The results obtained from this voyage were considerable. For the first time the long line of coast which forms the peninsula of Yucatan, the Bay of Campeachy, and the base of the Gulf of Mexico, had been explored continuously from cape to cape. Not only had it been proved beyond doubt that Yucatan was not an island as they had believed, but much and reliable information had been collected with regard to the existence of the rich and powerful empire of Mexico. The explorers had been much struck with the marks of a more advanced civilization than that existing in the Antilles, with the superiority of the architecture, the skilful cultivation of the land, the fine texture of the cotton garments, and the delicacy of finish of the golden ornaments worn by the Indians. All this combined to increase the thirst for riches among the Spaniards of Cuba, and to urge them on like modern Argonauts to the conquest of this new golden fleece. Grijalva was not destined to reap the fruits of his perilous and at the same time intelligent voyage, which threw so new a light on Indian civilization. The _sic vos, non vobis_ of the poet was once again to find an exemplification in this circumstance. II. THE CONQUERORS OF CENTRAL AMERICA. Ferdinand Cortes--His character--His appointment--Preparations for the expedition, and attempts of Velasquez to stop it--Landing at Vera-Cruz--Mexico and the Emperor Montezuma--The republic of Tlascala--March upon Mexico--The Emperor is made prisoner--Narvaez defeated--The _Noche Triste_--Battle of Otumba--The second siege and taking of Mexico--Expedition to Honduras--Voyage to Spain-- Expeditions on the Pacific Ocean--Second Voyage of Cortes to Spain-- His death.