Clear the way for the entrance
of the bold adventuress
who undoes injustice,
who smashes insults.
The sun's rays are her
resplendent armor,
the stars her helmet,
the moon her boots.
On her shining shield
with which she dazzles hell,
a mountain is emblazoned
and golden letters: Tota Pulchra.
Celebrated for her beauty,
feared for her ferocity
she is jaunty and valiant,
and angelic is her beauty...
She dispelled the charms
of the ancient serpent
whose conspiracy
set us under slavery's yoke.
She avenges wrongs
and annuls unjust laws,
gives refuge to orphans
and shelter to widows.
She liberated prisoners
from that prison where,
were it not for her daring spirit,
still they'd await their release.
All hell trembles at the mere
mention of her name.
And they say its very kings
fast on her vigil...
She is the one, whose tread
no demon can endure.
When he sees her feet,
he takes to his heels.
Crowned with glory and honor,
the deeds that brought her fame,
since they cannot be contained on earth,
send her riding out of this world.
As knight errant of the spheres
on a new adventure,
she finds the hidden treasure
sought by so many.
(Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz (+1695) was a Mexican nun, poet, dramatist, and spritual writer.)
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