ne vapor which wafts abroad their subtle potency. The
poem is in Spanish verse, and the original is said to have been
written down by Don Fernando de Avila, governor of Tlalmanalco, from
the mouth of Don Juan de Aguilar, governor of Cultepec, a direct
descendant of Nezahualcoyotl.

III.

1. The flowery spring has its house, its court, its palace, adorned
with riches, with goods in abundance.

2. With discreet art they are arranged and placed, rich feathers,
precious stones, surpassing in luster the sun.

3. There is the valued carbuncle, which from its beauteous center
darts forth rays which are the lights of knowledge.

4. There is the prized diamond, sign of strength, shooting forth its
brilliant gleams.

5. Here one sees the translucent emerald suggesting the hope of the
rewards of merit.

6. Next follows the topaz, equaling the emerald, for the reward it
promises is a heavenly dwelling.

7. The amethyst, signifying the cares which a king has for his
subjects, and moderation in desires.

8. These are what kings, princes and monarchs delight to place upon
their breasts and crowns.

9. All these stones with their varied and singular virtues, adorn Thy
house and court, O Father, O Infinite God!

10. These stones which I the King Nezahualcoyotl have succeeded in
uniting in loving liens,

11. Are the famous princes, the one called Axaxacatzin, the other
Chimalpopoca, and Xicomatzintlamata.

12. To-day, somewhat rejoiced by the joy and words of these, and of
the other lords who were with them,

13. I feel, when alone, that my soul is pleased but for a brief time,
and that all pleasure soon passes.

14. The presence of these daring eagles pleases me, of these lions
and tigers who affright the world,

15. These who by their valor win everlasting renown, whose name and
whose deeds fame will perpetuate.

16. Only to-day am I glad and look upon these rich and varied stones,
the glory of my bloody battles.

17. To-day, noble princes, protectors of the realm, my will is to
entertain you and to praise you.

18. It seems to me that ye answer from your souls, like the fine
vapor arising from precious stones,--

19. "O King Nezahualcoyotl, O royal Montezuma, your subjects sustain
themselves with your soft dews.

20. "But at last a day shall come which will cut away this power, and
all these will be left wretched orphans.

21. "Rejoice, mighty King, in this lofty power which the King of
Heaven has grant