Notes for Song XVI
In this stirring war-song, the poet reproaches his friends for their lukewarmness in the love of battle. He reminds them that life is transitory, and the dead rise not again, and that the greatest joy of the brave is on the ringing field of fray where warriors win renown. It is in the spirit of the Scotch harper:—
“’Twere worth ten years of peaceful life,
One hour of such a day.”
1. Each verse terminates with an interjectional refrain. The frequent introduction of the particle on is intended to add strength and gravity to the oration.
2. oppan piltihua. Compare this expression with that in v. 22, p. 44.
3. xochimicohuayan, should perhaps be translated, “where the captives to be immolated to the Gods are taken.” The xochimique, “those destined to a flowery death” were the captives who were reserved for sacrifice to the gods. See Joan Bautista, Sermonario en Lengua Mexicana, p. 180.
4. yaoxochimiquiztica, “pertaining to the slaughter of the flowery war.” This adjective refers to the peculiar institution of the “flowery war,” guerra florida, which obtained among the ancient Mexicans. It appears to have been a contest without provocation, and merely for the display of prowess and to take captives to supply the demand for human sacrifices in the religious rites. On this see Tezozomoc, Cronica Mexicana, cap. 96.