The Witch-Maid, and Other Verses/Montoro's Song
MONTORO'S SONG AGAINST COUNT ALVARO DE
LUNA, HIGH CONSTABLE OF CASTILE
(From the Spanish of E. Marquina)
"King, a flock is feeding
down the cliff unheeding
and upon the hill,
with your crook to shepherd it. . . ."
—It is yours, O Favourite.
Ask for what you will.
"In your crown a jewel
blazes fierce and cruel—
kingship to fulfil.
Such a royal stone is it. . . ."
—It is yours, O Favourite.
Ask for what you will.
"King, see, your rejected
sceptre lies neglected
on the throne-steps still.
Long you have forgotten it. . . ."
—It is yours, O Favourite.
Ask for what you will.
"King, in kingly measure
I have spent my treasure,
haste my stores to fill!
Be my Envoy leal and fit—"
—I shall do so, Favourite.
Ask for what you will.
"King, tell me I am dreaming;
I see the tapers gleaming;
a scaffold boding ill
with the headsman swart by it— "
—It is yours, O Favourite,
ask for what you will.