The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1896-01-11

own sakes charging you to keep them
we'll. Nay, here I will neither eat nor
drink. Do You come with me,n and he
called to certain lords by name, whom
he knew to be faithful to him.
Then without more words he turned
and left the hall, followed by number
of mobiles.
''lt seems thnt my father has for
gotten me-" said Maya, with . laugh,
oil, friends, and to you, my cousin
once my waiting lady, has now by the
gift of fortune been lifted up to take
my place and title, greeting. What
ever may be the issue of these broi1s,
may you be happy in each Others love,
Tisal and Nahua''
Now Tilkal came down from the
throne and bowed before her, saving:
~ swear to you, Maya"
''No, do not swear" she broke in,
"but give me aud my friends hereia cup
OF wine and some fragments from your
wedding feast, for we are hungry. I
thank you. How beautiful IS that
brides robe which Nahua wears, and
surely those emeralds were once my own.
Well, let, her take them from me as a
wedding gift. Make room, pray you,
Tikal, and suffer these ladies to tell me
: of their tidings. for remember that
have wandered far, and it is pleasant to
see faces that are dear to me-"
There were two who took small note
Of the seaor or of me, and these were
Tilxal, who gazed at Maya as he stood
behind her chair serving her like some
waiting slave, and Nahua, his wife,
who sat silent and neglected on her
thorone, sulienly noting his every word
and gesture. At itsngth she could bear
this play no longer, but rising from her
seat, began to move down the chamber.
make room for the bride, ladies'"
, said Maya. "Cousin, good night, 1t
grows late and your wife awaits you"
Then muttering I know not what,
Tikal turned and went, and side by
side the pair walked down the great
hall, followed by the guard Of soldiers.
How beautiful Is the bride and how
brave the groom" said Maya as she
couples that looked happier on their
wedding day. Well, it is time to rest.
Friends, good night. Natal, 1 leave
these strangers in your keeping. Guard
\ them well-and stay, bring them to my
apartments tomorrow after they have
eaten. for If it is my fathers will I
would show them something Of the city
before the hour of noon, when we meet
upon the temple top"
When she had gone Natal bowed to
us with much ceremony and begged us
to follow him, which we did across the
courtyard aud through many passages
to a beautiful chamber, dimly lighted
with silver lamps that had been made
with silken wrappings, and on a table
In the center of the room cool drinks
and many sorts of fruits, but 80 tired
were we that we took little note of these
things.
Bidding good night to Natal, who
looked at us curiously and announced :
, that, he would visit us early. in, the
morning, we made fast the copper bolts
upon the door and threw ourselves upon
the beds and were soon asleep.
In the morning we were aroused by
knocking at our door. l arose and un-
did the bolt, whereon attendants en-
tered bearing goblets OF chocolate and
little cakes upon tray. After we had
eaten they led US to the baths, which
were of marble and very beautiful, one
warm spring, and then to chamber,
where breakfast was made ready for us.
While we sat at table Natal came to
us, and saw that he had not slept that
night. for his eyes were heavy.
II trust that you have rested well,
strangers?" he said, courteously.
eyes"
well, it is more than I have done,
for it is my business to watch the stars,
especially my own star, which just now
Is somewhat obscured, and he smiled.
IF you have finished your meal, my
comrades are to lead you to the apart
mcnts of the Lady Maya, who wishes to
show you something Of our city, which,
being strangers, may interest you. BY
the way, if do not ask too much, per-
belong" and he bowed toward the
senior. 1--WE have heard of white men
here, though we have learned no good
of them, and tradition tell us that our
first ruler, Cucumatz, was one. Are
you of his blood, stranger?"
II do nqt know, answered the senior,
try far beyond the sea, where all
men are as am
''Then the inhabitants Of that coun-
try must be goodly to behold, answered
Natal gaveiy. II thank you for your
courtesy. Son of the Sea, in answering
my question so readily did not ask
it from curiosity alone, since the people
in this city are terrified OF strangers
and clamor for some account of you.
Doubtless our friend Zibalbay will
satisfy them," said.
''Good. And now follow me-"
And he led us across courts and
through passages till he reached little
anteroom filled with ancient carvings.
and decorated with flowers, where some
girls stood chatting. x
Tell the Lady Maya that her GUESTS
await her." said Natal, then turned to
take his departure, adding, in a low
voice: doubtless we shall meet at noon
upon the pyramid and there you will
see know not what, but whate'er be-
falls, be sure of this, strangers, that I
will protect you if l can. Farewell - .
Presently the door opened and
through it came Maya, and looking
very sweet and beautiful in the shaded
light of the room.
Correcting, friends" she said, as we
bowed before her; II have my fathers
leave to show you something of this
city that you longed SO much to see.
These ladies here will accompany US,
and a guard, but we shall want no lit
tiers until we have assembled the great
temple, for I desire that you should see
the view from thence before the place
is numbered with the multitude. Come,
If you are ready" s
Accordingly we set out, Maya walk
ing between us, while her guards and
ladies followed after. Crossing the
square we came to the pyramid.
1T Is great building . said Maya,
noting our astonishment, land one
that could not be reared in these days.