Page:The Ballads of Marko Kraljević.djvu/65

 Marko took the ancient books, He made him ready and made ready Sharatz. He leapt on the back of Sharatz, And set out for Kossovo plain. And when they were come to the King's tent King Vukašin cried: "Good fortune is mine, by the dear God! Behold my son Marko! He will say that the empire falls to me, For from the father it will pass to the son." Marko heard, but said nothing, Nor turned his head towards the tent. And when Vojvoda Uglješ perceived him, Uglješ spake this word: "Good fortune is mine! Behold my nephew! He will say that the empire falls to me. Say, Marko, that the empire is mine And we twain shall reign like brothers!" Marko held his peace, he said nothing, Nor turned aside his head to the tent. And when Vojvoda Gojko perceived him Gojko spake this word: "Good fortune is mine! Behold my nephew! He will say that the empire falleth to me. When Marko was yet a little child, I cherished him tenderly; I folded him in my silken bosom Like a fair golden apple; And when I went forth on horseback Ever I took Marko with me. Say, Marko, that the empire is mine And thou shalt reign chiefest therein, And I will sit at thy knee." Marko held his peace, he said nothing, Nor turned his head towards the tent, But he went straight to the white tent,