CHAPTER IX. THE EMPEROR AND HIS NEPHEW.
When the prince quitted the apartments of the Princess Eylla with such
menacing language on his lips, he strode through the range of gilded saloons
that led to his quarter of the palace, with the quick, fiery tread of an enraged
man. His hand was firmly grasped upon the hilt of his sword, as if he
would have avenged his wrongs with it, yet felt he could not; while his
brow was lowered and stern, and his lips compressed, with the struggle of
the strong passions the decision of the princess had let loose. The attendant
slaves that stood in the galleries trembled, as they fell submissively before
him, with their faces to the pavement; while one or two courtiers that
advanced a step as if to address him, retired from his path again in silence,
and let him pass on uninterrupted. At length, as he was crossing a small
court that separated the princess' apartments from his own scarcely less
magnificent suite of chambers, a slave stepped forth from the shadow of a
statue that had concealed him, and throwing himself on one knee, caught the
fringe of his cloak. The impatient prince would have spurned him with his
foot, and passed on, when his face arrested him.
`Is it thou, slave?' he demanded, in a tone as if his anger had found a
suitable victim on which momentarily to vent itself.
`Gneicha, the Tlascalan,' answered the slave, with mingled boldness and
submission.
`Why hast thou lingered? Thy head shall pay for it.'
`I have news.'
`Stand; and I would hear of that on which I sent thee. Didst thou get
it?'
`'T is here, my prince,' he said, taking from the folds of his scarf a single
white flower, of the most exquisite beauty, and presenting it to him.
`What didst thou call it?' asked the prince, gazing upon it with
admiration.
`The otol. There are but seven trees in the empire, and each tree bears
but a single flower.'
`The odor hath already filled the palace. Hath it surely the power thou
didst promise for it?'
`It hath, prince.'
`If it fail, thy head shall answer it. I know thy race are skilled in magic,
and are children of the Demon Mechoa. Who doth know of it save thyself?'
`The gardener.'
-- 064 --
[figure description] Page 064.[end figure description]
`And he is a Tlascalan?'
`He is my father, and a priest of Mechoa.'
`Thou art of an accursed race,' said the prince, with loathing; `nevertheless
thou hast skill, and I must make use of it when love fails me. I would
thou hadst brought it an hour since. But,' he added instantly afterward, `it
may be best as it is. Take it to my chamber, and there await my coming.
The fragrance is wonderful. Hath it no danger?'
`To none but maidens, prince. This flower the gods created for their own
pleasure, and forbade the first man and woman to touch it, as it was sacred
to them. Yet the woman, tempted by its fragrance, lingered about the otol
tree till the Spirit Mechoa bade her pluck it, and place it on her forehead,
promising her it would make her immortal. Forgetting that she was then
immortal, she did so, and from that instant became mortal. The flower has
ever since been sacred to Mechoa, and fatal to every virgin who, tempted by
its beauty, places it in her bosom.'
`And placed on her heart, it creates irresistible love?'
`Yes, my prince, or death.'
`I have heard of the wonderful properties of the otol, but did hold it,
as I half do now, but an idle tale. I will have present opportunity to test
its peculiar virtue. Take it with thee, and await my coming.'
`I know not what relentless maiden, prince, you wish to punish —'
`Nay — silence! Thou hast had full license already.'
`I would tell thee, noble prince, of a maiden, fair as the brightest virgin
the sun ever bore from the altar of sacrifice to his bridal chamber.'
`I have no humor for thy tale,' said the prince, though not so decidedly
as to defeat the Tlascalan, who continued —
`She is the loveliest virgin in the empire. Her eyes are like stars, when
the evening dews are falling; her cheeks like the roseate tinge of the
summer sky that lingers when the sun hath set. Her lips are like the
flower of the Fatziza tree, and the matchless statue of the goddess Vichu
hath not more symmetry than her person. If thou hast heard the tsi singing
to its mate in the groves of thy Hontal gardens, thou wilt best judge of
her voice; and if thou hast seen the dark flow of the river Itsima at midnight,
thou wilt know something of the hue of her wavy hair.'
`By the goddess Vichu! I must see this maiden. Who is she, and what
is her degree?'
`A serf's daughter. She lives by the water, in the net-makers' street,
and hath a lover who hath hot blood enough in him for a noble.'
`I did half guess it,' said the prince to himself. `Where hast thou seen
her?'
`Within the hour, upon her balcony.'
`'T is the same! Why didst thou note her? What purpose hast thou in
view here? I see the glitter of thy restless eye. Out with it.'
`I did, on discovering her charms, but offer her a flower of a bunch I had
also gathered in the garden, when a youth, who was in converse with her,
rudely seized me by the throat, and thrust me from the walk. I did then
swear to avenge myself on both!'
`Tlascalan! I do find no man, not even a slave, doth good service for another
unless self-interest lie to the bottom. I see that thy wrong will bind
thee truer to my own purposes. I know this maiden, and love her — for
never have my eyes looked on such beauty.'
`Not even the Princess Eylla,' said the slave, in an under tone of raillery.
-- 065 --
[figure description] Page 065.[end figure description]
`Name the Princess Eylla, vile slave, and I will slay thee,' cried the
prince, angrily.
He walked away a few paces, as if under the influence of the feelings the
words of the slave had rekindled. `This haughty princess,' he said to himself.
`Yes, yes! I would have tried the virtue of this flower, which she
hath never seen, and placed it in her bosom to kindle her cold affections into
love for me! But that is past — that is past! She shall die! Then the
throne! But the Emperor! He, too, shall cease to live! Then, then am
I monarch! I will let this course be first tried ere I draw the sword of
treason with which I menaced her. I might, if this otol have the power
attributed to it, make her love me. But I scorn her love. She shall die!'
The last words were spoken aloud, and in so determined a tone, that the
Tlascalan started with surprise and fear.
`Thou dost mean the youth, prince,' he said, referring the words to another.
`She is too fair for death.'
`Thou knowest not what thou art saying, Tlascalan,' said the prince,
pleased that the eunuch was at fault. `But I need not thy service in this
matter at present. I have already sent one to manage it for me. So, on
thy life, meddle not with it. Nor dare avenge thy own wrong on this young
bondman who seized thee by the throat. Higher revenge than thine hath
appropriated this victim. Go, see to it. Go, now, and bear the flower to
my chamber. I shall soon be there, and command thee further.'
The Tlascalan made a low obedience, and passed the prince in the direction
of the entrance to his apartments.'
`There goes a useful villain to me! When Casipeti, the mascal of the
palace, shall have brought the maiden hither, he will then do me good
service. 'T is strange, now I think of it, this mascal should undertake this
matter so readily; I knew not he was so ready to serve me, having himself
some daughters, I am told, that are growing up to womanhood.'
`Save you, prince,' said a stout-built person, in a rich dress, half military,
half civie, who crossed the court at the instant; and pausing as he went in
front of him to make a dignified reverence, he was continuing on his way to
an opposite door, when the prince, looking up, fixed his eyes upon him
steadily, and then cried —
`Sir mascal, is it thou?'
`I am Casipeti, the mascal of the palace, at your service, your highness,'
said the individual.
`When didst thou return to the palace, and wherefore hast thou delayed
to visit me?'
`Return! your highness,' repeated the officer, with surprise.
`Nay, come aside, where the splashing of the fountain will drown our
voices. I did forget we might be overheard, and do prejudice to thy character.
'
`I do not understand your highness,' answered the officer, with some
alarm.
`Art thou not Casipeti?'
`Yes, your highness.'
`Is not thy office that of steward of the palace?'
`It is, your highness.'
`Then why dost thou presume to trifle with me, fellow?'
`Nay, my noble prince,' cried the man, falling on his knees before him,
and trembling; `I do not trifle with thee.'
-- 066 --
[figure description] Page 066.[end figure description]
`Did I not see thee, disguised at a waterman, in the square of the temple,
at evening sacrifice?'
`No, my prince.'
`Didst thou not propose to me a scheme for my own pleasure and revenge,
and proffer thy services?'
`Never, noble prince.'
`Didst thou not receive from me my signet, villain?' demanded the
prince, laying his hand upon him.
`Never, merciful prince, never! I have not left the palace in three
weeks.'
The prince gazed on his face for a few moments, with the penetrating
and inquiring glance of suspicion, and then released him.
`Some one hath imposed on thee, my prince,' said the steward, rising, and
shaking with fear.
`I do see it plainly, now I have looked at thee well. The man I took for
thee had an eye thine would quail beneath. He had thy height and breadth
of shoulder, and something of thy air; but thy slavish spirit and his bold one
were not kindred, I'll be sworn. Go. Stay! Is there another of thy
name in Mexico, who hath thy air and step?'
`One, I have heard, called Casipeti, the waterman.'
`It is he,' said the prince, decidedly. `Go about thy business — nor
speak of what hath now passed.'
The mascal hastily availed himself of the permission to escape. The
prince stood thoughtfully gazing upon the sparkling waters as they fell in
the glancing moon-beams like showers of silver drops, into the basin near
which he stood.
`I have been betrayed!' he cried, after a few moments' reflection. My
signet is in a traitor's hands, and mischief will come of it. He hath some
plan to save this maiden and her lover, and hath thought to keep me quiet
until he had effected it. Yet why should he speak of an insurrection, in
which, being a serf, he must of course bear a part. It was done, doubtless,
to keep me near my troops. I see I have been a tool of this waterman.
But nay, it may not have been the waterman, Casipeti, the mascal hath
spoken of. It may be some noble who hath taken this means to beguile me
of my beauteous prize. Whoever it be, I will defeat his schemes by under-taking,
if not too late, my own affair in person. By the gods! I have just
conceived a scheme that will punish this haughty princess! It shall be carried
out, or I know not how to avenge myself on a disdainful woman.'
With these words the prince was proceeding towards his apartments, when
a page, who had been sometime waiting at a distance, met him, and said
hastily,
`The emperor begs leave to speak with your highness.'
The prince muttered an impatient word or two, and then followed him to
the right, across the court. They descended a magnificent flight of marble
stairs, every step adorned with the statue of a god, to a vast central rotunda
below, the lofty roof of which was supported by three score columns of polished
marble, seventy feet in height, while the architraves and compartments
of the ceiling were adorned with beautifully sculptured imagery, interspersed
with exquisite paintings, in the most brilliant and ever-during colors. Crossing
this rotunda, the page led the prince to a low flight of semi-circular steps,
that led to a pair of ivory doors inlaid with silver. These he threw open
by the slightest touch, and then retired behind the prince, who entered and
-- 067 --
[figure description] Page 067.[end figure description]
found himself in a large chamber of the most dazzling splendor. Its sides were
lined with plates of Itzli, that multiplied his person a thousand times. Every
panel was set in a gold border, and supported by two pillars of silver. The floor
was laid with precious stones and the ceiling was covered with pearl. At
the extremity of this room was a throne of solid gold, supported by two gigantic
black eagles of polished ebony. Above the throne was a golden sun
with rays composed of diamonds. On the left of the throne, which was
vacant, was a couch or divan, of the most sumptuous description, covered
with a canopy of azure silk, and hung with curtains of silver tissue. The
emperor was reclining upon this couch, in a rich evening robe, a silken scarlet
cap covering his white locks. Beside him, within reach of his hand, was
laid his crown, which literally blazed with jewels. Upon it was laid his
ivory sceptre, distinguished by a diamond of great size and wonderful
brilliancy, playing in the lights with the most dazzling prismatic splendor.
At a respectful distance around him knelt slaves in rich dresses, and on his
left hand stood his prime minister, and two or three of the upper officers of
his household. The emperor himself, appeared about sixty-five years of age,
of commanding stature, and an aspect kingly. His features had been shaped
by nature to wear a benevolent expression; but absolute power, and the
unchecked indulgence of will and passion, had added to them a refined expression
of cruelty, to the existence of which in his breast, his oppressive
government but too well bore testimony. His eyes were stern and imperious
in their character and sparkled black and fiercely beneath the gray, thick
brows that shaded them. His lower lip was the least disagreeable feature of
his face; it always seemed to wear a gentle smile, as if the lingering spirit
of natural kindness, driven from point to point, had retreated there. His
upper lip was ever curled with haughty imperiousness; so that his mouth
seemed constantly to wear a double expression, which, save those diplomatic
courtiers who had studied his face well and closely, was dangerously deceptive,
as well as perplexing, to every one else who sought to guide his conduct
from the temper of mind it seemed to indicate. And often was the cruel
disappointment of a victim, whose hopes looking to the better, rested only
on the smile, who was doomed to endure the bitter woe of a sentence he
dreamt not of.
The prince entered with a free, careless step, as if he had purposely assumed
it to disguise the sterner feelings of his bosom, and, approaching the
emperor, half kneeled on one knee in the form of reverence, kissed his hand,
and instantly resumed his erect attitude.
`I have not seen thee to-day, nephew,' said the emperor, with a smile;
`doubtless Eylla hath made large claims on thy leisure.'
`I have seen the Princess Eylla but once to-day, your majesty, and then
but for a brief space,' answered the prince, with a frown.
The emperor looked up sharply at this reply, and observing that his
nephew's brow was disturbed, he waved those about him to retire. When
he was alone with the prince he said gravely,
`I did send for thee, nephew, to talk with thee respecting this union I have
so much at heart. When the cycle of my reign ends, I would have the
throne at once receive its legitimate emperor and empress.' [2]
-- 068 --
[figure description] Page 068.[end figure description]
`There need be but short conference then, your majesty,' said the prince
bitterly. `The princess hath already settled this matter of espousal to her own
liking, I doubt not.'
`Ha! is this thy humor?' said the emperor, laughing; `so thou hast had
a lover's quarrel. Heed it not, prince! Matrimony will soon heal all such
trifles. What hath the minx done to anger thee?'
`Your majesty,' answered Prince Palipan, with a kindling eye; `I do not
feel that I can jest upon this subject. It may be mirth to your majesty, but
it hath little that is merry in it for my humor.'
`By the gods' sceptre! then thou art in truth vexed! So, I am sorry.
What hath come to pass?'
`The princess can best tell your majesty herself. I care not to speak of
my own shame.'
`Now, by the black eagle of Aztec! I will know this matter from thy
own lips,' cried the emperor imperatively. And he half rose from the couch
to his feet.
`The princess, then, hath declined my suit.'
`And thou art making all this matter,' he said, sinking back again upon
his pillow, and speaking in an indifferent tone, `because a silly girl hath said
she cannot love thee. If thou wilt let a woman rule thee now, thou art not
fit to rule an empire, nephew.'
`Your majesty, the Princess Eylla hath shown a strong and unconquerable
dislike to me. She hates me, and hath this evening told me she will
never consent to wed me.'
`And who asks the girl's consent, nephew,' said the emperor, in the same
unmoved tone that so irritated the prince. `Thou hast mine.'
`She scorns me.'
`Pay her back with love.'
`She hath insulted me.'
`Avenge thyself upon the lips, then.'
`By the sacred Temple! your majesty is inclined to be facetious,' cried
the youth fiercely. `I crave permission to take my leave.'
`Nay, stay, boy! There is something deeper in this than I had thought,'
cried the emperor quickly. He then said in a serious tone,
`Tell me just what hath happened?'
`The Princess Eylla hath just said to me, in a way not to be misunderstood
by any man in his senses, that she will never share the throne with
her cousin, the Prince Palipan.'
`Doth she say it in truth and earnest? demanded the emperor with impetuosity.
`Did you mark her eye, as well as her voice; for they sometimes, in
woman, play at countercheck?'
`I did, your majesty,' answered the prince calmly, now that he had moved
the emperor.
`And parted you thus?'
`We did, your majesty.'
`'T is passing wonderful. What did you, to anger her, prince?'
`Sing beneath her lattice a song, in praise of her beauty.'
-- 069 --
[figure description] Page 069.[end figure description]
`That's it. These are times when pretty women will anger at praise of
their charms, as if, like the overloaded bee, they get sated with their own
sweetness. Thou didst take her in this mood. Go to her while she is soured
with her displeasure, and, my crown, she will listen to you, and be as well
pleased as but now she was ill-pleased.'
Thus spoke the emperor, whose passionate fondness for his child would
lead him to seek palliation for her treatment to the prince. He would not
at once make up his mind to exert towards her that authority which he felt
he held securely in reserve, and desired, if possible, to bring her to obedience
to his wishes, without severity.
`May it please your majesty,' answered the prince decidedly, `I fully acquiesce
in the princess' decision, and shall no longer trouble her with my
presence.' And he paced the floor moodily.
`Say'st thou! By the gods! I have two of ye to deal with! Thy words
rung well, but didst thou mean them?'
`I did, your majesty,' said the fiery prince. `The Princess Eylla hath
wounded me beyond forgiveness. If she would now come forward, and
plead for my hand, I would give it to her Peruvian slave Tzitzis first.'
`By the bright sun! young man, this speech had lost thee thy head, wert
thou other than thou art. As it is, I have a mind to send both of you to
prison, till you come to your senses. This hath become a serious matter!
Treason in my own palace. My daughter and nephew traitors!'
`Your majesty, I am no traitor.'
`Thou dost refuse the hand of the princess.'
`She hath refused mine.
`She hath no power to do it. It is mine. And though thou dost not deserve
it for thy hasty spirit, yet lest the empire fall to pieces for want of a
head, I do give it to thee. She shall obey me.'
`The Princess Eylla, may obey thee, but the Prince Palipan is his own
master.'
`Ho, guards! seize the traitor!' shouted the emperor.
Instantly issuing from a hitherto invisible recess in the rear of the throne,
half a score of the emperor's body guards stood in his presence. Their
captain looked silently at him and at the prince, and looking round and seeing
no one else, asked,
`Whom, your majesty?'
The politic prince had, in the meanwhile, thrown himself upon one knee
before the emperor, and said in a low tone, `pardon, uncle.' The emperor
made no reply to the officer, but remained a moment silent and thoughtful.
At length he waved his hand to the guards to retire.
`Go — not now! But shouldst thou hear me call again, delay not to ask
who, but seize him, whoever he be, thou findest present with me.'
`Thy rank, prince, hath saved thee! Had they not hesitated, and laid
the first finger on thee, thou shouldst have known the comforts of our imperial
dungeon, and the cost of an emperor's anger. Thou dost repent, then?'
`I do.'
`Then leave me, for I am little in the mood for thy company. I shall
send for my daughter, and have this matter put to rest. Beware how thou
darest to trifle with me or her, as thou hast done this night. I would be
alone.'
The emperor waved his hand impatiently as he spoke, and the prince took
his leave, without offering the usual homage of the knee.
-- 070 --
[figure description] Page 070.[end figure description]
The emperor looked after him as he strode from the audience chamber, and
shook his head.
`He will make a good monarch, but I fear me a bad husband for my poor
Eylla. But the sacrifice must be made, both by herself and me. I would
save her from it. But I cannot let the imperial line of the Aztecs end in
my person. No — the princess must wed her cousin. I will send for her!
Nay — I will visit her alone, in her own chamber. I would see her without
the face she will make up to meet me with, if I send for her here. I would
find her in her mood.'
With these words, the emperor rose from his couch, and leaning on the
arm of his prime minister, who re-entered as soon as the prince departed,
bade him proceed by a private gallery towards the apartments of the princess.
'
eaf186.n2[2] It would appear from the Aztec annals, that their monarchs reigned, each, exactly fifty-two
years. But this singularity arose from a provision of their law, by which no monarch
was suffered to reign for a greater or less period. If he completed the cycle upon the
throne, he immediately resigned the crown, and another was elected; but if he died before
the cycle expired, the nobles assumed the government, which they administered in the name
of the deceased, during the remaining years. Ulyd ascended the throne at the age of fifteen,
and being now nearly sixty-seven years of age, his cycle would shortly expire.
Ingraham, J. H. (Joseph Holt), 1809-1860 [1845], Montezuma, the serf, or, The revolt of the Mexitili: a tale of the last days of the Aztec dynasty (H. L. Williams, Boston) [word count] [eaf186].
