The Annals of the Cakchiquels Part 8

Xa cani ru xibih ri Pokoma, xeel cani[c]a x[c]am c.o.kotaxic.

26. Then they met those of Mimpokom and Raxchich, at the place called Tzaktzuy. They met all the subjects of the Pokomams. They dance their ballet, but it is without deers, without birds, without pheasants, without the trappers and their nets. The subjects of Raxchich and Mimpokon gather together; but the seven nations look on at a distance. They sent out the brute Zakbim as a spy; and on our side were summoned the Qoxahil and the Qobakil, magicians, enchanters. On their departure, they were told: "Let us see who are approaching, and if we are to fight." So it was said. Those of Mukchee arrived, but they were in no great number, nor had they come to spy out. The signal was given by Zakbin, while Huntzuy came into line. "Now I see them," they said. "This is really a wonderful thing, a wonderful dance they are making; there are many under the trees." So spoke they on arriving. Thus said Gagavitz and Zactecauh to their companions: "Let us take up our arms if we are to fight."

Immediately all took up their bows and s.h.i.+elds, and thus arrayed showed themselves to the Pokomams. At once terror struck the Pokomams, and ours rushed forth to seize them in their disorder.

27. Ok xeilitah [c]a ri e cay Loch rubi hun, Xet rubi rucam, [c]a chila xeilitah vi xe Cucuhuyu [c,]ununhuyu, que cha [c]a ok xeilitah: Maqui koh acamicah, at ahauh, xa kohikan a tem a [c]hacat; xecha, halal oc quikan, xahuhun chi [c]habitun cu[c]aam; xe tzolih chipe, xquitzak chi can hun ru tzuyil, qui tzara chiri xepax vi, quere[c]a xubinah vi huyu Tzaktzuy, ri retal x[c]amvi Ahquehay, heri nabey qui tata qui mama xeboco Ahquehayi. Yncheel ru[c]amic vue, quixcha, [c]ohe rubi huyu.

Xe[c]am vi ri [c]hakap chinamit, yxka[c]ahol, quere can kitzih he nabey ka tata ka mama xoh boz vi xoh vinakir vi, oh Cakchiquel vinak.

27. Then they encountered the two, Loch and Xet by name; they encountered them there at the foot of the mountains Cucu and Tzunun. These said when they were encountered, "Do not kill us, O thou our lord; we will be the servants of your throne, of your power." So they said, and entered at once as va.s.sals, each one carrying the bows and drums. Going on, a return was made, and they were hindered by some calabash vines, and were ensnared and scattered. Therefore, that place was called Tzaktzuy, and the Ahquehay took it as their sign, that is, those first fathers and ancestors who brought forth the Ahquehay. This is why they took it, it is said, and such is the name of the place. They chose a portion of the tribe, oh you my children, and truly thus it was that our first fathers and ancestors brought us forth and gave us existence--us, the Cakchiquel people.

28. Ok xe[c]ulu chi [c]a qui chuvi huyu Oronic Cakhay, xul chic ronohel vuk ama[t] ahlabal. Xcha [c]ari [t]a[t]avitz, cactecauh chirichin Qeche vinak: koh i[c]o pa huyu konohel, ka [c]haca ru [t]ih ronohel vuk ama[t]

Tecpan, ka [c,]umah chiqui [c]ux; at catahilan can quivach, cat pa e can chuvi Cakay, yn [c]a quinoc chupam huyu Cakay, yn qui[c]haco quichin, ti [c,]umah chi qui [c]ux, chupam huyu ba [c]o vi ti [c]hacatah, ba[c]ovi maqui ti [c]hacatah; xe cha [c]a, ok xcam quitzih, x[c]oh pa Cakhay, ok xtiquer ri[c]ovic ronohel, chiri [c]a chupam huyu x[c,]umax vi chi qui [c]ux. Ok xuna [c]a ri [c]ul ya, [c]ul chahom, maqui xi[c]o chupam huyu.

Xcha: At ahau, xa tin ya queh cab chi vichin, yn ahqueh, yn ahcab quinux, maqui quin i[c]o, xcha ri yuquite chahom. Quere[c]a xrelahih vi queh cab, yuquite chahom ri. Xeel chi [c]a chiri xey[c]o chipe chuvi, Tunaco[c,]ih [t]ahinak abah. Chiri[c]a xquitih vi qui [c]habi tun Loch Xet, xaco[c,]iham qui tun, quere[c]a xubinaah vican huyu Tunaco[c,]ih ri.

28. Then they went forth to meet those at the place Oronic Cakhay, and all the warriors of the seven villages arrived. Then spoke Gagavitz and Zactecauh to the Quiche men: "Let us all go to the place. Let us conquer the glory of all the seven villages of Tecpan, let us weaken their hearts; do thou count their faces, do thou stand here at the place Cakhay; I shall enter the place Cakhay; I shall conquer them; their heart shall be weakened; there, in the place, they shall be conquered, where they never before were conquered." Thus they spake when they ordered the slaughter, when they were in Cakhay; then it began with all of them in the place, and their hearts were weakened. But on account of the defence with water, and the defence with cinders, they could not enter the place, and their hearts were weakened. Then it was said: "O thou lord, I will give thee the venison and the honey. I am the lord of the venison, the lord of the honey; but I have not pa.s.sed because of the cinders," it was said. Thus the venison and the honey were protected by means of the cinders. They went from there to Tunacotzih, "the sounding stone." There Loch and Xet made trial of the bows and drums, and they beat their drums; therefore the name of that spot is Tunacotzih, "the Drum-beating."

29. Ok xilitah chi [c]a ri Cavek chiri xenima chah, Ximbal xu[c] rubi huyu. Ok xa[c]axax [c]a ro[t]ebal cak corovach xe nima chah, ru halebal ri cavek. Que cha [c]a ri [t]a[t]avitz cactecauh: chinak tux ri, chinak chi kucheeh, quecha. Ok xcha [c]a ri Loch, Xet: [c]o vikan, at ahval, ha ti koquecah, xecha. Ox xquiz [c]a quikan; xa [c]a xu[c], cakquiy, xabanbal xahab quikan, mani quikan xae ru ka xbachican quehay, [c,]umhay; quere quibinaam vi Ahquehayi ri. Ok xrip [c]ari xu[c] chuvi chee, x[c]ambex richin cakcorovach xe nima chah, ok xuya [c]arij chupam xu[c] ri cak corovach, xcha [c]a ok xuya ri: At ahauh, maqui quin a camicah. Chinak na [c]a catux, xucheex. Xcha[c]a: Xa xoh cachcan ruma ahauh Qechee, xa oh acha[t] animal, oh Cavek, xakoti[c]en at.i.til, a[t]ana abah, xecha [c]a ri ok xquiya quij, qui tata qui mama Caveki. He cay chi achi Totunay ru bi hun, Xurcah ru bi hun chic, [c]oh quikan Cavek Paoh ru bi, xeucheex [c]a ruma [t]a[t]avitz, at rucah nu chinamit catux, [t]eka[c]uch, Ba[c]ahol, Cavek Cibakihay, qui xucheex, kitzih vi chi at nu cha[t] nu nimal. Xavi [c]a xu cheex chic Ahquehay, chirih nu chinamit cat ahilax vi, at rikan ka[c,]ak kibah catux, huruma ri mani rikan, xere vi ri xu[c], x[c]ambex Cavek, que [c]a x[c,]akat vi chinamit ri, que cha oher ka tata ka mama, yxka[c]ahol, xa maqui hemezta ytzih ha e ahaua vi.

29. At this time they met the Cavek under the great pines, at the place called Ximbalxug. They heard the plaint of the doves beneath the great pines; the enchantment of the Cavek. Gagavitz and Zactecauh said: "Who art thou? What is that we hear?" Then said Loch and Xet: "They are our va.s.sals, oh our lord, they obey us."

They began to show their burdens; bird nets, maguey, tools for making shoes, were their burdens--no other burdens, for their houses were of deer skins and hides; hence they were called Ahquehay. Then they carried the nets to the woods; they caught doves in them beneath the great pines, and they brought many of these doves caught in the nets, and said: "Oh our lord, do not slay us." "Who art thou?" was asked. They answered: "We have been ruined by the Quiche men, we your brother, your kinsman, we the Cavek; they have diminished their regal dignity." So spoke they, and gave many gifts, they the fathers and ancestors of the Cavek. There were two heroes, Totunay the name of one, Xurcah of the other, the va.s.sals of Cavek Paoh; they were addressed by Gagavitz: "Thou art the fourth of our tribes, Gekaquch, Baqahol, Cavek, and Cibakihay."

Thus he addressed them: "Truly thou art my brother, my kinsman."

Thus he spoke to those of Ahquehay: "Thou art counted in my tribe, thy va.s.salage shows that thou art of our ancient home, no longer art thou a va.s.sal nor carriest the net. The Caveks are received, and form part of our tribe." So spoke of yore our fathers and ancestors, oh my children, and we must not forget the words of these rulers.

_Qui [c]hacbal [c]a ka mama, ok xcam._

_The Victory of Our Forefathers, After One Had Died._

30. Xeapon chi[c]a chuvi huyu [c]hopi ytzel, xcha [t]a[t]avitz chire cactecauh: ko[t]ax chuvi civan.--Utzan, xcha. Ha [c]a nabey x[t]ax ri [t]a[t]avitz, ok xrah [c]a x[t]ax chic ri cactecauh; maqui [c]a x[t]ax, xtzak ka pa civan: equre[c]a xcam vi can hun ka mama rij, xhachatah qui vach, xahun chic xohboco, oh Xahila, ri [t]a[t]avitz.

30. Having arrived at the place, Qhopiytzel, Gagavitz said to Zactecauh: "Let us cross this ravine." "Good," said he. Gagavitz first crossed, and then Zactecauh wished to cross. But he did not cross, but fell into the ravine. Thus died one of our ancestors, and their possessions were divided; but the other, that is, Gagavitz, brought us forth--us, the Xahila.

31. Xeapon chi[c]a chuvi huyu, cakihuyu, Teyoc.u.man, ru camul cakan; chiri [c]a x[c]i [c,]et vi el ru [t]a[t]al huyu, [t]a[t] xanul ru bi, kitzih ti xibin ru [t]a[t]al tipe chupam huyu; to[t]ol ru[t]a[t]al chinaht. Xmani vi tucheex roquebexic, xa[c]a huna huyu [t]a[t]xanul [c]oh ru [t]a[t]al; xmani vi tipe vi [t]a[t], xaporinak chi[c]a ronohel ahlabal vuk ama[t] xe huyu, mani tanti cucheex, kitzih tan [c]ok qui [c]ux, mani tan tucheex ru [c]amic ru [t]a[t]al, xa xeho chic ho oyobem, quecha ri ka mama ri [t]a[t]avitz, xeapon [c]a xe huyu, xecha [c]a conohel ahlabal: At kacha[t], mixatul xa at chic at koyoben, chinak tu cheex ru [c]amic ka[t]a[t], mix katih tatiha ka [t]ihil at kacha[t], xecha conohel, xoh cha[c]a chique: Nak tahoon tin canah nutihana, hari achih ru [c]ux, maqui tu xibih rij, yn quinabeyah, xcha [t]a[t]avitz chiquichin, mani xahoon xa canih xquixibih qui. Kitzih ti xibin ru [t]a[t]al huyu; ok xraho [c]a ri hun caki[c,]unun rubi. Yn quibe avu[c]in, xcha ri caki[c,]unun, xcha chire [t]a[t]avitz.--Tok xvikon [c]a xquicauh, xqui cha [c]a qui quicab.i.+.c.hal: Maquina chi [c]ha, chi pocob. Xa xet tule xa [c,]imah vi, xa bolol, raxah ru bi, hari ca[t]ul tel chi ya; xquivikbeh quij, xoc pa qui vi, xoc chi qui kul, chi qui [c]huc, chi qui [t]a, chi cakan camicabal richin [t]a[t], quecha. Ha [c]a xka chupam [t]a[t] ri [t]a[t]avitz, ha [c]a caki[c,]unun, xyaan can ru vi [t]a[t], xa rax yxim xpu[t] ka pa ya xyabex ruvi [t]a[t]: kitzih [c]a tixibin ok xkah chupam huyu, ok xpax ru [t]a[t]al huyu, xto[t]e rucibel chinaht, xoc [t]ek.u.m a[t]a. Xepax conohel ri e [c]oh xe huyu, xqui xibih qui. Xbe yaloh pa huyu ri [t]a[t]avitz, xqui tzakah ru [t]ih, xcam chi qui [c]ux. [c]oh x[c]amo [t]a[t], [c]oh mani x[c]amo chiquichin; halatak oc ru bix [t]a[t] xkaul xe huyu; [c]oh xilon, [c]oh maqui xilon chique, ok xel [c]a pe chupam huyu. Kitzih ti xibin chic ru vach, ok xel pe pa huyu [t]a[t]xanul, xecha [c]a ronohel ahlabal vuk ama[t]: Kitzih tixibin ru puz ru naval, ru [t]a[t]al ru tepeval, xcam xkana, quecha.

31. They then arrived at the white hills called Teyoc.u.man, coming there for the second time. There they saw the fire of the mountain called Gagxanul. Truly it was frightful to see the fire coming from the mountain, the fire shooting forth afar off. No one could say how it could be pa.s.sed by, as the mountain Gagxanul was on fire for a whole year, after which fire did not come forth. When all the warriors of the seven villages had arrived at the foot of the mountain, no one spoke; truly, they grieved at heart, nor could one say how the fire could be captured. They could but go on hoping.

When he arrived at the mountain they spoke to our ancestor, Gagavitz, and all the warriors said to him: "Thou our brother, thou hast arrived, thou in whom is our hope. Who will go down to the capture of this fire? Who will descend for us, who are seeking our fortune, oh thou our brother?" So said all; and we replied: "Who of you wishes that I shall try my fortune? He has a heart of a hero, that fears not. I will go first." Thus spoke Gagavitz to them: "You must not fear so soon." Truly, the fire of the mountain was terrible. Then there was one named Zakitzunun, who wished to go with him. "I will go with you," said Zakitzunun, speaking to Gagavitz. Then they were armed and their ornaments put upon them.

But the two said together: "There is no use of bows or s.h.i.+elds."

They laid them aside; they took pointed instruments and dug a trench, and they placed by the water those banana trees called _raxah_. When these things were in order, they entered first with their heads, then with their necks, then with their arms, with their hands, with their feet, so as to destroy the fire, as they said. Then Gagavitz descended into the fire, while Zakitzunun conducted the water to the fire, and the green gra.s.s and maize mixed with the water flowed upon the fire. Truly, it was fearful when it descended into the mountain, when it scattered the fire of the mountain, when the smoke burst forth afar and darkness and night entered on the scene. All who were at the foot of the mountain fled, as they were greatly frightened. Gagavitz remained in the mountain. The day drew to a close, and their courage died in their hearts. The fire was captured, but it was not captured for them. A few sparks of the fire descended from the mountain. It reached some, but it did not reach them. Then he came from within the mountain. Truly, his face was terrible when he came from within the mountain Gagxanul. All the warriors of the seven villages said: "Truly his power, his knowledge, his glory and his majesty are terrible. He died, and yet he has come down." So said they.

32. [c]ate[c]aok x[c]hocobax chuvi [c]hacat, ok xkaul, kitzih xquininah, xe cha [c]a conohel: At kacha[t], mix akacah ru [t]a[t]al huyu, mi xaya ka [t]a[t]; yx cay chi al, hun nabey al, hun xambey al chivichin, yx ka vi, yxka holom, xecha conohel ahlabal vuk ama[t], chirichin ri [t]a[t]avitz. Ok xcha [c]a chiquichin: Xpeul ru [c]ux huyu nu teleche nu cana, yx nucha[t], nunimal. Ok xquir [c]a ri ru [c]ux huyu, xa[c]olo[c]ic [t]a[t] chi abah, hari abah cakcho[t] rubi, maqui raxa abah, oxlahuh [c]a [c]oh [c]o ru [c]in ri abah, ha[c]a rix[c,]ul ru [c]ux huyu [t]a[t]xanul; xa [c]a cha ri couh ru xahic rix[c,]ul, [c]i ya [c]hob, tuban maqui ahilam re[c,]anibal.

32. Therefore, when he had arrived they seated him on the throne, and truly made much of him, and all said: "Oh our brother, you have conquered the fire of the mountain; you have reduced for us the fire. Ye are two heroes; one is the first hero, and one follows him. Ye are our heads, our chiefs." So said all the warriors of the seven villages to Gagavitz. Then he said to them: "The heart of the mountain has come as my slave, my captive, oh you my brethren, my kinsmen." When the heart of the mountain is opened, the fire separates from the stone, even the stone called Gak Chog. It is not a green stone, and there are thirteen others with it, and hence comes the dance called "the heart of the mountain Gagxanul." They say this dance is executed violently, with many troops (of dancers), nor can one count those who join the noise.

33. Xepe chi[c]a chiri xei[c]o chipe cecic Ynup rubi, xaceel chuvi choy; ri ynup maqui na tiquil, mani ruxe ri ynup, xatibilan chuvi ya.

Quere[c]a ru binaam vi cecic Ynup ri xey [c]o chipe chuvi huyu, [c]alalapacay ru bi; xax [c]al he ru xak pacay xqui[c]hacatih. Quere[c]a xubinaah vi [c]alalapacay ri, quecha ka mama.

33. They went from there and pa.s.sed over to Cecic Ynup, as it is called, and they rowed on the lake. There was no ceiba tree rooted in the soil, nor did they go under a ceiba tree, but they went upon the water. Therefore, they called that place Cecic Ynup, "the buried Ceiba." And they pa.s.sed on to the place called Qalalapacay.

There they twined the leaves of the anonas for the royal seat.

Therefore, they called that place Qalalapacay, "anona garlands." So say our ancestors.

_[c]ambal richin Ykoma[t] vae._

_The Conquest of the Ikomagi._

34. Ok xet chi[c]a chinaht ri Cakixahay [c]ubulahay ru bi, rikam Ykoma[t]i, cani x[c]amar rokotaxic c.u.ma, runah [c]a xilitah Chi[t]alibal rubi huyu; xuya vi ri hoye vi quivach, ok xilitah, xaxu [t]aba chic rij.

Quere[c]a xubinaah vi huyu, Chi[t]alibal ri. Xcha [c]a ok xu ya ri: Xa yn acha[t] animal, xa mixi[c]hacatah, xaquin ikan a tem, a [c]hacat, yn huvi chi vinak [c]o vikan. Xcha ri Ykoma[t]i, he [c]a rikan ri Cakixahay, [c]ubulahay; quere[c]a ru[c]amic Ykoma[t] ri, xere [c]a xcolotah. Chic ri xeboco chic co[c,]il vinak, qui tata qui mama ri Ahpoco[c,]il Qulavi cochoh, [c]ula vi [c]anti quibi; xaqui vinakil xeel chic mani chic quikan.

34. Then they saw at a distance those called the Cakixahay and the Qubulahay, subjects of the Ikomagi. They were captured after they had been routed by a surprise, when they were not far from a place called Chigalibal. They were pardoned when they arrived, and our warriors extended their hands to them. Hence that place was called Chigalibal. They said, in yielding: "I am your brother, your elder.

You are the conquerors. We are the subjects of your throne and your power. I swear it before these who are my subjects." Thus spoke the Ikomagi, and thus their subjects, the Cakixahay and the Qubulahay.

Thus did Ikomag submit and save his life. With them the Zotzils brought forth those fathers and elders, the Ahpozotzils named Qulavi Zochoh and Qulavi Qanti. But only their families, not their va.s.sals, proceeded therefrom.

35. Ok xeapon chi[c]a chuvi huyu [c]akba[c,]ulu, ok xilitah chi[c]a ri Tol[c]om rubi. Kitzih tixibin [c]o vi, tinicnot huyu [c]o vi ri [c]akba[c,]ulu. Nabey [c]a xe [c]iz apon ronohel ahlabal, tanti qui xibih quij, maqui tan quetiquer chu camicaxic. Tok xeapon, xecha [c]a ri ahlabal conohel: Mian xatul at kacha[t], bila tux ree, kitzih ti xibin [c]o vi, quecha. Xecha [c]a vi he ka mama [t]a[t]avitz; chinak na pe tux, yx ahlabal? xti[c]a [c,]et an ru vach. Maquian ka labal, maqui [c]ha, pocob, tikoquecah, yx [c]oh yx ka nimal, xecha, xetak conohel chu chapic Tol[c]om. Ok xe cha [c]a: Nak na[c]a tucheex, at kacha[t], mixkatih kitzih tixibin [c]o vi, at cabe chiil, xecha conohel. Tok xpe [c]a ru[c,]eta ri Tol[c]om, xapon kitzih ti xibin [c]o vi tinicnot huyu [c]o vi. Xcha [c]a chire Tol[c]om: Chinak catux? maat nucha[t] nu nimal.

Chinak catux? vacami xcat nucamicah. Cani [c]a xa xibih rij, xcha [c]a: Yn ral [c]habak nicnic, xa vi vochoch vae yn [c]o vi, at ahauh, xcha.

Catoho, bat tiquic, xucheex [c]a ri Tol[c]om. Ok xu ya rii, xchapatah, xpe [c]a ru chapon chic xul cu[c]in, xeucheex [c]a ri ahlabal vuk ama[t], ok xuya ri Tol[c]om: xtika[t]aharticah can vae huyu, yx quixcao ru vach nu telechee nu cana; xtikaquiyah, xtika [c]atohih ru vi nu telechee, xtike[c,]abeh xtika[c]ak, xtika[t]aharticah can rubi vae huyu [c]akba[c,]ulu tucheex ruma vinak [c,]ak, yx ahaua, xeucheex [c]a conohel ahlabal.

35. After this they arrived at the place Qakbatzulu, where they met the one named Tolgom. Truly, terror was there, and the place Qakbatzulu trembled. At first all the warriors began to arrive; but fear was upon them lest they should there meet death. When he (Gagavitz) reached there, all the warriors said: "Thou arrivest, our brother. What is this? Truly it is fearful." So said they; and to them said our ancestor, Gagavitz: "Who are ye, oh warriors? Let us look at his face. Can we not fight? Have we not bows and s.h.i.+elds to effect an entrance, oh you who are my brethren?" So he spoke, and he sent all the warriors to seize Tolgom. Then they said: "What speech is this, oh brother? Is it not said that a great terror is there? Go thou and see." So said they all. Then he went forth to see Tolgom, and truly he arrived at the place of the terror and where the hill trembled. At once he cried to Tolgom: "Who art thou?

Thou art neither my brother nor my elder. Who art thou? This very day I shall slay thee." Instantly was Tolgom filled with fear, and he replied: "I am the son of the Mud that Quivers. This is my house where I dwell, oh my lord." So he said. "Go forth from here and live elsewhere," was it answered to Tolgom. Then he submitted and was made prisoner, and his body was taken with him. Gagavitz said to the warriors and the seven towns when Tolgom gave himself up: "We have made this spot glorious. Show forth the face of my prisoner, my captive. We will adorn and sacrifice my captive. We will be friends with him and stand in front of him, and thus celebrate the name of this spot, Qakbatzulu, as it is called by a joking people, oh chieftains." Such were the words addressed to all the warriors.

36. Quere[c]a xquibijh vae: At kacha[t], hun nabey al, hun [c]a [c]hipil al chikichin, xtiketah [t]ih cak chi popol vach oh oxlahuh chi ahlabal, xti ka ya a muh a [t]alibal, a tem, a [c]hacat, avahavarem. He ree cay chi al co[c,]il Tukuche que ucheex, xcat kachi quicohol Ahpoco[c,]il Ahpoxahil, qui xucheex xa chiri taban vi, at naek huvi chi ahlabal, la naek acha[t] animale, Bacah Pok, Bacah Xahil; qui xucheex naek xa hunam [t]a[t]al tepeval, at kacha[t], xucheex [c]a; tok xelahibex ru vach, ok ru yaic ri Ahpoco[c,]il Ahpoxahil, maqui naek oh co[c,]il Tukuche la naek, kacha[t] ka nimal lae Bacah Pok, oh [c]a Bacah Xahil, yxka[c]ahol.

Quecha ri e oher katata kamama: Oh huvi chi ahlabal xa ruma ri nim qui puz qui naval, he navipe hei kayom, ri [c]ha pocob. Quere[c]a xelahibex vi quivach, a nabey ka mama ri, ruma ri [c]iy xukacah ru [t]ih ralaxic.

36. Therefore, they spoke thus: "Our brother, one child is the first and another the second among us. Hereafter we shall make this appear before the council, we the thirteen warriors. We will give to thee thy canopy, thy royal seat, thy carpet, thy throne, with power. These shall be called the two children of the Zotzil Tukuches, but thou shalt be the first man among the Ahpozotzils and the Ahpoxahils. They shall call thee forth to act; thou shalt be first among the warriors, thy brothers and thy elders, the Bacah Pok and the Bacah Xahils. They shall name thee equal to any in power and majesty, oh my brother." Thus they said, and his head was lifted above the others, and he was given the power by the Ahpozotzils and the Ahpoxahils, but not by us, the Zotzil Tukuches, nor by our brother and elder, the Bacah Pok and the Bacah Xahil, my children. Our fathers and ancestors said of old: "We have been chosen by the warriors in their great skill and wisdom; their bows and s.h.i.+elds have created us." It was thus that our ancestors were first exalted by overcoming the greatness and the birth of many.

37. Ok xtiquer [c]a ru camicaxic ri Tol[c]om, xvikitah na, xoc na ru cauh, [c]ate [c]aok xrip ru[t]a chuvach chee lama x[c]ak vi. Ok xtiquer [c]a xahoh ruma ronohel ahlabal, xavi Tol[c]om rubi bix. Xquixah ok xtiquer [c]a ru[c]akic; maqui [c]a hari [c]haa tel pa [c]am, xahari nahtik cimah chee x[c]akbex chuvi huyu [c]akba[c,]ulu x[c]akvi xbe na qui [c]haa conohel. [c]ate ok xbe ru [c]ha ri kamama [t]a[t]avitz, cani xi[c]o chupam huyu hari Chee [c,]ulu rubi, xu[c]akbeh Tol[c]om: [c]aha xcamican he [c]ari conohel ahlabal, halatak oc qui [c]ha, xoc chinaht xqui [c]ak vi. Quere ri vinak ok xcam [c]iy ru qui[c]el xel chirih che lama: ok xpeh [c]a x[c]iz c.i.p.ax chuvach ronohel vuk ama[t] ahlabal, xquiyax, x[c]atohix rucamic haok x[t]ahar ri uchum, ti[c]o huhun huna, xati ban vaim u[c]aam, xa que [c]habin a[c]uala xa tunay chic ru [c]exevach tiqui [c]ak, bila [c]a tux ri Tol[c]om, quecha ka mama oher, yxka[c]ahol. Quere[c]a xka[c]am viki ri ru[c]in co[c,]il Tukuche ruma [c]a ru puz ru naval, ru [t]a[t]al, ru tepeval; xelahibex vi ru vach ka tata ka mama oh Cakchiquel vinak, mani [c]hacat ahinak vi ru [t]ih ralaxic e oher ka mama.

37. Then began the execution of Tolgom. He arrayed himself and entered suddenly. His arms were extended in front of a tree, to be shot with arrows. A dance was begun by all the warriors, while Tolgom began his song. They still danced, when they commenced to shoot their arrows. But not one of the arrows reached the cord; for it was far to the tree where he was shot at, on the hill Qakbatzulu, where they shot at him and where all the arrows fell.

At length the arrow of our ancestor Gagavitz was discharged. It pa.s.sed rapidly over the place named Cheetzulu, and pierced Tolgom.

All the warriors then slew him, some arrows piercing, him from near and others from afar. The man being thus killed, a great stream of blood came forth behind the tree. His body was cut in pieces and divided among all the seven towns. This gift and this sacrifice of his death were what founded the festival of (the month) Uchum. At that festival all were equal; there was eating and drinking; little children were killed by being shot with arrows, their heads being adorned with elder flowers, as his subst.i.tute, as if they were Tolgom, as say our fathers of yore, oh my children. In this manner we obtained power with the Zotzil Tukuches, by knowledge and occult science, by power and majesty; thus did our fathers and ancestors, we the Cakchiquels, lift our heads above others, nor our ancestors lower their glory and their birth.

38. Ok xepe chi[c]a chiri chu vi huyu [c]akba[c,]ulu, xutzak ka [c]hakap Tol[c]om chupam choy: ok x[t]ahar can ri tzam tzakbal Tol[c]om. Ok xe cha [c]a koy[c]o chupam ree choy, xa[c]a ahilam xi[c]o xquixibih qui conohel ok xquituc rupam ree choy. Chiri xetzako vi quij pan pati payan chocol ru bi, quetabal quinaual; chila xe el vi beleh tulul, ha ri pa Chitulul. Ok xtiquer [c]a ri [c]ovic pa choy ronohel ahlabal, xavi xambey chic xbe ri [t]a[t]avitz, hun [c]a rana Chetehauh ru bi. X[c]ohe can chiri xetzako vi qui ha ri tzam [c]abouil Abah ru bi. Vacami tok xbe [c]ari [t]a[t]avitz, kitzih tixibin ok xebe pa ya cu[c,]u c.u.matz xuhalibeh: cani[c]a x[t]ek.u.mar ru vi ya, canix pa e ca[t]ik, cakcut c.u.m chuvi ya, x[c]iz [c]a ru tuc ru pam choy. [c]oh xraho, xukacah tah ru [t]ih [c,]utuhile xraho: xu [c,]et [c]a ronohel vuk ama[t] tok xel [c]a apon chi ya, e[c]o vi xcha [c]a chire xeboco Ah[c,]iquinahayi: Mian xkatuc rupam ka choy ka palouh, at ka nimal, hu[c]am a choy, hu[c]aam [c]a a [t]uz[t]um, avokok, a tap, a car, tux, xucheex; xu[c]uluba [c]a: Utzan, at nucha[t], [c]hakap a choy, [c]hakap [c]a a [t]uz[t]um, a vokok, a tap, a car, [c]hakap [c]a a [c]hupup, a raxah tux, xa xere mixa[t]aba vinak [c]oh ti camican chupam chachux, xcha Ah[c,]iquinahay chire. Xepe chic, xepaxin chic qui, xavi tzolih chipe, xrah y[c]o ru [c]ama rana; mani chi[c]a x[c]amom ruma ni[c]ah c.o.o.n, mani chic rana xelpe, mani chic tuna. Xcha: ba xcha vi vana, nak mix [c]amo? Kitzih ti be nu canoh ti vil na xchax be labal chic ru[c]ux. Xe vikon, kitzih tixibin ok xebe canoy rana: cani[c]a xuxibih ri ama[t] [c,]utuhile, xcha [c]a xapon: Nak mix[c]amo pe vana xachi [c]ulu labal chic nu [c]ux? Xcha chire ama[t] [c,]utuhile c.o.o.ni [c,]ununaa. Cani[c]a ha x[c]hao ri Ah[c,]iquinahay chirichin: At ahauh, at nucha[t], nu nimal, xa vave tuban vi a vana, mixkahach ka choy, hu[c]aam a choy, hu[c]aam [c]a nu choy tux, xcha, he pokon xe runa ri ahlabal, xa cha xelah ri Ah[c,]iquinahay. Xcha chi [c]a ri ka mama [t]a[t]avitz: Nak ruma tiqui [c]am pe vana utz [c]a xti[c]ohe can ru[c]in ni[c]ah c.o.o.n; xax ti va[c]axah atzih, at nucha[t], qui ru [c]hac pe ri ni[c]ah c.o.o.n, [c]oh ta xtinuban chire. Xcha chi xa e Ah[c,]iquinahayi. Quere[c]a ruhachic choy ri quecha ka mama, quere navipe kacha[t] kanimal vi ki ri ru[c]in [c,]utuhile; [c]oh chi[c]a maqui xtikoquecah. Xey[c]o vi, xemeho vi e nabey ka tata ka mama ri [t]a[t]avitz, cactecauh [c]a chi [t]ek.u.m [c]a chi a[t]a ok: ok xquiban ree, mehaok ticaker, quecha, xa[c]a halachic maticaker chiri. Xeapon chi[c]a chuvi huyu Pul[c]hi[c]h, chiri [c]a xetak viel.

38. When they were on the hill Qakbatzulu, they threw a part of the body of Tolgom into the lake. Thus began the festival of "throwing the nose of Tolgom." Then, it is said, there was heard a noise in the waters, and at its pa.s.sage all were terrified when there were these movements in the waters of the lake. Many on these occasions a.s.sembled at the spot called "the common baths" (Payanchocol). They practiced many magic arts. Nine zapotes were found at the spot called Chitulul. At that time the warriors began their pa.s.sage over the lake. Gagavitz followed them with his sister, named Chetehauh.

They established themselves, and settled on the point called after the G.o.d Abah. A little while after the arrival of Gagavitz, truly a fearful thing took place when he entered the water, having changed himself into Zutzuc.u.matz. It suddenly darkened on the water, a wind rose, and a white cloud rested on the surface, making a circuit of the water in the lake. They desired to remain there; but it was first necessary to reduce the power of the Tzutuhils. All the seven nations looked about and then descended to the water. Those who were there then said to the children of the Ahtziquinahay: "We have scarcely made the circuit of this lake of ours, this sea, oh my brother. But let one-half of the lake be yours, and one-half of the fruits, of the wild geese, of the crabs, of the fish." Thus he spoke, and the others took counsel: "It is well my brother, that the half of the lake be ours, and a half of thy fruits, of thy wild geese, of thy crabs, of thy fish, a half of thy acorns, and a half of thy bananas be ours, and of all living things you kill in or below the waters." Thus did the Ahtziquinahay reply to them. Then they separated and went away, but soon returned, desiring to obtain wives, for none of them were married, owing to the absence of women; neither their mothers nor sisters having accompanied them.

They said: "Where speaks my girl? Whom shall I take as wife? Truly, let us go forth and seek where there is said to be a war for hearts." They put on their armor, and were really terrible when they went forth in search of women. The Tzutuhils were frightened, and to them the Cakchiquels said: "Whom shall I take for my woman?

Who has declared war against my heart?" So they spoke to the Tzutuhil people, to the women of Tzununa. Thereupon the Ahtziquinahay spoke to them: "My lord, my brother, my elder, here indeed is thy maiden. You have divided with us the waters; half of the lake is thine, half is ours." Thus he spoke, and his warriors were afflicted at his words, when the Ahtziquinahay spoke thus in conclusion. Then Gagavitz, our ancestor, said: "Who of you comes to take wives? It were well that you remain with the organs of women.

But I hear thy words, oh my brother; their victory is by the organs of their women. Remaining, I shall do this." Thus he spoke to the Ahtziquinahays. In this manner, say our elders, the lake was divided, and in this manner our brother and elder remained with the Tzutuhils. None other of ours remained. Our first fathers and ancestors, Gagavitz and Zactecauh, pa.s.sed on, and went back to the darkness and the night. At that time their dawn had not yet come; but not long after they did this it began to s.h.i.+ne. They went upon the mountain Pulchich, and thence they set out.

_Qui cakeribal vae._

_This Is Their Day-Breaking._

39. Nabey, [c]a xepe [t]ekaquch, Ba[c]akol, Cibakihay, Cavek xetak pe.

Quixnabeyah, yxnuhay nu chinamit, tibana apon, ka[c,]ak kibah, xa hala chic ma ticaker, vhix, xeucheex, xepe [c]a xeul chiri pa cakeribal, Pantzic, Paraxone, cinahihay, Pacibakul, Pacavek Quehil rubi huyu; xecaker vi, xtiquer [c]a rubanic [c,]ak c.u.ma, [c]ulbal richin cahpop Nimahay rubi. Nabey qui[c,]ak he [c]a nabey xeul ri [t]ekaqueh, Cibakihay, Cavek, xambey chic xul ri Ba[c]ahol, xtiquerinak [c,]ak xul: xcha [c]a ok xul ri Ba[c]ahol chire [t]ekaquch: Yn yn ahpop, quin a [c]ulu, xcha chi re [t]ekaquch. Ok xul xrah ru hi[t]uh, ah popol, xucheex [c]a c.u.ma: Maqui atat kah pop, ma hatul kah pop, xecha chire.

Tok xrelahih [c]a abah [c]uval, xcha: Tin ya chivichin ree [c]uval cah [t]a rakan, tuvic rakan, yn yvahpop, xcha. Maqui xahox chire. Tok xtiquer [c]a chubanic ru [c,]ak, xutzin yantah ru[c,]ak xraho ahpopol tantu hi[t]uh chire. Ok xtak [c]ape chuluc balam yohol ru[c,]ak ruma [t]a[t]avitz, ytzel chic ru[c]ux [t]a[t]avitz Ba[c]ahol tan tiraho ahpopol. Quere[c]a xul yoh vi ru [c,]ak ri ruma chicop chuluc balam, tok xpe [c]a [t]a[t]avitz chuvi huyu Puhuhil, Paraxone xahun chi raxon ru halebal; tok xpeul, ok xul Pantzic Paraxone, cakerinak chic.

39. The first who went forth were Gekaquch, Baqahol, Cibakihay and Cavek, who came together. You were the first, oh my house, oh my tribe, to bring about our day-breaking, our ancient nation, some time before the dawn. "Go forth," was said to them. Then they came to the place where their dawn was to be, to the mountains named Pantzic, Paraxone, Cinahihay, Pacibakul, and Pa Cavek and Quehil.

There their dawn appeared, there they built houses, there took place the marriage of their chief named Nimahay. The first who built houses were those who came first, the Gekaquch, the Cibakihay and the Cavek. The last who arrived was Baqahol, and they had already commenced to build when he arrived. After he had come, Baqahol said to Gekaquch: "I, I am king, I received you." So said he to Gekaquch. At his arrival he had ardently desired the leaders.h.i.+p. The others answered him: "Thou! no, thou art not our king; we do not wish you to be our king." So said they to him. Then he showed them a precious stone and said: "I will give you this precious stone carved with four feet, and hands and toes, if I am your chief." So he said. But that suited them not. Then he began to build himself a stronghold, and in a little while the labor was completed, for he ardently desired power and coveted it. For this reason his constructions were destroyed by the Chuluc Balam sent by Gagavitz, because Gagavitz liked it not that Baqahol desired the leaders.h.i.+p. Therefore the constructions were destroyed by the animals Chuluc Balam when Gagavitz came to the places called Puhuhil and Paraxone, each of which was clothed with changing green. After that he arrived on Pantzic and Paraxone, and on his arrival the day-breaking took place.