Notes for Song XII
As stated in the Introduction (§ 10), a note prefixed to this song introduces it as a translation from the Otomi into the Nahuatl tongue. It admirably illustrates the poetic flexibility of the Nahuatl.
3. epoyhuayan, from epoalli, sixty; teoquauhtli ocelott, “divine eagles, tigers.” These terms refer to the warriors bearing these titles.
tlazomaquiztetl, “beloved, precious stones,” a figure of speech referring to the youths who go to war. The same or similar metaphors are used in previous songs.
5. The fifth and sixth verses present serious difficulties of construction which I do not flatter myself I have overcome.