Page:An Anthology of Modern Bohemian Poetry.pdf/83

Rh RůzenaRůžena [sic] Jesenská (b. 1863).

The night is deep and dark, with starry skies, Before me lies the ocean's vast domain; Its organ's psalm in storm to heaven doth rise, In mystic distance vanishing again. And on their crests the billows are aglow With azure eyes that haunt the depths below; The shadows quiver, full of phantom sprites Some black-hued ship, long sunken to its doom, Unheard was swimming in the veils of gloom, Where blinks the golden eye of beacon lights

Here is the ocean—with a heavenly maze Of unplumbed secrets, dread, alluring ocean, With clouds and worlds, with gloom of hidden ways, Like to a ruthless law, a dream in motion, And comforting as Death

Alone I pass,Before me is the ocean—mighty glass, Wherein Eternity may send a glance On restless passion, majesty of rest!

The ship draws nigh from far away perchance Does it behold me, in my glowing zest? Does it not stray ? And founders not the skiff, Which decked with garlands should for me be sent?