I.

And He Is Spanish: Elcano, The First to Circumnavigate the Earth

II.

Where does that frail ship go

That proudly cruises on
And ploughs the distant seas
To seek the lands unknown?

Who's the brave and invincible,

That from far down the West
Sails on the expansive world
To yonder roseate East?

Of Spain he's a heroic son,

A Titan new of Pirene,
Who with fury fights against,
If it holds him, the hurricane.

He's Elcano who undertakes

A task that enchants the world ;
To accomplish it he vows
And its vastness him doesn't hold.

And to red-tailed eagle akin

That soars high in the wind
With an unequalled flight
And with a movement swift,

Of the blowing storm that roars,

He scorns the horrible hiss ;
And mocks with kingly air
The lightning's shattering noise.

And like a craggy rock

No impetuous ocean in rage
Or the fury of hurricanes
Him can change or disengage ;

Such is the invincible

Elcano, when cruising through
The waves, with his Spanish ships,
Their rage they might'ly subdue.

Triumphant crosses he
The vast roundness of the globe
With exceptional bravery
He measured the extensive orb.

A thousand laurels crown

Defender of Spain, your brow ;
And a brilliant diadem
Now proudly decorates you.

III.

1875, Manila, Philippines

IV. Spanish and English

V.

The poem “AND HE IS SPANISH: ELCANO, THE FIRST TO CIRCUMNAVIGATE THE WORLD”is about Juan
Sebastián Elcano, a Spanish Basque, Ferdinand Magellan’s second in command, who upon Magellan’s
death on the shores of Mactan in the Philippines, took over and completed the first circumnavigation of
the world. It was written by none other than Dr. Jose Rizal. He wrote it after his mother’s imprisonment,
inspired after his dear friend and professor, Fr. Sanchez.

VI. SUMMARY AND INTERPRETATION

Most people credit Ferdinand Magellan as the first person ever to circumnavigate the world. His
expedition on the Victoria, aimed to explore the world and attain the spices from Malaysia.
Unfortunately for Magellan, after stopping by in the Philippines, he meets his death at the hands of
Lapu-Lapu and the natives. The poem clearly emphasizes and praises Elcano, the first person to
circumnavigate the world, for his bravery and resolution in completing such a humongous task. His
travels truly changed the course of not only Spain, but the world. The poem stresses the fact that
Elcano’s task at hand is something not easily done and adversities are due to transpire, including the
death of the captain himself, Magellan. He still divulged himself in going through the long journey and
believed that it is imperative for him to complete his adventure. No strong currents can stop him in his
goals.

VII. ADDITIONAL INFO