José de Espronceda was a prominent Romantic writer who lived in Spain between 1808 and 1842. After completing his studies, he travelled the European continent, becoming involved in revolutionary political actions, a product of his passionate and idealistic essence.

With ten guns on each side,

full sails ahead,

she does not cut the sea, but flies

a brigantine sailing ship;

pirate ship they call it

because of its bravery, the ‘Temido’,

in every known sea

from one border to the other.

The moon in the sea rails,

on the canvas the wind moans

and rises in soft movement

waves of silver and blue;

and the pirate captain goes,

singing happily in the stern,

Asia on one side, Europe on the other,

and there in front of it Istanbul;

…

Header Image:

Portrait of José de Espronceda. Source: albaeditorial.es