Page:Vol 2 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/156

136 for saddles, sword-belts, and shoes; or embroidery or precious metals in apparel — to all save those whose possessions and rank gave them some claim to indulgence, yet even in their case the amount and nature of the adornments were prescribed. These regulations were enforced by a royal cédula of 1528, on the ground that extravagance led to extortion from the already impoverished natives.

Domestic morality was promoted by requiring every married settler whose wife was not in New Spain to bring her to the country within eighteen months from date, under penalty of forfeiting his estates. Unmarried encomenderos were enjoined to obtain a wife within the same period. These measures, prompted by the desire to have well-regulated and orderly settlements, found little favor with some of the conquerors, whose aim was simply to drain their several possessions and depart for homes they had left with regret, and to which they would hasten with delight. But the few must suffer for the general good, and Cortés was prepared to shoulder his part of the burden. Before the issue of this regulation he had made strong efforts to carry out its features by means of persuasion, and by placing funds at the disposal of any one who was unable although willing to comply with the requirements. Thus he hoped to bind the conquerors to the country and assure its development.