Moorish Romances

MOORISH ROMANCES

[ Metrical Translation by J. Lockhart ]

THE BULL-FIGHT OF GAZUL

[Gazul is the name of one of the Moorish heroes who figure in the "Historia de las Guerras Civiles de Granada." The following ballad is one of very many in which the dexterity of the Moorish cavaliers in the bull-fight is described. The reader will observe that the shape, activity, and resolution of the unhappy animal destined to furnish the amusement of the spectators, are enlarged upon, just as the qualities of a modern race-horse might be among ourselves: nor is the bull without his name. The day of the Baptist is a festival among the Mussulmans, as well as among Christians.]

THE ZEGRI'S BRIDE

[The reader cannot need to be reminded of the fatal effects which were produced by the feuds subsisting between the two great families, or rather races, of the Zegris and the Abencerrages of Granada. The following ballad is also from the "Guerras Civiles."]

THE BRIDAL OF ANDALLA

[The following ballad has been often imitated by modern poets, both in Spain and in Germany:

Pon te a las rejas azules, dexa la manga que labras,

Melancholica Xarifa, veras al galan Andalla." etc

ZARA'S EAR-RINGS

THE LAMENTATION FOR CELIN