So desirous was Montezuma to know its contents,
that contrary to all custom he snatched the roll from the hands of the
counsellor, and unrolling it, he began to read the picture writing
by the baleful light of the blazing sky and temple. Presently, as we
watched and he read, Montezuma groaned aloud, and casting down the
writing he covered his face with his hands. As it chanced it fell near
to where I stood, and I saw painted over it rude pictures of ships of
the Spanish rig, and of men in the Spanish armour. Then I understood why
Montezuma groaned. The Spaniards had landed on his shores!
Now some of his counsellors approached him to console him, but he thrust
them aside, saying:
'Let me mourn--the doom that was foretold is fallen upon the children
of Anahuac. The children of Quetzal muster on our shores and slay my
people. Let me mourn, I say.'
At that moment another messenger came from the palace, having grief
written on his face.
'Speak,' said Montezuma.
'O king, forgive the tongue that must tell such tidings. Your royal
sister Papantzin was seized with terror at yonder dreadful sight,' and
he pointed to the heavens; 'she lies dying in the palace!'
Now when the emperor heard that his sister whom he loved was dying, he
said nothing, but covering his face with his royal mantle, he passed
slowly back to the palace.
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