496 UNIT 4 MESOAMERICAN CULTURAL FEATURES
I shall be as father to you,
I shall be as mother to you.
For one year the same as for one day.
Great San Juan,
Great Patron,
There is incense for you,
There is smoke for you.
I shall lift you,
I shall carry you,
For one year the same as for each day.
My Lord, Jesus, your children are gathered together,
For you to see,
For you to witness.
One alone cannot assume your care;
A man alone cannot do your will.
What a good thing it is!
What an undertaking!
That your children are gathered together,
That your offspring are gathered together,
To stand up for you,
To stand firmly for you.
May nothing befall us,
May nothing harm us.
May your flowery countenance shine in white radiance,
May your flowery face shine in soft brilliance.
That you may watch over us,
That you may care for us,
And your musicians
And your cannoneers
And your cook.
May nothing befall us,
May nothing harm us.
Great San Juan,
Great Patron.
Now you are to be delivered at my feet,
Now you are to be delivered into my hands,
And those of my spouse, my companion;
And those of my father and my mother;
And those of your children, your offspring,
For you to witness,
For you to see,
For one year as for each day.