Rensselaer Union, Volume 7, Number 38, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 June 1875 — The Aztec Monarchs. [ARTICLE]

The Aztec Monarchs.

The pomp and circumstance which surrounded the Aztec monarchs, as described by Mr. Bancroft, and the magnificence of their daily life, presented a singularly impressive spectacle. Marble galleries supported upon jasper pillars, all of one piece, surrounded the palace built by one of the Kings of Tezcuco, and looked out upon a large garden, wherein were groves of rare trees, choice shrubbery and flowers, and fountains filled with fifth But the prominent feature of the garden was ten large ponds for the use of water-fowl,-some of which were filled with fresh ana some with salt water, according to the nature of the birds that frequented them. Each pond was surrounded with tessellated marble pavement, and shaded by clumps of trees. As often as the water began to stagnate it was drained off and renewed. Montezuma is said to have passed much of his time here, alone or with his women, seated in the shade, amid the plashing of fountains and odors of flowers, musing upon affairs of state, or diverting his mind from such cares by watching the motions of the strange birds upon the water. No less than 300 persons were employed in attending upon the water-fowl and the birds in the aviary; feeding them, and in the molting season carefully gathering the gorgeous plumes, which served as material for the celebrated Aztec leather-work. The" habits of the birds were closely studied, and great care was taken that every species should be supplied with the food best suited to its taste, whether it consisted of worms, insects, or seeds. The fish with which the water-fowls were supn plied amounted to 150 pounds daily. The King took his meals alone, in one of the largest halls of the palace. Everything being in readiness, a number of the most beautiful of the King’s women entered, bearing water in round vessels called xicales for the King to wash his hands in, and towels that he might dry them, other vessels being placed upon the ground to catch the drippings. Two other women at the same time brought him some small loaves of a very delicate kind of bread made of the finest maize flour, beaten up with eggs. This done, a wooden screen, carved and gilt, was placed before him, that no one might see him while eating. There were always present five or six aged Lords, who stood near the royal chair barefooted, and with bowed heads. To these, as a special mark of favor, the King occasionally sent a choice morsel from his own plate. The more solid food was followed by pastry, sweetmeats and a magnificent dessert of fruit. The only beverage drank at the meal was chocolate, of which about fifty jars were provided. It was taken with a spoon, finely wrought of gold or shell, from a goblet of the same material. Having finished his dinner, the King again washed his hands in water brought to him as before by the women. After this, several painted and gilt pipes were brought, from which he inhaled, through his mouth or nose, as suited him best, the smuke of a mixture of liquid amber and an herb called tobacco. His siesta over, he devoted himself to business, and proceeded to give audience to foreign embassadors, deputations from cities in the Empire, and to such of his Lords and Ministers as had business to transact with him. —Native Races, by H H. Bancrofts

—Lieut. John L. Clem, U. 8. A., once familiarly known as the “ little drummer boy of Chickamauga,” has got married. The wife of the little brave who cried because they shot bullets through his drum is Miss Anita R., daughter of Gen. Wm. B. Finch, commandant at Fort McHenry, Baltimore. —Tobacco raising has proved the financial ruin of North Hadley. Mass. Recent failures foot tip $236,000; real estate has fallen one-third in the town, and business is almost hopelessly stag* nant. -