This was followed by a cavalcade of burros, laden with scented jars and baskets containing the trousseau, which had kept half of Tlamco industriously occupied for three months.
The presents came from military, naval and civil guilds; from the priesthood, from the vestals, and from the children and the aged.
Poets walked in front of them reciting odes, and the musicians performed special compositions in honor of the occasion.
As soon as the procession turned into the beautifully decorated avenue leading to Iaqua, the populace hastened to the Temple of Venus.
It was also the signal for Orondo, with Setos on one side and Hanabusa on the other, to issue from the eastern entrance of the official residence. His warrior dress of white kid was rich in golden bosses, bands and fringes. Over his shoulders hung the green feather mantle of his rank, held in place by shoulder medallions of brilliants.
On his head was a tall liberty cap of white kid, ornamented with gold filigree, and having three quetzal feathers in the apex. He doffed his head-covering at the temple door, exposing a simple gold band over his hair.
Setos and Hanabusa wore a silver and green combination, ornate with eagle’s feathers and embroidery. They carried large bouquets of roses, and supported the sword and shield of the bridegroom.
Behind them, in single file, carrying a jeweled lantern in each hand, came Alcamayn, Ben Hu Barabe, Cezardis, and twenty-two young officers of the highest rank, in full regimentals, followed by the representative men of Tlamco, with the priesthood and councilors of state in the lead.
Their wives stood in line in front of Setos’s house, waiting to perform the same service for Ildiko.
“Blessed be he that cometh!” shouted the people in the streets.