Spanish Songs

Bright and flashing-eyed Anita
Spread her fan all widely, blacky,
And her countenance she sternly
Hid behind the lace-work pattern.

I with the Basilian Fathers
Through the night had once sat sleepless,
Learned the science of star-counting:
Her is where the sun's eclipse is!
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Donna Clara with her black fan
Hid her countenance severely;
Straightaway spoke a hidalgo:
'Ah, the sun's eclipse is dreary!'
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'Most illustrious Senore,
O most honourable Donna,
Donna Clara, Donna Clara,
You have now destroyed me quite!
Ah, without you the days is midnight,
With you, midnight is day;
Donna Clara, you have taken
From beneath my feet - the earth;
You have cast a spell upon me
From black books of witchcraft learned!'
'Most respected Caballero,
Don Fernando, Don Fernando,
I for all my life have lived
In a good and Christian manner,
And know nought of sorcery!
Other means have I of charming;
Braids knee-length - or almost so -
Bright eyes flashing like the starlight,
Countenance more white than snow!'

M. Bahdanovich 1915