Page:Songs of the Slav.pdf/19

 Sighs, groans, gnash of teeth and clash of chains now in my themes abide.

Slaves.—Clash of chains is but a common strain to us, yet play and sing; Subdue thy voice, lest our sleeping lords and guard the whip to you bring.

Well then, burst through lips obstructing, Storms, that through my bosom roll, Thoughts, that flash like rays of lightning Through the darkness of my soul, Fire of Shame and Wrathful Teeming, Rouse my string from idle dreaming And its heavy swoon control!

Hatched my songs not in a nest weighed With scented tresses softly pressed, Warmed them not the heart of maid Dreaming sweetly on my breast. Flashed were they through weary head When 'neath haughty blows of fists, red Flushed the cheek with blood compressed.

Yea of blood and tears and gall, When times were bad, they were born; When I saw the tyrant install Tortures on my brothers forlorn; When I gnashed my teeth in vain