CHAPTER XVI.
THOMAS BECOMES A GOD Little did I, plain Thomas Wingfield, gentleman, know, when I rose that morning, that before sunset I should be a god, and after Montezuma the Emperor, the most honoured man, or rather god, in the city of Mexico.
It came about thus.

When I had breakfasted with the household of the prince Guatemoc, I was led to the hall of justice, which was named the 'tribunal of god.' Here on a golden throne sat Montezuma, administering justice in such pomp as I cannot describe.

About him were his counsellors and great lords, and before him was placed a human skull crowned with emeralds so large that a blaze of light went up from them.
In his hand also he held an arrow for a sceptre.

Certain chiefs or caciques were on their trial for treason, nor were they left long in doubt as to their fate.

For when some evidence had been heard they were asked what they had to say in their defence.