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?’

And a woman’s voice, I thought it was that of Otomie, answered: 

‘We are here.’

‘O maidens of Anahuac,’ said the man speaking from the darkness, ’and you, O Tezcat, god among the gods, listen to my words.  Maidens, a great honour has been done to you, for by the very choice of heaven, you have been endowed with the names, the lovelinesses, and the virtues of the four great goddesses, and chosen to abide a while at the side of this god, your maker and your master, who has been pleased to visit us for a space before he seeks his home in the habitations of the Sun.  See that you show yourselves worthy of this honour.  Comfort him and cherish him, that he may forget his glory in your kindness, and when he returns to his own place may take with him grateful memories and a good report of your people.  You have but a little while to live at his side in this life, for already, like those of a caged bird, the wings of his spirit beat against the bars of the flesh, and soon he will shake himself free from us and you.  Yet if you will, it is allowed to one of you to accompany him to his home, sharing his flight to the Houses of the Sun.  But to all of you, whether you go also, or whether you stay to mourn him during your life days, I say love and cherish him, be tender and gentle towards him, for otherwise ruin shall overtake you here and hereafter, and you and all of us will be ill spoken of in heaven.  And you, O Tezcat, we pray of you to accept these maidens, who bear the names and wear the charms of your celestial consorts, for there are none more beautiful or better born in the realms of Anahuac, and among them is numbered the daughter of our king.  They are not perfect indeed, for perfection is known to you in the heavenly kingdoms only, since these ladies are but shadows and symbols of the divine goddesses your true wives, and here there are no perfect women.  Alas, we have none better to offer you, and it is our hope that when it pleases you to pass hence you will think kindly of the women of this land, and from on high bless them with your blessing, because your memory of these who were called your wives on earth is pleasant.’