Luis Ponce de León

Luis Ponce de León (1527 – 23 August 1591) was a Spanish lyric poet, monk, and mystic. Although he wrote several notable odes and works of prose, he is likely best known for his translation of the Song of Songs.

Related Topics:
1527 - 23 August - 1591 - Spanish - Poet - Monk - Mystic - Ode - Song of Songs

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De León was born at Belmonte de Cuenca, entered the university of Salamanca at the age of fourteen, and in 1544 joined the Augustinian order. In 1561 he obtained a theological chair at Salamanca, to which in 1571 was added that of sacred literature. He was denounced to the Inquisition for translating the book of Canticles, and for criticizing the text of the Vulgate. He was consequently imprisoned at Valladolid from March 1572 until December 1576; the charges against him were then abandoned, and he was released with an admonition. He returned to Salamanca as professor of Biblical exegesis, and was again reported to the Inquisition in 1582, but without result. From 1583 to 1585 he published the three books of a celebrated mystic treatise, Los Nombres de Cristo, which he had written in prison. In 1583 also appeared the most popular of his prose works, a treatise entitled La Perfecta Casada, for the use of a lady newly married. Ten days before his death, which occurred at Madrigal on 23 August 1591, he was elected vicar general of the Augustinian order.

Related Topics:
Salamanca - Augustinian - Inquisition - Book of Canticles - Vulgate - Valladolid - Biblical exegesis - Madrigal - 23 August - 1591

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De León is not only notable as a mystic; he is among the greatest of Spanish lyrical poets. His translations of Euripides, Pindar, Virgil and Horace are singularly happy; his original pieces, whether devout like the ode De la vida del cielo, or secular like the ode A Salinas, possess a serene sublimity. Absorbed by less worldly interests, de León refrained from printing his poems, which were not issued till 1631, when Quevedo published them.

Related Topics:
Euripides - Pindar - Virgil - Horace - Quevedo

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