Page:Bohemian legends and other poems.djvu/94

 The keeper of the bridge stood pale,
 * The nuns were sore afraid;

The servants they set up a wail,
 * But all that did not aid.

I wonder if you now can tell,
 * Who was this youth so bold?

Who cut the strong chain quick and well,
 * With lady in his hold?”

The harper ceased, his song was done,
 * And low he bowed before the throne.

The youths they whispered every one,
 * It is not true,” in undertone;

For who can cut an iron chain, E’en with a sword that hath no stain?
 * The singer singeth nonsense.”

Prince Oldřich smiled, and asked his wife,
 * Božena, if she knew his thought?

It seems to me ’tis true to life.
 * And that the youth his loved one sought.

I feel that Břetislav, our son, Could do this deed beneath the sun,
 * As well as that bold stripling.”

And see the door flew open wide,
 * While youth and maiden entered in.

They bow, and to his father’s side
 * Břetislav leads his loved one in.

Yes father, you are right, your son Did do this deed, beneath the sun,
 * To win his loved one, Jitka.”