262 



LEGEND OF THE 



the powerful hand of the Virgin resisted their violence, affixing the 

 blossoms in such a manner to the tilma that upon touching them they 

 appeared painted or interwoven in the material of the garment itself. 

 This portentous novelty caused them to hasten to the bishop with 

 the information that Juan Diego was waiting to speak with him. 



As soon as the prelate was informed of the circumstances, he 

 ordered the Indian to enter instantly. As Juan displayed his tilma 

 to show the blessed sign, the flowers fell, and the image of the Most 

 Holy Virgin, which we venerate in the Sanctuary of Guadalupe, ap- 

 peared miraculously painted upon the tilma or garment of the Indian ! 

 At this wonderful sight the astonished bishop and those about him 

 prostrated themselves and adored it with the greatest veneration. 

 They were struck with the beauty and freshness of the flowers 

 flourishing in the midst of winter, but much more by the heavenly 

 beauty of the image before them, from which they neither attempted 

 nor were able to withdraw their eyes. 



No less astonished was Juan Diego at seeing in his tilma the 

 image of the one who had commanded him to bear the sign to the 

 bishop, when he thought he was only bringing flowers. 



The bishop arose, and with due reverence untied the knot that 

 suspended that sacred cloth from the back of the Indian's neck. He 

 took it to his Oratory, and, hanging it up with the greatest possible 

 respect, gave thanks to God for so striking a miracle ; and thus he 

 became the treasurer and depository of the richest jewel in the crown 

 of America. 



The bishop detained and ministered unto the Indian that day, 

 and, on the following, went with a multitude to the hill, in order 

 that he might point out the spot upon which the Blessed Virgin 

 desired that a temple might be built. 



Arrived at the hill, he indicated the places in which he had 

 seen and spoken with the Sovereign Queen, 1 and, asking permission 

 to visit his uncle Juan Bernardino, (whom he had left in danger,) 

 the bishop gave his consent, and ordered some of his companions to 

 accompany Juan, directing them, if they found Juan Bernardino 

 well, to bring him thither. 



Upon arriving at the village of Tolpetlac and approaching the 

 house of Juan Bernardino, the convalescent Indian came forth to 

 receive his nephew and ask why he was accompanied by so honor- 

 able a cortege. Thereupon Juan Diego related what had transpired ; 

 when Juan Bernardino, interrupting him, said, that in the self-same 



1 The Indian not being able to point out the precise spot, a fountain gushed from 

 the ground and indicated it. 



