Near him fighting great Alonzo Stout resists the Paynim bands; 50 Firm intrench'd behind him stands. Furious press the hostile squadron, Furious he repels their rage: Who can war with thousands wage! Where yon rock the plain o'ershadows, Fainting sunk the bleeding hero, In the Spanish original of the foregoing ballad, follow a few more stanzas, but being of inferior merit were not translated. Renegado properly signifies an Apostate; but it is sometimes used to express an Infidel in general; as it seems to do above in ver. 21, &c. The image of the Lion, &c. in ver. 57, is taken from the other Spanish copy, the rhymes of which end in IA, viz. 1 XVII. ALCANZOR AND ZAYDA, A MOORISH TALE, IMITATED FROM THE SPANISH. The foregoing version was rendered as literal as the nature of the two languages would admit. In the following a wider compass hath been taken. The Spanish poem that was chiefly had in view, is preserved in the same history of the Civil wars of Granada, f. 22, and begins with these lines: 'Por la calle de su dama SOFTLY blow the evening breezes, In yon palace lives fair Zaida, Whom he loves with flame so pure: Waiting for the appointed minute, Oft he paces to and fro; Stopping now, now moving forwards, Sometimes quick, and sometimes slow. 3 10 Hope and fear alternate teize him, Oft he sighs with heart-felt care- Lovely seems the moon's fair lustre When all silvery bright she rises, Gilding mountain, grove, and plain. Lovely seems the sun's full glory To the fainting seaman's eyes, O'er the wave his radiance flies. 15 20 But a thousand times more lovely To her longing lover's sight Tip-toe stands the anxious lover, Alla keep thee, lovely lady; Tell me, am I doom'd to die? Is it true the dreadful story, Which thy damsel tells my page, That seduc'd by sordid riches Thou wilt sell thy bloom to age? VOL. I. *Alla is the Mahometan name of God. 61 25 30 35 45 An old lord from Antiquera If 'tis true now plainly tell me, Nor thus trifle with my woes ; Hide not then from me the secret, Which the world so clearly knows. Deeply sigh'd the conscious maiden, Our fond friendship is discover'd, Well are known our mutual vows: All my friends are full of fury; Storms of passion shake the house. Threats, reproaches, fears surround me; Ancient wounds of hostile fury Long have rent our house and thine; Why then did thy shining merit Win this tender heart of mine ? 40 Well thou know'st how dear I lov'd thee Spite of all their hateful pride, Tho' I fear'd my haughty father Well thou know'st what cruel chidings 65 Can survive so great a wrong; Well my breaking heart assures me That my woes will not be long. 75 Farewell then, my dear Alcanzor! Farewell too my life with thee! Take this scarf a parting token; When thou wear'st it think on me. 80 Soon, lov'd youth, some worthier maiden Shall reward thy generous truth; Sometimes tell her how thy Zaida Died for thee in prime of youth. |