Ceaseless Flower Song

The second cuicatl in Songs of the Lords of Anahuac, my English translation of the codex Romances de los señores de la Nueva España.

I, Yohyontzin¹, shall come to this place
craving blossoms, intoning songs,
shredding petals as I reach the earth,
petals from cocoa blooms,
petals from flowering friends.
(They are your flesh, O Prince,
Lord Nezahualcoyotl: Yohyotzin.)

I have come drawing down my holy hymns,
and still I draw them down, dear friends!
Those who were known as your peers
must yet be generous hosts.

For just a time I enjoy myself,
for just a time my heart goes merry
upon this fleeting earth.
I am Yohyotzin, craving blooms,
singing my ceaseless flower song²
wherever I may roam.

I long for, yearn for friendship,
nobility, hospitality: craving blooms,
I sing my ceaseless flower song
wherever I may roam.

As gold, oh! As jewels
or broad quetzal plumes —
As such do I judge your holy hymns,
O Father Divine!
I find joy with Our Lord,
dancing beside the…