Page:An Anthology of Modern Bohemian Poetry.pdf/90

86 Tell me, thou tree, their temple of nature, under whose shadow
 * They to primeval gods offerings formerly burnt,

Where are these nations, and where are their princes and where are their cities,
 * They who the first in the North called into being this life?

They taught the use of sails and of oars to indigent Europe,
 * Taught how to sail o'er the sea, passing to bountiful shores.

Out of the ore-laden depths they dug the metals concealed there,
 * More from respect for the gods rather than profit to men;

They taught the farmer to till the bosom of Earth with the plough-share,
 * So that the lands that were bare yielded the golden-hued corn.

They by the peaceful paths, the lime-tree sacred to Sláva,
 * Planted and scattered around fragrance and shadowy rest.

Each taught his son to build cities and in them to carry on commerce,
 * While by the women were taught maidens the weaving of cloth:

O thou masterly nation, for this what recompense hast thou?
 * Torn is thy garland in twain, hatetully robbed of its form,