The Prince Rides Like the Wind
acrylic, digital imaging, ink, handmade paper, 2007
78 x 120 cm

Where is he? It's already been three months! He should have been here by now! What is he doing? Thank goodness it's summer and I still have so much work to do.

[Ay Flores]
Oh flowers, oh flowers of the tall green pine-tree,
would that you have some news of my sweetheart!
Oh God, and where is he?
Oh flowers, oh flowers of the high green branches,
would that you had some news of my lover!
Oh God, and where is he?
Do you have any news for me of my sweetheart,
who lied when he lay in my embraces?
Oh God, and where is he?
Do you have any news for me of my lover,
who lied to me when he swore his devotion?
Oh God, and where is he?
You ask me now about your sweetheart,
and I tell you true that he’s well and living.
Oh God, and where is he?
You ask me now about your lover,
and I tell you true he’s alive and healthy.
Oh God, and where is he?
And I tell you true that he’s well and living,
and will be with you at the time appointed.
Oh God, and where is he?
And I tell you true he’s alive and healthy,
and will be with you ere the term is ended.
Oh God, and where is he?

from King Dinis 1261-1325 CE [trans. Seth G. Thornton]