But of all that were troubled, none were in such bad case as the emperor
himself, who, during these weeks scarcely ate or drank or slept, so
heavy were his fears upon him. In this strait he sent messengers to his
ancient rival, that wise and severe man Neza, the king of the allied
state of Tezcuco, begging that he would visit him. This king came,
an old man with a fierce and gleaming eye, and I was witness to the
interview that followed, for in my quality of god I had full liberty of
the palace, and even to be present at the councils of the emperor and
his nobles. When the two monarchs had feasted together, Montezuma spoke
to Neza of the matter of the omens and of the coming of the Teules,
asking him to lighten the darkness by his wisdom. Then Neza pulled his
long grey beard and answered that heavy as the heart of Montezuma might
be, it must grow still heavier before the end.
'See, Lord,' he said, 'I am so sure that the days of our empire are
numbered, that I will play you at dice for my kingdoms which you and
your forefathers have ever desired to win.'
'For what wager?' asked Montezuma.
'I will play you thus,' answered Neza. 'You shall stake three fighting
cocks, of which, should I win, I ask the spurs only. I set against them
all the wide empire of Tezcuco.'
'A small stake,' said Montezuma; 'cocks are many and kingdoms few.
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