THE MAYAN CIVILIZATION 135 
ans. Upon the western highlands there are preserved 
traditions which concern the Quichés, Cakchiquels, and 
other Mayan tribes, but the history does not go back for 
more than two hundred years before the Spanish con- 
quest. Allin all, there is little to be:said in favor of the 
frequent plaint that the coming of the white man 
snuffed out a culture that promised great things. The 
golden days of the Mayan civilization had already 
passed, and, if we may judge by the history of other 
nations, would never have returned. 
