“Does not that belong to the gods?”
“No: he derives nothing from them but the soul. They will not teach him to launch the arrow.”
“Then I accept the charge. Shall he go with me?”
“Always,—even to battle.”
O mighty king! was the shadow of the coming fate upon thy spirit then?
CHAPTER II.
THE KING AND THE ’TZIN.
The visit was unexpected to Guatamozin, and its object a mystery; but he thought only of paying the guest meet honor and respect, for he was still the great king. And so, bareheaded and unarmed, he went forth, and meeting him in the garden, knelt, and saluted him after the manner of the court.
“I am glad to say the word of welcome to my father’s brother. Know, O king, that my house, my garden, and all you behold are yours.”
Hualpa left them; then Montezuma replied, the sadness of his voice softening the austerity of his manner,—