Endechas A Bárbara Escrava (aquela Cativa)
José Afonso
Laments to Barbara the Slave (that Captive)
That captive who holds me captive,
Because I live in her, she no longer wants me to live.
I have never seen roses in soft bunches,
That could be more beautiful to my eyes.
Neither in the field flowers,
Nor in the sky stars
Seem as beautiful
As my loves.
Singular face,
Calm eyes,
Black and tired,
But not deadly.
A lively grace,
That dwells in them,
To be the mistress
Of the one who is captive.
Black hair,
Where common people
Lose the opinion
That blondes are beautiful.
Blackness of Love,
So sweet the figure,
That the snow swears
It would exchange its color.
Gentle meekness,
Accompanied by wisdom;
She seems strange,
But not barbaric.
Serene presence
That calms the storm;
In her, finally, rests
All my sorrow.
This is the captive
Who holds me captive;
And since I live in her,
It is necessary that I live.
