iii.] As thus the promoter of fertility in the vegetable world, he was also the genius of reproduction in the human race.

The ceremonies of marriage which were in use among the Aztecs were attributed to him,[1] and when the wife found she was with child it was to him that she was told to address her thanks.

One of her relatives recited to her a formal exhortation, which began as follows:-- [Footnote 1: Veitia, cap.

xvii, in Kingsborough.] "My beloved little daughter, precious as sapphire and jade, tender and generous! Our Lord, who dwells everywhere and rains his bounties on whom he pleases, has remembered you.

The God now wishes to give you the fruit of marriage, and has placed within you a jewel, a rich feather.