Fernando de Herrera

Soneto

Trenzas que en la serena y limpia frente
de anillos de oro crespo coronadas
formais lucientes vueltas y lazadas,
donde el mayor Vulcano espira ardiente,

el Sol, o que aparezca en Orïente
con las puntas de llamas dilatadas,
o que las junte, de subir cansadas,
se rinde a vuestra luz resplandeciente.

Vos, mis hermosos cercos, anudado
teneis mi cuello, y nunca espero el día,
principio a libertad, fin a la pena.

Porque alegre en el mal de mi cuidado,
de la prisión huir no pienso mía;
ni los lazos romper de esta cadena.



Sonnet

Tresses on the clear and serene brow
with rings of curly gold so nobly crowned
you form shimmering ringlets and bright bows,
where the first Vulcan breathes his fires bright,

the Sun, whether appearing in the East
with all the edges of its flames stretched out,
or else uniting them, so tired of rising,
now succumbs to your resplendent light.

You, my fair enclosures, tied in knots
have got my throat; I'll never see the day
that starts my freedom, ends all of my pain.

Content now in the anguish of my cares,
to flee my prison I have no desire;
nor even break the knots that bind this chain.

                     (©Alix Ingber, 1995)



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E-mail your comments and questions to:

Alix Ingber
Professor of Spanish
Sweet Briar College

ingber@sbc.edu



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