On the morrow of his departure came further accounts of the doings of
the Spaniards that plunged Montezuma into still greater alarm. In his
terror he sent for an astronomer, noted throughout the land for the
truth of his divinations. The astronomer came, and was received by the
emperor privately. What he told him I do not know, but at least it was
nothing pleasant, for that very night men were commanded to pull down
the house of this sage, who was buried in its ruins.
Two days after the death of the astronomer, Montezuma bethought
him that, as he believed, I also was a Teule, and could give him
information. So at the hour of sunset he sent for me, bidding me walk
with him in the gardens. I went thither, followed by my musicians and
attendants, who would never leave me in peace, but he commanded that all
should stand aside, as he wished to speak with me alone. Then he began
to walk beneath the mighty cedar trees, and I with him, but keeping one
pace behind.
'Teule,' he said at length, 'tell me of your countrymen, and why they
have come to these shores. See that you speak truth.'
'They are no countrymen of mine, O Montezuma,' I answered, 'though my
mother was one of them.'
'Did I not bid you speak the truth, Teule? If your mother was one of
them, must you not also be of them; for are you not of your mother's
bone and blood?'
'As the king pleases,' I answered bowing.
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