Page:An Anthology of Modern Bohemian Poetry.pdf/66

62 Xaver Dvořák (b. 1858).

We have strayed from the sunlight,
 * By the gloom of the forest encompassed around

What lamps have ye kindled?
 * In their dim rays the shadows abound and abound.

Old grids have arisen
 * Like night-birds 'mid drooping of branches that sigh,

Their eyes kindled with blood;
 * Exceeding close o'er my head they did fly.

I smell the scent of decay
 * Of the kingdom of death. The grave-stones are near;

They rest with the calm of the mound,
 * But the tooth-marks of Death on their crosses appear.

Let us back to the Sun!
 * Sore stricken am I. O turn once again!

How sweetly it glowed in our Day newly-born,
 * And a smile of delight went from all in its train.

