Page:Anthology of Modern Slavonic Literature in Prose and Verse by Paul Selver.djvu/220

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haughty must be as a banner; Thou tempered must be as a blade; Thy face must in heaven-like manner As Dante's, with flame be arrayed.

Of all thou shalt witness be, coldly, While fathoming all with thy gaze. And this shall thy virtue be: boldly To tread where the pyre is ablaze.

Perchance that all life was created For shaping of resonant airs; Then seek thou how words may be mated, From childhood that knows not of cares.

In moments of love-warm caresses All passion within thee constrain; And 'mid the rack's ruthless distresses Belaud thou the raptures of pain.

Track, dreaming what Fate thee presages At morn or in evening's deep hour; And mark, how the poets through ages Took garlands of thorns as their dower.

 

mine, unknown to me, Whom yet I loved since long ago! Westward from Poland's pyre I see A kindred flame is set aglow.

