-Nothing but flowers and songs of sorrow
are left in Mexico and Tlatelolco,
where once we saw warriors and wise men.
-We know it is true
that we must perish,
for we are mortal men.
You, the Giver of Life
You have ordained it.
-We wander here and there
in our desolate poverty.
We are mortal men.
We have seen bloodshed and pain
where once we saw beauty and valor.
-We are crushed to the ground;
we lie in ruins.
There is nothing but grief and suffering
in Mexico and Tlatelolco,
where once we saw beauty and valor.
-Have you grown weary of your servants?
Are you angry with your servants,
O Giver of life.
Reprinted in Stuart B. Schwartz, ed., Victors and Vanquished: Spanish and Nahua Views of the Conquest of Mexico
Return to the Study Guide for First Contact, 1492-1609