Page:Bohemian poems, ancient and modern (Lyra czecho-slovanska).djvu/47

 Inflam’d, the Tatars rushing charge
 * The Christians savagely,

So savagely, that panic-struck,
 * Like deer, they turn and fly.

There lies a shield upon the ground,
 * A costly helm struck down;

Here by the stirrups trailing drags
 * A horse his rider thrown.

Here one doth bravely all in vain
 * The Tatars strive to meet,

Another there for heaven’s sake
 * For mercy doth intreat.

The Tatars tax the Christians sore,
 * And spread on ev’ry side,

Subdue two kingdoms, Kiew old,
 * And Novgorod the wide.

Soon came the woeful news abroad,
 * To arms all nations flew,

Four mighty armies did they raise,
 * The death-fight to renew.

On their right wing the Tatars rush’d,
 * And hurld themselves with might,

As a black cloud, that threats with hail
 * The fruitful fields to smite,