Ediciones bilingües: La vida es sueño
LA VIDA ES SUEÑO
de Pedro Calderón de la Barca.

Edición bilingüe, español-inglés, en textos paralelos
Bilingual edition: Spanish-English, in parallel texts
Realización para Internet: Miguel Garci-Gomez.
English translation byMacCarthy, Denis Florence (1817-1882): Project Gutenberg

JORNADAS     I     II     III

Jornada tercera

                  Sale CLARIN.  

CLARIN.            

    En una encantada torre,                          

In a strange enchanted tower,

                            

por lo que sé, vivo preso.                             

I, for what I know, am prisoned;

2190

                   

¿Qué me harán por lo que ignoro,                 

How would ignorance be punished,

                            

si por lo que sé me han muerto?                   

If for knowledge they would kill me?

                            

¡Que un hombre con tanta ha[m]bre             

What a thing to die of hunger,

                            

viniese a morir viviendo!                               

For a man who loves good living!

                             

Lástima tengo de mí.                                    

I compassionate myself;

2195

                   

Todos dirán: "Bien lo creo",                         

All will say: "I well believe it";

                            

y bien se puede creer;                                  

And it well may be believed,

                            

pues para mí este silencio                             

Because silence is a virtue

                            

no conforma con el nombre                      

Incompatible with my name

                            

Clarín, y callar no puedo.                             

Clarin, which of course forbids it.

2200

                   

Quien me hace compañía                               

In this place my sole companions,

                            

aquí, si a decirlo acierto,                              

It may safely be predicted,

                            

son arañas y ratones.                                    

Are the spiders and the mice:

                            

¡Miren qué dulces jilgueros!                         

What a pleasant nest of linnets!---

                            

De los sueños desta noche                           

Owing to this last night's dream,

2205

                   

la triste cabeza tengo                                     

My poor head I feel quite dizzy

                            

llena de mil chirimías,                                   

From a thousand clarionets,

                            

de trompetas y embelecos.                           

Shawms, and seraphines and cymbals,

                            

de procesiones, de cruces,                           

Crucifixes and processions,

                            

de disciplinantes; y éstos,                             

Flagellants who so well whipped them,

2210

                   

unos suben, otros bajan,                               

That as up and down they went,

                            

unos se desmayan viendo                             

Some even fainted as they witnessed

                            

la sangre que llevan otros.                            

How the blood ran down the others.

                            

Mas yo, la verdad diciendo,                         

I, if I the truth may whisper,

                            

de no comer me desmayo;                           

Simply fainted from not eating,

2215

                    

que en esta prisión me veo,                           

For I see me in this prison

                            

donde ya todos los días                               

All day wondering how this Poland

                            

en el filósofo leo                                           

Such a Hungary look exhibits,

                            

Nicomedes, y las noches                              

All night reading in the Fasti

                            

en el concilio Niceno.                                   

By some half-starved poet written.

2220

                   

Si llaman santo al callar,                                

In the calendar of saints,

                            

como en calendario nuevo                            

If a new one is admitted,

                            

San Secreto es para mí,                               

Then St. Secret be my patron,

                            

pues le ayuno y no le huelgo;                         

For I fast upon his vigil;

                            

aunque está bien merecido                           

Though it must be owned I suffer

2225

                   

el castigo que padezco,                                 

Justly for the fault committed,

                            

pues callé, siendo criado,                             

Since a servant to be silent

                            

que es el mayor sacrilegio.                           

Is a sacrilege most sinful.

                              (Ruido de cajas y gente, y dicen dentro.)

 

[SOLDADO}1.  

Esta es la torre en que está.                          

Sol 1. He is here within this tower.

                            

Echad la puerta en el suelo;                          

Dash the door from off its hinges;

2230

                   

entrad todos.                                               

Enter all.

CLARIN.            

                   ¡Vive Dios!                                 

Cla.                           Good God! 'tis certain

                            

que a mí me buscan es cierto                        

That 'tis me they seek so briskly,

                            

pues me dicen que aquí estoy.                       

Since they say that I am here.

                            

¿Qué me querrán?                                       

What can they require?

                          (Salen los soldados que pudieren.)

 

[SOLDADO}1.  

                            Entrad dentro.                 

Sol 1. Go in there.

[SOLDADO}2.  

Aquí está.                                                    

Sol 2. Here he is.

CLARIN.            

                No está.                                       

Cla.                     He's not.

TODOS.             

                             Señor...                          

Todos.                                          Great lord!

2235

CLARIN.  

¿Si vienen borrachos éstos?                           

Cla. Are the fellows mad or tipsy?

[SOLDADO}2.  

Tú nuestro príncipe eres;                              

Sol 2. Thou art our own Prince, and we

                            

ni admitimos ni queremos                              

Will not have, and won't admit of,

                            

sino al señor natural,                                    

Any but our natural Prince;

                            

y no príncipe extranjero.                               

We no foreign Prince here wish for.

2240

                   

A todos nos da los pies.                                

Let us kneel and kiss thy feet.

TODOS.             

¡Viva el gran príncipe n[uest}ro!                   

Todos. Live, long live our best of Princes!

CLARIN              (Aparte.)                                                                

Cla.

                            

¡Vive Dios, que va de veras!                        

'Gad! the affair grows rather serious.

                            

¿Si es costumbre en este reino                     

Is it usual in this kingdom

                            

prender uno cada día                                   

To take some one out each day,

2245

                    

y hacerle príncipe, y luego                             

Make him Prince, and then remit him

                            

volverle a la torre? Sí,                                  

To this tower? It must be so,

                             

pues cada día lo veo;                                   

Since each day that sight I witness.

                            

fuerza es hacer mi papel.                              

  I must therefore play my part.

SOLDADOS.      

Danos tus plantas.                               

Sol. Thy feet give us!

CLARIN             

                            No puedo,                       

Cla.                           I can't give them,

2250

                   

porque las he menester                                 

As I want them for myself.

                            

para mí, y fuera defeto                                 

For a prince to be a cripple

                            

ser príncipe desplantado.                              

Would be rather a defect.

[SOLDADO}2.  

Todos a tu padre mesmo

Sol 2. We have all conveyed our wishes

                            

le dijimos que a ti solo                                  

To your father; we have told him

2255

                   

por príncipe conocemos,                               

You alone shall be our Prince here,

                            

no al de Moscovia.                                      

Not the Duke.

CLARIN.             

                             ¿A mi padre                   

Cla. And were you guilty

                            

le perdistis el respeto?                                  

'Gainst my sire, of disrespect?

                            

Sois unos tales por cuales.                           

 

[SOLDADO}1.  

Fue lealtad de nuestros pechos.                    

Sol 1. 'Twas the loyalty of our spirit.

2260

CLARIN.        

Si fue lealtad, yo os perdono.                       

Cla. If 'twas loyalty, I forgive you.

[SOLDADO}2.  

Sal a restaurar tu imperio.                            

Sol 2. Come, regain thy lost dominion.

                            

¡Viva Segismundo!                                      

Long live Sigismund! 

TODOS.             

                            ¡Viva!                              

Todos.                                  Live the Prince.

CLARIN.             (Aparte.)                                                                

Cla.

                            

¿Segismundo dicen? Bueno.                         

Say they Sigismund? Good. Admitted.

                            

Segismundos llaman todos                           

Sigismund must be the name

2265

                    

los príncipes contrahechos                            

Given to all pretended princes.

                              Sale SEGISMUNDO.

 

SEGISMUNDO. 

¿Quién no[m}bra aquí a Segismu[n}do?        

Seg. Who has named here Sigismund?

CLARIN.                  (Aparte.)                                                                

Cla.

                            

¡Mas que soy príncipe huero!                       

Ah, I'm but an addled prince, then!

[SOLDADO}2.  

¿Quién es Segismundo?                               

Sol 2. Who is Sigismund?

SEGISMUNDO. 

                                    Yo.                         

Seg.                                                  Who? I.

[SOLDADO}2.  

Pues ¿cómo, atrevido y necio,                      

Sol 2. How, then, didst thou, bold and silly,

2270

                     

tú te hacías Segismundo?                              

Dare to make thee Sigismund?

CLARIN.            

¿Yo Segismundo? Eso niego.                       

Cla. I a Sigismund? Thou fibbest;

                            

Que vosotros fuistis quien                            

It was you yourselves that thus

                            

me segismundasteis; luego                             

Sigismundized me and princed me:

                            

vuestra ha sido solamente                             

All the silliness and the boldness

2275

                   

necedad y atrevimiento.                                 

Have been by yourselves committed.

[SOLDADO}1.  

Gran príncipe Segismundo                           

Sol 1. Great and brave Prince Sigismund

                            

(que las señas que traemos                           

(For thy bearing doth convince us

                            

tuyas son, aunque por fe                              

Thou art he, although on faith

                            

te aclamamos señor nuestro),                       

We proclaim thee as our prince here).

2280

                   

tu padre, el gran rey Basilio,                          

King Basilius, thy father,

                            

temeroso que los cielos                                

Fearful of the Heavens fulfilling

                            

cumplan un hado, que dice                           

A prediction, which declared

                            

que ha de verse a tus pies puesto,                

He would see himself submitted

                             

vencido de ti, pretende                                 

At thy victor feet, attempts

2285

                   

quitarte acción y derecho                              

To deprive thee of thy birthright,

                             

y dársela a Astolfo, duque                            

And to give it to Astolfo,

                            

de Moscovia. Para esto                               

Muscovy's duke. For this his missives

                            

juntó su corte, y el vulgo,                             

Summoned all his court: the people

                            

penetrando ya y sabiendo                            

  Understanding, by some instinct,

2290

                   

que tiene rey natural,                                     

That they had a natural king,

                            

no quiere que un extranjero                          

Did not wish a foreign princeling

                            

venga a mandarle. Y así,                              

To rule o'er them. And 'tis thus,

                            

haciendo noble desprecio                             

That the fate for thee predicted

                            

de la inclemencia del hado,                           

Treating with a noble scorn,

2295

                   

te ha buscado donde preso                           

They have sought thee where imprisoned

                            

vives, para que, valido                                  

Thou dost live, that issuing forth,

                            

de tus armas y saliendo                                

By their powerful arms assisted,

                            

desta torre a restaurar                                   

From this tower, thy crown and sceptre

                            

tu imperial corona y cetro,                            

Thou shouldst thus regain, and quit them

2300

                   

se la quites a un tirano.                                   

Of a stranger and a tyrant.

                            

Sal, pues; que en ese desierto                      

Forth! then; for among these cliffs here

                            

ejército numeroso                                         

There is now a numerous army,

                            

de bandidos y plebeyos                               

Formed of soldiers and banditti,

                            

te aclama. La libertad                                    

That invoke thee: freedom waits thee;

2305

                   

te espera; oye sus acentos.                            

To the thousand voices listen.

VOCES.              

¡Viva Segismundo, viva!                              

Voces. Long, long live Prince Sigismund!

SEGISMUNDO.         (Dentro.)                                                                

Seg.

                            

¿Otra vez (¿qué es esto, cielos?)                  

Once again, O Heaven! wouldst wish me

                            

queréis que sueñe grandezas                        

Once again to dream of greatness

                            

que ha de deshacer el tiempo?                     

Which may vanish in an instant?

2310

                   

¿Otra vez queréis que vea                             

Once again to see the glories,

                            

entre sombras y bosquejos                           

That a royal throne encircle,

                             

la majestad y la pompa                                

Die in darkness and in gloom,

                            

desvanecida del viento?                               

Like a flame the winds extinguish?

                            

¿Otra vez queréis que toque                         

Once again by sad experience

2315

                   

el desengaño, o el riesgo                               

To be taught the dangerous limits

                            

a que el humano poder                                 

Human power may overleap,

                            

nace humilde y vive atento?                          

At its birth and while it liveth?

                            

Pues no ha de ser, no ha de ser.                   

No, it must not, must not be:---

                            

Miradme otra vez sujeto                              

See me now once more submitted

2320

                   

a mi fortuna. Y pues sé                                  

To my fate; and since I know

                            

que toda esta vida es sueño,                         

Life is but a dream, a vision,

                            

idos, sombras, que fingís                              

Hence, ye phantoms, that assume

                            

hoy a mis sentidos muertos                           

To my darkened sense the figure

                            

cuerpo y voz, siendo verdad                        

And the voice of life---although

2325

                   

que ni tenéis voz ni cuerpo;                           

Neither voice nor form is in them.

                            

que no quiero majestades                             

I no longer now desire

                             

fingidas, pompas no quiero.                          

A feigned majesty, a fictitious

                            

Fantásticas ilusiones                                     

And fantastic pomp---illusions

                             

que al soplo menos ligero                             

Which the slightest breath that ripples

2330

                   

del aura han de deshacerse                           

The calm ether can destroy,

                             

bien como el florido almendro,                     

Even as in the early spring-time,

                            

que por madrugar sus flores,                        

When the flowering almond tree

                            

sin aviso y sin consejo,                                 

Unadvisedly exhibits

                            

al primer soplo se apagan,                            

All its fleeting bloom of flowers,

2335

                   

marchitando y desluciendo                            

The first blast their freshness withers,

                            

de sus rosados capillos                                

And the ornament and grace

                            

belleza, luz y ornamento,                               

Of its rosy locks disfigures.

                            

ya os conozco, ya os conozco,                     

Now I know ye---know ye all,

                            

y sé que os pasa lo mesmo                           

And I know the same false glimmer

2340

                   

con cualquiera que se duerme.                     

Cheats the eyes of all who sleep.

                            

Para mí no hay fingimientos;                         

Me false shows no more bewilder;

                            

que, desengañado ya,                                  

Disabused, I now know well

                            

sé bien que la vida es sueño.                        

Life is but a dream---a vision.

[SOLDADO}2.  

Si piensas que te engañamos,                       

Sol 2. If thou thinkest we deceive thee,

2345

                   

vuelve a ese monte soberbio                         

Turn thine eyes to those proud cliffs here,

                             

los ojos, para que veas                                

See the crowds that wait there, willing,

                            

la gente que aguarda en ellos                        

Eager to obey thee.

                             

para obedecerte.                                         

 

SEGISMUNDO. 

                         Ya                                      

Seg.                                               Yet

                            

otra vez vi aquesto mesmo                           

Just as clearly and distinctly,

2350

                   

tan clara y distintamente                                

I have seen another time

                            

como agora lo estoy viendo,                         

The same things that now I witness,

                            

y fue sueño.                                                 

And 'twas but a dream.

[SOLDADO}1.  

                  Cosas grandes                            

Sol 1. At all times

                            

siempre, gran señor, trujeron                        

Great events, my lord, bring with them

                            

anuncios; y esto sería,                                  

Their own omens; and thy dream

2355

                   

si lo soñaste primero.                                   

But the actual fact prefigured.

SEGISMUNDO. 

Dices bien, anuncio fue;                               

Seg. You say well, it was an omen;

                            

y caso que fuese cierto,                                

But supposing the bright vision

                            

pues que la vida es tan corta,                       

Even were true, since life is short,

                            

soñemos, alma, soñemos                              

Let us dream, my soul, a little,

2360

                   

otra vez; pero ha de ser                                

Once again, remembering now

                             

con atención y consejo                                 

With all forethought and prevision

                            

de que hemos de despertar                          

That we must once more awake

                            

deste gusto al mejor tiempo;                         

At the better time not distant;

                            

que llevándolo sabido,                                 

That being known, the undeceiving,

2365

                   

será el desengaño menos;                              

When it comes, will be less bitter;

                            

que es hacer burla del daño                          

For it takes the sting from evil

                            

adelantarle el consejo.                                  

To anticipate its visit.

                            

Y con esta prevención                                 

And with this conviction, too,

                            

de que, cuando fuese cierto,                          

Even its certainty admitting,

2370

                   

es todo el poder prestado                             

That all power being only lent

                            

y ha de volverse a su dueño,                        

Must return unto the Giver,

                            

atrevámonos a todo.                                    

Let us boldly then dare all.---

                            

Vasallos, yo os agradezco                            

For the loyalty you exhibit,

                            

la lealtad; en mí lleváis                                  

Thanks, my lieges. See in me

2375

                   

quien os libre, osado y diestro,                      

One who will this land deliver

                            

de extranjera esclavitud.                               

From a stranger's alien yoke.

                            

Tocad al arma, que presto                           

Sound to arms; you soon shall witness

                            

veréis mi inmenso valor.                               

What my valour can effect.

                            

Contra mi padre pretendo                            

'Gainst my father I have lifted

2380

                    

tomar armas y sacar                                      

Hostile arms, to see if Heaven

                            

verdaderos a los cielos;                                

Has of me the truth predicted.

                             

presto he de verle a mis plantas.                   

At my feet I am to see him ...

(Aparte.) [Aside. ]

                            

Mas si antes desto despierto                         But if I, from dreams delivered,

 

                            

¿no será bien no decirlo                               

Wake ere then, and nothing happens,

2385

                   

supuesto que no he de hacerlo?                     

Silence now were more befitting.

TODOS.             

¡Viva Segismundo, viva!                              

Todos. Long live Sigismund, our king!

                      Sale CLOTALDO.

 

CLOTALDO.      

¿Qué alboroto es éste, cielos?                      

Clo. Ha! what tumult, Heavens! has risen?

SEGISMUNDO. 

Clotaldo.                                                     

Seg. Well, Clotaldo.

CLOTALDO.      

              Señor... (Aparte.) En mí                 

Clo.                                 Sire. ... On me [Aside.]

                            

su crueldad prueba.                                     

Will his wrath now fall.

CLARIN.             (Aparte.)                                                                 

Cla (Aside).

                            

                             Yo apuesto                     

He'll fling him

2390

                   

que le despeña del monte.                             

Headlong down the steep, I'll bet.

                              (Vase.)

                                                     [Exit. ]

CLOTALDO.      

A tus reales plantas llego,                             

Clo. At your royal feet submitted

                             

ya sé que a morir.                                        

I know how to die.

SEGISMUNDO. 

                           Levanta,                           

Seg.                                      My father,

                             

levanta, padre, del suelo,                              

Rise, I pray, from that position,

                            

que tú has de ser norte y guía                       

Since to you, my guide and polestar,

2395

                    

de quien fíe mis aciertos;                               

Are my future acts committed;

                            

que ya sé que mi crianza                              

All my past life owes you much

                            

a tu mucha lealtad debo.                              

For your careful supervision.

                            

Dame los brazos.                                         

Come, embrace me.

CLOTALDO.      

                          ¿Qué dices?                      

Clo.                                What do you say?

SEGISMUNDO. 

Que estoy soña[n}do, y que quiero               

Seg. That I dream, and that my wishes

2400

                     

obrar bien, pues no se pierde                         

Are to do what's right, since we

     

 

 


                    

obrar bien, aun entre sueños.                

Even in dreams should do what's fitting.

CLOTALDO.      

Pues, señor, si el obrar bien                 

Clo. Then, my prince, if you adopt

                             

es ya tu blasón, es cierto                      

Acting rightly as your symbol,

                    

que no te ofenda el que yo                   

You will pardon me for asking,

2405

                    

hoy solicite lo mesmo.                                   

So to act, that you permit me.

                    

A tu padre has de hacer guerra.           

 

                    

Yo aconsejarte no puedo                              

No advice and no assistance

                    

contra mi Rey, ni valerte.                      

Can I give against my king.

                    

A tus plantas estoy puesto;                   

Better that my lord should kill me

2410

                   

dame la muerte.                                   

At his feet here.

SEGISMUNDO. 

                        ¡Villano,                       

Seg.                                    Oh, ungrateful!

                    

traidor, ingrato! (Aparte.) Mas ¡cielos!

Villain! wretch! (Aside.)

                    

reportarme me conviene,                      

But, Heavens! 'tis fitter

                    

que aún no sé si estoy despierto.          

I restrain myself, not knowing

2415

                   

Clotaldo, vuestro valor                         

But all this may be a vision.---

                             

os envidio y agradezco.                                 

The fidelity I envy

                    

Idos a servir al Rey,                             

Must be honoured and admitted.

                    

que en el campo nos veremos.                     

Go and serve your lord, the king.

                    

Vosotros, tocad el arma.                      

Where the battle rages thickest

 

 

 

We shall meet.---To arms, my friends!

CLOTALDO.      

Mil veces tus plantas beso.                   

Clo. Thanks, most generous of princes.

  (Vase.)   [Exit.]

2420

SEGISMUNDO. 

A reinar, fortuna, vamos;                      

Seg. Fortune, we go forth to reign;

                    

no me despiertes, si duermo,                

Wake me not if this is vision,

                    

y si es verdad, no me duermas.            

Let me sleep not if 'tis true.

                    

Mas, sea verdad o sueño,                    

But whichever of them is it,

                    

obrar bien es lo que importa.                         

To act right is what imports me.

2425

                   

Si fuere verdad, por serlo;                     

If 'tis true, because it is so;

                    

si no, por ganar amigos                        

If 'tis not, that when I waken

                    

para cuando despertemos.                           

Friends may welcome and forgive me.

(Vanse, y tocan el arma.) [Exeunt.] all, drums beating.

                     Salen el REY BASILIO y ASTOLFO.

Basilius and Astolfo.

BASILIO.           

    ¿Quién, Astolfo, podrá parar prudente     

Bas. Who can expect, Astolfo, to restrain

                    

la furia de un caballo desbocado?         

An untamed steed that wildly turns to flee?

2430

                   

¿Quién detener de un río la corriente     

Who can the current of a stream detain,

                    

que corre al mar, soberbio y despeñado?     

That swollen with pride sweeps down to seek the sea?

                    

¿Quién un peñasco suspender, valiente,

Who can prevent from tumbling to the plain

                    

de la cima de un monte, desgajado?             

Some mighty peak the lightning's flash sets free?

                    

Pues todo fácil de parar ha sido,          

Yet each were easier in its separate way,

2435

                   

y un vulgo no, soberbio y atrevido.        

Than the rude mob's insensate rage to stay.

                    

    Dígalo en bandos el rumor partido,   

The several bands that throng each green retreat

                    

pues se oye resonar en lo profundo      

This truth proclaim by their disparted cries;

                    

de los montes el eco repetido,              

Astolfo here the echoing notes repeat,

                    

unos "Astolfo" y otros "Segismundo". 

While there 'tis Sigismund that rends the skies.

2440

                   

El dosel de la jura, reducido                  

The place where late the land was glad to greet

                    

a segunda intención, a horror segundo, 

The choice we made, a second venture tries;

                    

teatro funesto es, donde importuna       

And soon will be, as Horror o'er it leans,

                    

representa tragedias la fortuna.                     

The fatal theatre of tragic scenes.

ASTOLFO.         

    Suspéndase, señor, el alegría,           

Ast. My lord, let all this joy suspended be,

2445

                   

cese el aplauso y gusto lisonjero            

These plaudits cease, and to another day

                    

que tu mano feliz me prometía;             

Defer the rapture thou hast promised me;

                    

que si Polonia (a quien mandar espero)

For if this Poland (which I hope to sway)

                    

hoy se resiste a la obediencia mía,        

Resists to-day my right of sovereignty,

                    

es porque la merezca yo primero.                 

'Tis that by merit I should win my way.

2450

                   

Dadme un caballo, y de arrogancia lleno

Give me a steed; to stem this wild revolt

                    

rayo descienda el que blasona trueno.          

My pride shall be the flash that bears the bolt.                                                                                  

                     (Vase.)

 

 [Exit. ]

BASILIO.           

    Poco reparo tiene lo infalible,                   

Bas. Slight help there is for what is fixed by fate,

                    

y mucho riesgo lo previsto tiene;           

And much of danger to foresee the blow;

                    

si ha de ser, la defensa es imposible,     

If it must fall, defence is then too late,

2455

                   

que quien la excusa más, más la previene.      

And he who most forestalls doth most foreknow.

                    

¡Dura ley! ¡Fuerte caso! ¡Horror terrible!     

Hard law! Stern rule! Dire fact to contemplate!

                    

Quien piensa que huye el riesgo, al riesgo viene,             

That he who thinks to fly doth nearer go.

                             

con lo que yo guardaba me he perdido;

Thus by the very means that I employed,

                    

yo mismo, yo mi patria he destrüido.            

My country and myself I have destroyed.

                         Sale ESTRELLA.

Estrella and Basilius.

2460

ESTRELLA.

    Si tu presencia, gran señor, no trata           

Est. If, mighty lord, thy presence, which it braves,

                    

de enfrenar el tumulto sucedido,           

The tumult of the crowd cannot defeat---

                    

que de uno en otro bando se dilata,      

The frenzy of the multitude that raves

                    

por las calles y plazas dividido,             

In hostile bands through every square and street,---

                    

verás tu reino en ondas de escarlata     

Thou'lt see thy kingdom swim in crimson waves,

2465

                   

nadar, entre la púrpura teñido                         

A purple sea of blood shall round it beat;

                    

de su sangre; que ya con triste modo,   

For even already in its dismal doom

                    

todo es desdichas y tragedias todo.              

All is disaster, tragedy, and gloom.

                    

    Tanta es la ruina de tu imperio, tanta 

Such is thy kingdom's ruin, so severe

                    

la fuerza del rigor duro y sangriento,     

The hard and bloody trial fate hath sent,

2470

                   

que visto admira y escuchado espanta.          

Dazed is the eye, and terrified the ear;

                    

El sol se turba y se embaraza el viento; 

Dark grows the sun, and every wind is spent;

                    

cada piedra una pirámide levanta          

Each stone a mournful obelisk doth rear,

                    

y cada flor construye un monumento;    

And every flower erects a monument;

                    

cada edificio es un sepulcro altivo,        

A grave seems every house, whence life is gone,---

2475

                   

cada soldado un esqueleto vivo.                    

Each soldier is a living skeleton.

                       Sale CLOTALDO.

Clotaldo, Basilius, and Estrella.

CLOTALDO       

    ¡Gracias a Dios que vivo a tus pies llego!  

Clo. Thanks be to God, I reach thy feet alive.

BASILIO.           

Clotaldo, pues ¿qué hay de Segismundo?     

Bas. What news of Sigismund, Clotaldo, say?

CLOTALDO.      

Que el vulgo, monstruo despeñado y ciego,  

Clo. The crowd, whom frenzy and blind impulse drive,

                    

la torre penetró, y de lo profundo         

Into the tower resistless burst their way,

2480

                   

della sacó su príncipe, que luego           

Released the Prince, who seeing thus revive

                    

que vio segunda vez su honor segundo,

The honour he had tasted for one day,

                    

valiente se mostró, diciendo fiero          

Looked brave, declaring, in a haughty tone,

                    

que ha de sacar al cielo verdadero.              

The truth at last that heaven must now make known.

BASILIO.           

    Dadme un caballo, porque yo en persona 

Bas. Give me a horse! In person forth I'll ride

2485

                   

vencer valiente a un hijo ingrato quiero; 

To check the pride of this ungrateful son.

                    

y en la defensa ya de mi corona,           

Where Science erred let now the sword decide;

                    

lo que la ciencia erró venza el acero.    

By my own valour shall my throne be won!

                         (Vase.)

 

                                                                                 [Exit.]

ESTRELLA.        

Pues yo al lado del sol seré Belona.      

Est. Let me the glory of the fight divide---

                    

Poner mi nombre junto al tuyo espero; 

A twinkling star beside that royal sun---

2490

                   

que he de volar sobre tendidas alas       

Bellona matched with Mars: for I would dare

                    

a competir con la deidad de Palas.       

To scale even heaven to rival Pallas there.

 (Vase, y tocan al arma.)

[Exit, and they sound to arms. ]

       Sale ROSAURA y detiene a CLOTALDO.

Rosaura, who detains Clotaldo.

ROSAURA.        

    Aunque el valor q[ue] se encierra             

Ros. Though the trumpets from afar

                             

en tu pecho desde allí                           

Echo in thy valorous breast,

                    

dé voces, óyeme a mí;                         

Hear me, list to my request,

2495

                    

que yo sé que todo es guerra.               

For I know that all is war.

                    

    Ya sabes que yo llegué                            

Well thou knowest that I came

                    

pobre, humilde y desdichada                

Poor to Poland, sad, dejected;

                    

a Polonia, y amparada                                 

And that graciously protected,

                    

de tu valor, en ti hallé                                    

Thou thy pity let me claim.

2500

                   

    piedad. Mandásteme ¡ay cielos!        

It was thy command, ah, me!

                    

que disfrazada viviese                                   

I should live here thus disguised,

                    

en palacio, y pretendiese,                             

Striving, as thy words advised

                    

disimulando mis celos,                                   

(Hiding all my jealousy),

                    

    guardarme de Astolfo. En fin            

To avoid Astolfo's sight;

2505

                   

él me vio, y tanto atropella                    

But he saw me, and though seeing,

                    

mi honor q[ue], viéndome, a Estrella     

With Estrella, he---false being!---

                    

de noche habla en un jardín.                 

Converse holds this very night

                    

    Déste la llave he tomado,                         

In a garden bower. The key

                    

y te podrá dar lugar                             

I have taken, and will show

2510

                   

de que en él puedas entrar                    

Where, by entering, with a blow

                    

a dar fin a mi cuidado.                                  

Thou canst end my misery.

                    

    Aquí altivo, osado y fuerte,              

Thus, then, daring, bold, and strong,

                    

volver por honor podrás,                     

Thou my honour wilt restore;

                    

pues que ya resuelto estás                    

Strike, and hesitate no more,

2515

                  

a vengarme con su muerte.                    

Let his death revenge my wrong.

CLOTALDO.      

    Verdad es que me incliné,                         

Clo. It is true, my inclination

                    

desde el punto que te vi,                      

Since thou first wert seen by me,

                    

a hacer, Rosaura, por ti                                 

Was to strive and do for thee

                    

(testigo tu llanto fue)                             

(Be thy tears my attestation)

2520

                   

    cuanto mi vida pudiese.                     

All my life could do to serve thee.

                    

Lo primero que intenté                         

What I first was forced to press,

                    

quitarte aquel traje fue,                         

Was that thou should'st change thy dress;

                    

porque, si Astolfo te viese,                   

Lest if chancing to observe thee

                    

    te viese en tu propio traje,                         

Masquerading like a page,

2525

                   

sin juzgar a liviandad                             

By appearances so strong

                    

la loca temeridad                                 

Led astray, the Duke might wrong

                    

que hace del honor ultraje.                   

By a thought thy sex and age.

                    

    En este tiempo trazaba                             

Meanwhile various projects held me

                    

cómo cobrar se pudiese                       

In suspense, oft pondering o'er

2530

                   

tu honor perdido, aunque fuese            

How thy honour to restore;

                             

(tanto tu honor me arrestaba)               

Though (thy honour so compelled me)

                    

    dando muerte a Astolfo. ¡Mira         

I Astolfo's life should take---

                             

qué caduco desvarío!                                   

Wild design that soon took wing---

                    

Si bien, no siendo rey mío,                   

Yet, as he was not my king,

2535

                   

ni me asombra ni me admira.                 

It no terror could awake.

                    

    Darle pensé muerte, cuando                     

I his death was seeking, when

                    

Segismundo pretendió                                   

Sigismund with vengeful aim

                    

dármela a mí, y él llegó,                        

Sought for mine; Astolfo came,

                    

su peligro atropellando,                                 

And despising what most men

2540

                   

    a hacer en defensa mía                              

Would a desperate peril deem,

                    

muestras de su voluntad                       

Stood in my defence; his bearing,

                    

que fueron temeridad,                          

Nigh to rashness in its daring,

                    

pasando de valentía.                                    

Showed a valour most extreme.

                    

    Pues, ¿cómo yo agora (advierte),             

How then, think, could I, whose breath

2545

                   

teniendo alma agradecida,                             

Is his gift, in murderous strife,

                    

a quien me ha dado la vida                   

For his giving me my life,

                    

le tengo que dar la muerte?                  

Strive in turn to give him death?

                    

    Y así, entre los dos partido                      

And thus, grateful, yet aggrieved,

                    

el efeto y el cuidado,                                    

By two opposite feelings driven,

2550

                   

viendo que a ti te la he dado,                 

Seeing it to thee have given,

                    

y que dél la he recibido,                       

And from him have it received,

                             

    no sé a qué parte acudir,                          

Doubting this, and that believing,

                    

no sé qué parte ayudar;                        

Half revenging, half forgiving,

                             

si a ti me obligué con dar,                     

If to thee I'm drawn by giving,

2535

                   

dél lo estoy con recibir.                         

I to him am by receiving;

                    

    Y así, en la acción que se ofrece,             

Thus bewildered and beset,

                    

nada a mi amor satisface,                     

Vainly seeks my love a way,

                    

porque soy persona que hace                        

Since I have a debt to pay,

                    

y persona que padece.                         

Where I must exact a debt.

2560

ROSAURA.

    No tengo que prevenir                              

Ros. It is settled, I believe,

                    

que en un varón singular,                      

As all men of spirit know,

                    

cuanto es noble acción el dar               

That 'tis glorious to bestow,

                    

es bajeza el recibir.                                      

But a meanness to receive.

                    

    Y este principio asentado,                        

Well, admitting this to be,

2565

                    

no has de estarle agradecido,                

Then thy thanks should not be his,

                    

supuesto que si él ha sido                     

Even supposing that he is

                             

el que la vida te ha dado,                     

One who gave thy life to thee;

                    

    y tú a mí, evidente cosa                            

As the gift of life was thine,

                    

es que él forzó tu nobleza                     

And from him the taking came,

2570

                   

a que hiciese una bajeza,                       

In his case the act was shame,

                    

y yo una acción generosa.                    

And a glorious act in mine.

                    

    Luego estás dél ofendido,                        

Thus by him thou art aggrieved,

                    

luego estás de mí obligado,                           

And by me even complimented,

                    

supuesto que a mí me has dado            

Since to me thou hast presented

2575

                   

lo que dél has recibido;                                 

What from him thou hast received:

                    

    y así debes acudir                            

Then all hesitation leaving,

                    

a mi honor en riesgo tanto,                   

Thou to guard my fame shouldst fly,

                    

pues yo le prefiero cuanto                    

Since my honour is as high

                    

va de dar a recibir.                                       

As is giving to receiving.

2580

CLOTALDO.

    Aunque la nobleza vive                             

Clo. Though it seems a generous fever

                    

de la parte del que da,                         

In a noble heart to give,

                             

el agradecerla está                               

Still an equal fire may live

                    

de parte del que recibe;                       

In the heart of the receiver.

                             

    y pues ya dar he sabido,                          

Heartlessness is something hateful,

2585

                   

ya tengo con nombre honroso               

I would boast a liberal name;

                    

el nombre de generoso.                                

Thus I put my highest claim

                    

Déjame el de agradecido,                    

In the fact of being grateful.

                    

    pues le puedo conseguir                           

Then to me that title leave,---

                    

siendo agradecido cuanto                     

Gentle birth breeds gentleness;

2590

                   

liberal, pues honra tanto                                

For the honour is no less

                    

el dar como el recibir.                          

To bestow than to receive.

ROSAURA.        

    De ti recibí la vida,                           

Ros. I received my life from thee,

                    

y tú mismo me dijiste,                           

But for thee I now were dead;

                    

cuando la vida me diste,                       

Still it was thyself that said

2595

                   

que la que estaba ofendida                    

No insulted life could be

                    

  no era vida. Luego yo                        

Called a life: on that I stand;

                    

nada de ti he recibido;                                  

Nought have I received from thee,

                    

pues muerte, no vida, ha sido               

For the life no life could be

                    

la que tu mano me dio.                         

That was given me by thy hand.

2600

                   

    Y si debes ser primero                      

But if thou wouldst first be just

                             

liberal que agradecido                          

Ere being generous in this way

                    

(como de ti mismo he oído),                 

(As I heard thyself once say),

                             

que me des la vida espero,                   

Thou wilt give me life I trust,

                    

    que no me la has dado, y pues                 

Which thou hast not yet; and thus

2605

                   

el dar engrandece más,                         

Giving will enhance thee more,

                    

sé antes liberal; serás                           

For if liberal before,

                    

agradecido después.                                     

Thou wilt then be generous.

CLOTALDO.      

    Vencido de tu argumento,                        

Clo. Conquered by thy argument,

                    

antes liberal seré.                                          

Liberal I first will be.

2610

                   

Yo, Rosaura, te daré                            

I, Rosaura, will to thee

                    

mi hacienda, y en un convento              

All my property present;

                    

    vive; que está bien pensado                      

In a convent live; by me

                    

el medio que solicito;                                   

Has the plan been weighed some time,

                    

pues huyendo de un delito                    

For escaping from a crime

2615

                   

te recoges a un sagrado;                      

Thou wilt there find sanctuary;

                             

    que cuando, tan dividido,                         

For so many ills present them

                    

el reino desdichas siente,                      

Through the land on every side,

                    

no he de ser quien las aumente,            

That being nobly born, my pride

                    

habiendo noble nacido.                                

Is to strive and not augment them.

2620

                  

    Con el remedio elegido                             

By the choice that I have made,

                    

soy con el reino leal,                            

Loyal to the land I'll be,

                    

soy contigo liberal,                                        

I am liberal with thee,

                    

con Astolfo agradecido;                               

And Astolfo's debt is paid;

                    

    y así escogerle te cuadre,                          

Choose then, nay, let honour, rather,

2625

                  

quedándose entre los dos,                     

Choose for thee, and for us two,

                    

que no hiciera ¡vive Dios!                              

For, by Heaven! I could not do

                    

más, cuando fuera tu padre.                 

More for thee were I thy father!---

ROSAURA.        

    Cuando tú mi padre fueras,                      

Ros. Were that supposition true,

                    

sufriera esa injuria yo;                          

I might strive and bear this blow;

2630

                   

pero no siéndolo, no.                            

But not being my father, no.

CLOTALDO.      

Pues ¿qué es lo q[ue] hacer esperas?   

Clo. What then dost thou mean to do?

ROSAURA.        

    Matar al Duque.                                      

Ros. Kill the Duke.

CLOTALDO.      

                            Una dama                

Clo.                                           A gentle dame,

                    

que padre no ha conocido                    

Who no father's name doth know,

                             

¿tanto valor ha tenido?                                 

Can she so much valour show?

ROSAURA.        

Sí.                                                               

Ros. Yes.

2635

CLOTALDO.      

    ¿Quién te alienta?                                     

Clo.                     What drives thee on?

ROSAURA.        

                               Mi fama.                

Ros.                                                    My fame.

CLOTALDO.      

Mira que a Astolfo has de ver...           

Clo. Think that in the Duke thou'lt see. ...

ROSAURA.        

Todo mi honor lo atropella.                  

Ros. Honour all my wrath doth rouse.

CLOTALDO.      

... tu rey, y esposo de Estrella.             

Clo. Soon thy king---Estrella's spouse.

ROSAURA.        

¡Vive Dios que no ha de ser!                

Ros. No, by Heaven! it must not be.

2640

CLOTALDO.      

    Es locura.                                                 

Clo. It is madness.

ROSAURA.        

                  Ya lo veo.                          

Ros.                                            Yes, I see it.

CLOTALDO.      

Pues véncela.                                                

Clo. Conquer it.

ROSAURA.        

                    No podré.                       

Ros.                                      I can't o'erthrow it.

CLOTALDO.      

Pues perderás...                                            

Clo. It will cost thee. ...

ROSAURA.        

                         Ya lo sé.                     

Ros.                                              Yes, I know it.

CLOTALDO.      

... vida y honor.                                            

Clo. Life and honour.

ROSAURA.        

                       Bien lo creo.                 

Ros.                                             Well, so be it.

CLOTALDO.      

    ¿Qué intentas?                                          

Clo. What wouldst have?

ROSAURA.        

                          Mi muerte.                 

Ros.                     My death.

CLOTALDO.      

                                          Mira          

Clo.                                               Take care!

2645

            

que eso es despecho.                           

It is spite.

ROSAURA.        

                                Es honor.               

Ros. 'Tis honour's cure.

CLOTALDO.      

Es desatino.                                                 

Clo. 'Tis wild fire.

ROSAURA.        

                 Es valor.                             

Ros.                                        That will endure.

CLOTALDO.      

Es frenesí.                                                    

Clo. It is frenzy.

ROSAURA.        

               Es rabia, es ira.                     

Ros.                                         Rage, despair.

CLOTALDO.      

    En fin, ¿que no se da medio                     

Clo. Can there then be nothing done

                    

a tu ciega pasión?                                

This blind rage to let pass by?

ROSAURA.        

                           No.                          

Ros. No.

2650

CLOTALDO.      

¿Quién ha de ayudarte?                       

Clo. And who will help thee?

ROSAURA.        

                                   Yo.                    

Ros.                                                            I.

CLOTALDO.      

¿No hay remedio?                               

Clo. Is there then no remedy?

ROSAURA.        

                           No hay remedio.       

Ros.                                                      None.

CLOTALDO.      

    Piensa bien si hay otros modos...              

Clo. Think of other means whereby. ...

ROSAURA.        

Perderme de otra manera.                    

Ros. Other means would seal my fate.

(Vase.)

 

                                                                   [Exit.]

CLOTALDO.      

Pues has de perderte, espera,              

Clo. If 'tis so, then, daughter, wait,

2655

             

hija, y perdámonos todos.                     

For together we shall die.

(Vase.)

 

                                                                    [Exit.]

Tocan y salen, marchando, SOLDADOS, CLARIN y SEGISMUNDO, vestido de pieles.

Sigismund, clothed in skins: Soldiers marching. Clarin. (Drums are heard.)

SEGISMUNDO. 

    Si este día me viera                                  

Seg. If Rome could see me on this day

                             

Roma en los triunfos de su edad primera,     

Amid the triumphs of its early sway,

                    

¡oh, cuánto se alegrara,                        

Oh, with what strange delight

                             

viendo lograr una ocasión tan rara        

It would have seen so singular a sight,

2660

                   

de tener una fiera                                          

Its mighty armies led

                    

que sus grandes ejércitos rigiera,          

By one who was a savage wild beast bred,

                    

a cuyo altivo aliento                                     

Whose courage soars so high,

                    

fuera poca conquista el firmamento!             

That even an easy conquest seems the sky!

                    

Pero el vuelo abatamos,                               

But let us lower our flight,

2665

                   

espíritu. No así desvanezcamos                     

My spirit; 'tis not thus we should invite

                    

aqueste aplauso incierto,                      

This doubtful dream to stay,

                    

si ha de pesarme cuando esté despierto

Lest when I wake and it has past away,

                    

de haberlo conseguido                         

I learn to my sad cost,

                    

para haberlo perdido;                                   

A moment given, 'twas in a moment lost;

2670

                   

pues mientras menos fuere                    

Determined not to abuse it,

                    

menos se sentirá si se perdiere.                    

The less will be my sorrow should I lose it.

                        (Dentro, un clarín.)

[A trumpet sounds.]

CLARIN.            

En un veloz caballo                                      

Cla. Upon a rapid steed,

                    

(perdóname, que fuerza es el pintallo    

(Excuse my painting it; I can't indeed

                    

en viniéndome a cuento),                      

Resist the inspiration),

2675

                   

en quien un mapa se dibuja atento,        

Which seems a moving mass of all creation,

                    

pues el cuerpo es la tierra,                    

Its body being the earth,

                    

el fuego el alma que en el pecho encierra,     

The fire the soul that in its heart hath birth,

                    

la espuma el mar, el aire su suspiro,      

Its foam the sea, its panting breath the air,

                    

en cuya confusión un caos admiro,       

Chaos confused at which I stand and stare,

2680

                   

pues en el alma, espuma, cuerpo, aliento,      

Since in its soul, foam, body, breath, to me

                    

monstruo es de fuego, tierra, mar y viento,    

It is a monster made of fire, earth, air, and sea;

                    

de color remendado,                            

Its colour dapple grey,

                    

rucio, y a su propósito rodado             

Speckled its skin, and flecked, as well it may,

                    

del que bate la espuela                         

By the impatient spur its flank that dyes,

2685

                   

y en vez de correr vuela,                       

For lo! it doth not run, the meteor flies;

                    

a tu presencia llega                                       

As borne upon the wind,

                    

airosa una mujer.                                 

A beauteous woman seeks thee.

SEGISMUNDO. 

                         Su luz me ciega.          

Seg.                                    I'm struck blind!

CLARIN.            

¡Vive Dios que es Rosaura!                 

Cla. Good God, it is Rosaura, oh, the pain!

                      (Vase.)

 

  [Retires.]

SEGISMUNDO. 

El cielo a mi presencia la restaura.        

Seg. Heaven has restored her to my sight again.

Sale ROSAURA, con vaquero, espada y daga.

Rosaura, in a light corselet, with sword and dagger; Sigismund, and Soldiers.

2690

ROSAURA.        

    Generoso Segismundo                              

Ros. Noble-hearted Sigismund!

                    

cuya majestad heroica                          

Thou whose hidden light heroic

                    

sale al día de sus hechos                      

Issues from its night of shadows

                    

de la noche de sus sombras;                 

To the great deeds of its morning;

                    

y como el mayor planeta                      

And as heaven's sublimest planet

2695

                   

que en los brazos de la aurora               

From the white arms of Aurora

                    

se restituye luciente                              

Back restores their beauteous colour

                    

a las flores y a las rosas,                       

To the wild flowers and the roses,

                    

y sobre mares y montes,                      

And upon the seas and mountains,

                    

cuando coronado asoma,                     

When endiademed with glory,

2700

                   

luz esparce, rayos brilla,                      

Scatters light, diffuses splendour,

     

cumbres baña, espumas borda; 

Braids their foam, their hair makes golden;

      

así amanezcas al mundo,        

Thus thou dawnest on the world

      

luciente sol de Polonia,                                  

Bright auspicious sun of Poland,

      

que a una mujer infelice,         

Who will help a hapless woman,

2705

                   

que hoy a tus plantas se arroja,           

She who at thy feet doth throw her,

      

ampares por ser mujer                                  

Help her, since she is unhappy,

      

y desdichada, dos cosas        

And a woman; two good motives

      

que, para obligar a un hombre

Quite enough to move a man

      

que de valiente blasona,                                

Who of valour so doth boast him,

2710

                   

cualquiera de las dos basta,     

Though even one would be sufficient,

      

de las dos cualquiera sobra.   

Though even one would be all potent.

      

Tres veces son las que ya                              

Thou hast seen me thrice already,

      

me admiras, tres las que ignoras         

Thrice thou hast not truly known me,

      

quién soy, pues las tres me has visto   

For each time by different dresses

2715

                   

en diverso traje y forma.                                

Was I strangely metamorphosed.

      

La primera me creíste

First I seemed to thee a man,

      

varón, en la rigurosa   

When within thy sad and sombre

      

prisión, donde fue tu vida       

Cell thou sawest me, when thy life

      

de mis desdichas lisonja.        

Wiled from me mine own misfortunes.

2720

                   

La segunda me admiraste        

As a woman next thou sawest me,

      

mujer, cuando fue la pompa   

Where the splendours of thy throne-room

      

de tu majestad un sueño,        

Vanished like a fleeting vision,

      

una fantasma, una sombra.     

Vain, phantasmal and abortive.

                             

La tercera es hoy, que siendo 

The third time is now, when being

2725

                   

monstruo de una especie y otra,          

Something monstrous and abnormal,

      

entre galas de mujer   

In a woman's dress thou see'st me

                             

armas de varón me adornan.  

With a warrior's arms adornéd.

      

Y porque compadecido                               

And to pity and compassion

      

mejor mi amparo dispongas,  

That thou may'st be moved more strongly,

2730

                    

es bien que de mis sucesos      

Listen to the sad succession

      

trágicas fortunas oigas.           

Of my tragical misfortunes.

      

De noble madre nací  

In the Court of Muscovy

                             

en la corte de Moscovia,        

I was born of a noble mother,

      

que, según fue desdichada,     

Who indeed must have been fair

2735

                   

debió de ser muy hermosa.     

Since unhappiness was her portion.

                             

En ésta puso los ojos 

Fond and too persuading eyes

      

un traidor, que no le nombra  

Fixed on her, a traitor lover,

      

mi voz por no conocerle,        

Whom, not knowing, I don't name,

      

de cuyo valor me informa       

Though mine own worth hath informed me

2740

                   

el mío; pues siendo objeto       

What was his: for being his image,

      

de su idea, siento agora                                 

I sometimes regret that fortune

      

no haber nacido gentil,           

Made me not a pagan born,

      

para persuadirme loca,           

That I might, in my wild folly,

      

a que fue algún dios de aquéllos                    

Think he must have been some god,

2745

                   

que en metamorfosis lloran,     

Such as he was, who in golden

      

lluvia de oro, cisne y toro,      

Shower wooed Danae, or as swan

      

Dánae, Leda y Europa.                                 

Leda loved, as bull, Europa.

      

Cuando pensé que alargaba,  

When I thought to lengthen out,

      

citando aleves historias,          

Citing these perfidious stories,

2750

                   

el discurso, hallo que en él       

My discourse, I find already

      

te he dicho en razones pocas  

That I have succinctly told thee

      

que mi madre, persuadida      

How my mother, being persuaded

      

a finezas amorosas,                                      

By the flatteries of love's homage,

      

fue como ninguna bella,          

Was as fair as any fair,

2755

                   

y fue infeliz como todas.          

And unfortunate as all are.

      

Aquella necia disculpa

That ridiculous excuse

      

de fe y palabra de esposa      

Of a plighted husband's promise

      

la alcanza tanto que aun hoy   

So misled her, that even yet

                             

el pensamiento la cobra,         

The remembrance brings her sorrow.

2760

                   

habiendo sido un tirano           

For that traitor, that Æneas

      

tan Eneas de su honra

Flying from his Troy, forgot there,

                             

que la dejó hasta la espada.   

Or left after him his sword.

      

Enváinese aquí su hoja,          

By this sheath its blade is covered,

      

que yo la desnudaré                                     

But it shall be naked drawn

2765

                   

antes que acabe la historia.      

Ere this history is over.

      

Deste, pues, mal dado nudo   

From this loosely fastened knot

      

que ni ata ni aprisiona,                                   

Which binds nothing, which ties nothing,

      

o matrimonio o delito,

Call it marriage, call it crime,

      

si bien todo es una cosa,        

Names its nature cannot alter,

2770

                   

nací yo tan parecida,                                      

I was born, a perfect image,

      

que fui un retrato, una copia,  

A true copy of my mother,

      

ya que en la hermosura no,     

In her loveliness, ah, no!

      

en la dicha y en las obras;      

In her miseries and misfortunes.

      

y así no habré menester          

Therefore there is little need

2775

                   

decir que, poco dichosa          

To say how the hapless daughter,

      

heredera de fortunas, 

Heiress of such scant good luck,

      

corrí con ella una propia.        

Had her own peculiar portion.

      

Lo más que podré decirte      

All that I will say to thee

      

de mí es el dueño que roba    

Of myself is, that the robber

2780

                   

los trofeos de mi honor,          

Of the trophies of my fame,

      

los despojos de mi honra.      

Of the sweet spoils of my honour,

      

Astolfo... ¡Ay de mí!, al nombrarle     

Is Astolfo. ... Ah! to name him

      

se encoleriza y se enoja          

Stirs and rouses up the choler

      

el corazón, propio efeto         

Of the heart, a fitting effort

2785

                    

de que enemigo se nombra.     

When an enemy's name is spoken,---

      

Astolfo fue el dueño ingrato    

Yes, Astolfo was that traitor,

      

que olvidado de las glorias     

Who, forgetful of his promise

                             

(porque en un pasado amor   

(For when love has passed away,

      

se olvida hasta la memoria),   

Even its memory is forgotten),

2790

                   

vino a Polonia, llamado           

Came to Poland, hither called.

                             

de su conquista famosa,         

From so sweet so proud a conquest,

      

a casarse con Estrella,

To be married to Estrella,

      

que fue de mi ocaso antorcha.

Of my setting sun the torch-light.

                             

¿Quién creerá que, habiendo sido      

Who'll believe that when one star

2795

                   

una Estrella quien conforma     

Oft unites two happy lovers,

      

dos amantes, sea una Estrella 

Now one star, Estrella, comes

                             

la que los divida agora?          

Two to tear from one another?

      

Yo ofendida, yo burlada,       

I offended, I deceived,

      

quedé triste, quedé loca,                               

Sad remained, remained astonished,

2800

                   

quedé muerta, quedé yo,         

Mad, half dead, remained myself;

      

que es decir que quedó toda  

That's to say, in so much torment,

      

la confusión del infierno                                 

That my heart was like a Babel

      

cifrada en mi Babilonia;          

Of confusion, hell, and horror:

      

y declarándome muda

I resolving to be mute,

2805

                   

(porque hay penas y congojas                        

(For there are some pains and sorrows

      

que las dicen los afectos         

That by feelings are expressed,

      

mucho mejor que la boca)      

Better than when words are spoken).

      

dije mis penas callando,                                

I by silence spoke my pain,

      

hasta que una vez a solas       

Till one day being with my mother

2810

                   

Violante mi madre ¡ay cielos! 

Violante, she (oh, heavens!)

      

rompió la prisión, y en tropa   

Burst their prison; like a torrent

      

del pecho salieron juntas,       

Forth they rushed from out my breast,

      

tropezando unas con otras.    

Streaming wildly o'er each other.

      

No me embaracé en decirlas; 

No embarrassment it gave me

2815

                   

que en sabiendo una persona  

To relate them, for the knowing

      

que a quien sus flaquezas cuenta         

That the person we confide to

      

ha sido cómplice en otras,      

A like weakness must acknowledge

      

parece que ya le hace

Gives as 'twere to our confusion

      

la salva y le desahoga;

A sweet soothing and a solace,

2820

                   

que a veces el mal ejemplo      

For at times a bad example

      

sirve de algo. En fin, piadosa  

Has its use. In fine, my sorrows

      

oyó mis quejas, y quiso          

She with pity heard, relating

                             

consolarme con las propias.   

Even her own grief to console me:

      

Juez que ha sido delincuente,  

When he has himself been guilty

2825

                   

¡qué fácilmente perdona!         

With what ease the judge condoneth!

                             

Y escarmentando en sí misma

Knowing from her own experience

      

(que por dejar a la ociosa      

That 'twas idle, to slow-moving

      

libertad, al tiempo fácil           

Leisure, to swift-fleeting time,

                             

el remedio de su honra,          

To intrust one's injured honour.

2830

                   

no le tuvo en mis desdichas),   

She could not advise me better,

      

por mejor consejo toma         

As the cure of my misfortunes,

                             

que le siga y que le obligue,    

Than to follow and compel him

      

con finezas prodigiosas,         

By prodigious acts of boldness

      

a la deuda de mi honor;                                 

To repay my honour's debt:

2835

                   

y para que a menos costa        

And that such attempt might cost me

      

fuese, quiso mi fortuna           

Less, my fortune wished that I

      

q[ue] en traje de hombre me ponga.              

Should a man's strange dress put on me.

      

Descolgó una antigua espada 

She took down an ancient sword,

      

que es ésta que ciño. Agora   

Which is this I bear: the moment

2840

                   

es tiempo que se desnude,                             

Now draws nigh I must unsheath it,

      

como prometí, la hoja,           

Since to her I gave that promise,

      

pues confiada en sus señas     

When confiding in its marks,

      

me dijo: "Parte a Polonia,                             

Thus she said, "Depart to Poland,

      

y procura que te vean

And so manage that this steel

2845

                   

ese acero que te adorna         

Shall be seen by the chief nobles

      

los más nobles; que en alguno                       

Of that land, for I have hope

      

podrá ser que hallen piadosa  

That there may be one among them

      

acogida tus fortunas   

Who may prove to thee a friend,

      

y consuelo tus congojas."       

An adviser and consoler."

2850

                   

Llegué a Polonia en efeto.       

Well, in Poland I arrived;

      

Pasemos, pues que no importa           

It is useless to inform thee

      

el decirlo, y ya se sabe           

What thou knowest already, how

      

que un bruto que se desboca  

A wild steed resistless bore me

      

me llevó a tu cueva, adonde   

To thy caverned tower, wherein

2855

                   

tú de mirarme te asombras.     

Thou with wonder didst behold me.

      

Pasemos que allí Clotaldo      

Let us pass too, how Clotaldo

      

de mi parte se apasiona,         

Passionately my cause supported,

      

que pide mi vida al Rey,         

How he asked my life of the king

      

que el Rey mi vida le otorga,  

Who to him that boon accorded;

2860

                   

que informado de quién soy,   

How discovering who I am

      

me persuade a que me ponga 

He persuaded me my proper

      

mi propio traje, y que sirva     

Dress to assume, and on Estrella

      

a Estrella, donde ingeniosa     

To attend as maid of honour,

                             

estorbé el amor de Astolfo     

So to thwart Astolfo's love

2865

                   

y el ser Estrella su esposa.       

And prevent the marriage contract.

      

Pasemos que aquí me viste     

Let us, too, pass by, that here

                             

otra vez confuso, y otra          

Thou didst once again behold me

      

con el traje de mujer  

In a woman's dress, my form

      

confundiste entrambas formas;           

Waking thus a twofold wonder,

2870

                    

y vamos a que Clotaldo,         

And approach the time, Clotaldo

      

persuadido a que le importa   

Being convinced it was important

      

que se casen y que reinen       

That should wed and reign together

                             

Astolfo y Estrella hermosa,     

Fair Estrella and Astolfo,

      

contra mi honor me aconseja  

'Gainst my honour, me advised

2875

         

que la pretensión disponga.     

To forego my rightful project.

      

Yo, viendo que tú, ¡oh valiente           

But, O valiant Sigismund,

      

Segismundo!, a quien hoy toca           

Seeing that the moment cometh

      

la venganza, pues el cielo                              

For thy vengeance, since heaven wishes

      

quiere que la cárcel rompas    

Thee to-day to burst the portals

2880

        

desa rústica prisión,    

Of thy narrow rustic cell,

      

donde ha sido tu persona                              

Where so long immured, thy body

      

al sentimiento una fiera,          

Was to feeling a wild beast,

      

al sufrimiento una roca,          

Was to sufferance what the rock is,

      

las armas contra tu patria                              

And that 'gainst thy sire and country

2885

         

y contra tu padre tomas,         

Thou hast gallantly revolted,

      

vengo a ayudarte, mezclando 

And ta'en arms, I come to assist thee,

      

entre las galas costosas                                 

Intermingling the bright corselet

      

de Dïana, los arneses 

Of Minerva with the trappings

      

de Palas, vistiendo agora        

Of Diana, thus enrobing

2890

                   

ya la tela y ya el acero,

Silken stuff and shining steel

      

q[ue] entrambos juntos me adornan.   

In a rare but rich adornment.

      

Ea, pues, fuerte caudillo,        

On, then, on, undaunted champion!

      

a los dos juntos importa         

To us both it is important

      

impedir y deshacer                                       

To prevent and bring to nought

2895

                   

estas concertadas bodas;        

This engagement and betrothal;

                             

a mí porque no se case          

First to me, that he, my husband,

      

el que mi esposo se nombra,  

Should not falsely wed another,

      

y a ti porque, estando juntos  

Then to thee, that their two staffs

                             

sus dos estados, no pongan    

Being united, their joined forces

2900

                   

con más poder y más fuerza    

Should with overwhelming power

      

en duda nuestra vitoria.          

Leave our doubtful victory hopeless.

                             

Mujer, vengo a persuadirte    

Woman, I come here to urge thee

      

el remedio de mi honra,          

To repair my injured honour,

      

y varón, vengo a alentarte      

And as man I come to rouse thee

2905

                   

a que cobres tu corona.          

Crown and sceptre to recover.

      

Mujer, vengo a enternecerte   

Woman I would wake thy pity

      

cuando a tus plantas me ponga,          

Since here at thy feet I throw me,

      

y varón, vengo a servirte        

 

      

cuando a tus gentes socorra.  

MISSING LINES

2910

                   

Mujer, vengo a que me valgas 

 

      

en mi agravio y mi congoja,    

 

      

y varón, vengo a valerte         

And as man, my sword and person

      

con mi acero y mi persona.                           

In thy service I devote thee.

      

Y así piensa que si hoy           

But remember, if to-day

2915

                   

como a mujer me enamoras,   

As a woman thou should'st court me,

      

como varón te daré                                       

I, as man, will give thee death

      

la muerte en defensa honrosa 

In the laudable upholding,

      

de mi honor; porque he de ser,           

Of my honour, since I am

      

en su conquista, amorosa,                             

In this strife of love, this contest,

2920

                   

mujer para darte quejas,         

Woman my complaints to tell thee,

      

varón para ganar honras.        

And a man to guard my honour.

SEGISMUNDO.                    (Aparte.)                                                                 

Seg. (aside).

      

(Cielos, si es verdad que sueño,         

Heavens! if it is true I dream,

      

suspendedme la memoria,      

Memory then suspend thy office,

      

que no es posible que quepan

For 'tis vain to hope remembrance

2925

                   

en un sueño tantas cosas.        

Could retain so many objects.

      

i Válgame Dios! ¡Quién supiera          

Help me, God! or teach me how

      

o saber salir de todas,                                   

All these numerous doubts to conquer,

      

o no pensar en ninguna!         

Or to cease to think of any!---

      

¿Quién vio penas tan dudosas?          

Whoe'er tried such painful problems?

2930

                   

Si soñé aquella grandeza         

If 'twas but a dream, my grandeur,

      

en que me vi, ¿cómo agora    

How then is it, at this moment,

      

esta mujer me refiere  

That this woman can refer me

      

unas señas tan notorias?         

To some facts that are notorious?

      

Luego fue verdad, no sueño;  

Then 'twas truth, and not a dream;

2935

                   

y si fue verdad, que es otra     

But if it was truth (another

      

confusión y no menor,

And no less confusion,) how

      

¿cómo mi vida le nombra       

Can my life be called in proper

      

sueño? Pues ¿tan parecidas    

Speech a dream? So like to dreams

                             

a los sueños son las glorias     

Are then all the world's chief glories,

2940

                   

que las verdaderas son

That the true are oft rejected

      

tenidas por mentirosas,          

As the false, the false too often

                             

y las fingidas por ciertas?       

Are mistaken for the true?

      

¿Tan poco hay de unas a otras           

Is there then 'twixt one and the other

      

que hay cuestión sobre saber 

Such slight difference, that a question

2945

                    

si lo que se ve y se goza          

May arise at any moment

      

es mentira o es verdad?         

Which is true or which is false?

      

¿Tan semejante es la copia     

Are the original and the copy

      

al original que hay duda          

So alike, that which is which

      

en saber si es ella propia?      

Oft the doubtful mind must ponder?

2950

                   

Pues si es así, y ha de verse                           

If 'tis so, and if must vanish,

      

desvanecida entre sombras    

As the shades of night at morning,

      

la grandeza y el poder,           

All of majesty and power,

      

la majestad y la pompa,                                

All of grandeur and of glory,

      

sepamos aprovechar                                    

Let us learn at least to turn

2955

                   

este rato que nos toca,

To our profit the brief moment

      

pues sólo se goza en ella                               

That is given us, since our joy

      

lo que entre sueños se goza.   

Lasteth while our dream lasts only.

      

Rosaura está en mi poder,      

In my power Rosaura stands,

      

su hermosura el alma adora.   

Thou, my heart, her charms adoreth,

2960

         

Gocemos, pues, la ocasión;    

Let us seize then the occasion;

      

el amor las leyes rompa          

Let love trample in its boldness

      

del valor y confianza  

All the laws on which relying

      

con que a mis plantas se postra.         

She here at my feet has thrown her.

      

Esto es sueño; y pues lo es,    

'Tis a dream; and since 'tis so,

2965

                   

soñemos dichas agora,

Let us dream of joys, the sorrows

      

que después serán pesares.    

Will come soon enough hereafter.

      

Mas con mis razones propias 

But with mine own words just spoken,

      

vuelvo a convencerme a mí.   

Let me now confute myself!

      

Si es sueño, si es vanagloria,  

If it is a dream that mocks me,

2970

                   

¿quién por vanagloria humana 

Who for human vanities

      

pierde una divina gloria?         

Would forego celestial glory?

      

¿Qué pasado bien no es sueño?         

What past bliss is not a dream?

      

¿Quién tuvo dichas heroicas   

Who has had his happy fortunes

      

que entre sí no diga, cuando   

Who hath said not to himself

2975

                   

las revuelve en su memoria:    

As his memory ran o'er them,

      

"sin duda que fue soñado       

"All I saw, beyond a doubt

                             

cuanto vi"? Pues si esto toca  

Was a dream." If this exposeth

      

mi desengaño, si sé    

My delusion, if I know

      

que es el gusto llama hermosa

That desire is but the glowing

2980

                    

que le convierte en cenizas      

Of a flame that turns to ashes

      

cualquiera viento que sopla,   

At the softest wind that bloweth;

      

acudamos a lo eterno;

Let us seek then the eternal,

                             

que es la fama vividora,          

The true fame that ne'er reposeth,

      

donde ni duermen las dichas,  

Where the bliss is not a dream,

2985

                   

ni las grandezas reposan.         

Nor the crown a fleeting glory.

                             

Rosaura está sin honor;          

Without honour is Rosaura.

      

más a un príncipe le toca        

But it is a prince's province

      

el dar honor que quitarle.                              

To give honour, not to take it:

      

¡Vive Dios! que de su honra   

Then, by Heaven! it is her honour

2990

                   

he de ser conquistador                                  

That for her I must win back,

      

antes que de mi corona.                                

Ere this kingdom I can conquer.

      

Huyamos de la ocasión,         

Let us fly then this temptation.

      

que es muy fuerte). ¡Al arma toca,      

'Tis too strong: To arms! March onward!

      

que hoy he de dar la batalla,                          

For to-day I must give battle,

2995

                   

antes que las negras sombras  

Ere descending night, the golden

      

sepulten los rayos de oro       

Sunbeams of expiring day

      

entre verdinegras ondas!                               

Buries in the dark green ocean.

ROSAURA.        

Señor, ¿pues así te ausentas? 

Ros. Dost thou thus, my lord, withdraw thee?

      

¿Pues ni una palabra sola       

What! without a word being spoken?

3000

                   

no te debe mi cuidado,                                   

Does my pain deserve no pity?

                    

no merece mi congoja?                        

Does my grief so little move thee?

                    

¿Cómo es posible, señor,                     

Can it be, my lord, thou wilt not

                    

que ni me mires ni oigas?                               

Deign to hear, to look upon me?

                    

¿Aun no me vuelves el rostro?              

Dost thou even avert thy face?

3005

SEGISMUNDO. 

Rosaura, al honor le importa                 

Seg. Ah, Rosaura, 'tis thy honour

                    

por ser piadoso contigo,                               

That requires this harshness now,

                    

ser cruel contigo agora.                                

If my pity I would show thee.

                    

No te responde mi voz,                        

Yes, my voice does not respond,

                    

porque mi honor te responda;                       

'Tis my honour that respondeth;

3010

                   

no te hablo, porque quiero                    

True I speak not, for I wish

                    

que te hablen por mí mis obras;            

That my actions should speak for me;

                    

ni te miro, porque es fuerza,                          

Thee I do not look on, no,

                    

en pena tan rigurosa,                            

For, alas! it is of moment,

                    

que no mire tu hermosura                     

That he must not see thy beauty

3015

                   

quien ha de mirar tu honra.                             

Who is pledged to see thy honour.

                     (Vanse.)

 

[Exit, followed by the Soldiers.]

ROSAURA.         (Aparte.)                                                                

Ros.

                    

    ¿Qué enigmas, cielos, son éstas?              

What enigmas, O ye skies!

                    

Después de tanto pesar,                               

After many a sigh and tear,

                    

¡aún me queda que dudar                     

Thus in doubt to leave me here

                    

con equívocas respuestas!                    

With equivocal replies!

                    Sale CLARIN.

Clarin and Rosaura.

3020

CLARIN.   

    Señora, ¿es hora de verte?                        

Cla. Madam, is it visiting hour?

ROSAURA.        

¡Ay, Clarín! ¿Dónde has estado?         

Ros. Welcome, Clarin, where have you been?

CLARIN.            

En una torre, encerrado                       

Cla. Only four stout walls between

                    

brujuleando mi muerte,                         

In an old enchanted tower;

                    

    y si me da, o no me da;                            

Death was on the cards for me,

3025

                   

y a figura que me diera                                  

But amid the sudden strife

                             

pasante quínola fuera                                   

Ere the last trump came, my life

                    

mi vida; que estuve ya                          

Won the trick and I got free.

                    

    para dar un estallido.                        

I ne'er hoped to sound again.

ROSAURA.        

¿Por qué?                                                    

Ros. Why?

CLARIN.            

                Porque sé el secreto            

Cla.                   Because alone I know

3030

            

de quién eres, y en efeto,                      

Who you are: And this being so,

                 (Dentro, cajas.)

[Drums are heard.]

                    

Clotaldo... Pero ¿qué ruido                  

Learn, Clotaldo is ..... This strain

                    

    es éste?                                                   

Puts me out.

ROSAURA.        

               ¿Qué puede ser?                           

Ros. What can it be?

CLARIN.            

Que del palacio sitiado                                 

Cla. From the citadel at hand,

                    

sale un escuadrón armado                    

Leagured round, an armed band

3035

                   

a resistir y vencer                                           

As to certain victory

                    

    el del fiero Segismundo.                   

Sallies forth with flags unfurled.

ROSAURA.        

Pues ¿córno cobarde estoy                  

Ros. 'Gainst Prince Sigismund! and I,

                    

y ya a su lado no soy                                    

Coward that I am, not by

                    

un escándalo del mundo,                              

To surprise and awe the world,

3040

           

    cuando ya tanta crueldad                          

When with so much cruelty

                    

cierra sin orden ni ley?                                  

Each on each the two hosts spring!

                       (Vase.)

 

[Exit.]

DENTRO UNOS:  

¡Viva n[uest]ro invicto Rey!     

Unos. Live, long live our victor King!

DE[N]TRO OTROS:  

¡Viva nuestra libertad!  

Otros. Live, long live our liberty!

CLARIN.            

    ¡La libertad y el Rey vivan!                      

Cla. Live, long live the two, I say!

3045

            

Vivan muy enhorabuena,                       

Me it matters not a pin,

                    

que a mí nada me da pena,                   

Which doth lose or which doth win,

                             

como en cuenta me reciban;                 

If I can keep out of the way!---

                             

    que yo, apartado este día                         

So aside here I will go,

                    

en tan grande confusión,                       

Acting like a prudent hero,

3050

           

haga el papel de Nerón                                 

Even as the Emperor Nero

                             

que de nada se dolía.                                   

Took things coolly long ago.

                    

    Si bien me quiero doler                            

Or if care I cannot shun,

                    

de algo, y ha de ser de mí;                   

Let it 'bout mine ownself be;

                             

escondido, desde aquí                         

Yes, here hidden I can see

3055

           

toda la fiesta he de ver.                         

All the fighting and the fun;

                    

    El sitio es oculto y fuerte                           

What a cosy place I spy

                    

entre estas peñas. Pues ya                    

Mid the rocks there! so secure,

                    

la muerte no me hallará,                               

Death can't find me out I'm sure,

                    

dos higas para la muerte.                               

Then a fig for death I say!

(Escó[n]dese. Suena ruido de armas.)

[Conceals himself, drums beat and the sound of arms is heard.]

              Salen el REY, CLOTALDO y ASTOLFO, huyendo.

Basilius, Clotaldo, Astolfo, flying.

3060

BASILIO.

    ¿Hay más infelice rey?                              

Bas. Hapless king! disastrous reign!

                    

¿Hay padre más perseguido?                        

Outraged father! guilty son!

CLOTALDO.      

Ya tu ejército vencido                          

Clo. See thy vanquished forces run

                    

baja sin tino ni ley.                               

In a panic o'er the plain!

ASTOLFO.         

    Los traidores vencedores                          

Ast. And the rebel conqueror's stay,

3065

                   

quedan.                                                       

Proud, defiant.

BASILIO.           

           En batallas tales                                 

Bas.                     'Tis decreed

                    

los que vencen son leales,                             

Those are loyal who succeed,

                    

los vencidos los traidores.                            

Rebels those who lose the day.

                    

    Huyamos, Clotaldo, pues,                        

Let us then, Clotaldo, flee,

                    

del crüel, del inhumano                                  

Since the victory he hath won,

3070

                   

rigor de un hijo tirano.                           

From a proud and cruel son.

Disparan dentro, y cae CLARIN, herido, de donde está.

[Shots are fired within, and Clarin falls wounded from his hiding-place.]

CLARIN.            

¡Válgame el cielo!                                         

Cla. Heaven protect me!

ASTOLFO.         

                           ¿Quién es                 

Ast.                            Who can be

                    

    este infelice soldado                         

This last victim of the fight,

                    

que a nuestros pies ha caído                          

Who struck down in the retreat,

                    

en sangre todo teñido?                         

Falls here bleeding at our feet?

3075

CLARIN. 

Soy un hombre desdichado,                  

Cla. I am an unlucky wight,

                    

    que por quererme guardar                         

Who to shun Death's fearful face

                    

de la muerte, la busqué.                               

Found the thing I would forget:

                    

Huyendo della, topé                                     

Flying from him, him I've met.

                    

con ella, pues no hay lugar                            

For there is no secret place

3080

                   

    para la muerte secreto.                              

Hid from death; and therefore I

                    

De donde claro se arguye                    

This conclusion hold as clear,

                    

de quien más su efeto huye                            

He 'scapes best who goes more near,

                    

es quien se llega a su efeto.                  

He dies first who first doth fly.

                    

    Por eso tornad, tornad                             

Then return, return and be

3085

                   

a la lid sangrienta luego;                                

In the bloody conflict lost;

                    

que entre las armas y el fuego               

Where the battle rages most,

                    

hay mayor seguridad                            

There is more security

                    

    que en el monte más guardado;        

Than in hills how desolate,

                    

que no hay seguro camino                    

Since no safety can there be

3090

                   

a la fuerza del destino                            

'Gainst the force of destiny,

                    

y a la inclemencia del hado.                  

And the inclemency of fate;

                    

    Y así, aunque a libraros vais                     

Therefore 'tis in vain thou flyest

                    

de la muerte con hüir,                                   

From the death thou draw'st more nigh,

                             

mirad que vais a morir,                                 

Oh, take heed for thou must die

3095

                   

si está de Dios que muráis.                    

If it is God's will thou diest!

 (Cae dentro.)

 

[Falls within.]

BASILIO.           

Mirad que vais a morir,                                

Bas. Oh, take heed for thou must die

                             

si está de Dios que muráis.                   

If it is God's will thou diest!---

                    

    ¡Qué bien, ay cielos, persuade                 

With what eloquence, O heaven!

                    

nuestro error, nuestra ignorancia,          

Does this body that here lieth,

3100

                  

a mayor conocimiento                           

Through the red mouth of a wound

                    

este cadáver que habla                                 

To profoundest thoughts entice us

                    

por la boca de una herida,                             

From our ignorance and our error!

                    

siendo el humor que desata                  

The red current as it glideth

                    

sangrienta lengua que enseña                

Is a bloody tongue that teaches

3105

                   

que son diligencias vanas                                

All man's diligence is idle,

                    

del hombre cuantas dispone                 

When against a greater power,

                    

contra mayor fuerza y causa!                        

And a higher cause it striveth.

                    

Pues yo, por librar de muertes                       

Thus with me, 'gainst strife and murder

                    

y sediciones mi patria,                                  

When I thought I had provided,

3110

           

vine a entregarla a los mismos               

I but brought upon my country

                    

de quien pretendí librarla.                              

All the ills I would have hindered.

CLOTALDO.      

Aunque el hado, señor, sabe                

Clo. Though, my lord, fate knoweth well

                    

todos los caminos, y halla                     

Every path, and quickly findeth

                    

a quien busca entre lo espeso                        

Whom it seeks; yet still it strikes me

3115

                   

de dos penas, no es cristiana                 

'Tis not christian-like to say

                    

determinación decir                              

 

                    

que no hay reparo a su saña.                

'Gainst its rage that nought suffices.

                    

Sí hay, que el prudente varón               

That is wrong, a prudent man

                    

vitoria del hado alcanza;                               

Even o'er fate victorious rises;

3120

                   

y si no estás reservado                          

And if thou art not preserved

                    

de la pena y la desgracia,                     

From the ills that have surprised thee,

                    

haz por donde te reserves.                           

From worse ills thyself preserve.

ASTOLFO.         

Clotaldo, señor, te habla                      

Ast. Sire, Clotaldo doth address thee

                    

como prudente varón                                   

As a cautious, prudent man,

3125

                   

que madura edad alcanza,                             

Whose experience time hath ripened.

                    

yo como joven valiente.                       

I as a bold youth would speak:

                    

Entre las espesas ramas                               

Yonder, having lost its rider,

                    

dese monte está un caballo,                  

I behold a noble steed

                    

veloz aborto del aura;                                  

Wandering reinless and unbridled,

3130

                   

huye en él, que yo entre tanto               

Mount and fly with him while I

                    

te guardaré las espaldas.                      

Guard the open path behind thee.

BASILIO.           

Si está de Dios que yo muera,              

Bas. If it is God's will I die,

                    

o si la muerte me aguarda,                            

Or if Death for me here lieth

                    

aquí, hoy la quiero buscar,                   

As in ambush, face to face

3135

                   

esperando cara a cara.                                  

I will meet it and defy it.

Tocan al arma, y sale SEGISMUNDO y toda la compañía.

Sigismund, Estrella, Rosaura, Soldiers, Attendants, Basilius, Astolfo, and Clotaldo.

SEGISMUNDO. 

En lo intrincado del monte,                   

Seg. 'Mid the thickets of the mountain,

                    

entre sus espesas ramas,                               

'Neath these dark boughs so united,

                    

el Rey se esconde. Seguilde,                

The King hides.  Pursue him then,

                    

no quede en sus cumbres planta           

Leave no single shrub unrifled,

3140

                   

que no examine el cuidado,                            

Nothing must escape your search,

                    

tronco a tronco, y rama a rama.                   

Not a plant, and not a pine tree.

CLOTALDO.      

¡Huye, señor!                                              

Clo. Fly, my lord!

BASILIO.           

                    ¿Para qué?                               

Bas.                       And wherefore fly?

ASTOLFO.         

¿Qué intentas?                                             

Ast. Come!

BASILIO.           

                     Astolfo, aparta.               

Bas.              Astolfo, I'm decided.

CLOTALDO.      

¿Qué intentas?                                              

Clo. What to do?

BASILIO.           

                       Hacer, Clotaldo,           

Bas.                      To try, Clotaldo,

3145

            

un remedio que me falta.                       

One sole remedy that surviveth.

                    

Si a mí buscándome vas,                               

If 'tis me thou'rt seeking, Prince,

                    

ya estoy, príncipe, a tus plantas;           

At thy feet behold me lying.

                    

sea dellas blanca alfombra                            

Let thy carpet be these hairs

                    

esta nieve de mis canas.                                

Which the snows of age have whitened.

3150

                   

Pisa mi cerviz, y huella                                  

Tread upon my neck, and trample

                    

mi corona; postra, arrastra                   

On my crown; in base defilement

                    

mi decoro y mi respeto;                                

Treat me with all disrespect;

                    

toma de mi honor venganza;                         

Let thy deadliest vengeance strike me

                    

sírvete de mí cautivo;                           

Through my honour; as thy slave

3155

                   

y tras prevenciones tantas,                    

Make me serve thee, and in spite of

                    

cumpla el hado su homenaje,                        

All precautions let fate be,

                    

cumpla el cielo su palabra.                   

Let heaven keep the word it plighted.

SEGISMUNDO. 

Corte ilustre de Polonia,        

Seg. Princes of the Court of Poland,

3160

                   

que de admiraciones tantas                  

Who such numerous surprises

                             

sois testigos, atended,                           

Have astonished seen, attend,

                    

que vuestro príncipe os habla.              

For it is your prince invites ye.

                    

Lo que está determinado                      

That which heaven has once determined,

                    

del cielo, y en azul tabla                       

That which God's eternal finger

                    

Dios con el dedo escribió,                    

Has upon the azure tablets

3165

                   

de quien son cifras y estampas  

Of the sky sublimely written,

                    

tantos papeles azules                                     

Those transparent sheets of sapphire

                    

que adornan letras doradas,                 

Superscribed with golden ciphers

                    

nunca miente, nunca engaña,                         

Ne'er deceive, and never lie;

                    

porque quien miente y engaña              

The deceiver and the liar

3170

                   

es quien, para usar mal dellas,               

Is he who to use them badly

                    

las penetra y las alcanza.                      

In a wrongful sense defines them.

                    

Mi padre, que está presente,                

Thus, my father, who is present,

                    

por excusarse a la saña                        

To protect him from the wildness

                             

de mi condición, me hizo                      

Of my nature, made of me

3175

                   

un bruto, una fiera humana;                   

A fierce brute, a human wild-beast;

                    

de suerte que, cuando yo                     

So that I, who from my birth,

                             

por mi nobleza gallarda,                       

From the noble blood that trickles

                    

por mi sangre generosa,                       

Through my veins, my generous nature,

                             

por mi condición bizarra,                      

And my liberal condition,

3180

                   

hubiera nacido dócil                              

Might have proved a docile child,

                             

y humilde, sólo bastara                         

And so grew, it was sufficient

                    

tal género de vivir,                               

By so strange an education,

                    

tal linaje de crianza,                              

By so wild a course of living,

                    

a hacer fieras mis costumbres.              

To have made my manners wild;---

3185

                   

¡Qué buen modo de estorbarlas!           

What a method to refine them!

                    

Si a cualquier hombre dijesen:              

If to any man 'twas said,

                    

"Alguna fiera inhumana                                 

"It is fated that some wild beast

                    

te dará muerte", ¿escogiera                  

Will destroy you," would it be

                    

buen remedio en despertalla                          

Wise to wake a sleeping tiger

3190

                   

cuando estuviese durmiendo?                

As the remedy of the ill?

                    

Si dijeran: "Esta espada                       

If 'twere said, "this sword here hidden

                    

que traes ceñida ha de ser                    

In its sheath, which thou dost wear,

                    

quien te dé la muerte", vana                 

Is the one foredoomed to kill thee,"

                    

diligencia de evitarlo                             

Vain precaution it would be

3195

                   

fuera entonces desnudarla                     

To preserve the threatened victim.

                    

y ponérsela a los pechos.                     

Bare to point it at his breast.

                    

Si dijesen: "Golfos de agua                  

If 'twere said, "these waves that ripple

                    

han de ser tu sepultura                         

Calmly here for thee will build

                    

en monumentos de plata",                    

Foam-white sepulchres of silver,"

3200

                   

mal hiciera en darse al mar,                   

Wrong it were to trust the sea

                    

cuando soberbio levanta                      

When its haughty breast is lifted

                             

rizados montes de nieve,                      

Into mountain heights of snow,

                    

de cristal crespas montañas.                 

Into hills of curling crystal.

                             

Lo mismo le ha sucedido                      

Well, this very thing has happened

3205

                   

que a quien, porque le amenaza             

Unto him, who feared a wild-beast,

                    

una fiera, la despierta;                          

And awoke him while he slept;

                    

que a quien, temiendo una espada        

Or who drew a sharp sword hidden

                    

la desnuda; y que a quien mueve          

Naked forth, or dared the sea

                    

las ondas de una borrasca;                   

When 'twas roused by raging whirlwinds.

3210

                   

y cuando fuera (escuchadme)                         

And though my fierce nature (hear me)

                    

dormida fiera mi saña,                          

Was as 'twere the sleeping tiger,

                    

templada espada mi furia,                              

A sheathed sword my innate rage,

                    

mi rigor quieta bonanza,                       

And my wrath a quiet ripple,

                    

la fortuna no se vence                                   

Fate should not be forced by means

3215

                   

con injusticia y venganza,                      

So unjust and so vindictive,

                    

porque antes se incita más.                   

For they but excite it more;

                    

Y así, quien vencer aguarda                 

And thus he who would be victor

                    

a su fortuna, ha de ser                          

O'er his fortune, must succeed

                    

con prudencia y con templanza.            

By wise prudence and self-strictness.

3220

                   

No antes de venir el daño                     

Not before an evil cometh

                    

se reserva ni se guarda                         

Can it rightly be resisted

                    

quien le previene; que aunque               

Even by him who hath foreseen it,

                             

puede humilde (cosa es clara)              

For although (the fact's admitted)

                    

reservarse dél, no es                            

By an humble resignation

3225

                   

sino después que se halla                      

It is possible to diminish

                    

en la ocasión, porque aquesta              

Its effects, it first must happen,

                    

no hay camino de estorbarla.                

And by no means can be hindered.

                    

Sirva de ejemplo este raro                   

Let it serve as an example

                    

espectáculo, esta extraña                              

This strange sight, this most surprising

3230

                   

admiración, este horror,                        

Spectacle, this fear, this horror,

                    

este prodigio; pues nada                               

This great prodigy; for none higher

                    

es más que llegar a ver,                        

E'er was worked than this we see,

                    

con prevenciones tan varias,                          

After years of vain contriving,

rendido a mis pies a un padre,              

Prostrate at my feet a father,

3235

                   

y atropellado a un monarca.                           

And a mighty king submitted.

                    

Sentencia del cielo fue;                         

This the sentence of high heaven

                    

por más que quiso estorbarla               

Which he did his best to hinder

                    

él no pudo, ¿y podré yo                       

He could not prevent. Can I,

                    

que soy menor en las canas,                 

Who in valour and in science,

3240

                   

en el valor y en la ciencia                       

Who in years am so inferior,

                    

vencerla? Señor, levanta,                     

It avert? My lord, forgive me,

                             

dame tu mano; que ya                          

Rise, sir, let me clasp thy hand;

                    

que el cielo te desengaña                      

For since heaven has now apprized thee

                             

de que has errado en el modo              

That thy mode of counteracting

3245

                   

de vencerle, humilde aguarda                

Its decree was wrong, a willing

                             

mi cuello a que tú te vengues,               

Sacrifice to thy revenge

                    

rendido estoy a tus plantas.                  

Let my prostrate neck be given.

BASILIO.           

Hijo, que tan noble acción                    

Bas. Son, this noble act of thine

                    

otra vez en mis entrañas                       

In my heart of hearts reviveth

3250

                   

te engendra, príncipe eres.                             

All my love, thou'rt there reborn.

                    

A ti el laurel y la palma                         

Thou art Prince; the bay that bindeth

                    

se te deben. Tú venciste;                               

Heroes' brows, the palm, be thine,

                    

corónente tus hazañas.                         

Let the crown thine own deeds give thee.

TODOS.             

¡Viva Segismundo, viva!                               

Todos. Long live Sigismund our King!

3255

SEGISMUNDO. 

Pues que ya vencer aguarda                  

Seg. Though my sword must wait a little

                    

mi valor grandes vitorias,                               

Ere great victories it can gain,

                    

hoy ha de ser la más alta                      

I to-day will win the highest,

                    

vencerme a mí. Astolfo dé                    

The most glorious, o'er myself.---

                    

la mano luego a Rosaura,                     

Give, Astolfo, give your plighted

3260

                   

pues sabe que de su honor                    

Hand here to Rosaura, since

                    

es deuda y yo he de cobrarla.              

It is due and I require it.

ASTOLFO.         

Aunque es verdad que la debo             

Ast. Though 'tis true I owe the debt,

                             

obligaciones, repara                             

Still 'tis needful to consider

                    

que ella no sabe quién es;                     

That she knows not who she is;

3265

                    

y es bajeza y es infamia                         

It were infamous, a stigma

                    

casarme yo con mujer...                       

On my name to wed a woman. ...

CLOTALDO.      

No prosigas, tente, aguarda;                

Clo. Stay, Astolfo, do not finish;

                    

porque Rosaura es tan noble                

For Rosaura is as noble

                    

como tú, Astolfo, y mi espada                       

As yourself. My sword will right her

3270

                   

lo defenderá en el campo;                     

In the field against the world:

                    

que es mi hija, y esto basta.                           

She's my daughter, that's sufficient.

ASTOLFO.         

¿Qué dices?                                                

Ast. What do you say?

CLOTALDO.      

                  Que yo hasta verla                     

Clo.                                   Until I saw her

                    

casada, noble y honrada,                     

To a noble spouse united,

                    

no la quise descubrir.                           

I her birth would not reveal.

3275

                   

La historia desto es muy larga;              

It were now a long recital,

                    

pero, en fin, es hija mía.                       

But the sum is, she's my child.

ASTOLFO.         

Pues siendo así, mi palabra                  

Ast. That being so, the word I've plighted

                    

cumpliré.                                                     

I will keep.

SEGISMUNDO. 

              Pues, porq[ue] Estrella           

Seg. And that Estrella

                    

no quede desconsolada,                       

May not now be left afflicted,

3280

                   

viendo que príncipe pierde                             

Seeing she has lost a prince

                    

de tanto valor y fama,                          

Of such valour and distinction,

                    

de mi propia mano yo                                   

I propose from mine own hand

                    

con esposo he de casarla                     

As a husband one to give her,

                    

que en méritos y fortuna                                

Who, if he does not exceed

3285

                   

si no le excede, le iguala.                       

Him in worth, perhaps may rival.

                    

Dame la mano.                                    

Give to me thy hand.

ESTRELLA.        

                       Yo gano                       

Est.                                         I gain

                    

en merecer dicha tanta.                        

By an honour so distinguished.

SEGISMUNDO. 

A Clotaldo, que leal                             

Seg. To Clotaldo, who so truly

                    

sirvió a mi padre, le aguardan               

Served my father, I can give him

3290

                   

mis brazos, con las mercedes                

But these open arms wherein

                    

que él pidiere que le haga.                    

He will find whate'er he wishes.

[SOLDADO] 1.  

Si así a quien no te ha servido              

Sol. If thou honorest those who serve thee,

                    

honras, ¿a mí, que fui causa                  

Thus, to me the first beginner

                    

del alboroto del reino,                          

Of the tumult through the land,

3295

                   

y de la torre en que estabas                   

Who from out the tower, thy prison,

                    

te saqué, qué me darás?                       

Drew thee forth, what wilt thou give?

SEGISMUNDO. 

La torre; y porque no salgas                 

Seg. Just that tower: and that you issue

                    

della nunca hasta morir,                                 

Never from it until death,

                    

has de estar allí con guardas;                

I will have you guarded strictly;

3300

                   

que el traidor no es menester                         

For the traitor is not needed

                    

siendo la traición pasada.                     

Once the treason is committed.

BASILIO.           

Tu ingenio a todos admira.                   

Bas. So much wisdom makes one wonder.

ASTOLFO.         

¡Qué condición tan mudada!                

Ast. What a change in his condition!

ROSAURA.        

¡Qué discreto y qué prudente!              

Ros. How discreet! how calm! how prudent!

3305

SEGISMUNDO. 

¿Qué os admira? ¿Qué os espanta,       

Seg. Why this wonder, these surprises,

                    

si fue mi maestro un sueño,                   

If my teacher was a dream,

                             

y estoy temiendo en mis ansias             

And amid my new aspirings

                    

que he de despertar y hallarme             

I am fearful I may wake,

                    

otra vez en mi cerrada                          

And once more a prisoner find me

3310

                   

prisión? Y cuando no sea,                     

In my cell? But should I not,

                    

el soñarlo sólo basta;                                    

Even to dream it is sufficient:

                    

pues así llegué a saber                          

For I thus have come to know

                    

que toda la dicha humana,                             

That at last all human blisses

                    

en fin, pasa como sueño.                      

Pass and vanish as a dream,

3315

                   

Y quiero hoy aprovecharla                    

And the time that may be given me

                    

el tiempo que me durare,                      

I henceforth would turn to gain:

                    

pidiendo de nuestras faltas                   

Asking for our faults forgiveness,

                    

perdón, pues de pechos nobles            

Since to generous, noble hearts

                    

es tan propio el perdonarlas.                

It is natural to forgive them.

FIN de La vida es sueño JORNADAS     I     II     III