And of rich and goodly trees · there grew a boundless maze, Granada’s apples bright, · and figs of golden rays, And many other fruits, · beyond my skill to praise; But none that turneth sour, · and none that e’er decays. The freshness of that meadow, · the sweetness of its flowers, The dewy shadows of the trees, · that fell like cooling showers, Renewed within my frame · its worn and wasted powers; I deem the very odors would · have nourished me for hours.[33] [33] Amigos è vasallos de · Dios omnipotent, Si vos me escuchasedes · por vuestro consiment, Querriavos contar un · buen aveniment: Terrédeslo en cabo por · bueno verament. Yo Maestro Gonzalvo de · Berceo nomnado Iendo en Romeria · caeci en un prado, Verde è bien sencido, · de flores bien poblado, Logar cobdiciaduero · pora ome cansado. Daban olor sobeio · las flores bien olientes, Refrescaban en ome · las caras è las mientes, Manaban cada canto · fuentes claras corrientes, En verano bien frias, · en yvierno calientes. Avie hy grand abondo · de buenas arboledas, Milgranos è figueras, · peros è mazanedas, E muchas otras fructas · de diversas monedas; Mas non avie ningunas · podridas nin acedas. La verdura del prado, · la olor de las flores, Las sombras de los arbores · de temprados sabores Refrescaronme todo, · è perdi los sudores: Podrie vevir el ome · con aquellos olores. Sanchez, Tom. II. p. 285. This induction, which is continued through forty stanzas more, of unequal merit, is little connected with the stories that follow; the stories, again, are not at all connected among themselves; and the whole ends abruptly with a few lines of homage to the Madonna. It is, therefore, inartificial in its structure throughout. But in the narrative parts there is often naturalness and spirit, and sometimes, though rarely, poetry. The tales themselves belong to the religious fictions of the Middle Ages, and were no doubt intended to excite devout feelings in those to whom they were addressed; but, like the old Mysteries, and much else that passed under the name of religion at the same period, they often betray a very doubtful morality.[34] [34] A good account of this part of Berceo’s works, though, I think, somewhat too severe, is to be found in Dr. Dunham’s “History of Spain and Portugal,” (London, 1832, 18mo, Tom. IV. pp. 215-229,) a work of merit, the early part of which, as in the case of Berceo, rests more frequently than might be expected on original authorities. Excellent translations will be found in Prof. Longfellow’s Introductory Essay to his version of the Coplas de Manrique, Boston, 1833, 12mo, pp. 5 and 10.