Jorge Luis Borges -Alhambra-

Alhambra

Grata la voz del agua
a quien abrumaron negras arenas,
grato a la mano cóncava
el mármol circular de la columna,
gratos los finos laberintos del agua
entre los limoneros,
grata la música del zéjel,
grato el amor y grata la plegaria
dirigida a un Dios que está solo,
grato el jazmín.

Vano el alfanje
ante las largas lanzas de los muchos,
vano ser el mejor.
Grato sentir o presentir, rey doliente,
que tus dulzuras son adioses,
que te será negada la llave,
que la cruz del infiel borrará la luna,
que la tarde que miras es la última.


Alhambra

Pleasant is the water speaking
To one whom furious sands overwhelmed,
Pleasant to the concave hand
The column's circular marble,
Pleasant the fine labyrinth of water
Amidst the lemon trees,
Pleasant the music of the zéjel,
Pleasant the love and pleasant the prayer
Directed to a God who is alone,
Pleasant the jasmine.

Vain the cutlass
Before the big lances of the many,
Vain to be the best.
Pleasant to feel or have a feeling, doleful king,
That your sweet utterings are goodbyes,
That you shall be denied the key,
That the infidel's cross shall erase the moon,
That the afternoon you see is the last.

Translated by Christopher Mulrooney