Direct and Indirect pronoun placement in old spanish

Question

So, I'm in AP Spanish Literature and we read a lot of old poems and stories. I've been noticing that a lot of times, they attach the pronouns to the end of conjugated verbs. An example, from El burlador de Sevilla: "¿Atreveráste a bajar por ese balcón?" or "Ejecutando, señor, tu justicia justa y recta, el hombre escapóse."

And here's another one, from El romance del rey moro que perdió el Alhama: "Paseábase el rey moro — por la ciudad de Granada"

I was always told you couldn't attach pronouns to a conjugated verb unless it was an affirmative command. Is this a poetic thing? Was it commonly used in old Spanish? Is it still a correct construction? Your help is appreciated

Answer 1

Yes, and that's the way it was. I use as an example the original version of Don Quixote de la Mancha", Another curious thing about that novel is the substitution of "h" por "f", in word like "fermosa", "fermano", etc. I haven't reread it again for a long time, As a matter of fact, I don't think there's an "h" in the whole thing, although I'm not sure about that. You've given me a project.

And, while I'm at it, I think I'll reread "El Cid Campeador".

Right, no "h" and in its place "f"s - chileno, Apr 25, 2016

Answer 2

Nowadays we dont use that kind of grammar constructions, was very common in old Spanish not only in poems also in conversations.

I hope this can help you.

welcome/bienvenidos. Can you add a level for your Spanish and English to your profile? Country where you are from or based is helpful too. - Mardle, Apr 25, 2016

Answer 3

Todavía se pueden escuchar algunas veces algo así como:

Paseándose estaba la muy linda, mientras todo el mundo la espera en la casa.