Modern Poets and Poetry of Spain/Satirical Letrillias III
MANUEL BRETON DE LOS HERREROS.
SATIRICAL LETRILLIAS.—III.
Such is, dear girl, my tenderness,
Naught can its equal be!
If thou a dowry didst possess
The charms to rival of thy face,
I would marry thee.
Thou wert my bliss, my star, my all!
So kind and fair to see;
And me thy consort to instal,
At once for witness Heaven I call,
I would marry thee.
Thou dost adore me? yes, and I,
Thy love so raptures me,
If thou wouldst not so anxious try
To know my pay, and what I buy,
I would marry thee.
If thou wert not so always coy,
Ne'er listening to my plea,
But when I, fool! my cash employ
To bring thee sweets, or some fine toy,
I would marry thee.
If thou must not instructions wait,
As may mamma agree,
To write or speak to me, or state
When thou wilt meet me at the gate,
I would marry thee.
If 't were not when to dine, the most
Thy meagre soup bouillie
Thou givest, as many airs thou show'st,
As Roderic at the hanging-post,
I would marry thee.
If for my punishment instead
Of case and quiet, we
Might not three hungry brothers dread,
And mother too, to keep when wed,
I would marry thee.
If 't were not when these plagues combine
With thy tears flowing free,
The virtues of a heavenly sign
I see must solace me, not thine,
I would marry thee.
Go, get another in thy chain,
And Heaven for you decree
A thousand joys, for me 't is vain;
I know thee cheat, and tell thee plain,
I will not marry thee.