reverence and burned incense before me, till I was weary of the smell of
it, for though such sorrow was on the land, the priests would abate no
jot of their ceremonies or cruelties, and great hopes were held that I
being of the race of Teules, my sacrifice would avert the anger of the
gods. At sunset I was entertained with a splendid feast that lasted two
hours or more, and at its end all the company rose and shouted as with
one voice:

'Glory to thee, O Tezcat! Happy art thou here on earth, happy mayst thou
be in the Houses of the Sun. When thou comest thither, remember that we
dealt well by thee, giving thee of our best, and intercede for us that
our sins may be forgiven. Glory to thee, O Tezcat!'

Then two of the chief nobles came forward, and taking torches led me to
a magnificent chamber that I had never seen before. Here they changed my
apparel, investing me in robes which were still more splendid than any
that I had worn hitherto, being made of the finest embroidered cotton
and of the glittering feathers of the humming bird. On my head they set
wreaths of flowers, and about my neck and wrists emeralds of vast size
and value, and a sorry popinjay I looked in this attire, that seemed
more suited to a woman's beauty than to me.

When I was arrayed, suddenly the torches were extinguished and for a
while there was silence. Then in the distance I heard women's voices
singing a bridal song that was beautiful enough after its fashion,
though I forbear to write it down. The singing ceased and there came a
sound of rustling robes and of low whispering. Then a man's voice spoke,
saying:

'Are ye there, ye chosen of heaven?'