Still one
day you may be emperor, and then we shall see how you will deal with the
Teules, at least others will see though I shall not. But what is it now?
Does Montezuma choose new wives?'
'He chooses wives, but not for himself. You know, Teule, that your time
grows short. Montezuma and the priests name those who must be given to
you to wife.'
'Given me to wife!' I said starting to my feet; 'to me whose bride is
death! What have I to do with love or marriage? I who in some few short
weeks must grace an altar? Ah! Guatemoc, you say you love me, and once I
saved you. Did you love me, surely you would save me now as you swore to
do.'
'I swore that I would give my life for yours, Teule, if it lay in my
power, and that oath I would keep, for all do not set so high a store on
life as you, my friend. But I cannot help you; you are dedicated to the
gods, and did I die a hundred times, it would not save you from your
fate. Nothing can save you except the hand of heaven if it wills.
Therefore, Teule, make merry while you may, and die bravely when you
must. Your case is no worse than mine and that of many others, for death
awaits us all. Farewell.'
When he had gone I rose, and leaving the gardens I passed into the
chamber where it was my custom to give audience to those who wished to
look upon the god Tezcat as they called me.
Pages:
232
233
234
235
236
237
238
239
240
241
242
243
244
245
246
247
248
249
250
251
252
253
254
255
256