Rutland herald. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1823-1847, 1844-02-15
From PrescoAs Conquest in Mexico,
MOntcZulMa's way Of Life.

The domestic establishment Of Montezuma was
on the same scale of barbaric spcndor as every
thing else about him. He could boast Of as many
Sultan. They were lodged in their own apart
ments, and provided with every accommodation, &C
cording to their ideas, for personal comfort and
cleanliness. They passed their hours in the usu-
al feminine employments Of weaving and embroi.
derry, especially in the graceful feather work, for
which such rich materials were furnished by the
royal avoiries. They conducted themselves with
strict decorum, under the supervision of certain f.
males, who acted in the respectable capacity of
duennas, in the same manner as the religious hou-
ses attached 10 the teoeailie, the palace was sup
piled with numerous baths, and Montezuma set
example, in his own person, Of frequent additions.
He bahed at least once, ind changed his dress
four times, it is said every day. He never put on
the same apparel the second time, but gave it away
TO his attendants. Queen Elisabeth, with SINH.
lar taste for costume, showed less prncely spirit
in boarding her discarded suits Her wardrobe
was probably somewhat more costly than that OF
the Indian emperor.
Besides his numerous female retnuc, the halls
and antechambcrs were filled with mobiles in con
slant attendance on his person, who also served as
a body guard. 1t had been usual for plebians Of
merit to fill certain Offices in the palace. But the
naughty Monte yuma refused to be waited on by
any but men Of noble birth. They were not
unfrcquently the sons of great chiefs and remained
as hostages in the absence of their fathers thus
serving the double purpose Of security and state
His meals the emperor took alone, The well
matted floor OF large soloon was covered with
hundreds of dishes Sometimes Montezuma him
self, but more frequently, his steward indicated
those he preferred, and which were kept hot by
means ofchafng dishes The royal bill Of fare
cornprehcnded, besides domestic animals, game
! from The distant forests and fish, which the day
before, were swimming in the Gulf Of Mexico
They were dressed in manifold ways, for the Az
tee artistes, as we have already had occasion
to notice, had penetrated deep into the culinary
science.
f, The meats were served by the attendant noble
who then resigned the Office OF waiting on III
: monarch to maidens selected FOR their persona
: grace and beauty. A screen ofrich glh and carve
wood was drawn around him so as to conceal hin
g from vulgar eyes during the repast lie wa
seated on cushion, and the dinner was serve
on low table covered with delicate cotton cloth
q The dishes were Of tbs finest ware Of Cholulu-
n lie had service Of gold which was reserved 70
|. religious celebrations Indeed, it would scarcel
n have comported with even bis princely revenue
= 10 have used il on ordinary occasions, when hi
:, table equipage was not allowed to appear SCI
o ond ime, but given away TO his attendants Th
n sooon was lighted by torches made Of resinou
IS wood which sent forth sweet odor, and. prol
), ably not lule smoke as they burned. At tn
A meal be was attended by five or six Of his age
q counsellors, who stood at respectful distance, al
r swering his questions. and occasionally rejoice
. BY some OF the yands with which he complimen
y ed them at his table
;s This course of solid dishes was succeeded bya
$. other Of sweetmeals and pastry, for which the
!, tee cooks provided with The important REQUESTS
10 Of maizc.hour, eggs and the rich sugar Of Il