Aldana, Francisco de

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Francisco de Aldana (fränthēs´kō ŧħā äldä´nä), 1537–78, Spanish general, diplomat, and poet, b. Alcántara or Naples. He symbolizes the ideal of the Spanish Renaissance. As a soldier he served Philip II of Spain and Sebastian of Portugal in Europe and Africa. He cultivated many verse forms, and his poetry treats themes such as love and religion. His works were published posthumously by his brother Cosme.