That my bold song may praise and glory gain, Another shall I name to you, from whom My song to-day shall greater force attain And to the height of my desire shall come; And this it is that maketh me refrain From more than naming him and finding room To sing how lofty genius hath been sung By DON ALONSO DE MORALES'[135] tongue. Over the rugged steep unto the fane Where dwelleth fame, there climbs and draweth near A noble youth, who breaks with might and main Though every hindrance, though 'tis fraught with fear, And needs must come so nigh that it is plain That fame doth in prophetic song declare The laurel which it hath prepared ere now, HERNANDO MALDONADO,[136] is for thy brow. Adorned with noble laurel here ye see His learned brow, who hath such glory found In every science, every art, that he O'er all the globe is even now renowned; Oh golden age, oh happy century, With such a man as this worthily crowned! What century, what age doth with thee vie, When MARCO ANTONIO DE LA VEGA[137]'s nigh? A DIEGO is the next I call to mind, Who hath in truth MENDOZA[138] for his name, Worthy that history should her maker find In him alone, and soar as soars his fame; His learning and his virtue, which, enshrined In every heart, the whole world doth acclaim, Absent and present both alike astound, Whether in near or distant nations found. High Phoebus an acquaintance doth possess-- Acquaintance say I? Nay, a trusty friend, In whom alone he findeth happiness, A treasurer of knowledge without end; 'Tis he who of set purpose doth repress Himself, so that his all he may not spend, DIEGO DURÁN,[139] in whom we ever find, And shall find, wisdom, worth, and force of mind. But who is he who sings his agonies With voice resounding, and with matchless taste? Phoebus, and sage Arion, Orpheus wise, Find ever their abode within his breast; E'en from the realms where first the dawn doth rise, Unto the distant regions of the west. Is he renowned and loved right loyally, For, LÓPEZ MALDONADO,[140] thou art he. Who could the praises, shepherds mine, recite Of him ye love, a shepherd crowned by fame, Brightest of all the shepherds that are bright, Who is to all known by FILIDA'S name? The skill, the learning and the choice delight, The rare intelligence, the heart aflame, Of LUIS DE MONTALVO[141] aye assure Glory and honour whilst the heavens endure.