Sentinel of the valley. [volume] (Woodstock, Va) 1841-1848, 1844-02-01
MISCELLANEOUS
From Prescott's Conquest of Mexico
NsonfeZuaaaa7s way OF Life.

The domestic establishment OF. Mon
tezuma was on the same scale of baiba-
rIc sp!cadnr as everything else about
him. lie could boast as many wives as
are found in the hare.n of an Eastern
sultan. They were lodged in their own
apartments, AND provided with every ac-
commodation. according Ia their ideas.
ior persorto. comfort and cieanliness.-
They passed their hours in the usual fem
inine employ Il weaving and en-
broidefr, especially in the graceful feath-
err work, for which such rich materials
were furnished By tl,e royal aviaries.-
They conducted themselves with strict
deeorum, under the supervision OF certaiif
aged females, who acted in the respecta,
Bile capacity of ,inennas, IN The sane
manner as in the religious houses attach
ed to the teocaNs. The palace was sup
Piled with numerous baths, and Monte
1ami set the example. in his own per-
son. Of freqaent additions: He bathed
at ieas. once, and changed lis dress four
times. il is said, every daY. He never
PUT on the same apparel a second time.
hut gave II tway 70 lis attendants
Queen 81 za5elh, with siu,iar taste for
costume. showed less prineelv spirit in
boarding her observation-disclosures. Her ward
re!,-rrrus proba6fv. Somewhat more. coss-
~ than HAT of the Indian emperor.
Besides his numerous female rctinuc,
the halls aad antechambers were filled
with nob.es IN constant ATTENDANCE on
his person, Who served also as a sort of
body guard. Il had been usual for pie.
bcians Of merit To fill certain Offices in
the palace. Bat the naughty Montezu-
ma rerusetito be waited on by any but
nen of noble birth. They were not un-
frequently the sons of the great chiefs,
and renamed as hostages inthe absence
OF iheii fathers: ihusserving the double
purpose OF security and state.
His meals the enperor took alone. -
The weIl-matte,i floor of large saloon
was covered with hundreds of Dishes
Sometimes Mon.ezuma himself. but more
freuuentl; his steward. indicated those
which he preferred, and which were
kent hot by means of chatting Dishes
Tie royal bill oil fare pretended, be.
sides domestic animals, game from the
tl;s;aat forests. and fish which. the day
before were swimming in the Gulf Of Mex
ico. They we're dressed in manifold
WAYS. for The Aztec artistes, as we have
already bad occasion to notice, had pen.
etrated deep into the culinary science.
The meats were served by the atten-
,lapt mobiles, who then resigned ,he Office
of waiting on the monarch TO mai,leps Sc
lected for their personal grace and beau
- 81 ~ 4 4
: wood was drawn around him SO as 10
conceal him flom vulgar eyes during the
4 renast. lie was seated! ON a cushion.
and the dinner was served. on low ia
HE covered with delicate cotteg cloth.
The dishes were Of the finest ware Of
ChoIula. lie had service Of gold,
J which was reserved for religious celebra
&.4;ans. Indeed, it would scarcely have
comported wit, even his priucely reye-
pues TO have used it on ordinary occa-
sions. when his table equipage was not
allowed to appear second time, but
WAS oiyen away to his attendants. The
saloon was lighted by torches made of a
sas;nous wood, which seift forth sweet
odor and, probably. not a little smoke.
ssshey burned. a. his meal. he was at
tended by Eve or six Of his ancient coun.
callers. who stood at respectful dis
lance. answering his questions. AMI &C.
sas;oualI reioiced By some Of the viands
win which lie complmented them from
This course Of solid dishes was sue
u.s,Ied by another Of s~eetmeats and
ssstry. fors which The Aztec cooks, pro-
P;dsJ WITH the important requisites Of
, s,s's -four, eggs, and the rich sugar Of
~ aloe. we're famous. Two girls were
- at the further end Of the apart
sssnf. during dinner. in preparing fine
IN. and waters, with which they gar