The Planters' banner. [volume] (Franklin, Attakapas Co., Lou.) 1849-1872, 1850-07-11
W3SC8IGA3E
ALEGEND OF MEXICO.


venturers were on their march toward
the imperial city Of Montezuma. Night
overlook them as they emerged iron,
deep ravine among the mountains, into
an open plain watered by small rivu-
let Beside the stream they halted and
pitched their tents; and having parta-
ken of a slight refreshment 3he whole
troop threw themselves upon the ground
in the attitude of attention, while Dom
ma Marine, tho beautiful Indian inter
pretress, related to them legend of her
native country.
have already told you, (she began)
that the city Of Tezcuco was once the
capital of this empire. Nezahualcoyotl
there held his count, which was more
magnificent than that of any preceding
monarch. But at the time in which
NV story begins, his long and glorious
reign was drawing to close. He had
been, successfully. warrior, states
man, poet, and a philosopher, and so
humane and munificent prince, that
his subjects might easily have been per-
suaded to pay him divine hcnors. All
the nations of Anahuac rejoiced under
the shadow of his arm, and though he
had fought his way to the throne, he
needed now no warlike weapon to de.
fend il. But Nezahualcoyotl was old,
and he desired 10 see his son united in
marriage to the Princess Torquosa, and
firmly established as his successor. be.
fore his departure to the land of shades
Prince Nezahualpilli, was majestic in
mr. yNnSSoSSn1
Of comprehensive and philosophic
mind. He had made great proficiency
in mathematics, astronomy, and the
science of war, while his royal father
himself has instructed him in the rites
Of religion, charging him to worship
the invisible God and his ministers, 1.-the
sun, moon, and stars. This prince pos
sessed, also, in his youth, social and
more gentle virtues. He was Just, buI
generous, and though brave warrior
ike his father, like him he was also hu
name and merciful. He was more fond
Of retirement than a count, and prefer
red study to the din of arms; yet, ir
times of necessity or danger, no prince
was ever wiser in council or more brave
in battle.
Such was Nezahualpilli, the heir t
the throne of Tezcuco. and the destined
husband Of the beautiful and beloved
Torquosa.
Descended from that illustrious bu
benign nce who brought to Anahuat
Just laws and purer faith, the Princes
Torquosa inherited their benignity o
manners, their loftiness and equanimity
Of mind Wherever she appeared shs
vas regarded rs q superior being. Thu
people prostrated themselves before he
nalenouin with as much reverence q.
afore that of the emperor. She wa!
colled by the minstrels, .the Toltet
maidsn, y g the bird of the valley" anc
she sweet singing bir6 of the roya
eagles nest.n Her dark, sad eyes, he
raven trsssss, her pearly teeth, and bril-
lant smile, are still commemorated il
cur songs and still on the lake Of Tez
cuco, u . clear evening, . solitary boat
man will sometimes pass you, singing
anuo strain Of an ancient melody 4
the Toltec maiden's charms.
In the imperial palace a long suit'
Of apartments were appointed to th'
Princsm Torquosa. They overlooked
one of the great courts and royal gar
dens, and we're furnished with nre tast'
and mAgni6cence. Bright flowers Q
gay landscapes were wrouGht in needle
vork upon the carpets, while the cell
ines were q 6nosl wood, and carved b.
the most akilfM artisans in the empire
6ho ~ u Ioolined upon luxurious cush
n N l.