An Anthology of Czechoslovak Poetry/Czech Poetry/Folk Poetry

For other English-language translations of this work, see The Lying Bird, Liberal Pay and The Forsaken Maiden.

FOLK POETRY

The folk songs of the Czechs, like those of the other Slavonic peoples, still live. The inspiration that produced them breathes a health and a strength, a joy and a vitality, that are often lacking in more sophisticated poetry. The few specimens that are here included are but examples of this great wealth which has inspired musicians, artists and writers at home, and which should be better known abroad.

THE LYING BIRD

What chatters then the little bird, On the oak tree above?It sings, that every maid in love Looks pale and wan from love.

My little bird, thou speak’st not true, A lie hast thou now said;For see, I am a maid in love, And am not pale, but red.

Take care, my bird; because thou liest, I now must punish thee;I take this gun, I load this gun, And shoot thee from the tree.

Translated by Talvj

LIBERAL PAY

Flowing waters meet each other,And the winds, they blow and blow;Sweetheart with her bright blue eyesStands and looks from her window.

Do not stand so at the window,Rather come before the door;If thou giv’st me two sweet kisses,I will give thee ten and more.Translated by Talvj

THE FORSAKEN MAIDEN

Little star with gloomy shine,If thou couldst but cry!If thou hadst a heart, my star,Sparks would from thee fly,Just as tears fall from mine eye.

All the night with golden sparksThou wouldst for me cry!Since my love intends to wed,Only ’cause another maidRicher is than I.Translated by Talvj