Roger was aware that at the farther end the emperor was seated, surrounded by a numerous body of nobles; but the instant he entered the room he followed the instructions of Cacama, and saluted to the ground, and then advanced with downcast eyes until the officials by his side ordered him to pause.
Montezuma was a victim of superstition, and had been seriously discomposed at the news of the arrival of this mysterious visitor; the more so that the priests, themselves, were unable to decide whether his visit was a good or evil augury.

As he looked at the tall figure before him, with its strange-colored skin and hair, and the air of independence and fearlessness that was visible in the pose, notwithstanding the downcast eyes, he could not but be favorably impressed, despite his fears.
"You are welcome to our court," he said, "if you come in peace and goodwill." "I come in peace and goodwill to your Majesty and your empire," Roger said.
"We have heard that you come from far beyond the seas, where dwell a people having strange ways, who live in floating castles, and who fight with weapons making thunder." Roger bowed.
"Your Majesty has been correctly informed." "Do the people there worship the same gods that we do ?" "They do not, your Majesty.

The people there worship the one Great God--the God of the skies, the air, and the earth." "And that God sent you hither ?" Montezuma asked.
"Assuredly, Sire.

He directs all things." "Each country has its gods.

The gods of Mexico have given us victory over all the peoples from sea to sea." Roger bowed.