Firstpublished: Description: An elaborate solo cantata for "contralto" accompanied by two violins, an oboe and continuo. At this period the meaning of "contralto" may possibly not have clearly denoted a female rather than a male voice.
External websites:
Microfilmed source from Música Colonial (requires "Dejavu" software, free download available here)
Original text and translations
Spanish text
'Aria
La antorcha bella,
la luz hermosa,
que juzga estrella,
rodea ansiosa
la mariposa
que adora al sol.
Así mi vida
se acoge al ara,
donde convida
la luz mas clara,
o quien cegará
con su arrebol.
Recitative
Quien dulce amante mio,
en la hostia por mí sacramentado,
quien hubiera cegado su albedrío,
para que a solo vos dueño adorado,
hubiera sus deseos entregado,
vos, vos por mí tal fineza,
yo contra mí tan aspera rudeza,
vos no solo cuidar de mi sustento,
si no es daros a vos por alimento,
y yo olvidaros, ay error profundo,
ciego para mi dios, me tiene el mundo.
Aria
Ya es ora de lidiar,
contra mi frágil ser,
espiritú a vencer,
a batallar.
Te prestará poder,
el propio suspirar,
si llegas a comer,
para triunfar.
English translation
Aria
The lovely torch, the beautiful light.
The butterfly flies around it nervously, adoring the sun.
In the same way my life takes refuge by the altar where it is welcomed by the clearest light.
O who will be blinded by its brightness?
Recitative
[Not understood]
Aria
Now is the time to struggle against my fragile being with a spirit determined to make battle.
Your sighs themselves will lend you strength if you get to eat [the host] and thus win through in triumph.