Part 2

Aac, the unsuccessful suitor, is filled with jealous wrath.

The sovereign Can, and his brother the High Priest Cay, both pass away. The Can’s eldest son, also named Cay, becomes High Priest; Móo is Queen of Chicħen, and her consort the supreme military chief.

III.

The Prince consort is treacherously slain by his brother Aac, who admits his guilt, and is banished from the royal city, his elder brother warning him that he, Aac, will cause the downfall of the Can dynasty.

IV.

Multitudes assemble to bewail the death of Coh and witness the funeral rites. His ashes are laid to rest and, with his charred heart, deposited in a stone urn, the widowed Queen places her talisman, hoping to thus link her destiny with that of Coh. She builds a monument over his mortal remains and a statue made to his likeness, and erects a memorial hall, upon whose exterior walls she inscribes an invocation to the _manes_ of her consort.

V.

Notwithstanding his crime, Aac ventures to renew his entreaties. Failing in his desire, he brings about a war that causes the ruin of the country and people. Finally the Queen is captured and imprisoned by Aac; but she is rescued by loyal subjects and with them flees to foreign lands.

VI.

Aac, frustrated even in his hour of triumph, becomes a tyrant, oppresses those under his sway, turns a deaf ear to better promptings, and at last is killed in a contest with some of his own subjects, who would restrain him. The famous CAN dynasty is thus brought to its close.

VII.

The Queen and her rescuers find tranquillity in the land of the Nile, where, long before, Maya colonists had made their homes. Here, Móo is received with open arms, and reigns again to the hour of her death.

SEQUEL.

I.

After many centuries have passed away, in a land far distant from that of the Mayas, Death snatches a baby girl from a loving brother. He stays upon earth; his lost sister again takes mortal form in another family; they meet and are united; the prophecy of the High Priest Cay being thus fulfilled. Together they journey to the land of the Mayas where, in the tomb of Coh, they find his heart and Móo’s talisman, in the urn in which she had deposited it many centuries before.

II.

Among the ruins of his palace Aac’s spirit wanders desolate, pleading for the blessing of forgetfulness in rebirth.

III.

The talisman brings visions of the long ago, voices of the Past; Cay, the Wise, still lives, still leads the way to paths of peace.

QUEEN MÓO’S TALISMAN.

FALL OF THE MAYA EMPIRE.

I.

Moved by the Will Supreme to be reborn,— In high estate a soul sought earthly morn; Life stirred within a beauteous Maya queen Of noble deeds, of gracious word and mien.

Beneath the wing of Can, just potentate O’er Maya-land, of old an empire great, The Princess Móo knew all the joys of youth, Led on from day to day by Love and Truth. Earth’s fairest blossoms at her feet were flung; About her slender form rare pearls were hung. The zephyr soft was music to her ear; The tempest wild awaked in her no fear. Within her being Past and Future slept, And into guileless mind no phantom crept. Heart sang with Nature’s harmonies its best, Like warbling bird within a downy nest. But soon ’mong roseate tints more sombre thought Unto youth’s bubbling spring dark ripples brought.

An aged man, divine love in his face, Led Princess Móo within a sacred place And there relating many a tale of old, Of years to come would something too unfold. Faint echos even now reverberate What he then told about the awful fate Of Mu, imperial mistress of the seas, Renowned for power and wealth thro’ centuries. “O’erwhelmed was she in one appalling night When Homen, raging in his fearful might, Threw lofty peaks that lesser mountains crushed, And every life was into silence hushed. The rended mountains sent aloft their fire To meet the lightning’s dart and then expire. From earth and sky incessant thunder broke; The bursting clouds forced back ascending smoke; Soon over all the seething billows swept: Death’s lullaby the waters purled, and crept. Then towering seas that gleamed as with snowcap, Tossed ships on land, while into Ocean’s lap The land convulsed, her haughty mansions heaved. Waves onward dashed, as roaring flames they cleaved. In contest fierce, for mastery thus strove The elements, as luckless Mu they drove, With Death to battle, down in yawning hell; By all her gods forsaken, doomed she fell!”

“In blind despair, brother ’gainst brother fought; For feeble minds to frenzy soon were brought. Upon their knees men grovelled in the mud; In vain from crashing wall, from flame and flood, A shelter sought, demented they, with fear; And many a pleading eye met maniac leer. Fond mothers left their babes and raving fled; Thus fast and faster unto death all sped. Men ran distracted; climbed the stalwart trees, By earthquake rocked like craft on stormy seas. Cast off, they rushed to find in caverns deep A refuge safe; nor into those might creep; For when they drew anear, with thunderous sound The cavern mouths closed up as heaved the ground. In cities rich and great the house-tops swarmed With frantic men, by fear to brutes transformed. Around, the blackened, angry waters surged Till dwellings rocked, and melting soon were merged, Engulfed in dark abyss with writhing woe, All swiftly spent in one last awful throe!”

“The temples of the gods, the halls of state, Quick fell, but failed Lord Homen’s greed to sate. High towers of stone in fragments crumbled down— Of perfect structure those, and wide renown. About man’s shattered works the waters whirled, And he, to Terror’s chariot lashed, was hurled To deep repose or spheres to man unknown, While mangled body lay in ocean prone. Above the horrid sights and awful fear Dark waters rolled, mud-laden many a year. At dawn high crested waves, victorious, Exulted over Mu long glorious! Of what she was, some vestige yet may rest In depth profound ’neath Ocean’s heaving breast. Perchance, when ages shall have fled, that land, Stripped bare—again unable to withstand Volcanic force, that will her life-springs start— May rise, and thus reborn again take part On this small globe, mere cosmic spark! yet still A universe whose powers await man’s will.”

“To Ku the Mighty, hosts of souls went back Upon that thirteenth night in month of Zac. The dross returned to nursery of Earth— All form to fire and water owes its birth. Our wisemen then by edict made that date Each week, of thirteen days, to terminate. And noble hearts that day, with sacred rite, In urns are hid away from mortal sight; Then during thirteen days we all lament. When Maya nation mourns some dire event, On thirteen altars we our offering make; And thirteen guests at funeral board partake. That famous Mu may ne’er forgotten be, To grief belongs thirteen, by Can’s decree.”

“For many years Mu’s day of doom was feared, When those who into magic mirrors peered Saw visions grim; their minds were filled with dread. Not all believed that into Ocean’s bed A land of vast dimensions could be thrust By Homen’s power, yet many felt mistrust. But one there was more heedful than the rest, In science versed and with discernment blest; From Mu he sailed with those who deemed him wise— Our ancestor was he, thou dost surmise.”

The Princess, deeply touched, in silence heard, With close attention, not to lose a word.

“To Oracle that ancestor gave ear— Yet he for self had not a thought of fear— And thus were many saved, of noble race That otherwise had left on earth no trace, With him for guide to this kind shore they came, Renewing here the glory of their name. Then all agreed that Can should Sovereign be. He earnestly desired they might be free From failings he deplored in that great State They’d left, because ’twas threatened by dark fate. He warned them oft—‘Of luxury and pride Beware!’—for well he knew how, side by side, Such foes can plunge the soul of man in mire. The arrogance of Mu roused Heaven’s ire; At her debauchery shocked, the gods forth fled; Deserted thus, in agony she bled. Simplicity and virtue stern, Can taught; With zeal his subjects held this righteous thought; Rejoiced in peace, and in dominion grew, Till far and near the Mayas throve anew. Can passed away before proud Mu was crushed, But his successor’s voice was yet unhushed. Now, Princess dear, we reach, it seems to me, Portentous years—come then, thy fate we’ll see.”

Thus spake the Sage, as o’er his raiment white He threw an ample cloak of feathers bright, Of royal yellow these and emerald-green, Beneath the sky resplendent was their sheen When forth he went, the Princess by his side, To sacred place that had no roof to hide The glorious light of day, but walled so high That none could see within while passing by.

Móo’s simple mind was here struck with amaze, For where the wiseman fixed his earnest gaze An armadillo thence out crept, nor stayed Till at her feet, as if it thus obeyed A force unseen or was by fetter bound; But none appeared upon that hallowed ground. The aged man this creature gently placed Above a brasier which the Princess faced; As in its depth clear-burning charcoal lay, With pity moved she cried aloud—“Nay! nay!” But he—“Think not that I would torture this Or aught that is; could I then hope for bliss? Each being in Creation works its way To perfect rest, all must this law obey. From Ku all emanate, are thence divine; Eternal law ordaineth all combine To aid; each one of us must give and take. This creature, serving us, will progress make, And we are lifted up in reaching down; Thus by endeavor we ourselves may crown. Learn then, this little friend shall nothing feel, Experience shall to thee a truth reveal. Thy slender fingers I but touch, and lo! All feeling goes, no heat therein doth glow. Now move thy hand, ’tis free again dost find; This holy law to suffering flesh is kind; Who knoweth this, sensation can enchain, And armadillo shall not suffer pain.”

’Twas true indeed, for tranquilly it stayed Above the burning coal, quite undismayed; While such the heat endured that soon its shell O’erspread became with misty lines. To spell What weighty meaning auspice might conceal The seer watched, its purport to reveal. What promised he—of what did he then warn—Could she evade the fate foretold that morn? For house of Can he prophesied defeat, Through dark revenge its overthrow complete; By jealousy brought on, and Móo its source, Tho’ blameless she, herself bereft of force.

Then back to Cay’s sanctum both returned, Móo’s heart oppressed by much that she had learned. This mood the Sage rebuked and bade her hear His words: “Dear child, thy path lies straight and clear; Whate’er may hap, no thought of wrath outsend; This breedeth ill and nothing doth amend. In spite of many wrongs thou may’st endure, Of fame this oracle doth thee assure. ’Twould seem a jest to bid thee do aright, For man, alas! is in a woful plight! He gropes along in quest of Wisdom’s ray And, ever seeking, often goes astray. In noble deeds exert thy human might; Let acts of kindness be thy best delight.

To give advice for all life’s days who dare? Can one foresee what pitfall may ensnare Thy feet in paths where thou art bound to tread? But come what may, thy soul must nothing dread. Hate’s sting fear not; if thou no hatred give, Its venom reacheth not what shall outlive All trivial griefs and wrongs, thyself divine, Bring what life will, let not thy soul repine. Aid those who seek thy help; there is no joy Surpassing this, unmingled with alloy.

We know that conflict is a law of life, For matter feeds itself by constant strife; The Will Eternal maketh this decree; We feel results; the _why_ we do not see. The Heart of Heaven, throbbing with thine own, Knows ALL IS WELL. The Infinite alone Embraces all, and ever lures us on To blissful rest where all return anon. In paths of doubt and fear all onward go, But knowing little, waver to and fro. At times disconsolate, men yet aspire, Labor and sigh for bauble they desire; For riches, joys and honors, they contend; But on the funeral pyre these all must end. Let thy wish be to find the highest gift, The Light Divine, ’t will ever thee uplift. When grief shall rend thy heart, seek thine own soul; Shut out life’s din, and find that sacred goal.

A talisman I give thee—jadeite green, ’Twill ever lend thee intuition keen. Its wearer may with love herself surround, For with attractive force it doth abound. Would one deceive, and traitor prove to thee, His mind with this thou wilt quite plainly see. Thro’ centuries this talisman can bind Two souls—desiring this, the way thou’lt find. But keep it sacredly for thee alone; If thou lose this a foe will seize thy throne.“

II.

The daughter of the Can was early wooed By Aac, her brother, who with fervor sued; A brother-prince by law must consort be; In choice of one the future Queen was free. And ’twas for Coh alone her own heart yearned; Aac seeing this with jealous anger burned. Those brothers fought as strangers cruel might; Both wounded fell, a rueful, horrid sight!

Coh far and wide for valiant deeds was known; The Princess Móo her courage oft had shown; That they should mated be was right and just; Thus by the Can, who in them put full trust, Their nuptials sanctioned were, and many a day, On pleasure bent, the people had their way; For Can regaled them all with lavish grant. At break of day was heard the deep-toned chant:

Lord of day we are Thine! On our path deign to shine— Holy Light! Mortals glory in Thy might. When night flees before Thy ray We our voices lift, and pray— Great Light!

Scarce rose the sun when crowds on sport intent, From every door in quest of pleasure went; All left their homes the time to pass away, And on the air rang many a joyous lay Of boy and girl who simple frolic sought, And gaily sang with little care or thought.

Hear life’s jingle, come along! All should mingle with the throng; Clasp my hand, dear, haste with me— Say not nay, for I love thee! Quit thy nonsense or begone! I am not thus lightly won. Let’s go onward to the dance, Give me but one tender glance! Cease thy teasing, I’ll not go! ’Tis decided, thou must know. Hear life’s jingle! join the throng; Youth and pleasure stay not long.

With shades of eve came other dancers gay, Their smiles enticing young and old away; As in and out about the streets they roamed, They joked and sang while many a goblet foamed:

On our dress of spotless white We are wreathing garlands bright; And will sing, kiss, sip, With laughing, ruddy, lip, Far away into the night.

Days of gladness soon take flight, Love’s sweet nectar do not slight Let us sing, kiss, sip, And light-hearted gaily trip, While our vows we once more plight.

And well they did to quaff the honeyed cup— Why keep the mind with bitter thoughts filled up,— The watchful gods no pity ever take On those who sullen gloom will not forsake; But on bright smiles, reflecting cheerful heart, Frown not, e’en if gay Folly play a part.

O beauteous night! when lingering footfall strayed, And stars reflected seemed where firefly played, Each leaflet murmured lover’s tenderness; Soul’s ecstasy was pure and fathomless. O mystic Love! to every trivial thing A new and holy charm dost ever bring, With light and joy, to all touched by thy ray Creation glows for him who feels thy sway. Of one we love Perfection is the name, For love is breath of God, all potent flame! Thus ’twas a lover sang, with rapture filled, When bird on leafy bough had softly trilled:

Ah! bird so gay, Take not thy flight! With dulcet lay My heart delight! Stay by me here, For thou art dear— Tho’ one I love is yet more dear!

Ah! floweret fair, With breath of Morn Upon the air Thy perfume’s borne; Thy life’s too fleet, For thou art sweet— Tho’ one I love is yet more sweet!

Ah! limpid dew, Fair pearl of Night— That doth anew To petal bright Give charm to lure— Thou art so pure! Tho’ one I love is just as pure.

In drowsy bud Night breathed. “May love here bide!” But love and pain are one, so floweret sighed When glistening dew to perfumed petal clung, Imploring—“Wake me not! by zephyr swung, Ah! let me linger in this happy state! Ope not the way to pang that may await.”

But lovely Morn appeared with roseate ray, And soon the god of day chased tears away; Earth throbbed anew, leaves quivered with delight; Flowers laughed, “We love! we live! thanks be to Night!” In silent, sombre hour of deep repose All form drinks in life’s force that ever flows; And from the tranquil vale of balmy rest Each being leaps—love’s joy they all attest. On globes revolving night must follow day; The universe doth this same law obey.

Pleasure with pain is mingled, gently kissed By Sorrow, or regret for something missed; As plaintive minor blends with major strain, Fair Light’s attendant shades adorn her train. And Móo upon her marriage day had mourned, For she by Oracle had been forewarned That Coh from her might in the future time Be torn by dastard treachery and crime. Beyond that time the wiseman too could see That Móo, bereft and harshly wronged, would flee. More strange than all, the Oracle foretold— “In bitter woe this thought may thee uphold: Both will return; the sister thou wilt be And wife once more of him awaiting thee.”

The Prophet Cay taught Can’s eldest child; With mystic lore their time was much beguiled; For pupil would some day the High Priest be, When his preceptor should from earth go free. Surrounded by his volumes old, the Sage In search of truth read over every page. On rare occasions he before the crowd Came forth to speak, and all to his will bowed. Prophetic words were his, sincere and wise; The Can obeyed when Cay deigned advise. Revered by high and low, the honored Sage Could by his will much pain and grief assuage— Nor ever aid withheld, for he loved all— But soon the Lord of life would him recall. More than he did no one in mortal frame Could do, aspiring to the Holy Flame, To keep soul free from earth. His nourishment— Whereon the sun its vital ray had sent— Pure water, simple fruit, white flesh of bird, Was more than he required, he oft averred. In mystic posture he besought Mehen, The Word, that he might wisdom pure attain.

He could at will ascend from solid ground And float above, while crowds up looked spellbound. Soon after Sovereign Can, without a throe, Cay passed away, bewailed by high and low. Around his flaming pyre, bowed in the dust, All wept for him in whom they’d put their trust.

Can’s first-born son then filled the Pontiff’s place; Thenceforth he would by every means efface The jealous hatred rankling in Aac’s mind; But he alas! with passion grew more blind; For now that Móo was Queen, and consort Coh, Her love he ne’er could win, nor him o’erthrow. To Móo came other joys with baby lips; Pure bliss from soft caressing finger tips.

III.

Beyond her palace wall Móo heard the chant Of worshiper imploring Heaven to grant Its bounteous rain, fresh life to Mother Earth, The parched land to revive and save from dearth:

When the Master doth rise To appear in the east The four corners of heaven are released, And my broken accents fall Into the hands of Him who giveth all.

When clouds from east ascend To the Orderer’s throne— Ah Tzolan, who thirteen cloud-banks rules alone— Where the lords cloud-tearers wait, Biding the will of Ah Tzolan the Great,

Then the Keeper who sees The gods’ nectar ferment, With these guardians of crops is content; They his holy offerings place Before the Father, pleading for His grace.

I too my offering make, Of beauteous virgin bird, And myself lacerate, breathing holy word. Thee I love! then heed my cry! My offering place in hands of the Most High.

Could Móo in far off days forget that prayer? Ah no! for as it died upon the air A messenger appeared; his words sought vent— Ill tidings had to him their fleetness lent.

Poor human heart! that blenches, quivers, shrinks, Appalled at fatal stroke that swift unlinks Two lives attuned to one harmonious breath. O loving heart! thy cruel foe is Death. With _this_ compared all other anguish pales; To soothe _this_ pang no human aid avails.

Affrighted eyes met hers—“Speak! speak!” she cried. Heart knew and leaped—“Thou art alone!” it sighed.

In broken words the dire event was told— The herald was forbidden to withhold The worst. Then fiercely battled in Móo’s breast Wild rage and grief, while he obeyed her hest.

Scarce gone the man, when doubt brought some relief— He must be mad! Allured by this belief She fixed her gaze on Hope’s illusive beam— “Untrue the tale! a frightful, ghastly dream! He dead! Impossible! Sore wounded, yes, As oft; his voice would ease her keen distress. The valiant Coh could never vanquished be, Victorious from every fight came he.” Thus to herself, forbidding other thought, And from her palace rushed, not caring aught For those who would detain her steps, she fled To meet the Prince; her servitors she led.

He came surrounded by a mighty crowd. “Make way for us!” the Queen’s men cried aloud— “The Queen is here!” Her breath was all but spent. The bearers stopped; with cries the air was rent. Then bending low, her arms about him flung, She gasped! To his, cold set, her hot lips clung. Beneath an arch of warriors’ shields upraised, She saw, she felt; in death Coh’s eyes were glazed. Ah! woful sight! ’twas more than Móo could bear— She fell, unconscious of the tender care On her bestowed, as homeward borne apace; Far happier had she been in Death’s embrace.

’Neath holy Ceiba tree, upon the ground, Struck down by one unknown, Coh had been found. Whence came the treacherous foe? From foreign land? Beloved by all was Coh—Whose then the hand? With brother’s blood would Aac himself imbrue? This thought in vain she struggled to subdue. “I rave!” she cried; her mind with doubt was torn; Those brothers royal were from one womb born. “O wretched man! O cruel, monstrous fate! Our Prince was sacrificed to mortal hate! Unarmed was he when came the stealthy foe Behind, to strike unseen the vengeful blow. Thrice stabbed, Coh reeled and fell. Then turned to flee His slayer, who rejoiced alive and free!”