An Anthology of Czechoslovak Poetry/Czech Poetry/František S. Procházka
FRANTIŠEK S. PROCHÁZKA
(1861–)
Procházka’s birthplace is near Olomouc in Moravia. He is now an editor in Prague. Much of his work shows his deep sense of humor, and his poems are often on grotesque and amusing themes. Many of his works were written for children.
THE BALLAD OF LIBUŠE’S HORSE
The stars were shining like a blazing shower,The earth below was sleeping;The princess felt uneasy at that hour,—See, from her bed she’s creeping.(This was a common thing to do,Though wise old Krok of it ne’er knew).Her horse she went to saddle.
The little horse of hers was white as snow;A dangle’s on its brow,And golden plaques upon its reins, I know,Made music for her now.He started slowly, took a trot,To Stadice, the very spot,Where oats were in good measure.
He knew to find that well-known road at nightAs you have learned this song.He brought the prince who farmed, while it was light, Her love undying, strong.And on that selfsame path he ledPrague’s envoys running where he fled,As if they were assigned to chase him.
MoralO wisdom, wisdom, where art thou, I ask?I hear men cry aloud.To wake a scandal, that is not my taskBut this may be allowed.For ill may not a land befall,When at a trying time for allA horse plays politics.Translated by Clarence A. Manning