Lake Tezcuco, the principal one of several situated in the great valley
of Mexico, four and three quarter centuries ago, when the present
Mexican capital (then Tenochtitlan) stood a league or more within its
borders, was quite an inland body of water, covering well on to four
hundred square miles of surface. Since that time this lake has shrunken
to a remarkable degree, leaving the great valley city, and the sites of
others now reduced to insignificance, miles away from it.
At the time to which our narrative refers nearly all the chief cities
of Anahuac were situated on its shores, among which was the Tepanec
capital, Azcapozalco, located near the northwest corner of the lake. To
this city we now have occasion to turn briefly.
Azcapozalco was designated as the royal city, which, if it signified
anything, meant that in the time of its ascendency it was the most
magnificent seat of government on the lake, if not on the Anahuac. It
was a city of walls we are told, and must have boasted of elegant
structures of stone and sun-dried brick, which suggests the idea of
towering temples, a grand palace and court, and extensive avenues,
where swarmed an aggressive and busy population. Its artificers, it is
said, were superior in skill to those of any other city on the great
plateau, which meant much, when we consider that among these were to be
found jewelers who could unify metals so perfectly as to represent
objects, harmoniously variegated, by alternately intermixing of silver
and gold.
Of their weavers we may speak equally well.
The ancient Mexicans were the first people to use the cochineal for
purposes of coloring, which, after the conquest, was introduced into
Europe by the Spaniards. Their weavers were enabled with it to make the
products of the loom not only brilliant but beautiful.
The fineness of their fabrics varied in texture as well as in dye, the
most finished being made of cotton, one of their principal products,
with which was interwoven the finest animal hair, forming a web fit to
be worn by a king.
A royal city, we may well believe, was Azcapozalco, when Maxtla, the
tyrant rival of Prince Hualcoyotl, became the arbiter of its destiny.
* * * * *
Maxtla was seated on his throne, in the audience hall of his palace,
surrounded by his chiefs and advisers--nobles of his realm, holding
conference with them regarding the duties of their respective
positions, and arranging other matters pertaining to his new and
exalted station.
The king was a man of medium stature, with a well-rounded physique,
swarthy complexion, and very course features. His eyes were small and
black, and lighted up with a gleam of cunning and ferocity, which gave
to his countenance a decidedly disagreeable expression, and one that
boded no good to those whom he might deem his enemies.
The costume he wore consisted of a loose-fitting tunic and leggings
made to fit his limbs closely to below the calf; the whole wrought from
the finest cotton fabrics and ornamented with trimmings of gold. Over
his shoulders was carelessly worn a rich mantle of featherwork. His
feet were incased in sandals made from the skin of some wild animal;
while on his head rested a crown formed of precious metals, and
ornamented with gems and a _penache_ of richly colored feathers.
His chiefs were similarly dressed, excepting the crown, but in a less
gaudy manner.
A pause had fallen on the assembly, which was interrupted by the
entrance of a herald, who announced Prince Hualcoyotl as desiring
audience with the king. The mention of the prince's name caused no
little commotion among the king's attendants. A cloud of disapproval
came over Maxtla's face, and the evil expression upon it was
intensified. After a moment's hesitation he directed that the prince be
admitted.
On entering the hall, Hualcoyotl advanced before the king and saluted
him in the accustomed manner: kneeling on one knee, placing his right
hand on the ground and then to his forehead. While in this position he
laid at the scowling Maxtla's feet an offering of flowers, which was
emblematic of his peaceful intentions. The king gave a momentary glance
at the prostrate prince, and then, with malice and hatred depicted on
his countenance, silently and haughtily turned his back upon him. This
action on the part of Maxtla was highly significant: it was intended as
a humiliation to the prince, and signified that his offering was
rejected; also, that no favor might be expected by him from the throne.
Hualcoyotl rose to his feet deeply moved by the conduct of the king;
and, after a moment's hesitation, quietly walked out of the hall. As he
left the door he was accosted by one of the king's attendants, who
begged him to withdraw from the palace and city, and return to his own
as quickly as possible, for his life was in great danger. He was soon
on the road to Tezcuco, where he arrived safely, but much perturbed in
spirit and perplexed in mind.
He went immediately to his private apartment, and summoned Euetzin into
his presence. In a very short time the tzin appeared, and, after
saluting him, said:
"I am here in answer to your summons, noble prince, and would know your
pleasure."
"Be at ease, good friend," returned Hualcoyotl, gravely, motioning the
tzin to a seat. A brief silence followed, which was broken by the
prince.
"Euetzin," he began, fixing his passion-lit eyes on his friend, "the
wisdom and penetration of an older head than might be expected has been
given to you, as my appearance before the king has proven."
"You have seen the king?" inquiringly interrupted the tzin.
"I have," answered the prince, reflectively, looking beyond. Another
short pause intervened, and recovering himself he continued, adopting a
manner of expression peculiar to his race.
"The lion is loosed, and the fire of anger is in his heart; the fox
must be wary, or his cunning may not save him. Do you interpret in
these words the nature of my reception by the king?"
"I do, and know that I read him truly."
"You did, most truly. In accordance with your opinion and advice I went
before the king, and in the presence of his assembled chiefs tendered
my fealty and peace offering to his majesty with the accustomed
formalities. My offerings were rejected, and I, the Prince of Tezcuco,
was spurned by him in the most humiliating manner, and compelled like a
coward to slink from his presence under the infliction of the
indignity, without the power to resent it. Euetzin, something must be
done, and quickly; for Maxtla evidently contemplates harm to myself,
his supposed rival, and will stop at nothing short of my destruction.
It must be victory for Tezcuco or death for her prince, as it now
appears."
Euetzin felt that a reply was expected and said:
"Hualcoyotl, the son of our lamented king, can rely upon his friends in
any emergency. They are devoted to their country and prince, and only
await an opportunity to avenge the wrongs which have been laid upon
them."
"Your words, tzin Euet, are encouraging, for they strengthen an
impression which I have hopefully entertained: that our people are
still imbued with patriotism and love for their country, and may be led
by incitement to do battle for its redemption. If our hope is not a
vain one, which can only be ascertained by investigation, someone whose
soul is in our cause must go abroad to inspire, arouse and prepare them
for revolt. By my peculiar position I am unfortunately placed. I can
not go to those with whom I would counsel, neither can they come to me;
for my every movement will henceforth be under strict and secret
surveillance. On you, therefore, my trusted friend, must fall the work
which I would, but can not, do--the work of stimulating our people to
action and organizing them into an army of resistance to the Tepanec
despot, Maxtla. I need not inquire if you will do it; Euetzin is the
son of Euzelmozin--that alone bespeaks his compliance."
"My life, O Prince, is at your disposal. You have but to command and I
will obey."
"Spoken like the true Tezcucan that you are, noble Euet. That
Hualcoyotl has not many more such loyal friends in his misfortune!"
"The hour of need may discover to Hualcoyotl an army of friends not
less worthy of trust than Euet," replied the tzin modestly.
"Friends worthy and true, possibly--never but one Euet," returned the
prince, with a look which voiced the affectionate esteem in which he
held his companion.
The tzin was considerably affected by the prince's fervent manner and
language, and appeared confused for want of a suitable reply, which the
latter observed, and, quickly continuing, reverted to the main question
under consideration.
"The mission on which you are about to go is a very dangerous one,"
said he. "Should you be discovered, death would undoubtedly be the
consequence."
"I am aware of that, O Prince, yet I beg you will have no fears for my
safety. I will choose my own companions, and, be assured, they will not
be of the emissaries of Maxtla."
"I believe you; and now, since you are to go, let there be no delay.
Seek our friends and counsel with them. Learn the true feelings of our
people, and, if possible, the number of our adherents available for
soldiers; also, if so desirable an end may be attained, secure the
cooperation of other states which are friendly to us. Work with the
wisdom and judgment of which I know you to be possessed, and according
to the success of your labors shall be your reward. May our nation
rise, under your hand, from the ashes of her former greatness, is our
most earnest prayer. Go as soon as you can arrange to do so, and may
the gods of our fathers be with you and keep you. You will see your
excellent mother and sister; bear to them, I pray you, my profound
respect, and say that I would come to them could I do so with safety."
Euetzin at leaving would have saluted the prince in the accustomed
manner, but was stopped by him, and, instead, was received upon his
breast in a strong embrace, which signified that he was, for the time
at least, accepted as an equal in all respects.
Realizing the very grave circumstances under which they were parting,
the friends separated with feelings of deepest sadness.
The prince's confidence in the loyalty and integrity of his friend was
full and complete, as we have seen, and the sequel proved that it was
wisely placed.
When the tzin had withdrawn from the prince's apartment the latter fell
into deep meditation, as was his wont in the recent past. His thoughts
at length appeared to turn on his aged preceptor, for he spoke audibly,
as if addressing someone:
"Yes, the good Itzalmo must not be overlooked in this matter. He has
been like a father to me, and should share fully in my confidence. His
wisdom and sagacity may yet be of invaluable service to me, as they
have been in the past."
He arose and straightway sought the old servitor in his private
apartment, where he found him poring over his hieroglyphics.
Salutations were exchanged, and the prince proceeded to relate the
particulars of his visit to the palace of Maxtla; also to express his
fears as to the consequences liable to ensue, and his determination to
meet them by a speedy preparation for resistance.
Itzalmo was not pleased that the prince had gone before the king
unknown to him, yet his solicitude was instantly aroused in his behalf,
and a careful study of the situation followed.
The old preceptor was a man of marked shrewdness and cunning, and more
than a match for Maxtla if open violence was not resorted to. Friends,
known to no one but himself, were to be found in the king's palace who
quickly notified him when anything of importance occurred in his
majesty's household or court. In this manner he was kept informed and
always forewarned.
Acquainted, as the old Tezcucan was, with the treacherous disposition
of the Tepanecs, and Maxtla in particular, he felt that the strictest
watchfulness would be necessary to avoid surprise. He had saved the
prince from the wrath of the old king, and hoped he might be able to
save him again, should the emergency arise. He therefore begged him to
be discreet and trust to him.
"You are young, O Prince, and with little experience to guide you," he
said. "I pray you, be not incautious, but let your actions be governed
by wisdom and understanding. Do not forget, O Hualcoyotl, that the
destiny of a people rests with you. Listen to him who has counseled and
shown you the way in the past. Itzalmo is your proven friend; he will
do for you what no other can."
The old man's earnestness was remarkable, and the prince felt it. He
said:
"Itzalmo, I know that I may trust you wholly; for have you not, indeed,
proven it in many ways? Be assured, then, my ever faithful friend, that
your counsel shall not be ignored. I will be guarded in what I do. You
have my promise."
As he concluded, the prince passed from the apartment of the loyal old
vassal, the latter sending after him a prayerful benediction.