From the Romancero

Translated by Sir John Bowring
de Miguel de Madrigal

HAD I a thousand souls with which to love thee,

I’d throw them all, delighted, at thy feet;

Had I uncounted gold wherewith to move thee,

’Twould seem unworthy all, and incomplete:

I fain would be an Argus but to view thee,

And a Briareus round thy charms to cling;

Another Orpheus to play music to thee,

A Homer thy perfections all to sing.

I would be May, to clothe thee with its splendour,

And Love itself adoring to caress thee;

I’d call on fame, to speak my passion tender,

I’d fain be the world’s king, to serve and bless thee,

A sun to be thy light and thy defender,

And heaven itself forever to possess thee.