[1] de cerca, at first hand.
[2] sus propios padres, their own forefathers, ancestors.
[3] las consideraciones de la amistad, friendly considerations; friendly relations.
[4] trabas sin cuento, innumerable obstacles. VARIANT: Incontables.
[5] de vez en cuando, every once in a while; from time to time.
[6] abrumados por la edad, bowed or burdened with years.
[7] bajan al sepulcro, go down to the (their) grave.
[8] las riendas del Gobierno, the directing of the government; the helm of the “Ship of State.” VARIANT: El timón del Estado.
[9] menos avezadas a, less accustomed to.
[10] pertenecerán a la leyenda, will become legendary (rather than historical).