Page:A Book of Czech Verse.pdf/97

 Out of the fog loom the inky Bows of a ship, where a boatman Dries out a torn, ragged net. Singing, the girls wash out dresses, Dresses of blue that they flourish Decked out in holiday time.

Sweet is the smile of the maidens, Pretty, how pretty is Baucis, Gentle, how gentle is Madlen. Hands, as they wash, feel the tender Touch of the lily’s caress. Clear their reflection that mirrors As in a glass, where their fleeting Years pass away with the fishes; As in a glass where the maidens Turn into women grown haggard. Evening draws on, and the river Swarms with the kerchiefs they flourish, Charming and fresh as their names. Sprites of the stream touch with kisses Feet of the girls that, reflected, Gleam to the fishermen passing, Quicken the eyes of the boatmen.

(The opening stanzas of the poem “The unknown girl taken from the Seine.”)