'
So I came up and showed him the bow which was of my own make, and would
shoot an arrow some sixty paces further than any that I saw in Anahuac,
and we fell into talk on matters of sport and war, Marina helping out my
want of language, and before that day was done we had grown friendly.
For a week the prince Guatemoc and his company rested in the town of
Tobasco, and all this time we three talked much together. Soon I saw
that Marina looked with eyes of longing on the great lord, partly
because of his beauty rank and might, and partly because she wearied of
her captivity in the house of the cacique, and would share Guatemoc's
power, for Marina was ambitious. She tried to win his heart in many
ways, but he seemed not to notice her, so that at last she spoke more
plainly and in my hearing.
'You go hence to-morrow, prince,' she said softly, 'and I have a favour
to ask of you, if you will listen to your handmaid.'
'Speak on, maiden,' he answered.
'I would ask this, that if it pleases you, you will buy me of the
cacique my master, or command him to give me up to you, and take me with
you to Tenoctitlan.'
Guatemoc laughed aloud. 'You put things plainly, maiden,' he said,
'but know that in the city of Tenoctitlan, my wife and royal cousin,
Tecuichpo, awaits me, and with her three other ladies, who as it chances
are somewhat jealous.
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