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

Note 443 — 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 Letrilla may be taken as a specimen of Gongora’s artificial style:—

Da bienes fortuna Que no están escritos, Quando pitos flautas, Quando flautas pitos. Quan diversas sendas Se suelen seguir En el repartir Las honras y haciendas. A unos dá encomiendas, A otros sambenitos, Quando pitos: &c. A veces despoja De choza y apero Al mayor cabrero, Y á quien se le antoja, La cabra mas coja Parió dos cabritos, Quando pitos, &c. Porque en una aldea Un pobre mancebo Hurtó solo un huebo, A sol bambonea, Y otro se pasea Con cien mil delitos, Quando, &c.

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)