Page:Songs of the Slav.pdf/21

 Scarce felt my nape at length Youthful power and strength, Yoke of steel was ﬁrmly Bound about my neck: Taught to bow my head low, Kisses did I bestow On the lash that smote me: Brow beat earth at heck.

I, a weakly slave, grew 'Mongst my brother serfs true; Chains for jewels clinked just At each sister's side; And where'er my gaze dwelt Anger, shame, pain I felt, As with heads bowed to dust Slaves dwelt nation wide.

Ill did I bear my fate— My bond's music grate, Chasing from my cabin All the charm of life. When with stormy feeling I sought my lyre's healing, In my song accursed, din Of my chains was rife.

Still my eye would often beam With a flickering gleam: I would strain my ear past Woods and streams along: I deemed that yon somewhere