Companheiro do Ferreirinha

I received a letter
That came from Pardinho
To finish a task
That I took on with Ferreirinha
To fetch that half-breed
In the espraiadinho field
That in my heart
Pierced like a thorn
I had no more companion
I had to go on alone

For not having another vaqueano
I decided to go on horseback
Brought the colt to the corral
Lassoed and tied to the post
Saddled with care
Two cinches and a girth
When I put on the saddle
The colt turned into a lion
I spurred on my chest
To cleanse my heart

From there I left alone
I beat all the threshers
Found a cool place
Where the half-breed rested
I followed the trail of the ox
That went down to the water trough
The half-breed was coming
And from afar he saw me
I remembered Ferreirinha
My courage doubled

The furious half-breed
He came at me
Like a lightning spark
He charged at the colt
I threw the lasso with a pull
That made the leather creak
The lasso made a figure-eight
When it fell on the withers
The horse bucked
Spinning around

With the ox in the cinch
It was hard for me to get in line
I wanted to clear my name
And also Ferreirinha's
Finish my work
Such a petty task
I struggled with the half-breed
With the skill I had
After much work
I showed my expertise

Passing through a clearing
I took the colt and the ox
In that sad place
Where I found the boy dead
Sobbing with longing
I planted a cross there
With the tip of my knife
These words I engraved
Rest in peace, Ferreirinha
I finished the task