The Slave Sculptor — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE SLAVE SCULPTOR. CHAPTERL THE AZTEC CAPITAL, AND ITS GREATEST BEAUTY. Propasty no period of this continent’s history, is of deeper in- terest to the American people, than that of the Aztec race, previous to and during the invasion and conquest of Mexico, by Hernanvo At that time great numbers in the Mexican capital and adjacent towns, were possessed of a knowledge of arts and sciences, and of mental qualities, which compared favorably with the Old World civi- lization. ‘The great valley of Mexico was then one vast field of love- liness. The ancient capital was situated in the center, and surround. ed by the erystal waters of Tezeuco; over which three grand cause- ways formed the only approach to the city, except by royal barges, or canoes of the natives. . with all the splendors of a not unrefined taste. _ Temples of the most i structure arose at frequent intervals, and were ires. Surrounded with all this grandeur, and apparent civilization, the mass of the people were, comparatively, semi-barbarians. Their monarchy was despotic. The will of the emperor was unquestioned, comicldooks.conn