Page:Vol 3 History of Mexico by H H Bancroft.djvu/763

Rh hardly be offensive owing to their superior position, the term creole did acquire a tinge of reproach from their indolent habits, and lack of sustained energy, which impeded them in competing with the enterprising immigrants in trade or industries. The latter were more precocious, but fell short in reflection and judgment; eager to do, they failed to execute. Climate had much to do with this, but the cause must partially be ascribed to their training as the children of rich or well-to-do men, with a superficial education which raised their pretensions above those of the toiler for fortune. They were spoiled by home indulgence. The frugality of the father disappeared; forethought and prudence were thrown to the winds; frivolity tainted even serious topics, and dissipation grew so fast that the saying, "the father a trader, the son a gentleman, the grandson a beggar," became general in application. Associated with such characteristics the term creole was not courted; and latterly those to whom it applied began to affect the designation of Americans, upholding it with great pride after a succession of reverses had lowered Spanish prestige in Europe. The education of the daughters saved them from most of the vices which clung to the sons; they became admirable wives and kind mothers, though wanting in parental strictness, and they were generally rated superior to the men.

Those who in early days under Cortés and subsequent leaders assisted in subduing the country, and thereupon retired to enjoy the reward of their toil on some encomienda, may be regarded as the founders of the leading creole aristocracy—military adventurers