The Works of William Robertson, D. D...: To which is Prefixed an Account of His Life and Writings, Volume 8

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Page 13 - Gold, silver, and copper, are found in their perfect state in the clefts of rocks, in the sides of mountains, or the channels of rivers. These were accordingly the metals first known, and first applied to use. But iron, the most serviceable of all, and to which man is most indebted, is never discovered in its perfect form \ its gross and stubborn ore must feel twice the force of fire, and go through two laborious processes, before it become fit for use.
Page 176 - Cortes, unwilling to employ force, endeavoured alternately to soothe and to intimidate him. The altercation became warm ; and having continued above three hours, Velasquez de Leon, an impetuous and gallant young man, exclaimed with impatience, " Why waste more time in vain ? Let us either seize him instantly, or stab him to the heart.
Page 305 - In this book," answered Valverde, reaching out to him his breviary. The Inca opened it eagerly, and, turning over the leaves, lifted it to his ear : " This," says he, " is silent ; it tells me nothing ;" and threw it with disdain to the ground. The enraged monk, running towards his countrymen, cried out, "To arms, Christians, to arms ; the word of God is insulted ; avenge...
Page 167 - Montezuma conducted Cortes to the quarters which he had prepared for his reception, and immediately took leave of him, with a politeness not unworthy of a court more refined. " You are now," says he, " with your brothers in your own house ; refresh yourselves after your fatigue, and be happy until I return.
Page 1 - In every inquiry concerning the operations of men when united together in society, the first object of attention should be their mode of subsistence. Accordingly as that varies, their laws and policy must be different.
Page 251 - Cortes, from solicitude to check this growing spirit of discontent, gave way to a deed which stains the glory of all his great actions. Without regarding the former dignity of Guatimozin, or feeling any reverence for those virtues which he had displayed, he subjected the unhappy monarch, together with his chief favourite, to torture, in order to force from them a discovery of the royal treasures, which it was supposed they had concealed.
Page 315 - It consisted of various articles ; that Atahualpa, though a bastard, had dispossessed the rightful owner of the throne, and usurped the regal power ; that he had put his brother and lawful sovereign to death ; that he was an idolater, and had not only permitted but commanded, the ottering of human sacrifices ; that he...
Page 222 - The mea- . suteshe chiefs with such attention, and distributed among them so liberally the rich spoils of Otumba, that he was secure of obtaining whatever he should require of the republic. He drew a small supply of ammunition, and two or three field-pieces, from his stores at Vera Cruz. He...
Page 179 - ... the punishment which they merited, had charged him as the cause of the outrage committed, it was necessary that he likewise should make atonement for that guilt; then, turning away abruptly, without waiting for a reply, commanded the soldier to clap the fetters on his legs.
Page 303 - Vincent Valverde, chaplain to the expedition, advanced with a crucifix in one hand, and a breviary in the other, and in a long discourse explained to him the doctrine of the creation, the fall of Adam, the incarnation, the sufferings and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the appointment of St. Peter as God's vicegerent on earth, the transmission of his...

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