Gustavo Adolfo Becquer (1836—1870)
A native of Seville, Becquer ran away from home while still a boy, and went to Madrid, where for many years he led a life of poverty. His entire life’ indeed was spent in executing what hack work he was able to get. He is known for his poems and fantastic tales, the latter written to a certain extent under the influence of the German Hoffmann. Maese Phez is a good specimen of his art both as a teller of tales and a poet of fantasy. It is one of the recognized masterpieces of modern Spanish fiction.
The present version is reprinted from Modem Ghosts, translated by Rollo Ogden. Copyright, 1890, by Harper & Bros., by whose permission it is here used.
Maese Pfirez, the Organist
Do you see that man with the scarlet cloak, and the white plume in his hat, and the gold-embroidered vest? I mean the otie just getting out of his litter and going to greet that lady—the one coming along after those four pages who are carrying torches? Well, that is the Marquis of Mascoso, lover of the widow, the Countess of Villa- pineda.
They say that before he began paying court to her he had sought the hand of a very wealthy man`s daughter, but the girl`s father, who they say is a trifle close-fisted—but hush! Speaking of the devil—do you see that man closely wrapped in his cloak coming on foot under the arch of San Felipe? Well, he is the father in question. Everybody in Seville knows him on account of his immense fortune.
“Look—look at that group of stately men! They are the twenty-four knights. Aha! there`s that Heming, too. They say that the gentlemen of the green cross have not challenged him yet, thanks to his influence with the great ones at Madrid. All he comes to church for is to hear the music.
“Alas! neighbor, that looks bad. I fear there`s going to be a scuffle. I shall take refuge in the church, for, according to my guess, there will be more blows than Paternosters. Look, look! the Duke of Alcala`s people are coming round the corner of Saint Peter`s Square, and I think I see the Duke of Medinasidonia`s men in Duenas Alley. Didn`t I tell you? There—there! The blows are beginning. Neighbor, neighbor, this way before they close the doors!
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