The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-08-19


which for several centuries fourished in
part OF whet is now the Republic OF
Mexico.
Stretching away from the imperial
city toward the mountains were fields of
yellow maize, that glittered IN the sun
light like seas of gold. Mingled with
and beyond these were plantations of the
magueJ or aloe, one of the most i'm
portant and useful products of the
country. Farther in the distance, and
from thence extending to the mountains
themselves, were vast forests of the rich
and variegated fora of the then semi
tropical region.
One evening, as the sun was casting
his last bright beams On the valley, shed
ding a refulgent glorJ over the land.
scape, there stood at the edge of the
forest two men engaged in earnest con-
sultatioD.
One of these, although young, was
clad in the garb of high warrior, or
'lord OF the realm" with a short tunic
over which was cuirass made of thin
plates of gold and silver. Amagnificent
cloak OF many -hued feathers aud silver
helmet, from the top of which waved a
panache of variegated plumes, sprink!ed
with precious stones, completed the attire
OF the Prince, for such he was.
HIS companion was a man whose hair
was white with age, yet his eyes flashed
with energy aud his step was still firm.
lhis was Huitzll, priest of the terrible
war god, Huitzilopochtli.
The younger man was speaking.
"Anl fhiu thnn pat o.ooxl Z.
Huitzll, that my father, the King, will
decree to save the maiden, that she may
become my wfe2'
NAY, Prince NezahualcoyotI, that
may not be. For who would oppose the
commands OF the great and awe inspiring
HultzIlopochtli, the god Of gods2 And
has he not spoken through me, his SER
want, that the maiden must die2 Nay,
my son, lift not thy hand against the
anonted of the gods! Thou shalt fiud
others rs worthy OF thy favor as Tula.
The world is wide and lIuitzlopochtli is
its ruler. He who taketh ono can give
another. BE advised, my son, and let
not thy hand be guided by the rashness
OF the unbelicvcr."
"My father, thou art wise, but thou
art old. 1t IS naught to thee that the
fierce passion RACES in my bosom. Thou
srt like yonder mountain, rearing its
snow. clad summit toward the sun. am
like the fire mountain, the flames roar in
my bosom. What knowest thou of youth
or the love OF youth2 l tell thee that
love the beautiful Tula. and she shall he
my bride, or another shall sit on the
throne of Tezcuco in the stead OF my
father. I have said It,"
The visage of the old priest was stern
as he replied to this impetuous outbreak.
"My son speaks truth and falsehOod.
He is young, and has the flames of the
Ore mountain within his bosom, yet is
the wisdom of the gods withheld from
MIN. Huitzilopochtli has opened my
eyes, and | see into the future. Toe old
king sits upon his throne in peace. He
dreams not Of danger, yet tie enemy IS
At his gates. One comes from the north,
and the old king is slain. see the
PIince NezahuaIcoyotl driven like the
east from cave to tree. But at last he
- the victor. He sits on the throne of
Tezcuco, and maiden sits by his side.
The face of the maiden is not the face of
lula"
AS the old priest continued he fell into
rhyt'lmical chant. He stretched his
Tms toward the setting SUI, aud as he
ceased speaking the last ray of the orb
of day fell aslant his upturned counte-
oance, lighting 1t with an almost divine
,adiance, until the listening prince stood
.westruck and won 1ering.
The ray OF Ii yht fade away, and still
hey remained sl!eIt, wrapped iu