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When a new ruler was chosen, the Aztecs would address them.
"It is you. You will take up the burden, you will lift the bundle, you will shoulder the carrying frame left behind by your predecessors, the rulers who have left. Devote yourself to these—the people you govern."
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"It is you. You will take up the burden, you will lift the bundle, you will shoulder the carrying frame left behind by your predecessors, the rulers who have left. Devote yourself to these—the people you govern."
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"On your back, upon your lap, in your arms the gods now place the governed, the common folk. For just a while you'll hold them as your children.
"So, leader, find courage within yourself, prepare yourself to lift us up. And for a time—as if in dreams—we will borrow you."
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"So, leader, find courage within yourself, prepare yourself to lift us up. And for a time—as if in dreams—we will borrow you."
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"Do not think of yourself. The gods know and see all the things in rock and wood. They know your secrets as well.
"May you find peace. Bow your head. Weep a little, sigh. Be devout to us during the little time the gods allow. Let there be peace in your place of power."
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"May you find peace. Bow your head. Weep a little, sigh. Be devout to us during the little time the gods allow. Let there be peace in your place of power."
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"Though you are human like all of us, though you're our friend, our son, our elder and younger brother—for a time you are more. You represent us, stand in for us.
"Do not sleep easy. Toss and turn, think, dream about your new charge."
—FLORENTINE CODEX, book 6, chapter 10
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"Do not sleep easy. Toss and turn, think, dream about your new charge."
—FLORENTINE CODEX, book 6, chapter 10
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Excerpted and translated on the fly as I drink my third beer, so pardon any clumsy phrasings.
There's more exhortation for the new leader in chapter 11. After I listen to our President- and Vice President-Elect speak, I pop back on and share a few more great passages.
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There's more exhortation for the new leader in chapter 11. After I listen to our President- and Vice President-Elect speak, I pop back on and share a few more great passages.
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"A miracle, a celebration occurs for us, appears above us. The gods have decided you're worthy of ruling us, governing.
"Leader, the nation lies thirsting, starving. As one longing for a mother and father we lie weeping, saddened. For a while, perhaps, we'll look to you."
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"Leader, the nation lies thirsting, starving. As one longing for a mother and father we lie weeping, saddened. For a while, perhaps, we'll look to you."
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"Perhaps you'll give us food and drink. Carry out the duties of your office, do your work. Be diligent with all that is heavy, budensome, uncomfortable, unbearable. Extend your wings and tail feathers. Let the people stand in your shadow, your shade. The gods decree—"
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"You are a great cypress. Make the people prosperous.
"With this small plea I press your hands, your feet, I beg your heart. Listen to me, leader: perform your duties, do your work.
"Be diligent for your nation. For those above and all our dear departed are watching—"
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"With this small plea I press your hands, your feet, I beg your heart. Listen to me, leader: perform your duties, do your work.
"Be diligent for your nation. For those above and all our dear departed are watching—"
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"The world entire has its eyes on you.
"May the gods make clear if you'll keep our nation going. Perform your duties. Do your work."
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"May the gods make clear if you'll keep our nation going. Perform your duties. Do your work."
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