In the aftermath of this agonizing defeat, Aztec survivors composed a number of songs or poems, lamenting their terrible loss. These selections are part of a larger collection of Aztec poetry known as the Cantares Mexicanos (Songs of the Aztecs), compiled in the late sixteenth century.
Questions to consider as you examine the source:
Cantares Mexicanos, Late Sixteenth Century
The Fall of Tenochtitlán
Our cries of grief rise up / and our tears rain down, / for Tlatelolco [an Aztec city] is lost.
The Aztecs are fleeing across the lake; / they are running away like women.
How can we save our homes, my people? / The Aztecs are deserting the city:
the city is in flames, and all / is darkness and destruction . . .
Weep, my people: / know that with these disasters / we have lost the Mexican nation.
The water has turned bitter, / our food is bitter! / These are the acts of the Giver of Life . . .
The Aztecs are besieged in the city; / the Tlatelolcas are besieged in the city!
The walls are black, / the air is black with smoke, / the guns flash in the darkness.
They have captured Cuauhtemoc; / they have captured the princes of Mexico . . . /
The kings are prisoners now. / They are bound with chains.
Flowers and Songs of Sorrow
Nothing but flowers and songs of sorrow / are left in Mexico and Tlatelolco,
where once we saw warriors and wise men.
We know it is true / that we must perish, / for we are mortal men.
You, the Giver of Life, / you have ordained it.
We wander here / and there in our desolate poverty. / We are mortal men.
We have seen bloodshed and pain / where once we saw beauty and valor.
We are crushed to the ground; / we lie in ruins.
There is nothing but grief and suffering / In Mexico and Tlatelolco, /
where once we saw beauty and valor.
Have you grown weary of your servants? / Are you angry with your servants, / O Giver of Life?
Source: Miguel León-