Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Spain, Portugal, Belgium, and Holland: Vols. XIV–XV. 1876–79.
The Growth of Madrid
By Luis de Góngora (1561–1627)Translated by Edward Churton
T
Mark, stranger, how the flood is on its way,
The flood of houses; scarcely will it stay,
Where Manzanares into Tagus falls.
It is a sight that back to memory calls
The glory of Egyptian Memphis; nay,
More great the wonder; to a later day
Shall stand these firm and rock-built palace-halls;
Imperial seat of monarchs throned on high,
Birthplace of princes, Beauty’s beaming sphere,
And scene of proudest Fortune’s pageantry;
Whose state shall Envy’s venomed fangs outwear,
Howe’er she chafe in secret. Homeward hie
In peace, and bid thy land the tidings hear.