| | 1 | Author: | Ingraham
J. H.
(Joseph Holt)
1809-1860 | Add | | | Title: | Montezuma, the serf, or, The revolt of the Mexitili  | | | | Published: | 1997 | | | | Subjects: | University of Virginia Library, Text collection | UVA-LIB-Text | University of Virginia Library, Early American Fiction, 1789-1875 | UVA-LIB-EarlyAmFict1789-1875 | | | | Description: | `Stand aside, serf!' were the stern tones of an officer, addressed to a youth. While these events were transpiring within the palace, scenes of an
opposite character were opening in the net-marker's quarter, and the neighborhood
of the street of the Armorers. In a few minutes after parting
with Casipeti at the palace-stairs, Montezuma landed on the opposite shore,
at the foot of his own street. He entered his dwelling, to see if by chance
any of his friends were there, and to leave a word of warning with Fatziza.
He then hastened towards the arsenal, which Sismarqui had been ordered
to seize, and the garrison of which his brother, who was one of the soldiers,
had succeeded in corrupting. This he felt was the most important point to
visit first, as it contained nearly all the weapons with which the revolters
were to arm themselves. `Nephew, — The gods gave you life to elevate you, by its proper use, to
equality, after death, with themselves. You have defeated this intention of
your existence. The deity waits to receive back the gift of which you have
proved yourself unworthy. Degraded, dishonored, and despised, you can no
longer wish to live, and, like a brave man, have professed your desire to die.
This last virtuous wish, unhappy prince, I have seen fit to enable you to
fulfil, although, if I measured your punishment by your guilt, I should condemn
you to live. May the river of death purify thy soul, and may the
gods yet grant you to begin a new existence in another state! Thou wilt
find the last best gift of heaven to man that hath outlived his honor, in the
cup I send thee! I commend thee to the gods. | | | Similar Items: | Find |
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