Mateo Aleman (1547 – 1614)
Little is known of Aleman, though it is stated that he was a native of Seville and was employed in the government service. He lived for a time in Mexico where he wrote certain works of no great importance. But he is remembered by his famous picaresque novel, Guzman de Alfara- che, which was published in 1599, and soon translated into all the languages of Europe. This romance depicts in vivid fashion the life of the underworld.
The present version is reprinted from Thomas Roscoe`s Spanish Novelists, London, no date. The translation is by Thomas Roscoe. The full title of the chapter in the original is How Guzman Excited the Compassion of My Lord Cardinal, and What Ensued.
Guzman and my Lord Cardinal
Having roused myself early one fine morning, according to custom, I went and seated myself at the door of a cardinal, concerning whom I had heard an excellent character, being one of the most charitably disposed in Rome. I had taken the trouble of getting one of my legs swelled, on which, notwithstanding what had passed, was to be seen a new ulcer, one that might set at defiance the most penetrating eye or probe of a surgeon.
I had not this time omitted to have my face as pale as death; and thus, filling the air with horrible lamentations while I was asking alms, I moved the souls of the different domestics who came in and out to take pity upon me; they gave me something; but I was yet only beating up for game—it was their master I wanted. He at length made his appearance—I redoubled my cries and groans— I writhed in anguish;—and I then accosted him in these terms: “Oh! most noble Christian; thou friend of Christ and his afflicted ones! have pity upon me, a poor wretched sinner.
Behold me cut down in the flower of my days;—may your excellency be touched with my extreme misery, for the sake of the sufferings of our dear Redeemer.” The cardinal, who was really a pious man, stopped; and, after looking at me earnestly, turned to his attendants. “In the name of Christ, take this unhappy being, and bear him into my own apartments! let the rags that cover him be exchanged for fine linen; put him into a good bed—nay, into my own—and I will go into another room. I will tend on him; for in him do I verily see what must have been the sufferings of our Saviour.`”
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