2
O
viedo
| C
ampoamor
T
heatre
| 2
nd
O
ctober
1982
Along with so many fictions invented by my childhood, that of Spain without fear of the truth, bold
in its discovery and capable of transforming reality is the oldest, most cherished, most dreamed of
fiction born in my childhood, when I used to try to decipher the hand of Jorge Juan as a sign, on
the old Herrera promenade of that industrial and seafaring city where I was born. I have known
times of cultural indifference and times of great hope. Now, in my old age, I have felt —I feel
every year— the miracle of the approach of the Supreme Magistracy of the country to those who
think, who dream, who believe; and I consider it the most wonderful historical novelty brought
by the monarchy. Your Majesty, these men of science, of the arts, of literature, carry the future in
their minds. And the future will be Your Highness, The Prince of Asturias. In the old Byzantine
ceremonial, it was said to the Basileus, “For you countless years.” I say it to ours. But one day, Your
Highness, the torch will rest in your hands. I ardently hope that is true then what right now is just
a dream. With this hope I end my words.
Gonzalo
Torrente Ballester
—
Prince of Asturias
Award for Literature
1982
© Beneficiaries of Torrente
Ballester’s estate
—
Excerpt from the speech given on
the occasion of receiving the Prince
of Asturias Award for Literature
on 2/10/1982.
Laureates. Excerpts
