A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec EmpirePorter, James A.
History
A Prince of Anahuac: A Histori-traditional Story Antedating the Aztec Empire
Porter, James A.
Mexico -- History -- To 1519 -- Fiction
Euetzin was attired in the costume of a tzin, which changed his
appearance greatly, preventing his recognition by the king. His dress
was of the finest material, but not gaudy; showing a conservatism in
his notions of apparel. In this his second appearance before Macua he
felt that the dignity of his position as the representative of
Hualcoyotl demanded that he should be becomingly clothed; he
accordingly came to Tlacopan prepared to abandon the character and garb
of a hunter, and appear, temporarily, in his rightful one.
After greeting the tzin the king bade him take a seat with the
assembly.
The call of the roll was resumed and completed. It was found that all
were present who were expected to take part in the council. At its
conclusion Macua again arose and said:
"We are assembled here to-day to consider a matter of vital interest to
all of us: the matter of a threatened invasion of our territories by
Maxtla, the new king at Azcapozalco. The fate of Tezcuco is before us.
Shall this man be allowed to spoil us while our eyes are open? This,
friends, is the question you have been called together to consider. Let
your words be words of wisdom, that our council may result in good."
After a brief period of silence an old man--a Tlacopan chief--rose up,
and addressed the king:
"Your majesty's words are words of warning. We are, of a truth, menaced
by this Maxtla, of Azcapozalco, whose power is great. The army of
Tlacopan, combined with the armies of all the principalities here
represented, would be as naught before the hosts of his mighty empire.
Have you not something to say that will give encouragement? What is in
your mind that has not been revealed to us?"
The king spoke in reply:
"The armies of all the principalities represented here to-day would,
indeed, be unequal to cope with Maxtla in the field; but, friends,
there is offered us a hope in a union with the oppressed Tezcucans. A
voice has come to me from Tezcuco: Tezcuco would be free. Euetzin, a
representative of that people, is with us to-day. He is here as the
envoy of Hualcoyotl, their prince, who is now a fugitive, unjustly
pursued--a man who is beloved of his own, but hated by the monarch we
fear. We would join the Tezcucans in a war against Maxtla, if the
appearances are favorable to success. We would hear what Euetzin may
have to offer us."
There was a stir about the chamber at this declaration from Macua, and
the tzin at once became an object of much interest. He arose, at a
motion from the king, and, after casting his eyes over the assemblage
of stern-looking warriors, said:
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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