Page:Bohemian poems, ancient and modern (Lyra czecho-slovanska).djvu/77



HERE was a time, when in each nation’s ear The name of Czechs right gloriously sounded; By heroes borne, by dukes unknown to fear, Its fame and praise all Europe thro’ redounded.

There was a time Bohemians proudly bore The splendid, glorious, mighty Czeskish name; When ev’ry muse and science to adore To all Bohemia’s sons was pride and fame.

There was a time, when from a throne on high The ‘sweet Bohemian tongue’ was heard to sound; Entrancing music, heav’nly harmony, In princely palaces it spread around.

O then the Czech was proud a Czech to be! Proud to maintain the honour of his race! Bloom’d in the Lions land prosperity , Such as but patriot nations e’er can grace!