HERMOSAS NINFAS ... BEAUTIFUL NYMPHS ...
Garcilaso de la Vega trans. Mary Rae

Hermosas ninfas que, en el río metidas,
contentas habitáis en las moradas
de relucientes piedras fabricadas
y en colunas de vidrio sostenidas:

Agora estéis labrando embebecidas,
o tejiendo las telas delicadas;
agora unas con otras apartadas,
contándoos los amores y las vidas;

dejad un rato la labor, alzando
vuestras rubias cabezas a mirarme,
y no os detendréis muchos, según ando;

que o no podréis de lástima escucharme,
o convertido en agua aquí llorando,
podréis allá de espacio consolarme.

Beautiful nymphs who through the river pass,
living in contentment on your own
in your mansions built of shimmering stone
and upheld by columns made of glass:

now, one embroiders lovely trifles as
another weaves a cloth of delicate tone;
and now, a few of you go off alone,
each telling of the life and loves she has;

for a while, put your work aside
and lift your golden heads to look at me,
and I won't keep you long, I confide;

you'll be too sad to listen, or I'll be
changed to water crying at your side,
and then there will be time for sympathy.
Transl. Copyright © Mary Rae, 2002 







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