“I swore that I would give my life for yours, Teule, if it lay in my power, and that oath I would keep, for all do not set so high a store on life as you, my friend. But I cannot help you; you are dedicated to the gods, and did I die a hundred times, it would not save you from your fate. Nothing can save you except the hand of heaven if it wills. Therefore, Teule, make merry while you may, and die bravely when you must. Your case is no worse than mine and that of many others, for death awaits us all. Farewell.”
When he had gone I rose, and leaving the gardens I passed into the chamber where it was my custom to give audience to those who wished to look upon the god Tezcat as they called me. Here I sat upon my golden couch, inhaling the fumes of tobacco, and as it chanced I was alone, for none dared to enter that room unless I gave them leave. Presently the chief of my pages announced that one would speak with me, and I bent my head, signifying that the person should enter, for I was weary of my thoughts. The page withdrew, and presently a veiled woman stood before me. I looked at her wondering, and bade her draw her veil and speak. She obeyed, and I saw that my visitor was the princess Otomie. Now I rose amazed, for it was not usual that she should visit me thus alone. I guessed therefore that she had tidings, or was following some custom of which I was ignorant.
“I pray you be seated,” she said confusedly; “it is not fitting that you should stand before me.”
“Why not, princess?” I answered. “If I had no respect for rank, surely beauty must claim it.”
“A truce to words,” she replied with a wave of her slim hand. “I come here, O Tezcat, according to the ancient custom, because I am charged with a message to you. Those whom you shall wed are chosen. I am the bearer of their names.”
“They are”—and she named three ladies whom I knew to be among the loveliest in the land.
“I thought that there were four,” I said with a bitter laugh. “Am I to be defrauded of the fourth?”
“There is a fourth,” she answered, and was silent.
“Give me her name,” I cried. “What other slut has been found to marry a felon doomed to sacrifice?”
“One has been found, O Tezcat, who has borne other titles than this you give her.”