Pablo Neruda -La traición-

La traición

Para la paz en una noche triste
el General Sandino fue invitado
a comer, festejando su bravura,
con el Embajador «Americano"
(porque el nombre total del continente
estos filibusteros usurparon).
Alegre estaba el General Sandino:
vino y brindis subieron y bajaron:
los yanquis regresaban a su patria
desoladoramente derrotados
y el banquete sellaba con honores
la lucha de Sandino y sus hermanos.
En la mesa esperaba el asesino.
Era un oscuro ser prostibulario
y levantò la copa muchas veces
mientras en los bolsillos resonaron
los treinta horrendos dòlares del crimen.
Oh banquete del vino ensangrentado!
Oh noche, oh luna falsa en los caminos!
Oh estrellas amarillas que no hablaron!
Oh tierra muda y ciega de la noche!
Tierra que no detuvo su caballo!
Oh noche de traiciòn que abandonaste
la torre del honor en malas manos!
Oh banquete de plata y agonía!
Oh sombra de traiciòn que prepararon!
Oh pabellòn de luz que florecía,
desde entonces vencido y enlutado!


Treason

For peace, on a sad night
General Sandino was invited
to dine, to celebrate his courage,
with the "American" Ambassador
(for the name of the whole continent
these pirates have usurped).
General Sandino was joyous:
wine and drinks raised to his health:
the Yankees were returning to their land
desolately defeated
and the banquet sealed with honors
the struggle of Sandino and his brothers.
The assassin waited at the table.
He was a mysterious spineless being
raising his cup time and again
while in his pocket resounded
the thirty horrendous dollars of the crime.
O feast of bloodied wine!
O night, O false moonlit paths!
O pale stars that did not speak!
O land mute and blind by night!
Earth that did not restrain his horse!
O treasonous night that betrayed
the tower of honor into evil hands!
O banquet of silver and agony!
O shadow of premeditated treason!
O pavilion of light that flourised,
since then defeated and mourned!