vv. 1183-1188.
Valencian men doubt what to do, · and bitterly complain,
That, wheresoe’er they look for bread, · they look for it in vain.
No father help can give his child, · no son can help his sire,
Nor friend to friend assistance lend, · or cheerfulness inspire.
A grievous story, Sirs, it is, · when fails the needed bread,
And women fair and children young · in hunger join the dead.
From the use of Señores, “Sirs,” in this passage, as well as from other lines, like v. 734 and v. 2291, I have thought the poem was either originally addressed to some particular persons, or was intended—which is most in accordance with the spirit of the age—to be recited publicly.
[17] For example:—
Ferran Gonzalez non vió alli dos’ alzase · nin camara abierta nin torre.—v. 2296.