"Read it," said Montezuma.
"The first is here on the north and represents the ancient king on the march. You see him in the midst of warriors who are dancing in honor of his victories. Here we have the whole story of our race."
"This was before the coming of Quetzalcoatl and is of the remote past," said Montezuma, with a frown.
"On the southern wall, opposite," replied the Paba, "is what you seek. Observe the king stands on a rock, and a priest points out to him an eagle on a cactus holding a serpent in its claws. Beside it the king reclines on a couch. Our city has been founded."
Montezuma said not a word, but turned to another panel.
"Look well to this, O king! There is Quetzalcoatl before an altar offering a sacrifice of fruit and flowers. His hands are free from blood!"
Montezuma's face was deadly pale, because he knew that many orders of priests in his kingdom sacrificed human beings by cutting out their hearts, and he was afraid that the coming of the strange white men was on account of this forbidden practice.
"See! Oh majesty! the fair god is departing from our beloved Tenochtitlan. Saddest of all days was that for us."
"Show me a prophecy if you would have me believe that this was written by Quetzalcoatl. I would know something of the future."
"Be wise, oh my master! Let the future alone; it is sown with sorrows for all you love."