and watered in every part by means of canals and aqueducts, in which
grew gorgeous flowers and luscious fruits. There was an aviary filled
with all kinds of birds, remarkable for the brilliancy of their plumage
and the sweetness of their songs. But the most elaborate piece of work
was a huge reservoir of stone full of water and stocked with all kinds
of fish, and by this all the fountains and aqueducts were supplied. In
this city of enchantment the army rested for the night, within sight of
the capital into which Cortes intended to lead them on the morrow.

THE OCCUPATION OF MEXICO.

[Illustration: MONTEZUMA GREETS THE SPANIARDS]

With the first faint streak of dawn, on the morning of November 8, 1519,
the Spanish general was astir and mustering his followers, and as the
sun rose above the eastern mountains he set forth with his little troop
of horsemen as a sort of advanced guard, the Spanish infantry followed,
then the baggage, and finally the dark files of the Tlascalan warriors.
The whole number cannot have amounted to seven thousand, of which less
than four hundred were Spaniards. For a short distance the army kept
along the narrow tongue of land between the lakes, and then entered upon
the great dyke which crosses the salt waters of Lake Tezcuco to the very
gates of the capital. It was wide enough all the way for ten horsemen to
ride abreast, and from it the Spaniards could see many towns and
villages--some upon the shores of the lake, some built upon piles
running far out into its waters. These cities were evidently crowded
with a thriving population, and contained many temples and other
important buildings which were covered with a hard white stucco
glistening like enamel in the sunshine. The lake was darkened with a
swarm of canoes filled with Indians who were eager to gaze upon the
strangers, and here and there floated those fairy islands of flowers
which rose and fell with every undulation of the water, and yet were
substantial enough to support trees of a considerable size. At the
distance of half a league from the capital they encountered a solid
fortification, like a curtain of stone, which was built across the dyke.
It was twelve feet high, and had a tower at each end, and in the centre
a battlemented gateway through which the troops passed. This place was
called the Fort of Xoloc, and was afterwards occupied by Cortes in the
famous siege of Mexico. Here they were met by several hundred Aztec
chiefs