System of Government -- The Aztec Confederacy -- Order of Succession -- Election of Kings among the Mexicans -- Royal Prerogatives -- Government and Laws of Succession among the Toltecs, and in Michoacan, Tlascala, Cholula, Huexotzinco, and Oajaca -- Magnificence of the Nahua Monarchs -- Ceremony of Anointment -- Ascent to the Temple -- The Holy Unction -- Address of the High-Priest to the King -- Penance and Fasting in the House called Tlacatecco -- Homage of the Nobles -- General Rejoicing throughout the Kingdom -- Ceremony of Coronation -- The Procuring of Sacrifices -- Description of the Crown -- Coronation Feasts and Entertainments -- Hospitality extended to Enemies -- Coronation Speech of Nezahualpilli, King of Tezcuco, to Montezuma II. of Mexico -- Oration of a Noble to a Newly elected King 133 CHAPTER IV. PALACES AND HOUSEHOLDS OF THE NAHUA KINGS. Extent and Interior of the Great Palace in Mexico -- The Palace of Nezahualcoyotl, King of Tezcuco -- The Zoölogical Collections of the Nahua Monarchs -- Montezuma's Oratory -- Royal Gardens and Pleasure-Grounds -- The Hill of Chapultepec -- Nezahualcoyotl's Country Residence at Tezcozinco -- Toltec Palaces -- The Royal Guard -- The King's Meals -- An Aztec Cuisine -- The Audience Chamber -- After-dinner Amusements -- The Royal Wardrobe -- The King Among his People -- Meeting of Montezuma II. and Cortés -- The King's Harem -- Revenues of the Royal Household -- Policy of Aztec Kings 158 CHAPTER V. THE PRIVILEGED CLASSES AMONG THE NAHUAS. Titles of the Nobility and Gentry -- The Power of the Nobles -- The Aristocracy of Tezcuco -- The Policy of King Techotlalatzin -- Privileges of the Nobles -- Montezuma's Policy -- Rivalry between Nobles and Commons -- The Knightly Order of Tecuhtli -- Ceremony of Initiation -- Origin of the Order -- The Nahua Priesthood -- The Priests of Mexico -- Dedication of Children -- Priestesses -- Priesthood of Miztecapan -- The Pontiff of Yopaa -- Tradition of Wixipecocha -- The Cave of Yopaa -- The Zapotec Priests -- Toltec Priests -- Totonac Priests -- Priests of Michoacan, Puebla, and Tlascala 186 CHAPTER VI. PLEBEIANS, SLAVES, TENURE OF LANDS, AND TAXATION.