Rima XLI

You were the hurricane and I the tall tower that defies its force: You had to demolish me or be shattered!       It couldn't be! You were the ocean and I the lofty rock that steadfastly awaits its advance and retreat: You had to uproot me or be crushed! ...       It couldn't be! You beautiful, I arrogant; accustomed one to sweep away, the other not to yield: the path narrow, the collision inevitable ...       It couldn't be!

Tú eras el huracán y yo la alta torre que desafía su poder: ¡tenías que estrellarte o que abatirme!       ¡No pudo ser! Tú eras el océano y yo la enhiesta roca que firme aguarda su vaivén: ¡tenías que romperte o que arrancarme! ...       ¡No pudo ser! Hermosa tú, yo altivo; acostumbrados uno a arrollar, el otro a no ceder: la senda estrecha, inevitable el choque ...       ¡No pudo ser!