This king came, an old man with a fierce and gleaming eye, and I was witness to the interview that followed, for in my quality of god I had full liberty of the palace, and even to be present at the councils of the emperor and his nobles.

When the two monarchs had feasted together, Montezuma spoke to Neza of the matter of the omens and of the coming of the Teules, asking him to lighten the darkness by his wisdom.

Then Neza pulled his long grey beard and answered that heavy as the heart of Montezuma might be, it must grow still heavier before the end.
'See, Lord,' he said, 'I am so sure that the days of our empire are numbered, that I will play you at dice for my kingdoms which you and your forefathers have ever desired to win.' 'For what wager ?' asked Montezuma.
'I will play you thus,' answered Neza.

'You shall stake three fighting cocks, of which, should I win, I ask the spurs only.

I set against them all the wide empire of Tezcuco.' 'A small stake,' said Montezuma; 'cocks are many and kingdoms few.' 'Still, it shall serve our turn,' answered the aged king, 'for know that we play against fate.