Humour between Sevillian Humanists: Epigram Directed by Licenciado Francisco Pacheco to Luciano de Negrón After his Promotion

Abstract

This paper presents a critical edition and a translation into Spanish of two Latin texts: an unpublished epigram (Qui superas superos supera uirtute, Negrone...) written by Licenciado Francisco Pacheco (1535-1599), in which he addresses Doctor Luciano de Negrón (1540-1606) with hyperbolic praise, and an astrological chart in which the promise of a bishopric is foreseen. The study reveals, in addition to known facts, new information about Negrón and his relationship with other figures of Sevillian humanism, such as Francisco Pacheco, Benito Arias Montano and Pedro Vélez de Guevara. Both texts can be seen as a form of lampoon on the part of Pacheco on the occasion of Negrón’s promotion to advisor of the archdeacon of Seville. In this sense, it can therefore be understood as an example of a text belonging to the genre of humorous literature or “literatura de la graciosidad”, as it is known. Other examples of jocular comic literature are presented and their value and importance are discussed. Thus, the paper offers a less severe viewpoint of these humanists, in contrast with the more solemn usually shown.