Page:Vol 1 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/403

Rh line northward to the heart of the city. They passed several towns, some on the shore, others touching the causeway, and supported to a great extent by the manufacture of salt from the lake water. The causehad been reserved for the passage of the troops, way out of deference to the desire manifested to keep the natives at a respectful distance, but both sides were lined with canoes bearing an eager crowd of sightseers. About half a league from the city the causeway formed a junction with the road from Xochimilco and Coyohuacan, at a spot called Acachinanco, where a stout battlemented wall, fully ten feet in height, and surmounted by two towers, guarded the two gates for entry and exit.

Entering here the Spaniards were met by a procession of over one thousand representative people from the capital, richly arrayed in embroidered robes, and with jewelry of pendent stones and gold.