History of Spanish and Portuguese Literature (Vol 1 of 2)

by Friedrich Bouterwek

[358] A new and elegant edition of the Trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda, was published at Madrid in 1781, by Don Antonio de Sancha, in 2 vols.

[359] The biographer who wishes to compile in a perfect and authentic way, the life of Lope de Vega, already so often related, must not neglect the collection of elegies and epitaphs, which have been lately printed, along with the hitherto scattered works of the great Spanish dramatist, (Obras Sueltas de Lope de Vega; Madrid, 1776, &c. 21 vols. 4to.) Even Nicolas Antonio, whose manner is so jejune, and who usually dismisses poets with very little ceremony, bestows a long eulogium on Lope de Vega.

[360] In the prelude to the Auto El Nombre de Jesus (the Name of Jesus). See the Obras Sueltas de Lope de Vega, vol. xviii. The countrywoman asks:—

Y que son Autos?

And the husband replies:—

Comedias a gloria y honor del pan
Que tan devota celebra
Esta coronada villa.

[361] Lope de Vega, in his dramas, employs the terms actos and jornadas indiscriminately.

[362] From the very commencement of the scene, it is obvious how well Lope de Vega understood the art of composing spirited dialogue.

D. San. A mi me cierra la puerta?

Ançu. Tiene muy justo temor.