Page:A history of Hungarian literature.djvu/219

 ALEXANDER PET6FI He ofte n borroed the subj ects and the rhythmical beauty of the popular songs. Those songs, horn of the people, never treat the feelings in an abstract way, never merely mention that in the soul of the sioger this or that sentiment is present, for one reason or anoth er, but place the wh ole situation before us in a littie scene. They scarcely ever contain a general expression of joy or grief; it is nearly always the joy or grief of a clearly outlined in­ dividual in certain well-defined surroundings. H e n ce the great piasticity of the scene. This draroatic power is one of Petófi's most striking ch aracteristics. N early ali his songs make us the witnesses of some littie drama. Another poet might say " Sweet maid, I loved thee at first sight. Our eyes just met and thy glance set my heart on fire." But Petófi writes a charming littie peasant song, Into the Kitchen door I strolled. The cottage door stood open wide, To light my pipe l stepped inside, But, oh l behold, my pipe was lit, There was indeed a glow in it. But since my pipe was ali aglow With other thoughts inside l go, A genUe winning maiden fair That l perchance saw sitting there, Upon her wonted task intene To stir the fire aflame, she bent; But oh l dear heart, her eyes so bright Were radiant with more brilliant light. She looked at me as in l passed Some spell she must have o'er me case. My burning pipe went out, but oh l My sleeping heart was all aglow. Pet6fi's lyrics posse ss a genui ne freshness, wh ich