258 



LEGEND OF THE 



was ascending on the western side, a sweet, sonorous and harmo 

 nious music, as of little birds upon its summit. The ravishing tones 

 and rare melody attracted his attention and arrested his steps. On 

 looking up, as was natural, he saw a white and shining cloud, sur- 

 rounded by a rainbow, and in its centre a most beautiful lady, like 

 the image we now venerate in the sanctuary, who calling with a 

 sweet and gentle voice, addressed him in his own language with 

 wonderful suavity and told him she was the Virgin Mary, Mother of 

 God, whose mass and doctrine he was going to hear, and she com- 

 manded him to go to the bishop and tell him that it was her will 

 that a temple should be built to her upon that spot, in which she 

 would show herself a pious mother towards him, his nation, devo- 

 tees, and as many as should solicit her support and protection in 

 their hour of need. She directed him to tell all he had seen and 

 heard, and added : £ Be sure, my son, for whom I feel a delicate and 

 tender love, that I will repay all you do for me; I will render you 

 famous ; and I will endow you with benefits for the diligence and 

 labor you display. Now, my servant, in whom I delight, thou hast 

 heard my desire, go thou in peace.' 



The Indian promptly obeyed and went to the palace of the 

 bishop, the illustrious Senor Don Francisco de Zumarraga, who 

 since the year 1528, had resided in Mexico with the title of Protec- 

 tor of the Indians, and who afterwards became the archbishop. The 

 prelate heard him with surprise, and prudently directed him to re- 

 turn on some other occasion, when having well considered and ex- 

 amined into so singular an event, he might deliberate as to what was 

 proper to be done by him. 



The Indian returned with the answer to the Most Holy Virgin 

 whom he found in the same place. Prostrating himself before her, 

 with words of submission peculiar to the Indians, he repeated the reply 

 of the bishop, adding that, in order to secure compliance with her 

 will, it would be necessary to send some person of authority and 

 credit, as it appeared to him he was not believed because he was an 

 humble man and a plebeian. The Most Holy Virgin, with no less 

 benignity and suavity than on the previous occasion, replied : 6 To 

 me neither servants nor followers whom to send are wanting if I 

 should wish, since I have multitudes at my command ; but it is 

 agreeable to me now that thou shouldst perform this mission, and 

 make the solicitation. Through your intervention I wish to give 

 effect to my will, and desire you to speak again with the bishop, 

 and tell him he must build a temple in honor of me on this spot ; 

 and that it is the Most Holy Virgin Mary, Mother of the true God, 



