M A N I. 



251 



ancient lords of Maya ruled undisturbed until the 

 time of the Spanish invasion ; but the shadow of 

 the throne rested over it ; it was consecrated in the 

 affections of the Indians, and long after the conquest 

 it bore the proud name of la Corona real de Mani. 



It has been mentioned that on their arrival at 

 Tihoo the Spaniards encamped on a cerro, or 

 mound, which stood on the site now occupied by 

 the plaza of Merida. While in this position, sur- 

 rounded by hostile Indians, their supplies cut off 

 and straitened for provisions, one day the scouts 

 brought intelligence to Don Francisco Montejo of 

 a great body of Indians, apparently warlike, advan- 

 cing toward them. From the top of the cerro they 

 discovered the multitude, and among them one 

 borne on the shoulders of men, as if extended on a 

 bier. Supposing that a battle was certain, the 

 Spaniards recommended themselves to God, the 

 chaplain held up a holy cross, and, prostrating them- 

 selves before it, they took up their arms. As the 

 Indians drew near to the cerro, they lowered to the 

 ground the person whom they carried on their 

 shoulders, who approached alone, threw down his 

 bow and arrow, and, raising both hands, made a 

 signal that he came in peace. Immediately all the 

 Indians laid their bows and arrows on the ground, 

 and, touching their fingers to the earth, kissed them, 

 also in token of good-will. 



The chief advanced to the foot of the mound, 

 and began to ascend it. Don Francisco stepped 



