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Rodrigo’s Lament

The legendary knight El Cid duels with his fiancé’s father.

His rasping knavish voice profanes my good name.
It grates my ears, now content I am no more
To let insult to me like this slide. I shore
Up courage to act—none question El Cid’s fame.

Sword drawn I have at him. Pleas for mercy tame
Not my vengeful blade as cold steel slashed and tore
Through his soft flesh; his garment spattered with gore.
Upon the floor he bleeds out slowly. A shame

That such life be wasted. Lo what have I done?
My rage subsides; I behold the ghastly scene.
Truly the good Lord and heaven’s gates shall shun

Me from his presence? For life has lost its sheen.
I hath slain the father of my love. Now none
Can forgive me save her, the lovely Ji’meen.

.

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Damon Rose is a master’s student at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. He is currently pursuing studies in plant pathology.

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5 Responses

  1. Christian Muller

    Excellent use of the Spanish sonnet. I love the change from pride to regret.

    Reply
    • Damon Rose

      Thanks Christian. People often act impulsively only to regret it later. Its a concept I hoped to explore here. Most historical duels were over petty issues.

      I think the Spanish sonnet is fitting given the context.

      Reply
  2. Joseph S. Salemi

    In the last quatrain, “I hath” is incorrect. The verb form “hath” can only be used in the third person. The correct conjugations is:

    I have
    Thou hast
    He hath

    Reply
    • Frank Rable

      First telegraph Baltimore to Washington 1844
      B: What hath God wrought?
      W: Repeat.
      B: What hath God wrought?
      W: God made a hat?
      B: No, What hath God wrought?
      W: God wore a hat? Why?
      B: No. God did not wear a hath. $*@%. A HAT. A HAT. DID NOT WEAR A HAT.
      W: Then who is it for?
      B: The G%##*^ned telegraph is working!!
      W: Why hast thou not said so? Watch your language. The FCC is here.

      Reply
  3. Damon Rose

    Thank you for your helpful feedback.

    You are correct. The choice to break the rules here was, however, deliberately made in order to keep with the rhythm and overall “feel” of the poem. Defiantly something to think about.

    I did something similar with the name of Roderigo’s wife. It’s actually Jimena Díaz (also spelled Ximena).

    Reply

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