La lanza Rota

The Broken Spear*

Spoken:

1897, revolution again,
from Cerro Largo's lands
there is a clash.

Under the smoke of the discharge
there is unleashed fury,
leaving the field with blood spilled.

For many, night falls
when it's still full day,
with hot Remingtons
and cold spears.

When another day dawns
the field is depopulated,
no more smoke from discharges,
no more disjointed shouts.

There is a tomb-like silence
that envelops the whole place,
only a broken spear
marks the courage.

And a trace of air is heard,
full of pain and rage,
singing that in Arbolito
Chiquito Saravia fell.

Singing:

Secure the spears
in the tacuaras,
once the dance begins
there's no turning back.

Crawling like partridges,
watching how many men
Muniz brings.

And change horses
at dawn
to have fresh tingo
for the troop.

To the trace, to the trace
courage and spear,
and wrapped in the hat
white badges.

Despite the courage
with which they throw themselves
they are gaining little
red badges.

The lancer who sees
all is lost
shouts: Charge!
and falls.

Without looking back
at Arbolito
charging against the bullets
Chiquito fell.

To the trace, to the trace
courage and spear,
and wrapped in silence
white badges.

*From the musical work