[Illustration: LAKE TEZCUCO, 1400 +]
A PRINCE OF ANAHUAC
A HISTORI-TRADITIONAL STORY
ANTEDATING THE AZTEC EMPIRE
BY
JAMES A. PORTER
GALION, OHIO
THE CRAWFORD COMPANY
PUBLISHERS
CINCINNATI
Press of C. T. Krebbiel
248-250 WALNUT STREET
Copyright, 1894, by James A. Porter.
All Rights Reserved.
Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected
without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have
been retained as printed. The Table of Contents was not present in
the original text and has been produced for the reader's convenience.
Text printed in italics is noted with underscores (_italics_).
Diacritical marks that cannot be represented in plain text are shown
in the following manner where "x" stands in for the letter: [=x]
letter with macron above.
CONTENTS
PREFACE
INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER
I XXI
II XXII
III XXIII
IV XXIV
V XXV
VI XXVI
VII XXVII
VIII XXVIII
IX XXIX
X XXX
XI XXXI
XII XXXII
XIII XXXIII
XIV XXXIV
XV XXXV
XVI XXXVI
XVII XXXVII
XVIII XXXVIII
XIX XXXIX
XX XL
PREFACE.
In placing this volume before the public we would ask the critical
reader to regard with leniency its imperfections, in view of the fact
that an exigency, arising through serious misfortune to the writer,
made the issue a necessity.
The narrative is based upon the Tezcucan historian, Ixtlilxochitl's,
brief account of the overthrow of his ancestral government by
Tezozomoc, the Tepanec king, in 1418; and its restoration, under
Prince Nezahualcoyotl, eight or ten years later.
The wonderful experience of Nezahualcoyotl--Hungry Fox--(abbreviated,
for convenience, to 'Hualcoyotl) is made the nucleus around which the
story is woven. So far as possible, the incidents related of him, his
condemnation to death by Maxtla, the son and successor of Tezozomoc,
his remarkable escapes therefrom, and other personal trials, have been
given in accordance with the historian's account. The descriptive
portions, including what relates to the country and manners of the
people, are based upon conclusions drawn from reading a traditional
history, and, therefore, to some extent, hypothetical; yet are, no
doubt, quite as correct as a great deal of what has been written and
put out as authentic.
The narrative is a representation of the writer's conception as to how
the triumph of Tezcuco over her oppressors might have been brought
about, together with such incidental situations and characterization as
appear best suited to make it attractive. Whether or not success has
been attained in the work, the public must decide.
The characters introduced, with the exception of Hualcoyotl and Maxtla,
which are historical, are fictitious, created to meet the exigencies of
the situations.
The pronunciation of names will be greatly simplified by the reader
bearing in mind that x and ch are convertible, the sound of sh being
substituted, as in Ix, which is pronounced Ish; Teochma--Te-osh-ma;
Xochitl--Zosh-itl, and Ixtlilchoatl--Ish-thlil-sho-atl. S being an
unused letter, z is frequently given a soft sound, as in tzin, which is
pronounced tsin; Euetzin--U-et-sin; Oza--Os-a; Itzalmo--I-tsal-mo, and
Itlza--I-tel-sa. H is silent, as in Hualcoyotl, which is pronounced
U-al-co-yotl; Hualla--U-al-la, and maquahuitl--ma-ka-u-itl.
With these brief explanations we conclude our preface, hoping that our
labor has not been in vain, but that the production of it may furnish
some instruction and a few hours' pleasurable pastime.
THE AUTHOR.
INTRODUCTION.
The great valley of Anahuac--the valley of Mexico--if not now, was once
a grand and beautiful spot, such as is rarely found upon the face of
our terraqueous globe. When nearest its natural state, in the time when
its inhabitants directed their efforts to beautifying and not to
marring it, it might well have been denominated an Eden. We refer to
that period in its transition which covered a century or two prior to
the fall of Montezuma.
The majority of the people of Anahuac were not, strictly speaking,
Aztecs, but became so by centralization: the Montezumas and their
immediate predecessors becoming, by the trend of events, masters of the
situation.
The great Aztec empire had scarcely a half century of existence, and
was preceded by a condition of things in which tribal distinction
prevailed, the Aztec being only one of many tribes, and not greatly
superior, if superior at all, to some of its neighbors. In fact, the
Aztecs, prior to the overthrow of the Tepanec empire, unquestionably
occupied a position of inferiority. From this time on, however, their
power and influence may be said to have rapidly increased, until their
supremacy was assured in the formation of an empire with their ruling
prince at its head.
That the reader, who is not informed with respect to the Anahuacans and
the conditions which prevailed among them, may be better prepared for
an intelligent perusal of our story, the following brief account of
them is presented.
They were a remarkable people, in many respects; and, when the lack of
opportunities which hindered, and the peculiar conditions which
influenced them, are taken into account, were wonderfully intelligent
and well advanced in civilization. Although of the Indian race, they
had nothing in common with their red brethren of the north in their
habits and manners.
Their religion was based on an incongruous and exaggerated mythology,
which, through the influence of superstition and the machinations of a
perniciously insinuating priesthood, resulted in idol worship and the
terribly vitiating practice of human sacrifice. They believed in a
supreme being, whom they supplicated, but in an indirect way. They were
unable to conceive of a personal unity so comprehensive in attributes
of perfection as is the Great Creator and Savior of man, and,
therefore, supplicated through inferior ministers--presiding deities,
represented in great images set up in their teocallis--temples.
They had a system of education, which embraced a traditional history,
astronomy, mechanics, arithmetic, and a means of communicating ideas by
written signs, designated hieroglyphical painting, which was imparted
to the youth through the medium of a public school, under the
management of the priesthood.
Their domestic habits, and the rules regulating intercourse between the
sexes, were most advantageous for the women. They, unlike their red
sisters of the north, and, we might add, some of the whiter ones of
Europe, were required to do no labor that was counted the man's, but
were left strictly to the performance of their domestic duties. They
were treated with the greatest consideration, especially by their
husbands; and, when sought after in marriage, were courted in a manner
truly chivalrous.
Of their young women we quote from a well-known and authentic writer:
"The Aztec maiden was treated by her parents with a tenderness from
which all reserve was banished.... They conjured her to preserve
simplicity in her manners and conversation, uniform neatness in her
attire, with strict attention to personal cleanliness. They inculcated
modesty as the great ornament of a woman, and implicit reverence for
her husband a duty."
When circumstances would allow of it the women beguiled the time in the
lighter work of adornment; or, not infrequently, passed it in quiet
indolence. It is said of them that they were quite pretty, not at all
like what may be seen to-day in their miserable descendants. Their long
and profuse black hair was usually confined by a web of some kind, or
adorned with wreaths of flowers, or strings of glittering beads, formed
from the precious metals and the richer gems of stone and pearl. A
scarf was sometimes worn upon the head, the fashion or design of which
we will not attempt to describe. There is scarcely anything said by
writers of their dress. We may infer, however, that it was worn with a
view to convenience, neatness, and show. The prevailing skirt, we dare
say, was of a length which did not hamper the movement, but was,
nevertheless, a work of art, as were the jackets and leggings which
were worn by the higher classes, in which elaboration and richness of
decoration were often indulged to a degree approaching gorgeousness.
The sexes shared alike in occasions of festivity. They indulged in
banqueting and other social gatherings, which were conducted with
elegance and a remarkable degree of refinement. We quote briefly on
this point: "The halls were scented with perfumes and the courts
strewed with odoriferous flowers, which were distributed in profusion
among the guests as they arrived. Cotton napkins and ewers of water
were placed before them as they took their seats at the board; for
the venerable ceremony of ablution before and after eating was
punctiliously observed." Here is evidence of an elevated social
condition, and certainly would indicate the obtaining of a high regard
for forms in which love of the beautiful is shown and a commendable
decency inculcated.
They smoked tobacco and indulged in intoxicants--marks of civilization,
but to become drunken was a disgrace, which was punishable in the
young.
The governments were in some instances republican in the manner of
operating them, though subject to the rule of a prince whose position
and rights were inherited, and who was surrounded by a class of persons
dignified as nobles. However, the disposition of the king had much to
do with restricting or extending the privileges of his subjects, which
occasionally resulted in despotism, as in the case of the Tepanecs.
The people were encouraged to become producers, especially in the
matter of agriculture. This branch of industry was closely studied,
and, considering the disadvantages labored under by the farmer in the
absence of draft animals, was very successfully conducted. They
appeared to understand the management of the ground, the dryness of
which was relieved by irrigation.
The principal products of the farm were maize, cacao (chocolate), and a
variety of garden vegetables--the food supply--while cotton and maguey
furnished the material from which various kinds of cloth and paper were
produced, and we are told the land teemed with an abundance thereof.
Slavery existed in various phases, the conditions being fixed according
to the circumstances governing the case. Much of the labor was, of
course, done by this class of persons.
The forests were carefully preserved and heavy penalties imposed to
prevent their destruction.
The men were not permitted to pass their time in idleness, but were
furnished employment by the government in the promotion of public
improvements, such as the building of great aqueducts and highways, and
expansive public edifices, palaces and temples, an example of public
economy worthy of imitation by the more enlightened people of the
world.
Polygamy was practiced according to the means and inclination of the
individual. It was mostly confined to the nobility, however.
With all their severity the laws protected a man completely in his
personal rights, not only as a proprietor and master, but as a slave.
The marriage relation was regarded with the greatest reverence and
adhered to with fidelity.
The sovereign was especially protected in his marital affairs, death
being visited upon the man who in the least degree usurped his place in
the affections of a wife or one chosen to be a wife, and the woman
concerned, we infer, was not held guiltless, but on the other hand was
counted _particeps criminis_.
With these few references and the information with which the narrative
abounds, the reader, we feel, will be enabled to proceed intelligently
and with satisfaction in its perusal.
A PRINCE OF ANAHUAC.
CHAPTER I.
In a private and secluded apartment of his ancestral palace sat
Huälc[=o]y[=o]tl,[1] the then reduced prince of Tezcuco, deeply
engrossed in the mysteries of some hieroglyphical manuscript lying on a
table before him. While thus engaged, his personal servant, Oz[=a],
appeared at the door of his apartment, and paused in an attitude of
waiting. The prince, happening to look up, saw him, and said:
[1] See Preface with reference to pronunciation of names.
"What is your errand, Oza?"
"If it will please my master, Itzalmo would have speech with him,"
replied he.
"Bid Itzalmo come; and, Oza, stand without; I may want you."
* * * * *
In the early part of the fifteenth century, and about one hundred years
prior to the conquest of Mexico by Cortes, the Anahuac was just
entering on its "Golden Era." It bloomed then, as it never has since,
with an almost endless variety of tropical vegetation, and under the
skillful hand of its inhabitants was made to appear like a vast park
or garden. Its cities were marvelous in the peculiarity of their
construction. On its lakes were beautiful floating gardens; emparked
villas--charming landscapes within a landscape--dotted it over, and
groves of magnificent forest trees--the oak, cypress, and other
timbers, which raised their imposing heights toward heaven--stood
sentinel, as it were, over the beautiful vales and lakes below.
Of the many tribes of people then occupying the Anahuac, the Tezcucans,
Tepanecs, Mexicans (Aztecs), and Tlacopans were among the larger and
most prominent. Our narrative has to do with all these, but more
particularly with the first named, who were the descendants of the
Acolhuans, whose advent to the Anahuac took place near the close of the
twelfth century, and nearly simultaneously with that of the Mexicans
and Chichimecs--the latter, possibly, the race from which sprang the
Tepanecs and others of the more savage tribes.
The Acolhuans were a mild and peaceably disposed people, and
intelligently superior. Their descendants, the Tezcucans, so called
from the name of their chief city, inherited their admirable
characteristics, and sustained their superiority for intelligence.
The laws which governed the Tezcucans, as a nation, were, comparatively
speaking, just and equitable, having in them little of an oppressive
nature, which can not be said of some of the other tribes. A few years
previous to the time at which our story opens they were a happy and
prosperous people, and were ruled by a king who had a kind and generous
disposition, and who always held the welfare of his subjects of first
importance, for which he was greatly beloved by them. Their seat of
government was Tezcuco, a populous city at that time, situated on the
eastern border of Lake Tezcuco, nearly northeast, across the lake, from
Tenochtitlan--the Mexican capital.
The city of Tezcuco, if not at that time the most royal capital on the
lake, was perhaps the oldest and largest; and noted especially for its
intelligence and order. Besides its teachers and scholars it had its
artisans; the latter hardly less skilled than were those of the proud
city of Azcapozalco, a rival and the capital of its greatest enemy and
despoiler. Its buildings were substantial; its palace commodious; its
temples commensurate with the demands of their votaries, while its
_tianguez_ (market place) was broad and ample.
About the year 1418 the king of the Tepanecs found cause for declaring
war on the Tezcucans, and a bitterly contested struggle ensued, which
terminated in the overthrow of the government and subjugation of the
people of the latter, and the massacre of their good king, together
with many of his nobles.
Among those who escaped the death-dealing hand of the victors was the
king's son, the young prince Hualcoyotl, heir to the Tezcucan crown. He
was present at the bloody and disastrous ending of the strife; but,
being concealed among the branches of a sheltering tree, from which
position he witnessed the cruel murder of his father, he was not
discovered by the foe. He was captured later, however, and thrown into
a dungeon in his own city, where, though closely guarded, he remained
only a short time, his friends effecting his escape by the substitution
of another person, who willingly gave his life in his young master's
stead. He fled to the city of Tenochtitlan, where he found refuge with
friends. After a time he was permitted, through the influence of the
Mexican king, who was friendly toward his people, to return to Tezcuco
and his ancestral palace, on condition that he would live a retired and
secluded life. He was there taken charge of and instructed by an old
tutor named Itzalmo, who had been his preceptor previous to the
overthrow of his country and death of his father.
Hualcoyotl was about sixteen years old when he went into retirement. He
was unusually bright, and gave promise, in his deportment and youthful
precociousness, of reaching a splendid manhood. Eight years passed by,
during which period he remained in undisturbed seclusion, acquiring
knowledge and wisdom under the skillful training of the good Itzalmo,
and finding, in his hours of leisure, divertisement in the society of a
few chosen companions. He had not disappointed the expectations of his
friends, but, at the age of twenty-four, had ripened into a man of
surpassing physical and intellectual force--a worthy representative of
a noble line of princes. His adherents recognized in him their future
king--their hope of deliverance from Tepanec usurpation.
About this time, 1426, the even tenor of the prince's life was
interrupted by the sudden and unexpected death of the destroyer of
Tezcucan independence--the old king, Tezozomoc, at Azcapozalco, the
Tepanec capital.
The government of this nation, and its subjugated provinces, would now
devolve upon Prince Maxtla, the deceased king's son, who was looked
upon as a very unscrupulous and dangerous man--more so, if possible,
than was his father, whose rule had always been despotic and
tyrannical, especially over his foreign vassals.
But to return to the prince's apartment.
The servant retired with his master's message, and Itzalmo came soon
after. Advancing before Hualcoyotl, the old vassal dropped on one knee
in salutation.
"Arise, Itzalmo," said the prince, kindly. "You have requested speech
with me. Hualcoyotl is pleased to grant any favor you may ask which is
his to bestow. Of what would you speak?"
"Hualcoyotl, the prince, is very kind. If it please him, his servant
would speak of the king."
"What of the king, good friend?"
"The king is dead."
"The king dead, you say? How came the news?"
"By special courier but now."
Hualcoyotl's countenance took on a grave and thoughtful expression.
After a short pause he remarked:
"Maxtla will be king."
"Yes, Maxtla is already king," replied Itzalmo; "crowned by his
father's hand--an event greatly to be deplored, surely; and well might
we ask, O Prince, what will be the issue?"
"An inauspicious succession, good friend, to say the least; and one
full of painful uncertainty," spoke the master; and, after a brief
silence, he suddenly said; "Itzalmo, thou hast excellent command of thy
knowledge--thou art wise; I would know what is in thy mind. What
discernest thou in the old king's death? How will it effect our
people's condition?"
"Hualcoyotl is the son of a noble father, and, like he was wont to do,
gives his first thoughts to his people. Be assured, O Prince, that no
good, but evil only, will come to Tezcuco from Maxtla. He is an
unscrupulous prince, and hath not the fear of the gods in his heart.
The oppressor's hand has been very heavy--the weight of it will not
grow lighter; the shackles which bind us are galling--they will not be
loosed." The old man's voice grew sadly eloquent. Raising his eyes and
looking off as if in contemplation of his enthralled and unhappy
country, he exclaimed: "Tezcuco, O Tezcuco! Thou art indeed distressed;
and the end is not!"
"Itzalmo, good friend, it is not a cheerful picture you hold up before
me in this perplexing hour, and I fear greatly that you have not
overdrawn. What would you advise? For eight years you have been like a
father to Hualcoyotl--yes, for eight years your hand has pointed out
the way, and it has been Hualcoyotl's pleasure to walk therein. Speak,
Itzalmo, good friend; I repeat: what would you advise?"
"It is a troublesome question you would have me answer. Time has not
been given me in which to consider. At best, we can only wait and
watch. A few days may enlighten us much in regard to Maxtla's
disposition and purpose; especially with reference to yourself. Our
friends at the king's palace will be sleeplessly vigilant; his every
movement will be closely watched, and, if of a menacing character,
reported immediately."
"You speak truly, Itzalmo, when you say we can only wait and watch. Our
hands are indeed helpless. But do not let us anticipate troubles--they
come fast enough. Have done with that, then, and look at this,"
returned the prince, calling the old preceptor's attention to the
manuscript on the table, which proved to be the work of his own hand,
and of which he desired a critical inspection by Itzalmo.
After a close scrutiny of the manuscript the old tutor said, showing
his gratification and approval:
"Hualcoyotl has done well. The pupil has become a master, and Itzalmo's
labors, as his instructor, are about at an end. The builder has not
builded in vain, and his heart rejoices that it is so."
"Hualcoyotl has been fortunate in the matter of an instructor, if in
nothing else. Itzalmo has been a faithful teacher, and his reward shall
be commensurate, the gods befriending us," replied the prince, in
grateful tones.
"May the gods befriend you, good master, not for my sake, but for your
own and that of your oppressed people!" prayerfully responded the old
tutor.
"Your words are overkind, Itzalmo, good friend; and they will be
remembered with gratitude," returned the prince, feelingly.
Having accomplished the object of his visit to the apartment of
Hualcoyotl, Itzalmo saluted him and withdrew.
When left to himself the prince became thoughtful for a time, when he
was suddenly reminded that his servant was without, waiting for orders.
He struck, lightly, a small, bell-shaped instrument suspended near him,
and Oza immediately appeared in the doorway.
"Oza," spoke the master, "ask the tzin[2] Euet to favor me with his
presence."
[2] A word synonymous with "lord."
* * * * *
Tzin Euet, or Euetzin, was the son of a once prominent Tezcucan noble,
Euzelmozin, who was a close friend of the late king of Tezcuco, and a
high official in his court; and who shared, with many others, the fate
of his royal master on the sanguinary field, where the best blood of a
nation was shed to satisfy the instinctive cruelty of a barbarian
tyrant.
When the young prince Hualcoyotl went into retirement it was thought
necessary that he should have a companion, about his own age, who would
be to him an attendant and associate, whose duty it would be to
relieve, by his presence, the monotony of his seclusion.
From the close official relation of the fathers and the intimacy of the
families grew a warm and lasting friendship between the boys; and, as a
result, Hualcoyotl's choice of a companion fell upon tzin Euet.
The young tzin was a student; and, under the direction of Itzalmo and
the favor of the prince, had spent the years in perfecting his
education.
A genuine affection had gradually come between the young men, and they
were more like brothers than else.
They were physically unlike; Euetzin being of medium height, yet of no
inferior mould, with a light cast of complexion; while the prince was
tall, muscular and dark. In age there was about a year's difference,
Hualcoyotl being the senior. They were fine specimens of their race.
Oza delivered his master's message to the tzin, who promptly responded.
The young lord never forgot that his friend was also his prince, and
always saluted him profoundly when they met, which he did on entering
his apartment.
"Thanks, noble tzin, for your promptness in coming to my relief. I am
wearied of my work, and would have exercise. Will you go with me to the
court?" kindly spoke the prince.
"With gladness, O Prince. You ought to know by now that your slightest
wish is a law unto your friends, especially to myself, in whom
obedience to you is the fullness of pleasure, born of affection,"
answered Euetzin, his countenance beaming with an expression which
emphasized his words.
"Euetzin, I believe you; for without affection a friendship so true as
yours could not exist. But come; let us to the court."
* * * * *
The ancestral palace of the Tezcucan princes at this period was not to
be compared with what it was later, yet was, presumably, an expansive
structure, if not massive, built on three sides of a court, the court
terminating at the rear of it in a beautifully arranged garden.
In the front, or main portion, of the palace were the audience hall and
council chamber; also various other apartments, among them those
intended for the private use of the king and his numerous household;
many of which, after the subversion of the government and death of the
king, fell into disuse by the dispersion of the occupants.
In one of the back wings which extended along the side of the court,
were the culinary establishment, banqueting hall, and, communicating
with the latter, saloons, or reception rooms. There were other
apartments connected with this wing for the accommodation of servants,
the ordinary vassals of the king, of whom there were a very great
number in his time, but which were now reduced to the actual
necessities of the prince and his companions.
In the other wing of the palace was an extensive conservatory, where
were cultivated the choicest flowers and shrubs to be found in the
valley, of which there was no lack. The Anahuacans took great delight
in floral displays, and no home was complete without its flowers.
When the prince and his companion reached the court they found some of
their attendants playing at ball. This was one of Hualcoyotl's favorite
means of obtaining exercise and relief from the depressing effects of
his enforced seclusion, and they immediately joined in the game.
After indulging in the sport to their satisfaction the prince requested
Euetzin to withdraw with him to the rear of the court, where they found
a pleasant retreat and protection from the sun's heat in an inviting
arbor, which was especially arranged for their comfort and enjoyment in
leisure hours. When they were at ease the prince said:
"Are you aware, tzin Euet, that the king is dead?"
"Yes, Prince. Itzalmo informed me soon after receiving the message."
"Itzalmo is of opinion that the coming of Maxtla to the throne will, if
anything, add to the distress of our people. I have great regard for
his sagacity, yet withal, being deeply concerned personally, I would
have your opinion also, tzin Euet, and have brought you here to obtain
it. You may be able to throw some light on the matter, and, by so
doing, change the present aspect of it. Maxtla is king; and, as we have
reason to believe, a king without scruples, and not to be relied on.
Were Tezcuco in position to demand the restoration of her rights as a
nation we would know how to proceed; but she is not, and we are left
with only one alternative, that of submission. Thus unhappily
environed, our only recourse is to seek to mollify the king. How to do
this, friend Euet, is the present and very important question."
Hualcoyotl paused, and looked inquiringly at the tzin.
"Yourself, O Prince, will be the one most affected by the change of
rulers, and through you the new king must be mollified, if such a thing
be possible. I fear very much that any overtures in that direction will
be met by a scornful rejection, especially with reference to your own
case," was Euetzin's rather discouraging reply.
"On what grounds, tzin Euet, do you rest your fears?"
"On the character of the man who now becomes the wrongful ruler of our
people. His exceedingly bad record as a young man--a record full of
meanness, largely made up of diabolism and cruelty, evidence of which
is not lacking, furnishes sufficient grounds for fear and apprehension.
I will venture an assertion, O Prince, which may seem overstrong to
you, yet I feel confident I do not err in my conclusions. It does not
require a prophet to foretell a thing when the conditions portend it.
You, O Hualcoyotl, the rightful prince of Tezcuco, and Maxtla, the
king, can not both continue to live under the same government. Mark me
well! Sooner or later you will be compelled to fly or suffer death."
It was with a pale, stern face the tzin uttered his concluding words.
The prince looked at him in amazement, considering the enormity implied
in the prediction; yet, when he spoke, it was with perfect calmness.
"You undoubtedly believe what you say, my dear tzin; yet I am slow to
think myself so obnoxious to the king as your words imply."
"You are obnoxious to him, noble prince, to the extent of being feared.
He is a jealous and suspicious man, in addition to his many other
faults, and will brook no possible rival to his authority over Tezcuco.
While Hualcoyotl, the beloved prince of an enslaved people, lives, and
is, in a measure, at liberty, Maxtla will not rest in security.
Believe, O noblest of friends, I beg you, that I would not unduly
excite you in this matter; but being deeply impressed with the thought
that your life is in jeopardy, I am impelled to raise my voice in
warning."
After a moment's pause the prince said:
"Tzin Euet, I must know to a certainty if your apprehensions of peril
to myself are correct. Have you any plan to offer? You seem to have
given the matter thought. What would you do?" inquired Hualcoyotl,
showing unusual concern.
"I would go to Azcapozalco, and into the king's presence at once, and
offer him allegiance. If he contemplates harm to you he will show it.
He will not dare to molest you openly without cause. Your return may be
fraught with danger, yet it is worth the hazard to learn his mind,"
replied the tzin.
"The past has taught me, Euetzin, that your opinions are usually well
grounded. The character established by Prince Maxtla in the past, as
you say, is sufficient cause for apprehension. Your words have stirred
me deeply, and I think I will act upon them; though, before doing so, I
must have time for thought. Say nothing to anyone of what is in your
mind respecting this matter, not even to Itzalmo; he would only oppose
my going before the king," returned the prince; and continuing, he
said: "I pray your judgment may be in error this once; though, looking
at it as you do, I fear the worst."
The young men, feeling somewhat dejected, very soon left the arbor and
returned, each to his own apartment.