Read Ebook: Queen Moo's Talisman: The Fall of the Maya Empire by Le Plongeon Alice D Alice Dixon

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These Indians were in May, 1901, subjugated by Mexican troops, under General Bravo, after a prolonged struggle, and their capital of Chan Santa Cruz was taken.

ARGUMENT.

A soul returns to earth to live again in mortal form as daughter of a potentate who rules over the Maya Empire. When the Princess reaches womanhood, the High Priest Cay, her father's brother, describes to her the destruction of the great land whence her people came; consults Fate regarding her future; gives advice to the Princess, and presents her with a talismanic stone, warning her that its loss might deprive her of her throne.

The Princess is wooed by two of her brothers, who thus become rivals. Her preference is for Coh, whom she weds. Cay prophesies to her that in another earthly incarnation she will again be the sister and wife of him she has chosen for consort.

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; M?o is Queen of Chic?en, and her consort the supreme military chief.

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.

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.

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.

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

SEQUEL.

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 M?o's talisman, in the urn in which she had deposited it many centuries before.

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

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 M?O'S TALISMAN.

FALL OF THE MAYA EMPIRE.

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 M?o 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.

"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."

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.

M?o'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."

Then back to Cay's sanctum both returned, M?o'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.

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."

Coh far and wide for valiant deeds was known; The Princess M?o 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.

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 M?o was Queen, and consort Coh, Her love he ne'er could win, nor him o'erthrow. To M?o came other joys with baby lips; Pure bliss from soft caressing finger tips.

Beyond her palace wall M?o 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 M?o 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.

Affrighted eyes met hers--"Speak! speak!" she cried. Heart knew and leaped--"Thou art alone!" it sighed.

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