“Let us obey the gods!” said the reverend high-priest of Cholula.
“Let us obey the gods!” echoed his holy brother of Tezcuco.
“Hear me, then,” said Tlalac, with increased fervor. “I will give their command. ‘Raise up a new king, and save yourselves, by saving our worship in the land!’ so the gods say. And I am ready.”
“But the law,” said the Tezcucan.
“By the law,” answered Tlalac, “there can be kings only in the order of election.”
“And so?”
“Montezuma—must—DIE!”
Tlalac said these terrible words slowly, but firmly.
“And who will be the instrument?” they asked.
“Let us trust the gods,” he answered. “For love of them men go down to death every day; and of the many lovers, doubt not some one will be found to do their bidding.”