Who will find a strong woman

Who will find a strong woman belongs to the cycle of sacramental cars written by Pedro Calderón de la Barca.
His argument is based on two different moments in the Old Testament. The one that gives it its title is from the biblical book of Proverbs where the question appears: “Who will find a strong woman?”
This is the question asked, at the opening of the car, by the allegorical character of Wisdom to the four cardinal virtues, and then to World,
proposing to them, as a contest, to find the woman mentioned in the Proverbs. Here too is the passage in Genesis in which a woman who is traditionally considered to be the Virgin faces a dragon.

Single act

Out comes Wisdom, bizarre lady, with garland of flowers and stars, and Music with instruments.

Wisdom: Here from my science
The clause is heard.

Music: Warn
who tries, O World, this day
know the Wisdom
who will find a strong woman. 5

Wisdom: From an Invincible Woman
word Genesis gives,
that the forehead must break
to the dragon, and though in me it is
planned what is to be, 10
However, as long as it does not brown
its light, I try to hurry
whether you know the world or ignore it
The shadows to pass
that this dawn may come, 15
and although the doubt is not mine
The question yes, luckily,
which is what this day is trying to do…

She and music: … know Wisdom,
who will find a strong woman. 20

Wisdom: And for they must prevent it
ads whose appearance
teach it before you come,
Who today to the World say
will you know any?

Prudence: (Inside he sings.) Prudence. 25

Wisdom: I don’t doubt she will know
but, who shall assure me,
What does the World believe its news?

Justice: (Inside sings.) Justice.

Wisdom: But I Would Desire My Deity 30
let godliness do it,
Who will give me another hope?

Temperance: (Inside he sings.) Temperance.

Wisdom: This voice sounds better to me
And who, O quick accent, 35
gives of both certainty?

Fortress
(Inside he sings.) The Fortress.

Wisdom Not wrong my question begins,
Putting me in confidence
to advertise their beauty… 40

Prudence (Sung.) Prudence.

(Sale.)

Temperance temperance.

(Sale.)

Justice Justice.

(Sale.)

Strength and strength.

(Sale.)

Wisdom Since four cardinals
Virtues you want equals
With previous Arrebol, 45
before sunrise
give of its dawn signs,
Know…

(They sing.)

Prudence Nothing warns us…

Temperance… for to obey you…

Fragment of the work