Page:An Anthology of Modern Bohemian Poetry.pdf/120

116 Karel Toman (b. 1877).

By every stream, by every way,
 * The mournful poplars heaved a sigh;

What balm will sooth the heart, O say,
 * When painful memories are nigh?

Thy land converseth with the night
 * Within thy heart—know'st this distress?

Around thee wood and mountain-height,
 * Oh, unto whom would'st thou confess?

And women round with blossoms fare,
 * And they sing ditties that lament,

And in thy soul that is so bare,
 * With vanity the gloom is blent.

"" (1906).

 Jaroslav Vrchlický (pseudonym for Emil Frida, b. 1853).

A strip of blue is on the sky-line gleaming,
 * And all the wood is fresh with pearls;
 * The stream that down the slope its waters hurls

With chatter and with mirth is teeming. 