or of the curious romance glossed by Gil Vicente, Cristóbal de Castillejo, and Jorge de Montemôr—
La bella mal maridada, de las lindas que yo ví;[95]
or of the well-known ballad which seems to have strayed out of the series of romances fronterizos—
Mi padre era de Ronda, y mi madre de Antequera.[96]
Fortunately these have been translated by Gibson. But we must not part from Lockhart on bad terms, for he ends with the ballad of Count Alarcos and the Infante Solisa:—
Retraída está la Infanta bien así como solía.[97]
This romance, which is often ascribed to a certain Pedro de Riaño, is certainly not older than the sixteenth century, and is rather an artistic than a popular poem; but it is unquestionably an impressive composition remarkable for concentrated and pathetic beauty.
Though I have far outrun my allotted time, I have merely brushed the fringe of the subject; still, perhaps enough has been said to stir your interest, and to set you reading the Romancero under the sagacious guidance of Sr. Menéndez y Pelayo. That will occupy you for many a long day. To those who have not the time to read everything, but who wish to read the very best of the best, I cannot be wrong in recommending the exquisite selection of romances published by M. Foulché-Delbosc a few months ago.[98]