Page:The Mastering of Mexico.djvu/205

Rh with blood and the stench so offensive that we could hardly wait till we could get out. In this chapel was an enormous drum, which made a dismal noise when they beat it, like a drum of hell so to speak, and its head of the skins of snakes resounded so it could be heard as many as eight miles. In this place, also, were trumpets, slaughter knives and burnt hearts of Indians offered to the god—and everything clotted with blood. We hastened away from the horrors.

Our captain now said to Montezuma, "I can not imagine how such a wise man and powerful monarch as you should not have discovered that these idols of yours are evil spirits. That it may be proved to you, and that your papas may see it clearly, permit me to set a cross here at the top of this temple, and in the place where Huitzilopochtli and Tezcatlipoca stand give me space to put up an image of Our Lady. Then you will see by the fear that will seize these idols that they have been deceiving you."

Montezuma had already seen an image of Our Lady, yet he was greatly irritated, and answered, "Malinche, if I had supposed that you would say such evil things, I certainly should not have shown you my gods. We think them good gods. They give us health, rains, good weather and good harvests, and victory when we ask them for it. Most earnestly I beg you to say no more to insult them."