note
The story of Jerónimo Aguilar follows the actual facts very closely. The account of his adventures will be found in Irving's "Life of Columbus" and other works dealing with the history of the Spanish conquests.
A LEGEND OF MALINCHE
O sorcerer Time, turn backward to the shore Where it is always morning, and the birds Are troubadours of all the hidden lore Deeper than any words!
There lived a maiden once,—O long ago, Ere men were grown too wise to understand The ancient language that they used to know In Quezalcoatl's land.
Though her own mother sold her for a slave, Her own bright beauty as her only dower, Into her slender hands the conqueror gave A more than queenly power.
Between her people and the enemy— The fierce proud Spaniard on his conquest bent— Interpreter and interceder, she In safety came and went.