Like a lion turns the warrior, Back he sends an angry glare; Sent a deep and mortal wound: Mute and lifeless on the ground. With a thousand Moors surrounded, Cold at length the warrior lay. Near him fighting great Alonzo 40 45 Stout resists the paynim bands; 50 From his slaughter'd steed dismounted Furious press the hostile squadron, Loss of blood at length enfeebles: Where yon rock the plain o'ershadows, 55 60 *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. 37, is taken from the other Spanish copy, the rhymes of which end in ia, viz. {XVII. Alcanzor and Zapda. 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, Sometimes quick and sometimes slow. Hope and fear alternate teaze him, Lovely seems the moon's fair lustre 10 15 When all silvery bright she rises, Gilding mountain, grove, and plain. 20 Lovely seems the sun's full glory O'er the wave his radiance flies. But a thousand times more lovely Which thy damsel tells my page, Thou wilt sell thy bloom to age? "An old lord from Antiquera Thy stern father brings along; But canst thou, inconstant Zaida, Thus consent my love to wrong? "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 sighed the conscious maiden, While the pearly tears descend: "Ah! my Lord, too true the story; Here our tender loves must end. "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. 66 Threats, reproaches, fears surround me; Alla knows how dear it costs me, Alla is the Mahometan name of God. 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 "Ancient wounds of hostile fury Long have rent our house and thine; Why then did thy shining merit Win this tender heart of mine? 60 Thus she did her woes impart : Deep he sigh'd, then cry'd, "O Zaida! "Canst thou think I thus will lose thee? Canst thou hold my love so small? 90 No! a thousand times I'll perish!— My curst rival too shall fall. |