TO PHILIP II OF SPAIN, &C.

THE CATHOLIC KING.

Let not Latium original: "Latium" (ancient Rome) or exultant Greece boast henceforth
Of Caesarean structures and the high palaces of Kings:
Let renowned Rome extol her pyramids, her aqueducts,
Her marvelous amphitheaters and ancient circuses;
Let ancient faith keep silent about the wonders of the vast world;
For the ancients have done nothing compared to our own age;
For that one supreme King of Hesperia original: "Hesperie" (poetic name for the West/Spain), Philip,
Surpassing all wonders, constructs a work;
Not a work, but a mass such as all antiquity
Has never seen, and this age shall never have its equal.
Indeed, in times past, leaders erected monuments of triumph
For the vanquished out of wicked ambition;
And they set up trophies to profane gods for captives taken,
Or as eternal glory for a great work throughout the ages;
But he, the unique defender of the Apostolic religion,
The King always mindful of his pious vow,
Has long been laboring upon the eternal honors of a holy work;
Than which the Greatest World has nothing greater here.

For he has dedicated an August and Royal College,
Sacred to Lawrence original: "LAVRENTIO" (Saint Lawrence), for all time to you.
Over which preside a certain number of Hieronymites term: Hieronymiani Order of Saint Jerome, a monastic order:
O happy Order, and hearts consecrated to God.
There is nothing here but the Bride of the Great Thunderer note: Jupiter/God;
A place terrible in the majesty of God:
It is where the Majesty and magnificence of the King
Are prodigal, and he pours forth his inexhaustible wealth well.
Thus the palace of the highest Prince is there, and of the supreme
Divinity. O what glory, what splendor!
Who could explain all the treasures, who could explain the brilliance?
My genius is narrow, and my tongue is too weak.
But who is equal and second to the Iberian King?
He alone creates a wonder of the world.
Be vigorous in spirit; may your great power continue to grow;
O Philip, unconquered hero of your people.
Hurrah for you and happy Spain, and hurrah for Madrid;
Which, were it not for such a great Master, would not be so great.