A primer of Spanish literature by Conant Helen Peters (Stevens) Mrs. 1839-1899

Author:Conant, Helen Peters (Stevens), Mrs., 1839-1899. [from old catalog]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Spanish literature
Publisher: New York, Harper & brothers
Published: 1879-03-25T05:00:00+00:00

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132 PRIMEE OF SPANISH LITERATUKE.

Belim, Tis what I do.

Theodora, What? When you are looking at that

man? Belisa. Did yon not bid me look upon the earth ? And what is he but jnst a bit of it ? Theodora, I said the earth whereon you triead, my

niece. Belim, Bat that whereon I tread is well concealed With my own petticoat and walking-dress. Theodora, Words such as these become no well-bred maid. But, by your mother's blessed memory, I'll teach you to quit all your pretty tricks.

Come home with me, come home. Belim, A pretty scolding shall we catch for this.

A drama which still holds its place oa tho Spanish stage is '< The Star of Seville." It is more carefally written than most of Lope's plays, and contains many beautifal passages. The argument is very dramatic. Sancho Ortez and Estrella are lovers soon to be mar-* ried with the consent of Bustos Tavera, £s» trella's brother and guardian. But Estrella is the most beautifal wonjan,the "Star'' of Seville, and the king is in love with lier. Bustos, watchful of his sister's honor, thrusts the royal lover from his house. The king demands of Sancho, who is a magistrate, that the man who has drawn a sword against his royal person shall be killed. Sancho gives

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Lis word, but refuses to assassinate the offender. He thus addresses the king:

* * • Sefior, 8 Boldier I, A man of noble birth; and wonldst thou, theu» Caase me to slay a man as murderers do f Not BO. It shall be done in honorable fight, With challenge in dne form, and in the public square, That all Seville may see and know the truth. He who doth strike at a defenceless man Stands crowned with infamy before the world; While he who fell by the assassin's baud Becomes the hero. • * *

The king consents to the duel, and presents Sancho with a paper containing the name of the man whom he must meet in mortal combat. Meanwhile the preparations for the wedding of the lovers are being made, and there are sweet passages between tbe two. At length Sancho opens the paper containing the fatal name, of which he has hitherto remained ignorant.

Sancho (reading). " This is the name of him whom thou must kill: Bnstos Tavera."

God in heaven, have mercy! Eternal wreck and ruin on my head If he should die, and that sad work be mine. Alas, this life is but a game of cards. Badly dealt out and ftill of dire misplay. I saw my future dressed in rainbow hues,

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134 PRIMER OP SPANISH LITERATURE.

Bat now all dim. The cards are sfanffled up By the cold hand of death, and I am lost. Where shall I tarn ? My honor to the king Commands me: kill thy friend, and lose thy love. No, no! Bastos shall live— Bat then shall I Sacrifice honor to desire ? Not so. Bastos mast die— Stop, crael, bloody hand, He shall not— Woe is me.

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