When thou comest thither, remember that we
dealt well by thee, giving thee of our best, and intercede for us that
our sins may be forgiven. Glory to thee, O Tezcat!'
Then two of the chief nobles came forward, and taking torches led me to
a magnificent chamber that I had never seen before. Here they changed my
apparel, investing me in robes which were still more splendid than any
that I had worn hitherto, being made of the finest embroidered cotton
and of the glittering feathers of the humming bird. On my head they set
wreaths of flowers, and about my neck and wrists emeralds of vast size
and value, and a sorry popinjay I looked in this attire, that seemed
more suited to a woman's beauty than to me.
When I was arrayed, suddenly the torches were extinguished and for a
while there was silence. Then in the distance I heard women's voices
singing a bridal song that was beautiful enough after its fashion,
though I forbear to write it down. The singing ceased and there came a
sound of rustling robes and of low whispering. Then a man's voice spoke,
saying:
'Are ye there, ye chosen of heaven?'
And a woman's voice, I thought it was that of Otomie, answered:
'We are here.'
'O maidens of Anahuac,' said the man speaking from the darkness, 'and
you, O Tezcat, god among the gods, listen to my words. Maidens, a great
honour has been done to you, for by the very choice of heaven, you have
been endowed with the names, the lovelinesses, and the virtues of the
four great goddesses, and chosen to abide a while at the side of this
god, your maker and your master, who has been pleased to visit us for a
space before he seeks his home in the habitations of the Sun.
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