucAnat lent Brancars to carry his Litter-
The Chumbilficas, dauncers ; and fo the other provin
ces feliFIuiSiwHat "they had of aboundauncc , befides
their gcnerall tribute , whercvnto every one contribu
ted. The Indians that were noted to that end, labored
in !he mines of goldc aud filver , which did abound in
Ptf-#,whom the InguA intertaincd with all they needed
for their cxpcnces : and whatfpever they drew of gold
and filver, was for him .f By this meancs there were fo
great treasures in this kingdome , as it is the opinion of
many, that what fell in the handes of the Spaniardes,
(although it were veiy much)as wee know) was it not
the tenth part of that which they hid and buried in the
ground, the which they could never difcover, not-
withftanding all the fearch covctoufneflc had taught
them. But the greateft wealth of thefe barbarous peo-
pje, was, that their vaflalles were all flaves, whofe la
bour they v&d at their pleafure : and that which is ad
mirable, theyimployed them in fuch forte, as it was
no fervitude vnto them , but rather a pleafing life . But
to vnderftand the order of tributes which the Indians
payed vnto their Lordes, you muft knowc, that whc»
the Ingu* conquered any citties, he divided all the land
into three partes,the firft was, for religion and ceremo
nies, (b as the PAchayacktqttf, which is the Creator>and
theSunne, tiizChitquilU , which is the Thunder, the
and the dead, and other GH&CM and fandu-

arics,

Biflorierfthe Indies; lib. 6>

arks7had every one their proper lands, the fruits whci>
of were fpoy led and confuted in facrifices, arid in the
nourifliingofminiftersandpriefh; for there were la-
dians appoynted for every Gttaca , and fanftuary, and
the greateft parte of this revenue was fpent iirCufco,
where was the vniverfall and generall fanduarie 3 and
the reft in that cittie, where it was gathercd:for that af
ter the imitation of Cufio , there were in every Citie,
GUACM, and Oratories of the fame orlier , and with the
fame fundions, which were ferved after the fainc mao.
tier an/i ceremonies to that ofCttfeo , which is an admi
rable thing, and they have found it by proofein above
a hundred townes , (bmeof them diftant above twoo
hundred leagues from Cufco . That which they fowed
or reapt vpon their land, was put into houfes, as greni-
ers, or ftore-houfes, built for that effed , and this was a
great partc of the Tribute which the Indians payed. I
can notfay how much this partcamounted vnto , for
that it was greater in fome partes than in other, and in ,
fome places it was in a manner all : and this par te was ^
the firft they put to profite »(The fecond parte oiFthefe
lands and inheritanf es was ror the lug**, wherewith he
and his houftiolde were entertained, with his kinsfolks,
noblemen, garrifons^and fouldiers . And therefore it
was the grcateft portion of thefe tributes, as it appear,
cth by the quantity of golde,filver, and other tributes,
which were in houfe appoynted for that purpofe, be
ing longer and larger than thofe where they keepe the
revenues of the GHACM . They brought this tribute very
carefully tq Cufio, or vnto fuch places where it was
ncedefull for the fouldiers , and when there was ftore,
that kept it tenne or twelve yearcs , vntill a time of ne*
cdfitie. The Indians tilled and put toprciitcthe/^

H h guts

- •

guts lands, next to thofe of the Guacas^ during which
time they lived and were nourifhed at the charges of
thc/flg/M, oftheSunne, oroftheG/w^*, according
to the land they laboured . Buttheoldemcn, women,
and ficke folkes were referved and exempt from this
tribute, and although wh&foever they gathered vpon
thofe lands were for the Ingua^ the Sunne, or the Gua-
(af> yet the property appertayncd vnto the Indians in&
their fucceflbrs . JThe third parte of thefc landes were
given by the ingua, for the comntinaltie, and they have
not yet difcovered, whether this portion were greater,
or le(Tc,than that of the Ingua, or GUAM . It is moft cer-
taine they had acareandregarde, it might be fufficient
for thenouriftiment of the people. No particular man
poiTcfTcd any thing proper to himfelfof this third por
tion 5 neither didde the Indians ever poflefTc any , if it
were notby fpeciall grace from the Ingua: & yet might
it not be engaged nor divided amongeft his heires.
/They ev(nyyeare_divided thefe landes of the commi-
naltie, in giving to every one, that which was needfull
for the nourifliment of thoir perfons and families. And
as the familieincreafed or jiminiibed , fojid they en-
creafe or decreafe his portion , for there were meafures
appoynted for every perfon. The Indians payed no tri
bute of that which was apportioned vnto them : For
all their tribute was to till and keepein good order the
landcsof the ln%u*i, and the Giwr^and to lay the fruits
thereof in their ftore-houfcs . When the yr are was bar-
ren,they gave ofthefe fruits thus referved to the needy,
for that there is ahvayes fuperaboundance | Thetegaa
did likewife make deftribution of the cattell as of the
!andes , which was to number and divide them ; thai
toappoyntthepafturesaiidlimites, for the cattell be
longing

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. 6>

longing to the GUAGAS , and to the lngu&> and to everic
Towae : and therefore one portion of their revenues
was for religion, another for the lngmy & the third fbr
the Indians themfelves . | The like order was obferved
among the hunters ,being forbidden to take or kill any
females. Thetroupsoftne/^^andCr/^f^, were in
great numbers and very fruitful! - for this caufe they
called them C*j>&U*mA , but thofeof thecommon'and A'
publike, were few in number and of fmall valew, and
therfore they called them BtcchdUmatfliz ingiiA took
great care for the prefervation of cattell,for that it hath
beene, and is yet, all the wealth of the Countrey , and
as it is fayd, they did neither facrifice any females, nor
kill them, neither did they take them when they hun
ted . If the mangie or the fcurvie which they call Cart-
che take any beaft , they were prefently commaunded
to bury it qtiicke, left it ihould infeft others. They did
flieare their cattell in their feafon, and diftributed to e-
very one to fpinne and weave ftuffes for the fervice of
his familie.They had fearchers to examine if they did
employ themfelves in thefe workes, and to puni(h the
negligent. (They made ftuflfesof thewoollof the/#-

ffMs cattell, for him and for his family , one forte very
ne, which they called Cwȣ/Yand another grofTer,
which they likewife called Akafca. There was no cer-
tainc number of thefe ftuffes and garments appointed,
but what was delivered to everyone. The wool! that
remayned was put into the ftorehoufes , whereof the
Spaniards found them ful,and with all other things ne-
ceffary for the life of man.There are few men of Judge
ment but doe admire at fo excellent and well fettled a
governeoient , feeing the Indians (being neyther reli
gious , nor chriftians ) maintained after their manner, *

Hh 2 this

The S^aturallandMoraH

this perfe<5tion, nor to holdc any thing proper , and to
provide for all their neceffities , entertaining with fuch
aboundance matters of religion , and that which con
cerned their King and Lord. *

Ofartes And offites which the Indians did exercife.

CHAP. 16.

OSc Indians of Powhad one perfection, which was,
to teach thqir young children all artes and occupa
tions ncceffiry for the life of man ; for that there were
no particular tradef-men, as amongeft vs,taylers,fhoo-
makers , weavers, and the reft, but every onelearned
what was needefull for their perfbns and houfes , and
provided for themfelves. All coulde weave and make
their garments, and therfore the InguA furnifliing them
with wooll , gave them clothes . Every man could till
the ground, and put it to profite, without hyring of a-
ny labourers. All built their ownehoufcs, and the wo
men vndc'rftoode moft, they were not bred vppe in de-
lights, butferved their husbands ourfully.fother arts
and trades which were not ordinary and common for
thelifeof man, had thcirproper companies and work
men, as goldfmiths, painters, potters, watermen, and
players of inftruments. There were alia weavers and
workemen forexquiiitc workcs, which the noblemen
vfed : but the common people, as hath beene faid5had
in their houics all things neceflary, having no need to
buy .[This continues to this day ,fo as they have no need
oqe of another for things neceflary : touching his per-
fon and family , as fhooes and garments , and for their
houfe, to fowe and reape , and to make y ron woorkes, '
and neceflary inftruments 5 the Indians hcercin doe i-

mitate

Historic ofthefndies. lib; 6.

mitate the inftitutionsof the lefTe auntient , whereof is
intreated in thelife of the Fathers^In trueth it is a peo"
pie not greatly covetous,nor ciuious,fb as they are con
tented to pafle their time quietly, and without doubt,
if they made choife of this manner of life, by election,
and not -by euftome or nature, we may fay that it was a
life ofgreat perfection , being apt to receive the doc
trine of the holy Gofpel,fo contrary anenimy to pride,
covctoufnes and delights.] But the preachers give not
alwaycs good example, according to the dodtrine they
preach to the Indians .jit is vvoorthyobfervation, al
though the Indians be fimple in their manner and ha-
bites , yet do we fee great diveriitie amongeft the pro-
.vinces,efpecially in the attire of their head, for in fome
places they carried a long peece of cloth which went
often about,in fome places a large piece of cloth, which
went but once about, in fome parts as it were litle mor-
ters or hatces,in fome others as it were high and round
bonets, & fome like the bottome of facks, with a thon*
fand other differences .\They had a ftraight and invio
lable lavve, that no man might change thefafhion of the
garments of his province, although hee went to live in
another. This th£7#£&* held to be of great importance
for the order and good governementof his realme,and
they doe obferve it to this day,though not with (b great
a care as they were accuftomed.

Of the Pojls and Cbafqttif the Indians didvfi.
CHAP. 17.

T Here were many Pofts and couriers which the7#-
c^maintened throughout his rcalme,whom they
called -Cbafquis, and they carried commaundements

Hh 3 to

The ^attirattand Moratt

to the Governours, and returned their advifcs and ad-
vertifements to the Court. Thefe Chafyuis were placed
at every courfe, which was a league and a halfe one fro
an other in twoo finall hou'fes, where were foure Indi-
ansof every'country , and they were changed month
ly . Having received the packet or meflage,they ranne
with all their force vntill they had delivered it to the o-
ther Cbafifttis , fech as were to runne, being ready and
watchful!. They ranne fifty leagues in a day and night,
although the grcateft pane of that countrey be very
rough. They fcrved alfo to carry fuch things as the /#-
gaa defined to have with fpeede . Therefore they had
always fea-fifh in Ctffco^ of two dayes old or litle more,
although it were above a hundred leagues off. Since
the Spaniardes entred,they have vied of thefe Chafquts,
in time of (editions whereof there was great need. Don.
Martin the viceroy appoynted ordinary pofts at evcrie
foure leagues, to carry and recarry difpatches, which
were very necefiary in this realme, though they runne
notfofwiftlyastheauntientsdid, neither are there fo
many , yet they are well payed 5 and ferve as the ordi
naries ofspairtf, to wtrom they give letters which they
cany foure or five leagues.

Of the i»fke$Artt?i Andpurijkmtnts whicb the In-
ave eft 'ab/ifhed, mdoftlmr mar-
riagcs. CHAP. 18.

;Ven as fuch as had done any good ferviccin warre,
or in thegovernementofthc common- weale were
honouredand recompenfed with publike charges,with
lands given them in proper, with armes and titles of
honour, and in marrying wives of the Inguw linage:

Eves

E

Hiftorie ofihef nates, lib. 6.

Even To they gavefevere punifhments to fuch as were
difobedicnt and offenders . They .punifhed murther,
theft, and adultery, with death , and fuch as commit
ted inceft with afceridants or defendants in dire<5l
line, were likewife puniflicd with death. But they held
it no adultery to have many wives or concubines, ney-
ther were the women fiibieil to the puniHimtnt of
death, being found with any other, but oncly (lie that
was the true and lawfull wife , withvvhome they con-
traded marriage ; for they had but one whome they
did wed and receive with a particular folempnitieanct
ceremony,which was in this maner: the bridegroome
went to the brides houfe,and led her from thence with '" "^ *
him, having fiiit put an Otioya vppon her foote . They
call the fhooc which they vfe in thofe partes Qttojd> be
ing open like to the Francifcan Friars. If the bride were
a tmyde, her ottoja was of wooll, but if fhe were not,it
was of reedes . All his other wives and concubines did
honour and ferve this as the lawfull wife, who aloae af
ter the deceafe of her husband caried a mourning weed
of blacke, for the fpace of a yeare-neithcr did (he marry
vntill that time were paft-and commonly (lie was yon-
gcr than her husband.! \\zlngtM himiclfc with his own
hand gave this womar* to his Governor^ and captains:
and the Governors or Caciques ^ aflemblcd all the yong-
tnen and maydes,in one place of the Citty,wh ere they
gave to every one his wife with the aforciaidc ceremo
ny , in putting on the ottoy* > and in this manner they
contracted thcii' marriages . If this w -;>man were found
with any other than her husband , flieewaspunijhed
with death, and the adulterer likewikr ,: and although
the husband pardoned them, yet were they puniiljed,
although difpenfed withall from death. They infli<5ied

Hh4 the

The ^(jttur all arid Morall

the like pianifliment on him that did committeinceft
with his mother, grandmother, daughter, or grand--
childe : fontwas nofprbhibitedfor them to many to
gether, or to have of their otHeFkinsfolkes for concu-
bines$ onely the firft degree was defended, neither did
they allow the brother to have the company of his fi-
fj;er y wherein they of Peru were very much deceived,
gtfiat their Inguas and noble nien might law
fully contract marriage with their fitters , >yea by father
and mother : for in trueth it hath beene alwayes helde
vnlawfull among the Indians , & defended to contraft
in the firft degree 3 which continued vntill the time of
TofalngitaTufAttgai father to Guaymcafa, and grand
father to Aifhikdpa, at fuch time as the Spaniards ente
red Peru, for that Tofa Ingua TCupavguijwte the firft that
brake this cuftome, marrying with Mamnoello, his fifter
by the fathers fide , decreeing that the Inguas might
marry with their fitters by thefethers fide, & no other.
This he did, and by that marriage he had Guayntca-
pA, and a daughter called .Coya Ctifiillmiay: finding him-
felfe at the poynt of death , hee comniaunded his chil
dren by father and mother to marry together, and gave
permiffion to the noble men of his country, to marrie
with their fitters by the fathers fide. And for that this
marriage was vnhwful, and againft the lavve of nature,
God would bring to an end this kingdome of the ln-
gttds, during the raigne ofGttafcar Ingua, and MabutlfA
lnguA> which was the fruite that fprang from this mar
riage . Whofb will more exa&Iy vnderftand the man
ner of marriages among the Indians of Peru, lette him
reade the Treatife Polo hath written , attherequeft of
I>on leronlmo Loaift Archbifhop of Kings : which Pelo
madea very curious fearch 3 as he hath doone ofdivers

other

Htilorie of the Indies, lib.tf. 4,71

other things at the Indies . The which importcs much
tobeknowneto avoydethe errour and inconvenien
ces whefeinto many fall (which know not which is the
lawfull wife or the concubine among the Indiansjcau-
fing the Indian that is baptized to marry with his con-
cubine5leaving the lawfullwife : thereby alfo wee may
feethefmall reafbnfome have had, that pretended to
fay, that wee ought to ratifie the marriage of thofe that
were baptized 3 although they were brother and fitter.
The contrary hath beene determined by the provinci-
all Synodeof Lj-ma, , with much reafbn, feeing among
the Indians- themfelves this kind of mariagc is vnlawfuL

Of the Originallofthe Inguas Lords fifPemjvith
their Conqttefts andViftorks.
CHAP, 19.

BY the commandementofD0# Phillip the Catho-
like King, they have made the moft dilligent and
exad: iearch that could be, of the beginning, cuftomes,
and priviledges of the Inguas, the which was not fb
perfe&ly done as was defired : for that the Indians had
no written recordes : yet they have recovered that
which I fhall write, by meanes of their £M$OS and re-
gifters. Firft there was not in Peru in olde time , any
King or Lord to whome alF obeyed , but they were
connninaltics , as at this day there be in the realme of
Ckiffe andinamancr, in all the Provinces which the
Spaniards have conquered in thofe weftcrne Indies^
except the real\ne of Mexico. You muft therefore vn-
derftand, that they liuve found three maner of govern
ments at the Indies. The firfl and beft, was a Monar-
chie;asthatofthe IngtMs, and Q£Mou$uwa> although

for

d Moratt

fortlie moft part they were tyrannous. The fccond

\vas of Comminahies , where they weic governed by

the acivife and authorise of many,which areas it were

Counfellors. Thefein time of warre, inadeckoife of

aCaptaine, to whome a whole Nation or Province

did obey,and in time of peace, every Towne or Com*

ininaltie did rule and goveine themfclvcp, having

forae chiefe men whom the vulgar did refpcft , and

fometimes,(though not often,)(bme of them aiTemble

together about matters of importapce,to confult what

they (hould thinke neceffary . The third kinde of go

vernment, is altogether barbarous, compofed of Indi

ans w ithout law, without King, and without any cer-

taine place of abode, but go in troupes like (avage

beads. As farre as I can conceive, the firft inhabitants

of the/ff^, were of this kinde , as at this day a great

part of fiizBrcfillians, CbtraguanM.Cbuflchfis, Yfiycifig/ts

P/lcocows^nd the grcateft pwtofthcFlortdians , & all

the Cblchimaquas in new Sftwe. Of this kind the other

fort of government by Committal ties was framed, by

the induftric and wifedome of fome amongft them, in

which there is fome more order , holding a more ftai-

cd placets at this day thofe o£AuracA%o, and of Teuct-

fellmChille, andinthenewkingdomeof^r^^, the

Mofca^nd the ottomttcsm new Sfdint: and in all theft

there is lefle fierccnes and incivilitic, and much more

quiet then in the reft, r Of this kinde, by the valure and

knowledge of fbnje excellent meti, grew the other go

vernment more mightie and potent, which did infti-

tutea Kingdomeand Monarchic^ Itappeares by their

. rcgifters, that their government hath continued above

three hundred yeares , but not fully fotire , although

their Seigniorie for a long time, was not above five or

fix

HiHorie of the Indies, lib.6. 473

fix leagues compaffc aboutthc Citty of C#/?0: their ori-
ginalhnd beginning was in the valley ofCvfe* , where
by little & lit tie they conquered the lands which we
call Pmi, paffing beyond gttitto^ vnto the river ofPaflo
towardes the North , ftretching even vnto Cbilk , to-
wardes the South, which is almoft a thoufand leagues
in lengthflt extended in breadth vnto the South fea
towardes the Weft, and vnto the great champains
which are on the other fide of the Aitiks, where at this
day is to be feene the Caftell which is called the Puca-
ra of the InguA^ the which is a fortrefle built for the de
fence of the frontire towards the Eaft. /The Ingats ad
vanced no farther on that fide, for the aboundance of
water,fflarfhes,lakes, and rivers, which runne in thofe
partes. jThefe ingms paffed all the other Nations of
Amarica, in pollicy and government , and much more
in valour and armes5al though the Canaries which were
their mortall enemies, and favoured the Spaniardes, ">
would never confeffe it , nor yeelde then? this ad van-
tage:fo as even at this day,if they fall into any difcoui (e
or comparifons , and that they be a little chafed and
incenfed, they kill one another by thouiands vpon this
quarrell , which are the moft valiant, as it hath happe
ned in Cufco. J The pra&ife and meanes which the In-
guas had to make themfelves Lords of all this Coun-
trie , was in faining that fince the generall deluge,
(whereof all the Indians have knowledge,) the world
had beene preferved,reftored,and peopled by thefe In-
gxas, and that fcven of them came forth of the cave of
P4c^/V.^50,byrea{on whereof, all other inen ought
them tribute and vaHTalage, as their progenitors. Be-'
fides they faid and affirmed , that they alone held the
truejeligion^and knew how God fliould befeived and

honoured:

474- ^v *jh£aitiratt- and Morall

honoured : and for this caufe they fhouldinftru<5t all
nien.lt is a ftrange thing, the ground they give to their
cuftomes and ceremonies. There were in Cvfto above
foure hundred Oratories, as in a holy land, and all pla
ces were filled with their my ft erics. As they continued
in the conquefts of Provinces, fo they brought in the
like ceremonies and cuftomes. In all this realmc the
chiefc ulolls they did worfhip, \wertracocha, Pachay-
AcbtchiC) which fignifies the Creator of the vvorld,and
after him,the Sunne. And therefore they faid, that the
Sunnc received hisvertue and being from the Grea-.
tor,as the other idolls do, and that they were interceC
{brstohim.

Ofthcfrft Ingua, W£# Succejjors. |
CHAP. 20.

THefirftman which the Indians report to be the
beginning and fir ft of the Iwgitas, was Mangocapa,
whom they imagine, after the deluge, to have ifTued
forth of the cave ofTam&0, which is from Cufco about
_five or fix.leagues. They fay. that he gave beginning to
two principall races or families of the luguas, the one
was called Hanancttfio, and the other rrtycufco : of the
firft came the Lords which fubdued and governed
this Province , and the firft whom they make the head
andftcame of this family, \vascalled Ingarocd, who
founded a family or Aiffo^s they call them^named Pi-
faquiquirao. This although he were no great Lord, was
ferved notwithstanding in veflell of gold andhlver.
And dying, he appointed that all his treafurefliouldbe
Imployedfor the ferviceofhisbody, and for the fee
ding of his family. Hisfucceffbrdid the like : and this

grew

Hiftorie of the Indies liB.tf. 4,7?

grew to a generall cuftotnc,as I have faid,that no lngu&
might inherite the goods and houfc of his predeceflbr,
but did build a new pallace. In the time of this IngttA-
nca , the Indians had images of gold- and to him file-
ceeded y^MmrJ^^very old man: they fay, he was
called by this name, which fignifics teares of blood, for
that being once vanquiGied and taken by his enemies,
for griefc and forrow he wept blood. Hee was buried
in a village called Paullo , which is vpon the way to 0 -
mtfugo: he founded a family calkddnut/lijanaca. To
him fucceeded his fbnne VirAetch&lngw, who was ve
ry rich,and made much veflell of gold and filver : hee.
founded the linage or family of Cocopavaca. Gonfylts
Pierre fought out his body , for the report of the
great treafure was buried with him , who after he had
cruelly tormented many Indians, in the end he found
it in %&ytox&(ft*»* , whereas they faid Ptyrrc was af
terwards vanqui(hed,taken, and executedby-the Prefi-
den t Gttdfca. Gonpiles P/^^r,caufed the body of r/>«*-
cochAlngtu to be burnt 5 the Indians did afterwardes
take th(Ta(lies > the which they preferved in a fmall vef
fell , making great facrifices thercvnto , vntill Polio did
reiorme it, and other idolatries which they committed
vpon the bodies of their other Ingujs , the which hee
fupprefTed with an admirable diligence and dexterity,
drawing thefe bodies out oftheir hands, being whole,
and much imbalmed, whereby hecxtinguifhed a great
number ofidolatries which they committed. The In
dians tooke it ill, that the InguA did intitle himfelfeT/-
rtcockt, which is the name oftheir God: and he to ex-
cufe himfelfe, gave them tovnderftand, that the fame
riracocha appeared to him in hisdreame, commanding
h'ioito take this name. To him fucceeded Pachacuti

was a very valiant conquerour, a
great Politinan, and an inventer'ofagreatpartofthe
traditions and fuperftitions of their idolatrie , as I will
prefentlyftiew.

in kU time <vnt9 Guaynacapa,

C H AP. 21.

Acbacttti IflgHA Yupanrui, rained feventy yeares,

and conquered many Countries. The beginning

ofhisconquefts, wasbymeanesofhis eldeft brother,

who having held the government in his fathers time,

and made warre by his confent , was ovcr-throwne in

a battle againft the Changuas , a Nation which inha-

bites the valley of AndAguayllft*^ thirty or forty leagues

from C///?0,vpon the way to Lima. . This elder brother

thus defeated, rctyred himfelfe with few men. The

which Ingua Ytipangui, his yotiger brother feeing, de-

vifed and gave forth, that being one day alone and me-

lancholie,r/>4r<?^ the Creator fpake to him,complai-

ning , that though he were vniverfall Lord and Crea

tor of all things, and that hee had made the heaven,thc

Sunne, the world, and men, and that all was vnder his

command, yet did they notyeelde him the obedience

they ought , but contrariwife did equally honour and

worfhip the Sunne,Thunder,Earth3 and other things,

which had no virtue but what he imparted vnto them:

giving him tovnderftand, that in heaven where hee

was, they called him Viracwba Pachay&chachic , which

fignifiethvniverfall Creator - and to the end the Indi

ans might beleeve it to be true>he doubted notakhogh

he were alone, to raifc men vnder this title 3 which

flfould

Htfiorie of the Indies lilxtf.

fiiould give him vi&ory againft the Ch<Mgttasy although
they were then victorious, and in great numbers- and
make himfelfe Lord of thofe realmes,for that he would
fend him men to his aide invifibly,whereby he prevai
led in fiich fbrt,that vnder this colour and conceit, hee
beganneto aflemblc a great number of people, where
of he made a mighty armie , with the which heobtay.
ned the vi&orie, making himfelfe Lord of the whole
Realme , taking the government from his father and
brother. Then afterwardes he conquered and over
threw the Changuas , and from that time commanded
tiMViracochA fliould be held for vniverfall Lord , and
that the images of the Sunne and Thunder , ihould do
him reverence and honour : And from that time they
bcganne to fet the image of Viracecha&Qve. that of the
Sunne and Thunder, andthereffoftheG^^/. And
although this Ingua Tupangui\\zd given farmes,landes,
and cattell to the Sunne, Thunder, and other Guaca,
yet did he not dedicate any thing to rirtcocha, faying,
that he had no neede, beingvniverfall Lord and Crea
tor of all things. He informed his fbuldiers after thisab-
folute victory of the Cbavguas, that it was not they a-
lonethat had conquered them,, but certaine bearded
men, J*rhomeT*m$£&f had fent him5 and that no man
might fee them buthimfelfe, which were fince conver
ted into (tones -it was therefore neceflary to feeke them
out, whome he would know well. By this rneanes hee
gathered together a multitude of flones in the moun-
tairies, whereof he made choice, placing them for Gua-
*vir,or Idolls they worfhipped and ficrificed vnto» they
called them PmurAucas , and carried them to tfie warre
with great devotion , beleeving for certaine, that they
had gotten the vi&cry by their help. The imagination

and

and fi&ion of this Ingua, was of fuch force , that by, the
means thereof hee obtained goodly victories :He foun
ded thefamily called YitacdpanacA, and made a great i-
mageofgolde, which hee called IndijHzfa, which hec
placed in a brancard ofgolde, very rich , and of great
price, of the which gold the Indians tooke great flore
to carry to Xaxantalca , for the libertie and ranfome of
Atahulpa, when the Marquife Francu Pi'tyre held him
prifbner. The Licentiate Pol* found in his houfein Cttf
co9 his fervants and Mamacomas^ which did ferviccto
his memorie,and found that the body had bcfric tranC
ported from Patallafl/tto Totocachc , where the Spani
ards have fince founded the parifli of Saint Blaife. This
body was fo whole and preferved with a certainc rofin,
that it feemcd alivc,hc had his eyes made of a fine cloth
ofgolde, fo artificially fet,as they feemed very natural!
eyes, he had ablowe with a ftoneon the head , which
he had received in the wanes, he was all grey and hairy,
having loft no more haire than if hee had died but the
fame day, although it were feavcmy and eight yeares
fincchis deceafe. The forefeid Polo fent this body with
fome others of the Inguas^ to the cittie of Lima , by the
viceroyes commaund which was the Marquife of Ca-
nette, and the which was very ncccflary to root out the
idolatry of Cufco . Many Spaniards have fecne this bo
dy with others in the hofpitall of Sain t Andrew, which
the Marquife built, but they were much decayed. Don
Phillip Caritopa , who was grand-childe or great grand-
'childe to this ingua , affirmed that the trcaiiirc hee left
to his family was great , which fhould be in the power
of the Tar?AconaSi4mM:o,TotojMd others. To this Ingua,
fucccedcd TcpaivgHa Tupangm, to whom his fbn of the
famename fuccecded,, who founded the family called

Of

Hi/lone of the Indies. lib.

oftkcgruttf and moft famous Ingtw called Guagngcapa.
CHAP. 22.

this latter ingm fucceededGr//^v,fr^>which is
to fay, a yoong man, rich and valiant, 'and ib was
he in tmeth more than any of hispredeceilbrs , orfuc-
ceflbrs-. Hee was very wife, planting good orders the-
rowouthis whole rcalmc, hee was abold and refolute
man, valiant, and very happy in war-re. Hee therefore
obtained great vi&ories, and extended his dominions
much farther then all his predeceilbrs had done before
him5 he died in the realme ofj^#0> the which hekhad
conquered, foure hundred leagues diftant from his
court. The Indians opened him after his dcceafe, leav
ing his Iveart andentrailesrin guitto , the body was
carried to Cufid , the which was placed in the rcnow-
med temple of the Sunne. We fee yet to this day ma
ny cawfeies, buildings, fortrefles, and aowblc vvorkes
of this king : hee founded the familie of Terns Bamba,
This GtMynacApdWas worfhippcdof his fubiefefora
god, being yet alive, astheoldemenaffirme, which
was not doone to any of his predeceflburs . When he
died, they flew a thoufand perfons of his houfholde.jp
ferve hiny in the other life, all which died wiliingty for
his feivice^infomuch that many of them offered them-
(elves to death, befides fuchas wereappoynted: his ri
ches and treafure was admirable. And forafmuch as the
Spaniards entred (bone after his death , the Indians la
boured much to conccale all , although a great parte
thereof was carried to XXti&teSl&i , for the ranfome of
AtaMpahisfonnc. Somewoorthyof credite affirme
that he hadde above three hundred fonnes and grand.

Ii children

The y^aturalland Morall

children in Cufeo . .His mother called MtwAoella was
much efteemed amongft them.P<?/0 fent hir body with
thai of £04jfJMftfp* very well imhalrned to Z/w/r, root
ing out infinite idolatries. To Gttayrjacapa fucceeded in
C#/i:0afonneof his called TiiocufiigualpA , who fincc
was called Guafjtar Ingut, his body was burned by the
captaines of ^ta£#^<5who was likewife fonnc to Guaj~
nacapa, and rebelled in j^'/ttagainft his brother, mar-
ching againft him with a mighty armie . It happened
that gtttfquits and CMicnchi captains to Auhulp4}took
Guajpar Ingua in thecittieofC#/?05 being received for
Lord and king (for that hee was the lawfull fucceflbr)
which caufcd great forrowc throughout all his king*
dome, efpecially in his Court. And as alwayes in their
neceffities they had recourfe to {acrifices,finding them-
felves vnable to fet thek Lord at libertie, afwell : for the
great power the captaines had that tooke him , as alfo,
for the great army that came with Atahttlpa, they re-
folved ({bmc fay by the commaundement of this In-
gua] to make a great and folemnc facrifice to rtracocha
whjcb,fignifieth vnivcrfall Creator;

defiring him , that fince they c<mlde not deliver their
Lord, he would fend men from heaven to deliver him
from prifon. And as they were in this great hope,vpon
their facrifice, news came to them, that a certaihe eo-
jlecornebyfea, waslanded^and ha

prifoner. Hcerevpon they called the Spaniards VWACO-
chfM, bcleeving they were men fent from God, afwell
for the fmall number they were to take Atahulpa in Xa-
x&malcAy asalfo, forthatitchaunced after their facri
fice done to Viracocba, andjthereby they beganto^all
the Spaniards yiractchM, as they doe at this day. And
in truth, if we had given them good example, and fuch

as

Uiftorie of the Indie*, lib. & 4$ r

as we ought, thefe Indians had well applied it3in faying
they were men fent from God . It is a thing very well
worthy of confidcration , how thegreatneile and pro
vidence of God, difpofed of the entry of our men at
Peru, which had beene impoflible, were not the diflen-
tion of the two brethren and their partifans , and the
great opinion they hadde of chriftians , as of men fent
From heaven, bound (by the taking of the Indians
- countrey) to labour towinnefbulesvntoAlmightie
God.

.
C H A p. 23

'pHe reft of this fubied is handled at large by the Spa-
ni(h Writers in the hiftories of the Indies , and for
that it is not my purpofe, I will fpeake only of the fuc-
cefllon of the lng**s. Atahttlpa being dead in XaxawaL Jy .
CA , and Guafear in Cufto , and^/w^ Pizarre with his^
people having fcifcd on the realme , Mtwgocapa fbnne
toGuAjiucapA bcfiegedthemin Cufco very ftraightly:
but in the end he abandoned the whole Countrey ,and
retired himfclfe to Vilu Bawba,wl}crc he kept himfelfe
inthemountaines, by reafonof the rough anddiffi-
cult accefle, and there the fucceffbrc/w^^r remained,
vntill Amtro, who was taken and executed in the mar
ket place of Cufs9 , to the Indians incredible griefe
and ibr row, feeing iuftice doone vpon him publiquely
whonie they heldc for their Lorde . After which time,
they imprifoncd others of the linage of thefe Ingua*- 1
haveknowneD^C^rfcgrand-childeto GtMyntcapa,' \
and fon to Polo^ who was baptized, and alwaycs fav a-
red the Spaniards againft Mangocapa his brothef," when
the Mirquifc of Ctwttc governed in this Counm y ,

I i i Sarrito-

camcypon

aflfurance to the cirty pf'&iffgj 9 where there was given
to him the valley oi'Yttcay, and other things, to whom
fucceeded a daughter of his. Beholde the fuccefllon
which isknowneat this day of that great and rich fami-
lieof the /#£/MJ> whole, raignc continued above three
Imndredy^ercs, wherein they reckon eleaven fuccef-
forSjVnuIlitwaswholy extinguished . Intheotherli-
nage of Vriacttfco, which (as wehavefaid before) had
his beginning likewife from the firft Mdffgecapa, they
reckon eight fucceflbrs in this fort : T&MangpcafA fuc-
ceedsd Cincb&r/ic^ to him CapAC Tufangui, to him Liu-
quiTufangM, toliimMAjtacAfaestTarcogumarn, vnto
whome fucceedcd his fbnne, whome they name not,to
this ion fucceeded Don leax Tambo., MajUfana^a. This
fufEcethfortheoriginallaudfucceffion of the 1ngn<u+
that governed the land tfPeru , with that that I have
fpoken of their Lawes Gpyemement, and manner of
life.

-wede*
CHAP. 2.

Although you may fee by the hiftoric which ilialbe
written of the kingdomc,fuccefliou,& beginning
of the Mexicaines , their maner of common weak ^nd
governement, yet will I fpeake briefly what I {ball;
thinke fit ee in general! to be rnoft ohfci vcd : VVhei-cof
I will difcourfe more amply in the hiiioiie . The Ivft
point \vherebywe may iudge the Mexicaine governe*.
ment robe very politikc,is the order they had and kept
inviolable in the el e<5lion of their king ; forfince their
£j viitothgir^bft^which was Mete-^

Hiftorie ofthefndies. lib. 6. 485

, the fccondof that name, there came none to the
' crownc by rigEFof fucceffion , but by a la vvfull nomi-
nation and ele&ion . This eleflion in the beginning
was by thevoyceof the commons,although the chief?
men managed it. Since in the time of ifetalt the fourth
king,by the advife and order of a wife and valiant man,
called Tlacael, there were foure certayne Elc&ours ap-
poynted, which (with two lordes or kings fubieft to
the Mcxicaine, the one tfTefcuco, and the other of Tu-
cttba} had power to make this eledion. They did com-
monly choofe yoongmen for their kings,becaufe they
went alwayes to the warres , and this was in a manner
the chiefecaufe why they diefired them fo . They had
a fpeciall regard that they fhoulde be fit for the warres,
and take delight and glory therein .( After the elctfion 9^*/^
theymadetwookindesoffeaftsjtheonein taking poC
ftffion of the royal! eftate , for the which they went to
the Temple, making great ceremonies and facriffees
vppon the harth ^called Divine, where there was a con-
tinuall fire before the Altare of the idoll , and after
fome Rhethtfritians pra&ifed therein , made many O-
rations and Speeches. The other feaft,and the moft fb-
lempne, was at his coronation > for the which he muft
firft overcome in battell, and bring a certaine number J *

of captives, which they mult lactiiice to their gods; Kc ^
cntred in triumph with great pompe , making him a
folempne reception , afivell they of the Temple, who
went all in proceflion, founding on fundry fortes of
inftruments, giving inccnfe, and finging like Secular
men, as alfo the Courtiers, who came forth with their
devifes to receive the vidorious king.| The Crowne or
royall enfigne was before like to a My ter, and behindc
it was cut / fo as it was not roupd , for the fore partc

li \vas

4%

was higher, and did rife like a poynt . The king of Tef>
cuco had the privilege to crown the king of AfottVf.fi'he
Mexicaines havebeerae very duetifull and loyall vnto
their kings : and, it hath not beeneknowne that they
have pradifed any treafonagainftthern; onely their
Hiftories report, that they fought to* poifbn their king
called Ticocic, being a coward, andoffmall account;
but it is not found that there hath beencany diffcnti-
ons or partialities amongeft them for ambition, thogh
it be an ordinary thing in Comminalties : but contra-
riwifetheyreporte, as you (hall fee heercafter, that a
man, thcbeftoftheMexicaines, refufedthisrealme,
feeming vrito him to be very expedient for the Com-
mon-wealc to have an other king .jln the beginning
when the Mexicaines were but poore and wcake , the
kings were very moderate ia their expcnfes and in their
Court, but as they increafed in power, they incrcafed
likewifeinpompeandftate, vntill they came to the
greatncfle of Motepm^^^LJf. hee had had no other
thing but his houfe of beafts and birds . ithadbeenea
prowdc thing, the like whereof hath not becnefeenc:
for there was in this houie all fortes of fifh, birds of Xa-
camamM&n d beafts, as in an other Noahs Arke, for fea
fi(h, there were pooles of fait water, and for river fifli,
lakes of frefll- water, birds that do prey.werefcdde,and
likewife wilde beafts in great aboundaunce.-there.wcre
very many Indians imployed for the keeping of thcfe
beafts: and when hcfound an impoffibilitic to nourifh
any fort of fi(h,fowlc, or wilde beaft , hee caufed the i-
mageorlikenefTctobemade, richly cutte in pretious
ftones, filver, or goldc, in marble, or in ftone : and for
all fortes of entertrinements, hee had hisfeverallhou-
fesandpallacesp fome ofpleafure, others of forrowc

and

Hitforie oft&e fatties, lib. 6.

and mourning,and others to treate of the affairs of the
realme. There was in this pallace many chambers, ac
cording to the qualitie of noble men that ferved him,
vvfth a ftrarige order and diftindion .

Of the titles and dignities the Indians vfed.
CHAP. 25.

THe Mexicaiaes have beene very curious, to divide
the degrees and dignities amongft the Noble men
and Lords,that they might diftinguifh them to whom
they were to give the greateft honour. The dignity of
thefe foure Eledtors was the greateft, and mod honou
rable, next to the king, and they were chofen prefent-
ly after the kings ele&ion. They were commonly bro
thers, or very oearc kinfmen to theking, and were cal
led TUcehecdcalt , which fignifies prince of darts, the
which they caft , being a kind of armes they vfe much.
The next dignitic to this, were thofc they doe call TU-
catec4tiy which is to fay,circumcifers or cutters of men.
The third dignitic were of thofe which they called J^-
T(uAhuAcalt, which fignifies a (header of blood. All the
which Titles and Dignities were exercifed by men of
warre . There was another a fourth intituled , Tlilm-
calquiy which is as much to (ay , as Lord of the blacke
houfe, or of darkenefle, byreafon of certaine incke
wherewith the Priefls annoynted themfelves, and did
ferve in their idolatries J All thefe foure dignities were
of the great Counfell, without whofeadvife the king
might not doc any thing of importance : and the king
being dead, they were to choofc another in his place
out of one of thofc foure dignitiesJBefides the(e,therc
were other Counfellsand Audiences, and fomefay

I i 4 there

tte J^atttrallantlMorall

there were as many as in S faint , and that there were
divers feates and iurifdidions, with their Counfellers
and ludges of the Court, and others that were vndct
them3as Considers, chick Judges, captaincs of luftice,
Licvetenants, and others, which svere yet inferiour to
thcfe5 with a very goodly-order . All which depended
on the foure firft Princes that affifted the king . Thefc
fpure onely had authoritie and power to condemne to
death , and the reft fent them infh udion* of the (en-
tjcnccs they had given . By meanes whereof they gave
the king to vnderftand what had pafled in his Realme.
There Was a good order and fettled policie for the
revenues of the Crovvne , for there were officers divi
ded throughout all the provinces, as Receivers and
preafurers, which received the Tributes and roy all re-
venews . And they carried the Tribute to the Court,
|t the leaft every moneth • which Tribute was of all
things that doe growe or ingender on the land , or in
the water , afvvell of iewells and apparrell, as of meat.
Jh.ey were very carefullfor the well ordering of that
which concerned their religion, fiiperftition,and ido
latries : and for this occafion there were a great num
ber of Minifteis, to whom charge was given to teach
the people the cuftorne and ceremonies of their Lavve.
Heerevppon one day a chriftian Prieft made his com-
plaint that the Indians were no good Chriftians , and
did not profite in the lawe of God- an olde Indian an-
fwered him very well ta the purpofein thefe termes :
LetthcPriffl (faidehee) imptoy as much care and dili
gence to make the Indians chnftiAns , ^ the mimfters ofl-
doUes did to teach them their ceremonies ^ for ntithhal$ that
care they will make its the be ft chriftians in the mrtde, for
that tht lawe oflefa 'Chrift u much better 5 but the Indians

teams

Hittorie of the Indies, lib.rf. 487

tonu it not , for wtnt tfinen to inflruft them . Wherein
hee fpake the very trueth, to our great flume and con-
fufion.

Km the MexicuntsmAdt W*rrt>*nd of their Orders of
Knighthood CHAP. 26*

THe Mexictiws gwe the firft place of honour to
the profeffion of armes, and therefore the Noble
men are their chiefe fouldiers, and others that were
not noble , by their valour and reputation gotten in
warres,came to dignities and honours, fo as they were
held for noblemen.They gave goodly recompen ces to
fuch as had done valiantly , who inioyed priviledges
that none elfe might have, the which did much incou-
rage thcm.Their armes were of rafors of fharpc cutting
-flints , which they fet on either fide ofa ftaffe , which
was fo furious a weapon , as they affirmed that with
one blow, they would cut off the neckc ofa horfc.
They had ftrangeand heavy clubbesjances, falhioned
like pikes, and other maner of dartestocaft} wherein
they were very expert 5 but the greateft part of their
combate was performed with ftones. For defenfive
armes they had little rondaches or targets , and fomc
kind of morions or head-peeces invironed with fea
thers. They were clad in the skinnes of Tigres, Lions,
and other fauagebcafts.They camepreftntly to hands
with the enemie , and were greatly pradifed to run nc
and wreftle,for their chiefe maner orcombate,was not
fb much to kilI5as to take captives, the which they vftd
in their facrifices, as hath beene faide.J Moteyimtfot
Knighthood in his higheft fp!?ndor,ordaining certainc
militarie orders^as Comiuanderspwith certainemarkes

and

and cnfignes. The moft honourable amongeftthe
Knightcs, were thofe that carried the Growne of their
haire,tied with a little red ribband,having a rich plume
of feathers/rom the which, did hang branches of fea
thers vpon their fhoulders, & roules of the feme. They
carried fo many of thefc rowles, as they had done
worthy dcedes in warre. The King himfelfe was of this
order, as may be leene in Chapultepec, where Motecuma,
and bis fonnes were attyred with thofe kindes of fea
thers , cutintherocke, the which is worthy the fight.
There was another order of Knighthood , which they
called the Lions and the Tigres, the which were com
monly the moft valiant and moft noted in warre, they
went alwaies with their roarkes and armories. There
were other Knightcs,as thegrcy Knightes , the which
were not fb much refpecfted as the reft : they had their
haire cut round about the eare. Theywcntjtothe'war
with markeslike to the other Knightes , yet they were
not armedjbut to thegirdle, and the moft honourable
were armed all over. All Knightes might carry goldc
and filver, and weare rich cotton, vfe painted and gilt
vcflell,and carry fliooes after their manerrbut the com
mon people might vfe none but earthen veficll , ney-
thcr might they carry fliooes, norattyre themfelves
but in Necptenjfas. which is a grofle ftuffe. Every order
of thefc Knightes had his lodging in the pallace noted
with their markes; the firft w<-Ts called the Princes lodg
ing , the fecond of Eagles , the third of Lions and Ti
gres, and the fourth of the grey Knightes. The other
common officers , were lodged vnderneath in meaner
lodgings; if any one lodged out of his place,he fuffred
death.

of

Htifam of the Indies, lib.rf.

Ofthegrett order anddilligenct the Mexicaines
vfed to inftrutt their youth.
CHAP. 27. '

ere is nothing that gives me more caufc to ad-
mire, nor that I findc more worthy of commenda
tions and memory , then the order and care the Mexl.
ctines had to nourifti their youth : for they knew well,
that all the good hope of a common-wealc , confifted
in the nurture and inftitution of youth, wher eo£Plat*
trcates amply in his bookcs De Legibuf : and for this
reafon they laboured and tooke paines to fequefter
their children from delights and liberties, (which are
the two plagues of this age,) imploying them in ho-
neftand profitable cxercifcs. For this caufc there was
in their Temples, a private houfe for childeren , as
fchooles, or colledgcs , which was feperate from that
of theyong men and maidcs of the Temple, whereof
we have difcourfed at largee . There were in thefe
fchooles a great number of children, whom their fa
thers did willingly bring thither , and which had tea
chers and matters to inftruft them in all commendable
excrcifes, to be of good behaviour, to refpeft their fti-
periors, toferveand obey them , giving them to this
end,certaine precepts and inftrudions. And to the end
they might be pleafingto Noblemen , they taught
them to fing-and dance, and did pradife them in the
cxercifeofwarrejfometoflioote an arrow, tocafta
dartoraftafFeburnt at the end, and to handle well a
target and a fword. \They fuffcrcd them not to fleepe
much , to the end they might accuftome themfelves
to labour in their youth , and were not pen given to

delightes,

49.'° The J^aturattand MoraU

dclightes. Befidcs the ordinary number of thele chil
dren , there were in the fame collcdges, other children
of Lordes and Noblemen r the which wereinftru&ed
more privately. They benight them their ineate and
ordinary from their houfes, and were recommended
to antients and old men to have care over them , who
continually did advifc them to be vertuous and to live
chaftetyj to be foberin their diet, to faft, and to march
gravely ,and with meafure. They were accuftomed to
cxcrcifc them to travcll,and in laborious cxercifes.-and
when they fee them inftruded in all thefe things, they
did carefully looke into their inclination: if they found
any one addided to the war, being of fufficient yeares,
they fought all occafions to make triall of them , fen
ding them to the warre, vnder colour to carry vidualls
and munition to the fouldiers , to the end they might
there fee what pafled,and the labour they fuffered. And
that they mightabandon all feare,they were laden with
heavy burthens 5 that ihevving their courage therein,
they might more cafily be admitted into the compa
ny of fouldiers. By this fneancs it happened, that
many went laden to the Armie, and returned Cap-
tames with rnarkes of honour. Some of them were
fo defiroiis to bee noted , as they were eyther ta
ken, orllaine: and they held it lefife honourable to rc-
maine a prifbner. And therefore they fought rather to
be cut in peeccs , .then to fall captives into their ene
mies hands. S ee ho wNoblemens children that were
^/ . j. inclined tothcwarres wereimployed.lTheothers that
had their inclination to matters of the i'emple; and to
fpeakc after our maner,to be Ecclcfiaftical men, having
attained to (iifficient yeares, they were draw ne out of
the colledge , and placed in the temple, in the lodging

appointed

Htftme of th:s Indies lib.tf.

appointed for religious men, and then they gave them
the orders of Ecclefiafticall men. There had they pre
lates and matters, to teach them that which concerned
their profeffion, where they fliould remaine being de-
(lined therevnto. Thefe Mexicaims tooke great care to
bring vp their children : if at this day they would" fol
low this order, in building of houfes and colledges for
the inftrudlion ofyouth, without doubt Chriftianiti*
fliould florifli much amongft the Indians.Some godly
perfonshavcbegunne, and the King with his Coun-
fell have favored it: but for that it is a matter of no pro-
fit,they advancelittle,andprocecdc coldly. God open
our eyes, that we may fee it to pur fhame , feeing that
we Chriftians do not that which the children of duke-
ties -'did to their perdition, wherin weforgetour duties.

Of the Indians fiafts <wd dances.

CHAP. 28.
-

Y} Orafrnuch as.it is a thing which partly dependes of
17 the good government of the Common-weale > to
have fomc plaies and recreations when time fcrves; it
(hall not be from the purpofe , to relate what the Indi
ans did heerein,efpecia!Iy the Afextcaines.We have not .
difcotfered any Nation at the Indies , that live in com-
minalties, which have not their recreations, in plaies,
dances, and exercifes of pleafure. At Peru I have ftene
plaies in maner of combats, where the men of both
fides were fometimes fo chafed, that often their Paella
(which wds the name of this exercife, ) fell out to be
dangerous. I have al(b feene divers fortes of dances,
wherein they did counterfait and reprefent ccrtaine
trades and omces^as (lieepheards^ laborers, fifliers, and

hunters,

49 z The y^aturall and Mora If

hunters, and commonly they made all thofe dances,
with a very grave found and pafe : there were other
dances and maskes, which they called Guacoflcs, whofe
a&ions were pure rcprefentations of the divell. There
were alfo men that dance on the flioulders one of ano
ther, as they do in Portugal!, the which they call PacUaf.
Thegreateft part of thefe dances, were iiiperftitions,
dftd kindes of idolatries : for that they honoured their
idoIlsandC7»/ttv# in that maner. For this reafon the
Prelates have laboured to takefrom them thefe dances,
all they could: but yet they fuffer them, forthatpartof
them are but fportes of recreation , for alwaies they
dance after their mancr.) In theft dances, 'they vfe fun-
dry fortes of inftruments,whereof,fome are like flutes,
or little Canons , others like drummes, and others like
cornets : but commonly they fing all with the voyce,
andfirftoneortwofingthcfong, then all the reft an-
fwer them.Some of thefe fongs were very wittily com-
pofed, contayning hiftories, and others were full of fu-
perftitionSjandfome were meerc follies. Our men that
have converted among them, have laboured to reduce
matters of our holy faith to their tunes, the which hath
profited well : for that they imploy whole daies to re-
hearfc and fing them, for the great pleafure and con*
tentthey take in their tunes, They have likewife put
our compofitions of muficke into their language , as
O#aves,Songs,and Rondcl!s,the which they have ve
ry aptly turned^and in truth it is a goodly and very ne-
cefiary meanes to inftrud the people/ In Peru,ihey
commonly called dances, Tagri, in other Provinces,
*3taft*f,ai)d in MexicOiMittottesfthere hath not becne
in any other place, any fuch cimofirie of plaies and
dances , as in new Sfme, where at this day we fee In.

dians

Hi ftorie of the Indies lib. 6.

dians fo excellent dancers, asitis admirable. Some
dance vpon a cord , fbme vpon a long and ftraight
ftake, in a thoufand fundrie fortes, others with the
foules of their fcete and their ham roes, do handle, caft
vp and receive againe a very heavy blocke, which feems
incredible but in feeing it . They do make many other
fhevves of their great agilitie, in leaping, vaulting, and
tumbling, (bmetiraes bearing a great and heavic bur
then, fbmetimes enduring blovves able to breakea
barre of yron. But the moft vfuall exercife of recreati-
on among the Mexicaines is the folemne MittQttt, and
that is a kinde of daunce they held fo brave and fo ho*
norable that the king himfelfedaunced, but not ordi
narily , as the king Don Pedro of Arragon with the Bar-
ber of Valencia. This daunce or Mittotte was common*
ly midein the Courts of theTemple, and in thofeof
the kings houfes,which were more fparious. They did
place in the midft of the Court two inftruments, one
likctoadrumme, and the other like a barrellmadeof
onepeece, and hollow within, which they fetvppon
the forme of a man, a beaft, or vpon a piller.

Thcfe two inftruments were fo well accorded toge
ther, that they made a good harmony : and with thefe
inftruments they made many kinds of Aires,& Songs.
They did all fing-cmd dance to the found and meafure
of thefe inftruments, with fo goodly an order and ac
cord ,both of their feete and voices,as it was a pleafint
thing to beholde . In thefe daunces they made twoo
circles or wheeles, the one was in the middeft ncere to
the inftruments , wherein the Aunticnts|and Noble
men did fing and daunce with a foftcr and flowe mo
tion; and the other was of the reft of the people round
about theixijbut a good diftancefroni the firft, where-

vcrs

404 ^e y^dturall andMorall

in they daunccd two and two more lightly, making di-
verfe kindcs of pafes, with ccrtaine leapes to the.mea-
fiire. All which together made a very great circIe.They
attired themfelves for thefe dances with . their moft prc>
tious apparrelland iewelles, every one according to Iris
abilitie, holding it for a very honorable thing r for this
caufe they learned thefe daunces from their infancie.
And although the greateft parte of them were doone
in honor of their Idolles, yet was it not fo inftitwed,as
hath bin faid, but only as a recreation and paftime for
the peopIe.Therefore it is not convenient to take them
quite from the Indians, but they muft take good heed
they mingle not their fuperftitions amongefi them . I
have feerie this Mittittc, in the court of the Church of
Tfipetzotlw, a village feaven leagues from Mexico : and
in my opinion,it was a good thing to bufie the Indians
vpon feftivall dayes, feeing they have needeof feme
recreation : and becaufe it is publike , and without the
prejudice of any other 5 there is leile inconvenience,
, trjan in others which may be done privately by them-
lelves,if they tooke away thefe. Wemufttherforecon-
clude,folowing thecounfclof pope(?r^ry,that it was
very convenient to leave vnto the Indians, that which
they have had vfaally ofcuftom,fo as they be not min
gled nor corrupt with their antient errors,& that their
feafts and paftimcs may be to the honor of God and of
the Saints,whofe feafts they celebrate . This may fuf-
fice in gencrall of the maners and politike cuftonics of
the Mexicaines . And as for their bcginning,increafe,
and Empire, for that it is an ample matter, and .will be
* pleafant to vnderdand from the beginning,we will in-

trcatc thereof in the Booke following.

THE

SEVENTH BOOKE

of the Naturalland Morall Hi-

florie of the Indies.

That it u profitable to vndtrfiand the &tte$ and get/Is aftht
Indians, e$e daily of tht 2*1 ex< wines.

CHAP. i.

Very Hiftory wel vvrittea
is profitable to the reader:
For as the Wife man faith,
rbat which hath bi»,ig, <ind
that which Jliall be , is that
which hath becne: Humane
things have much refcm-
blanceinrhemfelves, and
fomc growe w;ie by that
which happneth to others.
There is no Nation , how barbarous foever, that have
not fomethinginthem, good, .and woorthy of com
mendation • nor Cominomvealefo well ordered,that
hath not fomcthing blame-worthy,and to be control-

K k led,

^ 6 The

led . If therefore there were no other fniite in the Hi-
ftorie and Narration of the deedesand gefts of the In
dians, but this commorf vtilitie, to be-a Relation or
Hiftorie of things,thc which in the cffed of truth have
happened , it deferveth to be received as a profitable
thing, neither ought it to be reieded, for that it con-
cernes the Indians. As we fee that thofe Authors that
treate of naturall things , write not onely of generous
bcafts, notable and rare plants, and ofpretious ftones,
but alfoof wildebeafts, common hearbs, and bale and
vulgar ftones 5 for that there is alwaycs inthemfome
properties worthy obfervation.If therefore there were
nothing elfc in this Difcourfe, but that it is a Hiftorie,
and no fables nor fidions, it were no vnwooi thy fub-
iedtobewritten5orread. There is yet an other more
particular reafon , which is, that wee ought heerein to
cfteeme that which is woorthyofmemorie, both for
that it is a Nation little efteemed,and alfo a fubied dif
ferent from that of our Europe , asthefe Nations be,
wherein wee fliould take moftpleafureandcontent5to
vnderftand the ground of their beginning,their maner
of life, with their happy and vnhappy adventures. And
this fubied is not onely pleafantand agreeable,butalfo
profitable, efpecially to fuch as have the charge to rule
and governe them; for the knowledge of theiradls in
vites vs to give credite, and dooth partely teach howe
they ought to fye intreatcd : yea it takes away much of
that common and foolifli contempt wherein they of
Eftropeholde them, fuppofing that thofe Nations have
no feeling of reafon. Forintruethweecan notcleere
this errour better , than by the true report of theades
and deedes of this people . I will therefore as briefely
as I can , in treate of the beginning , proceedings ana

notable

Hijlorie of the Indies, lib, 7, 4.97

notable deedes of the Mexicaincs, whereby ween^y
know the time and the difpofition that the high God
wpuldechoofc , to fend vntothefe Nations the light
of the Gofpel of lefus Chrift his only fonneour Lord,
vvhotne Ibefeech to fecond our fmall labour, that it
may be to the glory of his Divine greatnes 5 and fome
profite to theie people , to whome hee hath imparted
the lawc of his holy gofpel.

of the iintient Inhabit ants of New Spaine, a-ndkow tht
Navatlacas came thither. CHAP. 2.

antientand firft Inhabitants of thofe provinces,
which wee call Ne\y Spaine, were men very barba
rous and ftvage, which lived onely by hunting, for this
reafon they were called chichimeca*. They did neither
fbwe nor till the ground, neither lived they together;
for all their exercife was to hunt, wherein they were
very expert. They lived in the rougheft partes of the
mountainesbeaftlike, without any pollicie , and they
went all naked. They hunted wilde beads, hares,con-
nies, weezlcs,tnowles, wilde cattes,and birdes- yea vn-
cleane beads, asfnakes, lizards, locufts and wgrmes,
whereon they fed, with fbme hearbs and rootcs. They
flept in the mountaincs,in caves and in bu(hes,and the
wives likewift went a hunting with their husbandes,
leaving their yoong children in a little panier of reeds,
tied to the boughs of a tree, which defired not to fuck
vntill they were returned from hunting. They had no
fuperiors , nor did acknowledge or worQiip any gods,
neyther had de any manner of ceremonies or religion.
There is yet to this day in New Spaine of this kindc
ofpcople, which live by their bowcs and arrowes , the

K k 2 which

The S^aturallanJ Moral!

which are very hurtful!, for that they gather together
in troupes to doe mifchiefe,and to robbe : neither can
the Spaniards by force or cunning reduce them to any
policie or obedience : for having no tovvnes nor pla
ces of refidence 3 to fight with them, were properly to
hunt after favage Ucafts , which fcatter and hide them-
felves in the moft rough and covered places of the
: mountain es . Such is their mancr of living even to this
day, in many Provinces of \htlndics. InthcBookes
Eeprocuranda Indiontrnfalutty they difcourfe chiefly of
this fort of Indians , where it is faide that they are to be
conft rained and fubie&cd by fbme honeft force , and
that it is necdlary firft to teach them, that they arc
men, and then to be Chriftians . Some will fay , that
thofc in New Spaine, which they call Ottoinies, were of
this fort, being commonly poore Indians , inhabiting
a rough and barren Iand3andyc£ they are in good n urn-
bers,and live together with feme order,and fuch as do
know them, find them no lefleaptand capable of mat
ters of chriftian religion, than others which are held to
be more rich and better governed. Comming there
fore to our fubie&, the Chichimccas z&dQitowics which
were the full inhabitants of New Spaine , for that they
did neyther till nor (owe the land , they left the beit
and moil fertile of the country vnpeopled^vhich, Na
tions that came from farredid pofTefTe , whome they
called Vtyvatalcat , for that it w-asamorecivillandpo-
litike Nation ; this word fignifies a people that fpeakes
\vell,in refpecl of other barbarous nations without rca-
fon . Thcfefccond peoplers Navatalcas, came from o-
ther&recou'ntriesjwhkh lie toward the north,where-
POW they have difcovered a kingdome they call New
'Mexico.

There

es. lib. 7.

There are two provinces in this coun trey, the one
called j4%tl*#,\vliich is to fay a place of Herons : the o-
thcr TKttifauc*** which fignifies a land of fuch,whofe
grandfathers were divine . The Inhabitants of thefe
provinces havethcir houfes, their lands tilled,gods;cu-
ftomes, and ceremonies, with like order and governc-

ment to thcNavAUlau^ and are divided into feaven
Tribes or Nations :andTor that they havea cuftomein
this province, that every one of thefe linages hath his
place and private territory. The Ntvatalca paint their
beginning and firft territory in figure of a cave,and fay
that they came forth of feaven caves to come and peo
ple the land of Mexico, whereof they make mention in
their Hiftorie, where they paint feavcn caves and men
comming forth of them . By the fuppiitation of their
bookes,it is above eight hundred yeeres fince thefe Na.
vatalfas came foorth of their country, reducing which
to our accompt, was about the yecrc of our Lord 710.
when they left their country to come to Mexico , they
flayed foure fcorey cares vpon the way; and the caufc
of this their long ftayin their voyage, was, that their
gods (which without doubt werc*divells, and fpake vi-
fibly vnto them ) had perfwaded them to feekenew
lands that had certainc fignes. And therfore they came
difcovering the whole land 3 to fearch for thefe tokens
which their Idolls had given them^and in places where
they found any good dwellings, they peopled it, and
laboured theland,and as they difcovered better coun
tries, they left thofc which they had firft peopled- leav
ing ftill fome , efpecially the aged, ficke \ olkes,and the
weary 5yea they did plant and build there, whereof we
fee the remainders at this day. In the way where they
paffed, thcyfpentfourefcorc yeares in this manner of

K k i Icafurdy

500 The ^(aturallandMoratt

leifurely travell,- the which they might have done in 3
moneth.By this meanes they entred the land ofMexi-
to, hi the yeare nine hundred and two, after our com
putation.

Hm tbefix Linages of Navatlacas peopled the land
^Mexico. C H A P. jj,

THefefeaven Linages I have fpoken of, came not
forth all together : the firft were the Suclnmilcos^
which fignifie a Nation of the feedcs of flowers. Thofe
peopled the bankes of the great lake ofMex/co towards
the South , aud did build a cittie of their name , and
many villages. ILong time after came they of thefe*
cond linage called Chalcas , which fignifies people of
mouth es^vhoalfo built a cittie of their name, dividing
their limmits and territories with the Suckbmk&:\E\\e
third were the Tcpanccans, wrhich fignifies people of
thebridge : they didinhabite vpon the banke of the
lake towards the Weft, and they increafcd fb , as they
called the chiefe and Metropolitane of their Province,
4&c*p&%altt ; which is to fay, an Ants neft , and they
continued long time mighty. After them came thole
that peopled Tefiuco, which be thofc ofcMtia, which
is to lay, a crooked people : for that in their Countrcy
there was a mountaine much bending. And in this
fort this lake was invironcd with theft foure Nations,
thefe inhabiting on theEaft, and theT<?/^#<r<r^on the
, North. Thefe of Ttfittc*, werg held for great Gourd-
ers,for their tongue and pronoun nation is very fweetc
and pleafant.tr hen arrived theTM///V/i^Avhich fi^ni*
fies men of tne Sierre or mountaine. Thofe were the
moft rudeand grofle of all the reft? who finding all the

plaines

Hifiorie oftlejndm. lib. j. 501

plaines about the lake ppflefled even vnto the Stem',
they pafled to the other fide of the mountaine , where
they found a very fertile, fpatious & warme countrey,
where they built many great villages, calling the Me-
tropolitane of their province gtzhunAchm , which is
as much to fay, as a place that {bunds the voice of an E-
gle, which our common people call by corruption,
gutrnavacd^nd at this day they call this province, the
Mtrqttifttc. Thofe of the fixt generation, which are the
Tlaftaltecans, which is to fay, men of bread , pafied the
mountaine towards the eaft , croffing all the Stern* or
mountaine QfMcvaJe, where that famous Vulcan is be-
tvvixt Mexico and the citty of Angells, where they did
findea good country, making many buildings. They
built many towncs and citties, whereof the Metropo-
litane was called by their name Tlafcala. This is the na
tion which favoured the Spaniards at their entrie , by
whofe help they did vvinne this country,and therefore
to this day they pay no tribute,but enioy a generall ex-
cmptionjWhen all thefe Nations peopled thefe coun
tries, tiieChmchimecans being the an tient inhabitants,
made no rcfiftance, but fledde, and as peopleamased,
they hid themfelves in the moft obfcare of the rockes.
But thofe that inhabited on th'other fide of the moun
taine where the TUfcaltecans had planted tliemfelves,
did not fuffer them in quiet,as the reft of the Clrichime-
cans had done, but they put themfelves in defence to
preferve their country , and being giants as the Hifto-
ries report, they fough| to expcll the laft commcrs, but
they were vanquiflit by the policy of the Tkftdltecan?,
who counter&ttinga peace with them , th,ey invited
them to a great banquet 5 and when they werebufieft
in their drunkenncs," there vverefome laide in ambufh,

K k 4 who

501 The 3\(attirall-4nJ MoraS

who fccretly ftole away their weapons , which were
great clubbes, targets, {words of wood,and other fuch
armes . Then did they fodainely fet vpon them , and
the Chicbimects feeking to defend themfelves,they did
want their armes,fo as they fled to the mountainesand
forrefts adioynirig, where they pulled downe trees, as
if they had bcene ftalkes of letticcs . But in the end, the
Tlufealtecaifs being armcd,and marching in order, they
defeated all the giants,not leaving one alive. We muft
, notholdethisofthegiantstobeftrange,orafable5 for
atthisday we finde dead mens bones of an incredible
bignes.

When I was in Mexico , in the yearc of our Lorde,
one thoufand five hundred eighty^fixe^they found one
of thofe giants buried in one of our farmes , which we
call lefa dit Mwt,of whom they brought a tooth to be
fecne, which (withoutaugmenting) was as big as the
fift of a man, and according to this, all the reft was pro
portionable, which I faw and admired at his deformed
greatnes . ThcTlafealteuns by this vidory remained
peaceable, and fb did the reft of the linages . ^Thefefix
linages did alwayes entertaincamitie together, marry*
ing their children one with another, and dividing their
limites quietly : then they ftudicd with an emulation to
encreafeandbeautifie their common-weale . Thebar-
barous ChicbM^AVs^fecing what paflfed, begannc to
vfe feme governement,and to apparrell thenifelves,.fee-
ing afliamed of what had paflcd : for till then they had
no fliame. And having abandoned feare by their com
munication with thefe other people , they begannc to
learne many things of them, building fmall cottages,
having fbrne pollicie and governement. They did alfo
choofe Lordcs, whom they did acknowledge for their

fuperiors,

Htitorie of the Indies, lib.y. 505

fuperiours , by meanes whereof they did in a manner
quite abandon this brutifli life, yet did they alwaycs
continue in the Mountaines divided from the reft.
Notwithstanding I hold it forccrtainc, that this
feare hath growne from other Nations and Provinces
of the Indies, who at the firft were favage men , who li
ving onely by hunting, piercing the rockie and rough
countries, difcovcringanevv world , the inhabitants
whereof were almoft like favage beafts, without cove
rings or houfcs, without tilled landes, without cattell,
without King,Law,God,or Reafon. Since,others fee-
king better and new lands,inhabited this fertile Coun-
trey, planting pollitike order, and a kinde of common-
weale,although it were very barbarous. After the fame
men, or other Nations , that had more vnderftanding
then the reft,laboured to fubdueand opprefle the leffc
mighty, eftablifhing Realities and great Empires. So it
happened in Mexico, at Peru, and in fomc partes where
they finde Citties and Coinmon-weales planted a-
mong thefe Barbarians. That which confirmes me in
my opinion, (whereof I have amply difcouried in the
firft bookejthat the firft inhabitants of the Weft Indies
came by land, and fb by confcquence, that the firft
continent of the /#<//>*, ioynes with thatof AfaEurope^
and Affrikc, and the new world with the old,although
they have not yet difcovercd any countrcy that tou-
cheth and ioynes with the other world-or if there-bea
ny fea betwixt the two5it is fo narrovv,that wilde beafts
may eafily fwim over,and men in fmall boates. But lea
ving this Philofophie, let vs rcturnc to our hiftory.

504-

Of the MexicAines departure ^fthttr tourney And
filing the Province 0/Mechovacan.
CHAP. 4.

THree hundred and two yeares after theforpier
two linages had left their Country, to inhabite
new Sfaintjhe Country being now well peopled, and
reduced to fomeformc of government. Thofeofthe
feaventh cave or line arrived , yvhichis the Mcxicnine
Nation , the which like vnto the reft, left the Province
of -4^/4», and TeucttlhtMcan, a pollitike, courtlikc, and
warlike Nation. They did vvorfliip the idoll Fit^(6f»t^
// , whereof ample mention hath beene made, and the
divcll that was in this idoll fpake , and governed this
Nation eafily. This idoll commanded them to leave
their Country , promifing to make them Princes and
Lords over all the Provinces which the other fix Nati
ons didpoflefle* thathee would give them a land a-
bounding with gold, filver, pretious ftones, feathers,
and rich mantells : whcrevpon they went forth, car-
rying their idoll with them in a coffer of i cedes, fuppor-
tedby fourc of their principal! priefts 5 with whom he
di^talke and reveale vnto them in fecret, thefucccfle
of their way and voyage,advifing them of what (hould
happen.He likevvife gave them lawes, and taught them
the ctiftomes, ceremonies , and facrifices they fliould
obferve. They did not advance nor moove without
commandement from this idoll. He gave thenvnorice
when to march, and when to ftay in any place, wherc-
kuhcy wholy obeyed him. Thefirft thing they did
whcrefbever they came, was to build a houfe.or taber
nacle for their falfe god , which they ict alwaies in the

middeft

HiHorie of the Indies, lib.y. 505

middeft of their Campc, and there placed the Arke vp-
pon an altare, in the fame manner as they have vfed in
the holy Chriftian Church. This done, they fowed
their land for bread and pulfes, which they vfed : and
they were fo addi&ed to the obedience of their god,
that if he commanded them to gather, they gathered,
but if he commanded them to raife their campe, all
was left there for the nourifhment of the aged, ficke^
andwearie, which they left purpofcly from place to
place, that they might people it, pretending by this
meanes, that all the land fliould remaine inhabited by
their Nation. This going forth and peregrination of ^
the Mexicames, will happily feeme like to that of Egyft ,
and to the way which the children of 7/JW//made, fee-
ing that they, as well as thofe, were warned to go forth,
and to feeke the land of prornife, and both the one, and
the other, carried their god for their guide, confulted
with the arke,and made him a tabernacle, a'nd he advi-
fed themj giving them lawesand ceremonies,and both
the one, and the other,fpake many yeares in their voy
age to their promifed land , where we obfervethere-
fembhnce of many other things,as thchiftpries^of the
Mexicainss do report , and the holy fcripture teftifie of
the Ifraelites. And without doubt it is a true thing,that -
theDivell the prince of pride, hath laboured by the
fuperftitions of this Nation, to counterfaite & imitate1
that which the mod high God did with this Nation:
for as is (aid before, Satan hath a ftrange defire to com*
pare and make himfrlfe equal with God.-foas this mor-
tall enemy hath pretended falfely to vfurpe what com
munication and familiaritie he hath pleafed with men.
Was there everdivell found fo familiarly converfant
tvith mcn,as this divell ritztifut^li* We may weliudgc

what

The y^aturall andMorall

what he was , for that there was never feene nor heard
fpeake of cuftomes more fuperftitious, nor facrifices
more cruel and inhumane, then thofe which he taught
them. To conclude , they were invented by the ene
my of mankinde. The chiefe and Captaine whome
"*~~- *******- they follow cd,was called Mexi> whence came the name
of U exico& ofthcMtxicaiffe Nation.This people mar
ching thus at leifure,as the other fix Nations had done,
peopling and tilling the land in divers panes, whereof
there is yet feme fliewes & ruines:& after they had en
dured many travells and dangers,in the end they came
to the Province of Mechovacan> which is as much to fay,
M as a land of fifli, for there is great abundance in goodly
great lakes, where contenting themfelvcs with the fci-
tuationand temperature of the ground, they refblved
to flay there. Yet having confulted with their idoll
vpon this point, and finding him vnwilling, they de
manded licenfe to leave fbme of their men to people
fb good a land, the which he granted, teaching them
thcmeaneshowtodoit, which was, that when the
men and women fliould beentred into a goodly lake
called PaCcuarOy to bathe thcmfelvcs, thofe which re-
mainca on land^ fhould fteale away all their clothes,
and then fecretly raife their campc , and depart with
out any bruite , the which was effected, and the reft
which dreamt not of this deceit, (for the pleafure they
tookein bathing, ) comming forth and finding them-
felves fpoiled of their garments, and thus mocked and
left by their companions , they remained difcontented
and vexed therewith : fo as to make fh ew of the hatred
they had conceived againft them, they fay that they
changed their maner of life and their language. At the
kaft ids moft certaine,that \hcMe;hovacans have been

alwaies

Htflorie'ofth? Indies lib. 7.

alwaics enemies to the Mexicums, and therefore they
came to congratulate tfie Marquife£>e^&, after his
vidiory obtained when he had conquered Mexico.

Of that which happened in

Chapultepec. CHAP.

FRom MccbovacaniQ Mexico >MZ a
and vpon the way is MalwdkojNhcrc it happened.
that complaining to their idoll of a woman that, was a
notable witch, which came in their company carrying
the name of their fifter to their god , for that with her
wicked artes fliedid them much harme, pretending
by certaine tiKanes to be worshipped of them as their
goddefTe.-the idoll fpake in adreame to one of .thofe
old men that carried the arke, cooimaunding him to
comfort the people , making them new and great pro-
mifes,and that they fliould leave this hisjjfter with her
family , being cruell and bad , raffing their campe at
mid-night in great filence , leaving no (hew what way
they palled. So they did , and the witch remaining a-
lone with her family , in this fort peopled a towne
which they call Malinalcoyt\\£ inhabitants whereof,arc
held for great forcerers , being iffued from fucb a mo
ther. The Mextcaiws fox that they were greatly dimi-
ni(hedbythe(e divifions., and by the number of ficke;
& wearied perfbns, which they had left Behind, meant
to repaire themrdves,and to ftay in a place called TuU,
which fignifies a place of reedes.There their idoll com*
manded them to ftoppe a great river, that it might co-'
ver a great plaine , "and by the meanes he taught them,
they did inviron a little hill calledjTcyfty^ , making a
great lake, the which they did plantrbund about witfi

5o8

willows,elmes,fapines and other trees. There beganne
to brcedc much fi(h,and many burdes came thither : fo
as it became a very pleaiant place. The fcituation of
this place, feeming pkafant vnto them, and being
wearied with traveil , many talked of peopling there,
and to paffe no farther: wherewith the divcll was much
difpleafed,threatning the priefts withdeatb,comman-
ding them to returne the river to hir courfe/aying that
-.he would that night chaftife thofe which hadbeene
difobedient as they had deferved . And as to do ill is
proper to the Divell , and that the divine luftice doth
often fuffer fuch to be delivered into the hands of fuch
a tormentor, that choofe him for their god$ It chanced
that about mid-night they heard a great noife in one
partofthecampe, and in the morning going thither,
they found thofe dead that had talked of flay ing there.
Themaner of their death, was, that their ftomackcs
were opened,and their hearts pulled out. And by that
meanes , this good god taught thefe poore miferablc
creatures, the kindes of fkrificcs that pleafed him,
which was , in opening the ftomacke, to pull out the
heart, as they have fincepra&ifedin their horrible fa-
crifices. Seeing this punifhment, end that theplaine
was dried, the lake being emptied, they asked counfcll
of their god what to doe, who commanded them to
paffeon, the which they did by little and little, vntill
they came toC^w/rtgg£»a league from Jl/mr^,famous
for the pleafantneT thereof. They did fortifie them-
felves in thefe mountaines, fcaring-theNations which
inhabited that Country, the which were oppofite vrv-
to them,efpecially for that one named Copill^ fbnne to
• this forcereflfejeft in Malinalco^d blamed and fpoken
ill of the MexicMWS : for this Copillby the commande-

mem

of the Indies lib. 7. 509

raentofhis mother, awhile after followed the-fl/ttr/'-
cAtnes courfe, labouring toincenfe the TapwecM , and
other neighbours againft them, even vn to the Chalet:
fo as they came with a ftrong army to deftroy the Mex~
icMn$s. Copilim themcane (pace ftoodevpon a little
hillinthemiddeftofa lake called Acopilco, attending
the deftruftion of his enemies, and they by the advife
of their idoll, went againft him, tooke him fuddenly,
and flew him , carrying his heart to their god , who
commanded them to caft it into the lake , faining that
thereof did grow a plant called Tumi, where fincc
Mexico was built.They came to fight with thcCbalcas,
and other Nations, having chofen for their Captaine,
a valiantraan called Vit&ilomlti , who in an incounteiy
was taken and flaincby the enemies. But for all this,
chey were not difcouraged,but fought valiantly^and in
difpight of their enemies they brake the fquadrons,
and carry ing their aged, their women/and yong chil
dren in the midft of their battaile: they paffed onto
AtlacuyavAja,* towneofthe C/^/^^,whom they found
folemnifing of a feaft , in which place they fortified.
The Chalcas nor the other Nations did not follow
them, but grieved to be defeated by fo fmall a number
of men ; they being in ib great multitudes, retyredto
their townes.

OftheWarresthc MexicAtnts had again/I them of
Culhuacan. CHAP. <5.

*p He Mexicaines by the advife ^>f their idoll, fcnt

their meflengers to the Lord ofCulhttacAn , to de-

mand a place to dwell in, who after he had imparted it

to his people, granted them the place QfTicMfaa,

which

which fignifies white waters, to the end they fhould all
periih therc5bcingfull of vipers,fnakes,and other veno
mous beafe which bred in a hill neereadioyning. But
being perfwaded and taught by their .divell , they ac
cepted willingly what was offered , find by their dive-
lifti art, tamed thefe beaftes , fo as they did them no
harme; yea, they vfed them as meat, eating them with
delight and appctite.The which the Lord QfCuHwaca*
feeing, & that they had tilled and fowed the land Jie re.
folvcd to receive them into the Cittie, and to contrail
aniity with them. Butihe god whom the Mexicawes
didwoifliip , (asheisaccuftomed to do no good, but
ill,) faidvntohispricft?., that this was not "the place
where he would have them flay, and that they muft so
forth making warres. Therefore they muft feeke forth
a woman, and name her the goddefle of Difcord.
Wherevpqn they refolved to fend to the King of CuL
fintc4n > to demand his daughter to beQueeneofthe
i4extcai»i&jJ$4 mother to their god,who received this
Ambaflage willingly 5 fending his daughter preftntly
gorgcoufly attyred and well accompanied. The fame
night (lie arrived, by order of themurtherer wbome
they v/orfhipped , they killed her cruelly , snd having
fieaed her artificially as they could do, they did clothe
ayong man with her skinne, and therevpon her appar-
rell, placing him neere their idoll, dedicating him fora
goddefTeand the mother of their god 5 and ever after
did worfliip it, making an idoll which they called Toc-
cy, which is to fay, our grandmother. Not concent
with this crueltie, they did malisioufly invite the King
ofCulhua&uighe father of the yong niaid,to come and
worfliippe Eis daughter, whowasnowconfecratcd a
goddefle, who commingwith great prefcnts, and well

accom-

HiHorieoftbefndics. lib. 7.

accompanied with his people, he was led in to a very
darkechappell where their idoll was, that lie might of
fer facrifice to his daughter that was in that place. But
it chanced that the incsnfe that was vpon the harth,ac-
cording to their cuftomc , kindled in fuch fort , as hec
might difccrnc his daughters haire, and having by this
meanes difcovered thccrueltic and deceit, hce went
forth crying alowdc, and with all his men he fell vpou
thcMtxica/nes, forcing them to retyre to the lake, fo as
thcy.were almoft drowned. ThcMexicaines defended
themfelves,cafiing certainc little darts,which they vfed
in the vvarres, wherewith they much galled their enne-
tnies. But in the end they got land, and leaving that
place,they coafted along the lake, very weary and wet$
the women and little children crying and making great
exclamations againft them and tlmr god that had
brought them into this diftrcrte. They were inforced
to paffe a river that could not be waded through , and
therefore they advifed to make fmall boates of their
targets and of reedes,\vherein they patted. Thenafter-
wardes, having left Culbuacaitjfazy arived at IztdCAlco^
and finally to the" place where the hermitage of Saint
y4#/£0#/> now is , at the en try of Mexico^ and to that
quarter which they now call S.ZW. During which
time their idoll did comfort them in their travells and
incoraged them,promifing great matters.

Of the ToundAtiw ^/"Mexico.
CHAP. 7.

T He time being now come, that the father of lies
(houldaccomplifh his promifc made to his peo
ple, who could no longer fuffcr fo many turnings, tra-

L 1 veils,

veils, and dangers, it happened that (bmc old priefts or
{brcerers, being entred into a place full of vvater-lillies,
they met with a very faire and cleerc current of water,
which Teemed to be filvcr, and looking about , they
found the trees^medovvesjfifhjandall that they beheld
to be very white:\vondring heerear, they rernembred
aprophecieoftheirgod, whereby he had given them
that for a token of their place of reft, and to make them
Lords of other Nations. T hen weeping for ioy , they
returned to the people with thefe good newes. . The
night following , Vit^ifut^li appeared in a dreamc to
anantientpricft, faying, that they (houldfeekeouta
Tumlm the lake, which grew out of a ftone, (which as
he told them , was the fame place where by his com-
mandement they had caft the heart ofCepil , fonne to
the forcerefTe their enemy, ) and vpon this Tuttalthcy
fliould fee a goodly Eagle, which fed on certaine fraall
birdes. When they fliould fee this,they (liould beleeve
it was the place where their Cittiefhould be built, the
which fliuld furmount al others,& be famous through
out the world. Morning being come, theoldmana£
fembled the whole people., from the greateft to the
Ieaft5making a long fpeach vnto them5 how much they
were bound vntotheir god, and of the Revelation,
which (although vnworthy,) hee had received that
night, concluding that all muft feekc out that happie
place which was promifed thcm5 which bred fuch de
votion and ioy in them all, that prefently they vnder-
tooke the enterprifc, and dividing themfelvcs into
bandes, theybegannetofearch, following the figncs
of the revelation of the deffred place. Amiddeft the
rfiickeft of thefe vvater-lillies in the lake, they met with
.the feme courfe of water they had feene the day bc^

fore3

Hiftorieoftbefndies. lib. 7.

fore3but much differing,bcing not white, but red,like
blood, the which divided itlelfe into two ftreames,-
whereof the one was of a very obfcure azure, the
which bred admiration in them , noting fome great
miftery as they faid. After much {earch hcereand there,
the T0/M/ appeared growing on a ftonc, whereon was
a royall Eagle , with the wings difplaied towardcs the
Sunne;receiving his heat. About this Eagle were many
rich fethers,white,red3yellow,blew,and greene, of the
fame fort as they make their images , which Eage held
in his tallants a goodly birde. Thofe which fawe it and
knew it to be the place fore-toldc by the Oracle, fel on
their knees 5 doing great worfhip to the Eagle , which
bowed the head looking on every fide.rhen was their
great cries,demonftrations,and thankcs vnto the Crea
tor, and to their great god Vilztifutztiy who was there
father,and had alwaies told them truth. For this reafon
they called the cittic which they founded there, 7V-
ntxtilun, which fignifies Tuitalon a ftone, and to this
day they carry in their armes, an Eagle vpon a Tuntl,
withabirdinhistallant, and (landing with the other
vpon theT»^/. The day following,by common con-
fent they made an hermitage adioyning to the Tund
of the Eagle, that the Alice of their god might reft
there, till they might havemeancs to build him a fump-
tuous Temple : and fo they made this hermitage of
flagges & turfes covered with ftraw; then having con-
fultedwith their god, they refolved to buy of their
neighbours 5 ftone, timber, lime, in exchange of fifli,
frogges, and yongkids,and for duckes, water-hennes,
courlieus, and divers other kindes of fea fowles. All
which things they did fifli and hunt for in this Lake,
whereof there is great aboundance. They went with

LU thefc

The WjtturallandMorall

thefe things to the markets of theTownes and Citties
ofthcTapanccam , and of them of Tefcuco their neigh
bours, and with pollicic they gathered together by lit
tle and little ? what was necellary for the building of
their Cittierfoas they built a better Chappell for their
idolloflimeandftone, and laboured to fill vp a great
part of the lake with rubbifh. This done5the idoll (pake
one night to. one of his pricfts in theft tearmes. Say vn+
to the Mexicaines , that the Noblewen divide themfclves
everie on ervith their kinsfolks and friends^ and that they
divide thcwfelvcs into four i principall quarters , about the
boufe which you have built for my reft , and let every quar
ter build in bis quarter at htipleafurc. The which was put
in execution : and thofe be the foure principall quar
ters of Mexico , which are called at this day S. lean^ S.
Mary the round >S.Prf#/,and S. Sebaftian. After this^the
Mexicaines being thus divided into thefe foure quar
ters , their god commanded them to divide amongeft
them the gods he (hould name to them, and that they
ihould give notice to every quartcr3principal of the o-
ther foure parti call quarters , where their godsfhould
be worfhipped. So as vnder every one of thefe foure
principall quarters, there were many jefte comprehen
ded, according to the number of the icfolls which their
god commanded them to worfhip, which they called
Calpultetco, ^ which is as much to fay,as god of the quar
ters . In this manner the Cittie of Mexico Tenoxtilta*
was founded, and grew great.

Of the {edition ofthofc ^/Tlatelulco, and ofthefrfl
Kings the Mexicaines did cfoofi. CHAP. 8.

T His divifion being made as afore-faid, fbmeolde
men and Antients held opinion , that in the divi-

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. 7 ,

fion.they had not refpe&ed them as they deferred: for
thiscaufe, they and their kinsfolke, did rnutine, and
went to feeke another refidence:and as they went tho
rough the lake, they found a (mall pcece of ground or
terraffe, which they call ftoteloli, where they inhabited,
calling it TlAtellulco , which fignifies place of a terrafle.
This was the third divifion of the Mexicaines, fincc
they left their Country. That otMeckcvacan being the
firft , and that ofMalivalco the fecond . Thofc which
feperated themfelves and went tsTlatellttlco, were fa
mous men, but of bad difpofition : and" therefore they
pra&ifedagainfttheMexicaines their neighbours, all
the ill neighbourhood they could. They had ahvaies
"quarrellsagainftthem, and to this day continues then-
hatred and olde leagues. They of T^^/'//^ feeing
them oiTlatellulco thus oppofite vnto them, and that
they multiplied 5 "feared that in time they might fur-
mountthem: heerevpon they affembledin counfell,
where they thought it good to choofc a King , whome
they (hould obey, and ftrike terror in to their enemies,
that by this meanes they fhould bee more vnited and
flronger among themfelves,and their enemies not pi e-
fume too much againft them. Being thus reiblved to
choofe a King, they tooke another aavife very profita
ble and affured , to choofe none among themfelves,
fortheavoydingofdiffentions, andtogaine (by their
new King) fbmc other neighbour nations, by whom
they were invironed, being deftitute of all (uccours.
All well confidered,both to pacific the King of Ctdhua-
c*n, whom they had greatly offended, having flaine
andflead the daughter of his predeceflbr, and done
him fo great a fcome,asal(b to have a King of the Mex^
icaine blood, of which generation there were many

LI 3 in

in Culhuacan , which continued there fince the time
they lived in peace amongft them $ they refblved to
choofe for their King, a yong man called Acamapixtli,
fonneto a great Mexicaine Prince, and of a Ladie,
daughter to the King of CW/;/^i# .Prefently they fent
Ambafladors with a great prefent to demand this man,
who delivered their Ambaffage in thefe teamies, Great
Lord, weyourvajfillsandjervewts , placed and flwtvp in
theweedcs andreedesofthe Lake, alone and abandoned of all
the Nations of the world , led onely and guided by our god to
the place where we are, which falles in the iurifdicJion of
your limits of Afcapufalco3<W ^Tefcuco. Althoughy&H
havefujferedvs to live and remaine there , yet will we not>
neither is it reafon to live without a head and lord to com-
mandycorreff, andgoverne vs, injJ ruffing vs in the courfi
of our life.) and defending vsfrom cur enemies : Therefore
we come to you, knowwg that in your Cfartandhoufe, therz
are children of our generation, Imckt and alied with yours,
ifficdjrom our enirailes, and yours , of oitr blood and yours,
amonviht which we have kr.o\vhd?e of a wand- child of

O> . O J c? »,/

yours and ours^ called Acam apixtli. We befiechyou there
fore, to give him vsfor Lord^ we wiHefteeme him as hee dt-
fervzs , faittg heeti of the linage &fthe Lords 0/ Mexico,
And the Kings ^Culhuacan.

The king having confultedvpponthispoynt, and
finding it nothing inconvenient to bealied to the Mex-
icaines,who were valiant men, made tl^em anf\vcr,that
they fiiould take his grandchilde jn good time, adding
thcrevnto , that if he had beene a \voman>hee woulde
not have given her, noting the foule fad: before fpo-
ken of, ending his difcourfe with thefe xvordes , Letmy
grand-childe go toferveyour God, and be his lievctenant, to
ruk and govtrne his creatures, by whom we live, who is the

Lord

Riflorie of the Indies, lib. 7* 517

L ord of night ^day^and windes : Let himgoe and be Lord of
the water and land) andpo(fe(JetheMexicamee]%ation, take
him in good time yAndvfi him as myfonne and grand-child.
The Mexicaines gave him thanks/ all ioyntly defiring
him to marry him with his ovvne hand , fo as he gave-
hifn to wife, one of the noblcfl Ladies amongft them.
They conduced the new King and Queene with all
honour poflible / and made him a folemne reception,
going all in generall fborth to fee the king,whom they
led into pallaces which were then but mcane- and ha
ving feated them in royall throanes , prcfemly one of
the Antients and an Orator much efteemed amongcft
them, did rife vp, fpeaking in this manner , ^/[yfo?mc>
our Lord and Kingjhou art welcome to ih I* poors houfi and
titty, amongeft theft weeds s andmudde^ where thy fo ore fa,
thirs, grandfathers, and khisfolkesy endure what it pleafith
the Lord of things created . Remember Lord thou commsft
hither to be the defence and fupport oftheMexicaine Nati-
on^andtobethe refemblanceofoitr GodVhzliputzli}wker-
'upon the charge and govermmtnt is given thce.Thott know-
eft wz are not in our country , feeing the landwepoffefje at thu
day 1$ an others , neither know we what jkdl be corns of <vs to
morrowe, or another day : Consider therefore that thou com-
meft not to rejl'or recreate thyfelfe,but rather to indure a new
charge 'under fo heavie a burden : wherein thou mufl conti*
nuatly labour y being flaw to this multitude ywhich is fallen to
thylotte , andto all this neighbour people, whomethou mufl
jlrive togratifie , and give them contentment 9 feeing thou
knoweft we live vf on their lands , and within their limites.
And ending, hec repeated thefe wordes; Thou art wel
come, thou and the ^ueene our Miftris, to thisyourrealme.
This was the fpeech of the old man, which with other
orations ( which the Mexicaine hiftories do celebrate)

L 1 4 the

5i8 we J^atttrall and Moral!

the children did vfe to learne by hart, and fb they were
kept by tradition , fome of them deferve well to be re
ported in their proper termes. The king aunfwering,
thanked them, and offered them his care and diligence
in their defence & aide in all he could. After they gave
him the othe, and after their maner fet the royall crown
vpon his head , the which is like to the Crowne of the
dukes ofVfltf rc.-the name o£4camapixtli their firft king
fignifics a handfull of reeds, and therfore they carry in
their armories a hand holding many arrows ofreedes.

Oftbeftrange tribute the Mexicaincspaiedto them
0/Azcapuzalco. CHAP. 9.

THe Mexicaines happened fo well in the eledion of
their new king, that in fhort time they grew to
have fbme form of a common- weale,and to be famous
among ftrangers ; whcrevpon their neighbours moved
\\ ith feare, pradifed to fubdue them, efpecially ther*.
fawans, who had Azctyumlco for their metropolitane
citty, to whome the Mexicaines payed tribute,as ftran
gers dwelling in their land. For the king of A^CApuzalco
fearing their power which increafcd, foght to opprefle
.the Mexicanes?and having confulted with his fubieds,
hefentto talking Acamapixtli, that the ordinary tribut
they payed was too little , and that from thencefoorth
they iliould bring firre trees, fapines, and willowes for
the building of the citty , and moreover they fhoulde
make him a garden in the water planted with diverfe
kindes of hearbes and pulfes, which they fhould bring
vnto him yearely by water,cJrelTed in this maner,with-
out failing- which if they did not, he declared them his
enemies, and would roote them out . The Mexicaines

were

Hiflorie of the Indies lib. 7*

were much troubled at this commaundemen^holding
it impofliblc : and that this demaund was to no other
end, but to feeke occafion to ruinethem. But theirgod
VitaJiputzJi comforted them , appearing that night to
an olde man, commaunding him to fay to the king his
(bnneinhisname, that heefhould make no difficulde
to accept of this tribute,he would help them and make
the meaneseafie 3 which after happened : for the time
of tribute being come, the Mexicanes carried the trees
that were required, and rhoreover, a garden made and
floating in the water, and in it much Mays 3 ( which is
their corne) already grained and in the eare : there was
alfb Indian, pepper, beetes, Tomates, which is a great
fappy and favouriegraine, french peafe,figges,goiirds,
and many other things,al ripe,and in their feafon.Such
as havftiot feene the gardines in the lake of Mexico, in
the middeft of the water , will not beleeve it , bu t will
fay it is an inchantment of the Divell whom they vvors
fliip : But in trueth it is a matter to be done, and there
hath beene often feene of thefe gardens floating in the
water;for they caft earth vpon reedes and gra(Te,in fuch
fort as it never waftes in the water; they (owe and plant
this ground , fo as the graine growes and ripens very
well, and then they remove it from place to place. But
it is true , that to make this great garden eafily , and to
have the fruites grow well , is a thing that makes men
iudge there was the worke of Vit^iltfut^U , whome o-
therwife they call Patitlas, fpecially having never made
nor feene the like. The king of Azcapuzalco wondred
much when hcfiwe that accomplished which he held
impoffible faying vnto his fubie&s, that this people had
a great god that made all eafie vnto them, and hee fayd
vnto the Mexicaines, that feeing their God gave them

all

The

all things perfit, hce would theyeare following , at the
time of tribute, theyflioulde bring in their gardine a
wilde ducke;and a heron, fitting on their egges^in fuch
forte, that they fhould hatch their y oong ones as they
fhould arrive * without foiling of a minute, Vpon paine
of his indignation. The Mexicans were much troubled
aad heavy with this prowde and ftridcommaunde :
but their god, as he was accuftomed, comforted them
in the night, by one of hispriefts, faying that he would
take all that charge vpon him,willing them not to fear,
but bcleeve that the day would come, whenas the A&
capuzakvsfhwld pay with their lives this defire of new
tributes. The time being come, as the Mexicans carri
ed all that was demaunded of their gardins, among the
reeds and weeds of the gardin, they found a ducke and
a heron hatching their egges, andatthefameinftant
when they arived at A^caft^alco their yong ones were
difclofed. Whereat the king of A^capufylco wondring
beyond meafurc,hefaid againe to his people, that thete
Were more than humane things.and that the Mexicans
beganne as if they would make themfelves lordes over
alhhofe provinces . Yet did he not diminifli the order
of this tribute , and the Mexicans finding not them
felves mighty enough ,endtired this fubiedion and fla-
very the fpace of fifty yeeres . In this time the king A-
camaptxtli died, having beautified the Citty of Mexico
with many goodly buildings, ftreets, conduits of wa
ter, and great aboundance of munition. Hecraigned
in peace and reft forty y cares , having bin al waycs zea
lous for the good and increase of the common-weale.
Asheedrew nearehis end, hee did onememorable
thing, that having lawful! children to whom he might
leave tbe fucceffion of the reatae3yet \vould he notfdo

Hiftorie of the Indies lit. 7.

ft, but contrariwife hecfpake freely to the common-
weale, that as they had made a free ele&ion of him , fo
they fliould choofe him that ihould feemefitteft for
their good government, advifing them therein to have
a care to the good of the common- weale,and feeming
grieved that he left them not freed from tribute & fub.
ieftion 3 hce died , having recommended his wife and
children vnto them, he left all his people forowfull for
his death.

ofthefecond King^nd what happened m his wgne.
CHAP. ro.

obfeqtiies of the dead king performed , the An-
tients,the chiefeofthc realaie, and fbme part of the
people aflembled together , to choofe a King , where
the Antients propounded the neceffitie wherein they
were, and that it was needefull to choofe for chiefe of
their citty, a man that had pity of age, of widows,and
orphans, andjo be a father of the commonweale : for
in very decde they fliould be the feathers of his wings,
the eie-browes of his eyes , and the beard of his face,
that it was neceflarie he were valiant , being needefull
(hortly to vfe their forces,as their god had prophefied.
Their refoliuion in the end was to chufe a fonne of thq
predeceffbr, vfing the like good office in accepting his
fonne for fitccefTor, as hee had done to the common.
weale, relying thereon . This young man was called
PitzibvitK, which fignifieth a rich feather, they fet the
roy all crownevpon his head, andannointedhim, as
they havebeeneaccuftomed to doe to all their Kings,
with an ointment they call Divine,being the fame vri-
wherewith they did annoynt their IdolL Pre-

fently

A ^^ The ^jttnrall andMorali

cntly an Orator made an eloquent fpeech , exhorting
him tp arme himfelfe with courage,and free them from
the travells,flavery and mifery they fuffered^being op-
prefled by the Afyptifylcos : which done, all did him
homage. This king was not married, and his Counlell
helde opinion, that it was good to marry him with the
daughter of the king ofAzupttzakojo have him a frind
by this aliance,and to obtain fome diminution of their
heavy burthen of tributes impofedvpon them, and
yet they feared left he fhould difdaine to give them his
daughterly reafon they were his vaffalls : yet theking
ofAtypufylee yeelded therevnto, having humbly re
quired him, who with curteous wordes gave them his
daughter, 'called 'Ajatchigual , whom they ledde with
great pompc and ioy 'to-Mexico, and performed the ce
remony and folemnity of marriage, which was to tie a
corner of the mans cloke to a part of the womans vaile
in figne of the band of marriage . This Queene broght
foorth afbnne, of whofe name they dcmaunded ad-
vife of the king ofA^capufyko, and cafting lots as they
had accuftomed (being greatly given to foothfayings,
efpccially vpon the names of their children) he would
have his grand- childe called Chimalfopoca , which fig-
nifies a target catting fmoke.The Queene his daughter
feeing the contentment the King of A^cdfufykol&A
of his grand, child, tooke occafion to intreat him to re-
leeve the Mexicaines of the heavy burthen of their
tributes , feeing he had nowa grand-child Mexicaine,
the which the King willingly yeelded vnto, by the
advife of his Counfell, granting(for the tribute which
they paid,) to bring ycerelya couple of duckcs and
fbinefifli, in figne offubiedion , and that they dwelt
in his land. The Mexicaines by this meanes, remained

much

Htitorieoftke Inditt. lib.j.

much cafcd and content , but it laftcd little. For the
Queene their Protc&rixdicd (bone after : and thcyere
following like wife Ptizilovftti the king ofMexiw died,
leaving his fonnc Ckimtlpopna tennc yearcs olde , hee
raigned thirtecnc yccres, and died thirty yeeres old,or
little more. Hec was held for a good king, andcarefull
in the fcrvice of his gods, whole Images hee held kings
to be$ and that the honour done to their god, was done
to the king who was his image.For this caufe the kings
havebeenefo affectionate to the fervicc of their gods.
This king was carefull to winne the love of his neigh-
bours, and to trafficke with them , whereby hee aug
mented his citty , exercifing his men in warrelike a<5H-
ons in the Lake, difppfing them to that which he pre
tended, as you (hall fee prefently.

Oj Chimalpopoca the third king , and hi* cruel! death,
d the weapon of war re which the Mexicaincs
CHAP. n.

THe Mexicainesfor fiicceflbr to their dcceafed king
did choofe his fonne Chimalpepoca , by common
confcnt, although he were a child of tenne'yeeres old,
being of opinion that it was alway es neccflary to keepe
the favor of the king QfA^cafu^Alco^ making his grand-
childe king. They then fet him in his throanc , giving
him the cnfignes of warre, with a bo we and arrowes in
one hand, and a fword with raiburs (which they com
monly vfe) in the right, fignifying thereby (as they da
fay) that they pretended by armes to fct themfelves at
liberty. The Mcxicaincs had great want of water, that
of the Lake being very thicke and muddy, and there-
fore ill to drincke,fo as they caufed their infant king to

defire

5Z4- Tbe^(atur4ll and Moral!

defireofhis grandfather the king of Azj4f»&alw, the

water of thcmountaineofC^^//^r, which is from

Mexico a league , as is faide before, which they eafely

obtained, and by their induftry made an aqueduft of

faggots3weeds and flagges, by the which they brought

water to their citty . But becaufe the Cittiewas built

within the Lake, and the aqueduddid crofTeit , it did

breake forth in many places, fo as they could not inioy

the water,as they defired, and had great fcardtie: wher-

vpon, whether they did exprefly feckeit, to quarrell

with the TapAnecans^ or that they were mooved vppon

frnall occafion,in the end they fenta refolute ambaffagc

to the king of d^capu^lco, faying, they could not vfc

the water which he had gratioufly granted them , and

therefore they required him to provide them wood,

lime,and ftone, and to fend his vvorkmen,that by their

meancs they might make a pipe of flone and lime that

fiiould not breake . This meflage nothing pleafed the

king,and much lefle his fubie<5h,feeming to be too pre.

fumptuous a meflage, and purpofely infolent , for vaC

fals to their Lord . The chiefcof the Counfell difdain-

ing thereat, faid it was too bold, that not content with

pcrmiflion to live in an others land, and to have water

given them , but they would have them goc to ferve

them: what a matter was that:' And whereon prefumed

this fugitive nation, fliut vp in the mud ? They would

let them know, how fit they were to worke , and to a-

bate their pride, in taking from them their land and

their lives.

In thefe termes and choller they left theking,whom
they did fbmwhat fufpec^by reafbn of his grandchild,
and confulted againe anew, what they were to doe,
where they refolved to make a generall proclamation,

that

Si&orieoftbe Inc/ier. lib.y. 515

that no T*PAMCA# fhould have any commerce or trap-
ficke with any Mexicaine, that they fliould not goe to
their Cittie, nor receive any into theirs, vpon paine of
death. Whereby we may vnderftand that the king did
not abfolutcly commaund over his people,and that he
governed more like a Conful, or a Duke, than a King,
although fince with their power , the commaund of
Kings increafed, growingabfoluteTyrants^asyou (hal
fee in the laft Kings . For it hath beene an ordinaric
thing among the Barbarians , that fuch as their power
hath beene, fiich hath beene their commaund ; yea in
our Hiftories tfspainc, we finde in fome anticnt kings
that manner of rule which theTapancansvfed. Such
were the firft kings of the Romans, but that Rome decli
ned from Kings to Confuls, and a Senate,till that after
they came to be commaunded by Emperours . But
thefe Barbarians,of temperate Kings became tyrants,of
which govcrnements a moderate monarchy is the beft
and moft afTurcd. But returne we now vnto our hifto-
rie.

The king of Aztafuzalco feeing therefolution of his
fubieds,which vvas tokilthe Mexicans5in treated them
firft to fteale away the yong king his grand-childe, and
afterwards do what they pleafed to the Mexicans. All
in a manner yeelded hcerevnto, to give the king con-
tcntment, and for pitty they had of the child; but two
of the chiefeft were much oppofite, inferring, that it
was bad counlell, for that Chimalfofoc* , although hee
were of their bloud, yet was it but by the mothers fide,
and that the fathers was to be preferred , and therefore
they concluded that the firft they muft kill was Chimal-
popoca king of J»/m^5protefting fb to doe. The king of
fb troubled with this contradidion,

and

The ^aturall andMoratt

.and the refolution they had taken , that foonc after for
very griefc he fell ficke, and died. By vvhofc death the
Fafdtiftxj finishing their confutation , committed a
notable trcafon • .for one night theyong King of Mex
ico fleeping without guard, or feareof any thing, they
of Azcapttztlco en tred his pallace,and flew him fodain-
ly,returningvnfeene.The morning beingcome, when
the Nobles went to falute the King,as they wereaccu-
ftomcd, they found him flaine with great andcruell
wounds ; then they cried out and filled all their cittje
i with teares: and tranfported with choller,they prefent-
ly fell to armes , with an intent to revenge their Kings
death. As they rannevppe and downe full of fury and
diforder , one of their chiefcftknightes ftept foorth,
labouring toappeafethem, with a grave admonition :
Whither goe you (faidehcc) 0 yee Mexicaines , quiet your
felves , cenftdcr that things dontc without confidtration are
not well guided, nor come to good end ifupprffftyourgriefe,
confiderivg that, although your king be dead, the noble blood
of the Mexicaints is not extinct in "him . Wee have children
of our kings deceafcd ^ by rvhofc conduct , fucc ceding to the
realme, youflwllthe better execute what you pretend, having
a leader to guide your enterprise, go not blindely^farceafi,and
choofe a king firft, to guide tnd encourage you againft yo*r e-
ncmies : In thcmeane time dijjemble difcreetly performing
thefuneratls of your deceafed king , whofi body you fee heere
prefint, for heereafteryoujlMllfinde better meanes. to take re
venge. By this meanes the Mexicans pafled no farther,
but flayed to make the obfeqnics of their King, whcre-
vnto they invited the Lords ofTefcucfi, and Culhttacan,
reporting vnto them this fouleandcruellfaft, which
the Tapanecans had committed, moving them to have
pitty on thern? and incenfing them againft their enne-

mics,

tiiftorie of the Indies, lib. 7* 517

mies , concluding thnt their refblution was to die , or
to bee revenged of fo great an indignitie, in treating
them not to favour ib vniuft a fa<St of their enemies^and
that for their part, they deiired not their aide ofarmes
orrncn, but onely to- bee lookers on of what (houtd
pafle, and that for their mamtenarcc, they would not
ftoppe nor hinder the comerce, as the Tapanecans\\zd
done. At thtfe fpeeches they tfTeftuco and Culhvacan
made them great flicwes of good will, and thatihey
were well fetisficd , offing them their citties r and all
the commerce they defired , that they might provide
vittaile and munition at their pleafure , both by land
& water. After this, the Mexicanes in treated them to
ftay with them, and a/Tift at the elecftion of their King-
the which they likewife granted^ to give them con
tentment.

of the fourth King called Izcoalt, and of the mm
AgMnfttheTAfAntctMs.
CHAP. 12.

y He Ele&ors being affembled, an old man that was
held for a great Orator, rofe vp, who (as the hifto-
riesreport,) fpakeinthis manner, The light of your eyes
O Mexicaines is darkened , but not of jour "he Arts : for a!- •
though you have loft him that WAS. the light and guide of the
Mtxic nine Common -wealej/et that of the heart remames: to
confidcr, that Although they have fltinc one man , yet there
Are others that mayfapply with a.d'vanug^ the want we have
ofhiw:thc Mexicawe Nobilttie i$ not exttngmjhed thereby,
nor the bleodroyalldecaied. Tttrneyour eyes and looke about
you , y0y/I)af!fie the Nobilttie ^/Mexico fit in order , not
we nor tm> but many and excellent Princes finnts to Aca-

Mm snapixtlij

The S^aturall and Mora/1

mapixtli, our true and lawfull King and Lard. Heereyott
may.choofeatyourpleafure, faying, IwiU this man, And not
that. Ifyouhaveloftafather , heereyou may jinde both f^
tker and mother: make account O M exicaincs , -that the
Sunne is eclif fid and darkened for a time , and will return*
fuddcnly. If Mexico hathbeene darkened by the death of
your, King,the Sun willfoonejhew,in choofmg another King.
Looke to whom, andvpon whom you fhailcaft your eyes, an4
towards whom your heart is inclined , and this is hee whom
your god Vitzliputzli hath chofen. And continuinga
while this difcourfe, he ended to the fatisfaftion of all
men. Intheend?hytheconfentofthisCouniell,/cr^
nit was chofcn King , jwhich fignifies a fhake of rafors,
who was fonne to the nrft King Acamafixtli, by a flavc
of hisrand although hewerenotjegitimate, yet they
made choy ce of him , for that he exceeded the reft in
behaviour, valour, and magnanimitie of courage. All
feemed very well fatisfied, and above all, thefe of Te£
cuco,£ov their king was married to a fifter of ifcoalts. Af
ter the King had beene crowned and fet in his royal!
feat,another Orator fteptvp, difcourfing how the king
was bound to his Common-weale,and of the courage
he ought to fliew in tPavell, fpeaking thus, Behold tfus
da^we defend on thee , it may be. thou wilt let fall the bur
then that lieS'Vpon tbyfouldiers, andfofftr the old man and
woman, the orphlin and the widows foperijh. Takepittie of
the infants that go creeping in the ayre 5 whowuft fertfh if
our enemies furmomt vs: <vnfo!dthei9,andjtretch forth thj
cloak, my Lord, tobeare thcfe infants vpo* thy Jhoulder^
which be the poor e and the common people, who live affurtd
Bunder thejhadowe of thy wings , and of thy bountie. Vt te-
ring many other words vpon this fubied , the which,
i(as I have laid,) they karne by heart, for the exercife of

their

Hi florie of the Indies, lib* 7,

their children , and after did teach them as a leflbn to
thofc thatbeganne to learne thefacukie of Orators.
In the mcanc time,the Tapanecans were rcfblutc to de-
ftroy the Mcxicaincs , and to this end they had made
great preparations. And therefore the new King tooke
counfell for the proclaiming of warre , and to fight
with thofc that had fo much wronged them. But the
common people, feeing their adversaries to excecdc
them farre in numbers and munition for the warre,
they came amazed to their King, preffinghim not to
vndcitakefo dangerous a warre, which would deftroy
their poorc Cittie and Nation : wherevpori being de-
maunded what advife were fitted to take, they made
anfwer,that the King of Atyfuzalco was very pitrifull5
that they fhould demand peace, and offer to fervc him,
drawing them forth thofe marfhes, and that he fhould
give them houfes and lands among his fubie<5h,that by
thismeanes they might depend all vppon one Lord.
And for the obtaining hcercof, they fhould carry their
god in his litter for an interccflbr. The cries of the peo
ple were of fuch force, (having fome Nobles that ap
proved their opinion,) as prefcntly they called for the
Pricfts, preparing the litter and their god, to performe
the voyage. As this was prepai ing,and every one yeel-
ded to this treatie of peace, and to fubied themfelves
to thcTapAvecaas , a gallant yong raan , and of good
fort, fteptoutamong thepcoplc , who withafefolute
countenance (pafe thus vnto them, What meanes this o
yeeMexicAwes, arryeemad? Howhtthfo great cowdrdife
crept in amongvs? SMlwegt and yeeldotnfelvest hits to
the Azcapuzaloms. Then turning to the King hc^aid,
How now my Lord,mlljott endure thti? Speake to the people ',
that they m&yfitffer vs to fade out feme meanesfor our to-

M m 2 nour

noitr find defence , win*t toyetldc ourfelvesfrftmply A*&
fkamefully into the hands of wr enemies. This yong man
was called Tlacaellec, nephew to the King, he was the
moft valiant Captaineandgreateft Counfellor thate-
ver the Mexicaines had, as you (hall fee heereafter. Iz-
coalt incouraged by that his nephew had fo wifely fpo-
ken, retained the people , faying they fhould firftfuffer
him to try another better iheanes. Then turning to
wards his Nobilitie, he faid vnto them, Tcu *re aHheert,
mykinfmen,<wdthehejl ^Mexico, kce that hath tlx cou
rage to ctirrit a mefiage to the Tapanecans, let him rife vp.
They looked one vpon another,but no man ftirred nor
offered himfdfe to the word. Then this yong man
Tteaellec rifing, offered himfelfe to go, faying,that fee
ing he muft die, it did import little whether it were to
day or to morrow : for what reafon {hould hefo care
fully prefervc himfelfef he was therefore readiejet him
coaimand what he pleafed. And although ail held this
for a rafii attempt , yet the King refolved to fend him^
that he might thereon ynderftand the will and difpo-
• fidonofthe King of AzcapiizalcQ- $n& of his people;
holding it better to haften his nephews death, then to
hazard the honour' of his Common-wjeale. Tlacaeliec
being ready , tooke his way , and being come to the
guards, who had coinmandement to kill any Mexi
caines that came to wards them, by cunning or other-
wife: he perfwaded them to fiiffer him to paflc to the
king,who wondered to fee him5and tearing his ambaC
(age, which was to demand peace of him vnderho-
neft conditions,anfwered, that hee would impattit to
his fubieds^willing him to returne the next day for his
anfwer, then Tlacadkc demanded 3 pafport, yet could
4ienotobtameany,but thathe fhould vfe his beft skill:

with

HiHorle ofthefndies. lib* 7.

With this he returned to Mexico^ giving his words to
the guards to f eturne, Anc3. .4 though the Kingofy&s-
•Mpuyalwdc&cd peace, being of a inilde difpofition,
yet his fubieds did To incenfe him 3 as his anfwer was
open warrc.Thc vvhidi being heard by the meflcnger,
he did all his King commanded him, declaring by this
ceremony, to give armes, and anointing the King with
the vnftion ot'the deacLthat in his Kings behalfe he did
defiehim. Having ended all, the King of Azcapuzalcp
fuffering himfelfe to be anointed and crowned with
.feathers, giving goodly armes in recoin pence to the
-meffenger , wilhing, him not to returne by the pallace
gate^vhereas many attended to cut him in peeces, but
to go out fecretly by a little falfc pofterne that was o-
pen in one of the courts of the Pallace. This yong man
did fo, and turning by fecret waies, got away in (afetie
infightoftheguards, and there defied them laying,
Tapanecans and Azcapuzalcans^tf do jour offceill/un-
derjlandy ou frail all die , and not one Tzp&necan/hall re-
maine alive. In the meane time the guardes fell vpon
him, where he behaved him felfe fb valiantly., that hec
flew fbmc of them : and feeing many more of them
come running, heeretyred himfelfe gallantly to the
Cittie, where he brought newes, that warre was pro
claimed with the Tapanecans , andthathee haddefied
their King.

. Of the (Mttett the Mcxic tines go. ve to the Tapanecans,
And of the vittom they obtained.

C H A P. ' 13.

I^Hedefie being knowne to the Commons of J/m-
coy they came to the king, according to their accu-

Mm 3 ftomed

The^aturaUandMoratt

ftomed cowardifc, demaunding leave to departethc .
Citty, holding their raignc certainc . The king didde ***
comfort and incourage them, promifing to give them
libcrtieif they vanquii'hcd their cnemies,willing them
nottofeare. The people replied . Andifwebevanqui-
flisd> whatjhaflwe doe? Jfwe he overcome ( aunfvvered the
king) \vnmlibe bound presently to yeeld cur f elves into jour
bands toftijfer dtatb , eate ourflefl) in jour difies and be rf-
vwgcdofvs. It ft all be fo them (iaidctKey) ifyoulodjethe
viffork^ and if you obtAine the viflerie, wedoprefently offer
Qurfdves to be your Tribut Aries, to labour in your houfts^ t&
fewe your ground , lo carrie your armes and baggage when
yougoe to the warresfor ever, wee And our tkftefttfatts afttr
vs. Thefeaccordesmade betwixt the people and the
nobilitie (which they did after fully performe, cyther
willingly, or by conftraint, as they had promifed) the
king namd for his captain gcnerall T/acael/ec,il\e whole
campe was put in order,and intofquadronSjgiving the
places of captaines to the moft valiant of his kiiisfolfces
and friends : then did bee make them a goodly fpeech,
whereby he did greatlyincorage themjbeing now wel
prepared , charging al! men to obey thecornmaunde-
ment of the Gencrajlwhome he had appoyntedrhe di
vided his men into two panes, commanding the moft
valiant and hardie, to give the firft charge with him, &
that all the reft fhould rcmainewith the king Izcoalt,
vntil they iliould fee the firft aflaile their enemies. Mar
ching then in order , they were difcovercd by them of
Az,capuz,4lco, who prefently came furioufly fborth the
.citty, carrying great riches ofgold,filver, andarmesof
great value, as^thoie which had the empire of all that
country, ifyoalt gave the fignall to battaile, withalit-
tle drumrnclie carried on his ihouldci'S, andprefently

they

HiHorieofthefndies. lib. 7.

tliey raifed a gener
charged the Tapanecans5and although they were farrc
more in number, yet did they defeate theii),and force
them to retire in to their Cittie 3 then advaunced they
which remained behinde , crying, Tjacacllec, vidloric,
vi<Sorie,all fodainely entred the Cifty, where (by the
Kings commandement) they pardoned not any man,
no notoldemcn, women, nor children, for they flew
them all, and fpoy led the Citty being very rich . And
not con tent heerewith , they tollowed them that fled,
and were retired into the craggy rocks of the Sierres or
neere mountaines , ftriking and making a great daugh
ter of them. The Tapanecans being retired to a moun-
taine caft downe their armcs, demaunding their lives,
and offering to ferve the Mexicans, to give them lands
and gardins, ftonc, lime and timber, and to hold them
ahvaycs for their Lordes . Vpon this condition Tlaca-
cHec retired his men and ceafed the battell , graunting
them their lives vpon the former conditions, which
they <3id folemnely (weare. Then th^y returned to A^-
eAptfylco, and fb with their rich and vi&orious fpoiles
to the cittie of Mexico . The day following the king ad
fembled the nobilitie and the people,to whom he laid
open the accord the Commons had made, demaund
ing of them, if they were content to perfift thcrin:thc
Commons made anfwer, that they had-promifed, and
they had well deferved it, and therfore they were con-
tent to ferve them perpetually .Wherevpon they tooke
an orhe , which fince they have kept without contra
diction.

This done I^co/tU returned to Azcapuzako , (by the
advife of his counfell) he divided all the lands & goods
of the conquered among the conqtierourS; the cnicfeft

Mm 4 parte

ShfyturallatidMoratt.

part fell to the King, then to.TlaMcBccflnd after to the
reft of the Nobles , as they beft deferved in the battell.
They alfo gave land to fomc plebeians , having beha
ved themfelves valiantly- to others they diftributed the
pillage, making fijiall account of them as of cowardes.
They appointed lands in common for the quarters of
Mexico^® every one his part, for the iervice and facrifi-
ces of their gods . This was the order which after they
ahvayes kept, in the divifion of the lands and fpoyles of
thofc they had vanquished and fubdevved . By this,
meanes they Q£ d%captti(alco remained fb poore, as they
had no lands left them to labor,and (which was worfe)
they tooke their king from them, & all power to chufe
any other then him ofMs

of the warn and victory th: Mexicans h*d
the cittic of Cuyoacan. C H A p. 14.

Lthough the chicle Cittie of the TdpMectns, was-
_ __that of <^4%gapu%alco., yet had they others with
the ir private Lordcs, zsTttctwa and Cwoacan . Thefe
feeing theftormepafled, wouldgladly thatthcy ofyfe.
£apuz,a!colizd renewed die warreagainft the Mexicans,
and feeing them donted^s a nation wholy broken and
defeated , they of Cttyoacan refolved to make warre by
themfelves; tathe which they laboured to draw the o-
ther neighbor nations, who would not ftirre nor quar
rel! with the Mexicans, In the meanetimethehatred
and malice increafing, they of CuyoAcan bcsganne to ill
intreate the women that went to their markets, mock-
ingat thera, and doing the like to the men over whom
they had powcnfor which caufc the kirtg of Mexico de-
faided^thatnoneofhisfliould goet®-G#y0acai, and

that

HiHor is of the Indies lib.y. 53?

that they fhould receive none of them into Mexico, the
which made them ofCttjfwm rcfblve wholy to warre:
but firft they would provoke them by Come (hamefull
fcorne, which was, thathavinginvited them to one of
their folemnefeafts, after they had made them a good
ly banquet, and feafted them with a great dauncc after
their manner, they fent them for their fruite, womens
apparell, forcing them to put it on , and fo to returne
home like women to their citric, reproching them,that
they were co wards and effeminate, and that they durfl
not take armes being diffidently provoked . Thofeof
Mexico fay >that for revenge they did vnto them a fowk
fcorne, laying at the gates of their Cittic ofCuyoacav
certaine-things which fmoakcd , by mcancs whereof
many women were delivered before their time, and
mafty fell (icke . In the end , all came to open warre,
and there was a battell fought , wherein they imploy-
ed all theirTorces, in the which TUcwlkc , by his cou
rage and policiein warre, obtained the victory. For ha
ving leh king l^c&dt in fight with them ofCayoaMa, he
put himfelfe in arnbufli with fome of the moft valiant
fouldiers, and fo turning about, charged them behind,
and forced them to retire into their Citty. But feeing
their intent was to flieinto a Temple, which was vefie
ftrong. He with three other valiant fouldiors, purfued
them eagerly , and got before the'm/eifing on the tem-
ple.& firing it, fo as he forced them to flie to the fields,
where hee made a great (laughter of the vanquilhed,
purfuing them two leagues into the Countrey, vnto a .
litle hilljWhere the vanquiflied carting away their wea
pons and their armes acro(Te,yeelded to the Mexicans,
and with many teares craved pardon of their overwee
ning follie, in vfing them like women, offering to bee

their

The S^aturall and Moral!

their flavesifoas in the end theMexicainesdid pardon

them. O f this vi&ory the Mcxicanes carried away very

rich fpoiles of garments,armes,gold,filver,iewdls, and

rich feathers, with a great number of captives. In

this battaile there were three of the principals of Cub

htiacan that came to aide the Mexicaines,to vvinne ho*

nour,thc which were remarkable above all. Andfince

being knowen to T law/tec , and having made proofc

of their fidelitie, he gave them Mexicainedevifes, and

had them alvvayes by his fide, where they fought in all

places very valiantly. It was apparant that the whole vi-

dory was due to the Generall, and to thefe three 5 for

among fo many captives taken, two third partes were

wonne by thefe foure, which was eafily knowen by a

policieiheyvfed : for taking a captive, theyprefently

cut off a little of his haire, and gave it to others, fo as it

appeared that thofe which had their haire cut, amoun

ted to that number , whereby they wonne'great repu

tation and fame of valiant men . They were honoured

as conquerorSjgiving them good portions of thefpoils

and lands, as the Mexicans have alwayes vfed to doc,

which gave occafion to thofe that did fight, to become

famous, and to winne reputation by armes.

the Mexicans htJ a~
gtinft the Suchimilcos. C H A P . 1 5

'J'He Nation of the Taptnccans being fubdewedthe
Mexicaines had occafion to do the like to the Sttchi-
milcos, who (as it hath beenefaide) were thefirft of the
feven caves or linages that peopled this land.The Mex-
icons fought not the occafion, although they might pre-
fiimeas conquerors to extend their limits , but rheS*-

chimiltos

Hfilorie of the Indie t. lib.y. 557

cbimttcos didde moove them, to their owne mine, as it
happens to men of fmall Judgement that have no fore-
fight,who not preventing the mifchefe they imagined,
fall into it. The StiMmilcos held opinion5that the Mex
icans, by i:eafon of their vi&ories paft, flieuld attempt
to fubdue them, and ccnfulted hecrcon among them-
felves.Some among them thought it good to acknow
ledge them for fuperiors , and to applaude their good
fortune, but the contrary was allowed,and they went
out to give them battel: which fi(codt the king of Afpc--*
ico vnderftanding,hc fent his General Tla&ellec againft
them, with his army: the battcll was fought in the fame
field that divides their limitcs, which two armies were
equall in men and armes, but very divers in their order
and manner of fighting 5 for that fatSitikimilcto char
ged all together on a heapc confufcdly, and Tlacaellcc
divided his men into fquadrons with a goodly order,
fo as he prefently brake his ennemies, forcing them to
retire into their citric, into the which they cntred,fol-
lowing them to the Temple whither they fled , which
theyfiercd, and forcing them to flie vnto themoun-
tainesrin the end they brought them to this poynt,that
they yeclded with their armes acrofle . The Generall
TUcacllce returning in great triumph > the priefls went
foorth to receive him, with their mufickeof flutes,and
giving incenfe . The chiefe Captaincs vied other cere,
monies and (hews of ioy, as they had bin accuftomed
to doe , and the king with all the troupe went to the
Ternple,to give thanks to their falfegod, for the divell
hath al wayes beene very defirous hereof, to challenge
to himfelfe the honor which he defcrves not , feeing it
is the true God which givethvidories , and rtiaketh
themtorulewhomchepleafeth . The day following,

king

538

king Tzc9att went vnto the Citty ^SucUmko, cauftng
himfelfetobcfwornekingof fatSuchmilcos : andfor
their comfort he promifed to doe them good . In to
ken whereof hee commaunded them to make a great
cawfey ftretching from Mexico, to Suchimilc^ which is
foure leagues , to the end there might bee more com
merce and trafficke amongeft them. Which tiizSuchi-
wilcos performed ,and in fhortc time the Mcxicaine go-
vernementfeerned fo good vn to them, as they helde
• themfelves happy to have changed their king and com-
monweale, Some neighbors pricked forward by envy,
or fenre , to their ruines were not yet made wife by o-
thers miferies.

&itifl#&&& was a citty within the lake, which though
the name and dwelling be chaunged, continucth yet.
They were adlive to fwimme in the lake, and therefore
they thought they might much indomage and annoy
the Mexicaines by water, which the King vnderftand-
ing, hee refolvcd to fend his army prefently to fight a-
gainftthem . But Tlacaellec little eftecming this wane,
holding it difhonorable to lead an army againft them,
made offer to conquer them with the children onely :
which he performed in this maner : he went vnto the
Temple & drew out of the Govern ftich children as he
thought fitteft for this adion, from tenne to eighteenc
yeeres ofage, who knew how to guide their boates, or
canoes, teaching them certaine pollicies . The order
they held in this warre, was, that he went to Cuttlava-
M with his children , where by his pollicy hee preffed
theennemy in fuch forte, that hee madethem toflie-
and as he followed them, the lord ofCuitlavaca metre
him arid yeelded vnto him5himfelfe,his Gitty, and his
people, and by this meancs he ftay ed the purfuite.The

children

Htflorie of the Indies lib. 7.

children returned with much fpoyle , and many cap.
tives for their facrifices,bcing fblemncly received with
agreatproceffion, mufike and perfumes, & they went
to worthippc their gods , in talcing of the earth whicji
they did cate, and drawing blood from the forepart of
their legges with the Priefts lancets , with other fuper-
ftitions which they were accuftomed to vie in the like
folemnities. The children were much honoured and
incoraged, and the king-imbraced and kifled thcm^and
his kinfinen and alies accompanied them . The bruite
of this vi<5torie ramie throughout all the country, how
that Tlacaellec had fubdued the city ofCuiflwaca with
children: the news and confideration whereof opened
the eyes of thofe o£Tefettco, a chiefeand very cunning
Nation for their manner of life : So as the king of Tef~
CHCO was firft of opinion, that they fhould fubied them-
felves to the king of Mexico 5 and invite him therevnto
with his cittie. Therefore bytheadvifeofhisCoun'
fell, they fent AmbaflTadors good Orators with hono
rable prefents , to offer themfelves vnto the Mexicans,
as their fubiefts, defiring peace and araitie, which was
gratioufly accepted - but by the advi&ofTlacaelleciie
vfed a ceremony for the effecting thereof, which was
that thofe of T^^fhould come forth armed againft
the Mexicans, where they (hould fight> and prefently
yeelde, which was an ad and ceremony of warre, with
out any effufion ofbloud on either fide. Thus the king
tf Mexico became fbveraigne Lord ofTefcttco, but hee
tooke not their king from them, but madehimofhis
priviecounrell; (b as they have alwayes maintained
themfelves in this manner vntill the time of Motecuma,
the fecond, during whofe raiene the Spaniards entred.
Having fubdued theland and cicty of TefiacOj Mexico

rema-

The ^aturall and Moral}

remained Lady and Miftris of all the landes and citties
about the Lake, where it is built, l&coalt having enioy^
ed this profperitie, and raigned twelve y ceres, died,
leaving the realme which had beene giveifairn, much
augmented by the valour and counfell of 'his nephew
rUcaelkc (as hath afore beene (aide ) who held itbeft
to choofe an other king then himfelfe, as (hall heereaf-
terbefliewed.

ofthefft King ^Mexico, called Mote ^um^
the frjitf that name. CHAP. 16.

Tp Orafmuch astheeleftion of the new King , belon-
JL gedto foure chiefe Ele&ors, (as hath been faid,)
and to the King tfTefittco, and the King ofTacu-
btt>by cfpeciall priviledge : Tlacaellec aflembled thefe
fix perfonages, as he that had thefoveraigneauthoritie,
and having propounded the mattcrvnto them, they
tnade choife of Mote$um& , the firft of that name , ne
phew to the fame Tlacaellec . His elcdion was very
pleafingtothem all, by rdafbn whereof , they made
njoft folemnc feafts, and more (lately then the former.
Prefently after his eledion,they conduftf d him to the
Temple with a great traine , where before the divine
harth, (as they call it,) where there is continuall fire,
they fet him in his royall throne, putting vpon him his
royall ornaments. Being there, theKingdrew blood
from hise^tres andlcggcs with agriffons tallents, which
VL^S the facrifice wherein the divell delighted to be ho
noured. ThePriefts, Antients, and Captaines, made
their orations , all congratulating his eledtion. They
wereaccuftomcdin their eleftions to make great feafts
and dances, where they wafted many lightes. In this

Kings

Htftorie of the Indies liB.y.

Kings time the cuftome was brought in, that the King
ftiould go in pcrfon to make vvarre in fome province,
and bring captives to folemnize the feaft of his coro
nation, and for the folemne facrificesofthatday. For
this caufe King Mote^um* went into the province of
Cbako_9 who had declared themfelves his enemies:
ftomwhence (having fought valiantly,) he brought a
great number of captives , whereof he did make a no-
table facrifice the day of his coronation, although at
that time he did not f iibdue all the province tfchalco,
beingavery~waHIkenatibn. Many came to this coro
nation from divers provinces,as well neere as farre off,
to fee the feaft, at the which all commers were very
bountifully entertained and clad,efpecially the poore^
to whom they gave new garments. For this caufe they
brought that day into the Cittie , the Kings tributes,
with a goodly order, which confided in ftuffcsto make
garments ofallfbrts,in Cacao, gold5filver, rich feathers^
great burthens of cotten, cucumbers, fundry fortes 6f
pulfes, manykindesoffea fifh, and of the frefh water,
great ftore of fruites , and venifon without number >
not reckoning an infinite number of prefents , which
other kings and Lords fern to the new king. All this
tribute marched in order according to the provinces,
and before them the ftewardsand receivers, with di
vers markes and enfignes, in very goodly order : fo as
it was one of the goodlieft things of the feaft, to fee
the entry of the tribute. The King being crowned,he ( *~~ * ^
imploied himftlfe in theconqucft of many provinces,
and for that he was bothvaliant and vertuous, hee ftill
increafed more and more , vfing in all his affaires the
counfell and induftry of his generall Tlacatdkc, whom
he did alwaies love and efteeme very much, as hee had

good

good reafon. The warre wherein hee was moft trou
bled and of greateft difficultie , was that of the pro-
vince of C^/^,wherein there happened great mattery
whereof one was very remarkable, which was, that
they ofckalcas , had taken a brother o£Mefepwaes in
the warres , whome they refolved tochoofe for their
king, asking him very curteoufly , if he would accept
of this charge. Heanfwered (after much importunity,
ftillperfifting therein,) that if they meant plainely to
choofe him for their king , they fliould plant in the
marketplace, a tree or very high ftake, on the toppe
whereof, they (hould make a little fcaffold^and meanes
to mount vnto it. The Chalet fuppofing it had-beene
fome ceremony to make himfelfe more apparent, pre-
fently effeded it : then aflembling all his Mexicaines a-
bout the ftake, he wejit to the toppe with a garland of
flowers in his hand, (peaking to his men in this maner,

0 valiant Mexic tines , theft men will vhoofemee for their
Kingjbut the gods will not permit ,that to be A King ifaouli
commute Any ireafon dgainfl my countri^ butcontrarirvifi,

1 wilt hat you learn e by mejhat it behoveth vs rather 3 10 in-
dttre death, then to ajdeour enemies. Saying thefe words,
he caft himfelfe downe, and was broken in a thoufand
peeces,at which fpe<Sacle,the Chalet had To ^reat hor
ror and difpits, that prefently they fell vpon the Mexi-
caines and flew them all with their launceg 5 as men
whom they held too pro wde and inexorable, faying,
they had divelifh hearts. It chanced the night follow
ing, they heard two owles making a mornefull cry,
which they did interpret as an vnfortunate figne , and
a prefage of their neere deftrtii3:ion,3S it fucceeded: for
Kin oMatecuma went againft them in per/on with all
his power ? where hevanquifliedthem, andruinedall

their

Hiftoritofthe Indies, lib* 7*

their kingdomc : and patting beyond the mountaine
Memde , hcc conquered ftill even vnto the North fea.
Then returning towards the South fca, heeiubdued
many provinces :fo as he became a mighty Kingrall by
the helpc and counfell ofT/acae/tec , who in a manner
conquered all the Mexicaine nation. Yetheeheld an
opinion, (the which was confirmed,) that it was not
bchoovefull to conquer the province Q£TU(c*Ua> that
the Mexicaines might have a fronter enemy, to keepe
theyowhof jfl/£v/V0in excrcifeandallarme : and that
they might have numbers of captives tofacrifice to
their idols, wherein they did wafte(as hath beenefaidj
infinite numbers of men, which iliould bee taken by
force in the warres. The honour muft be given to Mo-
tefMiMjx to fpeake truly,to Tkcatlkc his General!, for
the good order and policy fetlc d in thcrealmeof Mex-
ic&» as alfo for the counfcllsand goodly enterprifes,
which they did execute : and likewile for the numbers
of ludgcs and Magiftrates,being as well ordered there>
as in any common- wealc5yea, were it in the moil fiou-.
riihing ofEw/f* This King did alfo greatly increafc
the Kings houfe, giving it great authoritie,and appoin
ting many and fundry officers, which fcrvcd him with
great pompc and ceremony. Hee was no lefle remarka
ble touching the devotion and fervice of his idolls,in-
creafing the number of his Minifters , and inftituting
new ceremonies , whcrcvnto hcc carried a great rc-
fpeft.

Hec built that great temple dedicated to their god
ritziliputdiy whereof is fpokenin the other booke.
He did facrifice at the dedication of this templc,a great
number of men , taken in fiindry victories : finally, in-
ioying his Empire in great profperitic, hcc fell ficke,

Na and

having raigned twenty eight yeare*, ynlite
to his fucoeflbr X/Vw<r,who did notrefciiibkhiai^nci^
ther uivabu^nor in good fortune,

HovJiwadkcwfafidta

wd deed&tfTiwdc. CH A p. 17.

' .-. . •

"T* HE foiire Deputies affembled in couafell, with
A the br^i vtTcfcttc* .& Tacttba, where T^cadlec \yas
PrefidcatitJ thcicledion, where by alljtheir voices T/^-
caclkc waschofjbr>, as deferving tliis charge better then
any othcr.Yet hercfufed it,perfwading them- by perti
nent reoion-^that they fliuld choofc another,fiying5that
it was betteryand rnore.expedicrtt to have anetter4ingj
and he to be his instrument and afliftant, as hee had
beene till disband not to lay the whoicbiirthen vp.Qn
him 3 for that he held himfelfe no Me bound for the
Comtnon-iveale , then if hee were king. Itisa-rare
thing to refufe principalitie and commaund^ and to in-
dure chepaincand thecare , and not toreape the ho
nour. There are few that- will yeeld vp the power and
authority 5 which they may hold,wcre it profitable to
the common weale. This Barbarian did heej;ein ex
ceed the \vifeft amongfttheGrcckesan4Roa]ans;;and
it may be a kfTbn to Alexander and lulius Ctfir^ wh^te>
of the one held it little to command the whojewovld,
putting his moft dc-creand-faithftill (crv^nt^to death
vpon fome fmaHiealofies of rule and empire : and ., the
other declared hitnfelfc enemy to luscoumry, faying,
thatifitMFerelawfull to do.any thing againft law and
reafon,it Was fof a . kingdpfne.; facbi^.fhethir.ftand de^
fire of commnund. Although this ,ade QfTlacael/cfs
might Well proceedefronitpQ^re^^

fim-

irn,tho«gh hewferertot kin^yee
mtimrKled kings ; iUflfenng him
to catty qercaine markes., z&aFiwa or dlnament -fot
the head, which belonged ondy tothemfelves . Yet
thfe&adeferves greater comaaendation^ndtobewcll
.coafidered of, in*hst hefadbd opinion totebetterable
tofcrve^hisGoMunon-weale as aiiibiefi, then being a
foyeraigoe Lord.Atidasia a comedie hedeftrvesmoft
comniead^ion, thatr.epT.efents the perfonagcthatim-
portesmoft/bee it.ofafteepheard or apeafant, and
leaves the Kiflg or C^aine to him that can perforrne
it:So in good PMofophy,men ought tx> have a fpecial
regard to the common good, and apply themfclves to
that office and place Which they beft vndcrftanfd. But
this philofophie isfarrc from that which is pradifed at
this day. But let vs returnctoourdifcourie, andfty,
that in'recompcnceof his modeftie^nd for the refped:
which the Mexicainc Eledors bare him; titty deman-
ded of TUcMlkc, (that feeing hee would notraigne,)
whom he thought moft fit : Wherevpori hee'gave his
voicetoafonne ofthedeceafed king , who Was then
veryyong, called Ticocic : but they repliecPthat his
fhoulders were very weake tobeare fo heavy a burthen.
T^&ranfwered^that his were there to heTpfc him to
bearethe burthen, ashehad^donetb thedeceaf^d : by
meancs whereof,they tooke their refolurion, and Tico-
tic was chofen,to whom were done^H the accuftomed
ceremonies.

They pierced his nofthrik,and fwafi'ornamen t \
-an Emerald therein : and for- this reafon^ -ffrthe Mexi-

canebookes, this king istiOD?d
ced. Hee differed fnuchftom his ftthtrf and' predecef.
fov>beine noted for a coward,and not valiantiHe wen t

Nnz to

The y^a

tomakcwarre for his coronation, in a province that
was rebelled, where he loft more of his own men then
heetooke captives^ yet he returned, faying, thathcc
brought the number of captives required for the {acri-
ficeof his coronation , and fo hce was crowned with
great folemnitie. But the Mexicaincs difcontcnted to
have a king folittle difpofed to vvarre , pra&ifed to ha-
ften his death by poifon. For this caufe hee contiaued
notabove foureycares in the kingdome: whereby wee
fee that the children do not alwaics follow the blood
and valour of their fathers • and the greater the gloria
of the predeceflbrs hath bccne 3 the more odious is the
weakcnes and cowardife of fuch that fuccced them in
command, and not in merit. But this lofle was well
repaired by a brother of the deceafed , wKb wasalfb
fonne to great Mottfttwa&lkd 4xAyaca,v>Tho was like-
wife chofenbythe advice of TUcaellcc, wherein hec
happened better then before.

Qftbt death <?/Tlaca:lIec, wdthe Jccdcs ^Axayaca

tkefcventh KingofMexicaims.

CHAP* 18.

NOW was TUcaellecvexy old, who by rcafon ofhis
age,he was carried in a chairc vponmens (houl-
ders,toaffift in counfcll when bufines recuired. In the
end hce fell ficke, whcnas the king ( who v^ as not yet
crowned,) did vifithitn often , {heading many teares,
fcemingto loofein him his father , and the father of
his c®un trie. T/ac4c//ecdid moft afFedionately rccom-
mend his children vnto him, efpecially thceldeft, who
had fhevved himfclfe valiant in the former warres. The
king promifcd to have regard vnto him , and the more
to comfort the oldc man , in his prefence he gave him

tthc

of the Indies, lib. 7.

the charge and enfignes of Captaine Generall,with all
the preheminences of his father • wherewith the olde
man remained fo \vell ft tisfied, as with this content he
ended his daies, If hee had not paffed to another life,
they might have held themfelves very happy, feeing
that of id pool e and ftnall acittie, wherein hee was
bornc,he eftablifhed by his valour and magnanknitie,
fb great, fo rich,and ib potent a kingdome. The Mex
icans madehisfunerallas the founder of that Empire,
morefumptuous and ftately, then they had done to a-
ny of their former kings. And prefcntly after Axayaca,
(to appeafe the for row which all the people of Mcxic*
(hewed for the death of their captaine,) ho refolved to
make the voyage neceflary for his coronation. Hee
therefore led his army with great expedition into the
province of T^uantepec, two hundred leagues from
Mexico, where he gaveT>a ttaile to a mighty army and
an infinite number of men afTembled together, as well
out of that province, as from their neighbours, to op,
p6fe themfelves againft the Mexicans. Thefirft of his
Campe that advanced himfelfe, to the combate, was
the King himfelfe , defying his cnnemies ', from
whome hee made fliewe to fly when they charged
him, vntill he had drawne them into an ambufcadoe,
where many fouldiers lay hidden vnder ftravv, who
fuddenly iflued forth , and they which fled , turned
head : fb as they Q£Tiq**#&fee remained in the midft
of them,whoni they charged furioufly,making a great
(laughter of them: and following their vidory, they
razed their citty and temple, puniifhingall their neigh
bours rigoroufly.Then went they on farther,ahd with
out any ftay , conquered to Guatulce, the which is a port
at this day well knowne in the South fea. Jxayaca re
turned

548

turned to Mexico with great and richfpoiles, where he
was honourably crowned, with fumptuous and ftatr-
ly preparation of facrifices, tributes, and other things^
whither many came to fee his coronation. The Kings
of Mexico received the crowne from the hands of the
King of TcfettcOjwho had the preh eminence. He made
inany^pther entcrprifes, where he qbtaincd great victo
ries., being alwaics the Srft to leadethe army, and to
charge the enemy ; by the which hee purchafed the
.name of a moft valiant :captaine :•& not content to fufc-
duc ftrangers,he alfo fupprelTed his fubic<5fe which had
( rebelled , which never any of his predeceflours ever
could doe, or durft attempt. We have already fhewed
how fome feditious of Mexico had divided themfelves
from that common-weale, and built a cittie rTeare vnto
them,\vhich they called Tlttdulco, whereas now faint

Thefe being revolted, held a faction aparte,,and en-
.created and multiplied much, refilling to acknowledge
the kings of 'Mexico, nor to yceld them obedience.The
king tZfxtrjaea fcnt to advife them , not to live divi-
ded5but being of one blond, and one people,to ioync
together, and acknowledge the kinq of Mexico-, where-
•vpon the J^ordeof TUtdtdco made'an aunfwere full of
pride and difdaine , deficng the king of Mexico to firi-
gle combate with himftife : and prefcntly muftred his
men, commalmding foraeofthem to hide themfelves
inthe weeds of the Lake- and the better to deceive the
Mexicans,he cornrnaimded them to take the fliapes of
ravens, gcefe, and other beafis, as frogs, andfuch like,
fuppofing by tliis meanes to furprife the Mexicans as
they (hould pafle by the waics and cawfies of the Lake.
•Having knowledge of thisdefie, and of his adverfaries

policie^

PItHorieofthefndies. lib. 7.

policie, he divided his army, giving a part to his gene-
rail , the forme of Tlacacllec , commaunding him to
charge this ambufcadoe, in the Lake ; and he with the
reft of his people , byan vnfrcqucnted way, went and
incamped before TUtelulco. Prefently hee called him
who had defied him , to performe his promife , and as
the two Lordes of Mexico , and Tlatdulco advaunced,
they commaunded their (ubieds not to moove, vntill.
they had feenc who fliould be conquerour,which was
done, .and prefently the two Lordes incountered vali
antly, where having fought long, in the end the Lorde
ofTlatclttlco was forced to turne his backe , being vn-
able to indure the furious charge of the king of Mexico*
Thofe otTlatelulco feting their captaineflie, fainted,&
fled likewife , but the Mexicans following them at the
heeles,chargcd them furiouflyj yet the Lord ofT/atc-
luleo efcaped not the hands ofdxajaca-, for thinking to
favehimfelfe, he fled to the toppe of the Temple, but
dxayaca folowed him (b neere,as he fcifed on him with
great force, and threw him from the toppc to the bot-
tome, and after fet fire on the Temple, and the cittie.
Whileft this pafled at Tlatelulco^hz Mexicane gcnerall
v/as very hotein the revenge of thofe that pretended
to defeate him by pollicie, & after he had forced them
to yeelde^and to crie for mercy, the Generall fayde he
would not pardon them,vntil they had firft performed
the offices of thofe figures they rcprefcnted , and ther-
fore he would have them crie like frogges and ravens,
every one according to the figure .which he had vnder-
taken,elfe they had no compofition : which thing he
did to mockc them with their owne policie. Feare and
neccflitie be perfeft teachers, foas they did fing and
crie with all the differences of voyces that were com-

N n 4 maunded

550 The ^{aiurallanaMorall

maunded them, to fave their lives, although they were
much grieved at the fport their enimies made at them.
They lay that vnto this day, the Mexicans vfe toieaft
at theTUteluluvs,\vhich they beare impatiently, when
they putte them in minde of this finging and crying of
beafts. King ^^4^tookepleafureatthisfcorne and
difgrace, and prefently after they retourned toMexiw
with great ioy. This King was efteemed for one of the
beftthat had commaundedin Mexico. Heeraigned
ekavenyeares, and one fucceeded that was much infe-
riour vnto him in valour and vertue*

of the dcedes ofAutzol the eight King ^/Mexico.
CHAP. 19.

\ Mong th e foureEIe<3ors that had power to chnfe
XXwhome they pleafed to be king, there was one in.
dued with many perfc<3ions,named Autzd. This man
was chofen by the reft, and this ele&ion was very pica-
fing to all the people: for befides that he was valiam,all
held him curteous and affable to every man, which is
one of the chiefe qualities required in them that com-
maund, to purchafe love and refpeft. To celebrate the
feaft of his coronation, lice refolved to make a voyage
and to punifli the pride of thofe of gutxuhitUv, a very
rich and plentif till province , and at this day the chiefe
new Spam. They had robbed his officers and fte-
wards5that carried the tribute to Mexico >,and therwi th-
all were rebelled . There was great difficulty to reduce
this Nation to obedience, lying in fuch foit,as an arme
e fca ftopt the Mexicans paflagerto pa(Te the which
^*%# (with a ftrange device and induftry) caufed
, an Iland to be made in the water, of faggots,earth,and

other

Htflorie of the Indies

other matter 5 by meanes whereof, both hee and his
men might paffe to the enemy, where giving them bat-
tell,he conquered them,and puriifhed them at his plea.
fure.Then returned hee vnto ^Mexico in triumph, and
with great riches, to bee crowned King, according to
their cuftome.^toz.0/ extended the limites of his king-
dome farre, by many conquefts, even vnto Gmtimdla^
which is three hundred leagues from ^Mexico JHe was «££^ /
niolefle liberallthan valiant : for whenas the tributes
arrived, (which as I have faide) came in great aboun-
daunce , hee went foorth of his pallace, gathering to
gether all the people into one place,thcn commaunded
he to bring all the tributes, which hee divided to thofe
that had neede. To the poore hee gave ftuffes to make
apparrell, andmeate, and whatsoever they had neede
of in great aboundaunce, and things of valutas golde,
filver,iewels?and feathers, were divided amongeft the
Captaines,fouldiers,and fervants of his houle, accord
ing to every mans merite .{This ^///(^/waslikewifea
great polititian, hee pulled downe the houfes ill built,
and built others very fumptuous. Itfeemed vnto him j
that the city of Mexico had too litle water, and that the I
Lake was very muddy , and therefore hee refblved to
let in a great courfe of water , which they of City wean
vfed . For this caufe he called the chiefe man of the
cittie vnto him, being a famous forcerer, havingpro-
pounded his meaning vnto him, theforcererwiflied
him to be well ad vifed what hee did, being a matter of
great difficulty, and that hee vnderftoode, if he drew
the river out of her ordinary courfe , making it pafle to
Mexico, hee would drowne the citty . The king fuppo-
fed thefeexcufeswere but to fruftrate the effe&of his
defleigne ? being therefore in choler, he difmiffed him

home,

55* The ^(aturall and Moral!

home; andafewdayesafter hcefentaprovofttoC^
yodCttn, to take this Sorcerer : who having vnderftand-
ing for what intent the kings officers came , hee caufed
them to enter his houfc, and then he prefented himfelf
vnto them in the forme of a terrible Eagle, wherewith
the provoft and his companions being terrified , they
returned without taking him.^/^/incenfcd herewith
fent others, to whome hee prefented himfelfe in forme
of a furious tygre, fo as they durft not touch him. The
third came, and they found him in the forme of a hor
rible ferpent, whereat they were muchafraide. The
king mooved the more with thcfe dooings, fent to tell
them ofCuyoacav, that if they brought not the Ibrcerer
bound vnto him, he would raze their citty. Forfeare
whereof, or whether it were of his owne free will, or
being forced by the people , he fuffered himfelfe to be
led totheking, who prefemly caufed him tobeftrang-
led, and then did he put his refolution in pradife 3 for-
cing a chaacll ^hereby tlfc water might pafle to Mex
ico, whereby hee brought a great current of water into
the Lake, which they brought with great ceremonies
and fuperftitions, having priefts cafting incenfe along
the banks,others facrificed quailes>and with thebloud
of them fprinckled the ehannell bankes , others found
ing of cornets, accompanied the water with their mu-
ficke. One of the chicfe went'attired in a habite like to
their goddeffeofthc water, and ail fainted her, faying,
that fhee was welcome;! All which things^rej^ainted
in the Annales of Mexic o: which bookc is now at Rome
2* "i in the holy Library ,or Vaticane, wherea father of our
company, that was come from 3/<?,v/Vi?, did fee it, and
other hiftories,the which he did expound to the keeper
of his Hdlineflc Library, taking great delight to vnder-

ftand

Hittorie of the Indie*, lib.y. 553

ftand this btfoke , which before hce could never com-
prehend. Finally, the water was brought to Mexico,
butit camein fuch aboundaunce, that it had wclneere
drowned the cittie,as was foretold : and in effeft it did
ruine a great parte thereof, but it was prefen tly preven
ted by the induftry of Autz,ol , who caufed an iffue to
be made to draw'foorth the water : by meanes where
of hee repaired the buildings that were fallen , with an
exquifite worke,being before but poore otagcs. Thus
he left the citty invironed with water, like another yc-
nicc, and very well built : heeraignedeleavcnyeares,
and ended with thclaftandgreateftfucceflbr of all the
Mexicans.

Of the ekffion of great Motecttma, the la/1 king
' C ii A P. 20.

WHcn the Spaniards entred new
theyeareofourLordeonethoufand five him- „
drcd an^ejghtggn^ Motepma fecond of that name, was ' **'
tftelaftkingoftheMexioiines, I fay thelafl, although
they of Mexico, after his death, chofe another king,yea
io the life of the fame UWotepwa, whoraethey decla
red IM enemy to his country, as we fliall fee heereafter.
Butftee that fucceeded him , and hee thatftll into the
hands of the Marquife deFit//<f, had but the names and
titles of Kings, for that thekingdome was in a maner al
yeelded to the Spaniardsrfo as with reafon we account
tMMepHM for the laft king, and fb hee came to the pe-
riode of the Mexicaines power and greatnefle , which
is admirable being happened among Barbarians : for
thiscaufe, and for that this was thefeafon , that God
had chofen to reveale vnto them the knowledge of his

Gofpd,

554 S^fe 3\£atttrall and Moral!

Gofpel, and the kingdomc of lefus C hrift , I will re-
bee, more at large the ades Qf\Miiep&& , then of the
reil '

Before he came to be king, he was by difpofition,ve.
ry grave and flayed , and fpake little , fb as when hee
gave his opinion in the privy counfell, whereas he affi-
fted, his fpeeches and difcouries made every one to ad
mire him , fo as even then he was feared and refpeded.
He retired himfelfe vfually into a Chappell, appointed
for him in the Temple of Vitziliputzli, wh ere they faid
their Idoll (pake vntohim^ and for this caufehee was
helde very religious and devout. For thefe perfections
then, being moft noble and of great courage, bisele-
ilion was fliort and eafie,as a man vpon whom al mens
eyes were fixed ? as woorthy of fuch a charge. Having
intelligence of this eledion, hee hidde himfelfe in this
chappell of the Temple, whether it were by Judge
ment, (apprehending fo heavy and hard a burthen) as
to governe fuch a people)or rather as I beleeve throgh
hypocrifie,to {hew that hedefired notEmpery: In the
end they found him,leading him to the place of coun-
cell , whither they accompanied him with all pofliblc
loy : hee marched with fuch a gravitie , as they all ftyd
the name Q?Mote$uma agreed very \vel with his nature,
which is as much to {ay ,as an angry Lord.The ele&ors
did him great reverence /giving him notice, that hee
was chofen king : from thence he was ledde before the
harth of their gods, to give incenfc, where he offered
focrificcs in drawing hloud from his eares, & the calves
of his lcgges,according to their cuftome. They attired
Kim with the royall ornaments, and pierced the griftlc
of his nofthri!s,hanging thereata rich emcrald,a barba*
rous & troublous cuflomc^but thedcfire of rule^iade

all

Historic of the Indies lib, 7*

all painc light and cafie. Being featcd in his throne, he
gavcandicncc to the Orations and Speeches thit were
made vnto him > which according vnto their cuftome
wcrecloquentandartifickll. The firftwas pronoun
ced by the king tfTefcuco, which being prcfervcd, for
that it was lately delivered, & very worthy to be heard,
I will fct it downc word by word, and thus hee fayde:
The concordance and vnitic ofvoyces vpon thy election, is a
fttffieiefltteslimonie (wojl noble yong man) of the happincs
the realmefoall receive^ mtldefcrving to he comm&unded
by thee^ AS alfofor thcgwerallappUufe which all doe flew by
meanes thereof. Wherein they have great reafon , for the
Empire of Mexico doth alreadiefofarre extevditfelfejhat
togovzrne a worlds it is> and to bearefo hcavie a burthen,
it requires no leffe dcxteritie andcQHYAge^ thiin that which U
reftdentin thy firm and vdunt heart, nor oflcjje wifidomt
wd lodgement than thine. 1 fee and know plainely^ that the
wivhtic Godloveth this Cittie^ firing he hath given vndtr-
jlandingto choofe what watfit. For who will not beleeve that
* Prince, who before his raigne had pierced the nine vaultes
$f heaven, foouldnot likewife nowe obtaine thofe things that
tre earthlie to rekcve his people , tiding himfelfe with hit
bejl iudgewenty being therevnto bound by theduetieand
charge of a king.Who will likewise beleeve that the great cou
rage which thott haft alwaies valiantly foewed in matters of
import axce, flwldmwfaile thte in matters ofgreateft need?
Who will not per fwadehim(elfe but the Mexicane Empire is
tome to the height of their fiver aignetie , feeing the Lorde of
things created hath imparted fi great graces vnto theey that
with thy looks onelic thou breedejl admirationinthemthat
beholde ihet? Rcioyce then> O happy land, to whom the Crea
tor hath given a Prince, as a firm 'pillar tofupportthee,which
JhaS be thy father and thy defenctjby whom thoujbalt be fic-

cottred

w^

tfhis effate ismtinctiaddto delights, or wffltfi&JI&$t.cb?dout
'Upw-his-hed, ocwpiedinpleafi&<&s4$dwttes $ Lut cwtrart-
wife in itumiddejl ofhisfweete andpleapintfaepe, heemll
fedai#ely4mke.j<>r the care he rftuft have over thte^dvpitt
wtf&ktfatajl*0fthe^

vitt*tran$o*ted with the imAgmtiion'ofthygMd* X.ctt met
the* •( 0 hmppic realm*-) iflJJAve ntitreafoti- tofc&tktt thoa

) and ourmQftmtgktieLordt^fa confident^
tmrage , that fieing the Ler'de of things cre&-
ted'JMtk.given thee this change , hee will *lfr give thee force
andc&ttrage tomwn&geit •: and thouw ah ft -well hope, that
fawhithm times pa ft hatbvfedfo great fountte towardes
thttj : ml twtww deniethee hfrgreater gifts-, feeing he h/ttb
given theefogrwt ^ charge, which I tvijl thee ttenioy manic
y Mr&s .- ^King -Moteytma was very attentive to this Di£
cemrfe, whicbbeing ended; they fey he was fo troub
led, that mdevouring thrice to anfwer him, hce coyld
'not fpeakc, being overcome with tcares, which ioy
ande^nte-nt doe vfually caufe , in fign e of great hunn-
litic. Iivthe end being come to hi^ifelfejheipake brief-

, ^ , ifldiddenot

mjkat what thottljtajlftoken *vnfy inc proceeded of mere
awurtitpletifithyou tojbewine,feejing among fo m&nie no-
£le& valiant men within this realme, you have made ckoije
pfthe leaftfuffcicpt : andintrtteth, I fade myfdfifo inca-
•fable of a charge of fo great import ance^th at I know not what
to doe, bHttpbcfeechtheCreatorofallcreatedthing^ that
hee witt favour wee, andJintreMyou A$to pray vnto hi&
forme. Thefc wordes vttercd , hcebeg^nne|gaiaeto
wqepe.

fliU&m of the Indus, lib.?.

.

* ordered the fcrvice offji
OMtftht wambcem&ltforhis
coronAtion. CM A. 21

HE thatin-his election made fuch fliew of hutoilitie
andmildenes., feeing himfelfeking, begannepre-
fently to difcoverhis afpiring thoughts , Thcfirft was,
he eommaunded that no plebeian fli^uld fervein his
houie, nor .beare any roy all office, as his prcdeceffotjrs
had vfcd till then; blaming them that would-be ferved
by men of bafe condition, commaunding thataH the
noble and moft famous men of his realise (lioulde live
within his pallace, atid exercile the oifices/of his court,
and houfe. Wherevnto an olde ntan of great authoritic
(who had fometimes beene his Schoalcn^iifter) oppo-
fedhimfelfc adviling him, tote carefutl what hecdid,
and not to rfmift himelfe intathe danger o£ a great in
convenience, in (eparating himfelfe from the vulgare
and common people, fo as they fliould not dare to
looke him in the face, feeing themfelves fo rejected by
him, He anfvvered, that it was his refolucioft^ and that
he \yould not allow the plebeians to goc thus mingkd
among t]ic Nobles, as they had doone5faying,fehat the
fervice they did, was according to their condition ,-fo
as the kings got no reputation, and thus he continued
firme in his refolution. Hee prefently commanded his *
counfeiltpdifmifle all the plebeians from their char
ges and offices, as well thofe of his houfliold as of his-
court, and to .provide Knightes, the which was done.*-
After he went in^erfbn to an ^nterprife ncceffiry for
his coronation. At tt|attic|ie a province lying farre off
towards ihe Horth Ocean, was revoked from the •

crownc,

55,8

crowne, whether he led the flower of his people, well
appointed. There hce warred with fuch valour and
dexteritie, that in the end he fubdued all the province,
and punifhed the rebells/evercly, returning with a
great number of captives for the facrifices , and niany
other fpoilcs. All the citties made him folemnc recep
tions at his returne, and the Lords thereof gave him
water to wafli > performing the offices of fervants, a
thing not vfedby any of his prcdeceflbrs* Such was
the feareand refpeft they bare him. In Mexico y they
made the feafts of his coronation with great preparati
ons of dances,comedies,banquets,lights, and other in
tentions for many daies* And there came Ib greata
wealth of tributes from all his countries, that (hangers
ynknowne came to Mexico, and their very enemies re-
(brted in great numbers difguifed to fee thefe feafts, as
thofeofT/4/?rf/K*,and UecbovACAn : the which Motecu-
m* having difcovcredj he commanded they fliould be
lodged and gently intreated, and honoured as his own
perfon. Hcalfbmade them goodly galleries like vn to
his owne , where they might fee and behold the feafts.
So they en trcd by night to thofc feafts,as the king him-
felfe , making their Iportes and maskcs. And for that I
have made mention of thefe provinces, it {hall not be
from thepurpofc to vnderftand,that thoinhabitants of
Mtcbovac4?t,Tlafe4ll4£nd Tapeau, would never yeelde
to the Mcxicans,but did al waies fight valiantly againft
them; yea, fomctimesthe Mec&tvtcaits did vanquifti
the Mexicans , as alfo thofe of T*pe4C4 did . In which
place, the Marquife Don Terr And Cortes, after that he
and the Spaniards wert expelled Mcxict, pretended to
build their firft cittie, the which he called (as I well re-
dtlt Frwtim:]$iit this peopling con*

tinned

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib. 7.

tinned little: for having afterwards reconquered Mex
ico, all the Spaniards went to inhabite there. To coa-
clude,thofe ofTapeaca,7/afea//a^nd Mecb0v4ca&, have
beene alwaies enemies to the Mexicans, although M0-
tc$uma (aid vnto Cortes , that he did purpofefy forbeare
to fubdue them , to have occafion tp exercife his men
of warre,and to take numbers of captives.

Of the behaviour Andgreatnes fffMoiecumt.

CHAP. 22.

•.

y His King laboured to be refpe&ed, yea,to be wor-
fliiped as a god. No Plebeian might looke him in
the face^if he did,he was puniftied with death : hee did
neverfethis foote on the ground, but was alwaies car
ried on the (boulders of Noblemen; and if he lighted,
they laid rich tapeftry whereon he did go. When hee
made any voyage , hee and the Noblemen went as it
were in a parke compared in for the nonce, and the
reft of the people went without the parke , invironing
it in on every fide ; hee never put on a garment twice,
nor did eate or drinke in one veflell or difh above
once ; all muft be new , giving to his attendants that
which had once ferved him : fo as commonly they
were rich and fumptuous.He was very carefull to have
his lawes obferved.And when he returned vidor from
any warre,he fained fometinies to go and take his plea-
fure,then would he difguife himfelfe, to fee if his peo
ple (fuppofingif he weareabfent, ) would omitteany
thing of the feaft or reception : Ifthere^were any ex-
ceffeor defed, he then did punifh it rigoroufly. And
al(b to difcerne how his minifters did execute their
offices,he often difguifed himfelfe,ofFering guiftes and

O o pre-

5<5o The ^aturaUandMoratt

prcfents to the iudges,provoking them to do in iuftice.
If they offended, they were prefently punifhed with
death,without remiffion or refpe<5l, were they Noble
men, or his kinsmen-yea3his owne bretheren. He was
little converfant with his people , and feldome fecne,
retyring himfelfemoft commonly to care for the go
vernment of his realme. Befides that, hee was a great
iufticier and very noble, hee was very valiant and hap
py, by meanes whereof , hee obtained great vidories,
and came to this greatnes , as is written in the Spanifti
hiftories , whereon it feemes needelefle to v/rite more.
IwMl°netyhave a care heereafter to write what the
"^ • bookesand hiftories of fatlndies make mention of-the
which the Spanifh writers have notobferved, having
not fufficiently vnderftood the fecrets of this country,
the which are things very worthy to be knowne,as we
{hall fee heereafter.

Of the prefaces and ftrange prodigies w

in Mexico before the foil of their Empire,
CHAP. 23.

Although the holy Scripture forbids vs to give
credite to fignes and vaine prognostications, and
that S. lerame dotji admonifh vs not to feare tokens
frora heaven, as the Gentilesdo : Yet the fameScrip-
ture teacheth vs, that monftrous and prodigious fignes
are not altogether to bee contemned y and that often
they are fore-runners of fome generall changes and
ch^fticements which God will take , as Ettfelius notes
well ofCefarea: For that the fame Lord of heaven and
earth,fendes fuch prodiges and new things in heaven,
in the dements a inbeafts, and in his other creatures,

that

Hittorieofthefndies. lib. 7.

that this might partly ferve as an advertifemcn t to men,
and to be the beginning of the paine and chaftifemen t,
by the fcare and amazement they bring . It is written
in the fecond booke QiMaubeeSy that before that great
change and perfection of the people vdfrael : which
was caufed by the tyranny vtAntiochu* furnamed E-
pipbanes, whome the holy Scriptures call the roote of
finne, there were feene for forty dayes together tho-
rowou t tillcrufakm , great fquadrons of horfcmen in
the ayre, who with their armour guilt,their lances and
targets, and vppon furious horfes , with their fwordes l
drawnedidftrike, skirmifliandincounteroneagainft
the other : and they fay that the Inhabitants of lerufa-
lew feeing this, they prayed to our Lord to appeafe his
wrath, and that thefe prodegics might turne to good.
It is likewife written in the booke of Wifidimt , That 5t
when God would drawe his people out o£Egypt, and
punifh the Egyptians, forne terrible & fearefull vifions
appeared vnto them , as fires feene out of time in-hor
rible formes. lofepb in his booke of the le wifli warres,
(heweth many and great wonders going before the de-
ftrudion oflcrttfilcm, and the laft captivitie of his wic
ked people, Whome God iuftly abhorrediand EufekitK
ofCe/arta, with others, alleadge the fame texts, autho
rizing prognoftications . The Hiftories are full of like
obfervations in great changes of ftates and common*
weales, as Pattltu Orofius witnefleth of many : and with
out doubt this obfervation is not vaine nor vnpr^fi ta
ble- for although it be vanitie,yea fuperftition, defen
ded by the lawe of our God , lightly to beleevc thefe
fignes and tokens : yet in matters of great moment, as
in the changes of nations, kingdoms, and notable laws.
It is no vaine thing, but rather certaine and allured, to

O o 2 beleeve.

The ^amr all and Mora//

beleeve that the wifedome of the mo ft High dooth difc
pofe and fiifferthefe things, foretelling whatfhoulde
happen, to ferve (as I have (aide) for an advertifemerit
to fome, and a chafticernent to others, and as a witnes
to all, that the king of heaven hath a care of man : who
as he hath appointed great and fearefull tokens of that
great change of the world , which (hall bee the day
of judgement , fb doth it pleafe him to {end wonderful
fignes to demonftrate leflcr changes in divers paites of
the world,the which are rcinarkeable, whereof he difpo.
feth according to his eternal! wifedome . Wee muft at
fo vnderftand, that although the divellbe the father of
lies- yet the King of Glorie makes him often to con-
feffe the trueth againfthis will, which hec hath often
declared for very feare , as hee did in the ddan by the
mouth of the pofTcjflTed, crying, that lefus was the Sa
viour come to deftroy him, as he did by the Pythowijfi^
who (aide that Paul preached the true God , as when
he appeared and troubled Piktcs wife, whom hemade-
to mediate for lefa a iuft man . And as many other hi-
ftories befidcs the holy Scripture gave diverfe teflimo-
nies of idols,in approbation of chriftian religion,wher-
<$LA£&Ktittf, ProfyertM, and others make mention. Let
them reade Ettfebiu* in his bookcs of the preparation of
the Gofpel; and thofe of his demonftrations where he
doth amply treate of this matter. I have purpofely fpo-
kenthis, that no man fliould contemne what is writ
ten in the Hiftories and Annales of the Indies^ touching
Prefagesand ftrange fignes, of theapproching end and
ruine of their kingSome , and of the Divelles tyranny,
whom they worfhipped altogether . Which in my o-
pinion is worthy of credite and beliefe, both for that
it chanced Iate3 and the memory is yet frefli,as alfo for

that

Hiftorie of the Indies, lib* 7*

that it is likely, thatthe Divell lamented at fogreaca
change, and that God by the fame meanes beganne to
chaftice their cruell and abhominable idolatries. I will
therefore fet themdowne heere as true things.lt chan
ced that MotefHWA having raigned many yeers in great
profperity , and fo pufft vp in his conceit , as hee cau-
fed himfelfe to beferved and feared, yea to be worfliip-
ped as a god, that the Almighty Lord beganne to cha
ftice him, and alfo to admonifh him,fuffering even the
very Divelles whome he worihipped, to tell him tbefc
heavy tidings of the mine of his kingdome,and to tor
ment him by vilions,which had never bin feen- where-
with hee remained fo melancholy and troubled, as hec
was voyde of iudgement]Thc idoll of thofe of CholoU^
which they called gwtzactMlt, declared, thataftrangc
people came to poffefle his kingdomes. The king of
Tefeae0(whQ was a great Magician,and had conference
with the Divell ) came one day at an extraordinaric
houretovifite3/0#p«M, aflfuring him that his gods
hadtoldehim, that there were great lofTes preparing
for him, and for his whole realme : many witches and
forcerers went and declared as much , amongft which
there was one did very particularly foretell him what
(hould happen : and as he was with him hee toldehim
that the pulfes of his feete and hands failed him . Mote-
juma troubled with thefencws, commanded all thofe
(brcerci^s to be apprehended : but they vanifhed pre-
fently in the prilon , wherewith hee grewe into fuch a
rage, that hee might not kill them , as hee pu tee their
wives and children to death, deftroying their houfo,
and families. Seeing himfelfe importuned and trou
bled with thefeadvertifements , he fought to appeafe
the anger of his gods : and for that caufehee laboured

Oo 3 tO

The ^(atural/anc/Mdrall

to bring a huge ftone, thereon to make great facrifices:
For the effecting whereof hee fenta great number of
people with engins and inftruments to bring it : which
they could by no meanes moove^although (being ob*
ftinatc)they had broken many inftrumcms.But as they
ftrove ftill to raifeit, they heard a voyce ioyning to the
ftone,which faid they laboured in vaine, and that they
ihould not raife it, for that the Lorde of things created
would no more differ thofe things to be doone there.
2^^p^4vnderftandingthis5 commaundcd thefacri-
fice to be perfourmcd in that place , and they fay the
voyce fpake againe : HA ve I not told you, that it is not the
fie afore of the Lord of things created, that itflwuld be done:
and that you may weft know That it itfo, Iwillfujfer myfclfe
to be trawfporteaalittle, then after you flail not meeve mee*
Which happened fo indeede, for prefently they carri
ed it a final! diftancc with great facility5then afterwards
they could not mooveit, till that after many prayeis,it
fuffered it felfe to be tranfported to the entry of the ci t-
ty of ?»/£Y/V0, where fbdainly it fel into the Lake,where
feeking for it, they could not finde it, but it was after
wards found in the fame place from whence they had
rcmooved it , wherewith they remayned amazed and
confounded . At the fame time there appeared in the
element a great flame of fire, very bright, in the forme
ofa Pyramide, which beganne to appeare at midnight,,
and went ftill mounting vntill the Sunne rifing in the
morning, where it flayed at the Southland then vani-
flied away. It foeweditfelfeinthisfortthe fpaceofa
whole yeare, and ever as it appeared the people caft
foorth great cries as they were accuftomed 3 beleeving
it was a prefage of great misfortune. It happened alfo
that fire tooke the Temple,whenas no body was with
in

fffifoneoftkefnJte's. lib; 7.

ink, nornearevntoit, neither did there fall any lighr-
nimg or thunder wherevpon the guardes crying out, a
number of people ran with water , but nothing could
helpc , fo as it was all coniimied • and they fey the fire •

feemed to come forth of peeccs of timber,which kind-
led more by the water that was caft vpon it. There was
a Comet feene in the day time, tunning from the weft
totheeaft, cafting an infinite number of fparkles, and
they fay the forme was like to a long taile, having three
heads.

The great lake betwixt Mexico and Tefcuco, without
any wind, earthquake, or any other apparan t fighe,be-
ganne fodainely to fwell , and the waves grewe in fuch
fort, as all the buildings nearc vntd it fell downe to the
ground. They fay atthat time they heard many voices,
as of a woman in paine, which faydefometimes30 mj
children' , the time of your dettruftiw is ceme , and other-
whiles itiayde, Omy children, whither fiall I earn you,
tkatyouperifa not vtterly? There appeared lik&Wft ma
ny monfters with two heads , which being carried be
fore the king, fodainely vanifhed. There were two that
exceeded all other monfters , being very ftrange^ the
one was , the fidiers of the lake tooke a bird as bigge as
a Crane, and of the fame colour, butofaftrangeand
vnfeene form. They caried it to .A/<tffpw4,whoat that
time was inthe pallace of teares and mourning, which
was all hanged with blacke, Tor as he had many palaces
for his recreation, fo had he alfo others for times of at
flidlion, wherewith hee was then heavily charged and
tormented, byreafonofthethreatnings his gods had
given him by thcfe forrowfull advertiiements . Thp fi-
(hers came about noonefetting this bird before him,
which had on thetoppeof his head a thing brightand

004 tranfpa-

tranfparent y in forme of alooking glaflc , wherein he
did behold awanrclikc nation comtningfrom thecaft,;
arnicd,fighting,and killing. He called his Divines and
Aftronomcrs(whereof there was agreat number) who
having fcene tftefc things , and nor able to yeeldc any
reafonof what was dcmaunded of them , the bird va-
nifhed away , fo as it was never more feene : wherevp-
on Mateptma remained very heavy and forrowfull.The
other which happened, was a laborer, who had the re*
port of a very honeftman5came vnto him,tdling him,
that being the day beforeathisworke, a great Eagle
flew tOwardes him 5 and tooke him vppe in his talants,
without humng him5carying him into a certaine cave,
where it left him« the Eagle pronouncing thefe words,
Moft migbtie Lorde , / h^ve brought him whome ihott baft
wmwaundedme : This Indian laborer looked about on
every fide, to whome hee fpake, but heefawe no man.
Then he heard a voyce which fayde vino him, Dooft
thou not knovvc this man, whome thou feed lying vp-
on the ground : and looking thereon , he perceived a
man lievery heavy afleepe, with royall enfigncs,floures
in his hand , and a ftaffe of perfumes burning , as they
are accuftomed to vfein thatcountrey, whome the la
bourer beholding 5 knew it was the great king Motew-
ma, and anfwered prefently : GreatJLord, this refemblts
our King Metepwa. The voyce laide againe, Thwfaeft
true, behold what he is, andhtw he liesajkepe^ carelcffe tfthe
great miferies and afftiftions preftredfor him . It is vwe
iimethAt hee pay the great number *f offences hee hath done
1o God, and that he receive thepunifimenttfhis tyrannies^
and great pride, andyet thottfieft how careleffe hee tiesfoinde
in his owm miferies, and without any feting. But te the end
than maieft the better fee him, ttketbefitjfe of per fumes hee

Historic of the Indies lib. 7*

3 and put it to his face, tbotijbalt
im withotttfieltng.Ths poorc laborer durftnot
approach nccre him, nor doc as he was commaunded,
for thcgrcat fcarc they allhaddcof this king . But the
Voycefiide, H we no few y for! amwiibout comfarifin
greater than this Ktng, I un defiroj trim, and defend him >„
doe therefore what / commwnd thee . Where vpon the la
borer took the ftaffe of perfumes out of thelangs hand,
and put it burning to his nofe3 but he mooved not,nor
(hewed any feeling.

This done, the voice (aid vnto him , that feeing hec
had found theking fo fleepy,he fliould go awakehim,
and tell him what he had feene.Thcn the Eagle by the
famecomtnandement, tookethe man in his tallents,
and fet him in the fame place where he found him, and
for accomplifbment of that which it had fpoken , hee
came to advertife him. They fay, that Motecuma loo.
king on his face/ound that he was burnt, the which he
had not felt till then , wherewith he continued excee
ding heavy and troubled. It may be, that what thela-
borer reported , had happened vnto him by imagina
ry vifion : An'd it is not incredible, that God appointed
by the mcanes of a good Angell , or fuffered by a bad,
that this advertifemcnt fliould be given to the labourer
for the kings chafticctnent, although an infidel!, feeing
that we rcadc in the holy Scriptures, that infidells and
finners have had the like apparations and revelations,
teNAbttcadottofor, Balaam* and thePithoniflfeof^^/.
Andiffomeofrficfeappai'ations did not fo exprefly
happen, yet without doubt>jtf0#p;#<f had many gr^
affli6lions and difcontentments , -by reafon of funclry
& divers revelations which he had, that his kingdome
and law fliould ibone end.

of

5 4 8 The y^aturatt andMoraU

Of the naves Motefttwa received of the SpAniards AT-
rrvallin bit C*tMtrytand0fthc Ambaffagehe
feat them. CHAP.

I

N the fourteenth yeare of the raigne of Mote f urn*,
which was in the yeare df our Lord 1517. There ap
peared in the North feas , (hippes , and men landing,
whereat the fubie&s ofMotefuma wondred much, and
defirous to learne , and to be better fatisfied what they
were, they went aboord in their canoes, carrying many
refrefhings of meats and ftuffes to makeapparrdl,vpon
Colour to fell them. The Spaniards received them into
their (hippes , and in exchange of their vi&ualls and
ftuffes, which were acceptable vnto them, they gave*
them chaines of falfe ftoncs,red,blew,greene, and yel-
low,which thc/^^wwimagined to be precious ftones.
The Spaniards informing themfelves who was their
king,and of his great power , difmifTed them , willing
them to carry thofc ftones vnto their lord, faying, that
for that time they could not goe to him , but they
would prcfently returne and vifithim. Thofeofthc
coaft went prefcntly to Mexico with this meflage , car-
rying the reprcfcntation of what they had feene, pain
ted on a cloth, bothoftfiefliippes, men , and ftones
which they had given them. King MoteciWA remained
verypenfive with this meflage, commanding them not
forevealeittoanyone. The day following, he aflem-
bfed hk counfell, and having {hewed them the painted
clothes, and the chaines, he cotifultcd what was to be
done : wh ere it was refolvird to fet good watches vpon
all thefeacoa'ftes, to give prefect adverrtfement to the
Icing of what they fliould difcover. The yeare follow

ing,

Htilorieoftbe Indie*, lib.y.

ing, which was in the beginning of the yeare 1518.
they difcovered a fleete at Tea, in the which was the
M^rquifeof *Valle Don Fernatjde Cortes , with his com-
jpanions,a newes which much troubled Motecuma, and
conferring with his counfell, they all (aid, that without
doubtjtheir great and anticnt Lord Jgwztzalcoa/t was
come, who had (aide, that he would returne from the
Eaft, whither he was gone. The Indians held opinion,
that a great Prince had in times paft left them, and pro-,
mifed to returne. Of the beginning and ground of
which opinion (lull be fpokcn in another place. They
therefore fent five principall Ambafladors with rich
prefents, to congratulate his comrning, faying, they
knewc well that their great Lord <>)itez,ti{ak0alt was
come , and that his lervant Mote^ttma, fent to vifit him,
for fb hee accounted himfelfe. The Spaniards vnder-
flood this meflage by the meanes ofMari#a,2n Indian
woman whom they brought withTEem ranJvnder-
ftoode the Mexicane tongue. Fernande Cortes finding
this a good ocafion for his entry^commanded to deck
his chamber richly , and being fetin great ftateand
pompe, he caufed the Ambafladors to enter , who o-
mitted no fliewes of humilitie , but to worfhippe him
as their god.

They delivered their charge,faying, that his fervant
Motetjumt fent to vifit him, and that he held the coun
try in his name as his lievetenant^ that he knew well it
was the Tofilcin which had beerie promifed them ma
ny yeares fince,who (hould returne againe vnto them.
And therefore they brought him fuch garments as he
was wont to weare , when hee did converce amongft
them, befeeching him to accept willingly of them, of
fering him many prefents of great value. Cones recei
ving

The Setter all and Moratt

ving the prefents, anfwcred, that he was the fame they
(pake of, wherewith they were greatly fatisfied, feeing
themfelves to be curteoufly received and intreated by
him (for in that, as wel as in other things , this valiant
captainedeferved commendations) that ifthiscourfe
had beene continued, to win them by love, itfeemed
the beft occafion was offered that might be devifed, to
draw this country to the Gofpel by peace and love:but
the finnes of thefe cruel homicides and'flaves of Satan,
required punifhment from heaven, as alfo thofe of ma
ny Spaniards, which were not in finall number. Thus
the high Judgements of God difpofed of the health of
this nation, having firft cutte off the peri(hed rootes :
and as the Apoftle faieth, the wickednes and blindenes
of fome , hath beene the falvarion ofothei s.|To con.
chide, the day after this Ambaflage, all the Captaines
and Commanders of the fleete, came vnto the Admi-
rall, where vnderfianding the matter, and that this
realmcof Mote$uin* wasmightie and rich • itfeemed
fittogaincthe reputation of brave and valiant men a-
mong this people, and that by this meanes, (although
they were few,) they fliould bee feared and received
into J/tt/i*. To this end they difcharged all their ar-
tilleriefrom their fliippes, which being a thing the In
dians had never heard, they were amazed, as if heaven
had fallen vpon them.| Then the Spaniards beganne to
defie them to fight wjth them: bu t the Indians not da-
\ ring to hazard themfelves, they did beate them and in-
treate them ill, fhewing their fwordes, lances, pertur-
fans,and other armesjwherewith they did terrific them
much. \Thepoore Indians were by reafbnheereof , fo
fearefuil and amazed, as they changed their opinion,
faying>that their JLord Totilcin came not in this troup

•/ O / 1 t •

Bur

Hiftorie of the Indies lib. 7. 57,

But they were fome gods, (their enemies) came to de-
ftroy them|Whenas the Ambailadors returned to
MtxicOyMoicfumA was in thehoufe of audience- but be
fore he would hcare them , this miferable man com
manded a great number of men to be ftcrificed in his
prefence, and with their bloud to fprinkletheArnbaf
{fadors, (Tuppofing by this ceremony, (which they
were accuftomed to do in folemne Ambaf!ages,)to re
ceive a good anfwer.But vnderftanding the report and
information of the maner of their Ihippes, men, and
armes, he ftoode perplexed and confounded: then ta
lcing counfell thereon,hc found no better meanes,then
to labour to ftoppethe entrie of thefe ftrangers, by
coniuratkms and magicke Artes. They had accuflxx
med oftfen to vfe this tneanes, having great conference
with the divell?by whofe helpe they fometitnes obttii-
ned ftrange effeds. They therefore aflembled together
all the Sorcerers, Magitians,and Inchanters,who being
perfwaded by Motecuma 3 they tooke it in charge to
force this people to returne vnto their country . For
this confideration,they went to a certaine place which
they thought fit for the invocation of their divells,and
pradifing their artes, (a thing worthy ofconfiderati-
on.) They wroughtall they could; but feeing nothing
could prevaileagainft the Chriftiarjs,they went to tte
king, telling him that they wore more then men\ for
that nothing might hurt them, notwithftanding* all
their coniuratibns and inchantments. (Then Motecttma
advifed him of another pollicie, that faining to be very
well contented with their comming , he commanded
all his countries to ferve thefe celeftiail gods that were
come into his land. The whole people was in great
heavinefle and amazement, and often newes came that
the Spaniards inquired for the King , of his maner of

life*

3\(aturaU and Moral!

life,of his houfe & meanes.He was exceedingly vexed
herewith : fome of tlje people & other Negromanciers
advifed him to hide himfelfe, offering to place him
whereas no creature fliouldever findehim. Thisfte-
med bafe vnto him,and therefore he refolved to attend
them, although it were dying. In the end he left his
houfes and royall pallaces to lodge in others > leaving
them for thcfe gods as he faid.

Of the Spaniards entrie into Mexico. CHAP. 25.

1 Pretend not to intrcate of the ads and deedes of the
Spaniards , who conquered New Spainc , nor the
flrangc adventures which happened vnto them, norof
the courage and invincible valour of their Captainc
T>onFernwdo Cones : for that there are many hiftories
and relations thereof, as thofe which Fernando Cortes
himfclfe, did write to the. EmperourC/5w/tf the fifr,
although they be in a plaine ftile , and farre from arro-
gancie, the which doe give a fufficient teftimony of
what did pafle, wherein he was worthy of eternall me-
ry , but onely to accomplifli my intention : I am to re
late what the Indians report of this adiion, the which
hath not to this day beenc written in our vulgar tong.
Mottf tun* therefore, having notice of this Cap tain es
Viftories, that he advanced for his conqucft, thathec
was confederate and ioyned with thcmofT/^//^r
his capitall enemies, and that he had feverely punifhed
them ofckeb/atiis friends , he ftudiedbow to deceive
Bim , or elfe to try him in (ending a principall man vn
to him, attyred with the like ornaments and royall en-
fignes, the which fhuld take vpon him to be Motecttma,
which fiftion being difcouered to the Marquife by
them ofT/tfealla, (who did accompany him,) he fent
himbacke, afteramilde and gentle rcprehenfion , in

feeking

Htiiorie of the Indies, lib.y. 573

fceking fo to deceive him : whercvpon Motecuma was
fo confounded, that for the feare thereof, he returned
to his firft imaginations and pra&ifes, to force the chri-
•v ftians toretyre, by the invocation of coniurcrs and
witches. And therefore he aflembled agreaternutnber
then before, threatning them , that if they returned
without effe&ing what he had given them in charge,
not any one fhould efcape, wherevnto they all promi-
fed to obey. And for this caufe , all the divells officers
went to the way ofchalco, by the which the Spaniards
fliould pafle, when mounting to the top of a hill, 7V&-
calipaca, one of their principal! gods , appeared vnto
them, as comming from the Spaniards campe, in the
habite of Ckalca* , who had his pappes bound about
eight folde with a cord of reedes, hee came like a
manbefidehimfelfe, out of his wits, and drunke with
rage & furie. Being come to this troupe of witches and
coniurers,he ftaied,and {pake to them in great choller,
Why wnttyouhetbtry what doth Mote^tuni -pretend to dot
by your meanest He bath advifed himfelfe too late : for it is
now determined \ that his Kingdom t and honour fhall be ta-
kenfromhim^ with all that hepoffijfith , for pttnifiment of
the great tyrannies he hath committed againft hisfubieffs,
having governed not like a Lord, but likzatraiteur and ty
rant . The inchanters and coniurers hearing thefe
words , knew it was their idoll, and humbling them-
felves before him , they prefently built him an altar of
ftone in the fame place,covering it with flowers which
they gathered thereaboutes,buthecontrariwife , ma-
king no account of thefc things, beganne againe to
. chide them,faying, What come you father to doO yce trai-
tours? Returne prefintly and behold Mexico, ifcatyw may
•vnderft and what foati become thereof. And they fay, that
turning towards Mexico to behold it, they did fee it fla-

ming

574 Tbe^dturallandMoratt

ming on fire. Then the divell vaniflied away,and they
not daring to pafle any farther, gave notice thereof to
MoteftnM, whereat hee remained long without (pea-
kingilooking heavily on the ground -then hefaid,what
(hall we doe if god and our friends leave vs , and con-
trariwife,they helpeand favour our enemies?! am now
refolute, and we ought all to refblve in this point, that
happen what may,we muft not flie nor hide our felvcs,
or (hew any figne of cowardice. I onely pittie the aged
and infants, who have neither fcete nor hands to de-
^ fend themfelves.Having fpoken this, he held his peace,
being tranfported into an extafie. jln the end, theMar-
quife approaching to Mexico., tiote^uma refolved to
make of necefifuie a vertue,going three or foure leagues
out of the cittie to receive him with a great maiefty,
carried vpon the fhouldcrs of foure Noblemen, vnder
a rich canapie of gold and feathers : when they mette,
MotctjtimA difcended , and they faluted one another
very curteoufly.Z)^ Fernando Cortesfad vnto him,that
he (hould not care for any thing,and that he came not
to takeaway his realme,nor to diminifh his authoritie.
M&tecuma lodged Cortes and his companions in his
royallpallace, the which was very ftately , and he him.
felfe lodged in other private houfes. This night the
fouldiers for ioy difcharged their artillery, wherewith
the Indians were much troubled, being vnaccuftomed
to hearc fuch muficke. The day following, Cortet can-
fed Mote$um*, and all the Nobles of his Court toaC
femblein a great hall, where being fee in a high chaire,
hefaid vnto them , that hee was fervant to a great
prince, who had fent them into thcfe countries to doe
good workes, and that having found them ofTlafcaH*
to be his friendes, (who complained of wrongs and
greevances done vnto them daily by them of Mexico,)

he

Hiftarle of the Indies lib. 7.

he would vnderftand which of them was in the blame,
and reconcile them , that heereafter tlicy might no
more afflicft and vvarrc one againft another : and in the
meanetime, he and his brctheren (which were the
Spaniards,) would remaine ftill there without hurting
them: but contrariwife, they would helpe them all
they could. He laboured to make them all vnderftand
this difcourfe,vfing his interpterers & truchmen. The
which being vndei/toode by the King and the other
Mexicans Lords,they were wonderfully well futisfied,
and fliewed great fignes of love to Cones & his compa
ny. Many hold opinion,that if they had continued the
courfe they began that day, they might eafily have di£
pofcd of the king & his kingdome,and given them the
law of Chrift, without any great effufion of bloud.Buc
the iudgements of God arc great , and the fins of both
parties were infinite: foas not having followed this
courfe.the bufines was deferred : yet in the end, God
fhewcd mercy to this nation, imparting vnto them the
light of his holy Gofpel,after he had fliewed his iudge-
ment>and punifhed them that had deferved it,and odi-
oufly offended his divine reverence. ,iSo it is, that by
(brne occafions,many complaints, griefs, and iealofies
grew on either fide. The which Cones finding, & that
the Indians mindes began to be diftra&ed from them,
he tho Jght it neceflary to aiTure him{elt,in laying hand
vpon VingMrtcfMiMj who was feazed on , and his legs
fcttered.Truly this ad was ftrange vnto all men,& like
vnto that other of his>tr> have burnt his (hips, andfliut \
hinafelfe in the midft of his enemies, there to vanquifli
or to die. The mifchiefc was, that by rcafbn of the vn-
expe&ed arrival ofPamphtto Narvaes at the true erode, t l
drawing the country into pnutiny5 C&nes was forced to

Pp ' abfcnt

abfent himfelfe from Mexico, & to leave poore
ma in the handes of his companions, who wan ted di£
cretion nor had not moderation like vnto him : fo as
they grew to that difcention,as there was no meanes to
pacific it.

Of the death of Mote^uma, and the Spaniards departure
out ^/Mexico. CHAP. 26.

r>.»
T i\ 7Henas Cortes was abfent from Mexico , he that

V V remained his lievetenant,rcfolved to punifh the
Mexicans feverely,caufing a great number of the nobi-
litie to be flaine at a maske which they made in the pal.
lace, the which did fo far exceede3as all the people mu-
tined, & in a furious rage, tooke armes to be revenged
and tokil the Spaniards.They therefore befieged them
inthepallace, preffmgthemfo neere, that alfthe hurt
the Spaniards could do them with their artillery aiKi
croffe-bowes, might not terrific them, :nor force them
to retyrefrom their enterpiife , where they continued
many daies,ftopping their vidualls , nor fufFering any
one to enter or iffue forth. They did fightwithdftoncs,
and caftdartes after their maner, with a kindc of lances
like vnto arrpwes., in the which there are foure or fix
very fharpe raters, the which are fuck, (as thehiftorics
report5>)that in thefe warrcs, an Indian with one blow
oftheferafors, ahnoft cut off the neckeofa horfe> &as
they did one day fight with this refoliition & furie,tht:
Spaniards to make them ceafejihewed forth Motcestma,
with another of the chiefc Lords of Mexice, vpon the
top ofa platform of the houfe,covered with the targets
of two fouldiers that were with them. The 'Mtxuant*
feeing their Lord MtfcfM**, ftaied with great filence.

Then

HiHorieoftbefndies. lib, 7.

Then Mrtefuma caufcd the Lord to advife them to pa
cific themfelves , and not to warrc againft the Spaniards,
feeing that (heebeingapriioner,) it could little profite
him. The which being vnderfto^d by ayong man cal- i

led gmcuxtMOCi whom they now relblved to make their /
king;fpake with a loude voice to Metepima, willing him to «
Tctyr&like a villaine, that feeing he had bin iucha coward,
as to fuffer himfelfe to be taken,they were no more bound
to obey him, but rather fhould punilh him as he deferred,
calling him woman for the more reproach, and then hee
beganne to draw his bo we and to (hooteathim , and the
people beganne to caft (tones at him, & to continue their
combate.jf Many (ay that Motepmavtas then hurt with a /
ftonewherof he died. *l\\t Indians of Mexico affirme the '
contrarie, & that he died as I will (hew hereafter. \Aiwr9
& the reft of the Spaniards feeing them/elves thus prelTed,
gave intelligence to Capta;ne Cortes, of thegreat danger
they were in: who having with an admirable dexteritie &
valour, given order to Narvaes affaires, and affembled the
greateft part of his men,he returned with all Ipeede tofuc-
cour themofjVf^w, where obferving the time the Indi
ans reft, (for it was their cuftom in war, to reft every fourth
day:)He one day advanced with great policy & courage,
fo as both he and his men entred the pallace, whereas the
Spaniards had fortefied themfelves : they then (hewed
great fignes of ioy,in dif charging their artillery .But as the
Mexicans furie increafed 5 (being out of hope to .defend
thcmfelves,) C^r/wrefolvcd topaffeawayfecretlyinthe
night without bruite. Having therefore made bridges to .
paflfe two gre.it and dangerous padages , about mid-night
they iiTucd forth as fecredy as they could, the greateft part
of his people having pafifed the firft bridge,they were dif-
covered by an Indian woman before they could pa(Ie.

Pp i The

5 7 8 The frfytur all and Moral!

The fecond^who cried out their enemies fled,at the which
voice all the people ran together with a horrible furie : (b
as in pafling,theiecond bridge, they were fo charged and
purfued , as there remained above three hundred men
flaine & hurt in one place; where at this day there is a final
hermitage,whichthey vnpropcrly calofMartyrs, Many
Spaniards (to prefervethe gold & ievvells which they had
gotten,)perifhed,& others ftaying to carry it away, were
taken by the Mexicans, & cruelly facrificed to their idols.
The Mexicans found king Motecum* dead,& wounded as
they fay with poiniards, and they hold opinion that that
night the Spaniards flew him with other Noblemen.The
JJarquifein his relation fcntto the Emperour, writes the
contrary, &that the Mexicans killed him that night with
a fon ofMotepwa, which he led with him amongft other
noblemen, faying, thatallthetreafureof gold,ftoncs,and
filver,fell into the lake & was never more feene.lBut how-
foever, Mote$uma died miferably ,& paied his deferts to the
iuft Judgement of ouv Lord of heaven for his pride & ty
ranny j his body falling into faz Indians powcr,they would
make him no obfequies of a king, no not of an ordinarie
perfbn,but caftit away in great difJairse & rage. A fervant
of his having pittie of this Kings miferie,(\vho before had
bene feared and worfhipped as a God) made a fier there
of, and put the afhcs in a conteniptible place. Returning
to the Spaniards thatefcaped,they v/ere greatly tyred and
turmoiled, the Indians following them two or three daics
very refolutcly, giving them no time of reft, being fbdi-
ftrefled for vidualls,as a fe>v graines of Mays were divided
amongft them for their me*1te.| The relations both of the
Spaniards & Indians agree,that God delivered them here
miraculoufly,the Virgin Mary defending them on a little
hill, whereat this day three leagues from Mexico, there is a

Church

lib. 7.

Church built in remembrance thereof , called our Lady of
fuccour. They rety red to their antient friends ofTlafeatta,
whence (by their aide, & the valour & pollicie of Cortes,)
they returned afterwards to make war againft Mexico , by
water and land, with an invention of brigantines, which
they put into the lake, where after many combates,and a-
bove threefcore dangerous battaifes5they conquered Mex*
r05on S. Hippotitus day , the 1 3 . of Auguft , 1521. The laft
king of the Mexicans, (havingobftinately maintained the
wars,) was in the end taken in a great canoe, whereinto he
fled , who being brought with fome other of thechiefeft
nohlemen before Fernando Cortes, this pettie king with a
ftrange refolution and courage, drawing his dagger, came
neere to C0rtes,and faid vnto tiimyntitt this day I have done
my heft indevourforthe defence of my people \.no\v am I no far
ther bound ,btrt to give thee this dagger to killme therewith. C$r+
us anfwered,that he would not kill him, neither was it his
intention to hurt them:but their obftinate folly was guil-
tie of all the mifery & affidions they had fuffered, neither
were they ignorant how often he had required peace and
amity at their hands.He then commanded them to be in-
treated curteouflyjMany ftrange&admirable things chan
ced in this conqueft of Mexico : for I neither hold it for an
vntruth,noran addition,which many write, that God fa
voured the Spaniards by many miracles-: for elfe it had bin
impoflible to furmount fo many difficulties, without the
favour of heaven, and to fubie& this nation withfo fe\Y
men. For although we were finners, & vnworthy fo great
a favour,yet the caufeofour God, the glorie of our faith,
the good of fo many thoufandsfoules, as werein thefe
countries, whome the Lord had predeftinate, wrought
this change which wee now fee,by fupcrnaturall meanes,
and proper to himfelfe which calles the blinde and

Pp 3 prifoncrs;.

58 o The ^aturall and Moral!

prifonerSjto the knowledge of hirnfelfe,giving them light
and libertie by his holy Gofpel. And to the end you may
the better vnderftand this, and give credite therevnto, I
willaieadge fome examples which in my opinion are fit
for this hiftory.

Offome miracles which GodkaihfiewedAt the Indies,

in favour of the faitbjbeycnd the defer t ofthofe

that wrought them. CHAP, 27.

SAint Croix of the mountdine, is a very great province,
and farreftom thcKingdomeof Per*, neighbour to
diverie infidell nations , which have not yet any know-,
ledge of the Gofpel , if fince my departure,the fathers of
our company which remanc there, have not intruded
them, Yetthis province of S. Croix is cbriftned.ahd there
are many Spaniards, and great numbers of Indians bapti
zed. Themanerhow Chriftianiriecntred r was thus. A
fouldier of a lewd life, refidcnt in the province of Cfer.
&#, fearing punifhment, being purfued for his offences,
went farre vp into the conn trie , and was received curte-
ouily by this barbarous peopIe.The Spaniard feeing them
in a great extremity for water, snd that to procure mine,
they vied many fiiperftmous ceremonies, according to
their vfuall maner', hcfaidvntothem, that if they would
do ss he faid.they ftould prefen tly have raine, the which
they willingly offered to pcrforme. Then the fouldkr
niadea greit croiTe,the which he planted on a high and e-
minent'place, commanding them to worfhip it,and to de
mand water, the which they did. A wonderful thingto fee,
there prefently fel fuch aboundance of raine,asthe Indisns
tooke fb great -devotion to the holy crofle, as they fled vn~

ta

Hiftorie of the Indie!. lib. 7* 5?!

tait in all their neccflitics, and obtained all they deman
ded : fo as they brake downe their idolls, and bcganne ta
carry the erode for their badge , demanding preachers to
inftru£,and to baptife them. For this reafbn,the province
to this day hath beene called S. Croix de U Sicrre. But .to
the end we may fee by whom God wrought theft mira
cles, it (hall not be vnfit to (hew how that this fouldier af
ter he had (ome yeares done thefe miracles , like an Apo-
ftle , and yet nothing reformed in his lewd courfc of life,
left the province of Choreas ^xA continuing in his wicked
courfc, was publikely hanged zi?otoz,i. P0&(whoknevv
hinfwd) writes all this, as a notable thing happened in his
time. Cabeca de raca, w ho fince was go vernour of Para,
gasy, writes what happened vnto him in his ftrange pere
grination in Florida , with two or three other compani
ons, -the onely remainder of an army, where they conti
nued ten yeares with thefe Barbarians, traveling and (car-
thing even vnto the South fea,being an author worthy of
credite: he faicth,that thefe Barbarians did force them to
cure certainc difeafes, threatning them with death if they
did it notsthey being ignorant in any part of phifickc,and
having nothing to apply, forced by neceflitie,made evan-
gelicall medicines , (ayingthe praiers of the Church, and
making tbcfigne of the crofle , by mcanes whereof, they
cured thcfe difca(cs,which made them fo famous, as they
were forced to excrcifc this office in all townes as they
parted, the which were innumerable, wherein our Lord
did aide them rniraculoufly, and they themfclves were
thereat amazed,beingbut of an ordinarie life- yea, one of
them was a Negro. Lancer o was a fouldier of Peru, of
whom they knew no other merit,but to be a fouldier: he
fpake certainc good \yordes vpon wounds, and making
the figne of the crolTe,did prefently cure them : fo as they

Pp 4 • did

581 Tbe Datura/I and AdoraH

didfay,(asinaproverbe,) the pfalmc of Lancer 0. Being
examined by fuchasheld authority in the Church,his of
fice & works wereapproved.Some men worthy of creditc
report, (and I have heard itfpoken, ) that in the cittie of
C#/?0,whenas the Spaniards were befieged and fo ftraight-
ly prefied, that without helpe from heaven, it was impo£
fible to efcape , the Indians cafting fire on the tops of the
houfes, whether the Spaniards were retyred , (in which
place the great Church is now built,) & although the co
vering were of a kind of ftraw,which they call chicho, and
that the fire they caft, was of the wood of fat & flimy firre-
trees^yet nothing was fet on fire,nor burnt, for that there
was a woman did quench it preiently , the which the Indi
ans did vifibly fee , as they confeffed afterwards being
much amazed .It is moft certaine by the relations of many,
and by the Hiftories which are written, that in divers bat-
tailes which theSpaniards had, as well in New Sfaine, as
mPertt^ the Indians their enemies did lee a horfe-man in
theaire, mounted on a whit horfe , with a fwordinhis
hand,fighting for the Spaniards,whence comes the great
reverencethey bearcat the Indies to the glorious Apoftle
Saint lames. Other whiles they did fee in fomebattailes,
the imageof our Ladie , from whom the Chriftians have
received in thofe partes incomparable favours andbenc-
fites : if I (hould particularly relate all the workes of hea
ven, as they happened, it would make a very longdif-
courfe.lt fufficeth to have faid this,by reafon of the favour
which the Queene of glorie did to our men, when they
were prefTed andpurfued by the Mexicans, the which I
have fet downe , to the end we may know how our Lord
hath had a care to favour the faith and Chriftian religion,
defending thofe that maintained it, although happily by
their workes they deferved not fo great favours and be-

nefites

Htilorie of the Indie*, lib.y.

nefites from heaven. And therefore we ought not to con-
demne all thefe things of the firft Conqueroui-s of the In-
dies, as fome religious and learned men have done,doubt-
IdTe with a good zcale, but too much affofied : For at-
though for the moft part they were covetous men,cruell,
andvjry ignorant in thecourfe that was to be obferved
with thelnfidels,who had never offended the Chriftians,
yet can wenot deny^but on their part there was much ma
lice againft God and our men , which forced them to vfe
rigor and chaflifement. And moreover , the Lord of all
(although the faithfullwerefinners,) would favour their
caufe and partic, even for the good of the Infidells, who
fliould bee converted vnto the holy Gofpel by- this
meanes/or the waies of God are high,and their paths ad
mirable.

how the Divine providence difyofed
of the Indies,^^/w an entrie to Chri-
jlian Religiofl. CHAP. 28.

I Will make an end of this hiftorie of the /W/'#, (hewing
the admirable meanes whereby God made a paflage
for the Gofpelinthofepartes, the which we ought well
to confider of, and acknowledge the providence and
bountie of the Creator. Every one may vnderftand by /
the relation and difcourfe I have written in thefe bookes,
as well at /V/v*, as in New Sprinc, whenas the Chriftians
firft fet footing , that theft Kingdoraes and Monarchies •
were come to the height and period of their power. The
InguasofFertt, poffelfing from the Realme ofCki/Jebe-
yond.gftfV/*, which are a thoufand leagues, being moft
aboundantingold,filver, fumptuous fervices 5 and other
things ; asalfoioM6v/V0, Motc^ma commaunded from

the

584 The ^jtturall and Moral!

the North Ocean fea, vnto the South , being feared and
worfhiped not as a man, but rather as a god. Then was
it,that the moft high Lord had determined that that (tone
of Daniel, which diflblved the Realmes and Kingdoms of
the world, fhouldalfb diflblvethofe of this new world.
And as the lavvc of Chrift came whenas the Romanc
Monarchic was at her greatnes : fodid it happen at the
W r shindies , wherein we fee the iuft providence of our
Lord: For being then in the world, Imeane in Europe
but one head and temporall Lord, as the holy Dodors
do note , whereby the Gofpel might more eafily be im
parted to fo many people and nations. Even fo hath it
happened at the Indies , where having given the know
ledge of Chrift to the Monarkes of fo many Kingdomes,
it was a meaner that afterwards the knowledge of the
gofpell was imparted to all the people : yea, there is here,
in a fpeciall thinge to bee obferved, that as theLordes of
Cufco and Mexico conquered new landes,fo they brought
in their owne language, for although there were (as at
this day) great diuerfitic of tongues yet the Courtlic
fpeeche of Cufco , did and doth at this day runne above a
thoufand leagnes^and that of Mexico did not extend farrc
lefle,which hath notbeene of fmall importance3but hath
much profited in making the preaching eafie , at fucha
time, when as the preachers had not the gift of many
tongues, as in olde tymes. He that woulde knowe what a
helpe it hath beenefor the conversion of this people in
thcfetwo greate Empyres, and the greate difficultie they
haue founde to reduce thofe Indians to Chrift, which ac
knowledge no Soueraigne Lorde, let him goeto Florida^
j?r^/7//,the 4xJcsand many other places, where they have
not prevailed fo much by their preaching in fifcie yeares,
*5 they have done in Peru and newe Spaine inleflethen

five.

Htftorie of the Indies lib./. 585

five . If they will impute the caufc to the riches of the
countric: I will not altogether denieit.Yet were it impo/I
fible to have fo great wealth, and to bee able to preierve it
if there had not beene a Monarchic. This is alfba worke
of God in this age, when as the Preachers ofthegofpcll
are fb-colde and without zeale, and Merchants with
the heat of covetoufnes and defire of commaund , fearch
and difcouer newe people whether wee pafle with our
comniodities,for as Saint Auftin faith, the Prophcfie of^,
Efiie is fulfilled,in that the Church of Chrift is extended, J* *
not onely to the right hand,but alfo to the left: which is, s*'
(as he declareth,)by humaine and earthly meancs, which -
they fecke more commonly then lefus Chrift. It was alfo
a great providence of our Lord, that whcnas the firft Spa-
niardes arrived there, thcyfounde ayde from the /»*&««
them felves ,. by reafoa of their partialities, and greatc
diuifions*

ThisiswellknowneinPtfw, that the divifion betwixt
the two brothers Atahulpa, and Gttafea, the great King J
G/tanacapa their father being newly dead, gave entry to
the MarcjuifcDw Funds Pi&am , and to the Spaniards,
for that either of them defired his alliance being bufied in
warre one againft the other . The- like experience hath
beene in New Spainc,- that the aide ofthofe of the pro
vince ofTlafeaUa, by reafon of their continual! hatred
againftthe Mexicaines, gave the vidory andfiegniory
of Mexico , t^ the Marquile Fernando Cones and his men,
and without them it had beene impoffible to have wonne
it, yea, to have maintained themfdves within the coun
try.

They are much deceived that {b little efteemc the In- V:
dians, and iudge that (by the advantage tire Spaniards
have over them in their perfons, horfes, and armes, both

offcnfivc

tt and Moral!

offencive and deffencive5) they might eafily conquer any
land or nation of the Indies.

C$/7/<?ftandesyet, or to fay better, Arance and Ttteca-
pelj which are two citties3 where our Spaniards could not
yetwinnc one foote of ground,although they have made
warre there above five and twenty yeares, without fpa-
ringofany coft. For this barbarous nation, having once
loft the apprchcntion of horfe and fhottc , and knowing
that the Spaniards fall as well as other men , with the
blowofaftoneor of a dart, they hazard themfelves def-
perately, entring the pikes vppon any enterprife. How
many yeares have they levied men in New Spaine,.to
fend againft the Chjcbymequos, which are a final! number
of naked Indians, armed onely with bowes and arrowes:
yet to this day they could not bee vanquished, butcon-
trariwife,from day to day they grow more defperate and
refolute. ButwhatfliallweefeyofthcCAwar, of the Chi-
rAgtiAnaSy of the Pifiocones, and all the other people of the
Andes' Hath not all the flower of Peru beene there, brin
ging with them fo great provifion ofarmes and men as
we have feenec' What did they? With what vi&ories re
turned they? Surely they returned very happy infaving
of their lives,having lofl their baggage and almoft all their
horfes. Let no man thinkc (fpeaking of the Indians,) that
.they are men of nothing; but if they thinkefo, let them
go and make triall. Wee muft then attribute the glory
towhomitappertiines, that is, principally to God, and
to his admirable difpofition : for if Motcptrna. in Mexip^
and the Ingua in Peru, had bin refolute to refift the Spani
ards, and to ftoppe their entrie, Cortes and Pizarrehcid
prevailed little in thgir landing , although they were ex
cellent Captaines I It hath alfb becne a great hclpe to in
duce the Indians to receive the law of Chnft, die fub-

Hittorie of the Indies lib. 7. 587

ie<5Hon they were in to their Kings and Lords , and alfo
thefervitudc and flavcrie they were hclde in by the di-
vells tyrannies and infupportableyoake. This was an ex
cellent difpofition of die Divine Wifedome, the which e^^
drawes profitefrom ill to a good end, and receives his £***
good from an others ill, which it hath no tfo wen. It is ^ *
moft certaine that no people of the Weft Indies have /u
becne more apt to receive the Gofpel , then thofe which
were moft fubieft to their Lords , and which have beene
charged with the heavieft burthens , as well of tributes
andfervices , as of cuftomes and bloodie pra&ifes . All
that which the Mexicane Kings and thoie of Pern did
pofleflfe, is at this day moft plan ted with Chriftian reli-
gion , and where there is leaft difficuhie in the govern-
men t and eccleSafticall difcipline. Thelndians were fo
wearied with the heavy and infupportable yoake ofSa-
thanslawes, his facrifices and ceremonies, whereof wee
have formerly fpoken, that they canfulted among them-
fclves , to feeke out a new law, and another God to ferve.
And therefore the law of Chrift feemed vntp them , and
doth at this day feeme iuft, Iweete, cleane, good, and full
ofhappinefle.

And that which is difficult in our law, to beleevefo
high and foveraigne Mifteries , hath beene eafie among
them , for that the Divell had made them comprehend
things of greater difficultie, and the felfe-fame things
which he had ftolen from our Evangelicall law , as their
maner of communion and confeifion , their adoration
of three in one, and fuch other like, the which agairift the
will of the enemy , have holpen for the cafie receiving of
the truth by thofe who before had imbraced lies, f God is
wife' and admirable in all his wo&es, vanquidiing the
adverfarie even with his owne weapon, hee takes hinf in

his

588 The Wjtoratt and Meratt

his owne fnare , and kills him with his owne fword. Fi
nally, our God (who had created this people, and who
feeraed to have thus long forgot them,) when the houre
was come , hee would have the fame divells , enemies to
mankindc, whom they falfly held for gods, fhould give a
teftimony againft their will , of the true law , the power
of Chrift, and the triumph of thecrofle, as itplainelyfap-
peares by the prelages, prophefies, fignes, and prodiges,
heere before mentioned, with many others happened in
divers partes, and that the fame MiniftersofSathan, Sor
cerers , Magitians, and other Indians have confefled it.
And we cannot deny it, (being moft evident and knownc
to all the world,) that the Divell dareth not hifle,and that
thepradifes, oracles, anfwers, andvifible apparitions,
which were fo Ordinary throughout all this infidelitie,
have ceafed, whereas the Croffe of Chrift hath beenc
planted, where there are Churches, and where the name
of Chrift hath beene confeffed . And if there be at this
day any curfed miniftcr of his,that doth participate there-
of,it is in caves, and on the toppes of mounraines,and in
fecret places , farre from the name and communion of
Chriftians. The Soveraigne Lord be blefled for his great
mercies , and for the glory of his holy name : And in
truth, if they did governc this people temporally and
(piritually , in fuch fort as the law of lefus Chrift hath fet
it dovvne,with a milde yoake and light burthen 5 and that
they would impofe no more vppon them then they can
wellbeare, as the letters pattentsof the good Emperour
of happy memorie doe command, and that they would
imployhalfc the care they have to make profiteofthefe
poore mens fweats and labours , for the health of their
fbules, it were the moft peaceable and happy Chriftan
part of all the world. Butourfinncs are often an occafi-

on

Htilorieofthe Indie*, lib.y.

©n that God doth not impart his graces foaboundantly
as he would. Yet I will fay one thing which I holde for
truth, that although the firft entry of the Gofpel hath not
beene accompanied (in many places,) with fuch fince-
ritieand chriftian meanes, as they fhould have vfed : yet
God of his bountie hathdrawne good from this evill,
and hath made the fubk&ion of the Indians , a perfect
remedie for their (alvation. Let vs con fider a little, what
hath beene riewly converted in our time to the Chrifti
an Religion, as well in the Eaft , as in the Weft , and how
little furetie and perfeverance in the faith and Chriftian
Religion there hath beene 5 in places where the new coo,-
verted have had full libertie to difpofe of themfelves, ac
cording to rheir free will. Chriftianitie without doubt
augments and increafeth , and brings forth daily more
fruite among the Indian ilaves : and contrariwife decree
feth and threatens aruine in other partes, wjiere have
beene more happy beginnings. And although the be
gin nings at the Weft Indies have beene labourfome, yet
our Lord hath fpeedily fent good worke-men and his
f-iithfull Minifters, holy men and Apoftolicall, as Friar
Martini faience, of the order ofS. Francis^ WiwDomi-
nicke de GerAncols^ of the order of S . T>ommi<& , Friar lohn
de Roa , of the order of S. Aufen ,. with other fervants of
our Lord, which have lived holily, and have wrought
more then hu.nainc things. Likewife, Prelates and holy
Priefts, worthy of memory,, of whom we heare famous
miracles, and the very ads oftheApoftles: yea, in our
time we have knowne and conferred with fbme of this
qualitie.

But for that my intention hath beene onely to touch
that which concernes the proper biftory of the Indians
theoifclvcs, and to comcvnto the time that the father

of

59 6

of our Lord lefus Chrift would communicate the light of

his word vnto them. I will pafle no farther , leaving the

difcourfc of the Gofpel at the weft Indies for another

time,and to a better vnderftandingrBefecching the Sove-

raigne Lord of all, and intreatinghis fcrvants, humbly to

pray vnto his Divine Maieftie, that it would pleafe him

of his bountie, often to vifit and to augment by the guifts

of heaven this newChriftendome, which thcfe laftage*

have planted in the fartheft boundes of the earth.

Glory, Honour, & Empery be to the King

of worlds for ever and ever.

Amen.

FINIS.

A Table of the moft remarkable things
contained™ this 3\(j*turatl and M.Q-

rail Hiftorie of the Indies*.

(V)

A bundance of waters vnder the bur
ning zone. folio <?j

Abfurditie otTkitoes Atlantike Hand.

73

Abufe of the Spaniards at Peru taking
winter for fummer. %9

vdcantapacb firft king of Mexico. 4^i

Accord betwixt the king of Mexico &

;his fubieds before they attempted

awarre. ' 531

^dUguagi a kind of mummery ofwo-
men. 367

AdimantmakesapathintheSea. 57

The Adamant impartes a vertue to
yron to looke alwayes towards the
•north. 58

Vfe of the Adamant tofaile by not
antient. fS>

Adoration of the deadbegunne and
augmented, 340

Adultery punimed with death. 469

Agilitic of monkies. 3 1 f

Aire how neceffary for the life of man

114

The Aire birred with the motion of
the heauens vnder the Equinoclisll
line, is fiifficicht to guide a fhip, 137

tdlcos little dogges, whereof the Indi
ans are very carefuli. 301

*4m<irio ln<ni<t put to death by the Spa
niards in (Xf»« 48*

Amber a kinde of phyficall and fweet
gummc. 187

Almorids growing in Cocos. 28 r

Almonds of Cbtcapoias hclde for the
ra' reft fruit i'ri the world. ibid.

The Auntkists could not rmke a de-
tcrmind voysgc without the Com-
paffc. $7

Th' A miems went only with oares.^o

Antient Dodors morefliidious of the
Scriptures than of Philofophie. 3

Annona. a fruit called by the Spaniards
Almond butter, by reafon of feme
refemblrmce. 178

tApopanaca the overfeer of the Mona-
fteries of women. 3^7

t toes ofhillcs that were

worfiu'pped. ^40

Arches in buildings vnknowne to the

Indians. 460

^nttotle no: refuted by Laflantiw as

touching the place of the earth, zs
Armes of the Mexicans. 488

Army of the ayre foretelling a great

ruinc. 5^1

• Arfe pf war re much honoured by the

Mexicans. 48?

Artc to know the Starres invented by

the Phenicens. 54

Aflies iflbing in great aboundancc out

of the Vulcans. i£f

Advantage which the Chriftianshad

of the Indians to plant the faith
a there.

The Table.

tkere. 38$

S. jlttgtfline doubts whether the hea
ven invirons the earth of aH parts. 3

Attire for the head very divers in fun-
dry provinces at the Indies. 4^7

Atifteritic pra&ifed by the Indians to
keepe themfclvcs chafte. 373

•tfxj a kinde of Indian pepper. 2*8
B.

JjAllancc wherein the Divell made
thttepponou confcs themfelvcs. 401

Barkes at the Indies called Canoes. 63

Battell without bleud(hcd,madc only

for a ceremony at the yceldingof Tef-
CHCO. 555

Balme otTaletttn*, and that of the In
dies very different. 285

Bezars ftone found in the ftomacke of
fomc beafts fcveraigne againft poL
fon,how it growes , and which are
the moft excellent . 3 13

Beafts carefully preferred by the In-
guas. 4^4

Beafts worfliipped by the Indians, &
why. 340

Beafts being venomous converted by

divelifh artes into good norifliment

510

Beafts that are perfect cannot bee in-
gendred as thofc that are imperfect
according to the order of nature.tfj

Beafts of fundry forts at the Indies that
arc not in Europe. 307

Birds rcmaine willingly in the water,
and why. 30 f

Birds , fome exceeding fmall, others
wonderfull great. 30$

Birds very profitable for the dung.3 1 1

Bifexte vnknowhe to the Indians.437

Boclw and Suches notable fifties in the
Lake ofTiticaca. 170

BOHCOS the divcllcs Minifters at the la
dies. 370

Bridge of ftrawe very firme topafle o-
rer a fwifc ftieamc. Q\

Brifes and lower winds arc wo gene-
rail names which comprehend the
windes of either fide. 131

Bodies being dead, wonderfully well
preferved. 478

Burthen of ihe Indian ihcepc, and
what iournies they make fo laden.

a fruite much cfteeincd at the

Indies^ ferres them for mony. 171
Cacayi, bread made of a roote. 257
GtlibajfesjOi: Pompions at thciwl/tt,

and of their greatnefle. 1^4

Calculation of the Indians very witty

and ready. 45^

Camey the fecond moneth of the Indi

ans. 411

Canes of fugar of great revenews. 258
Canofw a ft ar fcenc at the new world.

16
Cap ofCotnertti, fometimcs called the

promontory of Ctry. 37

Carthaginians did forbid the fay ling

to vnknowne lands^and why. 3^
Care of the Mexicaines to teach their

children their fuperftitious idola*

try. 48^

Cattle in troupes without maifters in

the IlandSjOf Cuba lamaica , and o-

thers. 79

Cattle at the Indiet killed onely for

their hides. ibid.

Caymans or Lizards like vnto Croco

diles, whereof Ftowrfpeakes. 16$
Ceremony of the Mexicans in draw

ing bloud from divers parts. 5(1
Ceremonies of the Indians in the bu-

riall of their dead. 348

Ceremonies at the facrificing of men.

***
Cbacbalmuatlic chicfc priefts and their

attire at their facrifices. ibid,

if Indian pofts that caried news

to all places.

Tbe Table.

CkicM a drinke very wholcfomc for the

backe. a$f

CbichimeefttM auntient Inhabitants of

New S/4M*#,and of their barbarous

life. 501

Cbicictpote a fruit like vato mcrmcladc

278

Cbitle, a country of the fame tempera
ture with Sfttne. 87
CbincbiHcs , fmall bcafts that have ex-

quifiteskinnes. 514

Chochtlatc, the Indians drinke, wherof

they make great account. 271
Cinabrium, or vcrmilian, called by the

Indians, Limpi. 138

Coca, a leafc which the Perufians vfed

for money. 2 10

Cwrf,a fmall leafe whereof the Indians

make great traffike : it doth incou-
rage and fortific. 171

Ca^Indian pa lines, and of their rare

properties. 180

CochtMilley a grainc that growes vppon

the Tunall trees. 277

Colleges ordained at Mexico to teach

their young children to pronounce

Orations. 447

Combatc betwixt a Caymantanda

Tyger. . 166

Comedies very ordinary in chin*. 444
Combate betwixt an Indian and a

Caymant. 1^7

Comets in theayre moove from Eaft

toWeaft. 137

Communion imitated by the flavcs

of Satan. J?$

Comparifon to prove the naturall ef-

fed ofraine in the burning zonc.^f
Crowne of the kings ofMtxict like to

that of the duke of Venice. 518

Crimes punifhcd with death by the

Indians. 469

Corriers at the Indies very fwift being

butfootemen. 452

Ctya the Inguas chiefe wife,whofe fon

fuccceded after the vnclc. 4 jy

Crofle, a notable ftarrc at the Be»v
found world. if

Crowning of the kings ofAtoVo^per-
fourmcd with great folemnitic3and
the Hied ding of much mans blond.

J4«

Covetoufnesef a certaineprieit thin
king to drawe gold out of a vulcan.

W

Counccllof Lima diffolved the marri
age betwixt brother and fifter, and
why. 47f

Cotton growes vppon trees itfcrvc*
to make linnen. cloth. 27^

Colde in the burning zone makes ji-
riUotlts opinion ridiculous. ioj

Corageofmenat thcpaflage of P»»-
&. 174*

The Continent of lands is ioyncd in
fome part., or elfe it is very neere. 6 8

Before theCreation there was neither
time nor place, a matter hardc toi-
magine. 14

Crueltie of the Indians in their facri-
ficcs. 381

Cruell ceremony tofpnncklc the Em-
bafl adours with bloud , thinking
thereby to have a better anfwer. $71

C» the great Temple of Mcxic* , and
the angularities thereof. 361

C»gno, a kinde of bread at the Indies
made of rootes. l$6

Cufchargiti,* dried flefli which the In
dians vfed. 320

Cufco, the auntient habitation of the

kings of Ter». 11%

D

J) Aies and nights cquall al the yecrc
vnder the Equinoctiall. f 3

Daies in fummcr very ftiorte at Ttrtt.

103

FivcDaics in the yeercfupcrfluous,
wherein the Indians did nothing.

434

Dancing and publike recreations nc-

ceflary in every comon-VTcale.4yi

a a Dan*

The Table.

, where the King
himfelfe daunced. 48?

Vtntes, wilde beafts almoft like vnto
moiles, and of their skinnes 315
Deluge pretended by the Indians,
whcrofthere is forne likelihood. 79
Divifion of the lands of ^j^^ialco^
after the victory obtained by Jp«-
*lt. 533

Difcovery of the weft Indies prophe-
cied by Seneca. 38

Difcovery of new lands , made more
by temptft of weather than other-
wife. 6*.

Difoine of the Author. 81

The Divell jealous againft God, and
hates eaenjiiortally. 3*9

..The Divell didde fpeake in the Indies
Guac.t* or Oratories. 3fr

Difference of letters, pictures, & cha
racters. W

Diflkultic to know whence the Indi
ans come 3 for that they have vied
no letters. 79

Difcourfe vpon the difcoverie of Ma
gellan by Sarmiento. I f 4

Divifion pfi>rh» into LattoSySterns, &
^fndes. 184

Divifion of the people. 45<5?

Divifion of the Citticof Mexico into
• foure quarters » made by the com-
' " maundement of their God. 51^
Divinations praclifed by the Indians,
and how. 40^

Divorces praclifed amongft thcMex-
; icaiiies^and how. 40^

Death the punishment of Virgins that
were incontinent. 3^7

Death ofCfoinfolftyvf* the yoong king
3 flaine tteacheroufly by

Death of Motefnma the Lift king of
Mexico. f7&

Doctors of the holy chwrch not to be
reprooved , differing in opinion of
Philofophie, a

Dogges as dangerous as wolves. 301

Dogges daungcrous in the Hands of
Ciiba,Hi$4ni0laiznd others. 70

Drains an EnglKhraan didde pafle the
ftraightof A(oj;ffl4wino4irtinKj &
others fince. 154

Ducfces in great aboundaunce in the
Lake ofTtticaca^ and. how they doe
hunt them. 171

Drought followes not the neerenefle
oftheSunnc. 85

£.

"C Agle vppon a Tunall the Armes of

Earthquakes very ftrange, and the

caufe. 197

Earth5howitisfuftaincd. 10

The Earth vnder the pole Antartike,

is not all covered with waters. 1 8
The Earth in longitude is all of one

temperature, but not in latitude. 29
The Earth with the water make one

globe. ibid.

Echpfe of the Moone a certain preofe

01 thcroundncfle of the heavens. 6
EfFcctes natural] pioccedefrom con

trary caufes. $6

Elements participate with the motion

o/ the firft moover. 138

EleClours of the king of Mexico were

commonly his kinfmen. 48?

Election of the kings of Mexico, & the

feaftes at their inftalment. ibid.
Election of the firft K. of Mexico. 5 1 J
Entry of the Spaniards into new Spam

inrhc ycere ijfif. 558

Eatrie of Corte^imo Mexico. J74
Errour of imagination. 13

£piwpaflage expounded by the ex

emplification of the Gofpel. 2©8
Emerauldes more efttemed in former

time then now* *4P

Excrcifes wherin they iniftructed their

youth. 487

Explication of a paflage of faint panle

againft the rcundnes of the earth. 14

* Explica-

The Table.

Explication of the lia. Pfalmcvppon
the fame fubieft. I?

F.

p Amihar rcafon s to teach an Indian,
that the Sunnc is no god. . $42

Fading of the Indians before the feaft
of Ita3not accompanying with their
wives. 374

A Father loo (ing his children, was
held for a great (Inner, he would kil
his childre to favc his own life. 3^9

Fertilise vnfruitefull in thellandcs of
newSpainc. 187

Feafts of Merchants made with many
fportes. 4H

Feaft of the Idoll ofTlafca&t. $11

Feafts for to have raine. 41 1

Feafts for every moneth. . 4 1 *

Fire drawne out of twb ftickes rubbd

one againft another by the Indians.

• 115

Fire in hell different from purs. 19 ?

Fire from heaven confumed for their
finnes* 63

Fifh flying. 16?

Fountaine cafting vp hotc water, the
which turnes into a rocke. 17$

Figge tree, whereof the one halfe car
ries fruite at one feafon ,. the other
at another. *97

Floures of Euro}* grow belt at the In
dies. 283

.F/ar/t&ttif had no knowledge of golde.

207

Flowing and ebbing of the fea is no
local motion,but an alteration and
fervor of the waters. Itfa

Flowing and ebbing of the feas divers

ibid.

Fountaine of fait in C»ft o. 174

Forrefts wonderfull thicke at the In
dies. 1£I

Forr efts of orange trees at the Indies.

294

Forme of that which 1$ difcovered at

to I

the Author of a rare
booke of plants, rootes, andphyfi-
call hearbes at the Indies. 2<?Q

Fruites of Europe much increafed at
the Indies. 2.^4

G.

^jArlicke muchefteemed attheln^
dies. 161

Gardins vppon the water in the midft
of a Lake. 172

Gardins artificially made vppon the
water to remove where they pleafe.

Giants came in antient time to Tpertt.

6i,

Golde found in three fortes. 212

Gold of Caravana moft famous at "Pe
ru. 214

Gold andfilverefteemed throughout
the whole world. ze6

Golde & filver fcrved the Indians but
for ornament. 209

Gold why efteemd above other met-
talies. . 212

Golde how refined into powlder. 2 14

GoomeSjWith phyficall and odorife
rous ovles with their names. 287

GonT^les Tzjarre vanquilhed and de
feated , his crueltic againft the In
dians. . 47f

Governors of provinces^how eftibli-
fliedby thclnguas. 4?f

GUACM or Sanctuaries very well main
tained. 463

Guineas and Vicunu wilde goatcs. 70

Guayaquil an Indian oakc 3 and verie
fwecte. 252

Guayavos an Indian fruite. 277

Guaynacapa, the great and valiant In-
gua,and his life, he was worfhipped
as a god in his life. 479

Guayvas furnaces to refine gold. 233

Gofp el preached to the Indians when
their Empire was at the highefi, e-
ven as to the Romans. 5 8 $

H.

a 3 H*-

The Table.

jiym%rty , the fixt mo-
neth of the Indians, which anfwe-
reth vnto Male. 413

Harts of men pulld out and facrificed:
how that ceremony begannc. f op

Haire of the prietts horribly long and
annoy nted with rozen. 403

Heaven is round, and twrnesvppon
two Poles, prooved more by expe
rience than demonftration. ?

Heaven no farther from the earth of
the one fide tha n of the other. 1 8

Hennes found at the Indies at the firft
difcovery,which they called G**l-
pa, and their egges Ttnto. 306

Hercules Pillersthe limitcs of the Ro
man Empfre>& of the old world.iy

Hipocrifie of Mnefuma laft King of
Mexico. f$4

Hiftorie of the Indies not to bee con-
temned,and why. 49f

Hiftorie of Mexico kept in the Libra-
rie of Vatican. 5 JO

Hiftorie of Mexico how framed. 44^

Horfes goodly and ftrong at the In
dies. 301

Horfe-fhooes of filver for want ofy-
ron. in

Houfe admirably filled with all fortes

of beafts like to another 2{oes Arke.

484

Humor of the Icwcs contrary to that
of the Indians. 76

1.

jEaloufie of the Indies one againft an
other for renOwme of valour. 47 *

Idlenefle bannifhed by the Inguas as
dangerous for the fubiefts. 477

Idoll carried by foure Prieftes for a
guide , whcnas the Mexicaines did
feck a new land like to the children
oflfrael. $04

Idolls of the kings Inguas reverenced
as themfelves. 356

Hand of Sumtt r* now called T

Hand ^/4^/%ofP/4/ia meere fable

7»

Hand of fagots made with exceeding
labour to pafle an army vppon the

/* ./.-.—.

fea.

*$•

Ilandes very farre from the firme land
not inhabited. O .

Immortalitie of the foule bclceved by
the Indies. 347

W/w,whatit fignifieth3and what we
vnderftand by that word. 47

We aft Indies,moft popular governe-
mentSjin the which there were but
twokingdomes. 4J3

Indians notgrcatly defirous of filver.

7*

Indians have lived in troups, as thofc
doe of FloriJajBreftll^d other pla
ces. 80

Indians good fwimmers. 168

Indians had no proper word to figni-
fie God. 334

The Indians know all Artes necefla*
rie for mans life, without any need
one of another. 4^

Infants facrificed to the Sunne. 33$

Inguas kings of Tern worlhipped af
ter their deaths. 344

The Inguas empery continued above
30o.y cares. 471

Inguas married their fift ers. 4f ?

Inundation of 2^/& a naturall thing,
though it feemc fupernaturall. 88

luftice, by whome executed in Mex
ico. 4**

Indian bookes how they can be made
without letters. 44°

luftice feverely executed by Motefu-
ma the laft king of Mexico. 5 7O

Imegritie ofwomen greatly honored
by the Mexicaines. 4°9

Inventions of lufanguy Ingua to de
prive his father and brother of the
kingdomc.

37 T Ake exceeding hote in the middeft

The Table.

of a col de land. . 271

Lake of Mexico having two kvndcs of
water. 17*

Lakes on the tops of mountaines, and
how they growc. 171

ttantim laughes at the Perepatetiks
touching the heaven. i

&4ntifu confuted touching the An

tipodes. ai

Ladders of leather to come out of the

mines. 130

Landes of excellent temperature n«t

, yet difcovcrcd. l£O

Lawyers have erred. 43 *

Libcralitieof^wf^/the eight king of

Mexico. ffl

Litters of maffie golde. 2 1*

Lions of Pew vnlike to them of jif.

frikg. 70 the Indians hunt them. 3 03

££•
\AMac4y formerly callcd,th& golden

^ShflWS" 37

M*macom*t anticnt women,as \\ were

mothers to the virgins fecluded.3^

Mameys, a fruit like vnto peachei.i7$

Manati a monftrous fim that feedes in

the fields, it is like to flefij when ye

eateit. if 4

Mandarins Indian officers, how hard

it is to bee capable of thofe offices.

440
j)f4»gM*p4thefirft Ingua, and what

they faine of him. 474

Maguey, a tree of woondcrs, and to

what vfe it ferves. 173

Mandarin tongue is the writing of the

Indians,and is done by characters.

441

Many rare things in nature, knownc

more by chance tha by induftry 6$
Mans bloud drunke by the flare that

mould be facrificcd. 42$

Marriage of the Indians how cele

brated. 408

Marriage amongft the Indians defen

ded onely in chc firft degree.

Marriage of the Inguas with their fi-
ftcrsvnlawful. 170

Marks of fome navigations of the An-
tients. 6 1

Mattins at midnight praftifed by the
Divclls minifters. $6f

Mays, Indian corne , howe they eate
it, and make drinke thereof. 253

Mecboacanes enimies to the Mexicans,
and why. jo£

Men,how they might pafle to the In
dies. 51 and how they might peo
ple it. 78

Men and women facrificed at the
death of the Inguas, to ferve him in
the other worldc. 34*

Men made gods, and then facrificed.

Men beeing facrificed eaten by the
Priefts. 38$

Mineralles imitate plants in their ma-
ncr of growing. 203

Mines,fome wandcring>fOmefixt.2i7
Mines in olde time very rich, yet no
thing necre to them ofTotofy 224
Mines exceeding painefull. 218

Mines of quickcfilvcr in Sfaine. 238
Middteregion of the ayre cotte, and
why. 108

Milles to grindc mcttalls. 24$

Mcttallpoore and rich what they be.

217

Mcttall, the neerer that it is to the fu-

pcrficies of th'cartb,thc richer.2ip

Mettalls why created. 20?

Mettallcs are not found but in barren

grounds. 109

Mexi, chicfe of the people that came

from Mexico from whom they took

their name. ;otf

Mexico a Citty built in a Lake. 1 70

Mockery of the Mexicains againft the

Tlatelttlcot aftet they had vanqui-

(hed them. f 48

Moneth at the Indies of twenty dates

434

Morning

Table.

Morning moftplca&nt i

moft troubkCome in Tent. 1 13
Mulberie trees planted in new Spaine

have greatly profited for filkworm s

29S

Muttons or fheepe of Tern ferving for
afiesto carry their burthens,profi~
table above all other beafts. 3 ip

3 people that reformed

Navigation at this day very eafie. $£
Navigation of SCOTCH what it might

be. 6&

New Spaine what it is. 187

New world lying almoft all vndcr the

burning zone. Sa

Nights in Cummer very frefh at Tern

uz

Nights of fix months vnder the Pole.

*9

Night, how it comes. 6

Nobilitie of Mexico murdered in dan

cing by the Spaniardes. $76

Noftril of the kings of Mexico pierced

to hang an emerald. 54?

Nutts at the Indies vnpleafant called

by themimprifoned. 180

0.

OBieftion againft *4rittotle not re-
^

.

Occgfion of warre betwixt the

necans and Mexicans. $16

Ocean ae the Indies divided into the
north and Couth fcas. 2.07

Ointment which the Indians did vCc,
to make themfelves fitte to fpeake
-with the Divell, tk« which made
them crut'll and without feare. 403

Ophir is at the caft Indies. 41

Opinion of Come that the earthly Pa-
radife is vnderthe Equinocliallnot
wi thout rcaCon. 114

Orders of priefts in Mexico and their
ordinary offices. . 3^$

Orders of Knights in Mexico, and the

maikes they carried. 488

Oration of the Mexicains to the king

&?Cnlhaacan. 5 16

Oration that an old m^n made to ^^

camafixtli firft kmgGfetfexico. 5-17
Oration of a Mexicaine knigh^ torc-

tainc the people incenCcd for the

murther of their king. 51^

Oration of an olde Mexicaine for the

election of a new king. 517

Oration of the K. of Tefcuco.,- made to

Motecumavpon his election, jjf

- T.

jyMftcamac the great Sanduarie of
* the Indies. ^34

P«?cw3 wilftiil beafts, and bow they be

governed. 31?

Pallacesof recreation and affliction.

horrible to beholde ^ all of

dead mens heads. 362

"Papaf, rootes whereof Come Indians

make a bread called Cagm* 1 8£
p^.^akmdeofbread. ' 259 '

Tapa* in Mexico were the Corcraigne

priefts of the Idols. 3^

'ParAguey a river in ^America which o-

verfloweslikevnto2^,'7tf. 88

Paflage of TanacacA very daungerous

byreafonofthewin.de. 14^

Paflage of Tariac<ic<t one of the high -

eft partes of the earth. ibid.

Pafte of Mays, called by the Indians,

the flefh of their god A7«tf /#*/#,

which they eate.^ 3^3

Paiiurcs at the Indies lie common,

which makes flefli good cheap. %99
TaltAfy a delicate fruite, and good for

theftomackc. 177

Painting, the booke of fooles. 439
Penance inioyned by the Indian Con

fcflbrs. 40 1

Partriges none inpen*. 7<>

Tericoftegtro a very heavie bcaft. 314
Parrots flic by flockes like vnto Pige

ons. 70

Pearles

The TM.

Pearles in olde time more eftecmcd
than new. 2?t

J\ v.v abounding in wine. 1 87

2>frw abounds more ingold and 'filvcr
thencillthe reft ofthc Indies. 207

i*eir«5 what part of the world it is. 183

2*er«, a iume derived from a river of
that country, not or' Ophir.as fome
thinke. 41

PcruTiens very carefull to preferve
their Hiftoty by traditioiij without
letters or chambers. 442

Pleafant manner of fiihingat the In
dies. 158

PilotSjwhy at this day they fit on the
poope* and not on the prowe; as in
olde time. ff

Phifitions in former times very cun
ning at the Indies. z8#

Pines"jOr pine apples at the Indies. 161

Tiiicbto, an idoliof the Sunne,& with
what arte he was framed. 361

Pleafant aft of a Portugall , whereby

hee freed himfelfc fromfacrificin^.

W

Plane brings forth fruit all the yearg.

167

Phneleafefittowriteon. 268

Planets moove not of themfelves in a
corruptible body. 7

Plants , why they profite more at the
Indies thin in Evrvbc. 16 ' i

Pk-beians excluded from the Kings
prefencc , and from all ©nice by
Mote^uma. 557

"Pliny died in too curious a fearch.i^^

Pole at the fouthnot marked by anie
fixed ftarre. 16

Tonoit the moft d.umgerous pafT.i^e in
the worlde vppon the river ot ^4ma-
Tgns. 176"

Portugnlles very expert in the Arte of
navigation. 17

i^) a mounraine famous for the
rich mines, and hovyc they were
difcovcred. 2,1^

Prefiges tl.rcatning the mine of ft.ites

not to be contemned as vain things

$£o

Prieftes which every Indian Noble
man had like vnto Almoners. 349

Priifts of Idolles how they cont'ulted
with their £.o*ds. 3^0

Pretext of thclnguas to inlargethcir
dominions, was religion, which
they held for the beft. 47 1

Proccflions of the Indians. 394

Prodigious fights before the mine ot*
Mexico- J 6 1

Profit which may be gathered by the
reading of thefe execrable Indian
fuperftitions. 418

Propertie mo it rare of the Adamant
vrtknowne to the Anticnts. , 5?

Province next to Mexico left vncon-
qilered^ to exercife their yonth,and
to take Captaines tofacrifice. ^41

Ptoljtne and *4v:'cen held the burning
zone to be habitable. . 101

"Punas ,a defart in T>ent> where the aire
killes both men and beafh. 14^

Pyramide of fire appearing in the hea
ven for a whole yeere , before the
mine of the Mexican Empire, <>6i

Trete lans country exceeding hot. ic6

^

/"\Vvintiticofgolde which commeth

^/earely from the Indies mio Spain

21?

QuetTglcoah the marchantsgod, and

where he was worshipped. 3^4
Qutppoi bowes fervmg as rcgifters for

the rcmembring or that which pa£-

fedinPfr«. 44?

Qiiicke-filver flies from all mettnlles,

exceptgoldeandfilver. 234

Quicke- filvcr turnes into fmoake^and

agninemtoquickefilver. »3?

Qmckdiiver heavier .than nnie other

mettalk itf

Quickefa'lver how it is drawneout of

the mines. *$9

b /(.

The Table.

T> Ainc canfed by the heat of the bur
ning fcone. 8,?

Hayme the firft month of the Indians,
& it anfwers with December. 411

Our Reafon ignorant even of natural
things. ?9

Regions very elelightfull at the Indies.

114

Regions vnder the Equinoftiall vene
temperate. lOl

Religion fcrved the Indians for a pre
text to mike warrc. 80

Remedy agamft the alteration which
the winde caufeth in Tariacaca. 147

Riches or fome Hands in new Spain?.

187

Riches incredible of the Perufiens,
when they were taken by the Spa
niards. 461

Rice very common at the Indies. 260

River of^maTons diverfly called, it is
termed the emprcfieofall rivers. 51

Rivers admirable vnder the burning
tone. 93

River of ^ma^ns three fcorc leagues
widest the mouth. 91

River of M^dnleine called the Great
river runnes farreinto the tea and
mingles not his warer. ibid.

RiverSjhiiles,, great ftones, and top pcs
of raouutamcs woi ihipped' by the
Indian-. 35 J

Rockcs nflng in the middcft of the lea
and no bottome to be found about
them. aoa

Rofes how they growe at the Indies.

2.83

Roundnrs of the heaven, and ihe mo-
tisn thereof vnknowne to fome do-
clors of the church. a

Rootes woriliipt by the Indians. 54 r

Rootes very profitable at the Indies,
ibidem

ARowle the'markeofthe feints In-
£uas 3 as heerc the Scepter and the

Crowne. i$j

Ruine of a great village full of force-
rers. i^

S.

cAcrifices of men howe they were

made. 385

Sacritices diverfly made by the Indi-

ansjind vpon divers occafions.J76
Sacrifices vfuall with the Indians in

their neceflities. 480

Sainos ftrange beaih to hunt^and how

they may beflaine. 5 ra

Salfefweille, good for the French <ii£-

eafe. 174

Sciences knowne by the Chinois.444
S.Croix of the Sierre a province of Char

CM 3 how it was converted to the

faith. 580

Sea held by the Antients vnnavigablc

beyond the ftraights of Gibraltar^
SeaSifomehote/ome cold. in

Sea-water refrefhcth although it bee

fait. 107

Silver, why eftecmed above all other

mettall next to gold. 116

Silver rnoreeftaemedin fome places

than gold. 217

. Silver,,how it is refined byfire,&how

by quickefilver. ii8

Silvfr of divers fortes. 15 1

Sliver, how it is tried. 247

Soccabom artificially invented to draw

foorth the mettall more cafily. 21.9
The Sunne the nearer it is vnto vs the

more itheates. $3

The Sun hath contrary cfFcc*h with
in the burning £one , and without

the tropickes. 87

The Sunne by his great force caufeth

moifture vnder the Equinodiall.^J
The Sunne worftiipped commonly

by the Indians. 3jf

A Sorcereflc fifter to the Idoll which

built the towne of Malinalco, where

there arc none but forcerers. 507

Spaniards borne at the Indies called

Cr ottos.

The Table.

Crolloi.

^^5 called by the Indians rira-
children of God, and why.
480

jpanifhfliips efteemed by the Indians

for rockes,and why. 6 9

The Spaniard one yeare with an o-

ther draws a million of filvci from

Springs qfj^/'Je fought for by C*ftr. 30
Springs, fome blew, others redde like

bloud. 17?

Snakes,the Armes of the kings of Te

rn. 33*

Blacke Spots in the railken tway at the

fouth. i£

SurreSj according to the Doctors of

the Church moove ofthemfelvcs.i
Starres worshipped by the Indians for

divers reafons. 31$

Stones fuperftitioufly oftred at p.*fl;i-

gcs to have faire way. 34 1

Stones carved and cut like wood. 173
S tones, hajfc golde,hal f e ftone. a 1 1
Stones of a wondcrtull greatnes arti

ficially ioyned together by the In

dians in their buildings without a-

nymorter. 4? 9

Straight of Af^ffdwdifcovered by a

Portugal!, and carrieth the fame

name. ifi

Straight at the ArtickePole, which

they imagine to be in Florida , not

yet discovered. 157

Straight of Gibraltar called in olde

time the Fillers otHtrcvles. 15 1
Stuftts of three fortes made of wooll.

4*5
Sucbillei India nnofegayes , they love

them greatly , and prefent them to

their guefis. £84

Supeiftmon vfed at the carrying of a

flreame through Mexico.. 551

T.
*TVf £<w c»j a plant vfed for vi counter- •

poifon. 18$

Ttm'w., according to the opinion of

the Indians, the moft auntient rac«

of men. 79

Temperature quite contrary in lelfe

trunfif tie Jerques. 1^

Temple at Cttfto like to the Pantheon

ftalipuca the god of Iitbiles at Mfxi-

co, and his ornaments. 3 53

s fometimes fis;nities the Cnfo-

liteor lacinth, fomccimes the Sea,

which is of that colour^ by the re

verberation ofrhe .Sunne. 46

llurfis in the Scripture is not Tatfo a

titty indlicia. 47

Ibarfis and Ophir generall wordes in

theSciiptiuc. ibid.

the im generation of the
) they gave eutrie to the

Spaniardes. $or

TlacaeHec, the inoft valiant Captaine

the Mexicaines had . $30

Thanki^iving after a viclorie. f 74
Tibitrons, a very greedy fifn. 16$

Three kmdes of beaftes found at the

Indies. 30$

Three kinds of land at the IndicSjand

their qualities. 178

Three things ordinarily vfed in all the

Indian ceremonies. 410

Three kinds of governement linownc

at the Indies. 471

Tigres at Pern more cruell to the In

dians than to the Spanurds. 70
Tigres may fwirnme feavcn or eight

leagues by Tea.. ibid.

Toom of a Giant of an exceeding

'grc.unes. 501

Tree of a wonderfull greatnefle. i^r
Titicaca a Lake of woonderfull great-

neflc. I? 9

The Trinitie imitated j^y die DiveiJ,

and worfl^ipped by the Indians in

three Images of the Sunne. 411

2«»«^a tree of a ftrange fonpe fie for

b i many

The Table.

manyvfes. 274

•tr Alour of the Indians. 1&6

V Vallies hotter th^n the mountains,

and why. 108

Values the heft habitations of 'Peru.

385
Virietie of temperature of lands lying

voder the Equinocliall. 105

Vermillion and Quickeliiver grow in
'the Time ftonc. a?7

Victories of the Mexicans againft the
Tapenecans, 133

ficugnes a kinde of wilde (hecpe , the .
Hefh is good for the paine in the
eies. 3*^

Vines without Fruit in new Spaine. 1 88
Vines in "Peru and chile bearegood
wine. JP*>

Vines of the vallieof TY<*, which doe
orowe and are never watered with
anyrainejandhow. ibid

Vines that carry grapes every moneth
in the yeeve. ibid.

Wracofba, the name which the Indi
ans gave to their fupreme god^with
others of great power. $33

WZjlipttttli the ciiK'fe idoll of Mexico
and his ornaments. 351

Vittells fet vpponthe tombesof de-id
men to fcedethem. 347

Voyce Beard foretelling the mine of
Mote'^urm. S6?

Volcan of Guatimala more admirable
than all the re ft. W

Volcanshow entertained. 196

Voyage of flm»™the CarthaginMti
admirable in-his time. $6

pros brutifh people \\hich efteeme not
themfelves. 9\

Vtilitic ofajlnaturallhiftories. 117
Vn&ion ofyitT^loyitli the fecond king

Waters of Guayaquil m^q. fo
for the French difea(c,

Warres of the Mexicans rh^ com,
monly tot^keprifoners. r ^^

Wtfterne windcs hurteftill to rJ^e*
wormes. i-^

Wwftcrnewindes blowe not in ihc
burning zone. lid

Whales how taken by the Indians,
and how they eate them. J^7

Windes very djungerous, which kill
and preferve the dead bodies with
out corruption, 147

- Windcs called Knfet in the burning
zone . which come from the eaft.

W.

Y/ Ay by which the Spaniards go to
the IndieSjind their retume. 118

117

Windes,how many,nnd their names.

153

Wmdes of the land in the burning

zone, blow rather by night than by

day , and thofe of the Tea contrary,

and why. 14*

Wmde corrupts yron. 144

Windes that blowe fcutherly make

the co.ift habitable. n?

One Wmde hath diverfe properties

according to the place where it

rai^ncs, and the caufe. li©

Windc^doth caufe ftrange diverfaies

oHemperature. lit

Wifedome of this world weake in di-

vine, yea in humane things. 3 r

Winter arid fummer^and the cauft.$o

Woods rare and fweete at the Indies.

292.

Words of a man which had his heart

pulled out. 3^0

Writing o£ the Chinois was from the

toppe downeward , and the Mexi-

cansfiom thefoote vpward. 447

X.

'V^malu/ts, pilgrim cs forced to con-
fetle their iinnes vpon the toppe of
a rocke. 4°°

r.

^JCa and Mica , and their manner o*
A

TJjeTabh.

fayling in skinnes. 63

Yeare at the Indies divided into'eigh-

teenemoneths. 43 *

Youth very carefully inftructcd in

Mexico. 4^P

Yeare at Tern approaching neererto

. ours than that of Mexico. 43 7
Yttt a great feaft at the Indies which

they made in their neceflirie. 41^
YKpan<ruiln<rua was in 7>eru> like to an

other TXvma in tyme for the making

ofLawes. 16 1

Z.
Jrfyhirta a pleafant and wholefome

winde. Jitf

Zone which they call burning , the
Antiems held inh :bi table. 3°

Burning zone in fome partis tempe
rate, mothers colde, and in others
hote. 10 1

Burning Zone peopled^and plcafinnt,
contrary to tKe opinion o/P.uiofo-
phcrs. 8^

Burning Zone why temperate. iof

In the burning Zone they faile eafily
from e.ift to weaft^and not contra-
rie^^ndwhy. ^31

In the burning Zone the neerenefle of
the Sunne dooth not alwaies caufe
nine. 100

The end of the Table.

Errata.

i x i , 2 a « for, P«ttgM» ^ f Tararmy*

1 10.30. for, River

Region.

1 3 5. 31. for, to

in

141.2 8. for, the motion

\vithoutany irotloa

1 48.3 3, for, inhabited

noc inhabited

164.17. for, greene
158, » 3, for, hundred

great
five hundred

a 1 3.2 1 . for, £wwn&

rucunttt

329, 17. for, to

and

235. ii. for, it

o

that

.74 1 ,8. for, ie
»53,iz,forrniaces

•r

[his
market

274.8. for, little

like

175.19. for,isno

is a

3 51. 25. for, many
3^8. 2. for, pofiefsion
357. 1 4. for, to the communion

in many
profeisio*
to the people in manner of a com

munion

5i4.2i.for,partiall
324.32. for, convenient in a maner

particular
in a convenient manner.

33j.j.for,of

to

347.25. for, neither J un their

Gentle Reader, from thcfolio 115. line 14,1 <^iy,io. where you finde
peeccs reade pexoes till you come to folio 522. line 22. •

El4t

V/AU-L.T

CATALOGUE No. 19 PRICE]

W. A. GO UGH, 4i

ARE NET CARRIAGE EXTRA

ast 60 th Street, New Tbrk

AMERICANA. Acosta (Joseph De).TheNaturall and
Morall Historic of the East and West Indies. In-
treating of the Remarkable things of Heaven, of the
Elements, Mettalls, Plants and Beasts which are
proper to that Country: Together with the Man
ners, Ceremonies, Lawes, Governments and Warres
of the Indians. Written in Spanish by Joseph Acosta,
and translated into English by E. G. (Edward
Grimestone). Sm. 4to, brown calf, gilt edges. Lon
don: Printed by Val: Sims for Edward Blount and
William Aspley, 1604. 60.00

First Edition in English. The best evidence of the merits of this work
is, that it has been translated into almost every language in Europe.
Sabin's Dictionary enumerates 22 editions. Acosta composed part of
his work in Peru and the remainder on his return to Europe. The trans
lator was Edward Grimstone. "Replete with details of the aborigines,
before their peculiar customs had become modified by contact with
the whites. He was one of the most curious and accurate observers of
the customs and peculiarities of the Aborigines who have attempted
to describe them." — Field.