Note 39 — Chapter II
Reading edition
Most of the poets and poetasters of the Court were convinced of this, and the romantic love-making of the Prince, who for the sweet eyes of the Infanta was to make England Catholic, inspired many verses. Howel sends to a friend in England one stanza of such a poem written at this time, he says by Lope de Vega—
Carlos Estuardo, soy, Que siendo amor mi guia. Al cielo de España voy. Par ver mi estrella Maria.
Charles Stuart, here am I, Guided by love afar Into the Spanish sky, To see Maria my star.
Gongora's fine sonnet, translated by Churton, is worth quoting entire—
Fair from his cradle springs the star of day, Rock'd on bright waves fair sinks his parting light: Such be thy course, in sunlike beauty bright, Daughter of kings and born to be as they. The world's majestic wonder. Lo! thy ray Hath called a royal bird, in venturous flight, From realms where keen Arcturus fires by night The polar skies: from regions far away He wheels on swiftest wing: within thy sphere Secure his bold eye drinks the soft clear fires. Now Heaven and Love be kind; and both ordain What time his suit shall win thy beauty's ear. The Northern Eagle won with chaste desires, By Truth's pure light may live to God again.