Upon the central plateau, near the present town of Santa Cruz del Quiché, stood Utatlan,[XXIV-1] the ancient capital of the Quiché nation. It was surrounded by a deep ravine, and could be entered only at two points. To one of these entrances over thirty stone steps led up an almost perpendicular2 cliff; to the other a narrow artificial causeway, connected at one point by a bridge which could be easily destroyed. The city was further strengthened by the grim fortress3 of Atalaya, four stories in height, and the pyramidal fortification of El Resguardo,[XXIV-2] one hundred and twenty feet high. In wealth and splendor4 Utatlan, in which twenty generations of the present dynasty had reigned5, vied with the city of the Aztec kings 644 and the gardened capital of the Incas. In its centre stood the royal palace, surrounded by the imposing6 residences of the nobles, and beyond, the humbler dwellings7 of the common people. The palace was one of the most magnificent structures of Central America. It was built of hewn stone of various colors, mosaic8 in appearance, and its colossal9 dimensions, and elegant and stately architectural form, excited mingled10 awe11 and admiration12.[XXIV-3]
Within the lofty portals the quarters of the household guards, surrounding a spacious13 barrack yard, were first presented to view. Dusky warriors14, lancers, and archers15, clad in wildly picturesque16 garbs17 of dappled tiger-skins or sombre bear-hides, in brilliant plumes18 and polished arms, with silent tread measured the well paved court. In the principal apartments near at hand the various arms and paraphernalia19 of battle lay ready for immediate20 use, while on the walls hung hard-won trophies21 of war. Next lay the residence of the unmarried princes, and beyond this the palace proper, containing besides the apartments of the monarch22 the council-chamber, with the gorgeous throne canopied23 with costly24 tapestry25 of feather work of rare designs and wrought26 with cunning skill; also the royal treasury27, the hall of justice, and the armory28. Three separate suites29 of rooms, for morning, afternoon, and night, were each day occupied by the monarch, and all these more private apartments looked out upon delightful30 gardens, with trees, and flowers, and fruits, and in their midst menageries and aviaries31, with rare and curious collections. Beyond lay the separate palaces of the monarch's queens and concubines, with their baths, and gardens, and miniature lakes; and lastly the maidens32' college, in which were reared and educated the female offspring of royal blood. 645
And all this was but one pile of buildings, the largest, it is true; but there were others of no mean pretensions33, the residences of the nobles and of the wealthy trading class. Of a truth Utatlan was a fine city, and a strong and noble one. And must it now be yielded to the spoiler? Is there no hope? None. Then perish all, for who would live with king and country gone; and with its occupants, also this fair capital which so long has harbored kings. Ah! if this strong trap could but be baited, and the white foxes enticed34 thereto and strangled. Rare thought! It were worth dying a dozen times to see these braggarts but once die. And so the Quiché cunning ones determined35. In general council it was agreed that the Spaniards should be invited to a feast, and while there the city should be burned and brought down upon their heads!
OXIB QUIEH SUCCEEDS TECUM UMAM.
By the death of Tecum Umam his son Oxib Quieh[XXIV-4] succeeded to the throne. His situation was not an enviable one. The best troops, in fact the very flower of the nation, had been destroyed or scattered36. His father, with numbers of the first men of the land, had fallen, without having in a single instance gained a battle or baffled the foe37. Their puny38 efforts were as gnats39 stinging or destroying a band of wild boars.
Yet the grandson of the great Kicab Tanub would not abandon the field without a struggle. The council might burn the city if they chose. And though their hopes and the prospects40 of success were great, the king and his nobles relaxed none the less their efforts to raise fresh troops. Should the plan fail, they would again take the field. Not only did Oxib Quieh draw all the forces possible from his own provinces, but he adopted every means to smooth the differences that existed between himself and the neighboring provinces. By these exertions41 at length a strong league was formed, and again the natives in 646 formidable numbers were ready to do battle for their gods and their country at the proper moment.
These preparations completed, an embassy with presents of gold was despatched to greet the conqueror42, to sue for peace, and to tender their king's submission43 as vassal44 to the king of Spain. Alvarado was also invited to the court of Utatlan, where the king was waiting to offer in person his allegiance and entertain with all due honor the redoubtable45 Spaniard. Alvarado graciously accepted both the presents and the invitation, and made presents in return, and on the following day set out with his army to pay the promised visit. It was quite natural on both sides, the invitation and the acceptance. Here were war and a conquered country; here the conquered with overtures46 of peace; and so the Spaniards marched into the trap without suspicion.
THE PLOT DISCOVERED.
But as they passed along the narrow causeway and came to the bridge, certain soldiers[XXIV-5] fancied they saw where it had been recently weakened. When the attention of Alvarado was called to it he made no alarm, nor did he turn a moment from his course. He relished47 the flavor of such an adventure, and grasping his sword the tighter he commanded the strictest caution and the closest observation. On entering the city the suspicions of the Spaniards were confirmed. The men were armed; the women and children had been withdrawn48; there were few provisions at hand and little valuable merchandise in the storehouses; in many buildings throughout the city brush and firewood had been deposited, while the anxiety displayed in the uneasy deportment of the natives themselves could not be disguised. It was observed, too, that the streets were so narrow and the houses so compact that it would be impossible for the cavalry49 to move; and lastly, the Quezaltenango allies who accompanied the Spaniards obtained 647 and brought to Alvarado positive information of the intentions of the Quiché chiefs.[XXIV-6]
Not only are prompt measures now necessary, but they must be such as will not arouse the suspicions of a most suspicious foe, whose keen eyes are watching every movement. Without formally summoning a council Alvarado moves in holiday mien50 among his officers, dropping here a hint and laying there a stern command; meanwhile, outwardly undisturbed, he rides forward into the nest of nobles awaiting him and greets them with a frank smile amid renewed protestations of friendship. This done he looks about for the disposal of the horses. They are worshipful brutes51, in some respects the equals and even the superiors of men; they are not given to feasting like men, but they must not be forgotten at the feast. Their greatest delight will be to feed upon the open plain; he will conduct them there and return without delay. Greatly disconcerted the nobles press the Tonatiuh to immediate entertainment, which even now awaits him; under the direction of the soldiers they will provide the best care for the noble animals. By no means, Alvarado intimates; the horses will never forgive him if he neglects them on so important an occasion. Thus all the Spaniards return over the causeway, and the weakened bridge, and with a feeling of intense relief reach the plain in safety.
Now for a sweet morsel52 of revenge. While gathering53 grass for the horses the soldiers are fired on from the ravines and thickets54, and one Spaniard, a servant of the commander, is killed. The king and his nobles, who remain near the city entrance, on witnessing the outrage55 from this distance are distressed56, and take measures to prevent hostile demonstrations57 on the part of their people. Alvarado pretends to regard it all as 648 of no moment, and continues his attitude of confidence and cordiality with the chiefs. It is unfortunate, this accident of the servant; but after what has happened probably the feast had better be postponed58. As a further mark of friendship and esteem59, will Oxib Quieh and his companions look in upon the camp of the Spaniards? Poor boy! So easily caught, and in a trap, a steel one, quite different from the bungling60 bridge-drop at Utatlan. Now may all men open their eyes and judge as gods, for these present must die!
The mask is thrown aside, and the avenger61 in his wrath62 stands revealed. Oxib Quieh and his caciques are seized and charged with their treacherous63 intentions. Their condemnation64 is a matter predetermined, but execution is delayed a little that the tiger may sport with his prey65. Little gold has been gathered on this expedition, and it may be well to put upon the scene in Guatemala the grand drama of Montezuma not long since performed at the Mexican capital. The prisoners shall have their lives if they gather much gold. This done, they shall have their lives if they gather more gold. And when the kingdom is stripped of its gold and the Spaniards become impatient, a great fire is built, into which those of the prisoners who are not hanged are thrown alive; and the smoke ascends66 to heaven as grateful incense67 to their god.[XXIV-7] 649
COURAGE OF THE QUICHéS.
Notwithstanding these merciless lessons, during which three of the Quiché kings, of three several generations in direct line of succession, had been sacrificed, hostilities68 were speedily renewed. A fierce attack was made on all sides, the natives issuing in great numbers from the many ravines which intersected the neighboring ground, and the assault was obstinately69 maintained for some time; but the artillery[XXIV-8] committed such dreadful destruction, opening through their dense71 masses lanes strewn with mutilated bodies and torn-off limbs, that they speedily recognized the futility72 of their attempts, and fled back to the gulches73. Keeping ever to inaccessible74 ground, and avoiding open engagement,[XXIV-9] they harassed75 the army incessantly76, by cutting off stragglers and inflicting77 harm in any way that they were able. At length Alvarado determined upon the plan of burning their city and devastating78 the country; and he sent to the friendly king of the Cakchiquels, requesting a contingent79 of troops to assist him in dislodging the Quichés from their fastnesses. Four thousand warriors were at once sent[XXIV-10] by the submissive lord, with 650 which additional force, and the energetic measures he pursued, Alvarado carried on the process of subjection with effect. The warlike Quichés, their city burned,[XXIV-11] their crops destroyed, hunted from one retreat to another, driven from their lands, at length were forced to yield. Alvarado received their overtures with generosity80. He pardoned the repentant81 in his great mercy, and promised them their lives, at the same time ordering them to return and occupy their lands. He moreover released two captive sons of the royal line and put them in possession of their father's realm, the leading monarch being named Sequechul.
ENSLAVEMENT.
Thus was terminated for a time the struggle of the Quichés for independence—a struggle that ceased only with the destruction of their principal nobility and all the bravest warriors of the nation. To their obstinate70 valor82 the conqueror himself bears testimony83, and recognizing the difficulties of his position, and how man of himself can do so little, he begs Cortés to order in the Mexican capital a procession of all the clergy84, so that the virgin85 might help him. And further, would he "please take care to inform his Majesty86 how we are serving him with our persons and means, and at our own cost, in order that his Majesty may reward 651 us?" Nor did the lieutenant87 fail to report that his majesty's interests had been carefully attended to, all captives taken in the war having been branded and reduced to slavery. The royal fifth of these captive Quichés had been delivered to the treasurer88, Baltasar de Mendoza, who sold them at auction89 for the better security of the revenue.
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1
entrap
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| v.以网或陷阱捕捉，使陷入圈套 | |
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perpendicular
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| adj.垂直的，直立的；n.垂直线，垂直的位置 | |
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fortress
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| n.堡垒，防御工事 | |
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splendor
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| n.光彩；壮丽，华丽；显赫，辉煌 | |
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reigned
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| vi.当政，统治（reign的过去式形式） | |
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imposing
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| adj.使人难忘的，壮丽的，堂皇的，雄伟的 | |
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7
dwellings
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| n.住处，处所( dwelling的名词复数 ) | |
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mosaic
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| n./adj.镶嵌细工的，镶嵌工艺品的，嵌花式的 | |
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colossal
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| adj.异常的，庞大的 | |
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mingled
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| 混合，混入( mingle的过去式和过去分词 )； 混进，与…交往[联系] | |
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awe
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| n.敬畏，惊惧；vt.使敬畏，使惊惧 | |
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admiration
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| n.钦佩，赞美，羡慕 | |
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spacious
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| adj.广阔的，宽敞的 | |
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warriors
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| 武士，勇士，战士( warrior的名词复数 ) | |
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archers
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| n.弓箭手，射箭运动员( archer的名词复数 ) | |
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16
picturesque
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| adj.美丽如画的，（语言）生动的，绘声绘色的 | |
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17
garbs
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| vt.装扮（garb的第三人称单数形式） | |
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plumes
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| 羽毛( plume的名词复数 )； 羽毛饰； 羽毛状物； 升上空中的羽状物 | |
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paraphernalia
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| n.装备；随身用品 | |
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immediate
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| adj.立即的；直接的，最接近的；紧靠的 | |
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trophies
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| n.（为竞赛获胜者颁发的）奖品( trophy的名词复数 )；奖杯；（尤指狩猎或战争中获得的）纪念品；（用于比赛或赛跑名称）奖 | |
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monarch
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| n.帝王，君主，最高统治者 | |
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canopied
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| adj. 遮有天篷的 | |
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costly
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| adj.昂贵的，价值高的，豪华的 | |
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tapestry
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| n.挂毯，丰富多采的画面 | |
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wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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27
treasury
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| n.宝库；国库，金库；文库 | |
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armory
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| n.纹章，兵工厂，军械库 | |
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29
suites
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| n.套( suite的名词复数 )；一套房间；一套家具；一套公寓 | |
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delightful
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| adj.令人高兴的，使人快乐的 | |
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aviaries
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| n.大鸟笼( aviary的名词复数 )；鸟舍；鸟类饲养场；鸟类饲养者 | |
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maidens
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| 处女( maiden的名词复数 )； 少女； 未婚女子； （板球运动）未得分的一轮投球 | |
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pretensions
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| 自称( pretension的名词复数 )； 自命不凡； 要求； 权力 | |
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enticed
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| 诱惑，怂恿( entice的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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puny
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| adj.微不足道的，弱小的 | |
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gnats
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| n.叮人小虫( gnat的名词复数 ) | |
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prospects
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| n.希望，前途(恒为复数) | |
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exertions
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| n.努力( exertion的名词复数 )；费力；（能力、权力等的）运用；行使 | |
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conqueror
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| n.征服者，胜利者 | |
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submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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vassal
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| n.附庸的；属下；adj.奴仆的 | |
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45
redoubtable
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| adj.可敬的；可怕的 | |
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overtures
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| n.主动的表示，提议；（向某人做出的）友好表示、姿态或提议( overture的名词复数 )；（歌剧、芭蕾舞、音乐剧等的）序曲，前奏曲 | |
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47
relished
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| v.欣赏( relish的过去式和过去分词 )；从…获得乐趣；渴望 | |
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48
withdrawn
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| vt.收回；使退出；vi.撤退，退出 | |
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cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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50
mien
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| n.风采；态度 | |
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51
brutes
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| 兽( brute的名词复数 )； 畜生； 残酷无情的人； 兽性 | |
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52
morsel
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| n.一口，一点点 | |
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53
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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54
thickets
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| n.灌木丛( thicket的名词复数 )；丛状物 | |
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outrage
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| n.暴行，侮辱，愤怒；vt.凌辱，激怒 | |
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56
distressed
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| 痛苦的 | |
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demonstrations
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| 证明( demonstration的名词复数 )； 表明； 表达； 游行示威 | |
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postponed
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| vt.& vi.延期，缓办，（使）延迟vt.把…放在次要地位；[语]把…放在后面（或句尾）vi.（疟疾等）延缓发作（或复发） | |
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esteem
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| n.尊敬，尊重；vt.尊重，敬重；把…看作 | |
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bungling
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| adj.笨拙的，粗劣的v.搞糟，完不成( bungle的现在分词 )；笨手笨脚地做；失败；完不成 | |
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avenger
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| n. 复仇者 | |
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wrath
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| n.愤怒，愤慨，暴怒 | |
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63
treacherous
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| adj.不可靠的，有暗藏的危险的；adj.背叛的，背信弃义的 | |
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condemnation
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| n.谴责; 定罪 | |
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prey
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| n.被掠食者，牺牲者，掠食；v.捕食，掠夺，折磨 | |
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66
ascends
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| v.上升，攀登( ascend的第三人称单数 ) | |
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incense
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| v.激怒；n.香，焚香时的烟，香气 | |
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hostilities
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| n.战争；敌意(hostility的复数)；敌对状态；战事 | |
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obstinately
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| ad.固执地，顽固地 | |
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obstinate
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| adj.顽固的，倔强的，不易屈服的，较难治愈的 | |
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dense
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| a.密集的，稠密的，浓密的；密度大的 | |
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72
futility
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| n.无用 | |
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gulches
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| n.峡谷( gulch的名词复数 ) | |
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inaccessible
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| adj.达不到的，难接近的 | |
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75
harassed
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| adj. 疲倦的，厌烦的 动词harass的过去式和过去分词 | |
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incessantly
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| ad.不停地 | |
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77
inflicting
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| 把…强加给，使承受，遭受( inflict的现在分词 ) | |
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devastating
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| adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的 | |
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contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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80
generosity
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| n.大度，慷慨，慷慨的行为 | |
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repentant
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| adj.对…感到悔恨的 | |
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valor
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| n.勇气，英勇 | |
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83
testimony
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| n.证词；见证，证明 | |
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84
clergy
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| n.[总称]牧师，神职人员 | |
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85
virgin
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| n.处女，未婚女子；adj.未经使用的；未经开发的 | |
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86
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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87
lieutenant
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| n.陆军中尉，海军上尉；代理官员，副职官员 | |
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88
treasurer
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| n.司库，财务主管 | |
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89
auction
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| n.拍卖；拍卖会；vt.拍卖 | |
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