History of Spanish and Portuguese Literature (Vol 1 of 2)

Note 442 — SECOND SECTION. History of Spanish Poetry and Eloquence, from the Age of Cervantes and Lope de Vega to the Middle of the Seventeenth Century. (continued 2)

Thomasina Ross translation

The following, which is a description of Life in Madrid, may serve as a specimen of these satirical sonnets:—

Una vida bestial de encantamiento, Harpias contra bolsas conjuradas, Mil vanas pretensiones engañadas, Por hablar un oidor, mover el viento; Carrozas y lacayos, pages ciento, Hábitos mil con virgenes espadas, Damas parleras, cambios, embaxadas, Caras posadas, trato fraudulento; Mentiras arbitreras, Abogados, Clerigos sobre mulas, como mulos, Embustes, calles sucias, lodo eterno; Hombres de guerra medio estropeados, Titulos y lisonjas, disimulos, Esto es Madrid, mejor dixera Infierno.

Return to SECOND SECTION. History of Spanish Poetry and Eloquence, from the Age of Cervantes and Lope de Vega to the Middle of the Seventeenth Century. (continued 2)