Notes for Song XXI
The occurrence to which this poem alludes took place about the year 1507. The chroniclers state that it was in the early period of the reign of Montezuma II, that the natives of Huexotzinco, at that time allies of the Mexicans, were severely harassed by the Tlascallans, and applied, not in vain, to their powerful suzerain to aid them. (See Tezozomoc, Cronica Mexicana, cap. 97.)
The poet does not appear to make a direct petition, but indirectly praises the grandeur of Montezuma and expresses his own ardent love for his native Huexotzinco. The song would appear to be used as a delicate prelude to the more serious negotiations. It is one of the few historical songs in the collection. From the references in verses 1 and 3 we infer that this singer held in his hand the painted book from which he recited the couplets. This may explain the presentation of the piece.
1. huetzcani; one who laughs, a jester, perhaps the designation of one who sang cheerful songs.
chalchiuhatlaquiquizcopa; a. word of difficult analysis. I suspect an omission of an l, and that the compound includes tlaquilqui, one who fastens and puts together, a mason, etc.
5. The sense is that the warriors of Montezuma when on the field of battle, shine in their deeds like beautiful flowers in a field, and win lasting fame by their exploits.
mopopoyauhtoc. The grammarian Olmos explains the reflexive verb mopopoyauhtiuh to signify “he leaves an honored memory of his exploits.” See Siméon, Dictionaire de la Langue Nahuatl, sub voce.
7. Huexotzinco atzalan; “Huexotzinco amid the waters.” This expression, repeated in verse 8, appears inappropriate to the town of Huexotzinco, which lies inland. In fact, the description in verse 7 applies to Tenochtitlan rather than the singer’s own town. But the text does not admit this translation. Perhaps we should read “Huexotzinco and Atzalan,” as there are yet two villages of that name in the state of Puebla (which embraced part of ancient Huexotzinco).
10. petiatolini, I have derived from petlatl, suspecting an error in transcription. The reference is to the rushes in the mat on which the singer stood.