An Anthology of Czechoslovak Poetry/Czech Poetry/Josef V. Sládek
JOSEF V. SLÁDEK
(1849–1912)
Sládek was born in Zbiroh near Beroun of a peasant family and, after finishing his education in the University of Prague, came to the United States and lived for two years in various places in the West. He later returned home and became the editor of the Lumír and a teacher of English in the University of Prague. He translated into Czech Shakespeare and many other English and American authors. His original work was marked by a simplicity which was not found in the works of Vrchlický, and for that reason his poetry has often been undervalued.
AS MANY STARS
As many stars as dark eves greet,As many bees as in the lindens meet, I took, I took, I took from thee, Kisses sweet.
Still shine the dear stars as of yore,Still bloom the lindens at your door, Say not that kisses, kisses Grow no more.
Thou fearest thy parents? What they’d say?Thou hearest the bird sing on the spray? Yes, she peeped, but she will keep it, And won’t betray!Translated by himself