CHAPTER III

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GOVERNMENT OF THE NAHUA NATIONS.

System of Government -- The Aztec Confederacy -- Order of Succession -- Election of Kings among the Mexicans -- Royal Prerogatives -- Government and Laws of Succession among the Toltecs, and in Michoacan, Tlascala, Cholula, Huexotzinco, and Oajaca -- Magnificence of the Nahua Monarchs -- Ceremony of Anointment -- Ascent to the Temple -- The Holy Unction -- Address of the High-Priest to the King -- Penance and Fasting in the House called Tlacatecco -- Homage of the Nobles -- General Rejoicing throughout the Kingdom -- Ceremony of Coronation -- The Procuring of Sacrifices -- Description of the Crown -- Coronation Feasts and Entertainments -- Hospitality extended to Enemies -- Coronation Speech of Nezahualpilli, King of Tezcuco, to Montezuma II. of Mexico -- Oration of a Noble to a Newly elected King 133

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