"Yes, you prophesied evil and failure from them, and for that I seek you now. Tell me, O Mualox, spake you then as a prophet?"
The paba ventured to look up and study the face of the questioner as well as he could in the flickering light.
"I know the vulgar have called me a magician," he said, slowly; "and sometimes they have spoken of my commerce with the stars. To say that either report is true, were wrong to the gods. Regardful of them, I cannot answer you; but I can say--and its sufficiency depends on your wisdom--your slave, O king, is warned of your intention. You come asking a sign; you would have me prove my power, that it may be seen."
"Nay,--if my master will permit,--another word."
"You spoke of me as a councillor in the palace. How may we measure the value of honors? By the intent with which they are given? O king, had you not thought the poor paba would use his power for the betrayal of his god; had you not thought he could stand between you and the wrath--"
"No more, Mualox, no more!" said Montezuma. "I confess I asked you to the palace that you might befriend me. Was I wrong to count on your loyalty? Are you not of Anahuac? And further; I confess I come now seeking a sign. I command you to show me the future!"
"If you do indeed believe me the beloved of Quetzal' and his prophet, then are you bold,--even for a king."
"Until I wrong the gods, why should I fear? I, too, am a priest."
"Be wise, O my master! Let the future alone; it is sown with sorrows to all you love."
"Have done, paba!" the king exclaimed, angrily. "I am weary,--by the Sun! I am weary of such words."
The holy man bowed reverently, and touched the floor with his palm, saying,--
"Mualox lays his heart at his master's feet. In the time when his beard was black and his spirit young, he began the singing of two songs,--one of worship to Quetzal', the other of love for Montezuma."
These words he said tremulously; and there was that in the manner, in the bent form, in the low obeisance, which soothed the impatience of the king, so that he turned away, and looked out over the city. And day began to gild the east; in a short time the sun would claim his own. Still the monarch thought, still Mualox stood humbly waiting his pleasure. At length the former approached the fire.