Sullivan republican. [volume] (Laporte, Pa.) 1883-1896, 1892-08-26

The Judgment hall of the royal city
was of such splendor and magniticence
that it would indeed seem strange III our
day, when the temples of justice scattered
over our land are usually plain aud uu-
embellished by ornament of any descrIp-
tion. On the walls hung tapestry, made
of the hair of different wild animals, of
rich and varied hue, festooned by gold
rings, and embroidered with figures of
birds and flowers. At one end of the
hall was q throne of pure gold, inlaid
with precious stones, above which was a
canopy of variegated plumage, cleaning
with gold and jewels. On stool in
front was placed a human skull, crowned
with an immense emerald of pyramdal
form, and surmounted by an aigrette
of brilliant plumes and precious stones.
On the day following the young
Princes interview with Huitzil the
priest, Just as the sun reached the merid-
ian, the sound of the tomtom was heard,
calling the lords to the hall of judg-
ment.
Soon they entered the outer or lesser
hall, where they arranged themselves in
the order of their rank. They were a
noble looking band of men, fourteen in
number, all wearing the gold and silver
culrass, the cloak of rich featherwork
and the silver helmet which proclaimed
them to be tie great lords of the realm,
the highest in rank in the court of the
Tezcucan monarch.
When all had assembled the King,
NezEualcoiotZin, was announced by a
messenger, and presently the monarch
entered, clothed in his robes of state, and
preceded by band of thirteen priests.
Leading the way into the judgment hall,
the King took his seat on the throne,
placed a golden crown, eucrusted with
precious stones, upon his head, and took
in his right hand as sceptre golden
arrow.
From the grave faces of the lords it
was evident that the case on which SEN
tence was to be given was one of import
ance. Silence was over the assembly
until Huitzil stepped forward from
among the priests. Placing his right
hand over his heart, he made a low bow
to the King and then spake:
"Most noble and illustrious Nezahual-
coiotzin, thou who rulest over all Anahu-
nc, know that under the forces of thy
arm and the terror of thy might there Is
no Nation left to withstand thee.
The captives are few, and the terrible
Hutzilopochtli is a-hungered. Already
is his face clouded when he looks upon
Tezcuco. His feasts are no longer red
with the blood of many captives, aud
his anger has arisen. But, o King, the
terrible aud mighty war god spake to
thy servant Iluitzil face to face, and for
one little sacrifice will his anger be ban
ished. The god of gods, Huitzilopoch-
til, great aud terrible, commands that
the most favored maiden of Tezcuco be
offered on the altar of sacrifice on the
tenth day hence, and the lot has fallen
upon Tula. Thus shall his wrath pass
over the head of the King aud be kin
died against his enemies. The prophet
OF the gods has spoken"
The priest retired, and from the ranks
of the mobiles came the youngest of all,
the Prince Nezahualcoyotl. With IA
profound bow he advanced to where the
priest had stood, aud waiting in silence
until the monarch commanded.
"Speak !"
Then, amid the most respectful ST.
enee, the prince began:
"Alost noble sire, thou who art in
very truth my father, many days ago thy
son, the prince, hunted in the forest.
There found | the maiden Tula in the
hands of thine enemies, tho robbers of
Tepaneco, who would have borne her
away 10 their haunts. rescued her and
carried her back to her home in the roy
al city. And loved the maiden, aud
we plighted our troth when the moon
was high over the tige mountain. Aud
new, O my father, would the priest OF
the terrible god take the maiden fula rs
a sacrifice. Other maidens there are.
fair TO see, aud highly favored their
breath as the zepher OF the south, their
skin white as the lily OF the lake, their
counteuance OF Quel1aleoatl. @ my
father, Is there none Who may be
offered out Tuai"
With ialiering steps the young tnau
retired, overcome with emotion. Ga the
faces OF the mobiles MAS written pity aud
sympathy, but the priests looked naughty
and triumphant, feeling eontdent that
the monarch would not oppose the Will
OF the gods.
In silence they awaited the decision Of
the King. The las OF Tvzouoaas al
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