An Anthology of Czechoslovak Poetry/Czech Poetry/Julius Zeyer
JULIUS ZEYER
(1841–1901)
Zeyer was born in Prague. He was a poet of exotic and legendary themes, and this has given him a unique place in Czechoslovak literature. His prose romances are still very widely read.
TO SPRING
The thrushes throng the grove—O golden notes,Drenched with desire and loveFrom fairy throats!
How jocund are the fieldAnd meadow greening!What whisper has revealedThe warm wind’s meaning?
A lark aloft outfloodsHis chant afar,As above sombre woodsA courier star.
The sun, the spring are hereAnd May’s green dance.The dreaming days appearOf old romance.
Ah spring, ah May, in soothHow throbs this hour!How earth renews her youth!The air, her power!
How everywhere lie lightAnd happiness!—But in my heart the blightOf grief’s distress.
There sad love sorrowingBleeds slow away;For in the grave my springIs laid for aye.Translated by Watson Kirkconnell