6 FEBRUARY 1953, Page 12

Sonnet

From the Spanish of Lupercio Leonardo de Argensola (1559-1613) Bearing her vineleaves after her, October Has gone and, haughty with the great-rains now, Ebro will neither bridge nor banks allow But swells, and on the neighbouring fields spills over.

Now, as of old, Moncayo has uncovered Her lofty head, that wears a crown of snow.

Now, in the East, Sun greets the eyes—and lo ! Earth's mists cut off the light ; the Sun is smothered.

The North wind's fury strikes the sea and woods. Cowed by its roar, in port the sailor stays, The countryman in his poor cottage broods, And Fabio, who in Thals' halls delays, Stretched in her bed, ashamed, is choked by floods Of tears, a tribute to his wasted days.

Translated by J. M. COHEN.