MODERN BOHEMIAN POETRY
83
But what is the burthen of the refrain,
That the trees now whisper with secret strain?
As if in their branches that sway on high,
There had seized upon them a peaceful sigh.
And their song in the stillness dies sadly away,
Didst thou understand it, my child, O say?
Thou didst understand it, yea, well I know,
Thou dost kiss me with lips now in passion aglow.
"New Songs" (1901).
Jan Kollár (1793—1852).
THE DAUGHTER OF SLÁVA
Prelude
Here lies the country, alas! 'fore my eyes that in tears are o'erflowing,
Once 'twas the cradle, but now—now 'tis the tomb of my race;
Check thou thy steps, for the places are sacred, wherever thou turnest.
Son of the Tatra arise, cast to the heavens thy gaze,
