The gods of Mexico

by Lewis Spence

I

Oh, Mexico has done service with the gods,

The paper flags fly over the four corners of the heavens,

It is no more a time of mourning.

II

Oh, Tlaloc (the Rain-god) has been created

(I.e. my statue has been set on the temple),

My God has become a dark red colour from the blood of the sacrifices.

The whole day they took, with the making of rain in the temple court.

III

O my Chieftain, the maize-prince,

In truth it is your produce;

You created it first;

And yet they only do insult to you.

They can have nothing against you;

Distribute thou no offering.

IV

But they abuse me (abstain from sacrifice),

I am therefore not satisfied,

My father, my old priest,

The Jaguar-serpent.