Azta

O Azta, could I but have led thee in those careless paths where false ambition has no home and the fleeting triumph of dearly-bought glory troubles not !

There were women too, on whom I gazed with exceeding admiration, for they were of beautiful form ; conspicuous among them stoodest thou, my Love, shining as the moon among stars— the Empress Azta, her tawny hair, where golden streams seemed to move in waves of light, fastened above her head by a pin crowned by a butterfly of gold and very large as to size; her yellow eyes heavy and slumbrous and their fires dull, as new awaked from sleep.

My eye roved over the gay throng, but ever returned to Azta; and, O Zul, I looked upon thee, thou fair abode of Evil, greater than Great Babylon, yet unheard of and unknown.

At the sound of a second trumpet the Tizin Azta entered with her guards and attendants, occupying a seat immediately below Tekthah, with her entering Shar-Jatal the Representative of the People; and then, at another trumpet-call, the couches were all filled with the households and suites, numbering three hundred males of various ages, from boys to old men, and ladies greater in number and of the same variations of years.

Yet all my regards went forth to the Tizin Azta, and at that first mingling with human beings came my first intuition of my mission, my first trial, my first rebellion.

Yet being greatly entranced by the beauty of Azta, methought I might win her regards and do also as much good by aiding her to gain the sovereign power, knowing nought of women or why they were not as fitted to rule as men, and repressing the voice that told me that the more earthly mould should greatest excel upon Earth.

O Azta, dear Love, how queenly wert thou, and how my soul regarded thee!

I saw Azta cast a glance at the Tzantan Huitza before she retired to the gardens where she loved to sit and watch the fish in the fountains, and I wondered at its character and that the lord gave no sign of having perceived it.

She suffered her vivid gaze to fall on Sumar, who yet remained, and who, frightened at their strange beauty, stared with a terrified fascination, as a bird might stare on a serpent; while Azta, enjoying her power, let the long lashes fall softly over them and then averted her head.

Azta's divinity was a butterfly, and the golden emblem overshadowed her proud head, rivers of gold appearing to flow from it as the light moved over the thick silky coils of her hair, that was looped up on either side of her face and confined at the temples by a jewelled strap from which dangled golden plaques, each stamped with the emblem, and representing, I learned, the stars ; for Azta's head-dress of state supported the emblem of the moon.

The Tacoatlanta was moving from the harbour, visible through the trees, and suddenly Azta perceived the black bulk, that looked, with its human head, to be like a great swimming man progressing with a wash of foam at either side, that rolled astern and seethed in a long wake of white, and gazed curiously on it.

"Yea," answered Na; "yet it would ill-become me to speak aught of so exalted an one ; but methought she did favour the Lord Mehir overmuch." This she said to soothe Azta, for she knew her regard for Huitza, and feared the wiles of Sumar.

Then, with one of those impetuous motions I learned to love so passionately, Azta turned her lithe body over on the couch, addressing old Na more than any other object in the landscape but because she could speak.

Azta's eyes flashed at the name, and to me came an un-comfortable idea.

" Yea, mistress," answered Na meekly, for Azta's mien was haughty and dangerous as she uttered the words, that were untrue.

So great became my love for Azta that I yearned mightily to embrace her, and did but await an opportunity to reveal myself.

Over certain he had a great power, and Azta oft went thither to consult with him, pretending to worship the moon; but I perceived in" what manner she worshipped, and how she trusted to his knowledge concerning the means by which she might obtain the sovereign power.

Alone with the priest, Azta spoke to him on matters other than of worship, calling him her old counsellor and bidding him speak if he had aught to say.

He smiled, and I knew that evil reigned in his heart, yet of what fashion I knew not, but it was an unpleasant look that he wore, and methought Azta seemed displeased as she gazed haughtily at the mystic insignia and the dark corridors.

"Peace, thou old slave!" cried Azta, furiously, her tall figure quivering with rage ; " Rhadaman shall never trample such as Huitza beneath his foot.

The old man's eyes flashed at the insult, but when Azta had ceased he was calm again.

Azta's manner changed.

Azta bowed, somewhat icily, for she could scarce brook this manner of speech, and retired, going out to her slaves.

The Priests shall rule in Zul": and in like manner Azta murmured, " When the sword has struck, it shall be broken." Whereat I wondered.

Then the flaring lights cast lurid, waving shadows over the noisy throng, and consumed the winged moths with a horrid sound, causing Azta and her attendants to cry out with terror.

Most of the ladies wore their hair looped up like Azta's, and thickly powdered with gold-dust and tiny gems, and wreathed with gay flowers, so that the effect was surpassing beautiful and gave added radiancy to the coloured scene, which was continued among the viands by rich fruits, flowers and leaves, and gold and silver vessels.

And among these the ladies shone fairest, — thou, my Azta, far more than all; and next Sada and the Lady Pocatepa, who was a priestess of Neptsis and knew much magic, wearing the insignia of the goddess to whom she administered in daring blasphemy, as not being a virgin she should not have ministered.

Tekthah, looking down like a white-maned lion on his harem and household, seemed to seek for a friendly face; Azta's thoughts were busy, and Rhadaman's and Huitza's brows were both bent with the same schemings.

This one was named Tairu, who related weird things of monstrous creations ; of a nation, living among the beasts, who had teeth like the great apes and ate their own offspring; long histories that caused Azta's eyes to glisten, of warlike women of the North and West, who fought in battle like men and killed all their male children, and whose husbands were captured in raids and afterwards killed also.

Whereat were many sayings, silenced sneeringly by Azta; and Tairu, continuing, rehearsed the amours of Neptsis, the female principle; of how, pregnant by Night, she brought forth the Earth and the hermaphrodite Zul and much evil.

To Azta these weird tales had a great interest, and she often questioned old Na and, later, myself concerning them, her yellow eyes dilating with awe of the marvellous and half-doubtful of the truth of it all ; and to-night as she watched Tairu she bade him speak of the Amazon warriors, and listened attentively while drunken lords snored on their couches, and wanton women twined garlands in their hair and decorated them with flowers and feathers.

In view of the drowsy state of the warriors, Gadema, Tek-thah's cupbearer, a youth whose white skin and fair proportions had raised him to the rank of favourite, murmured a compliment to Azta as he passed her intentionally, but she impatiently repulsed him, not wishing for conversation with any, but sitting silent until the feast ended, and such as cared, or were able, retired to their apartments.

It was Azta who stole out from the palace in the moonlight, for I had cast my spirit over her that she should do this, and she had wrapped about her a fine purple robe.

" Azta," I said, and then — alas, that aught but truth should have come from such lips — " I have come from afar to thee.

And I have come to speak with thee, Azta; is not thy lord now too old for such as thou art, who excellest in beauty?"

Yet, Azta, I love thee as never yet a mortal man could love." And, being full of passion towards her, bent my head, thinking to salute her with a kiss, but she repulsed me.

See, my Azta, I kneel to thee, even as in days past the winged hosts knelt to thy fair mother Eve." And overcome by what madness I know not, I bent the knee to her, (that should never have been bowed but before the Throne of God,) and raising her hand to my lips, pressed it with them.

"Azta," I said, "long have I watched thee from afar and longed for thee.

I know now that because I did not use my comprehension for the end of my mission it was denied to me to understand certain things, and thus I ever tried to unite my soul with Azta's against all reason or possibility.

" There speaks thy beauteous sex, fair Azta," I answered ; " ask thine heart the question."

Azta's face was ghastly white, but the smile on her lips was divine.

Azta's late appearance was not noticed.

At times I caught a glimpse of the glory of Azta, and saw my Love as she reclined at the meal, with averted eyes and a happy smile on her face, attended by old Na and many more.

I, intent upon his utterances, heard that which the roar of conversation denied to the others, and did mark how Azta gazed upon the prince and anon averted her eyes, like a captain that steers the course of a ship ; he also covertly watching her, as he made damaging insinuations regarding Huitza, playing a deep game to obtain both herself and the throne and endeavouring to supplant his brother.

Azta looked furious, yet she cared not to show it; and I pondered deeply as to what was transpiring, as the prince declared that it was Fae who kept the Lord Huitza supplied with secret information for wrongful purposes, and held seditious meetings with others.

Whereat I perceived Azta to bite her lip.

She arose and went tremblingly up to the dread monarch, making a deep obeisance to Azta and before him, her face ashen with terror.

A tiny gleam of triumph showed on Azta's face, and her eyes flared with a yellow fire as she watched, like a lioness watching the quarry she is driving to her lord.

Huitza, with a deep and dreadful oath, seated himself, and Rhadaman, glaring round and encountering Azta's fiery glance, did likewise.

Thus I followed in the train of Azta, as she went in her coach, carried by slaves, to the temple of the Moon.

One of these unhappy beings flung herself down before Azta's cortege, imploring an audience of the Tizin, but a guard roughly spurned her, and on her wild persistence ran her through with his spear and cast her aside.

Yet Azta frowned, and beckoned her fan-bearers to shut out the blaze of the sun and the insolence of the people who stared upon her.

AZTA and I alone entered within the mighty shadows of the pylon of the great Temple of the Moon.

He bowed low before Azta, yet with a certain mockery in it, which stirred her haughty spirit.

But while Azta meant the great Temple, Mah meant the city and Atlantis, "Now give heed unto me, my old father, for it is of a great matter I would speak," said Azta; and to him she told all the affairs of the morning, what had happened at the after-worship.

"The power leans to thee, Azta; and it is but for thee now to be resolved."

" he said, words that caused the fire to leap from Azta's stormy eyes.

"Dost approve the plan?" he asked of Azta.

Azta frowned, and her sullen glance fell on the priest.

Mah looked disturbed, yet I perceived he cared not to interfere with Azta's humour.

Return where thou camest until such time as I shall send for thee," commanded Azta.

Azta's cortege gave way with the rest, her guards sullenly making way for the advance of the on-coming legions and roughly pushing back the citizens.

now eagerly discussing the passage of the troops and the prospects of captives and women But I pondered how that, if Azta became ruler of the land, I might fulfil my mission through her; and was pleased by the thought that excused the love of this woman to my soul.

Azta had left me, and on the two men I centered my attention to learn what I might.

He himself might not seize the throne at once, being restrained by the priest Mah ; but if Azta became ruler the voice of the nation would aid him to supplant her.

Azta, likewise remained passive.

Dost hear me, Azta?"

Dost thou forget, O Azta?

"O Azta!" I cried, "thou dost not know what love is!" She looked up fearfully, her lips parted, and I saw her shrink before my gaze.

Azta uttered a cry of distress and astonishment and laid her' hand on my head.

Azta's bosom heaved.

" O Azta," I implored, " if thou canst not love me, at least let me come and gaze in thine eyes and see thee smile on me.

Azta wept also.

" My Azta, my Love, I know not.

Remember this, my Azta, for a woman's spirit can sink as low as an Angel's, and a love that is unworthy of her may drag her down to Hell, its own coarser materials floating in the worldly matter."

Now I mistrusted the dark priest greatly, and was vexed in my mind to hear this consultation ; I believed my love for Azta and the fulfilment of my mission would have wished otherwise ; for I clave unto the latter by the pretended help of the former : yet forgot that which was being discussed was that planned by Mah.

A figure entered with a little, gliding step, casting a piece of raw flesh to each guardian of the entrance, who made no great demonstrations, and Azta, summoned by my power, mounted straightly to the throne, and stepping up to it, cast herself negligently onto the seat with a sigh.

With a musical laugh Azta clasped both hands to her breast and appeared to be in a species of ecstacy, while my heart* yearned to her so greatly that I longed to embrace her, be.

From his exclamations I perceived him to believe that Azta intended her salutation to apply to himself, and I remembered that he also had a passion for her.

At Azta's command all these retired and she was left alone with the prince, who still knelt, and leaned his great sword against a settee, looking the while amazed as though he sought to fathom the mystery of the armed tramp that had dispersed the assembly.

" Azta, thou tormentest me!" he cried, as, half-encouraged by her manner, he again caught her in an enraptured embrace.

"Thou knowest how I love thee," he said earnestly, drawing her close to him; "thou knowest that thy title is an empty glory : wouldst thou not wish to have the name of Azta revered from one end of Atlantis to the other?"

The knowledge rushed upon me overpoweringly and held me in such mute horror that I waited powerless, watching the struggle going on in Azta's mind and wishing I had revealed my presence at first.

On Azta's face all traces of mental struggle had vanished and an inspired look came into her eyes.

Seeing me, Azta uttered a glad cry and threw herself into my arms, so that my heart was glad, and I kissed her again and again, perceiving her to be still under the influence of the vision, and not accountable for her former words.

"Azta," I said, "the failing of thy beauteous sex is the failing of the angels and of every pure, fearless Spirit, longing to see hidden things, and things more gross than itself, and that only the Master-mind of great Jehovah can bear without defilement.

The only thing that lasts, my Azta, is love, which, missed, we ever vainly grieve for.

For a while after that I was happy; and ever mindful of my mission, that I would not believe I was endeavouring to consummate in sin by attempting to clean a polluted temple with the impure mediums of Earth, set my mind on Azta becoming the ruler of the land.

Rhadaman, waiting for the Circus games, sank himself deeper in the pursuits of pleasure; mistrusting Azta because of her words regarding Huitza, and dismayed by her power that he believed had caused me to appear.

Save Azta's self, never had I beheld so fair a being, so like unto the holy Spirits of God !

That scene in Tek-Ra haunted me for ever by its silent index to what I should do, that nevertheless I impatiently dismissed, being foolishly and wickedly in love with Azta.

In deepest adoration my soul knelt before Heaven, yet it was not all holy, for I shut out from my conscience all regarding Azta, determining to myself to do that which was right.

All in the palace were alarmed, even Azta was terrified, yet still Rhadaman waited in lethargic indolence for the Circus, when he believed all would come well.

There rode my Love, the haughty Azta, her hair falling in two great waves either side of her face, the returning ends brought up under the jewelled strap above which reposed in queenly majesty the Lunar crown of State, the headdress of the Tizin of Atlantis.

Selfpossessed and with a slight sneer on her pale face, Azta's disdainful eyes languidly hovered in their yellow fires over the waving myriads in the vast amphitheatre, whose various dresses formed a kaleidoscopic and wondrous effect.

There, also, rode Sada, whose great dark eyes and voluptuous charms won that admiration of the people that for the Tizin was lost in wonder and astonishment at her strange, unearthly beauty ; Tua, with the softest of blue eyes, a daughter of Tekthah ; Teta, with the magnificence of brown hair and the prettiest of lips, and Semaia, a rival to Azta in form.

The first was him I recognised as Gadema ; and, startled, I looked to where Azta sat.

Ill would it have been for Shar-Jatal had Azta known of his treachery to the hapless boy, for methought her eyes flashed furiously now that he was dead and that she repented of such scene having transpired.

But this time, as Azta had said, a man entered from an opposite direction to that from which the herald had come, dressed in equal style; and, in the dead silence that followed the pompous speech, declared, in a voice that could be heard by all the astonished multitude, that there was one who would do battle in dispute of such title.

I perceived Azta to pale and catch her breath, and a vast bewilderment seized all, who marvelled what manner of man it might be who dared defy the mighty Chieftain, son of great Tekthah !

As he passed Azta he said in a voice of menace and angry despair, yet withal breathing a savage pride: "Thou wilt remember!

At a flourish of trumpets the heralds withdrew and left the arena clear for the rival Champions ; and looking at Azta, I saw her gaze on the stranger with her yellow eyes afire, her lips drawn tight over her teeth, and her hands clenched to her bosom as though to still the heart whose beatings I could almost perceive.

The Imperial party leaned forward on their couches, watching anxiously, Azta with the look on her face that she wore while she read the vision.

Tekthah rose to his feet with a great pride in his first-born, but a cry broke from Azta, a sound of indescribable emotion.

The fallen Tzantan crouched behind his shield, and the Imperial party groaned ; yet not so did Azta, but gazed in marble silence A hush as of death fell over the vast crowds, as with suspended breath they crouched in nearly uncontrollable excitement, craning their necks and exposing their teeth.

The old warrior began to perceive his position insecure to an excess, and a feeling of furious contempt for the nation and rage against this man seized him, the more so that he believed Azta to greatly favour him, for which also he hated her.

Now to my Love had been born a little son, for whom she claimed the Tzan as sire, he being ignorant to a great degree of myself, nor imagining the love I had for Azta, and forgetting in the number of his mistresses that she never suffered him.

Azta, walking with her little child and old Na, perceived him in such mood and would have turned away, but the old lion motioned her to him.

After what style is he named?" " He is called Toltiah," said Azta, her curious and terrible eyes rivetted on her lord's with half a menace in them ; so that even in his present mood he felt uneasy.

I took it in my arms and gazed with delight into its features that were framed with beautiful curls like untcr Azta's, its eyes being also like hers, while the large, full limbs gave promise of a great stature beyond the common.

"Truly has our love been blessed," I said; and putting an arm round Azta, I drew her down beside me into the couch, seating the child on my knee.

Yet, Azta, troubles will come, and woe is me that I love thee so well, for I fear greatly.

And my mind being troubled concerning the council between Tekthah and the People's Representative, I told to Azta all I had heard concerning her and the child; whereat she looked now troubled and now scornful by turns.

But Azta, with all a mother's love, anxious for her baby, determined to send away Toltiah to Tek-Ra, and place him under the protection of Noah until such time as she should send for him, yet in sorrow, for she loved not such parting.

And in after days Na returned to Azta with comforting assurances, for she could not live apart from her mistress whom she had nursed from her infancy.

Below Azta reclined the one in whose honour the feast was given — the Tzantan Huitza, who, in full panoply of war, compelled the admiration of all eyes by his majestic figure and princely bearing.

With an agonized roar he staggered up ; and save but for a piercing scream from Azta a horrid silence fell, as with startled eyes all gazed at the stricken hero risen to his godlike height with the murderous weapon balanced through his body, his own spear in his hand.

But the bolt drave through a Captain of the guard who came toward him, and rolled him, spouting blood, on to Tekthah; while the hero sank in death at Azta's feet.

He appeared to see nothing as he hastened through the shouting crowd, but pressed to where Huitza lay with his head on Azta's lap, and with a terrible cry, sank on his knees beside him.

Upon Azta, sitting terrified but calm, a huge slave rushed ; but with half the leg of an ox she felled him to the ground at her feet.

The sounds were atrocious, and a rush of combatants swept Azta and Acoa violently apart from one another and the corpse of Huitza.

So, among many others, perished Teta and Semaia : so would have died proud Azta but that I stood by her, and ofttimes warded off a death that hovered nigh.

Azta being removed to a great tower by the Representative's orders and there hidden, the rumour being spread that she was dead.

Also I became possessed of a sad apathy, a dull heavy sorrow that dragged down my spirit, and I could not leaVe Azta, yet longed in vain for herself to invite me to approach her.

Tekthah was startled and appalled at the prophecy of his son's reappearance, which overcame his joy at the news of Azta's death and the death of Toltiah, for those detailed for this bloody deed dared not confess their errand unsuccessful.

Superstitious and impulsive, Tekthah had repented bitterly of his fury, and now like a living presence the shade of Huitza stood above his mind and he appeared to believe more than anyone else in the legend of his reappearance; for he feared the power of Azta even in death.

The light flared on the streaming white hairs and the awful front of Tekthah, horribly encrimsoned ; who, scattering the terrified warriors, mounted the steps and fell at the foot of the throne, where he perceived me, seated as a great moth, with a grievous look of terror and despair, for I was the Divinity of Azta.

But the new ruler wished also another thing, which was to subjugate proud Azta to his will, and my resentment against him waxed great on account of this.

" I kneel to thee, fair Azta," he said, with feigned admiration that indeed he felt in a great measure, bowing with courtly grace as he fell on his knee.

" Shall the fairest woman of Earth be content to remain hidden and alone when half the throne of Atlantis will be proud to hail her mistress?" asked the chief; and again as in a dream I saw dead Rhadaman with the same question on his lips, and saw the same struggle in Azta's face, but with blunted feelings.

"Art coward as well as murderer?" asked Azta, scornfully, glancing on the trembling Na, and outstretching her hand towards him so that as in obedience he stood still.

Azta was gone.

Now Noah had fled with his family afar from Tek-Ra to the mountains beyond Talascan, and hid himself so that none ever chanced on him ; to where also I conveyed Azta.

To the woman Susi, who was as a mother to him, he bore a great regard, and Azta loved the fair woman for her kindness to him, and wept over the boy and ever gazed rapturously upon him.

All these things I saw, and wondered which should conquer in the end ; and in these years Azta's love for Toltiah grew and increased with his growth, and I knew that it was spoken that he should be Lord of Atlantis.

And in this manner the youth came to Talascan : Noah and his family, with Azta and Nahuasco and the guards, arrived before the walls and were admitted, causing no small comment, for all knew Azta and many recognised the Tzantan Nahuasco and most of the family of the aforetime governor of Tek-Ra.

He reminded them that Huitza was greatly beloved of Zul, and at his words Azta's eyes flashed so that my soul fainted with sorrow.

The populace was in a state of wild enthusiasm; Chanoc gave a palace for Azta and Noah and their people to dwell in, and that night the city flared with bonfires.

Thus the next day Noah came down to the Market-place attended by Chanoc and his guards, with Nahuasco's troop, his servants and his family, among whom was Azta.

Azta, in a slung carriage, commanded nearly as much enthusiasm as the expectation of Huitza, for there were weird legends muchly connecting the twain, and all believed her to be potential in the matter.

Four tall warriors, mounting him on their shields, raised him high above the heads of the people, shout on shout rolling to the sky, and Azta's child, in the character of Azta's Love, seemed exalted to the altitude of a god.

On Azta, his mother, he smiled triumphantly, and with still more triumph she returned his glance.

His foster-brothers were loudest in their demonstrations, waving spears and shields high with exultant glee, and all were happy save myself For in that long, deep breath of freedom and the lustful stare around I saw written, as with a flaming finger upon the clouds, my completed doom ; and gazing with a horror of longing passion upon Azta, saw that her whole absorbed attention rested upon that shield-borne Majesty that should drag Earth to its doom — the consummation of her foolishness and mine.

Azta bade her bearers remain where they stood, her heart too full for expression with unknown fears, as, astonished to find the massive barricades opposed to them, the men on the Tacoatlanta nevertheless ran her close up to the landing, with a proud and ferocious confidence in the irresistibility of their wild onrush and the moral effect of their unshaken valour upon those before them.

The streets were empty, for all were round the walls, but as Toltiah sped Azta cried out to him victoriously, watching the splendid being eagerly until he was gone.

Azta was triumphant, with an immense pride in her heart, being considered the next most important person to Toltiah.

Arrogant with victory and believing himself to be, as the people declared, a god, he wished to enjoy those growing passions that possibilities bred and nurtured ; but the savage impatience of Azta and the exhortations of the governor and the Tzantans advised him to be energetic until the Throne of Atlantis was actually beneath his feet.

Noah preached a holy war, greatly enthusing all by his frenzy and his zeal, and Azta's gracious words to the Tzantans rendered them eager to commence already a rush on the capital, regardless of the warships and the approaching army of Izta.

Azta was greatly interested in these warrior-women, whose Queen was a majestic figure, taller than herself; and between the two sprang up a firm friendship.

The witch Pocatepa would raise the legions of the dead against them — that black-eyed sorceress with the aquiline nose and voluptuous Hps — and perchance even Acoa would fight against his Sun-favoured children, Azta and Huitza, and cause a terrible night to over-spread them.

The gods were propitiated in trust that they might aid the attack, much sacrifices being offered to them ; and in the temple of the Moon Azta prayed, invoking all the spirits of night to aid, and such as flew in winged shape.

Azta, lying in an open palanquin, watched the dark vessel and cursed her by all the gods of Zul and the demons of darkness.

Azta perceived her approach first, and her quick mind revolved a scheme.

On the pedestal of the colossus Mele, a water-god supporting one end of the architrave shadowing the steps of the river gate, stood Toltiah ; on the top step was Azta, standing as a goddess in her palanquin, jubilant with triumph, who had travelled along the battlements in glorious victory.

But on Azta and Toltiah the regards of the people were poured with a frenzied enthusiasm, and images were made of them and sold to be worshipped.

A body of the rabble suddenly attacked the camp of the Amazons, where was Azta with the wives and mistresses of Chanoc, Noah, and other chiefs, and this resulted in a furious and determined battle on both sides, which might have ended with dire results, for the rabble was largely reinforced continuously.

Hut advised by Azta, Toltiah gave the army its women, which as they came over made a large crowd of themselves.

Yet in the inaction an apathy began to settle down over all, and Toltiah, under pretence of visiting Azta, dallied long with Marisa, leader of the Amazons, and wasted long whiles in foolishness with Azca, who was of great beauty, while the warriors gambled with their gold and metal ornaments, with their arms and armour, and with their women.

Yet with a fierce pang of anguish I turned me to contemplate Azta, my Love !

More than all the rest was she disturbed at the rumour that Azta was in Talascan, because she knew Shar-Jatal loved the Tizin and that her power was very great in the land, all believing her to be under the special protection of Zul, and a goddess ; thus, inwardly deploring the weakness of her chosen lord, she stirred him up to resist the failings of his nature, to take his power and dispense it as became the Tzan of Atlantis and master of a headstrong nation threatened with dissolution.

Of a night the spirit of Azta appeared to him and fearful larvae haunted his dreams : the shade of Huitza threatened him with atrocious gestures, and in sweating horror he perceived a whirling sword menace his life.

This was old Na, on whom the dire sorceress had rivetted the incubus because of her refusal to concoct certain subtle perfumes that Azta was envied for, and this cage prevented any free movement on the part of the old woman.

Suddenly it grew dark, and in the darkness I saw Acoa as before I had seen him appear to Azta.

With the Amazons went Azta in her slung couch, accompanied by Toltiah and some of the Tzantans and a great number of messengers.

Now in the distress of my thoughts I had held myself from Azta; yet not blaming her for my sorrow, which was caused by myself, but because I cared not to force her regards.

Vet my passion for Azta tormented me, and one night I came in to her, the army being encamped among uncouth ruins that caused much amaze, herself being beneath a canopy.

" I cried, embracing her tenderly ; " have we not conversed enough for thee to trust in mer I will not force thee, my Azta ; neither indeed can I, for the heart that is not fully given is not given at all, and though for a few brief moments our souls mingled, yet thou canst never love me."

Azta cried put to me to save them, while Toltiah loosened his sword and grasped his spear firmly, advancing his shadowy buckler.

It was a marine animal,[^35] and Azta, looking through an opening in the masses of stone, perceived the scintillating glitter of wavelets, and fancied she heard the roar of the surf beating on an iron-bound shore.

See how he would pervert the ordinances of the Creator!" Azta looked and perceived horrible shapes that basked in the sun, being scarce human.

With curdling blood Azta turned to me.

And Azta looked favorably on her child's desire, pleased that his masculine inclinations should prevail, admiring the Amazon and greatly esteeming her, for the strange romantic legends of her race caused the Tizin to.

For Azta had ofttimes taken him thither and placed him upon the seat, bowing before him in adoration.

But with what emotions Azta gazed, believing she could perceive the long red building that lay beneath the Temple and the gardens where the fountains played !

"Contend not in wanton argument of mind with such as these, child of Azta.

On this hill, among all the impedimenta of the army, Azta encamped with the women and such as took no part in warfare, watching the preparing of engines of war and the placing of such as were ready.

The hideous figure that represented the god of these unclean insects and whose open mouth was always filled by his priests with clotted blood to attract them, was importuned to conceive more, that they might cleanse the city with the vultures and the dogs A glimpse caught of Azta also greatly terrified the people, and Shar-Jatal was vastly dismayed.

The people of the city were jubilant with their success, believing this to be an attack in force, and were greatly encouraged that the gods had not favoured Huitza — for no suspicion of Toltiah being other than the prince was dreamed of, the chiefs believing with Tekthah that the child of Azta had been killed on the night of the massacre.

Derion's archers pour over the walls their death-dealing shafts, the piercing cries of the spearmen of the Owl tribes sound like a wild song ; Azta, like a goddess in her majestic fury, cheers them on, and Toltiah points to where the leaders, fighting upon the walls, stand within a bloody circle of foemen, red from crest to heel.

Azta gazes with her yellow eyes ablaze, her fierce spirit deeply stirred by the brave sight.

Azta, like a goddess of battles, urged passionately another assault, Nezca likewise advising this thing.

All through the night that bloody work went on, regardless of the flying terror of the kites, and Noah cursed the evil-doers, and particularly Shar-Jatal and Acoa, by Heaven and Hell and all that was upon the Earth, but Azta, with a little bitter laugh, threatened them with like treatment when she should hold them in her power.

All the women gathered round Azta and Noah, with their hands raised in supplication to the Heavens.

O Azta, that sweet love of a mother that shone so brightly for an instant !

Azta, still gazing, shook her head.

Now they were among the baggage and the women, and these, retreating in weeping terror as the frenzied multitude approached ever nearer, gather round Azta and Noah ; the patriarch exhorting them to prayer, Azta commanding them to arm themselves with whatsoever they might and aid their warriors, who, heavily pressed by the Imperial troops, gather round the hill.

Azta with deadly terror in her heart advances towards her son, and the battle closes furi- THE MILL OF THE TALCOaTLA.

The Amazons stand in groups, dark against the sky, here bending over a dead or dying comrade, there cruelly murdering a fallen foe; and Toltiah, exhausted and wounded, rests on Azta's proud bosom, assured that Zul is in his hands.

In the red palace were now Toltiah and Azta, some of the great Tzantans, and Noah, whose family were given palaces of nobles to live in.

In one of the apartments Marisa lay, recovering from severe wounds, whom Azta spent long times with ; and now the former occupants, Shar-Jatal and Poca-tepa, taken alive in each other's arms in the violated sanctuary of Neptsis which they had not respected aforetimes, were in the Circus with many other prisoners, each chained to a negro guard.

And fain would Azta have seen Acoa there, but he had gone, nor was he to be found ; but there were other priests there among captured chieftains and warriors, of whom the more important were secured as Shar-Jatal and his mistress, but the rest were herded together in the apartments of the beasts, and most of the great ones which were of Tekthah's court were spared all indignities, among whom the queens Axazaya, Sada, Sumar, Tua and others were well entreated, yet some feared for the triumph of Azta, having cause by reason of jealousy and aforetimes annoyance.

And Azta was minded now to slay Mah, whom she feared, yet also had he disappeared, which was aforetimes; and learning of Pocatepa's treatment of Na, and the death of her old nurse, she caused the metal incubus which had been riveted upon her head to be placed upon Pocatepa's.

The large ape was speared by a Captain of the guards that none might be enspelled by it, for Azta feared the magic of its mistress somewhat, knowing how Mah held her in his power.

Thence they entered the grand Hall where upon the throne sat Toltiah, and upon his right hand Azta sat upon another throne.

Azta glowered upon them like a Queen of the lower regions, but Toltiah addressed them graciously and allayed those fears that began to manifest themselves on perceiving the glittering guards standing like statues behind the thrones and lining the spaces behind the columns and braziers.

Toltiah watched the hideous scene from an arbour on the cliffs; and Azta, from a part of the palace roof that commanded the scene, watched calmly.

Azta saw where it struck upon the highest pylon roof, and there in its place stood a majestic figure.

In the cleared Market-place the idols had heen reset up by their various worshippers, whom Azta supported, for Toltiah owned no restraining superstition of any sort at all, worshipping Zul alone to the oblivion of all Noah's teachings.

Azta had instituted new priests and had piously restored the pyramid wherein rested Atlace, the mother of Huitza.

His mantle was most curiously brilliant as though indeed it were in verity of the Sun, and with a great love he looked upon Toltiah and also in a measure upon Azta.

For earlier in the palace Toltiah had received the orbed sceptre from the Keeper of the Throne, which was the lord Lamech, the son of Jaal of the family of Enoch the righteous, and upon his head Amaziel had placed the Solar crown of Atlantis, upon the head of Azta placing the crown which held the crystal symbol of the Moon ; and now, upon the highest platform of Zul before counties?

Nor less was Azta fearfully regarded, as being concerned in his appearance before them, all believing him to have been incarnated through her by the god Zul.

Huitza and Zul!" and as Azta stepped forward and saluted him with a kiss, yet wilder rushed the swelling roar to Heaven, as victoriously they shouted her name, calling her Tizin and goddess.

Marisa, who had risen from her couch, was offered a high appointment if she would swear to remain an ally of Zul; but she refused, to Azta's sorrow and Toltiah's chagrin, and it was given to Resaula, a son of Sifu, concubine of Tekthah whom Toltiah loved.

In the great hall, torch-lighted and brilliant with garlands of flaming sartreel flowers, Toltiah, with Azta on his right hand, reclined upon that dais unoccupied since the murder of the nobles, above the gay throng, cooled by the waving of a thousand scented fans.

Whereon Marisa, standing, cried also upon them to pledge Azta, and opening a vein in her arm so that the red blood fell into a bowl, she drank it to the Tizin.

Nahuasco raised one of the immense amphoras and drank to her with a vast enthusiasm, and many others followed his example ; while, catching the madness, the great crowds without shouted Azta's name, coupling it with that of Neptsis.

He narrated from the beginning' the history of the Earth, from when the huge egg formed in the surrounding dark waters, impregnated by demons and monsters, product of Neptsis.[^38] He sang of the beauty of Azta and the ladies of the Court, the prowess of the Tzantans and warriors, while strains of sympathetic minstrelsy added an undertone to his song.

Tall and of an ashen pallor, this was Shar-Jatal, whom Toltiah did not know, but to Azta he brought back vividly the last time that she had eaten in that hall.

The chief's eyes sought Azta's with an agonized entreaty, but cries and jeers drowned his wild appeal for mercy.

Then Azta spoke, her fury rising as she recited his deeds of insolence to herself and of cruelty to others, his imprisonment of her and daring pressure of an abhorred suit, his ready aid in the massacre, and in the murder of his lord, the Tzan Tekthah.

Azta's yellow eyes flared like a tigers, Toltiah, nigh overcome with wine, watched with expanded nostrils, and Ham and Japheth murmured the disapproval they dared not utter.

Inside, Azta arose and drank a full horn to " the warriors of Atlantis," such as were able to move staggering to their feet with a shout of salute, Toltiah among the rest.

O Azta !

Ttruth, none served me better than yon fair Azta, in that she hath led the would-be captor captive !

" Thy words are bitter," he said, "yet to our great end nought could have worked better than that Azta had been born to me, for I fear the might of Asia.

And had not that accursed Shar-Jatal, whom I have undone, slain my son Huitza by his foul designing, he would have overcome the Earth by force of bloody arms, and falling into some fair devil's power have spread a veil of ruin over all." " Yet Azta loved him well and would have taken him to herself?

But then came Asia, and for him I reserved Azta, to hold him in chains lest he wreck our plans."

"This great child of Asia's will aid us bravely," said Leira, glancing to where Toltiah lay on Emarna's breast, breathing with an unseemly noise in his heavy sleep, " with his own soul and body of man and woman shall he enslave the high lords and ladies, holding them in restraint, while Azta shall reign in deed and in truth, and by her womanly weakness countenance all confusion, afraid of rousing the nation against her cherished supremacy.

In a vision I saw it, where a great black cloud slowly parted in the middle before the mystic Gates that no mortal comprehends, before which stood Azta chained by the lightning so that I might not pass.

In the infernal brightness those dread hands were over-stretched upon Azta and Toltiah and the demon voices cried: "Strike!" But with great emotions that drove my spirit as one before the rush of a mighty wave I stood forth, crying : "Strike not, dark angel, or dread the wrath of Jehovah !

Some time rolled on and I began to be possessed of new ideas as I looked upon Azta and considered her.

For as the days sped, so much the more the throne of Atlantis leaned to Azta.

Surrounded by concubines and favorites the young chief led a voluptuous existence, and Azta, cold, continent and masterful, was the real leader in Zul ; for although at every festival Toltiah occupied the chief place, yet everyone recognised with reverence the Ruler in the majestic woman with the eyes of fire who was so terrible and unearthly, and every one of the arrogant chiefs and superb queens, believing they perceived a being of supernatural endowments, feared her.

And now Azta perceived the mission of the Last-created race and of the fall thereof, and I said to her: "Behold, the desire of knowing and attempting more than was good came unto this one also, as unto thy people, and the order to Cease was spoken, for where Progression stops.

Verily was Toltiah a curse unto me by reason of his evil, and his restraint over Azta !

And gleefully aiding him in frowardness, the great lords committed all manner of wantonness, while to secure them to her support Azta permitted their allegiances, so that there were many jealous quarrels.

Alas, that I could not tear myself from thee, O Azta, and fly afar in hiding and repentance !

Hadst thou loved as I, perchance would it have been well, but thou, not loving, shouldst not have suffered me ; for also I have sinned in this thing, my Azta, and punishment is upon us.

"O mighty!" cried Azta, "my soul yearns to know what thou knowest and to see these wonders."

Azta breathed not, yet air pervaded her as though she were air itself.

In the midst of the Wonder stood a Being, terrible beyond all that Azta had seen, winged with falling cascades of quiver- ATLANTIS.

Azta gazed, terrified and exalted, yet feeling tiny beyond all description and frightened at her own temerity, scarce daring to lift her eyes.

"Whence come these swarming Spirits?" enquired the awful voice, so stern and terrible that in my soul I trembled, and in fright Azta shuddered as the buzzing legions passed, A mighty gust of wind appeared to seize her and sweep her towards the glory, a nearly irresistible draught of living air, enveloping her with a potential embrace.

There appeared a little baby, soft and beautiful, that gazed with its fearless eyes upon the Horror, and Azta would fain have gathered it to her bosom ; but a loathly form enveloped it and it was no more; but in its place was a great skull, and in and out of the hollow eyes crawled a worm of fire with a devil's head.

Azta cried out as she perceived these to be formed of the bones and skulls of men, cemented with blood, in vast number, building a palace of heroic size.

Azta watched with parted lips and white face, her glorious beauty more etherial than aught of wholly mortal could be, as the vapoury wonder rose and grew large in the lurid atmosphere.

Azta reeled for a moment and placed her hands to her heart.

And thou, Azta, for whom I gave up all, thou woman of women, hast dragged down the Heavens in judgment upon thee and upon me.

And Azta now, unrestrained by awe or reverence, took on a great arrogance and dismayed all by her supernatural bearing and the wonder of her surroundings.

It became a part of every-day life and none gave any thought to such acts ; and Azta, like a being of two worlds, lived in an exalted atmosphere and was ministered to by many dreadful rites that pertained not to Earth.

For myself, my revelation of Atlace to Azta, which had not checked her love, but made of it a sin by knowledge, recoiled upon myself; for half she believed myself to be her father; as, loving her, I should also have loved Atlace for such great resemblance.

For Azta, unabashed, looked upon him as a lover and at times wished to rid him of his brutal indifference and roughness, grieving that he loved her not nor was in a trifle tender ; and, wielding the supreme power, and that power being as wrongfully applied, could wonder be that the land sank into a horror of sin !

With unavailing passion Toltiah pressed his suit to her, yet now to Azta's jealousy.

To attract the nobles Azta held many brilliant gatherings in the Hall of the Throne, compelling homage to be rendered to herself and Toltiah from the wish of perceiving a vast concourse to bow the knee ; and her proud bosom heaved with joy as mighty chieftains and princes and superb ladies swept in between the huge lions and bent low in reverence upon the golden step of the first terrace.

Toltiah, giving full sway to every lust, and full of arrogance, caused blue stones to be set in his teeth and wore huge gems and gold dust in his hair, sitting like a dark king of the lower world above the awed crowds, upon which he gazed with a dreadful sarcasm, jealous at any preference being granted to Azta.

Furious at any restraint, vain and debased, he always held the orbed sceptre ; but Azta was the one who commanded real obeisance.

A wild idea occurred to many that they should turn and reenter that land of Eden[^44] whence their race had been expelled; the couch of the bright Sun, from which he arose each day to smile upon them, and to which he would surely welcome Azta, his beloved.

Yet perhaps more than for this one Susi grieved for Azta, the Queen-mother, the wonderful woman who could influence for so much good and who appeared to her to be so desperately wicked ; and as she sat and looked upon the palmy gardens, drinking with her eyes the sun-lights in the atmosphere, a shy thought arose in her mind of making an appeal to her and striving to influence her towards reformation before the vengeance of Heaven should sweep the nation from the Earth and only their records should be found, telling, like those early gravings perchance, of creation, rebellion and its punishment— death.

For Huitza is dead and shall so remain, and this Toltiah is born of Azta, in manner common to all mankind, and wickedly imposes upon your too compliant minds.

And Azta lay by me in her arbour, dreaming wild dreams and smiling with satisfied desire as I caressed her in my arms.

Azta nestled closely to me, and I felt her gracious form tremble in my embrace.

Azta hid her head on my breast ; did she, too, perceive ?

Yet Susi, the wife of Shem, coming as a last warning from Heaven, returned to the Imperial palace to obtain an audience of Azta.

As I reclined by Azta, striving to subdue her heart that it might be impressionable, the woman entered without hindrance, and as I gazed upon her beautiful features a great wave of holy enthusiasm swept over me.

Yet her regards went out to Azta, tall, serene and glorious, reclining on a couch of ostrich-feathers, who turned her mystic eyes and pale, immovable features upon the sweet, shy woman so suddenly and unwarned confronting her in all her fresh young lovliness, looking, with her pure countenance, of a most etherial beauty.

It was not the first time Azta had seen her closely, yet she started faintly as she observed the expression in her face, while Susi's blue eyes looked as though fascinated into her yellow orbs, and dilated largely.

Azta suffered her long lashes to fall slowly, willing to exercise her charms and desirous of admiration with a longing that was the passion of her soul, although perchance she knew it not.

Dropping her blue eyes, thereby causing it to appear as though the sunlight had gone from two bright lakes, Susi made obeisance; and by her lissom grace created a more tender feeling, removing the sensation of hauteur to one whose family held so aloof from royal and popular failings and thereby conveying a reproach (to Azta).

" I am Susi, the wife of Shem," she said modestly, in a voice so sweet and musical that, with the memories of past indebtedness, Azta's heart went out to her with a great friend-ship, so that her manner was singularly tender as she hastened to convey her feelings to the shy petitioner and set her at ease.

"Sit on my footstool," she said, smiling upon her with the flash of red rubies; "in my apartments thou mayest suffer all restraint to vanish; for see, I am a woman also as thyself ; fear not to speak that which is in thy heart, sweetest of our subjects." "Mighty Azta," Susi answered, "gracious is thy speech, for who could help but fear thee!

Now Azta was disturbed, believing it had something to do with Toltiah in some fashion, and restless until she should know what it was.

" At which words Azta loved her yet the more, looking upon her very softly and wistfully in silence for a short space.

But before Azta, sullen and jealous, could offer, her tardy encouragement, a song-bird of surpassing beauty flew into the room and warbled wondrously.

Azta's bosom heaved and an angry light gathered in her eyes ; but she was silent, not knowing by what power Susi spoke, and being greatly impressed by her utterance.

"Stop!" cried Azta in a terrible voice, not being able to support such things being put before her in set speech.

To what end?" she cried, with splendid fire, her brave blue eyes meeting Azta's unflinchingly now, and the high beauty of an Angel in her face.

Azta gazed half in fear, yet the poison of jealousy of her fair teacher cooled any enthusiasm, and she but felt angered that such should reproach her who had seen the hidden things and was so great and powerful.

For thine own soul, hear!" "I will consider," said Azta softly.

One long gaze she cast on all around, one last long look on Azta, and then she was gone, The Empress shook herself as one who would cast off a garment, and laughed.

The startled woman gazed long, unable to remove her eyes from the great ruddy mane and turquoise-studded teeth and the orbs that were so like Azta's.

They prayed for Atlantis, for Zul, for all those gay princes and ladies, and Susi prayed for Azta.

Sadly I considered the fate whereby I had seen Azta; for centuries here or there would have mattered nought to me, and none other could have compelled that strange wild adoration that she received so carelessly; but I blamed myself bitterly for having stayed when I first observed, and for not considering the deepness of the quagmire into which I had permitted myself to be led.

I looked upon the gathering culmination with dire forebodings ; with an injurious eye to Mankind and a wild reproach to Azta who was so wickedly froward.

There reclined Azta and Toltiah, and outside lay those stony figures with the mute impassive features.

And thou, who sat with Azta and art an holy Angel, could'st thou not stay the sin that causes such vengeance ?

Susi was of smaller frame than Azta, and I felt to her all the tenderness of a father as I comforted her fears and restored her to her frightened relatives, bidding the recital of all that she had seen that they might be the more ready to conform to whatsoever the future might bring to them.

But Azta killed it with Marisa's axe.

Azta I found dismayed by all such things, for having seen more than the rest she also feared more; and in her terror my heart went out to her with a love made greater by absence that was all unavailing to make me forget her or to keep from her.

"O my Love!" Azta wept, clinging to me, "what shall befall us?

Would I were as the lower animals that think not!" I pressed her to my heart, and front to front our two hearts beat with pain and anguish ; while, dismayed, I perceived that again Azta wore in her hair the golden symbol of a butterfly and her eyes were red with wine as they looked into mine.

" Azta looked at me and trembled as she gazed.

I stood alone, save but that the prostrate form of Azta lay by me.

For even couldst thou love me now, yet couldst thou never restore the peace of mind that was aforetime, and the purity of the past before sin had passed over, nor fully remove all doubts which prey upon the soul." Azta wept in despair, and I could but love her for it, and spoke words to comfort her.

"Thou rememberest Susi, of the family of Noah ?" asked Azta.

Azta was silent, horror-struck by her perception of things.

Azta perceived as in the unravelling of a skein the process of sin, where a fallen Angel and a fallen mortal had raised a being who caused the nation to stray more than all the times before.

Azta, standing in the midst of a group, among whom were also Toltiah, Nezca, Chanoc, Adar, Tua, Emarna and other great ones, watched with a slight sneer upon her face while the bloody work continued, frowning occasionally when some pretty chubby infant was murdered.

Azta in a cynical rage had ordered this attack to be made, as she still remained upon the temple roof, ministered to by Amaziel.

Above, the low clouds rolled awfully in vast evolutions, and thunder, audible at intervals, sounded in sublime contrast to the howls and shrieks below that filled Azta's spirit with a great unrest to hear.

A sound smote the quick ear of Azta, and looking, she perceived a large dark creature of hideous shape drag itself above the edge of the roof and advance towards her, the attenuated limbs scarce able to support its gross trunk.

Azta, disgusted, retreated to the farthest edge, watching with straining eyes the new creation, which, endowed with great vigour, rose up, and, growing visibly, displayed a monstrous form of indistinguishable hideousness.

Azta hid her face in horror and nausea, and the beast reared itself up and stood upon two legs, tearing at the bloody remains hanging from its jaws with claw-like hands.

A flash of light flew towards where Azta stood, consuming her garments in a breath, so that she stood out before the eyes of Heaven and of Earth naked but for the robe of glory that wrapped her perfect form in brilliant light.

O Azta, why did I so love thee?

Even Huitza is moved and Azta is distressed, and there are those who would fain lay hands upon Noah and you, his sons, because of a rumour that 'tis Susi who caused these things on account of a foolish act of Huitza." "Let Huitza beware!" cried Ham: "let the shade of Maxo the Archer whisper in the ear of the foolish one." For Maxo had secretly disappeared when the army marched upon Zul and lay inactive upon the banks of the Hilen, being slain by Ham for an insult.

"Spawn of a Devil is he, begotten of Azta, and nourished up among us to this end of evil!" He laughed wildly, not guessing how near the truth he was; and seizing Emarna rudely, tossed her up as though she had been an infant, dandling her in his arms, while the whites of his eyes and his teeth gleamed in his dark face shaded by black masses of hair.

Azta, from the palace, saw the mansions and temples heave, separate, and fall crashing in a thunder of noise, enveloped in clouds of smoke and dust, and although her heart beat wildly, yet it was with a curious feeling of carelessness that she heard the loud explosions and crashes and the whirlwind of shrieks and cries.

Azta's fiery glance flitted over the boy and rested with a piercing look upon Toltiah.

All in authority appeared equally helpless, and only once of late had Azta's slung coach passed before their eyes, moving at a swift pace with drawn curtains, its guards not daring now to wantonly interfere with the dreadful creatures who sat stark and starving, glaring upon their full persons with the lust of hungry lions.

Nor are the Angel guards to be feared, for we have tested the virtue of such, and methinks great Azta were match for aught that wears the guise of man.

For Azta, watching the lowering masses over the land, had seen, as it were, a world burst in the heavens with an outpouring of thick horror, and shapes descending therefrom in the cyclones and dark night, and from very far had come the voices of the storm while yet in Zul there was a suffocating calm.

But all eyes became centered on the dais, where lay Azta and Toltiah, crowned and in full harness, in a blaze of light that flashed upon armour and gems and made brighter the coloured vestments, continuing in gleaming masses around where stood guards and gaily-decked menials, the shield-bearers, pipe-bearers, fan-bearers, and all the great retinues of the nobles immediately attending, and falling upon the array of gorgeously apparelled queens and princes nearest to them, all wearing everything they possessed too valuable to be entrusted to slaves, ready for the morrow.

Then Azta arose, and a shrill trumpet blast commanded silence as she stood forth upon the dais, crowned with the Lunar diadem upon whose crystal symbol the lights gathered wondrously, her whole majestic form alive with fire where wondrous gems in teeth, belts, plates and shields accentuated her sumptuous beauty of outline.

Toltiah, sullen and observant, dared not rise to hinder the ambitious act that should have been his, and Azta, moved by an uncontrollable pride, cried out: "To-night am I Queen of Atlantis!" " Hail, Neptsis!" cried Nezca, bending low before her his golden crest.

The Tzan's countenance expressed jealousy and mortification, but Azta's eyes flashed fiery joy at the great ovation from all the princes, satisfied ambition for an instant triumphing over even that great love she bore to Toltiah ; and I wondered would it have done so had Huitza in verity stood there.

Azta, like an Infernal queen, drank with any chief who petitioned her, and Iru, in the blood of two servants whose heads he smashed together, drank to the conquest of Eden, calling upon the warriors to remember the northern place of gathering.

"Peace!" he thundered involuntarily, with a great shout; but Azta laughed loud and long, her voice ringing in mockery over the tentative silence that had fallen upon the throng.

Azta's ghastly merriment died away in fearful silence as a cloud descended, filling the hall with an intensity of darkness and extinguishing the lights.

In full view of all it appeared, and many believed it to be a recognition of their symbol by the gods ; but Azta and Toltiah, perceiving that they were in the presence of an awful power, prostrated themselves, leaving but Nezca and myself standing with shining countenances and figures visible to all.

With a terrible anguish I raised up Azta, pressing her passionately to my bosom while the bitter tears fell fast.

Azta shrieked in my arms, hiding her face in my bosom, not wishing to longer view that portentous god and those awful ruins where, flung afar, the golden fire-tower gleamed amid the dark heaps.

Azta with a shrill scream of anguish leaped forward and attacked the brutes with a dagger, but before she could avail and before I could hasten to the rescue they bounded off" among the panic-stricken people, biting and roaring savagely, disembowelling with tremendous blows and bearing all before them.

But Azta cast herself by her so strangely regarded offspring in a passion of anguish.

He was gone, all that remained now were dead, save only Azta and myself.

And then above all rose an appalling sound that reached even Azta's dull ears and caused her to lean upon me, trembling, her eyes, widely open, gazing with a dreadful dark void from her ashen face.

Upon the dais, surrounded by desolation and death I stood, while Azta, returned to her wild grief, sat with her head buried in her arms, holding Toltiah's cold hand.

Azta noted nought as she sat in a stupor with a dull weight of aching horror on her that numbed her senses; she, who had seen the mysteries of the worlds, who in daring wantonness had stood face to face with God and laughed.

In sad mockery the gems which Azta wore gleamed and flashed, splendid glitterings of bright coloured lights that were so contrary to the desolation around, and yet seemed to find weird company in other glancing points where from dusty pools came the reflected lightning from great gems that ornamented some poor Clay half-submerged.

To beautiful Azta she felt a great yearning love and pity, despite the haughty air and indescribable coldnes5 manifested by her, yet dared not pray to so awful an Omni potence, that had spoken the doom, to avert it.

Azta heard it, crouched there upon the dais, and I heard it also.

A sob of agony burst from my soul, but Azta sat there as silent as the dead figure whose hand she held.

Azta looked up slowly as she heard the crash, and saw the coloured ruins melt away in the churning white foam.

It was a great shark, and Azta felt in a strange manner that she had witnessed that scene before, and was fascinated as she gazed upon that motionless body and marked the head with its strange monstrous profile that resembled a fearful caricature of a human face.

Moved by some agency a golden circlet rolled from beneath the dais, and Azta recognised it as a bracelet worn by Huitza, remembering that she had noted how it flashed upon his arm that night that he died.

Yet it was very awful, and Azta felt that she was an intruder in the presence of the wrath of God.

Azta heard the summons, and with a heart-rending bitterness came a pitiless intuition like a voice from those Heavens that were so dreadful, and she realized what I would never have told her— that I had perchance lost all hope of regaining Heaven for the preference of endeavouring to obtain an uncertain love of Earth.

Azta raised her eyelids.

And thus passed Azta, once ruler of Atlantis, last of all those thronging crowds that had stood before her there where the waters flowed.