[2] Along with the work of Bernal Diaz, and in the history of Mexico by
    Clavigero, there are representations of ancient Mexican temples.  In
    both they consist of six frustums of truncated pyramids, placed above
    each other, having a gallery or open walk around at each junction, and
    straight outside stairs reaching between each gallery, not unlike the
    representations that have been ideally formed of the tower of
    Babel.—­E.

[3] Clavigero pretends that the defeat and death of Escalante were known
    to Cortes and his followers while at Cholula.  This is highly
    improbable, both from the narrative of Diaz, and because Cortes would
    not certainly have put himself entirely in the power of Montezuma,
    after this unequivocal demonstration of resolute enmity.—­E.

[4] In the original of Diaz they are said to have retreated to Almeria,
    but this is an obvious mistake.  Almeria, according to Clavigero, II.
    55, was the name given by the Spaniards to Nauhtlan, a city on the
    coast of the Gulf of Mexico, thirty-six miles north of Villa Rica,
    which was governed by Quauhpopoca for Montezuma, and by whom the
    Mexican detachment was commanded by which Escalente was defeated.—­E.

[5] It is obvious from a circumstance in the sequel of this story that
    Diaz and other soldiers attended Cortes on this occasion.  Clavigero,
    II. 77. says there were twenty-five soldiers besides the five captains,
    who repaired two by two to the palace, and joined Cortes there as if
    by accident.  This daring transaction took place eight days after the
    arrival of Cortes in the city of Mexico.—­E.

[6] Diaz calls this Tuzapan; but as Nauhtlan was in the country of the
    Totonacas, called Totonacapan by the Mexicans, we have chosen here and
    everywhere else that this could be done with certainty, to adopt the
    orthography of Clavigero.—­E.

[7] According to Clavigero, II. 82.  Quauhpopoca, his son, and fifteen
    other nobles were cruelly put to death on this occasion.  Diaz names
    the principal chief Quetzalpopoca.—­E.

[8] Diaz says that he assumed the name of Don Carlos on this occasion; but
    does not allege even that he had been baptised.  This name was probably
    merely imposed upon him by the Spanish soldiery; or he may have
    acquired it on becoming a Christian after the conquest of Mexico was
    completed.—­E.

[9] It is impossible now to say what were these jewels so much valued by
    the Mexicans.  Clavigero, I. 422, enumerates among their precious
    stones, “Emeralds, amethysts, cornelians, turquoises, and others not
    known in Europe.”  In another passage, I. 424, he mentions many small
    red stones similar to rubies, as among the Mexican curiosities
    transmitted to Charles V. by Cortes.—­E.