Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Holland: Vols. XIV–XV. 1876–79.
The Death of Queen Blanche
By Spanish Ballad“M
For if I twice have wedded me, it all was for thy good;
For a banner to Medina my messenger shall go;
Such pennon shall they weave for thee, such sacrifice be found.”
He said, “Now hear me, Ynigo, forthwith for this begone.”
For he that harmeth Lady Blanche doth harm my lord the King.”
And to a bowman of his guard the dark command he said.
“Alas!” she said, “my maidens, he brings my death, I fear.”
And see thy soul be ordered well with God that did it make,
Then gently spake the Lady Blanche, “My friend, I pardon thee;
Deny me not confession,—if so, forgive ye Heaven.”
While thus Queen Blanche of Bourbon her last complaint did make:—
Not eighteen years have I seen out before my life is gone.
Whate’er I ’ve done, to proud Castile no treason e’er did I.
God grant me soon another crown more precious in the skies.”
Her tender neck was cut in twain, and out her blood did flow.