Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/100

 Upon his breast was harness,
 * His sword was by his side;

His heart beat for his loved one,
 * With love he could not hide.

Her eyes with tears are heavy,
 * As she looks on the youth;

Her cheeks are pale with anguish,
 * God be with thee in sooth.”

A wreath upon the banner,
 * A ribbon on the sword,

Then she called out, “Be prosperous,
 * Come, living from the horde.

One heard the noise of battle,
 * The blows that fell apace;

New warriors rush to conquer,
 * To fill the vacant place;

The youth is with them, carrying
 * The banner of his land,

The sun is shining on them,
 * It lights the bloody band.

Upon the castle turret,
 * The maiden gazing stands;

She looks down on her lover,
 * Fighting those warlike bands;

Her heart with pleasure beating,
 * When high the banner flies;

Her hands to heaven she raises,
 * When low the banner lies.

Like a wild beast defending
 * The lair that is his home,

The youth is rushing onward,
 * His horse is all in foam.

But Zvikoš goes to meet him,
 * He strikes with might and main,

The arm that holds the banner,
 * The hand sinks down in pain.