Philippine Literature

Here is the summary of Florante at Laura for stanzas or saknong 361 until 373, for all of your Philippine literature researchers. You’ll also find here a vocabulary builder (talasalitaan).

In this section, you’ll hear the story of Flerida (salaysay ni Flerida).

Stanza 361 – Florante and Aladin overhear Flerida speaking to Laura. Flerida says that when she received news that her jailed love (Aladin) was going to be beheaded, she threw herself at the feet of the sultan.

Stanza 362 – She tearfully begged that Aladin be spared. The sultan said that he will forgive Aladin only if Flerida accepts his (the sultan’s) love.

Stanza 363 – Flerida decides that she cannot allow Aladin to die, so she agrees to the sultan’s wishes.

Stanza 364 – Although she has closed her heart to the sultan, she relents and sacrifices for the sake of the life of Aladin, her love.

Stanza 365 – The sultan is ecstatic over the acceptance of Flerida, and immediately releases Aladin. He banishes Aladin from the Persia.

Stanza 366 – Flerida reveals that Aladin leaves Persia, but they did not even get the chance to speak with one another.

Stanza 367 – As people celebrated in the Persian kingdom because of the upcoming wedding (between the sultan and Flerida), she thought of disguising herself as a soldier so that she can escape from the palace.

Stanza 368 – One night (midnight), Flerida escapes through a window, accompanied by no one except her desire to find Aladin.

Stanza 369 – For a number of years, Flerida wandered across mountains and forests, until she arrived and saved Laura from Adolfo.

Stanza 370 – Flerida’s story is interrupted by the sudden arrival of Duke Florante and Prince Aladin (who revealed themselves because they recognized their voices), and Flerida’s joy know no bounds.

Stanza 371 – What tongue can express the joy between reunited lovers? (I wonder if Balagtas was hinting at something here…)

Stanza 372 – To what heavenly heights can Florante possibly reach, now that he is staring at the joyous face of his much-desired Laura? (More innuendos?)

Stanza 373 – In that lonely forest which has transformed into a paradise for those four, how can you blame them for forgetting their breaths several times? (Ahem…)

[Did you like this quick summary of Florante at Laura?]

Florante at Laura Tagalog Notes

» Talasalitaan para sa Saknong 361 – 373 (PDF)