Rafael Bento y Travieso

Las Palmas de Gran Canaria · Category: Literature · Subcategory: Literary street map

A man of liberal and progressive spirit, Rafael Bento y Travieso (Guía, 1782 - Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, 1831) had a fascinating but turbulent life, to the point of suffering persecution by the Inquisition. He oscillated between classicism and romanticism in the abundant and varied poetry that came from his pen: occasional poetry, but also love, landscape, and satirical poetry. He published La recompensa del amor in 1817. Although much of his work remains unpublished, over the years and after his death, many of his poems have been published in anthologies, newspapers, and magazines.

“Who, in my sad and wretched solitude

will console my sorrow?

From what mouth will I hear myself named beloved husband?

Will I hear the yearnings of the purest love?

The gentle complaints of a simple heart?”

(Excerpt from the cantata La muerte de Celina )

28.14786, -15.429046