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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/36091-8.txt b/36091-8.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..00cc2b5 --- /dev/null +++ b/36091-8.txt @@ -0,0 +1,5970 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook of An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian +Lyrics, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian Lyrics + +Author: Various + +Editor: Beatrice Stevenson Stanoyevich + +Release Date: May 13, 2011 [EBook #36091] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + + + + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + Transcriber's Notes: + + ['c] represents accent over letter "c". + [vc] represents caron over letter "c". + [vs] represents caron over letter "s". + [vz] represents caron over letter "z". + + Corrected mis-numbered footnote anchors. + Added close quote at end of line 8, poem I ...and others cursing."... + Removed open quote at beginning of a page break of poem IX. + Added period to end of poem XXI. + Added close quote to end of first stanza of poem XXIX. + Added final period to J. W. W. at end of poem CXXIV. + + + + + AN ANTHOLOGY OF + JUGOSLAV POETRY + + SERBIAN LYRICS + + EDITED BY + DR. B. STEVENSON STANOYEVICH + + [Illustration: Printer's logo] + + BOSTON + RICHARD G. BADGER + THE GORHAM PRESS + + + COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY RICHARD G. BADGER + All Rights Reserved + + + + + Made in the United States of America + The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. + + + + + TRANSLITERATION OF UNUSUAL + JUGOSLAV SCRIPT: + + a = a in father, garden + e = e in men, envoy + i = i in tin, ill + o = o in son, note + u = u in rule, rumor + j = y in yoke, yes + c = ts in cats, lots + lj = ly in William, million + dj = dy in endure, verdure + gj = gy in George + nj = ny in Kenyon, opinion + [vc] = tch in watch, catch + ['c] = ch in culture, literature + [vs] = sh in ship, shade + [vz] = zh in azure, seizure + d[vz] = dzh in Badger, or j in James + + The rest of the letters correspond to the English sounds. + + + + +PREFACE + + +"Give me the making of a nation's songs, and let who will make their +laws," was the maxim of a Scottish patriot. We would prefer to modify +this rule, and say, "Give us the poems which the people make for +themselves, and then we shall obtain a clear insight into the national +character and learn what customs and laws they are likely to accept or +reject." Folk-songs are the intimate expressions of the ideas of the +people. What the comic drama is to the cultured, and the music-hall to +the ill-educated portions of urban population, the popular song has +been, and in some countries still is, to the rural peasantry, a true +exponent of their sentiments, though too frequently inaccurate in +statements of facts. Critics, as is well known, have censured Lord +Macaulay for his indiscriminate adoption of the vulgar and often +malignant rhapsodies sung in the streets of London. But the Russian +_bylina_, collected by Danilov, Rybnikov, Sreznevsky and others, may be +taken as furnishing unimpeachable evidence of the state of Russia during +the invasions of the Mongols and Turks. The Jacobite poems give us the +real feelings of the people of Scotland for nearly an entire century. +The popular and rustic strains which are handed down from the reign of +Henry III have rehabilitated the memory of Simon de Montfort. Moore's +Irish melodies, originally composed for the delectation of English +aristocrats, have been so generally admired in his native land that they +exhibit pretty clear indications of what the Irish patriots would like +to do if they had the power. And the battle-hymn by Rouget de Lisle is +not only popular in France, but has recently been sung by the Russian +bolsheviki when marching to occupy Tsarskoe Selo and other imperial +lands. + +The songs to which the English form has been given in the following +volume have been taken mostly from Vuk Karad[vz]i['c]'s invaluable +collection: _Srpske Narodne Pjesme_ (Serbian National Songs). +Karad[vz]i['c], of whom the literary world has heard so much, is the +father of modern Serbian literature. He spent many years among the +peasants in collecting the national treasures: ballads, tales, proverbs, +anecdotes and other folklore. Before his time the songs had never been +reduced to written form, and were kept out of reach of the public ear. +He was only able to hear them partly because of a ruse and partly in +secret, when he listened with inexhaustible patience to the girls +spinning, or the _guslars_ (bards) trolling in taverns and at fairs, or +the reapers chanting at their work. In the preface of his first book of +_Srpske Narodne Pjesme_ Karad[vz]i['c] tells us that in Serbia two sorts +of popular poetry exist--the historical ballads, and popular songs of a +character which caused them to be described as _[vz]enske pjesme_ +(women's songs) chanted by country folk, both men and women and mostly +in duet. It is the latter, _[vz]enske pjesme_, which having been +translated into English are gathered together in the following +anthology, _Serbian Lyrics_. + +Sir John Bowring, who unveiled to his countrymen the rich treasures of +Slavic popular songs in general, is also distinguished by being the +pioneer to point out the Serbian in particular. But the claims, which +we, at the present day, feel ourselves entitled to make on a translator, +are very different from those current in Bowring's time. Correctness and +fidelity are now considered necessary requisites in a good translation, +just as antiquarian exactness is expected in the publication of an old +manuscript. + +Jugoslav lyric poetry is divided into several groups, as, for instance, +one grouping contains poems concerning marriage. These songs tell of the +beauty of the bride, of her joy and sorrow before departure from the +home of her parents, as well as her feelings upon other occasions during +wedlock. There are poems belonging to the group of bacchanalian songs, +pronounced during the toast, and resounding with many refrains. Then +there are lamentations (_tu[vz]balice_) which are mostly provincial, +from Montenegro and Dalmatia. They are also accompanied by refrains, +expressing sorrow after the death of some loved one, and extolling the +virtues of the deceased, or the great misfortune felt by those left +behind. All this emotion is described very fitly and in a touching +manner. Further, there are poems commemorating the holy seasons and +"red-letter days," as _sve[vc]arske pjesme_ sung on the _Slava_ +celebration of some _svetac_ (saint). To the same grouping belong +Christmas poems hailing the glory of the Christ, and depicting the +customs of that season (_koledo_). Saints, such as Sts. John, George, +Peter, and others, have their own eulogies. There are besides poems +exalting the Holy Ghost (_kralji[vc]ke pjesme_). _Dodole_, which +originated from old customs of heathenism, are sung during the summer +droughts. Others are reapers' songs, mostly sung at _prelo_ time (social +gatherings). There are poems that are connected neither with marriage, +nor death, nor harvests, but which treat of mythological or religious +subjects; they are called _pobo[vz]ne_, describing the spiritual virtues +of the Virgin, or the Christ, or the apostles. Here are also to be found +humoristic and satirical compositions, directed against women, or +especially against monks, widows, and old bachelors. They are as a rule +sprightly songs and piquant, pleasant and witty. + +Critics who have written of the Serbian national songs declare that they +are characterized by extreme delicacy both of feeling and workmanship, +and that they are noble in their childlike purity, simple treatment of, +and sympathy with, every phase of natural human experience. But these +Serbian songs have quite a peculiar character of their own. They are +directly, passionately, fiercely human, and rich with poetic sympathy. +Love, glory, sorrow, death--are the themes constantly handled in a +thousand weird and poetic phrases. There is a strong Indian flavor of +the joy of rest in Mother Earth; and again, a keen thirst for the fight +which smacks of the men who lived with Moslems around them. Although +these chants occasionally recall something of the martial lilt of old +Spanish ballads, they have an individual original turn which cannot be +compared with any extant popular poetry. They have the uncanny mystery +of the Celtic tales of love in death, which is very rare. + +The love songs of the Jugoslav lands have a dreamy, calm and exalted +sweetness that reminds us of the Alps and the Cevennes. Among these the +Bosnian _sevdalinke_ (love songs of Bosnia) are especially worthy of +remark, for they are full of emotion, yearning and tender passion. The +greater warmth of the songs of Herzegovina and Montenegro is owing more +to the sonorous language than to any superiority in melody. Here are +mostly to be found _tu[vz]balice_. As to Dalmatia, Croatia and Slovenia, +their melodies are chiefly marked by simplicity and a feeling for the +domestic side of life. Ba[vc]ka and Banat, blessed with much open air +and sunshine, possess no love-songs in the strict sense of the term; but +they have _serenade_ and _posko[vc]ice_, although for these there is +little or no original melody. To the light-minded and bright-witted +singers of these provinces imagination is easier than memory. + +A country very rich in melody is Serbia. Here one may find a truer and +more intense musical feeling, a stronger love of the soil, and more +sincere devotion to the beauty of nature, especially of spring and +summer, than in any other part of Jugoslavia. The love songs of Serbia +seem to have a special inspiration of their own. We may hear the +shepherds singing in green pastures and among the fir-woods, or in the +silence of the mountains. From the vineyards, from the fair and dances, +and from the daily round of work the strains arise. Everywhere that +youth is seen a poem is heard, and every occupation is accompanied by a +song. + +We cannot, however, leave this part of our subject without mentioning +some of the burlesque poems, which the Jugoslavs possess in great +number, partly narrative and partly lyric. The Americans are accustomed +to think of the Jugoslavs and their kinsmen as grave and sombre, or, +when their passions are excited, prone to deeds of tragic violence. +Those who are better acquainted with them know full well that they are +as loquacious and sarcastically sportive in their social gatherings as +any nation, and many of their verses are redolent of these qualities. +They display all the gradations of the comic, from the diverting +simplicity of the innocent confession of an enamoured girl, together +with the ludicrous situation and disappointed vanity of her cheated +lover, up to a strain of bitter satire and merciless irony. Poems marked +by that simplicity which borders between the touching and the humorous +are also represented in this volume. Such is the song, "Trouble with the +Husband": + + I married last year, + This year I repent. + Bad husband have I, + With temper like nettle: + My lot I resent. + + The frost kills the nettle, + But this husband of mine, + He thinks the frost fine: + By the stove all day long + He does nothing but sit, + And says that the frost + He minds not one bit! + + In Celovec 'tis market-day, + 'Tis market-day to-morrow; + I will take my husband there, + And will either there him change, + Or else will sell him at the fair. + + Not too cheap I'll let him go, + Because he was so hard to get; + Rather than too cheaply sell him, + Back home again I'll take the man, + And love him--howsomuch I can! + +The western world has already heard of the rich mine of Jugoslav +folk-literature. Nevertheless, comparatively speaking, only a very small +number have been translated into English. The extreme simplicity of +these verses, the peculiar character of the Serbian language, with its +melodiously protracted words, its pompously sonorous sounds, and its +harmonious diffuseness, all render it exceedingly difficult to translate +Serbian lyrics without encountering the danger of making constant +additions; especially when rendering it into a language with so many +monosyllabic words, and so philosophically condensed, as the English. + + MILIVOY STANOYEVICH. + +New York, 1920. + + + + + TABLE OF CONTENTS + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + SIR JOHN BOWRING + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE CURSE 21 + II. FAREWELL 23 + III. THE VIOLET 24 + IV. SMILIA 24 + V. HARVEST SONG 25 + VI. MAIDEN'S PRAYER 25 + VII. KISSES 26 + VIII. HARVEST SONG 27 + IX. CURSE 27 + X. SALUTATION OF THE MORNING STAR 28 + XI. THE KNITTER 29 + XII. ROYAL CONVERSE 30 + XIII. ROSA 31 + XIV. THE MAIDEN AND THE SUN 31 + XV. THE MAIDEN'S WISH 32 + XVI. THE FALCON 33 + XVII. DEER AND VILA 34 + XVIII. VIRGIN AND WIDOW 35 + XIX. NIGHTINGALES 36 + XX. THE RING 37 + XXI. FRATRICIDE 38 + XXII. LOVE 40 + XXIII. MAPLE TREE 40 + XXIV. SEMENDRIAN BEAUTY 41 + XXV. SELF-ADMIRATION 42 + XXVI. ASSIGNATION 42 + XXVII. FOOLISH VOW 43 + XXVIII. VILAS 43 + XXIX. LEPOTA 44 + XXX. IMPRECATIONS 45 + XXXI. SECRETS DIVULGED 46 + XXXII. WISHES 47 + XXXIII. LOVER ASLEEP 47 + XXXIV. EARLY SORROWS 48 + XXXV. THE YOUNG SHEPHERDS 49 + XXXVI. THOUGHTS OF A MOTHER 51 + XXXVII. COUNSEL 52 + XXXVIII. DESOLATION 52 + XXXIX. APPREHENSION 53 + XL. MILICA 54 + XLI. THE CHOICE 55 + XLII. FOR WHOM? 55 + XLIII. LIBERTY 56 + XLIV. THE DANCE 57 + XLV. ELEGY 58 + XLVI. INQUIRY 59 + XLVII. DOUBT 60 + XLVIII. THE SULTANESS 61 + XLIX. BETROTHING 61 + L. CAUTIONS 62 + LI. MAIDEN'S CARES 63 + LII. MOHAMMEDAN SONG 65 + LIII. MINE EVERYWHERE 65 + LIV. MAID AWAKING 67 + LV. MOTHER'S LOVE 67 + LVI. THE GREYBEARD 68 + LVII. MOHAMMEDAN TALE 69 + LVIII. LOVE'S DIFFICULTIES 71 + LIX. WITCHES 72 + LX. PLEDGES 72 + LXI. COMPLAINT 73 + LXII. SONG 74 + LXIII. MOHAMMEDAN SONG 74 + LXIV. BROTHERLESS SISTERS 75 + LXV. MISFORTUNES 76 + LXVI. TIMIDITY 77 + LXVII. YOUTH ENAMOURED 78 + LXVIII. BLACK EYES AND BLUE 79 + LXIX. THE WIDOW 80 + LXX. ALARMS 80 + LXXI. FOND WIFE 81 + LXXII. UNHAPPY BRIDE 81 + LXXIII. LAST PETITION 82 + LXXIV. LOVE FOR A BROTHER 83 + LXXV. REBUKE 84 + LXXVI. MAN'S FAITH 85 + LXXVII. MAIDEN'S AFFECTION 85 + LXXVIII. MARRIAGE SONGS 86 + LXXIX. HEROES SERVED 89 + LXXX. YOUTH AND AGE 89 + LXXXI. CHOICE 90 + LXXXII. ANXIETY 91 + LXXXIII. INQUIRY 91 + LXXXIV. FROZEN HEART 92 + LXXXV. UNION IN DEATH 92 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + EARL OF LYTTON (OWEN MEREDITH) + + LXXXVI. LOVE AND SLEEP 93 + LXXXVII. LOVE CONFERS NOBILITY 95 + LXXXVIII. A SOUL'S SWEETNES 95 + LXXXIX. REMINISCENCES 96 + XC. SLEEP AND DEATH 97 + XCI. IMPERFECTION 98 + XCII. EMANCIPATION 99 + XCIII. PLUCKING A FLOWER 100 + XCIV. A WISH 102 + XCV. A SERBIAN BEAUTY 102 + XCVI. SLEEPLESSNESS 103 + XCVII. A MESSAGE 104 + XCVIII. TRANSPLANTING A FLOWER 104 + XCIX. ISOLATION 105 + C. FATIMA AND MEHMED 106 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + J. W. WILES, M.A. + + CI. MORAVA HORSES 107 + CII. THE GIRL AND THE GRASS 108 + CIII. THE SUN AND THE GIRL 108 + CIV. CURSE AND BLESSING 109 + CV. THE NICEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD 110 + CVI. THE PRETTY TOMB 111 + CVII. TODA AND HER FATE 112 + CVIII. THE VILA 113 + CIX. THREE ROSES 113 + CX. HER DREAM 114 + CXI. TROUBLE WITH THE HUSBAND 115 + CXII. THE PEACOCK AND THE NIGHTINGALE 116 + CXIII. THE FIRST TOAST 116 + CXIV. THE HOD[VZ]A 117 + CXV. WOES 118 + CXVI. HARD TO BELIEVE 119 + CXVII. THE CONDITIONS 119 + CXVIII. PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO BED 120 + CXIX. VISION BEFORE SLEEP 120 + CXX. PRAYER IN THE FIELD 121 + CXXI. A CHILD IN HEAVEN 121 + CXXII. CHRISTMAS 122 + CXXIII. CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER 123 + CXXIV. THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST 124 + CXXV. THE HOLY MOTHER 125 + CXXVI. DREAM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN 126 + CXXVII. MOTHER AT THE TOMB OF HER SON 127 + CXXVIII. MOTHER OVER HER DEAD SON 128 + CXXIX. MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR HER SON 129 + CXXX. GREATEST GRIEF FOR A BROTHER 130 + CXXXI. THE DEATH CHAMBER OF HER FATHER-IN-LAW 131 + CXXXII. KOLEDO 132 + CXXXIII. A HORSE'S COMPLAINT 133 + CXXXIV. A DANCE AT VIDIN 134 + CXXXV. THE PRICE 135 + CXXXVI. PREFERENCES 135 + CXXXVII. A BRIDE'S DEVOTION 136 + CXXXVIII. FIDELITY 136 + CXXXIX. A SISTER'S LAMENT 137 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + BEATRICE STEVENSON STANOYEVICH, Ph.D. + + + CXL. THE PRAYER OF KARAGEORGE'S LADY 138 + CXLI. THOU ART EVER, EVER MINE 139 + CXLII. SEA MERCHANT 139 + CXLIII. ANGELA AS WATCHMAN 140 + CXLIV. A LAD AND HIS BETROTHED 140 + CXLV. DIREFUL SICKNESS 141 + CXLVI. ALL AS IT SHOULD BE 141 + CXLVII. BEAUTY PREENS HERSELF 141 + CXLVIII. HARVEST SONG 142 + CXLIX. LONG NIGHTS 142 + CL. EYEBROW LURE 143 + CLI. GIRLHOOD 143 + CLII. YOUTH WITH YOUTH 144 + CLIII. COME MY LOVER, TO ME 144 + CLIV. SIGHS 145 + CLV. A BOUQUET OF LITTLE ROSES 145 + CLVI. DREAM INTERPRETATION 146 + CLVII. WITH SWEETHEART NIGHTS ARE SHORTEST 146 + CLVIII. DAWN AWAKENED LAZAR 148 + CLIX. A DEVILISH YOUNG MATRON 148 + CLX. GIRL IS ETERNAL POSSESSION 149 + CLXI. JOVO AND MARIA 150 + CLXII. ROSE TREE 150 + CLXIII. DARLING'S WRATH 151 + CLXIV. LAD PIERCED WITH ARROW 151 + CLXV. NOUGHT BUT KISSES 152 + CLXVI. UNITED 152 + CLXVII. GIRL PLEADS WITH JEWELLER 152 + CLXVIII. WIFE DEARER THAN SISTER 153 + CLXIX. GREATEST SORROW 154 + CLXX. YOUTH AND GIRL 154 + + + + + I + + THE CURSE[1] + + + I heard a sprightly swallow say + To a gray cuckoo t'other day,-- + "Thou art a happy bird indeed; + Thou dost not in the chimney breed, + Thou dost not hear the eternal jarring, + Of sisters and step-sisters warring; + Their woes and grievances rehearsing, + Cursing themselves, and others cursing." + A young step-sister once I saw, + Foul language at the elder throw; + "Perdition's daughter! hence depart; + Thou hast no fruit beneath thy heart." + And thus the elder one replied: + "Curse thy perverseness and thy pride! + Mihailo is a son of thine; + Now thou shalt bring forth daughters nine, + And madness shall their portion be. + Thy son shall cross the parting sea; + He never shall return to thee, + But, bathed in blood and wounded, pine!" + And thus she cursed;--the curse was true;[2] + Her sister's nine fair daughters grew; + And madness seized them,--seized them all: + Mihailo,--far away, and wounded, + By solitude and woe surrounded, + I heard him on his mother call: + "O mother! mother! send me now + A bandage of that snowy linen + Which you so thoughtlessly were spinning, + When curses wander'd to and fro. + In your rage you wove it,--now remove it; + Tear it for bandages, as you tore + Love and affection all asunder. + Where it was bleach'd thy son lies under; + With it cover his hot wounds o'er. + Rend it, mother; and send it, mother! + May it thy suffering son restore!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + II + + FAREWELL[3] + + + Against white Buda's walls, a vine + Doth its white branches fondly twine; + O, no! it was no vine-tree there; + It was a fond, a faithful pair, + Bound each to each in earliest vow-- + And, O! they must be severed now! + And these their farewell words:--"We part-- + Break from my bosom--break--my heart! + Go to a garden--go, and see, + Some rose-branch blushing on the tree; + And from that branch of rose-flower tear, + Then place it on thy bosom bare; + And as its leaflets fade and pine, + So fades my sinking heart in thine." + And thus the other spoke: "My love! + A few short paces backward move, + And to the verdant forest go; + There's a fresh water-fount below; + And in the fount a marble stone, + Which a gold cup reposes on; + And in the cup a ball of snow-- + Love! take that ball of snow to rest + Upon thine heart within thy breast. + And as it melts unnoticed there, + So melts my heart in thine, my dear!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + III + + THE VIOLET[4] + + + How captivating is to me, + Sweet flower! thine own young modesty! + Though did I pluck thee from thy stem, + There's none would wear thy purple gem. + I thought, perchance, that Ali Bey-- + But he is proud and lofty--nay! + He would not prize thee--would not wear + A flower so feeble though so fair: + His turban for its decorations + Had full blown roses and carnations. + + S. J. B. + + + + + IV + + SMILIA[5] + + + Sweet Smilia-flowers did Smilia pull, + Her sleevelets and her bosom full; + By the cool stream she gather'd them, + And twined her many a diadem-- + A diadem of flowery-wreaths;-- + One round her brows its fragrance breathes; + One to her bosom-friend she throws; + The other where the streamlet flows + She flings, and says in gentlest tone-- + "Swim on, thou odorous wreath! swim on, + Swim to my Juris' home, and there + O whisper in his mother's ear: + 'Say, wilt thou not thy Juris wed?-- + Then give him not a widow's bed; + But some sweet maiden, young and fair.'" + + S. J. B. + + + + + V + + HARVEST SONG + + + Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and see + Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall be. + Take hold of your reeds, till the secret be told, + If the old shall kiss young, and the young shall kiss old + Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and see + What fortune and chance to the drawers decree: + And if any refuse, may God smite them--may they + Be cursed by Paraskeva, the saint of to-day! + Now loosen your hands--now loosen, and see + Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall be.[6] + + S. J. B. + + + + + VI + + MAIDEN'S PRAYER + + + Beauty's maiden thus invoked the Heavens: + "Send me down a whirlwind! let it scatter + Yonder stony tower--its halls lay open! + Let me look on Ger[vc]i['c] Manoilo. + If the otter on his knee is playing-- + If the falcon sits upon his shoulder-- + If the rose is blooming on his kalpak."[7] + What she pray'd for speedily was granted: + And a storm-wind came across the ocean; + And the stony tower fell down before it: + And she look'd on Ger[vc]i['c] Manoilo: + Saw the otter on his knees disporting: + Saw the falcon sitting on his shoulder: + Saw the rose upon his kalpak blooming. + + S. J. B. + + + + + VII + + KISSES + + + What's the time of night, my dear? + For my maiden said, "I'll come"-- + Said "I'll come,"--but is not here: + And 'tis now the midnight's gloom. + Lone and silent home I turn'd; + But upon the bridge I met her-- + Kiss'd her: How my hot lips burned!-- + How forget it--how forget her! + In one kiss full ten I drew: + And upon my lips there grew, + From that hour, a honey-dew, + As if sugar were my meat, + And my drink metheglin sweet. + + S. J. B. + + + + + VIII + + HARVEST SONG + + + Lord and master! let us homewards, let us homewards haste: + Far, far distant are our dwellings--far across the waste.[8] + Some have aged mothers threat'ning--"Ne'er allow another:" + Some male-children[9] in the cradle, crying for their mother; + Some impatient lovers chiding;--dearer they than brother. + + S. J. B. + + + + + IX + + CURSE + + + The maiden cursed her raven eyes, + She cursed them for their treacheries. + "Be blinded now, to you if heaven + All that is visible has given! + If ye see all, ye traitors, say + Why saw ye not my love to-day:-- + He pass'd my door,--but, truants, ye + Gave not the gentlest hint to me. + He had a nosegay in his hand,-- + He wore a gold embroider'd band.[10] + 'Twas made by other hands than mine! + Upon it wreathing branches twine: + May every branch embroidered there, + A miserable heart-wound bear;-- + Upon each branch, may every leaf + Bring and betoken toil and grief." + + + + + X + + SALUTATION OF THE MORNING STAR + + + Lo! the maiden greets the day-star! "Sister! + Sister star of morning! well I greet thee; + Thou dost watch the world from thine uprising + To thy sinking hour. In Hercegovina, + Tell me didst thou see the princely Stephan? + Tell me, was his snowy palace open, + Were his steeds caparisoned, and ready; + And was he equipp'd his bride to visit?" + + Gently then the morning star responded: + "Lovely sister! beautiful young maiden, + True, I watch the world from my uprising + To my setting;--and in Hercegovina + Saw the palace of the princely Stephan; + And that snowy palace was wide open, + And his horse was saddled, and was ready, + And he was equipp'd his bride to visit: + But not thee--not thee--another maiden; + False tongues three have whisper'd evil of thee; + One has said--thine origin is lowly; + One, that thou art treacherous as a serpent; + And the third, that thou art dull and dreamy." + + Then the maiden pour'd her imprecations: + "He who said my origin was lowly, + Never let a child of love be born him; + He who called me treacherous as a serpent, + Round his heart, O! let a serpent wreathe it; + Through hot summers in his hair be tangled, + Through cold winters in his bosom nestle; + He who dar'd to call me dull and dreamy, + Nine long years may he be worn by sickness, + And no sleep renew his strength to bear it." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XI + + THE KNITTER + + + The maiden sat upon the hill, + Upon the hill and far away, + Her fingers wove a silken cord, + And thus I heard the maiden say: + "O with what joy, what ready will, + If some fond youth, some youth adored, + Might wear thee, should I weave thee now! + The finest gold I'd interblend, + The richest pearls as white as snow. + But if I knew, my silken friend, + That an old man[11] should wear thee, I + The coarsest worsted would inweave, + Thy finest silk for dog-grass leave, + And all thy knots with nettles tie." + + + + + XII + + ROYAL CONVERSE + + + The king from the queen an answer craves; + "How shall we now employ our slaves?" + The maidens in fine embroidery, + The widows shall spin flax-yarn for me, + And the men shall dig in the fields for thee. + + The king from the queen an answer craves, + "How shall we, lady, feed our slaves?" + The maidens shall have the honey-comb sweet, + The widows shall feed on the finest wheat, + And the men of maize-meal bread shall eat. + + The king from the queen an answer craves; + "Where for the night shall rest our slaves?" + The maidens shall sleep in the chambers high, + The widows on mattress'd beds shall lie, + And the men on the nettles under the sky. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIII + + ROSA + + + Under roses slept the maiden Rosa, + And a rose fell down and waken'd Rosa; + To the flower-rose, said the maiden Rosa-- + "Rose of mine! O fall, not on the maiden, + I am in no tune of soul to love thee, + For a heavy grief o'erwhelms my spirit; + Youth would have me--but old age hath won me. + An old bridegroom is a worthless maple; + When the wind is up it faints and trembles; + When the rain descends, decay decays it: + But a young bride, is a roselet budding; + When the wind is up, its fair leaves open, + When the rain descends, it shines in beauty,-- + When the sun comes forth, it smiles and glories." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIV + + THE MAIDEN AND THE SUN + + + A maiden proudly thus the sun accosted: + "Sun! I am fairer far than thou,--far fairer; + Fairer than is thy sister[12] or thy brethren,-- + Fairer than yon bright moon at midnight shining, + Fairer than yon gay star in heav'n's arch twinkling, + That star, all other stars preceding proudly, + As walks before his sheep the careful shepherd." + The sun complain'd to God of such an insult: + "What shall be done with this presumptuous maiden?" + And to the sun God gave a speedy answer: + "Thou glorious Sun! thou my beloved daughter![13] + Be joyous yet! say, why art thou dejected? + Wilt thou reward the maiden for her folly-- + Shine on, and burn the maiden's snowy forehead. + But I a gloomier dowry yet will give her; + Evil to her shall be her husband's brother; + Evil to her shall be her husband's father. + Then shall she think upon the affront she gave thee." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XV + + THE MAIDEN'S WISH + + + If I had, ah Laso! + All the emp'ror's treasures, + Well I know, ah Laso! + What with these I'd purchase; + I would buy, ah Laso! + Garden on the Sava; + Well I know, ah Laso! + What my hands would plant there; + I would plant, ah Laso! + Hyacinths, carnations. + If I had, ah Laso! + All the emp'ror's treasures, + Well I know, ah Laso! + What with these I'd purchase; + I would buy, ah Laso! + I would purchase Laso, + He should be, ah Laso! + Gardener in my Garden. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVI + + THE FALCON + + + The falcon soars both far and high, + He spreads his pinions in the sky, + Then from his cloudy heights he lowers, + And seats him on the city's towers: + He sees a laughing girl of grace, + In crystal water bathe her face; + And looks with open, eager eye + Upon her neck of ivory: + White as the snow upon the mountain; + And there he hears a youth recounting + His tale of love.--"Now bend thy head + Upon thy snowy neck," he said; + "Its whiteness is too bright for me: + And 'neath it sorrowing heart may be." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVII + + DEER AND VILA + + + A young deer tracked his way through the green forest, + One lonely day--another came in sadness; + And the third dawn'd, and brought him sighs and sorrow: + Then he address'd him to the forest Vila: + "Young deer!" she said, "thou wild one of the forest, + Now tell me what great sorrow has oppress'd thee? + Why wanderest thou thus in the forest lonely: + Lonely one day,--another day in sadness,-- + And the third day with sighs and anguish groaning?" + + And thus the young deer to the Vila answer'd: + "O thou sweet sister! Vila of the forest! + Me has indeed a heavy grief befallen; + For I had once a fawn, mine own beloved, + And one sad day she sought the running water: + She enter'd it, but came not back to bless me: + Then tell me, had she lost her way and wander'd? + Was she pursued and captured by the huntsman? + Or has she left me?--has she wholly left me?-- + Loving some other deer--and I forgotten. + O! if she has but lost her way, and wanders, + Teach her to find it--bring her back to love me. + O! if she has been captured by the huntsman, + Then may a fate as sad as mine await him. + But if she has forsaken me--if, faithless, + She loves another deer--and I forgotten-- + Then may the huntsman speedily o'er take her." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVIII + + VIRGIN AND WIDOW + + + Over Sarajevo flies a falcon, + Looking round for cooling shade to cool him. + Then he finds a pine on Sarajevo; + Under it a well of sparkling water; + By the water, Hyacinth, the widow, + And the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin. + He look'd down--the falcon--and bethought him: + "Shall I kiss grave Hyacinth, the widow; + Or the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin?" + Thinking thus--at last the bird determined-- + And he whisper'd to himself sedately, + "Gold--though long employ'd, is far, far better + Than the finest silver freshly melted," + So he kiss'd--kiss'd Hyacinth, the widow. + Very wroth wax'd then young Rose, the virgin: + "Sarajevo! let a ban be on thee! + Cursed be thy strange and evil customs! + For thy youths they love the bygone widows, + And thy aged men the untried virgins." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIX + + NIGHTINGALES + + + All the night two nightingales were singing + At the window of th'affianced maiden; + And th'affianced maiden thus address'd them: + "Tell me, ye two nightingales, O tell me! + Are ye brothers? are ye brothers' children?" + + Thus the nightingales made speedy answer: + "Brothers are we not, nor brothers' children: + We are friends--friends of the verdant forest. + Once we had another friend--another-- + But that friend is lost to us for ever. + We have heard that nuptial bliss awaits him; + And we came the youthful bride to look on, + And to offer her a golden spindle, + With the flax of Egypt bound around it." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XX + + THE RING + + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maiden that stream to draw--a lovely maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and offer'd her a golden fruit and said: + "O take this apple, damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the apple--flung it back--and said, in angry tone, + "Neither thine apple, Sir! nor thee--presumptuous boy, be gone!" + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maid that stream to draw--a lovely maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden brooch, and said: + "O take this brooch, thou damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the brooch, and flung it back and said, in peevish tone, + "I'll neither have thee nor thy brooch--presumptuous boy, be gone!" + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maid that stream to draw--the loveliest maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden-ring, and said: + "O take this ring, my damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the ring--she slipp'd it on--and said, in sprightliest tone, + "I'll have thee and thy golden ring, and be thy faithful one." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXI + + THE FRATRICIDE + + + Between two mountains sank the sun-- + Between two maids the enamour'd one. + He gave his kiss to one alone; + The other maid grew jealous then: + "Most faithless thou of faithless men!" + + She said--and he replied--"Fair maid! + I fain would kiss thy cheeks of red, + But thou hast got a bickering brother, + Who loves to quarrel with another, + And I no quarrel seek, my love!" + + She hied her to the darksome grove-- + Silent--she turn'd o'er many a rock, + And look'd 'neath many a broken stock; + Probed weeds and briars, till she found + A poisonous serpent on the ground. + She smote it with her golden ring, + Tore from its mouth the venomy fang; + Its poisonous juice her hands did wring + Into a wine cup--and she sprang + On swiftest feet to Raduli-- + + Her own--her only brother he-- + Her hands the fatal cup supplied-- + He drank the poison--and he died. + + Then sped she to the youth--"A kiss-- + At least one kiss of love for this-- + For this--for thee--I dress'd the cup + With poison--and he drank it up-- + The brother that thou lov'st not--he + I poison'd for a kiss from thee"-- + + Away! away! thou murd'rous maid! + Avaunt! Avaunt!--the lover said: + "What fame--what courage could confide + In thee--a heartless fratricide." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXII + + LOVE + + + The youth he struck on the tambourine, + And nought was so bright as its golden sheen; + Of the hair of maidens twined together + Its strings, which he struck with a falcon's feather. + The maid look'd down from the balcony, + And thus to her inner self said she:-- + + "O heaven! what a noble youth is he! + Would'st thou but give this youth to me, + I would make of the garden-pinks his bed, + I would lay fair roses under his head; + And waked by perfume, with what delight + Would he kiss the maiden's forehead white!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIII + + MAPLE TREE + + + O thou brotherly maple tree! + Wilt thou be a friend to me? + Be a brother, and a friend! + To the green grass thy branches bend, + That I may climb to their highest tip! + Look o'er the sea, and see the ship, + Where my lover sits smiling now; + He binds the turban round his brow, + And over his shoulders the shawl he flings, + Which is full of mine own embroiderings. + For three long years my hands inwove + Those golden flowers to deck my love: + The richest silk of the brightest dyes + I work'd for him, and now my eyes + Would fain my absent lover see: + Assist me, brotherly maple tree! + And tell me, if he thinks of me! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIV + + SEMENDRIAN BEAUTY + + + Lovely maiden of Semendria! + Hail thee, youth! and health be with thee! + Hast thou visited the markets? + Saw'st thou there a sheet of paper? + Like that paper is my forehead. + Hast thou ever seen the vineyard, + Seen the rosy wine that flows there? + Youth! my cheeks that wine resemble. + Didst thou ever walk the meadows, + Hast thou seen the black sloe-berry? + That black sloe my eyes will paint thee: + Hast thou wandered near the ocean? + Hast thou seen the _pijavica_?[14] + Like it are the maiden's eye-brows. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXV + + SELF-ADMIRATION + + + A maiden to the fountain went; + I saw her overhang the place-- + And--she was young and innocent-- + I heard her say with simple grace, + "Indeed she has a pretty face; + And if she had a spring-flower wreath, + How well 'twould sit upon her brow; + And she might hear the shepherd breathe, + Yes! thou shalt be my maiden now! + The shepherd--'midst his fleecy drove, + Goes like a moon the stars above." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVI + + ASSIGNATION + + + Maiden! let us share each other's kisses! + Tell me, tell me, where shall be our meeting, + In thy garden, or in mine, sweet maiden? + Under thine, or under my green rose-tree; + Thou shalt be a rose, my gentle angel: + I to a fond butterfly will change me, + Everlastingly o'er thee to flutter-- + On thy flowers untired I will suspend me, + Living blest upon mine own love's kisses. + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVII + + FOOLISH VOW + + + The maiden made a foolish vow: + "I'll never wear a flow'ret now:-- + No flow'ret shall be ever mine-- + I'll never drink the proffer'd wine. + No wine I'll drink--no friend I'll kiss + No, never more--my vow is this." + So rashly, rashly spoke the maid, + But soon--ah, soon--repentance said: + + "A flowery garland o'er me, + How beautiful 'twould be: + And wine--it would restore me, + My heart's own gaiety: + And love might play before, + If one sweet kiss were free." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVIII + + VILAS + + + Vi[vs]nja,[15] lovely vi[vs]nja! + Lift thy branches higher; + For beneath thy branches, + Vilas[16] dance delight: + While Radi[vs]a[17] dashes + From the flow'rs the dewdrops. + Vilas two conveying, + To the third he whispers: + "O be mine, sweet Vila! + Thou, with mine own mother, + In the shade shalt seat thee; + Silken vestments spinning, + Weaving golden garments." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIX + + LEPOTA[18] + + + Lepota went forth to the harvest--she held + A sickle of silver in fingers of gold: + And the sun mounted high o'er the parched harvest field; + And the maiden in song all her sympathies told, + "I'll give my white forehead to him who shall bind + All the sheaves which my sickle leaves scatter'd behind: + I'll give my black eyes to the friend who shall bring + A drought of sweet waters just fresh from the spring; + And to him who shall bear me to rest in the shade, + I will be--and for aye--an affectionate maid." + + And she thought that her words were all wasted in air: + But a shepherd--just watching his sheepfold, was there; + And he flew, and with sedges he bound all the sheaves; + And he made her an arbor of hazelwood leaves; + And he ran to the spring, and he brought the sweet water; + And he look'd on the face of Beauty's young daughter, + And he said, "Lovely maiden, thy promise I claim;" + But the cheeks of the maiden were cover'd with shame, + And she said to the shepherd, while blushing--"Not so! + Go back to thy sheepfold--thou wanderer, go! + For if thou didst bind the loose sheaves, thou hast left + Thy sheep in the stubble, to wander bereft; + And if from the fountain the water thou beared'st, + Its freshness and coolness thou equally shared'st; + And if thou hast reared up an arbor of shade, + For thyself as for me it refreshment has made." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXX + + IMPRECATIONS + + + Through the long night a falcon cried, + "Awake, awake thee! youth! anon + Thy maiden will become a bride: + She puts her marriage garments on. + Awake! awake thee, youth! and send + A marriage blessing to thy friend." + + "What! shall I be a marriage guest? + And shall I bid the maid be blest? + Hear then my marriage blessing hear! + No son her barren womb shall bear: + May every bit of bread she breaks + Bring with it wretchedness and woe,-- + For every drop her thirst that slakes + May tears of bitter anguish flow!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXI + + SECRETS DIVULGED + + + Two lovers kiss each other in the meadows; + They think that no one sees the fond betrayal, + But the green meadows see them, and are faithless; + To the white flocks incontinent they say all; + And the white flocks proclaim it to the shepherd, + The shepherd to a high-road traveller brings it + He to a sailor on the restless ocean tells it, + The sailor to his spice-ship thoughtless sings it; + The spice-ship whispers it upon the waters, + The waters rush to tell the maiden's mother. + + And thus impassioned spoke the lovely maiden-- + "Meadows! of spring-days never see another! + Flocks! may the cruel ravenous wolves destroy ye. + Thee, shepherd! may the cruel Moslem slaughter. + Wanderer! may oft thy slippery footsteps stumble. + Thee, sailor! may the ocean billows smother. + Ship! may a fire unquenchable consume thee; + And sink into the earth, thou treacherous water!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXII + + WISHES + + + O that I were a little stream, + That I might flow to him--to him! + How should I dance with joy, when knowing + To whom my sparkling wave was flowing! + Beneath his window would I glide, + And linger there till morning-tide; + When first he rouses him to dress + In comely garb his manliness,-- + Then should he weak, or thirsty be, + O he might stoop to drink of me! + Or baring there his bosom, lave + That bosom in my rippling wave + O what a bliss, if I could bear + The cooling power of quiet there! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXIII + + LOVER ASLEEP + + + O nightingale! thy warblings cease, + And let my master sleep in peace: + 'Twas I who lull'd him to repose, + And I will wake from his rest; + I'll seek the sweetest flower that grows, + And bear it to his presence blest; + And gently touch his cheeks, and say, + "Awake, my master! for 'tis day." + + + + + XXXIV + + EARLY SORROWS + + + O nightingale! sweet bird--they say, + That peace abides with thee; + But thou hast brought from day to day + A triple woe to me. + The first, first woe my spirit knew, + My first, first woe was this, + My mother never train'd me to + A lover's early bliss + My second woe, my second woe, + Was that my trusty steed, + Whene'er I mounted, seem'd to show + Nor eagerness nor speed. + My third, third woe--of all the worst, + Is that the maid I woo, + The maid I lov'd the best--the first, + Is angry with me, too. + Then dig an early grave for me, + Yon whiten'd fields among; + In breadth two lances let it be, + And just four lances long. + And o'er my head let roses grow, + There plant the red-rose tree; + And at my feet a fount shall flow, + O scoop that fount for me! + So when a youthful swain appears, + The roses he shall wreathe; + And when an old man bent with years, + He'll drink the stream beneath. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXV + + THE YOUNG SHEPHERDS + + + The sheep, beneath old Buda's wall, + Their wonted quiet rest enjoy; + But ah! rude stony fragments fall, + And many a silk-wool'd sheep destroy; + Two youthful shepherds perish there, + The golden George, and Mark the fair. + + For Mark, O many a friend grew sad, + And father, mother wept for him: + George--father, friend, nor mother had, + For him no tender eye grew dim: + Save one--a maiden far away, + She wept--and thus I heard her say: + + My golden George--and shall a song, + A song of grief be sung for thee-- + 'Twould go from lip to lip--ere long + By careless lips profaned to be; + Unhallow'd thoughts might soon defame + The purity of woman's name. + + Or shall I take thy picture fair, + And fix that picture in my sleeve? + Ah! time will soon the vestment tear, + And not a shade, nor fragment leave: + I'll give not him I love so well + To what is so corruptible. + + I'll write thy name within a book; + That book will pass from hand to hand, + And many an eager eye will look, + But ah! how few will understand! + And who their holiest thoughts can shroud + From the cold insults of the crowd?[19] + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVI + + THOUGHTS OF A MOTHER + + + Lo! a fir-tree towers o'er Sarajevo, + Spreads o'er half the face of Sarajevo-- + Rises up to heaven from Sarajevo: + Brothers and half-sisters there were seated; + And the brother cuts a silken garment, + Which he holds, and questions thus his sister: + + "Brother's wife! thou sweet and lovely dovelet! + Wherefore art thou looking at the fir-tree? + Art thou rather dreaming of the poplar, + Or art thinking of my absent brother?" + + To her brother thus the lady answer'd: + "Golden-ring of mine! my husband's brother! + Not about the fir-tree was I dreaming, + Nor the noble stem of lofty poplar; + Neither was I dreaming of my brother. + I was thinking of my only mother, + She with sugar and with honey reared me; + She for me the red wine pour'd at even, + And at midnight gave the sweet metheglin; + In the morning milk, with spirit chasten'd + So to give me cheeks of rose and lily; + And with gentle messages she waked me, + That her child might grow both tall and slender." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVII + + COUNSEL + + + "My Misho! tell me, tell me, pray, + Where wert thou wandering yesterday?" + "I did not ramble--did not roam; + A wretched headache kept me home." + "A thousand times I've said, I think + No widows love--no water drink! + But thou, a thoughtless unbeliever, + Wilt water drink, and get a fever; + Wilt give to widows thine affection, + And find remorse, or find rejection; + Now take my counsel,--drink of wine, + And be a virgin maiden thine!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVIII + + DESOLATION + + + Gloomy night! how full thou art of darkness! + Thou, my heart! art fuller yet of sorrow, + Sorrow which I bear, but cannot utter! + I have now no mother who will hear me, + I have now no sister who will soothe me,-- + Yet I had a friend--but he is absent! + Ere he comes, the night will be departed; + Ere he wakes, the birds will sing their matins, + Ere his kiss, the twilight hour will brighten: + Go thy way, my friend; the day is dawning! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXIX + + APPREHENSION + + + "Sweet maiden mine! thou blushing rose! + Sweet, blushing roselet mine! + For me, what thought of honey flows + From those sweet lips of thine?" + 'I dare not speak with thee, my dear, + My mother has forbid me.' + + "Sweet maid! thy mother is not here." + 'She saw me once, and chid me. + Sir, she is in the garden there, + Plucking the evergreen:-- + O may her heart like mine decay, + Like mine decay unseen,-- + Ere love's sweet power has pass'd away, + As it had never been.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + XL + + MILICA + + + Long and lovely are Milica's eyebrows, + And they overhang her cheeks of roses-- + Cheeks of roses, and her snowy forehead, + Three long years have I beheld the maiden, + Could not look upon her eyes so lovely-- + On her eyes--nor on her snowy forehead. + To our country dance I lured the maiden, + Lured Milica,--lured her to our dances, + Hoping to look on her eyes so lovely. + + While they danced upon the greensward, verdant + In the sunshine, sudden darkness gather'd, + And the clouds broke out in fiery lightning, + And the maidens all look'd up to heaven,-- + All the maidens--all, except Milica. + She still look'd on the green grass, untrembling, + While the maidens trembled as they whisper'd: + + "O Milica! thou our friend and playmate, + Art thou overwise--or art thou silly? + Thus to look upon the grass beneath us, + And not look up to the heaven above us, + To the clouds, round which the lightnings wind them?" + And Milica gave this quiet answer: + "I am neither overwise nor silly. + Not the _Vila,_ nor the cloud-upgatherer; + I am yet a maid--and look before me." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLI + + THE CHOICE + + + He slept beneath a poplar tree: + And three young maidens cross'd the way; + I listen'd to the lovely three, + And heard them to each other say:-- + "Now what is dearest, love! to thee?" + The eldest said--'Young Ranko's ring + Would be to me the dearest thing.' + "No! not for me," the second cried; + "I'd choose the girdle from his side." + 'Not I,' the youngest said--'In truth, + I'll rather have the sleeping youth. + The ring, O sister! will grow dim, + The girdle will ere long be broken; + But this is an eternal token,-- + His love for me and mine for him.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLII + + FOR WHOM? + + + Sweet fountain, that so freshly flows! + And thou, my own carnation-rose, + That shines like a shining gem! + And shall I tear thee from thy stem? + For whom? my mother? ah! for whom? + My mother slumbers in the tomb. + For whom? my sister? who has fled, + To seek a foreign bridal bed. + For whom? my brother? he is far, + Far off, in dark and bloody war. + For whom, for whom, but thee, my love? + But thou art absent far above, + Above these three green mountains, + Beyond these three fresh fountains! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIII + + LIBERTY + + + Nightingale sings sweetly + In the verdant forest; + In the verdant forest, + On the slender branches. + + Thither came three sportsmen, + Nightingale to shoot at. + She implored the sportsmen, + "Shoot me not, ye sportsmen! + + Shoot me not, ye sportsmen! + I will give you music, + In the verdant garden, + On the crimson rose-tree." + + But the sportsmen seize her; + They deceive the songster, + In a cage confine her, + Give her to their loved one. + + Nightingale will sing not-- + Hangs its head in silence: + Then the sportsmen bear her + To the verdant forests. + + Soon her song is waken'd; + "Woe! woe! betides us, + Friend from friend divided, + Bird from forest banish'd!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIV + + THE DANCE + + + Omar's court is near to Sarajevo; + All around it is a woody mountain: + In the midst there is a verdant meadow; + There the maidens dance their joyous Kolo[20] + In the Kolo there is Damian's loved one; + O'er the Kolo her fair head uprises, + Rises gay and lustrous in her beauty. + 'Midst the Kolo Nicholas address'd her: + "Veil your face, thou Damian's best beloved! + For to-day death's summons waits on Damian. + Half thy face veil over, lovely maiden!" + Hardly the prophetic words were utter'd, + Ere a gun was heard from the green forest; + Damian, wounded, fell amidst the Kolo-- + Damian fell, and thus his love address'd him: + "O my Damian! O my sun of spring time! + Wherefore, wherefore, didst thou shine so brightly, + Thus so soon to sink behind the mountain?" + "My beloved! O thou rose all beauteous! + Wherefore didst thou bloom so fair, so lovely, + And I never can enjoy, nor wear thee?" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLV + + ELEGY + + + Konda died--his mother's only offspring. + O what grief was hers the youth to bury + Far away from his own natural dwelling, + So she bore him to a verdant garden, + And 'neath pomegranate trees interr'd him. + Every, every day she wandered thither: + "Doth the earth, sweet son, lie heavy on thee? + Heavy are the planks of maple round thee?" + From his grave the voice of Konda answers: + "Lightly presses the green earth upon me, + Lightly press the planks of maple round me. + Heavy is the virgins' malediction; + When they sigh, their sighs reach God's high presence; + When they curse, the world begins to tremble; + When they weep, even God is touch'd with pity." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLVI + + INQUIRY + + + A maiden sat on th' ocean shore, + And held this converse with herself: + "O God of goodness and of love! + What's broader than the mighty sea, + And what is longer than the field, + And what is swifter than the steed, + What sweeter than the honey dew, + What dearer than a brother is?" + A fish thus answer'd from the sea: + "O maid! thou art a foolish girl. + And heaven is broader than the sea; + The sea is longer than the field; + The eye is swifter than the steed; + Sugar more sweet than honey dew; + Dearer than brother is thy love." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XLVII + + DOUBT + + + Three young travellers travell'd forth to travel: + On their travels met a lovely maiden: + Each will give the lovely maiden a present: + One presents her with a fresh-pluck'd apple: + One presents her with _bosiljak_[21] flowering: + One a gold ring for the maiden's finger. + He who gave the maiden the _bosiljak_ + Said, "The maid is mine--I claim the maiden." + He who gave the maid the fresh-pluck'd apple + Said, "The maid is _mine_--I claim the maiden." + He who gave the gold ring to the maiden + Said, "We'll go and seek the Judge together: + He shall say to whom belongs the maiden." + + So they went and sought the Judge's presence: + "Judge, thou honourable, judge between us: + We three travell'd forth together, + And we met a maiden in our travels, + And we gave her--gave her each a present: + One of us a green and fresh-pluck'd apple: + One presented her _bosiljak_ flowering; + And the third a gold ring for her finger:-- + Now decide to whom belongs the maiden." + + Thus the honourable judge decided: + "We present _bosiljak_ for its odour: + As a pledge of love we give an apple: + But to give a ring is a betrothing;-- + He who gave the ring must have the maiden." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLVIII + + THE SULTANESS + + + Listen! I hear a cry, a cry! + The bells are ringing lustily; + And the hens are cackling all in riot. + No! no! no! the bells are quiet; + The hens at rest with one another: + 'Tis the sister calls the brother: + "Brother! I am a Moslem slave! + Tear me from my Turkish grave. + Small the price which sets me free: + Of pearls two measures--of gold but three." + + In vain she calls her brother.--'O no! + My treasures to my apparel go: + The gold my horse's bridle must deck: + My pearls must grace my maiden's neck; + Must buy a kiss--must buy a kiss.' + The maid her brother answer'd with this: + "I am no slave! I am no less + Than the sultan's chosen sultaness." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIX + + BETROTHING + + + Here there is a maiden, + Young, and yet a virgin: + Give her then a husband, + Or give us the maiden, + And we will betroth her + To Ivan the student. + He's our parson's nephew-- + He has art to write[22] on + Pinions of the eagle. + What shall be his subject? + What--but bright-eyed maidens + And the brows of heroes? + + S. J. B. + + + + + L + + CAUTIONS + + + O thou lovely maiden! + Lo! thy praise has mounted + To the monarch's city + Maiden! thou hast planted + The six-branch'd _kaloper_[23] + And bosilka early. + But the youths unmarried + Long have been in waiting + To tear up thy balsam-- + Thy bosilka pillage. + Know'st thou not they linger + Just to steal thy kisses? + Maiden! Maiden! never + Let those youths betray thee! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LI + + MAIDEN'S CARES + + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The goatherd, child! + The goatherd, child! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He tracks the mountains steep and wild + Where rocks and dangers be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The shepherd, maid! + The shepherd, maid! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He wanders through the distant glade + Where wolves and perils be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The tradesman, dear! + The tradesman, dear! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He is a wanderer far and near, + His house no home may be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The tailor, then + The tailor, then, for thee!" + Nay, mother! nay; not he, not he! + That were no happiness for me: + The tailor's needle may be keen, + His children hungry be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me; + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says,--"The peasant, take + The peasant, child! for thee." + Yes! mother, yes! in him I see + Both love and happiness for me; + For though his labouring hands are black, + The whitest bread eats he. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LII + + MOHAMMEDAN SONG + + + His breath is amber,--sharp his reed; + The hand which holds it, O! how white. + He writes fair talismans,--a creed, + For maidens doth the loved one write: + "Of him that will not have thee,--think not! + From him that fain would have thee, shrink not." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIII + + MINE EVERYWHERE + + + "Come with me, thou charming maiden! + Be my love and come with me." + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + That can never, never be; + I had rather in the tavern + Bear the golden cup, than ever,-- + Ever promise to be thine.' + "I am the young tavern-keeper, + So thou wilt indeed be mine." + + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + No such fate will e'er befall; + In the coffee-house I'd rather + Serve, envelop'd in my shawl, + Rather than be thine at all.' + "But I am the coffee boiler, + Thee, my maiden, will I call." + + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + That can never, never be; + Rather o'er the field I'll wander, + Changed into a quail, than ever, + Ever give myself to thee.' + "But I am a vigorous sportsman, + And thou wilt belong to me." + + 'Play not, youth! with words so foolish, + That can never, never be; + Rather to a fish I'd change me, + Dive me deep beneath the sea, + Rather than belong to thee.' + "But I am the finest network, + Which into the sea I'll cast; + Mine thou art, and mine thou shalt be,-- + Yes; thou must be mine at last; + Be it here, or be it there, + Mine thou must be everywhere." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIV + + MAID AWAKING + + + Lovely maiden gather'd roses, + Sleep o'ertook her then; + Pass'd a youth and call'd the maiden, + Waked the maid again: + "Wake! O wake! thou lovely maiden, + Why art slumbering now? + All the rosy wreaths are fading, + Fading on thy brow. + He, thy heart's own love, will marry; + He will break his vow!" + 'Let him marry, let him marry, + I shall not complain; + But the thunderbolt of heav'n + Shall destroy him then.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + LV + + MOTHER'S LOVE + + + On the balcony young Jovan sported, + While he sported, lo! it crash'd beneath him, + And he fell,--his right arm broke in falling! + Who shall find a surgeon for the sufferer? + Lo! the Vila[24] of the mountain sends one, + But the recompense he asks is heavy; + Her white hand demands he of the mother,-- + Of the sister all her silken ringlets,-- + Of the wife he asks her pearl-strung necklace. + + Freely gave her hand young Jovan's mother, + Freely gave her silken hair his sister, + But his wife refus'd her pearly treasure:-- + "Nay! I will not give my pearl-strung necklace, + For it was a present of my father." + Anger then incens'd the Mountain-Vila, + Into Jovan's wounds she pour'd her poison, + And he died,--Alas! for thee, poor mother! + + Then began the melancholy cuckoos,[25] + Cuckoos then began their funeral dirges; + One pour'd out her mournful plaints unceasing, + One at morning mourn'd, and mourn'd at ev'ning, + And the third when'er sad thoughts came o'er her. + Tell me which is the unceasing mourner? + 'Tis the sorrowing mother of young Jovan. + Which at morning mourns and late at evening? + 'Tis the grieving sister of young Jovan. + Which when melancholy thoughts come o'er her? + 'Tis the youthful wife,--the wife of Jovan. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVI + + THE GREYBEARD + + + I heard young Falisava say: + "I'll have no ancient greybeard, nay! + A sprightly beardless youth for me." + An aged man the maiden heard, + He shaves his long and snowy beard, + And paints his chin like ebony: + To Falisava then he goes-- + "My heart! my soul! my garden rose! + A beardless youth is come for thee." + And then she listen'd--they were wed-- + And to the old man's home they sped. + + Then twilight came, and evening's shade-- + And said the old man to the maid: + "Sweet Falisava! maiden fair! + Our bed beside the stove prepare, + And the warm feather-mattress bear"-- + The maiden heard--the maiden went, + And gather'd flowers of sweetest scent-- + Of sweetest scent and fairest hue, + Which on the old man's bed she threw, + And like on a strong-wing'd eagle then + Flew to her father's home again. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVII + + MOHAMMEDAN TALE + + + Who is mourning there in Glamodelec's fortress? + 'Tis the Vila--'tis an angry serpent? + 'Tis no Vila--'tis no angry serpent! + 'Tis the maid Emina there lamenting-- + There lamenting, for her woe is grievous! + Lo! the Ban[26] the maiden hath imprison'd-- + Hath imprison'd her, and will baptize her; + But Emina never will be faithless-- + From the white-wall'd tower will fling her rather. + + Thus the unbelieving Ban address'd her: + "Unbelieving Ban! a moment tarry, + While I hasten to the upper story." + And she hasten'd to the upper story; + Look'd around her from the white-wall'd fortress: + In the distance saw her father's dwelling-- + Saw the white school where she pass'd her childhood + "O my father's home! my poor heart's sorrow! + School of childhood! once that childhood's terror! + Many a day of weariness and sorrow + Did thy small-writ lessons give Emina." + + Then she wrapp'd her snowy robes around her-- + Thought not of the band that bound her tresses, + And she flung her from the fortress turret. + But her hair-band caught the open window-- + From the window, ah she hung suspended-- + Hung a week suspended from the window-- + Then her hair gave away--and then the maiden + On the greensward fell. + + The Christian heard it-- + He, the Christian Ban, and hasten'd thither; + Oft and oft he kiss'd the dead Emina; + And he peacefully entom'd the maiden. + O'er her grave a chapel he erected, + And with golden apples he adorn'd it. + Ere a week had pass'd away, descended + On her tomb a beauteous light from heaven; + At her head a beauteous light was kindled; + At her feet another light shone sweetly; + And her aged mother saw and wonder'd + From her chain she took her knife, and plunged it-- + Plunged it deep within her troubled bosom-- + Fell, and died--O melancholy mother! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVIII + + LOVE'S DIFFICULTIES + + + I loved her from her infancy, + Lado![27] Lado! + From childhood to maturity, + Lado! Lado! + And when I claim'd the smiling maid, + Lado! Lado! + "Ye are of kindred blood!" they said, + Lado! Lado! + "Brother and sister's children ye, + Lado! Lado! + It were a sin to steal a kiss," + Lado! Lado! + Oh what a sacrifice is this! + Lado! Lado! + I'll steal a kiss though I be riven, + Lado! Lado! + From every, every hope of heaven, + Lado! Lado! + For what would heaven become to me + Lado! Lado! + When the long nights of autumn flee, + Lado! Lado! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIX + + WITCHES + + + The sky is cover'd with stars again: + The plains are cover'd with flocks of sheep: + But where is the shepherd? On the plain + The shepherd is lost in careless sleep: + The youthful Radoje sleeps:--Arise! + Awake! his sister Jania cries. + + "Jania! sister nay! depart! + My body to witches is plighted: + My mother has torn away my heart, + And my aunt my mother lighted." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LX + + PLEDGES + + + The wind was with the roses playing: + To Ranko's tent it blew their leaves: + Milica, Ranko, there were staying, + And Ranko writes--Milica weaves. + His letter done, he drops his pen: + Her finish'd web she throws aside: + And lo! I heard the lover then + Low whisper to his promised bride: + "Milica! tell me truly now + And dost thou love me--love me best? + Or heavy is thy nuptial vow?"-- + And thus the maid the youth address'd: + "O trust me--thou my heart--my soul-- + That thou art dearer far to me-- + Far dearer, Ranko! than the whole + Of brothers--many though they be: + And that the vows we pledged together + Are lighter than the lightest feather." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXI + + COMPLAINT + + + O flower! so lovely in thy bloom, + Be evil fate thy mother's doom! + Thy mother, who so kindly nurst, + And sent thee to our village first. + Where heroes o'er their cups romancing, + And our young striplings stones are flinging, + And our delighted brides are dancing, + And our gay maidens songs are singing-- + 'Twas then I saw thee, lovely flower! + And lost my quiet from that hour. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXII + + SONG + + + The winter is gone, + Beloved, arise! + The spring is come on, + The birds are all singing: + Beloved, arise! + + The roses are springing; + Earth laughs out in love: + Beloved, arise! + And thou, my sweet dove! + O waste not thy time: + Beloved, arise. + + Enjoy the sweet bliss + Of a kiss--of a kiss: + Beloved, arise + In the hour of thy prime, + Beloved, arise! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIII + + MOHAMMEDAN SONG + + + I have piercing eyes--the eyes of falcons: + I am of undoubted noble lineage: + I can read the heart of Osman Aga: + I was ask'd by Osman Aga's mother: + + "Cursed witch: and yet most lovely maiden! + Why with white and red dost paint thy visage? + Fascinate no longer Osman Aga! + I will speed me to the verdant forest, + Build me up of maple-trees a dwelling, + And lock up within it Osman Aga." + + Then the maid replied to Osman's mother: + "Lady Anka! Osman Aga's mother-- + I have falcon eyes--and eyes of devils: + With them I can ope thy ample dwelling-- + With them visit, too, thy Osman Aga." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIV + + BROTHERLESS SISTERS + + + Two solitary sisters, who + A brother's fondness never knew, + Agreed, poor girls, with one another, + That they would make themselves a brother: + They cut them silk, as snow-drops white; + And silk, as richest rubies bright; + They carved his body from a bough + Of box-tree from the mountain's brow; + Two jewels dark for eyes they gave; + For eyebrows, from the ocean's wave + They took two leeches; and for teeth + Fix'd pearls above, and pearls beneath; + For food they gave him honey sweet, + And said, "Now live, and speak, and eat." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXV + + MISFORTUNES + + + On the hill, the fir-tree hill, + Grows a tall fir-tree: + There a maiden, calm and still, + Sits delightedly. + To a youthful swain she pledges + Vows: "O come to me: + Lightly spring across the hedges: + Come--but slightly. + Come at eve--lest harm betide thee. + If any home thou seek, + In our quiet dwelling hide thee; + Not a whisper speak." + And he o'er the hedges sprung, + Lo! a twig he tore: + When the house-door ope he flung, + Noisy was the door. + When he enter'd in, there fell + Shelves upon the floor, + 'Twas the broken china's knell-- + O the luckless hour! + Then her mother comes afeard, + Trips and cuts her knee; + And her father burns his beard + In perplexity. + And the youth must quench the fire, + And the maiden must retire. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVI + + TIMIDITY + + + Lo! upon the mountain green + Stands a fir-tree tall and thin-- + 'Tis no fir-tree--none at all-- + 'Tis a maiden thin and tall. + Three long years the enamour'd one + Fed upon her eyes alone; + On the fourth, he sought the bliss + Of the maiden's primal kiss + "Why, thou witching maid! repel me-- + Why with foot of scorn dost tread, + On my feet, my boots of red! + Why despise me, maiden! tell me." + + "No, my friend, I will not tread + On thy feet, thy boots of red! + Come at evening--come and string + Pearls for me--and thou shalt fling + O'er me my embroider'd shawl. + We will go at morning's call + To the kolo--Friend! but thou + Must not touch the maiden now-- + + Know'st thou not that busy slander + Follows us wher'er we wander? + Evil tongues are ever talking; + Calumny abroad is walking + Know'st thou that a simple kiss + Ample food for slander is? + 'Never did we kiss,' you'll say, + 'Till last evening and to-day.' + Come at evening--come, my dear. + Sisters' eyes will watch thee here." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVII + + YOUTH ENAMOURED + + + "Where wert thou! Misho! yesterday?" + "O 'twas a happy day for me! + A lovely maiden cross'd my way + A maiden smiling lovelily + And those sweet smiles for me were meant; + I claimed her--mother answer'd, 'No!' + Would steal her--vain was the intent, + For many guardians watch'd her so. + There grows a verdant almond-tree + Before her house--its boughs I'll climb; + Wail like a cuckoo mournfully, + And swallow-like, at evening time, + Pour forth my woe in throbbings deep + And like a sorrowing widow sigh, + And like a youthful maiden weep. + So may her mother turn her eye, + Pitying my grief, her heart may move, + And she may give me her I love." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVIII + + BLACK EYES AND BLUE + + + I wish the happy time were nigh, + When youths are sold, that I might buy. + But for an azure-eyed Mlinar,[28] + I would not give a single dinar, + Though for a raven-black eyed youth, + A thousand golden coins, in truth. + Alas! alas! and is it true? + My own fair youth has eyes of blue; + Yes! they are blue--yet dear to me-- + Will he forgive my levity? + Ye maidens! pray him to forgive me; + Nay! spare me now--and rather leave me + To tell him "I am yours"--and smile + In fond affection all the while. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIX + + THE WIDOW + + + Rose! O smile upon the youth no longer; + He in his impatience to be wedded, + Chose a widow for his years unsuited, + And wher'er she goes, where'er she tarries, + She is mourning for her ancient husband. + "O my husband! first and best possession! + Happy were the days we spent together! + Early we retired and late we waken'd + Thou didst wake me kissing my white forehead, + 'Up, my heart! the sun is high in heaven, + And our aged mother is arisen.'" + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXX + + ALARMS + + + Fairest youths are here--but not the fairest! + Could I hear him now, or could I see him,-- + Could I know if he be sick, or faithless! + Were he sick, my ears would rather hear it, + Than that he had loved another maiden. + Sickness may depart, and time restore him,-- + If enamour'd,--never! never! never! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXI + + FOND WIFE + + + O! If I were a mountain streamlet, + I know where I would flow + I'd spring into the crystal Sava, + Where the gay vessels go, + That I might look upon my lover-- + For fain my heart would know + If, when he holds the helm, he ever + Looks on my rose, and thinks + Of her who gave it;--if the nosegay + I made of sweetest pinks + Is faded yet, and if he wear it. + On Saturday I cull + To give him for a Sabbath present + All that is beautiful. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXII + + UNHAPPY BRIDE + + + The maiden gave the ring she wore + To him who gave it her before: + "O take the ring--for thou and thine + Are hated,--not by me--but mine-- + Father and mother will not hear thee + Brother and sister both forswear thee + Yet, think not, youth,--I think not ill + Of her who needs must love thee still! + I am a poor unhappy maid, + Whose path the darkest clouds o'ershade, + I sowed sweet basil, and there grew + On that same spot the bitterest rue + And wormwood, that unholy flower, + I now alone my marriage dower; + The only flower which they shall wear + Who to the maiden's marriage comes, + When for my marriage altar there + The guests shall find the maiden's tomb." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIII + + LAST PETITION + + + Upon her mother's bosom lay + Young Mira, and she pined away. + 'Twas in her own maternal bed; + And thus the anxious mother said:-- + "What ails thee, tell me, Mira, pray?" + + "O ask me not, my mother dear! + I feel that death approaches near, + I shall not rise from this my bed; + But, mother mine! when I am dead-- + O mother mine! call round me all + My playmates to my funeral; + And let the friends I loved receive + The little gifts that I shall leave; + Then let me sleep in peace beneath.-- + + There's one, my mother, I should grieve + To be divided from in death. + Then call around me priests divine, + And pious pilgrims, mother mine! + The forehead of thy dying daughter + Steep in the rose's fragrant water. + And, mother, let my forehead be + Dried with the rose-leaves from the tree; + And pillow not thy daughter's head, + O mother! with the common dead; + But let me have a quiet tomb + Adjacent to my Mirjo's home, + And near my Mirjo's nightly bed; + So when he wakes his thoughts shall dwell + With her he loved and loved so well." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIV + + LOVE FOR A BROTHER + + + The sun sank down behind the gold-flower'd hill; + The warriors from the fight approach the shore: + There stood young George's wife, serene and still: + She counted all the heroes o'er and o'er, + And found not those she loved--though they were three:-- + Her husband, George; her marriage friend, another + Who late had led the marriage revelry; + The third, her best-loved, her only brother. + + Her husband he was dead; she rent her hair + For him--Her friend was gone,--for him she tore + Her cheeks--Her only brother was not there: + For him she pluck'd her eye-balls from their bed. + Her hair grew forth as lovely as before; + Upon her cheeks her former beauties spread; + But nothing could her perish'd sight restore: + Nought heals the heart that mourns a brother dead. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXV + + REBUKE + + + "Maiden! hast thou seen my steed?" + "Faithless one! not I, indeed! + But I heard that thou hadst tied him + To the mountain-maple tree; + When a stranger pass'd beside him, + Full of scorn and rage was he: + With his hoofs the ground he beat; + Of his master's guilt he knew. + Not one maiden did he cheat. + No; that master cheated two: + One has borne a wretched child; + One with grief and shame is wild." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVI + + MAN'S FAITH + + + Say! dost thou remember when under the vine, + Thy tears fell in streams on the breast of thy maid; + When thy heart burst in joy as I own'd thee for mine? + Alas! for the maiden whose peace is betray'd + By the tears and the vows of a falsehood like thine! + As the changeable sky--now o'erclouded, now bright, + Is the faith of thy race--their language to-day, + "I will wed thee to-morrow, my love and my light!" + To-morrow--"Let's wait till the harvest's away." + The harvest is ended, the winter is nigh + And another maid dwells in their hearts and their eye. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVII + + MAIDEN'S AFFECTION + + + "Black is the night--an outcast lad + Is wandering in our village, mother! + Thy daughter's heart is very sad, + Sad even to death! He has no home: + O give him ours, he has no other, + And bid the lad no longer roam!" + "Nay! daughter, let this outcast stray, + He is a proud and city youth; + Will ask for wine at break of day, + And costly meats at eve, forsooth, + And for his city-tutor'd head + Will want a soft and stately bed." + + "O mother! In God's name divine, + Give the poor lad a shelter now: + My eyes shall serve instead of wine, + For costly meats my maiden brow. + My neck shall be his honey comb. + His bed the dewy grass shall be, + And heaven his stately canopy. + His head shall rest upon my arm. + O mother! give the youth a home, + And shelter, shelter him from harm." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVIII + + + MARRIAGE SONGS + + + The Marriage Leader: + + "Make ready! make ready," + To his sister the youth is repeating; + "Make ready my steed for the wedding, + O sister! the young Doge[29] is waiting. + I'm bid to the wedding, I'm summon'd to guide + To the wedding the maiden--the Doge's young bride." + + + The approaching bridegroom: + + What is shining on the verdant mountain? + Sun--or moon--that shines so brightly, + 'Tis not sun, or moon that shines so brightly, + 'Tis the bridegroom hasting to the marriage. + + + Parting of the bride: + + Sweetest of maidens! O be still, + Be silent--prithee weep not now + Thy mother she will weep--wilt fill + Her sorrowing eyes with tears, for thou + Wilt leave thy cherish'd home ere long: + And when thy young companions go + To the fresh stream, amidst the throng + She'll seek thee--will she find thee! No! + + + Departure of the wedding guests: + + O thou young bridegroom, thou rose in its beauty, + Lo! we have brought thee a rosemary branch, + And if the rosemary branch should decay, + Thine will the shame be, the sorrow be ours. + Scatter the rosemary leaves o'er thy way; + Let not destruction disparage its flowers. + + + To the bride, when the marriage hood is first put on: + + Maid from a distant forest tree, + A verdant leaf is blown to thee; + And that green leaf has fixed it now, + In the green garland on thy brow: + The garland green, that we have bound + Maiden! thy auburn ringlets round: + O no! it is no leaf, that we + Have braided in a wreath for thee; + 'Tis the white hood that thou must wear, + The token of domestic care: + Thou hast no mother now--another, + A stranger must be called thy mother; + And sister-love thy heart must share, + With one who was not born thy brother. + + + At the marriage: + + An apple tree at Ranko's door was growing, + Its trunk was silver, golden were its branches; + Its branches golden and of pearls its foliage, + Its leaves were pearls, and all its apple corals. + And many dovelets, on the branches seated, + Coo'd in their fond affection to each other; + Coo'd loudly, and they pluck'd the pearls--one only + One, only one was silent, one was silent-- + It coo'd not, pluck'd no pearls from off the branches: + That one was terrified by Ranko's mother: + "Begone--grey dovelet! thou art an intruder! + Was not the apple-tree by Ranko planted? + By Ranko planted, and by Ranko watered, + That it might shade the guests at Ranko's marriage, + Shade all his guests beneath its joyous branches." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIX + + HEROES SERVE + + + Upon the silent Danube's shore, + When ev'ning wastes, 'tis sweet to see + 'Their golden wine cups flowing o'er'; + Our heroes in their revelry. + + A youthful beauty pours the wine, + And each will pledge a cup to her; + And each of charms that seem divine, + Would fain become a worshipper. + + "Nay! heroes, nay!" the virgin cried, + "My service--not my love--I give: + For one alone--for none beside: + For one alone I love and live." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXX + + YOUTH AND AGE + + + Lo! the maid her rosy cheeks is laving. + Listen! while she bathes her snowy forehead: + "Forehead! if I thought an old man's kisses + Would be stamp'd upon thee, I would hasten + To the forest, and would gather wormwood + Into boiling water press its bitters: + With it steep my forehead ev'ry morning, + That the old man's kiss might taste of wormwood. + But, if some fair youth should come to kiss me, + I would hurry to the verdant garden: + I would gather all its sweetest roses, + Would condense their fragrance,--and at morning, + Every morning, would perfume my forehead + So the youth's sweet kiss would breathe of fragrance, + And his heart be gladden'd with the odour. + Better dwell with youth upon the mountains, + Than with age in luxury's richest palace: + Better sleep with youth on naked granite, + Than with eld on silks howe'er voluptuous." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXI + + CHOICE + + + In my court the morning's twilight found me; + At the chase the early sun while rising, + I upon the mountain--and behind it, + On that mountain, 'neath a dark-green pine tree + Lo! I saw a lovely maiden sleeping; + On a clover-sheaf her head was pillow'd; + On her bosom lay two snowy dovelets; + In her lap there was a dappled fawnkin. + There I tarried till the fall of ev'ning: + Bound my steed at night around the pine-tree: + Bound my falcon to the pine-tree branches: + Gave the sheaf of clover to my courser: + Gave the two white dovelets to my falcon: + Gave the dappled fawn to my good greyhound: + And, for me,--I took the lovely maiden. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXII + + ANXIETY + + + I fain would sing--but will be silent now, + For pain is sitting on my lover's brow; + And he would hear me--and, though silent, deem + I pleased myself, but little thought of him, + While of nought else I think; to him I give + My spirit--and for him alone I live; + Bear him within my heart, as mothers bear + The last and youngest object of their care. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXIII + + INQUIRY + + + Say, heavenly spirit! kindly say, + Where tarries now this youth of mine; + Say, is he speeding on his way, + Or doth he linger, drinking wine? + + If he be speeding on,--elated + With joy and gladness let him be: + If quaffing wine,--in quiet seated, + O! his be peace and gaiety! + + But if he love another maiden, + I wish him nought but sorrow:--No! + Then be his heart with anguish laden! + And let Heaven smite his path with woe! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXIV + + FROZEN HEART + + + Thick fell the snow upon St. George's day; + The little birds all left their cloudy bed; + The maiden wander'd bare-foot on her way; + Her brother bore her sandals, and he said: + "O sister mine! cold, cold thy feet must be." + "No! not my feet, sweet brother! not my feet-- + But my poor heart is cold with misery. + There's nought to chill me in the snowy sleet + My mother--tis my mother who hath chill'd me, + Bound me to one who with disgust hath fill'd me." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXV + + UNION IN DEATH + + + Fondly lov'd a youth and youthful maiden, + And they wash'd them in the self-same water, + And they dried them with the self-same linen + Full a year had pass'd, and no one knew it + Yet another year--'twas all discover'd, + And the father heard it, and the mother; + But the mother check'd their growing fondness, + Banish'd love, and exiled them for ever. + + To the stars he look'd, and bade them tell her: + "Die, sweet maiden! on the week's last even; + Early will I die on Sabbath morning." + + As the stars foretold the event, it happen'd; + On the eve of Saturday the maiden + Died--and died the youth on Sunday morning: + And they were, fond pair, together buried; + And their hands were intertwined together: + In those hands they placed the greenest apples; + When behold! ere many moons had shone there, + From the grave sprung up a verdant pine-tree, + And a fragrant crimson rose-tree follow'd: + Round the pine the rose-tree fondly twined it, + As around the straw the silk clings closely. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXVI + + LOVE AND SLEEP[30] + + + I walkt the high and hollow wood, from dawn to even-dew, + The wild-eyed wood stared at me, and unclaspt, and let me through, + Where mountain pines, like great black birds, stood percht against + the blue. + + Not a whisper heaved the woven woof of those warm trees: + All the little leaves lay flat, unmoved of bird or breeze: + Day was losing light all round, by indolent degrees. + + Underneath the brooding branches, all in holy shade, + Unseen hands of mountain things a mossy couch had made: + There asleep among pale flowers my beloved was laid. + + Slipping down, a sunbeam bathed her brows with bounteous gold, + Unmoved upon her maiden breast her heavy hair was roll'd, + Her smile was silent as the smile on corpses three hours old. + "O God!" I thought, "if this be death, that makes not sound nor stir." + My heart stood still with tender awe, I dared not waken her, + But to the dear God, in the sky, this prayer I did prefer: + + "Grant, dear Lord, in the blessed sky, a warm wind from the sea, + Then shake a leaf down on my love from yonder leafy tree; + That she may open her sweet eyes, and haply look on me." + + The dear God, from the distant sea, a little wind releast, + It shook a leaflet from the tree, and laid it on her breast, + Her sweet eyes ope'd and looked on me. How can I tell the rest? + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXVII + + LOVE CONFERS NOBILITY + + + He. Violet, little one mine, + I would love thee, but thou art so small. + + She. Love me, my love, from those heights of thine, + And I shall grow tall, so tall, + The pearl is small, but it hangs above + The royal brow, and a kingly mind + The quail is little, little, my love, + But she leaves the hunter behind. + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXVIII + + A SOUL'S SWEETNESS + + + He. O maiden of my soul! + What odour from the orange hast thou stole, + That breathes about thy breast with such sweet power? + What sweetness, unto me + More sweet than amber honey to the bee + That builds in the oaken hole, + And sucks the essential summer of the year + To store with sweetest sweets her hollow tower? + Or is it breath of basil, maiden dear? + Or of the immortal flower? + + She. By the sweet heavens, young lover! + No odour from the orange have I stole; + Nor have I robb'd for thee, + Dearest the amber dower + Of the building bee, + From any hollow tower + In oaken bole: + But if, on this poor breast thou dost discover + Fragrance of such sweet power, + Trust me, O my beloved and my lover, + 'Tis not of basil, nor the immortal flower, + But from a virgin soul. + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXIX + + REMINISCENCES + + + He. "And art thou wed, my beloved? + My Beloved of long ago?" + + She. "I am wed, my Beloved. And I have given + A child to this world of woe. + And the name I have given my child is thine: + So that, when I call to me my little one, + The heaviness of this heart of mine + For a little while may be gone. + For I say not ... 'Hither, hither, my son!' + But ... 'Hither, my Love, my Beloved.'" + + + + + XC + + SLEEP AND DEATH + + + The morning is growing: the cocks are crowing: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the morning light; + Only the moonbeam white. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The breeze is blowing: the cattle are lowing: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the cattle there; + Only the call to prayer. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The Turks are warning to the mosque, 'tis morning! + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the Turks, sweet soul! + Only the wolves that howl. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The white roofs are gleaming: the glad children screaming: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis the night-clouds that gleam: + The night winds that scream. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + My mother in the gateway calls to me.... "Come straightway" + And I must away, love, away! + + Thy mother's in her bed, + Dumb, holy, and dead. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + O. M. + + + + + XCI + + IMPERFECTION + + + All in the spring, + When little birds sing, + And flowers do talk + From stalk to stalk; + Whispering to a silver shower, + A violet did boast to be + Of every flower the fairest flower + That blows by lawn or lea. + But a rose that blew thereby + Answer'd her reproachfully, + (All in the spring, + When little birds sing, + And flowers do talk + From stalk to stalk): + "Violet, I marvel me + Of fairest flowers by lawn or lea + The fairest thou should'st boast to be; + For one small defect I spy, + Should make thee speak more modestly: + Thy face is fashion'd tenderly, + But then it hangs awry." + + O. M. + + + + + XCII + + EMANCIPATION + + + The Day of Saint George! and a girl pray'd thus: + "O Day of Saint George, when again to us + Thou returnest, and they carouse + Here in my mother's house, + May'st thou find me either a corpse or a bride, + Either buried or wed; + Rather married than dead; + But, however, that may betide, + And whether a corpse or a spouse, + No more in my mother's house." + + O. M. + + + + + XCIII + + PLUCKING A FLOWER + + + He. O maiden, vermeil rose! + Unplanted, unsown, + Blooming alone + As the wild-flower blows, + With a will of thine own! + Neither grafted nor grown, + Neither gather'd nor blown, + O maiden, O rose! + Blooming alone + In the green garden-close + Unnoticed, unknown, + Unpropt, unsupported, + Unwater'd, and uncourted, + Unwoo'd and unwed, + A sweet wild rose, + Who knows? Who knows? + Might I kiss thee, and court thee? + My kiss would not hurt thee! + A sweet, sweet rose, + In the green garden-close, + If a gate were undone, + And if I might come to thee + And meet thee alone? + Sue thee, and woo thee, + And make thee my own? + Clasp thee, and cull thee, what harm would be done? + + She. Beside thy field my garden blows, + Were a gate in the garden left open ... who knows? + And I water'd my garden at eventide? + (Who knows?) + And if somebody silently happen'd to ride + That way? And a horse to the gate should be tied? + And if somebody (Who knows who,), unespied, + Were to enter my garden to gather a rose? + Who knows?... I suppose + No harm need be done. My beloved one, + Come lightly, come softly, at set of the sun! + Come, and caress me! + Kiss me, and press me, + Fold me, and hold me! + Kiss me with kisses that leave not a trace, + But set not the print of thy teeth on my face, + Or my mother will see it, and scold me. + + O. M. + + + + + XCIV + + A WISH + + + I would I were a rivulet, + And I know where I would run! + To Save, the chilly river, + Where the market boats pass on; + To see my dear one stand + By the rudder; and whether the rose + Which, at parting, I put in his hand, + Warm with a kiss in it, blows; + Whether it blows or withers: + I pluckt it on Saturday; + I gave it to him on Sunday; + On Monday he went away. + + O. M. + + + + + XCV + + A SERBIAN BEAUTY + + + 'Tis the Kolo[31] that dances before the white house, + And 'tis Stojan's fair sister, O fair, fair is she! + Too fair she is truly, too fair, heaven knows, + (God forgive her!) so cruel to be. + The fair Vila, whom the wan clouds fondly follow + O'er the mountain wherever she roam it, + Is not fairer nor whiter than she. + Her long soft eyelash is the wing of the swallow + When the dew of the dawn trembles from it, + And as dawn-stars her blue eyes to me: + Her eyebrows so dark are the slender sea-leeches; + Her rich-bloomed cheeks are the ripe river peaches, + Her teeth are white pearls from the sea; + Her lips are two half-open'd roses; + And her breath the south wind, which discloses + The sweetness that soothes the wild bee. + She is tall as the larch, she is slender + As any green bough the birds move; + See her dance--'tis the peacock's full splendour! + Hear her talk--'tis the coo of the dove! + And, only but let her look tender-- + 'Tis all heaven melting down from above! + + O. M. + + + + + XCVI + + SLEEPLESSNESS + + + Sleep will not take the place of Love, + Nor keep the place from Sorrow. + Oh, when the long nights slowly move + To meet a lonely morrow, + The burden of the broken days, + The grief that on the bosom weighs, + And all the heart oppresses, + But lightly lies on restless eyes + Love seals no more with kisses. + + O. M. + + + + + XCVII + + A MESSAGE + + + Sweet sister of my loved, unloving one, + Kiss thy wild brother, kiss him tenderly! + Ask him what is it, witless, I have done + That he should look so coldly upon me? + Ah, well ... I know he recks not! Let it be. + Yet say ... "There's many a woodland nodding yet + For who needs wood when winter nights be cold." + Say ... "Love to give finds ever love to get. + There lack not goldsmiths where there lacks not gold. + The wood will claim the woodman by-and-by; + The gold (be sure!) the goldsmith cannot miss; + Each maid to win finds lads to woo: and I...." + Well, child, but only tell him, tell him this! + Sweet sister, tell him this! + + O. M. + + + + + XCVIII + + TRANSPLANTING A FLOWER + + + O maiden, mother's golden treasure! + Purest gold of perfect pleasure! + Do they beat thee, and ill-treat thee, + That I meet thee all alone? + Do they beat thee, that I meet thee + All too often, all too late, + After nightfall, at the gate + Of the garden, all alone? + Tell me, tell me, little one, + Do they do it? If I knew it, + They should rue it! I would come + Oftener, later, yet again, + (Hail, or snow, or wind, or rain!) + Oftener, later! Nor in vain: + For if mother, for my sake, + Were to drive thee out of home, + Just three little steps 'twould take + (Think upon it, little one!)-- + Just three little steps, or four, + To my door from mother's door. + Love is wise. I say no more. + Ponder on it, little one! + + O. M. + + + + + XCIX + + ISOLATION + + + The night is very dark and very lonely: + And as dark, and all as lonely, is my heart: + And the sorrow that is in it night knows only: + For the dawn breaks, and my heart breaks. Far apart + From my old self seems my new self. And my mother + And my sister are in heaven,--so they say: + And the dear one dearer yet than any other + Is far, far away. + The sweet hour of his coming ... night is falling! + The hour of our awakening ... bird on bough! + The hour of last embraces ... friends are calling + "Love, farewell!" ... and every hour is silent now. + + O. M. + + + + + C + + FATIMA AND MEHMED + + + Beneath a milk-white almond tree, + Fatima and Mehmed be. + The black earth is their bridal bed; + The thick-starred sky clear-spread + Is their coverlet all the night, + As they lie in each other's arms so white. + The grass is full of honey-dew; + The crescent moon, that glimmers through + The unrippled leaves, is faint and new: + And the milk-white almond blossoms + All night long fall on their bosoms. + + O. M. + + + + + CI + + MORAVA HORSES[32] + + + On the banks of Morava, + Sleek black horses danced, + "Could not we," one horse did say, + "Over this river swim to-day?" + But the second cried, "Beware, + Deep flows the stream, beware, beware! + 'Twas by these banks of Morava, + At set of sun a knight was drowned, + And dawn had broke ere he was found. + If mother this poor knight had had, + Within a day his fate she'd know, + And him to seek next day would go; + The third day, finding him, would weep, + And who knows how long sad heart keep?" + To which a third black horse replied + "No mother mourns him as lost son, + But mother-in-law the knight has one! + She in one year would surely cry: + 'What has my daughter's husband done?' + And in two years find time to go + Toward the place where he lay low; + And when there should have passed years three, + His grave, perchance, she then might see-- + Where long since green grass had grown, + The peacock preened himself and flown." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CII + + THE GIRL AND THE GRASS + + + In the green grass a girl fell asleep; + When she awoke the grass was red, + And her ruddy cheeks were green instead. + Before the Kadi the girl sued the grass: + Give me, O grass, my color red!" + And to the girl the red grass said: + "Thy color red, I'll give it thee, + When my color green thou dost give me." + Then before the Kadi they exchanged color + And became bosom-sisters for ever and ever. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIII + + THE SUN AND THE GIRL + + + To the great sun a radiant maiden cried: + "Bright sun, thy beauty cannot equal mine!" + Whereon the burning orb complained to God: + "Let me bring low her pride, and scorch her face." + To which request his mighty Maker said: + "The burden that she bears is weight enough; + Her father and her mother, both I've taken; + One simple, smiling youth alone is left to her; + Touch not their joy, let him be fond of her." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIV + + CURSE AND BLESSING + + + To the river ran the mother, + To her Mary by the water, + Dreaming there, the pretty daughter: + "Have you washed the linen, Mary?" + "Why, mother dear, not yet begun; + A naughty youth did come my way, + And muddy made the silvery water." + "I'll curse him, then; I'll curse him, daughter! + Cold be his heart as ice is cold." + "As cold as the sun o'er the corn-fields, mother!" + "May his face be black before all men!" + "As black as the snow on the mountains, mother!" + "May he be hanged!--Dost hear, my daughter!" + "But hanged upon my neck, dear mother!" + "From grievous wounds he then shall suffer!" + "Let my own teeth, then, cause them, mother!" + "May the wild torrent take him, daughter!" + "And bring him home to me, my mother!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CV + + THE NICEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD + + + A yellow orange by the sea + Vaunted much his beauty, + This boast the red, round apple heard, + Scolded the orange for his word, + "See my superiority!" + + The apple's boast the meadow heard, + The meadow rich beflowered: + "Boast not, thou smooth, round apple red, + But see how I am carpeted, + So green and richly dowered!" + + The meadow's boast the maiden heard: + "Deem'st flowery mead, so great thy worth! + Though sweetly thou art sure bedight, + Yet still I am the sweetest sight, + That can be found in all the earth." + + These vaunts heard all a daring youth: + "This maid, I see she is in truth, + She is by far the sweetest flower + That can be found in all the earth. + That orange, I will bring it down, + That apple-tree, I'll root it up, + That meadow's flowers shall all be mown, + And thou, fair maid, shalt be mine own!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVI + + THE PRETTY TOMB + + + "Wait, my girl, I want to talk, + Though my talk will wound thee!" + "Speak, O Youth; I'll listen, speak! + Even though thou wound me" + "Well, I am about to die." + "Die! Where will they bury thee?" + "I pray to rest upon thy breast." + "Ah! blind and foolish is thy prayer! + That were unseemly cemet'ry. + My bosom is no graveyard lone, + An apple orchard is my breast + Where fruits do ripen, birds do rest!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVII + + TODA AND HER FATE + + + Many youths paid court to Toda, + She, the blithesome shepherd girl; + So with mirthful laugh she cried: + "The youth on whom my apple falls, + 'Tis henceforth he my heart enthralls." + Then Toda threw her apple red, + Which fell upon a grey-haired head. + Toda had not wished such love, + So sent him off to draw her water. + She sent him thus unto the river, + That no more trouble he might give her! + But safely back the old man came, + Brought the water, smiled and spake: + "O love me, Toda, love me, Toda." + Toda did not want to love him, + So sent him off to cut down branches, + Not caring should they fall upon him; + But safely back the old man came, + Brought the wood, and smiled and spake: + "O love me, Toda, little Toda!" + Toda did not want to love him, + So sent him to the war to fight, + Not caring what might be his plight: + But safely back the old man came, + Back from the war, and spake the same: + "O love me, Toda, Toda, love me! + That which must be, let it be." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVIII + + THE VILA + + + Under the clouds there's nought to me + So handsome as a falcon bird. + A falcon I did wish to be, + And my wish by God was heard. + High to the clouds I flew, + And over the clouds too! + Then to a nut-tree I shot down. + Under the tree a vila sleeping! + Or else some being strange to me! + Oh, God Himself, and He alone, can say, + But she was fairer than the fairest summer day. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIX + + THREE ROSES + + + Red Sun! too quickly art thou hasting down; + A little while prolong thy stay, + Smile from thy evening gate on me, + Till I've adorned with roses three-- + Roses of silk in purest gold-- + My darling's garment that I hold: + The first rose, a rose for my own country dear, + The second, a rose for sweet mother, + The third, the rose of my own bridal crown. + O stay, glad Sun! too quickly art thou going down! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CX + + HER DREAM + + + The girl awoke at dawn of day, + Aroused by trilling roundelay; + "Nightingale, oh, stop thy singing! + Stop thy singing, pray! + Cease thy songs, and fly away + To Cattaro, down by the bay. + + To Cattaro now speed thy flight, + To tell the dream I've dreamt this night: + I found me in his garden gay, + Gathering fair roses; + With his eye he followed me, + As I passed from tree to tree. + + I brought him then red roses fair, + And tied them in his steed's black hair. + Smiling, then a ring he gave me; + Ah, a ring so rare! + And he kissed me where I stood; + A kiss that made to me all good. + + Smiling, yes, a kiss he gave me! + Than golden ring with diamond bright + More precious far in my heart's sight. + Stop singing, bird! + This is my dream; go, tell him so, + Go! wing thy way to Cattaro." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXI + + TROUBLE WITH THE HUSBAND + + + I married last year, + This year I repent. + Bad husband have I, + With temper like nettle: + My lot I resent. + + The frost kills the nettle, + But this husband of mine, + He thinks the frost fine: + By the stove all day long + He does nothing but sit, + And says that the frost + He minds not one bit! + + In Celovec 'tis market-day, + 'Tis market-day to-morrow; + I will take my husband there, + And will either there him change, + Or else will sell him at the fair. + Not too cheap I'll let him go, + Because he was so hard to get; + Rather than too cheaply sell him, + Back home again I'll take the man, + And love him--howsomuch I can! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXII + + THE PEACOCK AND THE NIGHTINGALE + + + How beautiful it is this evening-time! + The noblemen, they quaff the cool wine, + And to their knee there comes a little stag, + With golden peacock proudly on one shoulder, + While on the other, perching there as neighbour, + Behold a silver-throated nightingale! + Upon whom gazing, saith the peacock golden: + "How now, my silver-throated friend! + If mine it were to trill thy liquid note, + To every noble knight I'd sing a song, + And honour each in turn from my clear throat." + Answered the nightingale in silver voice: + "List, lustrous peacock in thy blue and gold! + If mine it were, that sheeny fan of thine, + Its golden feathers all I would pluck out, + And decorate these nobles round about." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIII + + THE FIRST TOAST + + + Rising at the banquet table, + Now acclaim we our first toast, + To our God's high honour drink we, + Only of His glory think we-- + No first place to human boast! + To celebrate the Lord's great glory-- + What equal duty to be found? + Say, all ye who sit around, + Save truly to have earned the dinner! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIV + + THE HOD[vZ]A[33] + + + In Mostar was a sheker-meyteph,[34] + Thirty young ladies were learning there, + Omer-effendia was their hod[vz]a, + And pretty Maru[vs]a their kalfa.[35] + + One day Maru[vs]a opened the Koran: + "Tell us now, hod[vz]a, tell what is written!' + Hod[vz]a reads silently, then he speaks loudly: + "First page--The hod[vz]a is going to marry! + + "Willeth so Allah, so willeth hod[vz]a--thus on page two! + And on page three--Whom will he marry, whom will he marry? + Thus on page three--He'll marry the pretty Maru[vs]a." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXV + + WOES + + + Woe to the wolf that eats not flesh, + Woe to the knight who drinks not wine, + Woe to the maid who counteth love + No gift divine. + + Woe to legs with a foolish head, + And woe to gilt on an unclean bed. + + Woe to satin on humped shoulders. + + Woe to the gun in a fearsome hand, + Woe to the strong in that village where + But cowards stand. + + Woe to the mother-in-law in the house of her son-in-law. + + Woe to the wolf whom the ravens feed, + And to the knight who children doth need + Him to defend. + + Woe to the cock who strutteth on ice, + Woe to the nightingale singing in the mill; + In such a din, far better to be still! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVI + + HARD TO BELIEVE + + + A man ne'er born once told a tale + To seven stout ghosts so hearty and hale; + A ship went sailing 'mid greenwood trees, + While the burning sun her crew did freeze. + A horse danced o'er the billowy sea, + From him a duck with hoofs did flee. + From an empty cup two knights did quaff, + Served by a maid whose head was off. + Two wingless geese flew up in the sky, + As a legless hero ran hard by; + While near him scampered two roasted hares, + Hotly pursued by three dogs in pairs. + Then to the deaf man the dumb man spoke: + "What a monstrous lie! but I hope it's a joke." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVII + + THE CONDITIONS + + + Listen, listen man of God, + If thou wouldest serve thy God, + In thy lifetime do thou good, + And revere thine elder brother, + So thy younger thee revere. + Neither boast when fortune smileth, + Nor complain in days of trouble; + Grasp not an another's good; + For when death befalleth man, + Nought he takes from out the world, + Save his deeds and crossed white hands-- + When he goeth to the Judgment, + Where king's rank is unaccounted, + Rich men can no more be proud, + Poor men be no more despised. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVIII + + PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO BED + + + With a cross I lay me down, + With a cross I get me up, + All day long it doth protect, + And angels in the night are near; + Archangels, they shall ward my death, + And God's my guard till all things end. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIX + + VISION BEFORE SLEEP + + + To sleep I laid me down, + Making my prayer to God; + I called upon His angels; + Heaven was unveiled to me; + The Seraphim, they worshipped there, + And prayed this prayer to Christ our Lord: + "While he doth rest, all through his sleep, + Frome visions dark do Thou him keep." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXX + + PRAYER IN THE FIELD + + + We pray unto the Heavenly Lord, + Koledo, Koledo![36] + Dew to send upon our fields, + Koledo! + To give grain to wheat and maize, + Koledo, Koledo! + To give fruits in all the glades, + Koledo! + To give colours to the flowers, + Koledo, Koledo! + To give health to sheep and cattle, + Koledo! + And pardon, joy and song to all, + Koledo, Koledo! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXI + + A CHILD IN HEAVEN + + + Yesternight was born a Child, + But it passed from earth at morn, + Unbaptized to heaven's door. + "Open, heavenly watchman, open!" + "Nay, foolish babe, thou must away! + Sinful thou art, away, away!" + + "Foolish I am--but sinful, nay; + Born yesternight, I died to-day; + In the green forest I was born, + Where no sponsor, where no priest; + Therefore unbaptized I come!" + + Then the heavenly watcher answered: + "Go thou yet a short way on; + Go on, my babe, and thou shalt find + Three watersprings; from one to drink, + From one to wash, the third a font of blessing. + The first shall breast-milk be to thee; + The second is thy mother's tears, + And from the third thou shalt baptized be, + And joyful entrance gain to heaven." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXII + + CHRISTMAS + + + Why trembleth so the earth, + Set in this sphere of blue? + Christ our God was born hereon, + He, the Virgin's Holy Son, + Christ Who heaven and earth created, + And us sinners on the earth. + In awe when He shall come to judge, + We all shall stand before Him then, + Both righteous and unrighteous men. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIII + + CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER + + + On angel wing in upward flight + Rise soul and body of our Lord, + When piercing heaven with high gaze, + He calleth for one down to go, + Down to darksome Golgotha, + Where Mary bending near the Cross, + Weepeth in bitter agony: + "Let herald hasten now to tell her + I am risen unto heaven." + Great Michael heard, two angels sent, + Swift to convey the tidings glad: + "O thou of women all most blest, + Let not thy heart with fear be filled; + From the tomb thy Son is risen, + Risen to the Father's throne, + Saving men from Death's dominion." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIV + + THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST + + + The Blessed Mary sent an angel + Unto John the Camel-girdled-- + "God's wish it is, and my wish too, + That thou shouldst now my Son baptize." + John went responsive to the river, + Down into Jordan with the Christ, + And there upon him with his Lord, + Open wide the gate of heaven, + The roseate sun did light the east, + Sign of that Spirit-first of which spake John, + Whose purging heat doth purify from sin, + And in Jordan's flowing river + Man's sin was taken all away! + Our salvation is in heaven! + Save, O God, all trusting souls, + Save them from the devil's toils. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXV + + THE HOLY MOTHER + + + Sadly walked the Holy Mother + On the Holy Mountain. + Suddenly espied she something + Brightly shining in the dust: + The Cross, it was, of her own Son. + With gentlest hands she caressed it, + She did wash it with her tears, + And after dried it with her hair. + Kneeling then she uttered prayer. + Speaking to the Holy Cross: + "O sweet Cross, thou Cross of honour, + Upon thee my Son has died, + Hellish pains on thee He suffered, + Hellish pains from those hot nails, + To redeem our sinful souls. + When He did upon thee bleed, + His blood it fell in priceless seed, + Whence there sprang all lovely flowers, + And angels, coming down to gather, + Made them into wreathes and garlands + That they might adorn all heaven." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVI + + DREAM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN + + + The Holy Virgin dreaming slept, + And in her dream a great tree grew, + Its branches from her own heart crept, + O'er spreading earth, north, south, east, west, + And piercing, spire-like, heaven's blue. + Sore troubled by her dream she rose + And sought straightway a saintly brother; + "Hear Saint Basil, my brother hear! + Let me tell my vision wondrous + I dreamed and lo! a great tree grew, + Its branches from my own heart crept, + O'erspreading earth north, south, east, west, + And towering up through heaven's blue. + What saith this vision Saint, to you?" + Then Basil answered to the Virgin: + "O sister dear, thy vision's clear: + 'A tree did spring from thy warm heart?' + To bear the Christ shall be thy part. + 'Those spreading branches covering all?' + Sinners He'll save from evil's thrall. + 'That height spire-piercing heaven's blue?' + To God the Father Christ shall rise + Passing from earth and fleshly view." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVII + + MOTHER AT THE TOMB OF HER SON + + + Alas! my son, how fareth it with thee, + In thy new dwelling, new and strange and dark? + Strange thy dwelling without windows! + At daybreak, Vinko, thy sad mother rose, + Her earliest thought as but of thee, + Her first thought, Vinko; Vinko her first call! + Thorns are growing at the house-door, + Cuckoos mourn around the house, + Downcast thy brothers wait for thee, + To talk with thee, to walk with thee-- + But now that ne'er can be. + With head bent down and brow o'ercast, + They make their way--for where art thou! + In ashes our hearth fire is hidden, + And when I saw the sun this morning, + I thought: It is the moon, + When thy sisters said to me: + "Dim thine eyes, it is the sun!" + "For me no sun," said I to them, + "Pale in the dust now is my sun, + No light have I above the earth." + Down in thy dwelling, oh my son, + Say, is it cold, my Sun, my Sun; + If it be cold as is my breast + It is too cold, too cold to rest.[37] + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVIII + + MOTHER OVER HER DEAD SON + + + Where art thou flying? Where, oh where? + My falcon? + To what silent land and lone? + Say, hero mine! + Around thy friends and brothers ask me: + How shall I answer them! + "Where goes Perko? Tell us, Mother!" + Woe to me, oh woe to me! + If I answered, I might blame thee! + How blame _thee_? + Alway thou askedst me: May I go here--or should + I stay? + I knew thy way! + But now thou askedst not; nor may I give thee + "Yea" or "nay,"-- + O blank, blank day! + Better, child, I went to thee, than to stay + As mother here + Having lost the light of day! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIX + + MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR HER SON + + + Wherefore do I marvel, wherefore need I wonder? + Traveller the dearest! + That through this lower world already thou hast sped, + Ray of light the fleetest! + Together we'd a little talk, but we looked for more, + Thou my golden store! + To the realms of heaven thou from earth art gone, + Thou my heaven and earth! + Thou thy flight hast taken, sure, to a land of flowers, + Dearest of my flowers! + Thy journey leadeth up to God, unto the blest in Paradise, + Thou my Paradise! + Thou shalt behold the Judgment Place, + Merciful my son! + Soon shalt reach those halls of rest, + Thou who gav'st me labour! + There shalt find the noble dead, + Thou my sweetest life! + Greet them all, the rich and poor, + Best of all my riches! + Salute the noblemen and princes. + Thou my prince of princes! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXX + + GREATEST GRIEF FOR A BROTHER + + + O'er Neven woods the sun went down, + The sun went down behind the forest, + As came the heroes off the sea. + The young wife counted anxiously, + The wife of George the Hospodar, + Counted the warriors, found them all, + Save her three treasures who were missing. + She could not find her Hospodar + Nor the best man at their wedding, + And the third treasure was not there; + This treasure was her dearest brother. + For her brave lord she cuts her tresses, + For her best man she wounds her cheeks, + And for her brother puts out both her eyes. + She cuts her hair, it grows again; + She wounds her cheeks, the wounds do heal; + But none can heal those hurt blind eyes, + Nor yet her heart for her lost brother. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXI + + THE DEATH CHAMBER OF HER FATHER-IN-LAW + + + Why art thou thus attired? + My more than father! + Why art thou thus bedight, so knightly armed? + My fearless knight! + Thou art departing for the city? + My shining city! + In order there to meet the lords and knights, + O my wise lord! + Or go'st thou to a marriage feast? + My pride, my noble guest! + --But why! thine eyes are closed to me! + O closed, O closed to me! + And--can it be!--thy mouth is bound! + This black, black morning! + If thou art gone, and com'st not back-- + How empty is the house! + How is it thou couldst leave us so? + To us, O woe, O woe! + Far, far thy journey, and the end not here! + But better is it there! + Mother and father, they will greet thee there, + Among the Blest! + Thy brothers, too, and children in celestial light,-- + O blessed, blessed sight! + Thee will they greet: we in their thoughts shall be, + O heavenly harmony! + But thou wilt stay, and ne'er return to us, + O woe, O woe to us! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXII + + KOLEDO + + + The king came to court our Margaret fair, + Koledo, Koledo! + And mother sang clear to our Margaret fair: + Koledo, Koledo! + "Oh, Margaret, haste! my daughter dear, + Koledo, Koledo! + The King, he has come to court you here, + Koledo, Koledo!" + Then thus sweet Margaret to mother's call: + "Koledo, Koledo! + I told you, mother mine, I told you, + Koledo, Koledo! + I want not kings, I want not knights, + Koledo, Koledo! + 'Tis Jesus Himself alone doth bind me, + Koledo, Koledo! + I've vowed to Him, true shall He find me, + Koledo, Koledo!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIII + + A HORSE'S COMPLAINT + + + A horse left his knight on Kossovo, + On a dreadsome place on Kossovo. + Finding his steed, the knight put question: + "O horse of mine, my greatest treasure, + Why hast thou left me here so lonely, + In this deadsome place on Kossovo? + What have I done thus to displease thee? + Say, horse of mine, why didst thou leave me? + Did press my saddle hard upon thee? + Thy jewelled bridle, was it heavy? + Or have I ridden thee too far?" + To his knight the horse made answer: + "Thy saddle pressed not hard upon me, + Thy jewelled bridle was not heavy, + Nor hast thou ridden me too far. + But this it is that doth displease me: + So oft thou tarriest at the tavern, + While I am tethered at the door. + Three maidens fair are dwelling there, + Whose beauty makes thee all forgetful, + While I am out here cold and fretful; + Then angrily I paw the earth, + And eat the grass down to its root, + And drink the water dry as stone, + While thou dost leave me here alone." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIV + + A DANCE AT VIDIN + + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh, let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy brother, go with him!" + "My brother! he can stay at home, + I do not want to go with him." + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh! let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy father, go with him!" + "Oh, let my father stay at home, + I do not want to go with him." + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh! let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy darling, go with him!" + "Oh, come, my sweetheart, come with me! + I'll dance the Kolo there with thee!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXV + + THE PRICE + + + How many towns from here to the coast? + Seventy-seven sunlit towns, + And villages green a thousand! + And all of these I'd give for the street + Where I my sweetheart first did meet, + And e'en the street I'd give as the price + To meet him again--aye, but for a trice! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVI + + PREFERENCES + + + Three maids were talking on a night, + Upon a silvery moonlight night. + They walked and talked of many things, + They asked what each preferred to have. + Two did listen to the eldest: + "A castle white is what I'd like." + Then two did hear the second say: + "'Tis velvet blue with gold I like." + Then two listened to the youngest: + "A sweetheart true I would prefer. + Should the castle all be ruined, + My darling would rebuild it up; + The velvet would with time wear out, + My darling he could buy me more-- + A sweetheart true is richer store!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVII + + A BRIDE'S DEVOTION + + + A Bride most fair fed a swan and a lion, + A swan and a lion and a falcon grey. + To her came merchants from far away: + "Sell us, sweet maid, your swan and your lion, + This swan and this lion and falcon grey!" + "Ye men from afar, go away, go away, + My godfather cometh to see me wed, + And this lion I tend till the time be sped; + And for my true friend who best man shall be, + This white swan I keep, and for none but he! + But this falcon grey ye covet so much, + 'Tis my true love's own; none shall it touch." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVIII + + FIDELITY + + + A youth to God did pray, + About his sweetheart dear, + That he the gem might be + Which trembled in her ear. + + He wished to be the beads + Reposing on her breast, + That he might hear her say + That she loved him best. + + The prayer he prayed was heard + A pearl beside the shore, + His darling picked him up, + And on her necklet bore. + + He listened and he heard + How true her loving heart: + She told the other maids + She ne'er from him would part. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIX + + A SISTER'S LAMENT + + + Sister was I of kingly brothers three, + But now my kings are gone from me, + Woe, woe, woe! + + Better kingdoms they are asking, + Better work than this world's tasking, + And God will grant it, where they go, + Better service He'll bestow, + But for me, alas! Oh! woe! + + So kingly brothers ne'er were known, + Now my heart breaketh here alone. + This world for me too dark is now, + And I took dark for it, I trow! + Woe, woe, woe! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXL + + THE PRAYER OF KARAGEORGE'S LADY[38] + + + Prayed of God the Karageorge's Lady! + "Give me, God, to bear a maiden lovely, + Patternized by Carapi['c]a Vasa, + Grant us, O God, to choose name of beauty, + Name of beauty, precious gold of mother. + When shall come the baby, christen'd Goldie, + Swaddling clothes her mother will then make her, + Flowing clothes of linen for her infant, + All of silk and cloth of gold so beauteous, + As she's Goldie let gold bless her slumber. + When she's come to her little cradle, + Then her mother will make little cradle, + Little cradle of gold will she make her, + As she's Goldie, let cradle be golden. + When Goldie is grown up to be spinner, + Spinning-wheel her mother then will make her, + Of gold will she make her golden spindle, + As she's Goldie let her wheel be golden. + When Goldie knows how to embroider, + Golden frame her mother will then make her, + Of gold will she make her spinning trinket, + As she's Goldie, may her work be golden."[39] + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLI + + THOU ART EVER, EVER MINE[40] + + + O my girl, O my soul, + What does mother say to you? + Will she marry you to me? + Her son-in-law can I be? + She might give you, she might not, + Thou art ever, ever mine! + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLII + + SEA MERCHANT[41] + + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy eyes are corals in the sea, + I am a merchant on the sea + Buying the riches of the sea. + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy teeth are tiniest pearls, + I am a merchant on the sea + Buying tiniest pearls of the sea. + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy hands are whiter than the wool, + I am a merchant on the sea + Trading in wool o'er the sea. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIII + + ANGELA AS WATCHMAN[42] + + + Falcon is winging high, + But the fortress gates are higher; + And Angela is watching there + Aureoled in sunshine, + Belted with the moonbeams, + And flowering with the stars. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIV + + A LAD AND HIS BETROTHED[43] + + + Little lad is wandering + Through a wooded copse, + Strutting with a green bough + Walking down the slopes. + Looking on a courtyard + Sees young Jana sweeping: + + "O thou pearl, my sweet one, + Whence my ring in keeping?" + Thus she answered proudly: + "May thy brother know, perchance, + And should it bring God's blessing + He'll join our wedding dance." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLV + + DIREFUL SICKNESS[44] + + + What shall I do, what shall I do? + My nights are sleepless, + My heart is so restless-- + Ah, sorrow, anew, + I'll die, + My love, for you. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVI + + ALL AS IT SHOULD BE[45] + + + When the sun sets at even, + My love is just coming to me + And when the moon has passed Heaven + My lover is going from me. + So the paths are all darken'd with shadow, + Just as it should be, should be + In shadow that no one can see. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVII + + BEAUTY PREENS HERSELF[46] + + + For whom powders face so lovely, Beauty? + For whom has she dropped her hair on shoulder, + For whom is she wearing charms in bosom? + Is it for Valach, or for a Magyar? + It is not for Valach nor for Magyar, + It is for this Stojan, mighty reaper, + Who in Kolo always takes the leadship, + When he's playing, every heart is touched. + When he's dancing, dances like a puppet. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVIII + + HARVEST SONG[47] + + + Hurry, hurry, robust harvesters, + At field's end there's water and a maiden, + Cooling water, and a maiden youthful, + Drink ye water, and embrace your maiden. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIX + + LONG NIGHT[48] + + + These are long nights, these are long nights, + For him who does not kiss black eyes, + He it is who cannot slumber, + For his heart is pierced with sorrow. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CL + + EYEBROW LURE[49] + + + Oh, my girl, my sweetest flower, + Curl not ends of eyebrow bower, + Do not grieve your youthful laddies, + As your way doth torment me: + Leading horse, I wander barefoot-- + Carrying boots, I wander barefoot-- + Bearing bread, I cannot eat it-- + Treading water, cannot drink it. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLI + + GIRLHOOD[50] + + + Girlhood was my golden tsardom! + Tsar was I while girlhood lasted; + Ah, if I could turn me backward, + Well I know how I'd live girlhood. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLII + + YOUTH WITH YOUTH[51] + + + On the river Sitnitsa + Little green fir standeth! + Who's young and stripling, + Youth with green youth sleepeth. + Ah, but see that youthful Jovo, + All alone is he, + Seeing that the youthful Mara + Joins him secretly. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIII + + COME, MY LOVER, TO ME[52] + + + Full and thick is shadow, + Come, my love, to meadow, + For I've a verdant garden, + Red roses for a warden; + Golden kerchief will I make thee, + Christmas gift of love from me, + To carry so splendidly + In the memory of thy darling. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIV + + SIGHS[53] + + + Oh my heart, I feel me sighing, + Methinks that my lover calls me to him, + But in truth my sweetheart's love hath ceased. + Cried out falcon from a fir branch lofty: + "O girl lovely! Sinfully you are speaking, + Only past night your love called you lovely, + Drinking wine unto your bounteous pleasure: + 'O my girl, my soul of me most dearest, + I have made for thee a hiding, + Half my bed and half my arm, + Half a pillow, half a cover, + Half a cushion, heart of mine in bosom.'" + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLV + + A BOUQUET OF LITTLE ROSES[54] + + + O girl of my soul, my soul, + Take this bunch of rosebuds neat, + Should thy bouquet fade and fail, + Come once more, my soul, to me + I will pluck again for thee. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVI + + DREAM INTERPRETATION[55] + + + Darling sweetheart on his free arm sleeping, + Makes he motion to sound gong in waking: + "Awake, my dear, dearer than mine own eyes, + Last night I a strange dream was a-dreaming: + My fez swept 'way on the troubled water, + Pearls were strewing richly in my lap-robe, + And my watch in pieces four was broken." + Sweetheart waking, calmly speaking this-wise: + "Easy is it to interpret dreaming, + That your fez was swept by troubled water + Means you're to go forth to battle army; + That pearls richly scatter'd in your lap-robe + Must mean our tears, thine with mine are mingling; + That your watch in pieces four was broken + Means in truth that our hearts will be breaking + When we're forced to take leave of each other." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVII + + WITH SWEETHEART NIGHTS ARE SHORTEST[56] + + + Cyclone downward rumbling, + All the castle trembling. + In castle is a girl + Crying, never ceasing: + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to papa; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to mother; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to brother; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to sister; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + Cyclone downward rumbling, + All the castle trembling. + In castle is a girl + Crying, never ceasing: + "Alas, how short the nights are! + Sleeping with my darling, + Just on single mattress, + On a single pillow, + 'Neath a single cover." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVIII + + DAWN AWAKENED LAZAR[57] + + + 'Wakening Lazar dawn was stealing: + "Get up, Lazar; rise up, Lazar! + Horse of thine has thirst for water." + Forthwith up leaps Lazar quickly, + Grasps his horse's bridle lightly, + Leading horse, he goes to water, + But at water's edge was maiden, + With his foot he touched hers gently, + Kissed the while her black eyes sparkling, + Clasping her about the bosom. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIX + + A DEVILISH YOUNG MATRON[58] + + + When I lived a girl with mother, + Good advice was given me often, + That I should not drink the red wine, + That I should not wear green wreathlets, + That I shouldn't kiss a stranger. + But I poor girl deeply thinking over: + There's no red cheek without red wine sparkling, + There's no pleasure without green wreath glistening, + Neither amour without stranger wooer. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLX + + GIRL IS ETERNAL POSSESSION[59] + + + In a garden works a maiden, + Digging furrow, water decoy, + To the garden 'luring water, + To give drink to early flowers, + Early flowers, whitest basil, + Whitest basil, gold carnation; + Where she's furrowing, there she's sleeping. + Putting head in sweetest basil, + Hands are lying in carnations, + Feet are plac'd in shallow hollow, + Covered with a fragile kerchief; + Beat upon her dew-drops slender, + Like a rain-soaked watermelon. + Now there comes a callow youth, + Callow youth and not yet married, + Grasping two posts, leaps the railing, + Springing lightly into garden, + Then commences soliloquizing: + "Should I pluck a bunch of flowers? + Should I kiss a sleeping maiden? + Bunch of flowers lasts till mid-day, + But a maiden lasts forever." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXI + + JOVO AND MARIA[60] + + + Breeze fans up o'er roses 'long the meadow, + To the rich white tent of Jovo, youthful, + Where there's Jovo with Maria sitting: + Jovo writing and Maria sewing; + Ink runs short for Jovo where he's writing, + And Maria golden thread is losing, + Then to Maria, Jovo thus is speaking: + "Oh, my Maria, mine own cherish'd lov'd one! + Is my soul to thee a dear possession? + For a pillow is my right hand doughty?" + Mara to him gently whispering slowly: + "Believe me, Jovo, darling of my heart-throb, + Dearer to me is thy soul much dearer, + Than are altogether four of brothers; + Softer to me thy own right hand doughty, + Than four softest pillows of my choosing." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXII + + ROSE TREE[61] + + + Planted rose-tree midst of Novi-Sad town, + O my rose-bud, O my sorrow rose tree, + Cannot pick you, neither give you sweetheart: + For my sweetie vents her anger on me, + Gliding past my courtyard stealthy, + Like the slave who passes Turkish graveyard. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIII + + DARLING'S WRATH[62] + + + O my darling, be not wrathful; + Should I, myself, show my hot displeasure, + All of Bosnia never could appease us, + Not all Bosnia nor the Hercegovina. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIV + + LAD PIERCED WITH ARROW[63] + + + Alas hero I'm with arrow pierced, + O my Yetsa, thy white face is guilty, + Thy black eye-balls are the piercing arrows, + Thy white arms are now a very torment. + Come, my love bird, to my white court homing, + Come to heal my heart's own sore displeasure, + To bind up my wounds with thy throat's whiteness, + To salve suffering with thy honey kisses. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXV + + NOUGHT BUT KISSES[64] + + + Up and down went youth in mountain, + In a garden, girl round fountain; + On her threw he hawthorn red,-- + Lightly answering, blackthorn sped,-- + Think you they intend to kill? + Nought but kisses that they will. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVI + + UNITED[65] + + + Little girl, the small black-eyed, + Hero, wondering stupefied: + 'Had we means of barter! + To lead us near together! + I my life long would not quit her, + None could make our friendship wither.' + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVII + + GIRL PLEADS WITH JEWELLER[66] + + + Oh, my jeweller, for your trade's sake, listen! + Make me hero, all of gold my hero, + I will spoil him, as his mother dares not, + I will kiss him until dawns the twilight, + Till day breaks ever will caress him. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVIII + + WIFE DEARER THAN SISTER[67] + + + Lo! behold behind the forest + Someone loudly screams-- + "'Tis a voice," says youthful hero, + "Girlish-like it seems." + When behold! he looked and spied her, + Tiny girl, tree-bound they'd tied her, + With fine silken seams. + Hear! she prays of youthful hero, dazzled by his might: + "Come to me, thou youthful hero, O most beauteous, wonderknight. + Come to free me, youthful hero, and I'll be thy sister true." + Thus she spake, but laughing he, "O, there's one at home like you." + "Come to free me then, my brother; sister-in-law I'll be no other." + ('But at home she sits by mother.') + "Then I'll be thy golden bride. + Take me to thy meadows wide, + Take me to thy castles white, + Take me, take me from this plight." + So she spake to gallant lover, + Hovering near and just above her, + Clasps her in his arms to love her-- + Such a gallant knight! + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIX + + GREATEST SORROW[68] + + + All young heroes here save mine, + All young gallant heroes brave. + O! that I were sure he'd tarry, + Lingering in some sickness grave, + Rather than the wish to marry + Sends him courting another maid. + O! may he be too ill to travel, + May him dread illness cause to pine, + Rather than to court another, + Never, never to be mine. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXX + + YOUTH AND GIRL[69] + + + O maiden, thou gentlest rose + When thou wert growing what didst thou behold? + Hast thou observed a pine-tree growing + Or the slender, proud fir-tree blowing, + Or did'st gaze at my youngest brother?-- + + O glad, young hero, brilliant Sun! + Never at the pine-tree blowing + Have I look'd in wonder gazing + Neither at the slender fir-tree, + Nor thy youngest brother, free, + Rather have I grown to suit thee, + Tender knight, to suit but thee. + + B. S. S. + + + + +NOTES + + +[Footnote 1: This song as also those signed "S. J. B." has been +transversified and published by (Sir) John Bowring, "Servian Popular +Poetry," London, 1827.] + +[Footnote 2: The Serbian peasants, especially women, firmly believe that +saints, parents, rulers, bishops and clergymen have the privilege of +cursing and that the person to whom the curse is addressed is bound to +undergo the consequences pronounced by the curser. There are several +instances in the Serbian heroic ballads by which it is proven that the +national Serbian bards, and indeed all the peasants who participated in +the composition of their epic poetry, believe that curses pronounced by +privileged persons always come true. Thus in the ballad _Uros and +Mrnjavcevici_ King Vukasin of Macedonia, angry with his son Marko +Kralyevich because the latter, when chosen for arbiter, said that the +imperial crown belonged to Carevic Uros and not to him (Vukasin), +exclaimed: + + "O son Marko, may God smother thee! + Mayest thou have no tomb, nor progeny + May thy soul not leave thy body + Before thou hast served the Turkish emperor!" + +While Marko's kingly father cursed him, Carevic Uros blesses him thus: + + "O my Kum Marko, God second thee! + Thy face shine at divan + Thy sabre smother in duels! + May no one excel thee in heroism + Thy name be reverently remembered. + As long as Sun and Moon shine!" + +And the bard finishes his poem with, "Whatever they said, it came true." + +Another oral tradition tells us how a nobleman _Velimir Bogati_ (Velimir +the Rich) who once refused hospitality to Knez Lazar, the emperor of +Serbia (1389), was cursed by the noble prince and how Velimir's first +son indeed drowned himself in the river Lepenica, his second son fell +from his horse and died in consequence of the accident and how his +third, and now only son, was imprisoned by his father in one of the +remotest towers of his castle in order to avoid any danger of +experiencing the prince's curse. One day, however, Velimir Bogati +brought to his imprisoned son some grapes from his own vineyard, in +order that the poor young fellow should at least know what time of the +year it was, and lo! while the boy was eating the grapes a small viper +jumped out of the bunch and mortally bit him. The news of the sudden +death of the young nobleman spread rapidly amongst the neighboring +villages and fortified the peasants in their belief that one cannot +escape the curse. + +Par extension a _kletva_ (curse) can be effective even if pronounced, as +in the above song, by other persons than those privileged. + +Another saga narrates how a peasant greedily coveted and wished to +appropriate a corn field that belonged to his neighbour and, in order to +attain his evil end, he buried in the middle of that field his only son +whom he had previously taught what to say when interrogated. The judge +and the plaintiffs came with the defender to the spot and the +mischievous peasant in order to mystify those present, exclaimed: "O +black earth, speak of thy own free will, to whom dost thou rightly +belong?" + +"I belong to thee," the voice from below was heard. + +The lawful owner, hearing this, started aback. And the judge's verdict +appointed the field to belong to the covetous and wrong claimant. And +the parties dispersed in wonder. + +Then the father began to dig the ground in order to disinter his son. +But--there was not the shadow of one! He called loudly and the child +answered the call but the voice from beneath the earth was ever fainter +and fainter. Finally the child turned to a mole. + +Thus became, according to Serbian tradition, the first mole. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 3: Sir John Bowring, although a remarkable transversifier and +at times a true interpreter of popular songs of the Slavs, has taken too +much of that _licentia poetica_ in his rendering of this, one of the +most beautiful lyrics ever composed by Serbian peasant women. The reader +may judge for himself, when comparing Sir John Bowring's liberal +transversification with the following _verbatim_ translation (which he, +himself, felt absolutely indispensable to reproduce) what a great +injustice is inflicted upon the popular songs of any people by even the +most conscientious transversifier and how infinitely less untrue to the +original a rendering can be. (Edit.) + +Of this little poem, which Goethe calls "wonderful," the following is an +almost literal translation: + + Full of wine, white branches of the vine-trees + To white Buda's fortress white had clung them: + No! it was no vine-tree, white and pregnant! + No! it was a pair of faithful lovers, + From their early youth betrothed together. + Now they are compell'd to part untimely. + One address'd the other at their parting, + "Go! my soul! burst out and leave my bosom! + Thou wilt find a hedge-surrounded garden, + And a red-rose branch within the garden; + Pluck a rose from off the branch, and place it, + Place it on thy heart, within thy bosom; + Then behold!--ev'n as that rose is fading, + Fades my heart within thy heart thou loved one!" + And thus answer'd then the other lover: + "Thou, my soul! turn back a few short paces. + There thou wilt discern a verdant forest; + In it is a fount of crystal water; + In the fount there is a block of marble; + On the marble block a golden goblet; + In the goblet thou wilt find a snow-ball. + Love! take out that snow-ball from the goblet, + Lay it on thy heart within thy bosom; + See it melt--and as it melts, my lov'd one! + So my heart within thy heart is melting." + + (S. J. B.) +] + +[Footnote 4: This song has obviously been composed by a Serbian woman of +Mohammedan faith. A large percentage of Serbians in Bosnia, Hercegovina +and even Macedonia are still adhering to the Koran. Ali Bey surely must +have been a Serbian bey. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 5: Smilia, the _grapharium arenarium_, or "lovely love." Also +a woman's name. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 6: This song is sung at the close of the harvest, when all the +reapers are gathered together. Half as many reeds as the number of +persons present are so bound that no one can distinguish the two ends +which belong to the same reed. Each man takes one end of the reeds on +one side, each of the women takes one end at the other. The withes that +bind the reeds are severed, and the couples that hold the same reed kiss +one another. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 7: _Kalpak_, the fur cap of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 8: This is one of the songs sung at the breaking up of the +company, addressed to the giver of the festival. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 9: _Musko cedo_ (male child). The male sex is in Serbia, as +elsewhere, deemed entitled to more care and attention than the other. +(S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 10: A handkerchief embroidered and given by a girl to a boy is +considered in Jugoslavia as a symbol of love and faith. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 11: As unfortunately Serbian parents often, very often, select +the husband of their marriageable daughter, the poor girl, unless +disobedient and rebellious, meekly accedes to the choice even if her +bridegroom should be an old man. This is obviously a remnant of Turkish +dominion in Serbia. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 12: _Zvezda_, star, is of the feminine gender. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 13: Sun is feminine in Serbian. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 14: The leech, _Sanguisuga_; but in Serbian there is no +disagreeable association with the word. It is the name usually employed +to describe the beauty of the eyebrows, as swallows' wings are the +simile used for eyelashes. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 15: _Visnja_, the universal Slavonian name of the Vistula +cherry-tree. The _Cerasum apronianum_ of Linné. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 16: The _Vila_ nearly corresponds to the _Peri_ of the +Persians, and the _Wöla_ of the Scandinavians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 17: _Radisa_ is the name of a man. _Radovanje_--joy. (S. J. +B.)] + +[Footnote 18: _Lepota_ is the Serbian word for beauty. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 19: I shall be accused of having _decorated_ this. The +translation is more free than I have generally given; but in order to +show how little I have deviated from the thought of the original, I give +the conclusion. (S. J. B.) + + "Ako bi te u pjesmu pjevala, + Pjesma ide od usta do usta, + Pa ce doci u pogana usta; + Ako bi te u rukave vezla, + Rukav ce se odma izderati, + Pa ce tvoje ime poginuti; + Ako bi te u knjigu pisala + Knjiga ide od ruke do ruke, + Pa ce doci u pogane ruke." + + Vuk i. p. 200 +] + +[Footnote 20: The popular national dance of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 21: _Bosiljak_, the _Ocimum basilicum_ of Linné (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 22: As the Serbians have had during the long Ottoman rule to +attend to much sterner duties than that of cultivating literature and +art, and, as the greater part of the population (sixty per cent at +least) are even to this day completely illiterate, ability to read and +write is still considered an 'art' with the peasantry. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 23: _Kaloper_, balsamita vulgaris of Linné. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 24: _Vila_ (pronounced veelah) is with the Serbians a female +deity (Muse or Grace) of incomparable beauty and tenderness. But she can +be very hostile to mortals. (Cf. note 16. Edit.)] + +[Footnote 25: The cuckoo (_Kukavica_), according to Serbian tradition, +was a maiden who mourned so unceasingly for a dead brother, that she was +changed into a bird, and thence continues without rest her melancholy +note. A Serbian girl who has lost a brother never hears a cuckoo without +shedding tears.--"I a poor cuckoo," is equivalent to "woe is me!" (S. J. +B.)] + +[Footnote 26: _Ban_ is obviously a corrupt form of the Polish or Cech or +Ruthenian title _Pan_, meaning "Mr." or, in direct address, "Sir." To +this day that word has been conserved only by those Serbians who have +lived in the Austro-Hungarian territory called Croatia, and is applied +as a title to their political chief. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 27: Lado is the vocative of _Lada_, the goddess of love, in +the old Slavonian mythology. _Lado!_ is a melancholy interjection in +Serbian, whereas _Lele!_ the vocative of Lela, the god of love, has +frequently a cheerful association. _Polela_ (after love) the goddess of +marriage, is also sometimes apostrophised. Talvj remarks, that _Ljad_, +in Russian, signifies misfortune. In common parlance, _Lele mene_ +(Serbian) imports "Woe is me!" (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 28: _Mlinar_, the miller. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 29: Wesely imagines that this expression has been introduced +into Serbian poetry by the influence of the interesting ballad on the +marriage of Maxim Cernojevic (see _Quarterly Review_ for December, +1826). The intimate intercourse which existed between Serbia and Venice +may account for the phraseology. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 30: This song, as also others signed "O. M.", has been +transversified by Robert Bulwer Lytton (Owen Meredith), "Serbske Pesme; +or National Songs of Serbia," London, 1861. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 31: _Kolo_, signifying literally a wheel, is the generic term +for all the Serbian national dances in most of which the dancers, either +taking hands, or united each to each by a handkerchief tied round the +waist or to the girdle, form a ring and advance or retreat to and from +the centre to a monotonous music, either of the voice or some very +simple wind instruments. Both sexes take part in these dances, which are +frequently in the open air. (O. M.)] + +[Footnote 32: This song as also those signed "J. W. W.", has been +transversified and published by J. W. Wiles, "Serbian Songs and Poems: +Chords of the Yugoslav Harp," New York, 1917.] + +[Footnote 33: _Hodza_, i. e. Mohammedan priest. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 34: Turkish seminary. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 35: _Kalfa_, governess. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 36: _Koledó_: In ancient times the Serbians, as all the Slavs, +often used this word as a refrain in their bucolic songs. It was an +address to _Ledo_, the ancient Slav divinity who presided over the +process of fertility and protected fields and flowers. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 37: Loud lamentations, by women rather than men, are an +ancient custom among the Serbs. These dirges are again and again +extemporized with spontaneous poetic feeling. Girls let down their hair +and lament in the orchards and precincts of the house. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 38: This song, as well as others signed "B. S. S.," has been +rendered into English by the Editor.] + +[Footnote 39: "The Prayer of Karageorge's Lady" is number 685 of Vol. I +of Vuk Karadzic's collection. (Edition of 1891.) + +[Footnote 40: No. 428 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 41: No. 445 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 42: No. 468 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 43: No. 474 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 44: No. 581 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 45: No. 792 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 46: No. 765 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 47: No. 247 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 48: No. 314 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 49: No. 338 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 50: No. 409 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 51: No. 446 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 52: No. 298 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 53: No. 279 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 54: No. 335 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 55: No. 309 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 56: No. 294 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 57: No. 466 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 58: No. 459 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 59: No. 453 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 60: No. 287 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 61: No. 472 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 62: No. 473 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 63: No. 482 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 64: No. 487 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 65: No. 488 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 66: No. 491 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 67: No. 300 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 68: No. 359 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 69: No. 422 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; +Serbian Lyrics, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + +***** This file should be named 36091-8.txt or 36091-8.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/0/9/36091/ + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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Stevenson Stanoyevich. +</title> + +<style type="text/css"> + +body { + margin-left: 12%; + margin-right: 12%; +} + + h1,h2,h3,h4,h5 { + text-align: center; + clear: both; +} + +p { + margin-top: .75em; + text-align: justify; + margin-bottom: .75em; +} + +.p2 {margin-top: 2em;} +.p4 {margin-top: 4em;} + + +hr { /*default rule across entire width */ + margin-top: 2em; + margin-bottom: 2em; + margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + clear: both; +} +hr.c10 {width: 10%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em} + + table {margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto; + border-collapse: collapse; + margin-top: 1em; + margin-bottom: 2em;} + + td.left {vertical-align: bottom; + text-align: left; + padding-left: 20px; + padding-right: 5px; + padding-bottom: 6px; + padding-top: 3px;} + + td.center {vertical-align: bottom; + text-align: center; + padding-left: 20px; + padding-right: 5px; + padding-bottom: 6px; + padding-top: 3px;} + + + td.right {vertical-align: bottom; + text-align: right; + padding-left: 20px; + padding-right: 5px; + padding-bottom: 6px; + padding-top: 3px;} + +.quotesig { + margin-left: 35%; + margin-top: 0em; +} +.fnanchor { + font-size: 80%; + text-decoration: none; + vertical-align: 0.3em; +} + +.footnote {font-size: 90%; + text-decoration: none;} + +.center {text-align: center;} + +/*.smaller {font-size: 75%;}*/ + +.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} + +/* Images */ +.figcenter { + margin: auto; + text-align: center; +} + +/* Poetry */ +.poem { + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + text-align: left; + } + +.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} + +.poem span.i0 { + display: block; + margin-left: 0em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +.poem span.i2 { + display: block; + margin-left: 2em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +.poem span.i4 { + display: block; + margin-left: 4em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +.poem span.i5 { + display: block; + margin-left: 5em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +.poem span.i6 { + display: block; + margin-left: 6em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +.poem span.i10 { /*for space below initials at end of poems */ + display: block; + margin-left: 10em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + padding-bottom: 3em; + } + +.poem span.i10a { /*for use in poem LVII and Footnotes 3 and 19*/ + display: block; + margin-left: 10em; + padding-left: 3em; + text-indent: -3em; + } + +/* Transcriber notes */ +ins {text-decoration:none; + border-bottom: thin dotted gray;} + +.tnote {border: dashed 1px; + margin-left: 10%; + margin-right: 10%; + padding-bottom: .5em; + padding-top: .5em; + padding-left: .5em; padding-right: .5em;} + + </style> + </head> + +<body> + + +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian +Lyrics, by Various + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian Lyrics + +Author: Various + +Editor: Beatrice Stevenson Stanoyevich + +Release Date: May 13, 2011 [EBook #36091] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + + + + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + +</pre> + + +<h1>AN ANTHOLOGY OF<br /> +JUGOSLAV POETRY</h1> + +<h3>SERBIAN LYRICS</h3> + +<h5>EDITED BY</h5> +<h2>D<span class="smcap">r</span>. B. STEVENSON STANOYEVICH</h2> + +<div class="figcenter"> + <img src="images/logo.jpg" + width="293" height="350" alt="Illustration: Printer's logo" + title="Printer's logo" /> +</div> + +<h5>BOSTON</h5> +<h3>RICHARD G. BADGER</h3> +<hr class="c10" /> +<h5>THE GORHAM PRESS</h5> + +<p class="p4 center"><span class="smcap">Copyright, 1920, By Richard G. +Badger</span></p> +<hr class="c10" /> +<p class="center">All Rights Reserved</p> + +<p class="p4 center">Made in the United States of America<br /> +The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A.</p> + +<p class="p4">TRANSLITERATION OF UNUSUAL JUGOSLAV SCRIPT:</p> + +<p> a = a in father, garden<br /> + e = e in men, envoy<br /> + i = i in tin, ill<br /> + o = o in son, note<br /> + u = u in rule, rumor<br /> + j = y in yoke, yes<br /> + c = ts in cats, lots<br /> + lj = ly in William, million<br /> + dj = dy in endure, verdure<br /> + gj = gy in George<br /> + nj = ny in Kenyon, opinion<br /> + č = tch in watch, catch<br /> + ć = ch in culture, literature<br /> + š = sh in ship, shade<br /> + ž = zh in azure, seizure<br /> + dž = dzh in Badger, or j in James</p> + +<p>The rest of the letters correspond to the English sounds.</p> + +<p class="p4 center">PREFACE</p> + +<p class="p2">"Give me the making of a nation's songs, and let who will +make their laws," was the maxim of a Scottish patriot. We would prefer +to modify this rule, and say, "Give us the poems which the people make +for themselves, and then we shall obtain a clear insight into the +national character and learn what customs and laws they are likely to +accept or reject." Folk-songs are the intimate expressions of the ideas +of the people. What the comic drama is to the cultured, and the +music-hall to the ill-educated portions of urban population, the popular +song has been, and in some countries still is, to the rural peasantry, a +true exponent of their sentiments, though too frequently inaccurate in +statements of facts. Critics, as is well known, have censured Lord +Macaulay for his indiscriminate adoption of the vulgar and often +malignant rhapsodies sung in the streets of London. But the Russian +<i>bylina</i>, collected by Danilov, Rybnikov, Sreznevsky and others, +may be taken as furnishing unimpeachable evidence of the state of Russia +during the invasions of the Mongols and Turks. The Jacobite poems give +us the real feelings of the people of Scotland for nearly an entire +century. The popular and rustic strains which are handed down from the +reign of Henry III have rehabilitated the memory of Simon de Montfort. +Moore's Irish melodies, originally composed for the delectation of +English aristocrats, have been so generally admired in his native land +that they exhibit pretty clear indications of what the Irish patriots +would like to do if they had the power. And the battle-hymn by Rouget de +Lisle is not only popular in France, but has recently been sung by the +Russian bolsheviki when marching to occupy Tsarskoe Selo and other +imperial lands.</p> + +<p>The songs to which the English form has been given in the following +volume have been taken mostly from Vuk Karadžić's invaluable +collection: <i>Srpske Narodne Pjesme</i> (Serbian National Songs). +Karadžić, of whom the literary world has heard so much, is the +father of modern Serbian literature. He spent many years among the +peasants in collecting the national treasures: ballads, tales, proverbs, +anecdotes and other folklore. Before his time the songs had never been +reduced to written form, and were kept out of reach of the public ear. +He was only able to hear them partly because of a ruse and partly in +secret, when he listened with inexhaustible patience to the girls +spinning, or the <i>guslars</i> (bards) trolling in taverns and at +fairs, or the reapers chanting at their work. In the preface of his +first book of <i>Srpske Narodne Pjesme</i> Karadžić tells us +that in Serbia two sorts of popular poetry exist—the historical +ballads, and popular songs of a character which caused them to be +described as <i>ženske pjesme</i> (women's songs) chanted by +country folk, both men and women and mostly in duet. It is the latter, +<i>ženske pjesme</i>, which having been translated into English are +gathered together in the following anthology, <i>Serbian Lyrics</i>.</p> + +<p>Sir John Bowring, who unveiled to his countrymen the rich treasures +of Slavic popular songs in general, is also distinguished by being the +pioneer to point out the Serbian in particular. But the claims, which +we, at the present day, feel ourselves entitled to make on a translator, +are very different from those current in Bowring's time. Correctness and +fidelity are now considered necessary requisites in a good translation, +just as antiquarian exactness is expected in the publication of an old +manuscript.</p> + +<p>Jugoslav lyric poetry is divided into several groups, as, for +instance, one grouping contains poems concerning marriage. These songs +tell of the beauty of the bride, of her joy and sorrow before departure +from the home of her parents, as well as her feelings upon other +occasions during wedlock. There are poems belonging to the group of +bacchanalian songs, pronounced during the toast, and resounding with +many refrains. Then there are lamentations (<i>tužbalice</i>) which +are mostly provincial, from Montenegro and Dalmatia. They are also +accompanied by refrains, expressing sorrow after the death of some loved +one, and extolling the virtues of the deceased, or the great misfortune +felt by those left behind. All this emotion is described very fitly and +in a touching manner. Further, there are poems commemorating the holy +seasons and "red-letter days," as <i>svečarske pjesme</i> sung on the +<i>Slava</i> celebration of some <i>svetac</i> (saint). To the same +grouping belong Christmas poems hailing the glory of the Christ, and +depicting the customs of that season (<i>koledo</i>). Saints, such as +Sts. John, George, Peter, and others, have their own eulogies. There are +besides poems exalting the Holy Ghost (<i>kraljičke pjesme</i>). +<i>Dodole</i>, which originated from old customs of heathenism, are sung +during the summer droughts. Others are reapers' songs, mostly sung at +<i>prelo</i> time (social gatherings). There are poems that are +connected neither with marriage, nor death, nor harvests, but which +treat of mythological or religious subjects; they are called +<i>pobožne</i>, describing the spiritual virtues of the Virgin, or +the Christ, or the apostles. Here are also to be found humoristic and +satirical compositions, directed against women, or especially against +monks, widows, and old bachelors. They are as a rule sprightly songs and +piquant, pleasant and witty.</p> + +<p>Critics who have written of the Serbian national songs declare that +they are characterized by extreme delicacy both of feeling and +workmanship, and that they are noble in their childlike purity, simple +treatment of, and sympathy with, every phase of natural human +experience. But these Serbian songs have quite a peculiar character of +their own. They are directly, passionately, fiercely human, and rich +with poetic sympathy. Love, glory, sorrow, death—are the themes +constantly handled in a thousand weird and poetic phrases. There is a +strong Indian flavor of the joy of rest in Mother Earth; and again, a +keen thirst for the fight which smacks of the men who lived with Moslems +around them. Although these chants occasionally recall something of the +martial lilt of old Spanish ballads, they have an individual original +turn which cannot be compared with any extant popular poetry. They have +the uncanny mystery of the Celtic tales of love in death, which is very +rare.</p> + +<p>The love songs of the Jugoslav lands have a dreamy, calm and exalted +sweetness that reminds us of the Alps and the Cevennes. Among these the +Bosnian <i>sevdalinke</i> (love songs of Bosnia) are especially worthy +of remark, for they are full of emotion, yearning and tender passion. +The greater warmth of the songs of Herzegovina and Montenegro is owing +more to the sonorous language than to any superiority in melody. Here +are mostly to be found <i>tužbalice</i>. As to Dalmatia, Croatia +and Slovenia, their melodies are chiefly marked by simplicity and a +feeling for the domestic side of life. Bačka and Banat, blessed with +much open air and sunshine, possess no love-songs in the strict sense of +the term; but they have <i>serenade</i> and <i>poskočice</i>, +although for these there is little or no original melody. To the +light-minded and bright-witted singers of these provinces imagination is +easier than memory.</p> + +<p>A country very rich in melody is Serbia. Here one may find a truer +and more intense musical feeling, a stronger love of the soil, and more +sincere devotion to the beauty of nature, especially of spring and +summer, than in any other part of Jugoslavia. The love songs of Serbia +seem to have a special inspiration of their own. We may hear the +shepherds singing in green pastures and among the fir-woods, or in the +silence of the mountains. From the vineyards, from the fair and dances, +and from the daily round of work the strains arise. Everywhere that +youth is seen a poem is heard, and every occupation is accompanied by a +song.</p> + +<p>We cannot, however, leave this part of our subject without mentioning +some of the burlesque poems, which the Jugoslavs possess in great +number, partly narrative and partly lyric. The Americans are accustomed +to think of the Jugoslavs and their kinsmen as grave and sombre, or, +when their passions are excited, prone to deeds of tragic violence. +Those who are better acquainted with them know full well that they are +as loquacious and sarcastically sportive in their social gatherings as +any nation, and many of their verses are redolent of these qualities. +They display all the gradations of the comic, from the diverting +simplicity of the innocent confession of an enamoured girl, together +with the ludicrous situation and disappointed vanity of her cheated +lover, up to a strain of bitter satire and merciless irony. Poems marked +by that simplicity which borders between the touching and the humorous +are also represented in this volume. Such is the song, "Trouble with the +Husband":</p> + +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I married last year,</span> +<span class="i0">This year I repent.</span> +<span class="i0">Bad husband have I,</span> +<span class="i0">With temper like nettle:</span> +<span class="i0">My lot I resent.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The frost kills the nettle,</span> +<span class="i0">But this husband of mine,</span> +<span class="i0">He thinks the frost fine:</span> +<span class="i0">By the stove all day long</span> +<span class="i0">He does nothing but sit,</span> +<span class="i0">And says that the frost</span> +<span class="i0">He minds not one bit!</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In Celovec 'tis market-day,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis market-day to-morrow;</span> +<span class="i0">I will take my husband there,</span> +<span class="i0">And will either there him change,</span> +<span class="i0">Or else will sell him at the fair.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Not too cheap I'll let him go,</span> +<span class="i0">Because he was so hard to get;</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than too cheaply sell him,</span> +<span class="i0">Back home again I'll take the man,</span> +<span class="i0">And love him—howsomuch I can!</span> +</div> +</div> + +<p>The western world has already heard of the rich mine of Jugoslav +folk-literature. Nevertheless, comparatively speaking, only a very small +number have been translated into English. The extreme simplicity of +these verses, the peculiar character of the Serbian language, with its +melodiously protracted words, its pompously sonorous sounds, and its +harmonious diffuseness, all render it exceedingly difficult to translate +Serbian lyrics without encountering the danger of making constant +additions; especially when rendering it into a language with so many +monosyllabic words, and so philosophically condensed, as the +English.</p> + +<p class="quotesig"><span class="smcap">Milivoy Stanoyevich</span>.</p> + +<p>New York, 1920.</p> + +<div> +<table class="bold" border="0" cellpadding="5" +cellspacing="10" summary="Table of Contents"> +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'><h3><a name="TABLE"></a>TABLE OF +CONTENTS</h3></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">poems translated +by</span></td></tr> +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'>SIR JOHN BOWRING</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><span class="smcap">chapter</span></td><td> +</td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">page</span></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#I">I.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Curse</span></td><td align='right'>21</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#II">II.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Farewell</span></td><td align='right'>23</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#III">III.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Violet</span></td><td align='right'>24</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#IV">IV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Smilia</span></td><td align='right'>24</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#V">V.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Harvest Song</span></td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#VI">VI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Maiden's Prayer</span></td><td align='right'>25</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#VII">VII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Kisses</span></td><td align='right'>26</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#VIII">VIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Harvest Song</span></td><td align='right'>27</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#IX">IX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Curse</span></td><td align='right'>27</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#X">X.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Salutation of the Morning Star</span></td><td +align='right'>28</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XI">XI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Knitter</span></td><td align='right'>29</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XII">XII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Royal Converse</span></td><td align='right'>30</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XIII">XIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Rosa</span></td><td align='right'>31</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XIV">XIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Maiden and the Sun</span></td><td +align='right'>31</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XV">XV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Maiden's Wish</span></td><td +align='right'>32</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XVI">XVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Falcon</span></td><td align='right'>33</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XVII">XVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Deer and Vila</span></td><td align='right'>34</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XVIII">XVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Virgin and Widow</span></td><td align='right'>35</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XIX">XIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Nightingales</span></td><td align='right'>36</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XX">XX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Ring</span></td><td align='right'>37</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXI">XXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Fratricide</span></td><td align='right'>38</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXII">XXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Love</span></td><td align='right'>40</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXIII">XXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Maple Tree</span></td><td align='right'>40</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXIV">XXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Semendrian Beauty</span></td><td +align='right'>41</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXV">XXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Self-Admiration</span></td><td align='right'>42</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXVI">XXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Assignation</span></td><td align='right'>42</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXVII">XXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Foolish Vow</span></td><td align='right'>43</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXVIII">XXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Vilas</span></td><td align='right'>43</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXIX">XXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Lepota</span></td><td align='right'>44</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXX">XXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Imprecations</span></td><td align='right'>45</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXI">XXXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Secrets Divulged</span></td><td align='right'>46</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXII">XXXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Wishes</span></td><td align='right'>47</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXIII">XXXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Lover Asleep</span></td><td align='right'>47</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXIV">XXXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Early Sorrows</span></td><td align='right'>48</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXV">XXXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Young Shepherds</span></td><td +align='right'>49</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXVI">XXXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Thoughts of a Mother</span></td><td +align='right'>51</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXVII">XXXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Counsel</span></td><td align='right'>52</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXVIII">XXXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Desolation</span></td><td align='right'>52</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XXXIX">XXXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Apprehension</span></td><td align='right'>53</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XL">XL.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Milica</span></td><td align='right'>54</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLI">XLI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Choice</span></td><td align='right'>55</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLII">XLII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">For Whom?</span></td><td align='right'>55</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLIII">XLIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Liberty</span></td><td align='right'>56</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLIV">XLIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Dance</span></td><td align='right'>57</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLV">XLV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Elegy</span></td><td align='right'>58</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLVI">XLVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Inquiry</span></td><td align='right'>59</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLVII">XLVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Doubt</span></td><td align='right'>60</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLVIII">XLVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Sultaness</span></td><td align='right'>61</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XLIX">XLIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Betrothing</span></td><td align='right'>61</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#L">L.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Cautions</span></td><td align='right'>62</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LI">LI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Maiden's Cares</span></td><td align='right'>63</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LII">LII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mohammedan Song</span></td><td align='right'>65</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LIII">LIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mine Everywhere</span></td><td align='right'>65</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LIV">LIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Maid Awaking</span></td><td align='right'>67</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LV">LV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mother's Love</span></td><td align='right'>67</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LVI">LVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Greybeard</span></td><td align='right'>68</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LVII">LVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mohammedan Tale</span></td><td align='right'>69</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LVIII">LVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Love's Difficulties</span></td><td +align='right'>71</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LIX">LIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Witches</span></td><td align='right'>72</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LX">LX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Pledges</span></td><td align='right'>72</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXI">LXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Complaint</span></td><td align='right'>73</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXII">LXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Song</span></td><td align='right'>74</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXIII">LXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mohammedan Song</span></td><td align='right'>74</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXIV">LXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Brotherless Sisters</span></td><td +align='right'>75</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXV">LXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Misfortunes</span></td><td align='right'>76</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXVI">LXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Timidity</span></td><td align='right'>77</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXVII">LXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Youth Enamoured</span></td><td align='right'>78</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXVIII">LXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Black Eyes and Blue</span></td><td +align='right'>79</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXIX">LXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Widow</span></td><td align='right'>80</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXX">LXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Alarms</span></td><td align='right'>80</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXI">LXXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Fond Wife</span></td><td align='right'>81</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXII">LXXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Unhappy Bride</span></td><td align='right'>81</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXIII">LXXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Last Petition</span></td><td align='right'>82</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXIV">LXXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Love for a Brother</span></td><td +align='right'>83</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXV">LXXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Rebuke</span></td><td align='right'>84</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXVI">LXXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Man's Faith</span></td><td align='right'>85</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXVII">LXXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Maiden's Affection</span></td><td +align='right'>85</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXVIII">LXXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Marriage Songs</span></td><td align='right'>86</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXIX">LXXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Heroes Served</span></td><td align='right'>89</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXX">LXXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Youth and Age</span></td><td align='right'>89</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXI">LXXXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Choice</span></td><td align='right'>90</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXII">LXXXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Anxiety</span></td><td align='right'>91</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIII">LXXXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Inquiry</span></td><td align='right'>91</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIV">LXXXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Frozen Heart</span></td><td align='right'>92</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXV">LXXXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Union in Death</span></td><td align='right'>92</td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">poems translated +by</span></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'>EARL OF LYTTON (OWEN +MEREDITH)</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVI">LXXXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Love and Sleep</span></td><td align='right'>93</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVII">LXXXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Love Confers Nobility</span></td><td +align='right'>95</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXVIII">LXXXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Soul's Sweetnes</span></td><td +align='right'>95</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#LXXXIX">LXXXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Reminiscences</span></td><td align='right'>96</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XC">XC.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Sleep and Death</span></td><td align='right'>97</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCI">XCI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Imperfection</span></td><td align='right'>98</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCII">XCII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Emancipation</span></td><td align='right'>99</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCIII">XCIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Plucking a Flower</span></td><td +align='right'>100</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCIV">XCIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Wish</span></td><td align='right'>102</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCV">XCV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Serbian Beauty</span></td><td +align='right'>102</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCVI">XCVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Sleeplessness</span></td><td align='right'>103</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCVII">XCVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Message</span></td><td align='right'>104</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCVIII">XCVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Transplanting a Flower</span></td><td +align='right'>104</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#XCIX">XCIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Isolation</span></td><td align='right'>105</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#C">C.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Fatima and Mehmed</span></td><td +align='right'>106</td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">poems translated +by</span></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'>J. W. WILES, M.A.</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CI">CI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Morava Horses</span></td><td align='right'>107</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CII">CII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Girl and the Grass</span></td><td +align='right'>108</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CIII">CIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Sun and the Girl</span></td><td +align='right'>108</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CIV">CIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Curse and Blessing</span></td><td +align='right'>109</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CV">CV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Nicest Flower in the World</span></td><td +align='right'>110</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CVI">CVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Pretty Tomb</span></td><td align='right'>111</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CVII">CVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Toda and Her Fate</span></td><td +align='right'>112</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CVIII">CVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Vila</span></td><td align='right'>113</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CIX">CIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Three Roses</span></td><td align='right'>113</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CX">CX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Her Dream</span></td><td align='right'>114</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXI">CXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Trouble with the Husband</span></td><td +align='right'>115</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXII">CXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Peacock and the Nightingale</span></td><td +align='right'>116</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXIII">CXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The First Toast</span></td><td align='right'>116</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXIV">CXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Hodža</span></td><td align='right'>117</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXV">CXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Woes</span></td><td align='right'>118</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXVI">CXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Hard to Believe</span></td><td align='right'>119</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXVII">CXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Conditions</span></td><td align='right'>119</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXVIII">CXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Prayer Before Going to Bed</span></td><td +align='right'>120</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXIX">CXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Vision Before Sleep</span></td><td +align='right'>120</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXX">CXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Prayer in the Field</span></td><td +align='right'>121</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXI">CXXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Child in Heaven</span></td><td +align='right'>121</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXII">CXXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Christmas</span></td><td align='right'>122</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXIII">CXXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Christ Thinks of His Mother</span></td><td +align='right'>123</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXIV">CXXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Blessed Mary and John the Baptist</span></td><td +align='right'>124</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXV">CXXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Holy Mother</span></td><td align='right'>125</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXVI">CXXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Dream of the Holy Virgin</span></td><td +align='right'>126</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXVII">CXXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mother at the Tomb of Her Son</span></td><td +align='right'>127</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXVIII">CXXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mother Over Her Dead Son</span></td><td +align='right'>128</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXIX">CXXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Mother's Lament for Her Son</span></td><td +align='right'>129</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXX">CXXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Greatest Grief for a Brother</span></td><td +align='right'>130</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXI">CXXXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Death Chamber of Her Father-in-Law</span></td><td +align='right'>131</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXII">CXXXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Koledo</span></td><td align='right'>132</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIII">CXXXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Horse's Complaint</span></td><td +align='right'>133</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIV">CXXXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Dance at Vidin</span></td><td +align='right'>134</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXV">CXXXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Price</span></td><td align='right'>135</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVI">CXXXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Preferences</span></td><td align='right'>135</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVII">CXXXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Bride's Devotion</span></td><td +align='right'>136</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXVIII">CXXXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Fidelity</span></td><td align='right'>136</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXXXIX">CXXXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Sister's Lament</span></td><td +align='right'>137</td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'><span class="smcap">poems translated +by</span></td></tr> + +<tr><td> </td><td align='center'>BEATRICE STEVENSON STANOYEVICH, <span +class="smcap">Ph.D.</span></td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXL">CXL.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">The Prayer of Karageorge's Lady</span></td><td +align='right'>138</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLI">CXLI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Thou Art Ever, Ever Mine</span></td><td +align='right'>139</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLII">CXLII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Sea Merchant</span></td><td align='right'>139</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLIII">CXLIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Angela as Watchman</span></td><td +align='right'>140</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLIV">CXLIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Lad and His Betrothed</span></td><td +align='right'>140</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLV">CXLV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Direful Sickness</span></td><td +align='right'>141</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLVI">CXLVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">All as it Should Be</span></td><td +align='right'>141</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLVII">CXLVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Beauty Preens Herself</span></td><td +align='right'>141</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLVIII">CXLVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Harvest Song</span></td><td align='right'>142</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CXLIX">CXLIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Long Nights</span></td><td align='right'>142</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CL">CL.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Eyebrow Lure</span></td><td align='right'>143</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLI">CLI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Girlhood</span></td><td align='right'>143</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLII">CLII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Youth with Youth</span></td><td +align='right'>144</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLIII">CLIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Come my Lover, to Me</span></td><td +align='right'>144</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLIV">CLIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Sighs</span></td><td align='right'>145</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLV">CLV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Bouquet of Little Roses</span></td><td +align='right'>145</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLVI">CLVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Dream Interpretation</span></td><td +align='right'>146</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLVII">CLVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">With Sweetheart Nights are Shortest</span></td><td +align='right'>146</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLVIII">CLVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Dawn Awakened Lazar</span></td><td +align='right'>148</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLIX">CLIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">A Devilish Young Matron</span></td><td +align='right'>148</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLX">CLX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Girl is Eternal Possession</span></td><td +align='right'>149</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXI">CLXI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Jovo and Maria</span></td><td align='right'>150</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXII">CLXII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Rose Tree</span></td><td align='right'>150</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXIII">CLXIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Darling's Wrath</span></td><td align='right'>151</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXIV">CLXIV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Lad Pierced with Arrow</span></td><td +align='right'>151</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXV">CLXV.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Nought but Kisses</span></td><td +align='right'>152</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXVI">CLXVI.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">United</span></td><td align='right'>152</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXVII">CLXVII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Girl Pleads with Jeweller</span></td><td +align='right'>152</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXVIII">CLXVIII.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Wife Dearer than Sister</span></td><td +align='right'>153</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXIX">CLXIX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Greatest Sorrow</span></td><td align='right'>154</td></tr> + +<tr><td align='right'><a href="#CLXX">CLXX.</a></td><td><span +class="smcap">Youth and Girl</span></td><td align='right'>154</td></tr> +</table></div> + +<h3><a name="I"></a>I</h3> + +<h4>THE CURSE<a name="fnanchor_1" id="fnanchor_1"></a><a +href="#footnote_1" class="fnanchor"><sup>[1]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">I heard a sprightly swallow say</span> +<span class="i0">To a gray cuckoo t'other day,—</span> +<span class="i0">"Thou art a happy bird indeed;</span> +<span class="i0">Thou dost not in the chimney breed,</span> +<span class="i0">Thou dost not hear the eternal jarring,</span> +<span class="i0">Of sisters and step-sisters warring;</span> +<span class="i0">Their woes and grievances rehearsing,</span> +<span class="i0">Cursing themselves, and others cursing."</span> +<span class="i0">A young step-sister once I saw,</span> +<span class="i0">Foul language at the elder throw;</span> +<span class="i0">"Perdition's daughter! hence depart;</span> +<span class="i0">Thou hast no fruit beneath thy heart."</span> +<span class="i0">And thus the elder one replied:</span> +<span class="i0">"Curse thy perverseness and thy pride!</span> +<span class="i0">Mihailo is a son of thine;</span> +<span class="i0">Now thou shalt bring forth daughters nine,</span> +<span class="i0">And madness shall their portion be.</span> +<span class="i0">Thy son shall cross the parting sea;</span> +<span class="i0">He never shall return to thee,</span> +<span class="i0">But, bathed in blood and wounded, pine!"</span> +<span class="i0">And thus she cursed;—the curse was true;<a +name="fnanchor_2" id="fnanchor_2"></a><a href="#footnote_2" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[2]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Her sister's nine fair daughters grew;</span> +<span class="i0">And madness seized them,—seized them all:</span> +<span class="i0">Mihailo,—far away, and wounded,</span> +<span class="i0">By solitude and woe surrounded,</span> +<span class="i0">I heard him on his mother call:</span> +<span class="i0">"O mother! mother! send me now</span> +<span class="i0">A bandage of that snowy linen</span> +<span class="i0">Which you so thoughtlessly were spinning,</span> +<span class="i0">When curses wander'd to and fro.</span> +<span class="i0">In your rage you wove it,—now remove it;</span> +<span class="i0">Tear it for bandages, as you tore</span> +<span class="i0">Love and affection all asunder.</span> +<span class="i0">Where it was bleach'd thy son lies under;</span> +<span class="i0">With it cover his hot wounds o'er.</span> +<span class="i0">Rend it, mother; and send it, mother!</span> +<span class="i0">May it thy suffering son restore!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="II"></a>II</h3> + +<h4>FAREWELL<a name="fnanchor_3" id="fnanchor_3"></a><a +href="#footnote_3" class="fnanchor"><sup>[3]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Against white Buda's walls, a vine</span> +<span class="i0">Doth its white branches fondly twine;</span> +<span class="i0">O, no! it was no vine-tree there;</span> +<span class="i0">It was a fond, a faithful pair,</span> +<span class="i0">Bound each to each in earliest vow—</span> +<span class="i0">And, O! they must be severed now!</span> +<span class="i0">And these their farewell words:—"We +part—</span> +<span class="i0">Break from my bosom—break—my heart!</span> +<span class="i0">Go to a garden—go, and see,</span> +<span class="i0">Some rose-branch blushing on the tree;</span> +<span class="i0">And from that branch of rose-flower tear,</span> +<span class="i0">Then place it on thy bosom bare;</span> +<span class="i0">And as its leaflets fade and pine,</span> +<span class="i0">So fades my sinking heart in thine."</span> +<span class="i0">And thus the other spoke: "My love!</span> +<span class="i0">A few short paces backward move,</span> +<span class="i0">And to the verdant forest go;</span> +<span class="i0">There's a fresh water-fount below;</span> +<span class="i0">And in the fount a marble stone,</span> +<span class="i0">Which a gold cup reposes on;</span> +<span class="i0">And in the cup a ball of snow—</span> +<span class="i0">Love! take that ball of snow to rest</span> +<span class="i0">Upon thine heart within thy breast.</span> +<span class="i0">And as it melts unnoticed there,</span> +<span class="i0">So melts my heart in thine, my dear!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="III"></a>III</h3> + +<h4>THE VIOLET<a name="fnanchor_4" id="fnanchor_4"></a><a +href="#footnote_4" class="fnanchor"><sup>[4]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">How captivating is to me,</span> +<span class="i0">Sweet flower! thine own young modesty!</span> +<span class="i0">Though did I pluck thee from thy stem,</span> +<span class="i0">There's none would wear thy purple gem.</span> +<span class="i0">I thought, perchance, that Ali Bey—</span> +<span class="i0">But he is proud and lofty—nay!</span> +<span class="i0">He would not prize thee—would not wear</span> +<span class="i0">A flower so feeble though so fair:</span> +<span class="i0">His turban for its decorations</span> +<span class="i0">Had full blown roses and carnations.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="IV"></a>IV</h3> + +<h4>SMILIA<a name="fnanchor_5" id="fnanchor_5"></a><a href="#footnote_5" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[5]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sweet Smilia-flowers did Smilia pull,</span> +<span class="i0">Her sleevelets and her bosom full;</span> +<span class="i0">By the cool stream she gather'd them,</span> +<span class="i0">And twined her many a diadem—</span> +<span class="i0">A diadem of flowery-wreaths;—</span> +<span class="i0">One round her brows its fragrance breathes;</span> +<span class="i0">One to her bosom-friend she throws;</span> +<span class="i0">The other where the streamlet flows</span> +<span class="i0">She flings, and says in gentlest tone—</span> +<span class="i0">"Swim on, thou odorous wreath! swim on,</span> +<span class="i0">Swim to my Juris' home, and there</span> +<span class="i0">O whisper in his mother's ear:</span> +<span class="i0">'Say, wilt thou not thy Juris wed?—</span> +<span class="i0">Then give him not a widow's bed;</span> +<span class="i0">But some sweet maiden, young and fair.'"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="V"></a>V</h3> + +<h4>HARVEST SONG</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and +see</span> +<span class="i0">Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall +be.</span> +<span class="i0">Take hold of your reeds, till the secret be +told,</span> +<span class="i0">If the old shall kiss young, and the young shall kiss +old</span> +<span class="i0">Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and +see</span> +<span class="i0">What fortune and chance to the drawers decree:</span> +<span class="i0">And if any refuse, may God smite them—may +they</span> +<span class="i0">Be cursed by Paraskeva, the saint of to-day!</span> +<span class="i0">Now loosen your hands—now loosen, and see</span> +<span class="i0">Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall be.<a +name="fnanchor_6" id="fnanchor_6"></a><a href="#footnote_6" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[6]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="VI"></a>VI</h3> + +<h4>MAIDEN'S PRAYER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Beauty's maiden thus invoked the Heavens:</span> +<span class="i0">"Send me down a whirlwind! let it scatter</span> +<span class="i0">Yonder stony tower—its halls lay open!</span> +<span class="i0">Let me look on Gerčić Manoilo.</span> +<span class="i0">If the otter on his knee is playing—</span> +<span class="i0">If the falcon sits upon his shoulder—</span> +<span class="i0">If the rose is blooming on his kalpak."<a +name="fnanchor_7" id="fnanchor_7"></a><a href="#footnote_7" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[7]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">What she pray'd for speedily was granted:</span> +<span class="i0">And a storm-wind came across the ocean;</span> +<span class="i0">And the stony tower fell down before it:</span> +<span class="i0">And she look'd on Gerčić Manoilo:</span> +<span class="i0">Saw the otter on his knees disporting:</span> +<span class="i0">Saw the falcon sitting on his shoulder:</span> +<span class="i0">Saw the rose upon his kalpak blooming.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="VII"></a>VII</h3> + +<h4>KISSES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">What's the time of night, my dear?</span> +<span class="i0">For my maiden said, "I'll come"—</span> +<span class="i0">Said "I'll come,"—but is not here:</span> +<span class="i0">And 'tis now the midnight's gloom.</span> +<span class="i0">Lone and silent home I turn'd;</span> +<span class="i0">But upon the bridge I met her—</span> +<span class="i0">Kiss'd her: How my hot lips burned!—</span> +<span class="i0">How forget it—how forget her!</span> +<span class="i0">In one kiss full ten I drew:</span> +<span class="i0">And upon my lips there grew,</span> +<span class="i0">From that hour, a honey-dew,</span> +<span class="i0">As if sugar were my meat,</span> +<span class="i0">And my drink metheglin sweet.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="VIII"></a>VIII</h3> + +<h4>HARVEST SONG</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Lord and master! let us homewards, let us homewards +haste:</span> +<span class="i0">Far, far distant are our dwellings—far across the +waste.<a name="fnanchor_8" id="fnanchor_8"></a><a href="#footnote_8" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[8]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Some have aged mothers threat'ning—"Ne'er allow +another:"</span> +<span class="i0">Some male-children<a name="fnanchor_9" +id="fnanchor_9"></a><a href="#footnote_9" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[9]</sup></a> in the cradle, crying for their +mother;</span> +<span class="i0">Some impatient lovers chiding;—dearer they than +brother.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="IX"></a>IX</h3> + +<h4>CURSE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The maiden cursed her raven eyes,</span> +<span class="i0">She cursed them for their treacheries.</span> +<span class="i0">"Be blinded now, to you if heaven</span> +<span class="i0">All that is visible has given!</span> +<span class="i0">If ye see all, ye traitors, say</span> +<span class="i0">Why saw ye not my love to-day:—</span> +<span class="i0">He pass'd my door,—but, truants, ye</span> +<span class="i0">Gave not the gentlest hint to me.</span> +<span class="i0">He had a nosegay in his hand,—</span> +<span class="i0">He wore a gold embroider'd band.<a name="fnanchor_10" +id="fnanchor_10"></a><a href="#footnote_10" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[10]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">'Twas made by other hands than mine!</span> +<span class="i0">Upon it wreathing branches twine:</span> +<span class="i0">May every branch embroidered there,</span> +<span class="i0">A miserable heart-wound bear;—</span> +<span class="i0">Upon each branch, may every leaf</span> +<span class="i0">Bring and betoken toil and grief."</span> +</div> + +<h3><a name="X"></a>X</h3> + +<h4>SALUTATION OF THE MORNING STAR</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lo! the maiden greets the day-star! "Sister!</span> +<span class="i0">Sister star of morning! well I greet thee;</span> +<span class="i0">Thou dost watch the world from thine uprising</span> +<span class="i0">To thy sinking hour. In Hercegovina,</span> +<span class="i0">Tell me didst thou see the princely Stephan?</span> +<span class="i0">Tell me, was his snowy palace open,</span> +<span class="i0">Were his steeds caparisoned, and ready;</span> +<span class="i0">And was he equipp'd his bride to visit?"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Gently then the morning star responded:</span> +<span class="i0">"Lovely sister! beautiful young maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">True, I watch the world from my uprising</span> +<span class="i0">To my setting;—and in Hercegovina</span> +<span class="i0">Saw the palace of the princely Stephan;</span> +<span class="i0">And that snowy palace was wide open,</span> +<span class="i0">And his horse was saddled, and was ready,</span> +<span class="i0">And he was equipp'd his bride to visit:</span> +<span class="i0">But not thee—not thee—another maiden; +</span> +<span class="i0">False tongues three have whisper'd evil of thee;</span> +<span class="i0">One has said—thine origin is lowly;</span> +<span class="i0">One, that thou art treacherous as a serpent;</span> +<span class="i0">And the third, that thou art dull and dreamy."</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then the maiden pour'd her imprecations:</span> +<span class="i0">"He who said my origin was lowly,</span> +<span class="i0">Never let a child of love be born him;</span> +<span class="i0">He who called me treacherous as a serpent,</span> +<span class="i0">Round his heart, O! let a serpent wreathe it;</span> +<span class="i0">Through hot summers in his hair be tangled,</span> +<span class="i0">Through cold winters in his bosom nestle;</span> +<span class="i0">He who dar'd to call me dull and dreamy,</span> +<span class="i0">Nine long years may he be worn by sickness,</span> +<span class="i0">And no sleep renew his strength to bear it."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XI"></a>XI</h3> + +<h4>THE KNITTER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The maiden sat upon the hill,</span> +<span class="i0">Upon the hill and far away,</span> +<span class="i0">Her fingers wove a silken cord,</span> +<span class="i0">And thus I heard the maiden say:</span> +<span class="i0">"O with what joy, what ready will,</span> +<span class="i0">If some fond youth, some youth adored,</span> +<span class="i0">Might wear thee, should I weave thee now!</span> +<span class="i0">The finest gold I'd interblend,</span> +<span class="i0">The richest pearls as white as snow.</span> +<span class="i0">But if I knew, my silken friend,</span> +<span class="i0">That an old man<a name="fnanchor_11" +id="fnanchor_11"></a><a href="#footnote_11" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[11]</sup></a> should wear thee, I</span> +<span class="i0">The coarsest worsted would inweave,</span> +<span class="i0">Thy finest silk for dog-grass leave,</span> +<span class="i0">And all thy knots with nettles tie."</span> +</div> + +<h3><a name="XII"></a>XII</h3> + +<h4>ROYAL CONVERSE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The king from the queen an answer craves;</span> +<span class="i0">"How shall we now employ our slaves?"</span> +<span class="i0">The maidens in fine embroidery,</span> +<span class="i0">The widows shall spin flax-yarn for me,</span> +<span class="i0">And the men shall dig in the fields for thee.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The king from the queen an answer craves,</span> +<span class="i0">"How shall we, lady, feed our slaves?"</span> +<span class="i0">The maidens shall have the honey-comb sweet,</span> +<span class="i0">The widows shall feed on the finest wheat,</span> +<span class="i0">And the men of maize-meal bread shall eat.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The king from the queen an answer craves;</span> +<span class="i0">"Where for the night shall rest our slaves?"</span> +<span class="i0">The maidens shall sleep in the chambers high,</span> +<span class="i0">The widows on mattress'd beds shall lie,</span> +<span class="i0">And the men on the nettles under the sky.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XIII"></a>XIII</h3> + +<h4>ROSA</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Under roses slept the maiden Rosa,</span> +<span class="i0">And a rose fell down and waken'd Rosa;</span> +<span class="i0">To the flower-rose, said the maiden Rosa—</span> +<span class="i0">"Rose of mine! O fall, not on the maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">I am in no tune of soul to love thee,</span> +<span class="i0">For a heavy grief o'erwhelms my spirit;</span> +<span class="i0">Youth would have me—but old age hath won me. +</span> +<span class="i0">An old bridegroom is a worthless maple;</span> +<span class="i0">When the wind is up it faints and trembles;</span> +<span class="i0">When the rain descends, decay decays it:</span> +<span class="i0">But a young bride, is a roselet budding;</span> +<span class="i0">When the wind is up, its fair leaves open,</span> +<span class="i0">When the rain descends, it shines in beauty,— +</span> +<span class="i0">When the sun comes forth, it smiles and glories." +</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XIV"></a>XIV</h3> + +<h4>THE MAIDEN AND THE SUN</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A maiden proudly thus the sun accosted:</span> +<span class="i0">"Sun! I am fairer far than thou,—far +fairer;</span> +<span class="i0">Fairer than is thy sister<a name="fnanchor_12" +id="fnanchor_12"></a><a href="#footnote_12" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[12]</sup></a> or thy brethren,—</span> +<span class="i0">Fairer than yon bright moon at midnight shining,</span> +<span class="i0">Fairer than yon gay star in heav'n's arch +twinkling,</span> +<span class="i0">That star, all other stars preceding proudly,</span> +<span class="i0">As walks before his sheep the careful shepherd."</span> +<span class="i0">The sun complain'd to God of such an insult:</span> +<span class="i0">"What shall be done with this presumptuous +maiden?"</span> +<span class="i0">And to the sun God gave a speedy answer:</span> +<span class="i0">"Thou glorious Sun! thou my beloved daughter!<a +name="fnanchor_13" id="fnanchor_13"></a><a href="#footnote_13" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[13]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Be joyous yet! say, why art thou dejected?</span> +<span class="i0">Wilt thou reward the maiden for her folly—</span> +<span class="i0">Shine on, and burn the maiden's snowy forehead.</span> +<span class="i0">But I a gloomier dowry yet will give her;</span> +<span class="i0">Evil to her shall be her husband's brother;</span> +<span class="i0">Evil to her shall be her husband's father.</span> +<span class="i0">Then shall she think upon the affront she gave +thee."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XV"></a>XV</h3> + +<h4>THE MAIDEN'S WISH</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">If I had, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">All the emp'ror's treasures,</span> +<span class="i0">Well I know, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">What with these I'd purchase;</span> +<span class="i0">I would buy, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">Garden on the Sava;</span> +<span class="i0">Well I know, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">What my hands would plant there;</span> +<span class="i0">I would plant, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">Hyacinths, carnations.</span> +<span class="i0">If I had, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">All the emp'ror's treasures,</span> +<span class="i0">Well I know, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">What with these I'd purchase;</span> +<span class="i0">I would buy, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">I would purchase Laso,</span> +<span class="i0">He should be, ah Laso!</span> +<span class="i0">Gardener in my Garden.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XVI"></a>XVI</h3> + +<h4>THE FALCON</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The falcon soars both far and high,</span> +<span class="i0">He spreads his pinions in the sky,</span> +<span class="i0">Then from his cloudy heights he lowers,</span> +<span class="i0">And seats him on the city's towers:</span> +<span class="i0">He sees a laughing girl of grace,</span> +<span class="i0">In crystal water bathe her face;</span> +<span class="i0">And looks with open, eager eye</span> +<span class="i0">Upon her neck of ivory:</span> +<span class="i0">White as the snow upon the mountain;</span> +<span class="i0">And there he hears a youth recounting</span> +<span class="i0">His tale of love.—"Now bend thy head</span> +<span class="i0">Upon thy snowy neck," he said;</span> +<span class="i0">"Its whiteness is too bright for me:</span> +<span class="i0">And 'neath it sorrowing heart may be."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XVII"></a>XVII</h3> + +<h4>DEER AND VILA</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A young deer tracked his way through the green +forest,</span> +<span class="i0">One lonely day—another came in sadness;</span> +<span class="i0">And the third dawn'd, and brought him sighs and +sorrow:</span> +<span class="i0">Then he address'd him to the forest Vila:</span> +<span class="i0">"Young deer!" she said, "thou wild one of the +forest,</span> +<span class="i0">Now tell me what great sorrow has oppress'd +thee?</span> +<span class="i0">Why wanderest thou thus in the forest lonely:</span> +<span class="i0">Lonely one day,—another day in +sadness,—</span> +<span class="i0">And the third day with sighs and anguish +groaning?"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And thus the young deer to the Vila answer'd:</span> +<span class="i0">"O thou sweet sister! Vila of the forest!</span> +<span class="i0">Me has indeed a heavy grief befallen;</span> +<span class="i0">For I had once a fawn, mine own beloved,</span> +<span class="i0">And one sad day she sought the running water:</span> +<span class="i0">She enter'd it, but came not back to bless me:</span> +<span class="i0">Then tell me, had she lost her way and wander'd?</span> +<span class="i0">Was she pursued and captured by the huntsman?</span> +<span class="i0">Or has she left me?—has she wholly left +me?—</span> +<span class="i0">Loving some other deer—and I forgotten.</span> +<span class="i0">O! if she has but lost her way, and wanders,</span> +<span class="i0">Teach her to find it—bring her back to love +me.</span> +<span class="i0">O! if she has been captured by the huntsman,</span> +<span class="i0">Then may a fate as sad as mine await him.</span> +<span class="i0">But if she has forsaken me—if, faithless,</span> +<span class="i0">She loves another deer—and I +forgotten—</span> +<span class="i0">Then may the huntsman speedily o'er take her."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XVIII"></a>XVIII</h3> + +<h4>VIRGIN AND WIDOW</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Over Sarajevo flies a falcon,</span> +<span class="i0">Looking round for cooling shade to cool him.</span> +<span class="i0">Then he finds a pine on Sarajevo;</span> +<span class="i0">Under it a well of sparkling water;</span> +<span class="i0">By the water, Hyacinth, the widow,</span> +<span class="i0">And the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin.</span> +<span class="i0">He look'd down—the falcon—and bethought +him:</span> +<span class="i0">"Shall I kiss grave Hyacinth, the widow;</span> +<span class="i0">Or the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin?"</span> +<span class="i0">Thinking thus—at last the bird +determined—</span> +<span class="i0">And he whisper'd to himself sedately,</span> +<span class="i0">"Gold—though long employ'd, is far, far +better</span> +<span class="i0">Than the finest silver freshly melted,"</span> +<span class="i0">So he kiss'd—kiss'd Hyacinth, the widow.</span> +<span class="i0">Very wroth wax'd then young Rose, the virgin:</span> +<span class="i0">"Sarajevo! let a ban be on thee!</span> +<span class="i0">Cursed be thy strange and evil customs!</span> +<span class="i0">For thy youths they love the bygone widows,</span> +<span class="i0">And thy aged men the untried virgins."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XIX"></a>XIX</h3> + +<h4>NIGHTINGALES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">All the night two nightingales were singing</span> +<span class="i0">At the window of th'affianced maiden;</span> +<span class="i0">And th'affianced maiden thus address'd them:</span> +<span class="i0">"Tell me, ye two nightingales, O tell me!</span> +<span class="i0">Are ye brothers? are ye brothers' children?"</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thus the nightingales made speedy answer:</span> +<span class="i0">"Brothers are we not, nor brothers' children:</span> +<span class="i0">We are friends—friends of the verdant +forest.</span> +<span class="i0">Once we had another friend—another—</span> +<span class="i0">But that friend is lost to us for ever.</span> +<span class="i0">We have heard that nuptial bliss awaits him;</span> +<span class="i0">And we came the youthful bride to look on,</span> +<span class="i0">And to offer her a golden spindle,</span> +<span class="i0">With the flax of Egypt bound around it."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XX"></a>XX</h3> + +<h4>THE RING</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the +maple tree;</span> +<span class="i0">There came a maiden that stream to draw—a lovely +maid was she;</span> +<span class="i0">From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came +smilingly.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Young Mirko saw, and offer'd her a golden fruit and +said:</span> +<span class="i0">"O take this apple, damsel fair! and be mine own sweet +maid!"</span> +<span class="i0">She took the apple—flung it back—and said, +in angry tone,</span> +<span class="i0">"Neither thine apple, Sir! nor thee—presumptuous +boy, be gone!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the +maple tree;</span> +<span class="i0">There came a maid that stream to draw—a lovely +maid was she;</span> +<span class="i0">From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came +smilingly.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden brooch, and +said:</span> +<span class="i0">"O take this brooch, thou damsel fair! and be mine own +sweet maid!"</span> +<span class="i0">She took the brooch, and flung it back and said, in +peevish tone,</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll neither have thee nor thy +brooch—presumptuous boy, be gone!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the +maple tree;</span> +<span class="i0">There came a maid that stream to draw—the +loveliest maid was she;</span> +<span class="i0">From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came +smilingly.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden-ring, and +said:</span> +<span class="i0">"O take this ring, my damsel fair! and be mine own +sweet maid!"</span> +<span class="i0">She took the ring—she slipp'd it on—and +said, in sprightliest tone,</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll have thee and thy golden ring, and be thy +faithful one."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXI"></a>XXI</h3> + +<h4>THE FRATRICIDE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Between two mountains sank the sun—</span> +<span class="i0">Between two maids the enamour'd one.</span> +<span class="i0">He gave his kiss to one alone;</span> +<span class="i0">The other maid grew jealous then:</span> +<span class="i0">"Most faithless thou of faithless men!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She said—and he replied—"Fair maid!</span> +<span class="i0">I fain would kiss thy cheeks of red,</span> +<span class="i0">But thou hast got a bickering brother,</span> +<span class="i0">Who loves to quarrel with another,</span> +<span class="i0">And I no quarrel seek, my love!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She hied her to the darksome grove—</span> +<span class="i0">Silent—she turn'd o'er many a rock,</span> +<span class="i0">And look'd 'neath many a broken stock;</span> +<span class="i0">Probed weeds and briars, till she found</span> +<span class="i0">A poisonous serpent on the ground.</span> +<span class="i0">She smote it with her golden ring,</span> +<span class="i0">Tore from its mouth the venomy fang;</span> +<span class="i0">Its poisonous juice her hands did wring</span> +<span class="i0">Into a wine cup—and she sprang</span> +<span class="i0">On swiftest feet to Raduli—</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Her own—her only brother he—</span> +<span class="i0">Her hands the fatal cup supplied—</span> +<span class="i0">He drank the poison—and he died.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then sped she to the youth—"A kiss—</span> +<span class="i0">At least one kiss of love for this—</span> +<span class="i0">For this—for thee—I dress'd the cup</span> +<span class="i0">With poison—and he drank it up—</span> +<span class="i0">The brother that thou lov'st not—he</span> +<span class="i0">I poison'd for a kiss from thee"—</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Away! away! thou murd'rous maid!</span> +<span class="i0">Avaunt! Avaunt!—the lover said:</span> +<span class="i0">"What fame—what courage could confide</span> +<span class="i0">In thee—a heartless fratricide."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXII"></a>XXII</h3> + +<h4>LOVE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The youth he struck on the tambourine,</span> +<span class="i0">And nought was so bright as its golden sheen;</span> +<span class="i0">Of the hair of maidens twined together</span> +<span class="i0">Its strings, which he struck with a falcon's feather. +</span> +<span class="i0">The maid look'd down from the balcony,</span> +<span class="i4">And thus to her inner self said she:—</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O heaven! what a noble youth is he!</span> +<span class="i0">Would'st thou but give this youth to me,</span> +<span class="i0">I would make of the garden-pinks his bed,</span> +<span class="i0">I would lay fair roses under his head;</span> +<span class="i0">And waked by perfume, with what delight</span> +<span class="i0">Would he kiss the maiden's forehead white!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXIII"></a>XXIII</h3> + +<h4>MAPLE TREE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O thou brotherly maple tree!</span> +<span class="i0">Wilt thou be a friend to me?</span> +<span class="i0">Be a brother, and a friend!</span> +<span class="i0">To the green grass thy branches bend,</span> +<span class="i0">That I may climb to their highest tip!</span> +<span class="i0">Look o'er the sea, and see the ship,</span> +<span class="i0">Where my lover sits smiling now;</span> +<span class="i0">He binds the turban round his brow,</span> +<span class="i0">And over his shoulders the shawl he flings,</span> +<span class="i0">Which is full of mine own embroiderings.</span> +<span class="i0">For three long years my hands inwove</span> +<span class="i0">Those golden flowers to deck my love:</span> +<span class="i0">The richest silk of the brightest dyes</span> +<span class="i0">I work'd for him, and now my eyes</span> +<span class="i0">Would fain my absent lover see:</span> +<span class="i0">Assist me, brotherly maple tree!</span> +<span class="i0">And tell me, if he thinks of me!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXIV"></a>XXIV</h3> + +<h4>SEMENDRIAN BEAUTY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Lovely maiden of Semendria!</span> +<span class="i0">Hail thee, youth! and health be with thee!</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou visited the markets?</span> +<span class="i0">Saw'st thou there a sheet of paper?</span> +<span class="i0">Like that paper is my forehead.</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou ever seen the vineyard,</span> +<span class="i0">Seen the rosy wine that flows there?</span> +<span class="i0">Youth! my cheeks that wine resemble.</span> +<span class="i0">Didst thou ever walk the meadows,</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen the black sloe-berry?</span> +<span class="i0">That black sloe my eyes will paint thee:</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou wandered near the ocean?</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou seen the <i>pijavica</i>?<a +name="fnanchor_14" id="fnanchor_14"></a><a href="#footnote_14" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[14]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Like it are the maiden's eye-brows.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXV"></a>XXV</h3> + +<h4>SELF-ADMIRATION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A maiden to the fountain went;</span> +<span class="i0">I saw her overhang the place—</span> +<span class="i0">And—she was young and innocent—</span> +<span class="i0">I heard her say with simple grace,</span> +<span class="i0">"Indeed she has a pretty face;</span> +<span class="i0">And if she had a spring-flower wreath,</span> +<span class="i0">How well 'twould sit upon her brow;</span> +<span class="i0">And she might hear the shepherd breathe,</span> +<span class="i0">Yes! thou shalt be my maiden now!</span> +<span class="i0">The shepherd—'midst his fleecy drove,</span> +<span class="i0">Goes like a moon the stars above."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXVI"></a>XXVI</h3> + +<h4>ASSIGNATION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Maiden! let us share each other's kisses!</span> +<span class="i0">Tell me, tell me, where shall be our meeting,</span> +<span class="i0">In thy garden, or in mine, sweet maiden?</span> +<span class="i0">Under thine, or under my green rose-tree;</span> +<span class="i0">Thou shalt be a rose, my gentle angel:</span> +<span class="i0">I to a fond butterfly will change me,</span> +<span class="i0">Everlastingly o'er thee to flutter—</span> +<span class="i0">On thy flowers untired I will suspend me,</span> +<span class="i0">Living blest upon mine own love's kisses.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXVII"></a>XXVII</h3> + +<h4>FOOLISH VOW</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The maiden made a foolish vow:</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll never wear a flow'ret now:—</span> +<span class="i0">No flow'ret shall be ever mine—</span> +<span class="i0">I'll never drink the proffer'd wine.</span> +<span class="i0">No wine I'll drink—no friend I'll kiss</span> +<span class="i0">No, never more—my vow is this."</span> +<span class="i0">So rashly, rashly spoke the maid,</span> +<span class="i0">But soon—ah, soon—repentance said:</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i2">"A flowery garland o'er me,</span> +<span class="i2">How beautiful 'twould be:</span> +<span class="i2">And wine—it would restore me,</span> +<span class="i4">My heart's own gaiety:</span> +<span class="i2">And love might play before,</span> +<span class="i4">If one sweet kiss were free."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXVIII"></a>XXVIII</h3> + +<h4>VILAS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Višnja,<a name="fnanchor_15" +id="fnanchor_15"></a><a href="#footnote_15" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[15]</sup></a> lovely višnja!</span> +<span class="i0">Lift thy branches higher;</span> +<span class="i0">For beneath thy branches,</span> +<span class="i0">Vilas<a name="fnanchor_16" id="fnanchor_16"></a><a +href="#footnote_16" class="fnanchor"><sup>[16]</sup></a> dance +delight:</span> +<span class="i0">While Radiša<a name="fnanchor_17" +id="fnanchor_17"></a><a href="#footnote_17" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[17]</sup></a> dashes</span> +<span class="i0">From the flow'rs the dewdrops.</span> +<span class="i0">Vilas two conveying,</span> +<span class="i0">To the third he whispers:</span> +<span class="i0">"O be mine, sweet Vila!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou, with mine own mother,</span> +<span class="i0">In the shade shalt seat thee;</span> +<span class="i0">Silken vestments spinning,</span> +<span class="i0">Weaving golden garments."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXIX"></a>XXIX</h3> + +<h4>LEPOTA<a name="fnanchor_18" id="fnanchor_18"></a><a +href="#footnote_18" class="fnanchor"><sup>[18]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lepota went forth to the harvest—she held</span> +<span class="i0">A sickle of silver in fingers of gold:</span> +<span class="i0">And the sun mounted high o'er the parched harvest +field;</span> +<span class="i0">And the maiden in song all her sympathies told,</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll give my white forehead to him who shall +bind</span> +<span class="i0">All the sheaves which my sickle leaves scatter'd +behind:</span> +<span class="i0">I'll give my black eyes to the friend who shall +bring</span> +<span class="i0">A drought of sweet waters just fresh from the +spring;</span> +<span class="i0">And to him who shall bear me to rest in the +shade,</span> +<span class="i0">I will be—and for aye—an affectionate +maid."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And she thought that her words were all wasted in +air:</span> +<span class="i0">But a shepherd—just watching his sheepfold, was +there;</span> +<span class="i0">And he flew, and with sedges he bound all the +sheaves;</span> +<span class="i0">And he made her an arbor of hazelwood leaves;</span> +<span class="i0">And he ran to the spring, and he brought the sweet +water;</span> +<span class="i0">And he look'd on the face of Beauty's young +daughter,</span> +<span class="i0">And he said, "Lovely maiden, thy promise I +claim;"</span> +<span class="i0">But the cheeks of the maiden were cover'd with +shame,</span> +<span class="i0">And she said to the shepherd, while blushing—"Not +so!</span> +<span class="i0">Go back to thy sheepfold—thou wanderer, +go!</span> +<span class="i0">For if thou didst bind the loose sheaves, thou hast +left</span> +<span class="i0">Thy sheep in the stubble, to wander bereft;</span> +<span class="i0">And if from the fountain the water thou +beared'st,</span> +<span class="i0">Its freshness and coolness thou equally +shared'st;</span> +<span class="i0">And if thou hast reared up an arbor of shade,</span> +<span class="i0">For thyself as for me it refreshment has made."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXX"></a>XXX</h3> + +<h4>IMPRECATIONS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Through the long night a falcon cried,</span> +<span class="i0">"Awake, awake thee! youth! anon</span> +<span class="i0">Thy maiden will become a bride:</span> +<span class="i0">She puts her marriage garments on.</span> +<span class="i0">Awake! awake thee, youth! and send</span> +<span class="i0">A marriage blessing to thy friend."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"What! shall I be a marriage guest?</span> +<span class="i0">And shall I bid the maid be blest?</span> +<span class="i0">Hear then my marriage blessing hear!</span> +<span class="i0">No son her barren womb shall bear:</span> +<span class="i0">May every bit of bread she breaks</span> +<span class="i0">Bring with it wretchedness and woe,—</span> +<span class="i0">For every drop her thirst that slakes</span> +<span class="i0">May tears of bitter anguish flow!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXI"></a>XXXI</h3> + +<h4>SECRETS DIVULGED</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Two lovers kiss each other in the meadows;</span> +<span class="i0">They think that no one sees the fond betrayal,</span> +<span class="i0">But the green meadows see them, and are +faithless;</span> +<span class="i0">To the white flocks incontinent they say all;</span> +<span class="i0">And the white flocks proclaim it to the +shepherd,</span> +<span class="i0">The shepherd to a high-road traveller brings it</span> +<span class="i0">He to a sailor on the restless ocean tells it,</span> +<span class="i0">The sailor to his spice-ship thoughtless sings +it;</span> +<span class="i0">The spice-ship whispers it upon the waters,</span> +<span class="i0">The waters rush to tell the maiden's mother.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">And thus impassioned spoke the lovely maiden— +</span> +<span class="i0">"Meadows! of spring-days never see another!</span> +<span class="i0">Flocks! may the cruel ravenous wolves destroy ye. +</span> +<span class="i0">Thee, shepherd! may the cruel Moslem slaughter.</span> +<span class="i0">Wanderer! may oft thy slippery footsteps stumble. +</span> +<span class="i0">Thee, sailor! may the ocean billows smother.</span> +<span class="i0">Ship! may a fire unquenchable consume thee;</span> +<span class="i0">And sink into the earth, thou treacherous water!" +</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXII"></a>XXXII</h3> + +<h4>WISHES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O that I were a little stream,</span> +<span class="i0">That I might flow to him—to him!</span> +<span class="i0">How should I dance with joy, when knowing</span> +<span class="i0">To whom my sparkling wave was flowing!</span> +<span class="i0">Beneath his window would I glide,</span> +<span class="i0">And linger there till morning-tide;</span> +<span class="i0">When first he rouses him to dress</span> +<span class="i0">In comely garb his manliness,—</span> +<span class="i0">Then should he weak, or thirsty be,</span> +<span class="i0">O he might stoop to drink of me!</span> +<span class="i0">Or baring there his bosom, lave</span> +<span class="i0">That bosom in my rippling wave</span> +<span class="i0">O what a bliss, if I could bear</span> +<span class="i0">The cooling power of quiet there!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXIII"></a>XXXIII</h3> + +<h4>LOVER ASLEEP</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O nightingale! thy warblings cease,</span> +<span class="i0">And let my master sleep in peace:</span> +<span class="i0">'Twas I who lull'd him to repose,</span> +<span class="i0">And I will wake from his rest;</span> +<span class="i0">I'll seek the sweetest flower that grows,</span> +<span class="i0">And bear it to his presence blest;</span> +<span class="i0">And gently touch his cheeks, and say,</span> +<span class="i0">"Awake, my master! for 'tis day."</span> +</div> + +<h3><a name="XXXIV"></a>XXXIV</h3> + +<h4>EARLY SORROWS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O nightingale! sweet bird—they say,</span> +<span class="i2">That peace abides with thee;</span> +<span class="i0">But thou hast brought from day to day</span> +<span class="i2">A triple woe to me.</span> +<span class="i0">The first, first woe my spirit knew,</span> +<span class="i2">My first, first woe was this,</span> +<span class="i0">My mother never train'd me to</span> +<span class="i2">A lover's early bliss</span> +<span class="i0">My second woe, my second woe,</span> +<span class="i2">Was that my trusty steed,</span> +<span class="i0">Whene'er I mounted, seem'd to show</span> +<span class="i2">Nor eagerness nor speed.</span> +<span class="i0">My third, third woe—of all the worst,</span> +<span class="i2">Is that the maid I woo,</span> +<span class="i0">The maid I lov'd the best—the first,</span> +<span class="i2">Is angry with me, too.</span> +<span class="i0">Then dig an early grave for me,</span> +<span class="i2">Yon whiten'd fields among;</span> +<span class="i0">In breadth two lances let it be,</span> +<span class="i2">And just four lances long.</span> +<span class="i0">And o'er my head let roses grow,</span> +<span class="i2">There plant the red-rose tree;</span> +<span class="i0">And at my feet a fount shall flow,</span> +<span class="i2">O scoop that fount for me!</span> +<span class="i0">So when a youthful swain appears,</span> +<span class="i2">The roses he shall wreathe;</span> +<span class="i0">And when an old man bent with years,</span> +<span class="i2">He'll drink the stream beneath.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXV"></a>XXXV</h3> + +<h4>THE YOUNG SHEPHERDS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sheep, beneath old Buda's wall,</span> +<span class="i0">Their wonted quiet rest enjoy;</span> +<span class="i0">But ah! rude stony fragments fall,</span> +<span class="i0">And many a silk-wool'd sheep destroy;</span> +<span class="i0">Two youthful shepherds perish there,</span> +<span class="i0">The golden George, and Mark the fair.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">For Mark, O many a friend grew sad,</span> +<span class="i0">And father, mother wept for him:</span> +<span class="i0">George—father, friend, nor mother had,</span> +<span class="i0">For him no tender eye grew dim:</span> +<span class="i0">Save one—a maiden far away,</span> +<span class="i0">She wept—and thus I heard her say:</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My golden George—and shall a song,</span> +<span class="i0">A song of grief be sung for thee—</span> +<span class="i0">'Twould go from lip to lip—ere long</span> +<span class="i0">By careless lips profaned to be;</span> +<span class="i0">Unhallow'd thoughts might soon defame</span> +<span class="i0">The purity of woman's name.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Or shall I take thy picture fair,</span> +<span class="i0">And fix that picture in my sleeve?</span> +<span class="i0">Ah! time will soon the vestment tear,</span> +<span class="i0">And not a shade, nor fragment leave:</span> +<span class="i0">I'll give not him I love so well</span> +<span class="i0">To what is so corruptible.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I'll write thy name within a book;</span> +<span class="i0">That book will pass from hand to hand,</span> +<span class="i0">And many an eager eye will look,</span> +<span class="i0">But ah! how few will understand!</span> +<span class="i0">And who their holiest thoughts can shroud</span> +<span class="i0">From the cold insults of the crowd?<a +name="fnanchor_19" id="fnanchor_19"></a><a href="#footnote_19" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[19]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXVI"></a>XXXVI</h3> + +<h4>THOUGHTS OF A MOTHER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lo! a fir-tree towers o'er Sarajevo,</span> +<span class="i0">Spreads o'er half the face of Sarajevo—</span> +<span class="i0">Rises up to heaven from Sarajevo:</span> +<span class="i0">Brothers and half-sisters there were seated;</span> +<span class="i0">And the brother cuts a silken garment,</span> +<span class="i0">Which he holds, and questions thus his sister:</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Brother's wife! thou sweet and lovely dovelet!</span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore art thou looking at the fir-tree?</span> +<span class="i0">Art thou rather dreaming of the poplar,</span> +<span class="i0">Or art thinking of my absent brother?"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To her brother thus the lady answer'd:</span> +<span class="i0">"Golden-ring of mine! my husband's brother!</span> +<span class="i0">Not about the fir-tree was I dreaming,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor the noble stem of lofty poplar;</span> +<span class="i0">Neither was I dreaming of my brother.</span> +<span class="i0">I was thinking of my only mother,</span> +<span class="i0">She with sugar and with honey reared me;</span> +<span class="i0">She for me the red wine pour'd at even,</span> +<span class="i0">And at midnight gave the sweet metheglin;</span> +<span class="i0">In the morning milk, with spirit chasten'd</span> +<span class="i0">So to give me cheeks of rose and lily;</span> +<span class="i0">And with gentle messages she waked me,</span> +<span class="i0">That her child might grow both tall and slender." +</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXVII"></a>XXXVII</h3> + +<h4>COUNSEL</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"My Misho! tell me, tell me, pray,</span> +<span class="i0">Where wert thou wandering yesterday?"</span> +<span class="i0">"I did not ramble—did not roam;</span> +<span class="i0">A wretched headache kept me home."</span> +<span class="i0">"A thousand times I've said, I think</span> +<span class="i0">No widows love—no water drink!</span> +<span class="i0">But thou, a thoughtless unbeliever,</span> +<span class="i0">Wilt water drink, and get a fever;</span> +<span class="i0">Wilt give to widows thine affection,</span> +<span class="i0">And find remorse, or find rejection;</span> +<span class="i0">Now take my counsel,—drink of wine,</span> +<span class="i0">And be a virgin maiden thine!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXVIII"></a>XXXVIII</h3> + +<h4>DESOLATION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Gloomy night! how full thou art of darkness!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou, my heart! art fuller yet of sorrow,</span> +<span class="i0">Sorrow which I bear, but cannot utter!</span> +<span class="i0">I have now no mother who will hear me,</span> +<span class="i0">I have now no sister who will soothe me,—</span> +<span class="i0">Yet I had a friend—but he is absent!</span> +<span class="i0">Ere he comes, the night will be departed;</span> +<span class="i0">Ere he wakes, the birds will sing their matins,</span> +<span class="i0">Ere his kiss, the twilight hour will brighten:</span> +<span class="i0">Go thy way, my friend; the day is dawning!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XXXIX"></a>XXXIX</h3> + +<h4>APPREHENSION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Sweet maiden mine! thou blushing rose!</span> +<span class="i2">Sweet, blushing roselet mine!</span> +<span class="i0">For me, what thought of honey flows</span> +<span class="i2">From those sweet lips of thine?"</span> +<span class="i0">'I dare not speak with thee, my dear,</span> +<span class="i2">My mother has forbid me.'</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Sweet maid! thy mother is not here."</span> +<span class="i2">'She saw me once, and chid me.</span> +<span class="i0">Sir, she is in the garden there,</span> +<span class="i2">Plucking the evergreen:—</span> +<span class="i0">O may her heart like mine decay,</span> +<span class="i2">Like mine decay unseen,—</span> +<span class="i0">Ere love's sweet power has pass'd away,</span> +<span class="i2">As it had never been.'</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XL"></a>XL</h3> + +<h4>MILICA</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Long and lovely are Milica's eyebrows,</span> +<span class="i0">And they overhang her cheeks of roses—</span> +<span class="i0">Cheeks of roses, and her snowy forehead,</span> +<span class="i0">Three long years have I beheld the maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">Could not look upon her eyes so lovely—</span> +<span class="i0">On her eyes—nor on her snowy forehead.</span> +<span class="i0">To our country dance I lured the maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">Lured Milica,—lured her to our dances,</span> +<span class="i0">Hoping to look on her eyes so lovely.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">While they danced upon the greensward, verdant</span> +<span class="i0">In the sunshine, sudden darkness gather'd,</span> +<span class="i0">And the clouds broke out in fiery lightning,</span> +<span class="i0">And the maidens all look'd up to heaven,—</span> +<span class="i0">All the maidens—all, except Milica.</span> +<span class="i0">She still look'd on the green grass, untrembling, +</span> +<span class="i0">While the maidens trembled as they whisper'd:</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O Milica! thou our friend and playmate,</span> +<span class="i0">Art thou overwise—or art thou silly?</span> +<span class="i0">Thus to look upon the grass beneath us,</span> +<span class="i0">And not look up to the heaven above us,</span> +<span class="i0">To the clouds, round which the lightnings wind them?" +</span> +<span class="i0">And Milica gave this quiet answer:</span> +<span class="i0">"I am neither overwise nor silly.</span> +<span class="i0">Not the <i>Vila,</i> nor the cloud-upgatherer;</span> +<span class="i0">I am yet a maid—and look before me."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XLI"></a>XLI</h3> + +<h4>THE CHOICE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">He slept beneath a poplar tree:</span> +<span class="i0">And three young maidens cross'd the way;</span> +<span class="i0">I listen'd to the lovely three,</span> +<span class="i0">And heard them to each other say:—</span> +<span class="i0">"Now what is dearest, love! to thee?"</span> +<span class="i0">The eldest said—'Young Ranko's ring</span> +<span class="i0">Would be to me the dearest thing.'</span> +<span class="i0">"No! not for me," the second cried;</span> +<span class="i0">"I'd choose the girdle from his side."</span> +<span class="i0">'Not I,' the youngest said—'In truth,</span> +<span class="i0">I'll rather have the sleeping youth.</span> +<span class="i0">The ring, O sister! will grow dim,</span> +<span class="i0">The girdle will ere long be broken;</span> +<span class="i0">But this is an eternal token,—</span> +<span class="i0">His love for me and mine for him.'</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XLII"></a>XLII</h3> + +<h4>FOR WHOM?</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sweet fountain, that so freshly flows!</span> +<span class="i0">And thou, my own carnation-rose,</span> +<span class="i0">That shines like a shining gem!</span> +<span class="i0">And shall I tear thee from thy stem?</span> +<span class="i0">For whom? my mother? ah! for whom?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother slumbers in the tomb.</span> +<span class="i0">For whom? my sister? who has fled,</span> +<span class="i0">To seek a foreign bridal bed.</span> +<span class="i0">For whom? my brother? he is far,</span> +<span class="i0">Far off, in dark and bloody war.</span> +<span class="i0">For whom, for whom, but thee, my love?</span> +<span class="i0">But thou art absent far above,</span> +<span class="i0">Above these three green mountains,</span> +<span class="i0">Beyond these three fresh fountains!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XLIII"></a>XLIII</h3> + +<h4>LIBERTY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nightingale sings sweetly</span> +<span class="i0">In the verdant forest;</span> +<span class="i0">In the verdant forest,</span> +<span class="i0">On the slender branches.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thither came three sportsmen,</span> +<span class="i0">Nightingale to shoot at.</span> +<span class="i0">She implored the sportsmen,</span> +<span class="i0">"Shoot me not, ye sportsmen!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Shoot me not, ye sportsmen!</span> +<span class="i0">I will give you music,</span> +<span class="i0">In the verdant garden,</span> +<span class="i0">On the crimson rose-tree."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But the sportsmen seize her;</span> +<span class="i0">They deceive the songster,</span> +<span class="i0">In a cage confine her,</span> +<span class="i0">Give her to their loved one.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Nightingale will sing not—</span> +<span class="i0">Hangs its head in silence:</span> +<span class="i0">Then the sportsmen bear her</span> +<span class="i0">To the verdant forests.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Soon her song is waken'd;</span> +<span class="i0">"Woe! woe! betides us,</span> +<span class="i0">Friend from friend divided,</span> +<span class="i0">Bird from forest banish'd!"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XLIV"></a>XLIV</h3> + +<h4>THE DANCE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Omar's court is near to Sarajevo;</span> +<span class="i0">All around it is a woody mountain:</span> +<span class="i0">In the midst there is a verdant meadow;</span> +<span class="i0">There the maidens dance their joyous Kolo<a +name="fnanchor_20" id="fnanchor_20"></a><a href="#footnote_20" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[20]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">In the Kolo there is Damian's loved one;</span> +<span class="i0">O'er the Kolo her fair head uprises,</span> +<span class="i0">Rises gay and lustrous in her beauty.</span> +<span class="i0">'Midst the Kolo Nicholas address'd her:</span> +<span class="i0">"Veil your face, thou Damian's best beloved!</span> +<span class="i0">For to-day death's summons waits on Damian.</span> +<span class="i0">Half thy face veil over, lovely maiden!"</span> +<span class="i0">Hardly the prophetic words were utter'd,</span> +<span class="i0">Ere a gun was heard from the green forest;</span> +<span class="i0">Damian, wounded, fell amidst the Kolo—</span> +<span class="i0">Damian fell, and thus his love address'd him:</span> +<span class="i0">"O my Damian! O my sun of spring time!</span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore, wherefore, didst thou shine so brightly, +</span> +<span class="i0">Thus so soon to sink behind the mountain?"</span> +<span class="i0">"My beloved! O thou rose all beauteous!</span> +<span class="i0">Wherefore didst thou bloom so fair, so lovely,</span> +<span class="i0">And I never can enjoy, nor wear thee?"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XLV"></a>XLV</h3> + +<h4>ELEGY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Konda died—his mother's only offspring.</span> +<span class="i0">O what grief was hers the youth to bury</span> +<span class="i0">Far away from his own natural dwelling,</span> +<span class="i0">So she bore him to a verdant garden,</span> +<span class="i0">And 'neath pomegranate trees interr'd him.</span> +<span class="i0">Every, every day she wandered thither:</span> +<span class="i0">"Doth the earth, sweet son, lie heavy on thee?</span> +<span class="i0">Heavy are the planks of maple round thee?"</span> +<span class="i0">From his grave the voice of Konda answers:</span> +<span class="i0">"Lightly presses the green earth upon me,</span> +<span class="i0">Lightly press the planks of maple round me.</span> +<span class="i0">Heavy is the virgins' malediction;</span> +<span class="i0">When they sigh, their sighs reach God's high presence; +</span> +<span class="i0">When they curse, the world begins to tremble;</span> +<span class="i0">When they weep, even God is touch'd with pity."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XLVI"></a>XLVI</h3> + +<h4>INQUIRY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A maiden sat on th' ocean shore,</span> +<span class="i0">And held this converse with herself:</span> +<span class="i0">"O God of goodness and of love!</span> +<span class="i0">What's broader than the mighty sea,</span> +<span class="i0">And what is longer than the field,</span> +<span class="i0">And what is swifter than the steed,</span> +<span class="i0">What sweeter than the honey dew,</span> +<span class="i0">What dearer than a brother is?"</span> +<span class="i0">A fish thus answer'd from the sea:</span> +<span class="i0">"O maid! thou art a foolish girl.</span> +<span class="i0">And heaven is broader than the sea;</span> +<span class="i0">The sea is longer than the field;</span> +<span class="i0">The eye is swifter than the steed;</span> +<span class="i0">Sugar more sweet than honey dew;</span> +<span class="i0">Dearer than brother is thy love."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XLVII"></a>XLVII</h3> + +<h4>DOUBT</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Three young travellers travell'd forth to travel: +</span> +<span class="i0">On their travels met a lovely maiden:</span> +<span class="i0">Each will give the lovely maiden a present:</span> +<span class="i0">One presents her with a fresh-pluck'd apple:</span> +<span class="i0">One presents her with <i>bosiljak</i><a +name="fnanchor_21" id="fnanchor_21"></a><a href="#footnote_21" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[21]</sup></a> flowering:</span> +<span class="i0">One a gold ring for the maiden's finger.</span> +<span class="i0">He who gave the maiden the <i>bosiljak</i></span> +<span class="i0">Said, "The maid is mine—I claim the maiden." +</span> +<span class="i0">He who gave the maid the fresh-pluck'd apple</span> +<span class="i0">Said, "The maid is <i>mine</i>—I claim the +maiden."</span> +<span class="i0">He who gave the gold ring to the maiden</span> +<span class="i0">Said, "We'll go and seek the Judge together:</span> +<span class="i0">He shall say to whom belongs the maiden."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So they went and sought the Judge's presence:</span> +<span class="i0">"Judge, thou honourable, judge between us:</span> +<span class="i0">We three travell'd forth together,</span> +<span class="i0">And we met a maiden in our travels,</span> +<span class="i0">And we gave her—gave her each a present:</span> +<span class="i0">One of us a green and fresh-pluck'd apple:</span> +<span class="i0">One presented her <i>bosiljak</i> flowering;</span> +<span class="i0">And the third a gold ring for her finger:—</span> +<span class="i0">Now decide to whom belongs the maiden."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thus the honourable judge decided:</span> +<span class="i0">"We present <i>bosiljak</i> for its odour:</span> +<span class="i0">As a pledge of love we give an apple:</span> +<span class="i0">But to give a ring is a betrothing;—</span> +<span class="i0">He who gave the ring must have the maiden."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XLVIII"></a>XLVIII</h3> + +<h4>THE SULTANESS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Listen! I hear a cry, a cry!</span> +<span class="i0">The bells are ringing lustily;</span> +<span class="i0">And the hens are cackling all in riot.</span> +<span class="i0">No! no! no! the bells are quiet;</span> +<span class="i0">The hens at rest with one another:</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the sister calls the brother:</span> +<span class="i0">"Brother! I am a Moslem slave!</span> +<span class="i0">Tear me from my Turkish grave.</span> +<span class="i0">Small the price which sets me free:</span> +<span class="i0">Of pearls two measures—of gold but three."</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In vain she calls her brother.—'O no!</span> +<span class="i0">My treasures to my apparel go:</span> +<span class="i0">The gold my horse's bridle must deck:</span> +<span class="i0">My pearls must grace my maiden's neck;</span> +<span class="i0">Must buy a kiss—must buy a kiss.'</span> +<span class="i0">The maid her brother answer'd with this:</span> +<span class="i0">"I am no slave! I am no less</span> +<span class="i0">Than the sultan's chosen sultaness."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XLIX"></a>XLIX</h3> + +<h4>BETROTHING</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Here there is a maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">Young, and yet a virgin:</span> +<span class="i0">Give her then a husband,</span> +<span class="i0">Or give us the maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">And we will betroth her</span> +<span class="i0">To Ivan the student.</span> +<span class="i0">He's our parson's nephew—</span> +<span class="i0">He has art to write<a name="fnanchor_22" +id="fnanchor_22"></a><a href="#footnote_22" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[22]</sup></a> on</span> +<span class="i0">Pinions of the eagle.</span> +<span class="i0">What shall be his subject?</span> +<span class="i0">What—but bright-eyed maidens</span> +<span class="i0">And the brows of heroes?</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="L"></a>L</h3> + +<h4>CAUTIONS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O thou lovely maiden!</span> +<span class="i0">Lo! thy praise has mounted</span> +<span class="i0">To the monarch's city</span> +<span class="i0">Maiden! thou hast planted</span> +<span class="i0">The six-branch'd <i>kaloper</i><a name="fnanchor_23" +id="fnanchor_23"></a><a href="#footnote_23" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[23]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">And bosilka early.</span> +<span class="i0">But the youths unmarried</span> +<span class="i0">Long have been in waiting</span> +<span class="i0">To tear up thy balsam—</span> +<span class="i0">Thy bosilka pillage.</span> +<span class="i0">Know'st thou not they linger</span> +<span class="i0">Just to steal thy kisses?</span> +<span class="i0">Maiden! Maiden! never</span> +<span class="i0">Let those youths betray thee!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LI"></a>LI</h3> + +<h4>MAIDEN'S CARES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain</span> +<span class="i2">I bid thee visit me:</span> +<span class="i0">The anxious thought disturbs my brain—</span> +<span class="i2">Whose shall the maiden be?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother says, "The goatherd, child!</span> +<span class="i2">The goatherd, child! for thee."</span> +<span class="i0">Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he;</span> +<span class="i0">That were no happiness for me:</span> +<span class="i0">He tracks the mountains steep and wild</span> +<span class="i0">Where rocks and dangers be.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain</span> +<span class="i2">I bid thee visit me:</span> +<span class="i0">The anxious thought disturbs my brain—</span> +<span class="i2">Whose shall the maiden be?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother says, "The shepherd, maid!</span> +<span class="i2">The shepherd, maid! for thee."</span> +<span class="i0">Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he;</span> +<span class="i0">That were no happiness for me:</span> +<span class="i0">He wanders through the distant glade</span> +<span class="i0">Where wolves and perils be.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain</span> +<span class="i2">I bid thee visit me:</span> +<span class="i0">The anxious thought disturbs my brain—</span> +<span class="i2">Whose shall the maiden be?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother says, "The tradesman, dear!</span> +<span class="i2">The tradesman, dear! for thee."</span> +<span class="i0">Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he;</span> +<span class="i0">That were no happiness for me:</span> +<span class="i0">He is a wanderer far and near,</span> +<span class="i0">His house no home may be.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain</span> +<span class="i2">I bid thee visit me:</span> +<span class="i0">The anxious thought disturbs my brain—</span> +<span class="i2">Whose shall the maiden be?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother says, "The tailor, then</span> +<span class="i2">The tailor, then, for thee!"</span> +<span class="i0">Nay, mother! nay; not he, not he!</span> +<span class="i0">That were no happiness for me:</span> +<span class="i0">The tailor's needle may be keen,</span> +<span class="i0">His children hungry be.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain</span> +<span class="i2">I bid thee visit me;</span> +<span class="i0">The anxious thought disturbs my brain—</span> +<span class="i2">Whose shall the maiden be?</span> +<span class="i0">My mother says,—"The peasant, take</span> +<span class="i2">The peasant, child! for thee."</span> +<span class="i0">Yes! mother, yes! in him I see</span> +<span class="i0">Both love and happiness for me;</span> +<span class="i0">For though his labouring hands are black,</span> +<span class="i0">The whitest bread eats he.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LII"></a>LII</h3> + +<h4>MOHAMMEDAN SONG</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">His breath is amber,—sharp his reed;</span> +<span class="i0">The hand which holds it, O! how white.</span> +<span class="i0">He writes fair talismans,—a creed,</span> +<span class="i0">For maidens doth the loved one write:</span> +<span class="i0">"Of him that will not have thee,—think +not!</span> +<span class="i0">From him that fain would have thee, shrink not."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LIII"></a>LIII</h3> + +<h4>MINE EVERYWHERE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Come with me, thou charming maiden!</span> +<span class="i0">Be my love and come with me."</span> +<span class="i0">'Wherefore play with words so foolish?</span> +<span class="i0">That can never, never be;</span> +<span class="i0">I had rather in the tavern</span> +<span class="i0">Bear the golden cup, than ever,—</span> +<span class="i0">Ever promise to be thine.'</span> +<span class="i0">"I am the young tavern-keeper,</span> +<span class="i0">So thou wilt indeed be mine."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Wherefore play with words so foolish?</span> +<span class="i0">No such fate will e'er befall;</span> +<span class="i0">In the coffee-house I'd rather</span> +<span class="i0">Serve, envelop'd in my shawl,</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than be thine at all.'</span> +<span class="i0">"But I am the coffee boiler,</span> +<span class="i0">Thee, my maiden, will I call."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Wherefore play with words so foolish?</span> +<span class="i0">That can never, never be;</span> +<span class="i0">Rather o'er the field I'll wander,</span> +<span class="i0">Changed into a quail, than ever,</span> +<span class="i0">Ever give myself to thee.'</span> +<span class="i0">"But I am a vigorous sportsman,</span> +<span class="i0">And thou wilt belong to me."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Play not, youth! with words so foolish,</span> +<span class="i0">That can never, never be;</span> +<span class="i0">Rather to a fish I'd change me,</span> +<span class="i0">Dive me deep beneath the sea,</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than belong to thee.'</span> +<span class="i0">"But I am the finest network,</span> +<span class="i0">Which into the sea I'll cast;</span> +<span class="i0">Mine thou art, and mine thou shalt be,—</span> +<span class="i0">Yes; thou must be mine at last;</span> +<span class="i0">Be it here, or be it there,</span> +<span class="i0">Mine thou must be everywhere."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LIV"></a>LIV</h3> + +<h4>MAID AWAKING</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Lovely maiden gather'd roses,</span> +<span class="i2">Sleep o'ertook her then;</span> +<span class="i0">Pass'd a youth and call'd the maiden,</span> +<span class="i2">Waked the maid again:</span> +<span class="i0">"Wake! O wake! thou lovely maiden,</span> +<span class="i2">Why art slumbering now?</span> +<span class="i0">All the rosy wreaths are fading,</span> +<span class="i2">Fading on thy brow.</span> +<span class="i0">He, thy heart's own love, will marry;</span> +<span class="i2">He will break his vow!"</span> +<span class="i0">'Let him marry, let him marry,</span> +<span class="i2">I shall not complain;</span> +<span class="i0">But the thunderbolt of heav'n</span> +<span class="i2">Shall destroy him then.'</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LV"></a>LV</h3> + +<h4>MOTHER'S LOVE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">On the balcony young Jovan sported,</span> +<span class="i0">While he sported, lo! it crash'd beneath him,</span> +<span class="i0">And he fell,—his right arm broke in falling! +</span> +<span class="i0">Who shall find a surgeon for the sufferer?</span> +<span class="i0">Lo! the Vila<a name="fnanchor_24" +id="fnanchor_24"></a><a href="#footnote_24" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[24]</sup></a> of the mountain sends one,</span> +<span class="i0">But the recompense he asks is heavy;</span> +<span class="i0">Her white hand demands he of the mother,—</span> +<span class="i0">Of the sister all her silken ringlets,—</span> +<span class="i0">Of the wife he asks her pearl-strung necklace.</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Freely gave her hand young Jovan's mother,</span> +<span class="i0">Freely gave her silken hair his sister,</span> +<span class="i0">But his wife refus'd her pearly treasure:—</span> +<span class="i0">"Nay! I will not give my pearl-strung necklace,</span> +<span class="i0">For it was a present of my father."</span> +<span class="i0">Anger then incens'd the Mountain-Vila,</span> +<span class="i0">Into Jovan's wounds she pour'd her poison,</span> +<span class="i0">And he died,—Alas! for thee, poor mother!</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then began the melancholy cuckoos,<a name="fnanchor_25" +id="fnanchor_25"></a><a href="#footnote_25" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[25]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Cuckoos then began their funeral dirges;</span> +<span class="i0">One pour'd out her mournful plaints unceasing,</span> +<span class="i0">One at morning mourn'd, and mourn'd at ev'ning,</span> +<span class="i0">And the third when'er sad thoughts came o'er her. +</span> +<span class="i0">Tell me which is the unceasing mourner?</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the sorrowing mother of young Jovan.</span> +<span class="i0">Which at morning mourns and late at evening?</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the grieving sister of young Jovan.</span> +<span class="i0">Which when melancholy thoughts come o'er her?</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the youthful wife,—the wife of Jovan.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LVI"></a>LVI</h3> + +<h4>THE GREYBEARD</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I heard young Falisava say:</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll have no ancient greybeard, nay!</span> +<span class="i0">A sprightly beardless youth for me."</span> +<span class="i0">An aged man the maiden heard,</span> +<span class="i0">He shaves his long and snowy beard,</span> +<span class="i0">And paints his chin like ebony:</span> +<span class="i0">To Falisava then he goes—</span> +<span class="i0">"My heart! my soul! my garden rose!</span> +<span class="i0">A beardless youth is come for thee."</span> +<span class="i0">And then she listen'd—they were wed—</span> +<span class="i0">And to the old man's home they sped.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then twilight came, and evening's shade—</span> +<span class="i0">And said the old man to the maid:</span> +<span class="i0">"Sweet Falisava! maiden fair!</span> +<span class="i0">Our bed beside the stove prepare,</span> +<span class="i0">And the warm feather-mattress bear"—</span> +<span class="i0">The maiden heard—the maiden went,</span> +<span class="i0">And gather'd flowers of sweetest scent—</span> +<span class="i0">Of sweetest scent and fairest hue,</span> +<span class="i0">Which on the old man's bed she threw,</span> +<span class="i0">And like on a strong-wing'd eagle then</span> +<span class="i0">Flew to her father's home again.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LVII"></a>LVII</h3> + +<h4>MOHAMMEDAN TALE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Who is mourning there in Glamodelec's fortress?</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the Vila—'tis an angry serpent?</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis no Vila—'tis no angry serpent!</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the maid Emina there lamenting—</span> +<span class="i0">There lamenting, for her woe is grievous!</span> +<span class="i0">Lo! the Ban<a name="fnanchor_26" +id="fnanchor_26"></a><a href="#footnote_26" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[26]</sup></a> the maiden hath +imprison'd—</span> +<span class="i0">Hath imprison'd her, and will baptize her;</span> +<span class="i0">But Emina never will be faithless—</span> +<span class="i0">From the white-wall'd tower will fling her rather. +</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thus the unbelieving Ban address'd her:</span> +<span class="i0">"Unbelieving Ban! a moment tarry,</span> +<span class="i0">While I hasten to the upper story."</span> +<span class="i0">And she hasten'd to the upper story;</span> +<span class="i0">Look'd around her from the white-wall'd fortress: +</span> +<span class="i0">In the distance saw her father's dwelling—</span> +<span class="i0">Saw the white school where she pass'd her childhood +</span> +<span class="i0">"O my father's home! my poor heart's sorrow!</span> +<span class="i0">School of childhood! once that childhood's terror! +</span> +<span class="i0">Many a day of weariness and sorrow</span> +<span class="i0">Did thy small-writ lessons give Emina."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then she wrapp'd her snowy robes around her— +</span> +<span class="i0">Thought not of the band that bound her tresses,</span> +<span class="i0">And she flung her from the fortress turret.</span> +<span class="i0">But her hair-band caught the open window—</span> +<span class="i0">From the window, ah she hung suspended—</span> +<span class="i0">Hung a week suspended from the window—</span> +<span class="i0">Then her hair gave away—and then the maiden +</span> +<span class="i0">On the greensward fell.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i10a">The Christian heard it—</span> +<span class="i0">He, the Christian Ban, and hasten'd thither;</span> +<span class="i0">Oft and oft he kiss'd the dead Emina;</span> +<span class="i0">And he peacefully entom'd the maiden.</span> +<span class="i0">O'er her grave a chapel he erected,</span> +<span class="i0">And with golden apples he adorn'd it.</span> +<span class="i0">Ere a week had pass'd away, descended</span> +<span class="i0">On her tomb a beauteous light from heaven;</span> +<span class="i0">At her head a beauteous light was kindled;</span> +<span class="i0">At her feet another light shone sweetly;</span> +<span class="i0">And her aged mother saw and wonder'd</span> +<span class="i0">From her chain she took her knife, and plunged +it—</span> +<span class="i0">Plunged it deep within her troubled bosom—</span> +<span class="i0">Fell, and died—O melancholy mother!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LVIII"></a>LVIII</h3> + +<h4>LOVE'S DIFFICULTIES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">I loved her from her infancy,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado!<a name="fnanchor_27" id="fnanchor_27"></a><a +href="#footnote_27" class="fnanchor"><sup>[27]</sup></a> Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">From childhood to maturity,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">And when I claim'd the smiling maid,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">"Ye are of kindred blood!" they said,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">"Brother and sister's children ye,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">It were a sin to steal a kiss,"</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">Oh what a sacrifice is this!</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">I'll steal a kiss though I be riven,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">From every, every hope of heaven,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">For what would heaven become to me</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i0">When the long nights of autumn flee,</span> +<span class="i4">Lado! Lado!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LIX"></a>LIX</h3> + +<h4>WITCHES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sky is cover'd with stars again:</span> +<span class="i0">The plains are cover'd with flocks of sheep:</span> +<span class="i0">But where is the shepherd? On the plain</span> +<span class="i0">The shepherd is lost in careless sleep:</span> +<span class="i0">The youthful Radoje sleeps:—Arise!</span> +<span class="i0">Awake! his sister Jania cries.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Jania! sister nay! depart!</span> +<span class="i0">My body to witches is plighted:</span> +<span class="i0">My mother has torn away my heart,</span> +<span class="i0">And my aunt my mother lighted."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LX"></a>LX</h3> + +<h4>PLEDGES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The wind was with the roses playing:</span> +<span class="i2">To Ranko's tent it blew their leaves:</span> +<span class="i0">Milica, Ranko, there were staying,</span> +<span class="i2">And Ranko writes—Milica weaves.</span> +<span class="i0">His letter done, he drops his pen:</span> +<span class="i2">Her finish'd web she throws aside:</span> +<span class="i0">And lo! I heard the lover then</span> +<span class="i2">Low whisper to his promised bride:</span> +<span class="i0">"Milica! tell me truly now</span> +<span class="i2">And dost thou love me—love me best?</span> +<span class="i0">Or heavy is thy nuptial vow?"—</span> +<span class="i2">And thus the maid the youth address'd:</span> +<span class="i0">"O trust me—thou my heart—my +soul—</span> +<span class="i2">That thou art dearer far to me—</span> +<span class="i0">Far dearer, Ranko! than the whole</span> +<span class="i2">Of brothers—many though they be:</span> +<span class="i0">And that the vows we pledged together</span> +<span class="i0">Are lighter than the lightest feather."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXI"></a>LXI</h3> + +<h4>COMPLAINT</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O flower! so lovely in thy bloom,</span> +<span class="i0">Be evil fate thy mother's doom!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy mother, who so kindly nurst,</span> +<span class="i0">And sent thee to our village first.</span> +<span class="i0">Where heroes o'er their cups romancing,</span> +<span class="i0">And our young striplings stones are flinging,</span> +<span class="i0">And our delighted brides are dancing,</span> +<span class="i0">And our gay maidens songs are singing—</span> +<span class="i0">'Twas then I saw thee, lovely flower!</span> +<span class="i0">And lost my quiet from that hour.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXII"></a>LXII</h3> + +<h4>SONG</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The winter is gone,</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise!</span> +<span class="i0">The spring is come on,</span> +<span class="i0">The birds are all singing:</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The roses are springing;</span> +<span class="i0">Earth laughs out in love:</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise!</span> +<span class="i0">And thou, my sweet dove!</span> +<span class="i0">O waste not thy time:</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Enjoy the sweet bliss</span> +<span class="i0">Of a kiss—of a kiss:</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise</span> +<span class="i0">In the hour of thy prime,</span> +<span class="i2">Beloved, arise!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXIII"></a>LXIII</h3> + +<h4>MOHAMMEDAN SONG</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I have piercing eyes—the eyes of falcons:</span> +<span class="i0">I am of undoubted noble lineage:</span> +<span class="i0">I can read the heart of Osman Aga:</span> +<span class="i0">I was ask'd by Osman Aga's mother:</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Cursed witch: and yet most lovely maiden!</span> +<span class="i0">Why with white and red dost paint thy visage?</span> +<span class="i0">Fascinate no longer Osman Aga!</span> +<span class="i0">I will speed me to the verdant forest,</span> +<span class="i0">Build me up of maple-trees a dwelling,</span> +<span class="i0">And lock up within it Osman Aga."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then the maid replied to Osman's mother:</span> +<span class="i0">"Lady Anka! Osman Aga's mother—</span> +<span class="i0">I have falcon eyes—and eyes of devils:</span> +<span class="i0">With them I can ope thy ample dwelling—</span> +<span class="i0">With them visit, too, thy Osman Aga."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXIV"></a>LXIV</h3> + +<h4>BROTHERLESS SISTERS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Two solitary sisters, who</span> +<span class="i0">A brother's fondness never knew,</span> +<span class="i0">Agreed, poor girls, with one another,</span> +<span class="i0">That they would make themselves a brother:</span> +<span class="i0">They cut them silk, as snow-drops white;</span> +<span class="i0">And silk, as richest rubies bright;</span> +<span class="i0">They carved his body from a bough</span> +<span class="i0">Of box-tree from the mountain's brow;</span> +<span class="i0">Two jewels dark for eyes they gave;</span> +<span class="i0">For eyebrows, from the ocean's wave</span> +<span class="i0">They took two leeches; and for teeth</span> +<span class="i0">Fix'd pearls above, and pearls beneath;</span> +<span class="i0">For food they gave him honey sweet,</span> +<span class="i0">And said, "Now live, and speak, and eat."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXV"></a>LXV</h3> + +<h4>MISFORTUNES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">On the hill, the fir-tree hill,</span> +<span class="i2">Grows a tall fir-tree:</span> +<span class="i0">There a maiden, calm and still,</span> +<span class="i2">Sits delightedly.</span> +<span class="i0">To a youthful swain she pledges</span> +<span class="i2">Vows: "O come to me:</span> +<span class="i0">Lightly spring across the hedges:</span> +<span class="i2">Come—but slightly.</span> +<span class="i0">Come at eve—lest harm betide thee.</span> +<span class="i2">If any home thou seek,</span> +<span class="i0">In our quiet dwelling hide thee;</span> +<span class="i2">Not a whisper speak."</span> +<span class="i0">And he o'er the hedges sprung,</span> +<span class="i2">Lo! a twig he tore:</span> +<span class="i0">When the house-door ope he flung,</span> +<span class="i2">Noisy was the door.</span> +<span class="i0">When he enter'd in, there fell</span> +<span class="i2">Shelves upon the floor,</span> +<span class="i0">'Twas the broken china's knell—</span> +<span class="i2">O the luckless hour!</span> +<span class="i0">Then her mother comes afeard,</span> +<span class="i2">Trips and cuts her knee;</span> +<span class="i0">And her father burns his beard</span> +<span class="i2">In perplexity.</span> +<span class="i0">And the youth must quench the fire,</span> +<span class="i2">And the maiden must retire.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXVI"></a>LXVI</h3> + +<h4>TIMIDITY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Lo! upon the mountain green</span> +<span class="i0">Stands a fir-tree tall and thin—</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis no fir-tree—none at all—</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis a maiden thin and tall.</span> +<span class="i0">Three long years the enamour'd one</span> +<span class="i0">Fed upon her eyes alone;</span> +<span class="i0">On the fourth, he sought the bliss</span> +<span class="i0">Of the maiden's primal kiss</span> +<span class="i0">"Why, thou witching maid! repel me—</span> +<span class="i0">Why with foot of scorn dost tread,</span> +<span class="i0">On my feet, my boots of red!</span> +<span class="i0">Why despise me, maiden! tell me."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"No, my friend, I will not tread</span> +<span class="i0">On thy feet, thy boots of red!</span> +<span class="i0">Come at evening—come and string</span> +<span class="i0">Pearls for me—and thou shalt fling</span> +<span class="i0">O'er me my embroider'd shawl.</span> +<span class="i0">We will go at morning's call</span> +<span class="i0">To the kolo—Friend! but thou</span> +<span class="i0">Must not touch the maiden now—</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Know'st thou not that busy slander</span> +<span class="i0">Follows us wher'er we wander?</span> +<span class="i0">Evil tongues are ever talking;</span> +<span class="i0">Calumny abroad is walking</span> +<span class="i0">Know'st thou that a simple kiss</span> +<span class="i0">Ample food for slander is?</span> +<span class="i0">'Never did we kiss,' you'll say,</span> +<span class="i0">'Till last evening and to-day.'</span> +<span class="i0">Come at evening—come, my dear.</span> +<span class="i0">Sisters' eyes will watch thee here."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXVII"></a>LXVII</h3> + +<h4>YOUTH ENAMOURED</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"Where wert thou! Misho! yesterday?"</span> +<span class="i0">"O 'twas a happy day for me!</span> +<span class="i0">A lovely maiden cross'd my way</span> +<span class="i0">A maiden smiling lovelily</span> +<span class="i0">And those sweet smiles for me were meant;</span> +<span class="i0">I claimed her—mother answer'd, 'No!'</span> +<span class="i0">Would steal her—vain was the intent,</span> +<span class="i2">For many guardians watch'd her so.</span> +<span class="i0">There grows a verdant almond-tree</span> +<span class="i0">Before her house—its boughs I'll climb;</span> +<span class="i0">Wail like a cuckoo mournfully,</span> +<span class="i0">And swallow-like, at evening time,</span> +<span class="i0">Pour forth my woe in throbbings deep</span> +<span class="i0">And like a sorrowing widow sigh,</span> +<span class="i0">And like a youthful maiden weep.</span> +<span class="i0">So may her mother turn her eye,</span> +<span class="i0">Pitying my grief, her heart may move,</span> +<span class="i0">And she may give me her I love."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXVIII"></a>LXVIII</h3> + +<h4>BLACK EYES AND BLUE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">I wish the happy time were nigh,</span> +<span class="i0">When youths are sold, that I might buy.</span> +<span class="i0">But for an azure-eyed Mlinar,<a name="fnanchor_28" +id="fnanchor_28"></a><a href="#footnote_28" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[28]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">I would not give a single dinar,</span> +<span class="i0">Though for a raven-black eyed youth,</span> +<span class="i0">A thousand golden coins, in truth.</span> +<span class="i0">Alas! alas! and is it true?</span> +<span class="i0">My own fair youth has eyes of blue;</span> +<span class="i0">Yes! they are blue—yet dear to me—</span> +<span class="i0">Will he forgive my levity?</span> +<span class="i0">Ye maidens! pray him to forgive me;</span> +<span class="i0">Nay! spare me now—and rather leave me</span> +<span class="i0">To tell him "I am yours"—and smile</span> +<span class="i0">In fond affection all the while.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXIX"></a>LXIX</h3> + +<h4>THE WIDOW</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Rose! O smile upon the youth no longer;</span> +<span class="i0">He in his impatience to be wedded,</span> +<span class="i0">Chose a widow for his years unsuited,</span> +<span class="i0">And wher'er she goes, where'er she tarries,</span> +<span class="i0">She is mourning for her ancient husband.</span> +<span class="i0">"O my husband! first and best possession!</span> +<span class="i0">Happy were the days we spent together!</span> +<span class="i0">Early we retired and late we waken'd</span> +<span class="i0">Thou didst wake me kissing my white forehead,</span> +<span class="i0">'Up, my heart! the sun is high in heaven,</span> +<span class="i0">And our aged mother is arisen.'"</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXX"></a>LXX</h3> + +<h4>ALARMS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Fairest youths are here—but not the fairest! +</span> +<span class="i0">Could I hear him now, or could I see him,—</span> +<span class="i0">Could I know if he be sick, or faithless!</span> +<span class="i0">Were he sick, my ears would rather hear it,</span> +<span class="i0">Than that he had loved another maiden.</span> +<span class="i0">Sickness may depart, and time restore him,— +</span> +<span class="i0">If enamour'd,—never! never! never!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXI"></a>LXXI</h3> + +<h4>FOND WIFE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O! If I were a mountain streamlet,</span> +<span class="i2">I know where I would flow</span> +<span class="i0">I'd spring into the crystal Sava,</span> +<span class="i2">Where the gay vessels go,</span> +<span class="i0">That I might look upon my lover—</span> +<span class="i2">For fain my heart would know</span> +<span class="i0">If, when he holds the helm, he ever</span> +<span class="i2">Looks on my rose, and thinks</span> +<span class="i0">Of her who gave it;—if the nosegay</span> +<span class="i2">I made of sweetest pinks</span> +<span class="i0">Is faded yet, and if he wear it.</span> +<span class="i2">On Saturday I cull</span> +<span class="i0">To give him for a Sabbath present</span> +<span class="i2">All that is beautiful.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXII"></a>LXXII</h3> + +<h4>UNHAPPY BRIDE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The maiden gave the ring she wore</span> +<span class="i0">To him who gave it her before:</span> +<span class="i0">"O take the ring—for thou and thine</span> +<span class="i0">Are hated,—not by me—but mine—</span> +<span class="i0">Father and mother will not hear thee</span> +<span class="i0">Brother and sister both forswear thee</span> +<span class="i0">Yet, think not, youth,—I think not ill</span> +<span class="i0">Of her who needs must love thee still!</span> +<span class="i0">I am a poor unhappy maid,</span> +<span class="i0">Whose path the darkest clouds o'ershade,</span> +<span class="i0">I sowed sweet basil, and there grew</span> +<span class="i0">On that same spot the bitterest rue</span> +<span class="i0">And wormwood, that unholy flower,</span> +<span class="i0">I now alone my marriage dower;</span> +<span class="i0">The only flower which they shall wear</span> +<span class="i0">Who to the maiden's marriage comes,</span> +<span class="i0">When for my marriage altar there</span> +<span class="i0">The guests shall find the maiden's tomb."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXIII"></a>LXXIII</h3> + +<h4>LAST PETITION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Upon her mother's bosom lay</span> +<span class="i0">Young Mira, and she pined away.</span> +<span class="i0">'Twas in her own maternal bed;</span> +<span class="i0">And thus the anxious mother said:—</span> +<span class="i0">"What ails thee, tell me, Mira, pray?"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O ask me not, my mother dear!</span> +<span class="i0">I feel that death approaches near,</span> +<span class="i0">I shall not rise from this my bed;</span> +<span class="i0">But, mother mine! when I am dead—</span> +<span class="i0">O mother mine! call round me all</span> +<span class="i0">My playmates to my funeral;</span> +<span class="i0">And let the friends I loved receive</span> +<span class="i0">The little gifts that I shall leave;</span> +<span class="i0">Then let me sleep in peace beneath.—</span> +</div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">There's one, my mother, I should grieve</span> +<span class="i0">To be divided from in death.</span> +<span class="i0">Then call around me priests divine,</span> +<span class="i0">And pious pilgrims, mother mine!</span> +<span class="i0">The forehead of thy dying daughter</span> +<span class="i0">Steep in the rose's fragrant water.</span> +<span class="i0">And, mother, let my forehead be</span> +<span class="i0">Dried with the rose-leaves from the tree;</span> +<span class="i0">And pillow not thy daughter's head,</span> +<span class="i0">O mother! with the common dead;</span> +<span class="i0">But let me have a quiet tomb</span> +<span class="i0">Adjacent to my Mirjo's home,</span> +<span class="i0">And near my Mirjo's nightly bed;</span> +<span class="i0">So when he wakes his thoughts shall dwell</span> +<span class="i0">With her he loved and loved so well."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXIV"></a>LXXIV</h3> + +<h4>LOVE FOR A BROTHER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The sun sank down behind the gold-flower'd hill;</span> +<span class="i2">The warriors from the fight approach the shore:</span> +<span class="i0">There stood young George's wife, serene and +still:</span> +<span class="i2">She counted all the heroes o'er and o'er,</span> +<span class="i0">And found not those she loved—though they were +three:—</span> +<span class="i2">Her husband, George; her marriage friend, another</span> +<span class="i0">Who late had led the marriage revelry;</span> +<span class="i2">The third, her best-loved, her only brother.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Her husband he was dead; she rent her hair</span> +<span class="i2">For him—Her friend was gone,—for him she +tore</span> +<span class="i0">Her cheeks—Her only brother was not there:</span> +<span class="i2">For him she pluck'd her eye-balls from their +bed.</span> +<span class="i0">Her hair grew forth as lovely as before;</span> +<span class="i2">Upon her cheeks her former beauties spread;</span> +<span class="i0">But nothing could her perish'd sight restore:</span> +<span class="i2">Nought heals the heart that mourns a brother +dead.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXV"></a>LXXV</h3> + +<h4>REBUKE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"Maiden! hast thou seen my steed?"</span> +<span class="i0">"Faithless one! not I, indeed!</span> +<span class="i0">But I heard that thou hadst tied him</span> +<span class="i0">To the mountain-maple tree;</span> +<span class="i0">When a stranger pass'd beside him,</span> +<span class="i0">Full of scorn and rage was he:</span> +<span class="i0">With his hoofs the ground he beat;</span> +<span class="i0">Of his master's guilt he knew.</span> +<span class="i0">Not one maiden did he cheat.</span> +<span class="i0">No; that master cheated two:</span> +<span class="i0">One has borne a wretched child;</span> +<span class="i0">One with grief and shame is wild."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXVI"></a>LXXVI</h3> + +<h4>MAN'S FAITH</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Say! dost thou remember when under the vine,</span> +<span class="i0">Thy tears fell in streams on the breast of thy +maid;</span> +<span class="i0">When thy heart burst in joy as I own'd thee for +mine?</span> +<span class="i0">Alas! for the maiden whose peace is betray'd</span> +<span class="i0">By the tears and the vows of a falsehood like +thine!</span> +<span class="i0">As the changeable sky—now o'erclouded, now +bright,</span> +<span class="i0">Is the faith of thy race—their language +to-day,</span> +<span class="i0">"I will wed thee to-morrow, my love and my +light!"</span> +<span class="i0">To-morrow—"Let's wait till the harvest's +away."</span> +<span class="i0">The harvest is ended, the winter is nigh</span> +<span class="i0">And another maid dwells in their hearts and their +eye.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXVII"></a>LXXVII</h3> + +<h4>MAIDEN'S AFFECTION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Black is the night—an outcast lad</span> +<span class="i0">Is wandering in our village, mother!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy daughter's heart is very sad,</span> +<span class="i0">Sad even to death! He has no home:</span> +<span class="i0">O give him ours, he has no other,</span> +<span class="i0">And bid the lad no longer roam!"</span> +<span class="i0">"Nay! daughter, let this outcast stray,</span> +<span class="i0">He is a proud and city youth;</span> +<span class="i0">Will ask for wine at break of day,</span> +<span class="i0">And costly meats at eve, forsooth,</span> +<span class="i0">And for his city-tutor'd head</span> +<span class="i0">Will want a soft and stately bed."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O mother! In God's name divine,</span> +<span class="i0">Give the poor lad a shelter now:</span> +<span class="i0">My eyes shall serve instead of wine,</span> +<span class="i0">For costly meats my maiden brow.</span> +<span class="i0">My neck shall be his honey comb.</span> +<span class="i0">His bed the dewy grass shall be,</span> +<span class="i0">And heaven his stately canopy.</span> +<span class="i0">His head shall rest upon my arm.</span> +<span class="i0">O mother! give the youth a home,</span> +<span class="i0">And shelter, shelter him from harm."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXVIII"></a>LXXVIII</h3> + + +<h4>MARRIAGE SONGS</h4> +<p class="center">The Marriage Leader:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"Make ready! make ready,"</span> +<span class="i0">To his sister the youth is repeating;</span> +<span class="i0">"Make ready my steed for the wedding,</span> +<span class="i0">O sister! the young Doge<a name="fnanchor_29" +id="fnanchor_29"></a><a href="#footnote_29" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[29]</sup></a> is waiting.</span> +<span class="i0">I'm bid to the wedding, I'm summon'd to guide</span> +<span class="i0">To the wedding the maiden—the Doge's young +bride."</span></div> + +<p class="center">The approaching bridegroom:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">What is shining on the verdant mountain?</span> +<span class="i0">Sun—or moon—that shines so brightly,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis not sun, or moon that shines so brightly,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the bridegroom hasting to the marriage.</span> +</div> + +<p class="center">Parting of the bride:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sweetest of maidens! O be still,</span> +<span class="i0">Be silent—prithee weep not now</span> +<span class="i0">Thy mother she will weep—wilt fill</span> +<span class="i0">Her sorrowing eyes with tears, for thou</span> +<span class="i0">Wilt leave thy cherish'd home ere long:</span> +<span class="i0">And when thy young companions go</span> +<span class="i0">To the fresh stream, amidst the throng</span> +<span class="i0">She'll seek thee—will she find thee! No!</span> +</div> + +<p class="center">Departure of the wedding guests:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O thou young bridegroom, thou rose in its beauty,</span> +<span class="i0">Lo! we have brought thee a rosemary branch,</span> +<span class="i0">And if the rosemary branch should decay,</span> +<span class="i0">Thine will the shame be, the sorrow be ours.</span> +<span class="i0">Scatter the rosemary leaves o'er thy way;</span> +<span class="i0">Let not destruction disparage its flowers.</span></div> + +<p class="center">To the bride, when the marriage hood is first put +on:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Maid from a distant forest tree,</span> +<span class="i0">A verdant leaf is blown to thee;</span> +<span class="i0">And that green leaf has fixed it now,</span> +<span class="i0">In the green garland on thy brow:</span> +<span class="i0">The garland green, that we have bound</span> +<span class="i0">Maiden! thy auburn ringlets round:</span> +<span class="i0">O no! it is no leaf, that we</span> +<span class="i0">Have braided in a wreath for thee;</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis the white hood that thou must wear,</span> +<span class="i0">The token of domestic care:</span> +<span class="i0">Thou hast no mother now—another,</span> +<span class="i0">A stranger must be called thy mother;</span> +<span class="i0">And sister-love thy heart must share,</span> +<span class="i0">With one who was not born thy brother.</span></div> + +<p class="center">At the marriage:</p> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">An apple tree at Ranko's door was growing,</span> +<span class="i0">Its trunk was silver, golden were its branches;</span> +<span class="i0">Its branches golden and of pearls its foliage,</span> +<span class="i0">Its leaves were pearls, and all its apple +corals.</span> +<span class="i0">And many dovelets, on the branches seated,</span> +<span class="i0">Coo'd in their fond affection to each other;</span> +<span class="i0">Coo'd loudly, and they pluck'd the pearls—one +only</span> +<span class="i0">One, only one was silent, one was silent—</span> +<span class="i0">It coo'd not, pluck'd no pearls from off the +branches:</span> +<span class="i0">That one was terrified by Ranko's mother:</span> +<span class="i0">"Begone—grey dovelet! thou art an +intruder!</span> +<span class="i0">Was not the apple-tree by Ranko planted?</span> +<span class="i0">By Ranko planted, and by Ranko watered,</span> +<span class="i0">That it might shade the guests at Ranko's +marriage,</span> +<span class="i0">Shade all his guests beneath its joyous +branches."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXIX"></a>LXXIX</h3> + +<h4>HEROES SERVE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Upon the silent Danube's shore,</span> +<span class="i2">When ev'ning wastes, 'tis sweet to see</span> +<span class="i0">'Their golden wine cups flowing o'er';</span> +<span class="i2">Our heroes in their revelry.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A youthful beauty pours the wine,</span> +<span class="i2">And each will pledge a cup to her;</span> +<span class="i0">And each of charms that seem divine,</span> +<span class="i2">Would fain become a worshipper.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Nay! heroes, nay!" the virgin cried,</span> +<span class="i2">"My service—not my love—I give:</span> +<span class="i0">For one alone—for none beside:</span> +<span class="i2">For one alone I love and live."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXX"></a>LXXX</h3> + +<h4>YOUTH AND AGE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Lo! the maid her rosy cheeks is laving.</span> +<span class="i0">Listen! while she bathes her snowy forehead:</span> +<span class="i0">"Forehead! if I thought an old man's kisses</span> +<span class="i0">Would be stamp'd upon thee, I would hasten</span> +<span class="i0">To the forest, and would gather wormwood</span> +<span class="i0">Into boiling water press its bitters:</span> +<span class="i0">With it steep my forehead ev'ry morning,</span> +<span class="i0">That the old man's kiss might taste of wormwood.</span> +<span class="i0">But, if some fair youth should come to kiss me,</span> +<span class="i0">I would hurry to the verdant garden:</span> +<span class="i0">I would gather all its sweetest roses,</span> +<span class="i0">Would condense their fragrance,—and at +morning,</span> +<span class="i0">Every morning, would perfume my forehead</span> +<span class="i0">So the youth's sweet kiss would breathe of +fragrance,</span> +<span class="i0">And his heart be gladden'd with the odour.</span> +<span class="i0">Better dwell with youth upon the mountains,</span> +<span class="i0">Than with age in luxury's richest palace:</span> +<span class="i0">Better sleep with youth on naked granite,</span> +<span class="i0">Than with eld on silks howe'er voluptuous."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXI"></a>LXXXI</h3> + +<h4>CHOICE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">In my court the morning's twilight found me;</span> +<span class="i0">At the chase the early sun while rising,</span> +<span class="i0">I upon the mountain—and behind it,</span> +<span class="i0">On that mountain, 'neath a dark-green pine tree</span> +<span class="i0">Lo! I saw a lovely maiden sleeping;</span> +<span class="i0">On a clover-sheaf her head was pillow'd;</span> +<span class="i0">On her bosom lay two snowy dovelets;</span> +<span class="i0">In her lap there was a dappled fawnkin.</span> +<span class="i0">There I tarried till the fall of ev'ning:</span> +<span class="i0">Bound my steed at night around the pine-tree:</span> +<span class="i0">Bound my falcon to the pine-tree branches:</span> +<span class="i0">Gave the sheaf of clover to my courser:</span> +<span class="i0">Gave the two white dovelets to my falcon:</span> +<span class="i0">Gave the dappled fawn to my good greyhound:</span> +<span class="i0">And, for me,—I took the lovely maiden.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXII"></a>LXXXII</h3> + +<h4>ANXIETY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">I fain would sing—but will be silent now,</span> +<span class="i0">For pain is sitting on my lover's brow;</span> +<span class="i0">And he would hear me—and, though silent, +deem</span> +<span class="i0">I pleased myself, but little thought of him,</span> +<span class="i0">While of nought else I think; to him I give</span> +<span class="i0">My spirit—and for him alone I live;</span> +<span class="i0">Bear him within my heart, as mothers bear</span> +<span class="i0">The last and youngest object of their care.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXIII"></a>LXXXIII</h3> + +<h4>INQUIRY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Say, heavenly spirit! kindly say,</span> +<span class="i2">Where tarries now this youth of mine;</span> +<span class="i0">Say, is he speeding on his way,</span> +<span class="i0"> Or doth he linger, drinking wine?</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">If he be speeding on,—elated</span> +<span class="i2">With joy and gladness let him be:</span> +<span class="i0">If quaffing wine,—in quiet seated,</span> +<span class="i2">O! his be peace and gaiety!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">But if he love another maiden,</span> +<span class="i2">I wish him nought but sorrow:—No!</span> +<span class="i0">Then be his heart with anguish laden!</span> +<span class="i2">And let Heaven smite his path with woe!</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXIV"></a>LXXXIV</h3> + +<h4>FROZEN HEART</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Thick fell the snow upon St. George's day;</span> +<span class="i0">The little birds all left their cloudy bed;</span> +<span class="i0">The maiden wander'd bare-foot on her way;</span> +<span class="i0">Her brother bore her sandals, and he said:</span> +<span class="i0">"O sister mine! cold, cold thy feet must be."</span> +<span class="i0">"No! not my feet, sweet brother! not my +feet—</span> +<span class="i0">But my poor heart is cold with misery.</span> +<span class="i0">There's nought to chill me in the snowy sleet</span> +<span class="i0">My mother—tis my mother who hath chill'd +me,</span> +<span class="i0">Bound me to one who with disgust hath fill'd +me."</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXV"></a>LXXXV</h3> + +<h4>UNION IN DEATH</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Fondly lov'd a youth and youthful maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">And they wash'd them in the self-same water,</span> +<span class="i0">And they dried them with the self-same linen</span> +<span class="i0">Full a year had pass'd, and no one knew it</span> +<span class="i0">Yet another year—'twas all discover'd,</span> +<span class="i0">And the father heard it, and the mother;</span> +<span class="i0">But the mother check'd their growing fondness,</span> +<span class="i0">Banish'd love, and exiled them for ever.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To the stars he look'd, and bade them tell her:</span> +<span class="i0">"Die, sweet maiden! on the week's last even;</span> +<span class="i0">Early will I die on Sabbath morning."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">As the stars foretold the event, it happen'd;</span> +<span class="i0">On the eve of Saturday the maiden</span> +<span class="i0">Died—and died the youth on Sunday morning:</span> +<span class="i0">And they were, fond pair, together buried;</span> +<span class="i0">And their hands were intertwined together:</span> +<span class="i0">In those hands they placed the greenest apples;</span> +<span class="i0">When behold! ere many moons had shone there,</span> +<span class="i0">From the grave sprung up a verdant pine-tree,</span> +<span class="i0">And a fragrant crimson rose-tree follow'd:</span> +<span class="i0">Round the pine the rose-tree fondly twined it,</span> +<span class="i0">As around the straw the silk clings closely.</span> +<span class="i10">S. J. B.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXVI"></a>LXXXVI</h3> + +<h4>LOVE AND SLEEP<a name="fnanchor_30" id="fnanchor_30"></a><a +href="#footnote_30" class="fnanchor"><sup>[30]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I walkt the high and hollow wood, from dawn to +even-dew,</span> +<span class="i0">The wild-eyed wood stared at me, and unclaspt, and let +me through,</span> +<span class="i0">Where mountain pines, like great black birds, stood +percht against the blue.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Not a whisper heaved the woven woof of those warm +trees:</span> +<span class="i0">All the little leaves lay flat, unmoved of bird or +breeze:</span> +<span class="i0">Day was losing light all round, by indolent +degrees.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Underneath the brooding branches, all in holy +shade,</span> +<span class="i0">Unseen hands of mountain things a mossy couch had +made:</span> +<span class="i0">There asleep among pale flowers my beloved was +laid.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Slipping down, a sunbeam bathed her brows with +bounteous gold,</span> +<span class="i0">Unmoved upon her maiden breast her heavy hair was +roll'd,</span> +<span class="i0">Her smile was silent as the smile on corpses three +hours old.</span> +<span class="i0">"O God!" I thought, "if this be death, that makes not +sound nor stir."</span> +<span class="i0">My heart stood still with tender awe, I dared not waken +her,</span> +<span class="i0">But to the dear God, in the sky, this prayer I did +prefer:</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Grant, dear Lord, in the blessed sky, a warm wind from +the sea,</span> +<span class="i0">Then shake a leaf down on my love from yonder leafy +tree;</span> +<span class="i0">That she may open her sweet eyes, and haply look on +me."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The dear God, from the distant sea, a little wind +releast,</span> +<span class="i0">It shook a leaflet from the tree, and laid it on her +breast,</span> +<span class="i0">Her sweet eyes ope'd and looked on me. How can I tell +the rest?</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXVII"></a>LXXXVII</h3> + +<h4>LOVE CONFERS NOBILITY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He. Violet, little one mine,</span> +<span class="i2">I would love thee, but thou art so small.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She. Love me, my love, from those heights of +thine,</span> +<span class="i2">And I shall grow tall, so tall,</span> +<span class="i2">The pearl is small, but it hangs above</span> +<span class="i2">The royal brow, and a kingly mind</span> +<span class="i2">The quail is little, little, my love,</span> +<span class="i2">But she leaves the hunter behind.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXVIII"></a>LXXXVIII</h3> + +<h4>A SOUL'S SWEETNESS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He. O maiden of my soul!</span> +<span class="i2">What odour from the orange hast thou stole,</span> +<span class="i2">That breathes about thy breast with such sweet +power?</span> +<span class="i2">What sweetness, unto me</span> +<span class="i2">More sweet than amber honey to the bee</span> +<span class="i2">That builds in the oaken hole,</span> +<span class="i2">And sucks the essential summer of the year</span> +<span class="i2">To store with sweetest sweets her hollow tower?</span> +<span class="i2">Or is it breath of basil, maiden dear?</span> +<span class="i2">Or of the immortal flower?</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She. By the sweet heavens, young lover!</span> +<span class="i2">No odour from the orange have I stole;</span> +<span class="i2">Nor have I robb'd for thee,</span> +<span class="i2">Dearest the amber dower</span> +<span class="i2">Of the building bee,</span> +<span class="i2">From any hollow tower</span> +<span class="i2">In oaken bole:</span> +<span class="i2">But if, on this poor breast thou dost discover</span> +<span class="i2">Fragrance of such sweet power,</span> +<span class="i2">Trust me, O my beloved and my lover,</span> +<span class="i2">'Tis not of basil, nor the immortal flower,</span> +<span class="i2">But from a virgin soul.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="LXXXIX"></a>LXXXIX</h3> + +<h4>REMINISCENCES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He. "And art thou wed, my beloved?</span> +<span class="i2">My Beloved of long ago?"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She. "I am wed, my Beloved. And I have given</span> +<span class="i2">A child to this world of woe.</span> +<span class="i2">And the name I have given my child is thine:</span> +<span class="i2">So that, when I call to me my little one,</span> +<span class="i2">The heaviness of this heart of mine</span> +<span class="i2">For a little while may be gone.</span> +<span class="i2">For I say not ... 'Hither, hither, my son!'</span> +<span class="i2">But ... 'Hither, my Love, my Beloved.'"</span> +</div> + +<h3><a name="XC"></a>XC</h3> + +<h4>SLEEP AND DEATH</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The morning is growing: the cocks are crowing:</span> +<span class="i0">Let me away, love, away!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Tis not the morning light;</span> +<span class="i0">Only the moonbeam white.</span> +<span class="i0">Stay, my white lamb, stay,</span> +<span class="i0">And sleep on my bosom, sleep.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The breeze is blowing: the cattle are lowing:</span> +<span class="i0">Let me away, love, away!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Tis not the cattle there;</span> +<span class="i0">Only the call to prayer.</span> +<span class="i0">Stay, my white lamb, stay,</span> +<span class="i0">And sleep on my bosom, sleep.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The Turks are warning to the mosque, 'tis +morning!</span> +<span class="i0">Let me away, love, away!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Tis not the Turks, sweet soul!</span> +<span class="i0">Only the wolves that howl.</span> +<span class="i0">Stay, my white lamb, stay,</span> +<span class="i0">And sleep on my bosom, sleep.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The white roofs are gleaming: the glad children +screaming:</span> +<span class="i0">Let me away, love, away!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">'Tis the night-clouds that gleam:</span> +<span class="i0">The night winds that scream.</span> +<span class="i0">Stay, my white lamb, stay,</span> +<span class="i0">And sleep on my bosom, sleep.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">My mother in the gateway calls to me.... "Come +straightway"</span> +<span class="i0">And I must away, love, away!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Thy mother's in her bed,</span> +<span class="i0">Dumb, holy, and dead.</span> +<span class="i0">Stay, my white lamb, stay,</span> +<span class="i0">And sleep on my bosom, sleep.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XCI"></a>XCI</h3> + +<h4>IMPERFECTION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">All in the spring,</span> +<span class="i0">When little birds sing,</span> +<span class="i0">And flowers do talk</span> +<span class="i0">From stalk to stalk;</span> +<span class="i0">Whispering to a silver shower,</span> +<span class="i0">A violet did boast to be</span> +<span class="i0">Of every flower the fairest flower</span> +<span class="i0">That blows by lawn or lea.</span> +<span class="i0">But a rose that blew thereby</span> +<span class="i0">Answer'd her reproachfully,</span> +<span class="i0">(All in the spring,</span> +<span class="i0">When little birds sing,</span> +<span class="i0">And flowers do talk</span> +<span class="i0">From stalk to stalk):</span> +<span class="i0">"Violet, I marvel me</span> +<span class="i0">Of fairest flowers by lawn or lea</span> +<span class="i0">The fairest thou should'st boast to be;</span> +<span class="i0">For one small defect I spy,</span> +<span class="i0">Should make thee speak more modestly:</span> +<span class="i0">Thy face is fashion'd tenderly,</span> +<span class="i0">But then it hangs awry."</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCII"></a>XCII</h3> + +<h4>EMANCIPATION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The Day of Saint George! and a girl pray'd thus:</span> +<span class="i0">"O Day of Saint George, when again to us</span> +<span class="i0">Thou returnest, and they carouse</span> +<span class="i0">Here in my mother's house,</span> +<span class="i0">May'st thou find me either a corpse or a bride,</span> +<span class="i0">Either buried or wed;</span> +<span class="i0">Rather married than dead;</span> +<span class="i0">But, however, that may betide,</span> +<span class="i0">And whether a corpse or a spouse,</span> +<span class="i0">No more in my mother's house."</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCIII"></a>XCIII</h3> + +<h4>PLUCKING A FLOWER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He. O maiden, vermeil rose!</span> +<span class="i2">Unplanted, unsown,</span> +<span class="i2">Blooming alone</span> +<span class="i2">As the wild-flower blows,</span> +<span class="i2">With a will of thine own!</span> +<span class="i2">Neither grafted nor grown,</span> +<span class="i2">Neither gather'd nor blown,</span> +<span class="i2">O maiden, O rose!</span> +<span class="i2">Blooming alone</span> +<span class="i2">In the green garden-close</span> +<span class="i2">Unnoticed, unknown,</span> +<span class="i2">Unpropt, unsupported,</span> +<span class="i2">Unwater'd, and uncourted,</span> +<span class="i2">Unwoo'd and unwed,</span> +<span class="i2">A sweet wild rose,</span> +<span class="i2">Who knows? Who knows?</span> +<span class="i2">Might I kiss thee, and court thee?</span> +<span class="i2">My kiss would not hurt thee!</span> +<span class="i2">A sweet, sweet rose,</span> +<span class="i2">In the green garden-close,</span> +<span class="i2">If a gate were undone,</span> +<span class="i2">And if I might come to thee</span> +<span class="i2">And meet thee alone?</span> +<span class="i2">Sue thee, and woo thee,</span> +<span class="i2">And make thee my own?</span> +<span class="i2">Clasp thee, and cull thee, what harm would be +done?</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">She. Beside thy field my garden blows,</span> +<span class="i2">Were a gate in the garden left open ... who +knows?</span> +<span class="i2">And I water'd my garden at eventide?</span> +<span class="i2">(Who knows?)</span> +<span class="i2">And if somebody silently happen'd to ride</span> +<span class="i2">That way? And a horse to the gate should be +tied?</span> +<span class="i2">And if somebody (Who knows who,), unespied,</span> +<span class="i2">Were to enter my garden to gather a rose?</span> +<span class="i2">Who knows?... I suppose</span> +<span class="i2">No harm need be done. My beloved one,</span> +<span class="i2">Come lightly, come softly, at set of the sun!</span> +<span class="i2">Come, and caress me!</span> +<span class="i2">Kiss me, and press me,</span> +<span class="i2">Fold me, and hold me!</span> +<span class="i2">Kiss me with kisses that leave not a trace,</span> +<span class="i2">But set not the print of thy teeth on my face,</span> +<span class="i2">Or my mother will see it, and scold me.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="XCIV"></a>XCIV</h3> + +<h4>A WISH</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">I would I were a rivulet,</span> +<span class="i0">And I know where I would run!</span> +<span class="i0">To Save, the chilly river,</span> +<span class="i0">Where the market boats pass on;</span> +<span class="i0">To see my dear one stand</span> +<span class="i0">By the rudder; and whether the rose</span> +<span class="i0">Which, at parting, I put in his hand,</span> +<span class="i0">Warm with a kiss in it, blows;</span> +<span class="i0">Whether it blows or withers:</span> +<span class="i0">I pluckt it on Saturday;</span> +<span class="i0">I gave it to him on Sunday;</span> +<span class="i0">On Monday he went away.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCV"></a>XCV</h3> + +<h4>A SERBIAN BEAUTY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">'Tis the Kolo<a name="fnanchor_31" +id="fnanchor_31"></a><a href="#footnote_31" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[31]</sup></a> that dances before the white +house,</span> +<span class="i0">And 'tis Stojan's fair sister, O fair, fair is +she!</span> +<span class="i0">Too fair she is truly, too fair, heaven knows,</span> +<span class="i0">(God forgive her!) so cruel to be.</span> +<span class="i0">The fair Vila, whom the wan clouds fondly follow</span> +<span class="i0">O'er the mountain wherever she roam it,</span> +<span class="i0">Is not fairer nor whiter than she.</span> +<span class="i0">Her long soft eyelash is the wing of the swallow</span> +<span class="i0">When the dew of the dawn trembles from it,</span> +<span class="i0">And as dawn-stars her blue eyes to me:</span> +<span class="i0">Her eyebrows so dark are the slender +sea-leeches;</span> +<span class="i0">Her rich-bloomed cheeks are the ripe river +peaches,</span> +<span class="i0">Her teeth are white pearls from the sea;</span> +<span class="i0">Her lips are two half-open'd roses;</span> +<span class="i0">And her breath the south wind, which discloses</span> +<span class="i0">The sweetness that soothes the wild bee.</span> +<span class="i0">She is tall as the larch, she is slender</span> +<span class="i0">As any green bough the birds move;</span> +<span class="i0">See her dance—'tis the peacock's full +splendour!</span> +<span class="i0">Hear her talk—'tis the coo of the dove!</span> +<span class="i0">And, only but let her look tender—</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis all heaven melting down from above!</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCVI"></a>XCVI</h3> + +<h4>SLEEPLESSNESS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sleep will not take the place of Love,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor keep the place from Sorrow.</span> +<span class="i0">Oh, when the long nights slowly move</span> +<span class="i0">To meet a lonely morrow,</span> +<span class="i0">The burden of the broken days,</span> +<span class="i0">The grief that on the bosom weighs,</span> +<span class="i0">And all the heart oppresses,</span> +<span class="i0">But lightly lies on restless eyes</span> +<span class="i0">Love seals no more with kisses.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCVII"></a>XCVII</h3> + +<h4>A MESSAGE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sweet sister of my loved, unloving one,</span> +<span class="i0">Kiss thy wild brother, kiss him tenderly!</span> +<span class="i0">Ask him what is it, witless, I have done</span> +<span class="i0">That he should look so coldly upon me?</span> +<span class="i0">Ah, well ... I know he recks not! Let it be.</span> +<span class="i0">Yet say ... "There's many a woodland nodding yet</span> +<span class="i0">For who needs wood when winter nights be cold."</span> +<span class="i0">Say ... "Love to give finds ever love to get.</span> +<span class="i0">There lack not goldsmiths where there lacks not +gold.</span> +<span class="i0">The wood will claim the woodman by-and-by;</span> +<span class="i0">The gold (be sure!) the goldsmith cannot miss;</span> +<span class="i0">Each maid to win finds lads to woo: and I...."</span> +<span class="i0">Well, child, but only tell him, tell him this!</span> +<span class="i0">Sweet sister, tell him this!</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCVIII"></a>XCVIII</h3> + +<h4>TRANSPLANTING A FLOWER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O maiden, mother's golden treasure!</span> +<span class="i0">Purest gold of perfect pleasure!</span> +<span class="i0">Do they beat thee, and ill-treat thee,</span> +<span class="i0">That I meet thee all alone?</span> +<span class="i0">Do they beat thee, that I meet thee</span> +<span class="i0">All too often, all too late,</span> +<span class="i0">After nightfall, at the gate</span> +<span class="i0">Of the garden, all alone?</span> +<span class="i0">Tell me, tell me, little one,</span> +<span class="i0">Do they do it? If I knew it,</span> +<span class="i0">They should rue it! I would come</span> +<span class="i0">Oftener, later, yet again,</span> +<span class="i0">(Hail, or snow, or wind, or rain!)</span> +<span class="i0">Oftener, later! Nor in vain:</span> +<span class="i0">For if mother, for my sake,</span> +<span class="i0">Were to drive thee out of home,</span> +<span class="i0">Just three little steps 'twould take</span> +<span class="i0">(Think upon it, little one!)—</span> +<span class="i0">Just three little steps, or four,</span> +<span class="i0">To my door from mother's door.</span> +<span class="i0">Love is wise. I say no more.</span> +<span class="i0">Ponder on it, little one!</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="XCIX"></a>XCIX</h3> + +<h4>ISOLATION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The night is very dark and very lonely:</span> +<span class="i0">And as dark, and all as lonely, is my heart:</span> +<span class="i0">And the sorrow that is in it night knows only:</span> +<span class="i0">For the dawn breaks, and my heart breaks. Far +apart</span> +<span class="i0">From my old self seems my new self. And my +mother</span> +<span class="i0">And my sister are in heaven,—so they say:</span> +<span class="i0">And the dear one dearer yet than any other</span> +<span class="i0">Is far, far away.</span> +<span class="i0">The sweet hour of his coming ... night is +falling!</span> +<span class="i0">The hour of our awakening ... bird on bough!</span> +<span class="i0">The hour of last embraces ... friends are +calling</span> +<span class="i0">"Love, farewell!" ... and every hour is silent +now.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="C"></a>C</h3> + +<h4>FATIMA AND MEHMED</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Beneath a milk-white almond tree,</span> +<span class="i0">Fatima and Mehmed be.</span> +<span class="i0">The black earth is their bridal bed;</span> +<span class="i0">The thick-starred sky clear-spread</span> +<span class="i0">Is their coverlet all the night,</span> +<span class="i0">As they lie in each other's arms so white.</span> +<span class="i0">The grass is full of honey-dew;</span> +<span class="i0">The crescent moon, that glimmers through</span> +<span class="i0">The unrippled leaves, is faint and new:</span> +<span class="i0">And the milk-white almond blossoms</span> +<span class="i0">All night long fall on their bosoms.</span> +<span class="i10">O. M.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CI"></a>CI</h3> + +<h4>MORAVA HORSES<a name="fnanchor_32" id="fnanchor_32"></a><a +href="#footnote_32" class="fnanchor"><sup>[32]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">On the banks of Morava,</span> +<span class="i0">Sleek black horses danced,</span> +<span class="i0">"Could not we," one horse did say,</span> +<span class="i0">"Over this river swim to-day?"</span> +<span class="i0">But the second cried, "Beware,</span> +<span class="i0">Deep flows the stream, beware, beware!</span> +<span class="i0">'Twas by these banks of Morava,</span> +<span class="i0">At set of sun a knight was drowned,</span> +<span class="i0">And dawn had broke ere he was found.</span> +<span class="i0">If mother this poor knight had had,</span> +<span class="i0">Within a day his fate she'd know,</span> +<span class="i0">And him to seek next day would go;</span> +<span class="i0">The third day, finding him, would weep,</span> +<span class="i0">And who knows how long sad heart keep?"</span> +<span class="i0">To which a third black horse replied</span> +<span class="i0">"No mother mourns him as lost son,</span> +<span class="i0">But mother-in-law the knight has one!</span> +<span class="i0">She in one year would surely cry:</span> +<span class="i0">'What has my daughter's husband done?'</span> +<span class="i0">And in two years find time to go</span> +<span class="i0">Toward the place where he lay low;</span> +<span class="i0">And when there should have passed years three,</span> +<span class="i0">His grave, perchance, she then might see—</span> +<span class="i0">Where long since green grass had grown,</span> +<span class="i0">The peacock preened himself and flown."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CII"></a>CII</h3> + +<h4>THE GIRL AND THE GRASS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">In the green grass a girl fell asleep;</span> +<span class="i0">When she awoke the grass was red,</span> +<span class="i0">And her ruddy cheeks were green instead.</span> +<span class="i0">Before the Kadi the girl sued the grass:</span> +<span class="i0">Give me, O grass, my color red!"</span> +<span class="i0">And to the girl the red grass said:</span> +<span class="i0">"Thy color red, I'll give it thee,</span> +<span class="i0">When my color green thou dost give me."</span> +<span class="i0">Then before the Kadi they exchanged color</span> +<span class="i0">And became bosom-sisters for ever and ever.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CIII"></a>CIII</h3> + +<h4>THE SUN AND THE GIRL</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">To the great sun a radiant maiden cried:</span> +<span class="i0">"Bright sun, thy beauty cannot equal mine!"</span> +<span class="i0">Whereon the burning orb complained to God:</span> +<span class="i0">"Let me bring low her pride, and scorch her +face."</span> +<span class="i0">To which request his mighty Maker said:</span> +<span class="i0">"The burden that she bears is weight enough;</span> +<span class="i0">Her father and her mother, both I've taken;</span> +<span class="i0">One simple, smiling youth alone is left to her;</span> +<span class="i0">Touch not their joy, let him be fond of her."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CIV"></a>CIV</h3> + +<h4>CURSE AND BLESSING</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">To the river ran the mother,</span> +<span class="i0">To her Mary by the water,</span> +<span class="i0">Dreaming there, the pretty daughter:</span> +<span class="i0">"Have you washed the linen, Mary?"</span> +<span class="i0">"Why, mother dear, not yet begun;</span> +<span class="i0">A naughty youth did come my way,</span> +<span class="i0">And muddy made the silvery water."</span> +<span class="i0">"I'll curse him, then; I'll curse him, daughter!</span> +<span class="i0">Cold be his heart as ice is cold."</span> +<span class="i0">"As cold as the sun o'er the corn-fields, +mother!"</span> +<span class="i0">"May his face be black before all men!"</span> +<span class="i0">"As black as the snow on the mountains, mother!"</span> +<span class="i0">"May he be hanged!—Dost hear, my daughter!"</span> +<span class="i0">"But hanged upon my neck, dear mother!"</span> +<span class="i0">"From grievous wounds he then shall suffer!"</span> +<span class="i0">"Let my own teeth, then, cause them, mother!"</span> +<span class="i0">"May the wild torrent take him, daughter!"</span> +<span class="i0">"And bring him home to me, my mother!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CV"></a>CV</h3> + +<h4>THE NICEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A yellow orange by the sea</span> +<span class="i2">Vaunted much his beauty,</span> +<span class="i0">This boast the red, round apple heard,</span> +<span class="i0">Scolded the orange for his word,</span> +<span class="i2">"See my superiority!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The apple's boast the meadow heard,</span> +<span class="i2">The meadow rich beflowered:</span> +<span class="i0">"Boast not, thou smooth, round apple red,</span> +<span class="i0">But see how I am carpeted,</span> +<span class="i2">So green and richly dowered!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The meadow's boast the maiden heard:</span> +<span class="i2">"Deem'st flowery mead, so great thy worth!</span> +<span class="i0">Though sweetly thou art sure bedight,</span> +<span class="i0">Yet still I am the sweetest sight,</span> +<span class="i2">That can be found in all the earth."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">These vaunts heard all a daring youth:</span> +<span class="i2">"This maid, I see she is in truth,</span> +<span class="i0">She is by far the sweetest flower</span> +<span class="i2">That can be found in all the earth.</span> +<span class="i0">That orange, I will bring it down,</span> +<span class="i2">That apple-tree, I'll root it up,</span> +<span class="i0">That meadow's flowers shall all be mown,</span> +<span class="i0">And thou, fair maid, shalt be mine own!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CVI"></a>CVI</h3> + +<h4>THE PRETTY TOMB</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">"Wait, my girl, I want to talk,</span> +<span class="i0">Though my talk will wound thee!"</span> +<span class="i0">"Speak, O Youth; I'll listen, speak!</span> +<span class="i0">Even though thou wound me"</span> +<span class="i0">"Well, I am about to die."</span> +<span class="i0">"Die! Where will they bury thee?"</span> +<span class="i0">"I pray to rest upon thy breast."</span> +<span class="i0">"Ah! blind and foolish is thy prayer!</span> +<span class="i0">That were unseemly cemet'ry.</span> +<span class="i0">My bosom is no graveyard lone,</span> +<span class="i0">An apple orchard is my breast</span> +<span class="i0">Where fruits do ripen, birds do rest!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CVII"></a>CVII</h3> + +<h4>TODA AND HER FATE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Many youths paid court to Toda,</span> +<span class="i0">She, the blithesome shepherd girl;</span> +<span class="i0">So with mirthful laugh she cried:</span> +<span class="i0">"The youth on whom my apple falls,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis henceforth he my heart enthralls."</span> +<span class="i0">Then Toda threw her apple red,</span> +<span class="i0">Which fell upon a grey-haired head.</span> +<span class="i0">Toda had not wished such love,</span> +<span class="i0">So sent him off to draw her water.</span> +<span class="i0">She sent him thus unto the river,</span> +<span class="i0">That no more trouble he might give her!</span> +<span class="i0">But safely back the old man came,</span> +<span class="i0">Brought the water, smiled and spake:</span> +<span class="i0">"O love me, Toda, love me, Toda."</span> +<span class="i0">Toda did not want to love him,</span> +<span class="i0">So sent him off to cut down branches,</span> +<span class="i0">Not caring should they fall upon him;</span> +<span class="i0">But safely back the old man came,</span> +<span class="i0">Brought the wood, and smiled and spake:</span> +<span class="i0">"O love me, Toda, little Toda!"</span> +<span class="i0">Toda did not want to love him,</span> +<span class="i0">So sent him to the war to fight,</span> +<span class="i0">Not caring what might be his plight:</span> +<span class="i0">But safely back the old man came,</span> +<span class="i0">Back from the war, and spake the same:</span> +<span class="i0">"O love me, Toda, Toda, love me!</span> +<span class="i0">That which must be, let it be."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CVIII"></a>CVIII</h3> + +<h4>THE VILA</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Under the clouds there's nought to me</span> +<span class="i0">So handsome as a falcon bird.</span> +<span class="i0">A falcon I did wish to be,</span> +<span class="i0">And my wish by God was heard.</span> +<span class="i0">High to the clouds I flew,</span> +<span class="i0">And over the clouds too!</span> +<span class="i0">Then to a nut-tree I shot down.</span> +<span class="i0">Under the tree a vila sleeping!</span> +<span class="i0">Or else some being strange to me!</span> +<span class="i0">Oh, God Himself, and He alone, can say,</span> +<span class="i0">But she was fairer than the fairest summer day.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CIX"></a>CIX</h3> + +<h4>THREE ROSES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Red Sun! too quickly art thou hasting down;</span> +<span class="i0">A little while prolong thy stay,</span> +<span class="i0">Smile from thy evening gate on me,</span> +<span class="i0">Till I've adorned with roses three—</span> +<span class="i0">Roses of silk in purest gold—</span> +<span class="i0">My darling's garment that I hold:</span> +<span class="i0">The first rose, a rose for my own country dear,</span> +<span class="i0">The second, a rose for sweet mother,</span> +<span class="i0">The third, the rose of my own bridal crown.</span> +<span class="i0">O stay, glad Sun! too quickly art thou going +down!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CX"></a>CX</h3> + +<h4>HER DREAM</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The girl awoke at dawn of day,</span> +<span class="i0">Aroused by trilling roundelay;</span> +<span class="i0">"Nightingale, oh, stop thy singing!</span> +<span class="i0">Stop thy singing, pray!</span> +<span class="i0">Cease thy songs, and fly away</span> +<span class="i0">To Cattaro, down by the bay.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">To Cattaro now speed thy flight,</span> +<span class="i0">To tell the dream I've dreamt this night:</span> +<span class="i0">I found me in his garden gay,</span> +<span class="i0">Gathering fair roses;</span> +<span class="i0">With his eye he followed me,</span> +<span class="i0">As I passed from tree to tree.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I brought him then red roses fair,</span> +<span class="i0">And tied them in his steed's black hair.</span> +<span class="i0">Smiling, then a ring he gave me;</span> +<span class="i0">Ah, a ring so rare!</span> +<span class="i0">And he kissed me where I stood;</span> +<span class="i0">A kiss that made to me all good.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Smiling, yes, a kiss he gave me!</span> +<span class="i0">Than golden ring with diamond bright</span> +<span class="i0">More precious far in my heart's sight.</span> +<span class="i0">Stop singing, bird!</span> +<span class="i0">This is my dream; go, tell him so,</span> +<span class="i0">Go! wing thy way to Cattaro."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXI"></a>CXI</h3> + +<h4>TROUBLE WITH THE HUSBAND</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">I married last year,</span> +<span class="i0">This year I repent.</span> +<span class="i0">Bad husband have I,</span> +<span class="i0">With temper like nettle:</span> +<span class="i0">My lot I resent.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The frost kills the nettle,</span> +<span class="i0">But this husband of mine,</span> +<span class="i0">He thinks the frost fine:</span> +<span class="i0">By the stove all day long</span> +<span class="i0">He does nothing but sit,</span> +<span class="i0">And says that the frost</span> +<span class="i0">He minds not one bit!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In Celovec 'tis market-day,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis market-day to-morrow;</span> +<span class="i0">I will take my husband there,</span> +<span class="i0">And will either there him change,</span> +<span class="i0">Or else will sell him at the fair.</span> +<span class="i0">Not too cheap I'll let him go,</span> +<span class="i0">Because he was so hard to get;</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than too cheaply sell him,</span> +<span class="i0">Back home again I'll take the man,</span> +<span class="i0">And love him—howsomuch I can!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXII"></a>CXII</h3> + +<h4>THE PEACOCK AND THE NIGHTINGALE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">How beautiful it is this evening-time!</span> +<span class="i0">The noblemen, they quaff the cool wine,</span> +<span class="i0">And to their knee there comes a little stag,</span> +<span class="i0">With golden peacock proudly on one shoulder,</span> +<span class="i0">While on the other, perching there as neighbour,</span> +<span class="i0">Behold a silver-throated nightingale!</span> +<span class="i0">Upon whom gazing, saith the peacock golden:</span> +<span class="i0">"How now, my silver-throated friend!</span> +<span class="i0">If mine it were to trill thy liquid note,</span> +<span class="i0">To every noble knight I'd sing a song,</span> +<span class="i0">And honour each in turn from my clear throat."</span> +<span class="i0">Answered the nightingale in silver voice:</span> +<span class="i0">"List, lustrous peacock in thy blue and gold!</span> +<span class="i0">If mine it were, that sheeny fan of thine,</span> +<span class="i0">Its golden feathers all I would pluck out,</span> +<span class="i0">And decorate these nobles round about."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXIII"></a>CXIII</h3> + +<h4>THE FIRST TOAST</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Rising at the banquet table,</span> +<span class="i0">Now acclaim we our first toast,</span> +<span class="i0">To our God's high honour drink we,</span> +<span class="i0">Only of His glory think we—</span> +<span class="i0">No first place to human boast!</span> +<span class="i0">To celebrate the Lord's great glory—</span> +<span class="i0">What equal duty to be found?</span> +<span class="i0">Say, all ye who sit around,</span> +<span class="i0">Save truly to have earned the dinner!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXIV"></a>CXIV</h3> + +<h4>THE HODŽA<a name="fnanchor_33" id="fnanchor_33"></a><a +href="#footnote_33" class="fnanchor"><sup>[33]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">In Mostar was a sheker-meyteph,<a name="fnanchor_34" +id="fnanchor_34"></a><a href="#footnote_34" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[34]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i2">Thirty young ladies were learning there,</span> +<span class="i0">Omer-effendia was their hodža,</span> +<span class="i2">And pretty Maruša their kalfa.<a +name="fnanchor_35" id="fnanchor_35"></a><a href="#footnote_35" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[35]</sup></a></span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day Maruša opened the Koran:</span> +<span class="i2">"Tell us now, hodža, tell what is written!'</span> +<span class="i0">Hodža reads silently, then he speaks +loudly:</span> +<span class="i2">"First page—The hodža is going to +marry!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Willeth so Allah, so willeth hodža—thus on +page two!</span> +<span class="i0">And on page three—Whom will he marry, whom will +he marry?</span> +<span class="i0">Thus on page three—He'll marry the pretty +Maruša."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXV"></a>CXV</h3> + +<h4>WOES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to the wolf that eats not flesh,</span> +<span class="i0">Woe to the knight who drinks not wine,</span> +<span class="i0">Woe to the maid who counteth love</span> +<span class="i4">No gift divine.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to legs with a foolish head,</span> +<span class="i0">And woe to gilt on an unclean bed.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to satin on humped shoulders.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to the gun in a fearsome hand,</span> +<span class="i0">Woe to the strong in that village where</span> +<span class="i4">But cowards stand.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to the mother-in-law in the house of her +son-in-law.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to the wolf whom the ravens feed,</span> +<span class="i0">And to the knight who children doth need</span> +<span class="i4">Him to defend.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Woe to the cock who strutteth on ice,</span> +<span class="i0">Woe to the nightingale singing in the mill;</span> +<span class="i0">In such a din, far better to be still!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXVI"></a>CXVI</h3> + +<h4>HARD TO BELIEVE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A man ne'er born once told a tale</span> +<span class="i0">To seven stout ghosts so hearty and hale;</span> +<span class="i0">A ship went sailing 'mid greenwood trees,</span> +<span class="i0">While the burning sun her crew did freeze.</span> +<span class="i0">A horse danced o'er the billowy sea,</span> +<span class="i0">From him a duck with hoofs did flee.</span> +<span class="i0">From an empty cup two knights did quaff,</span> +<span class="i0">Served by a maid whose head was off.</span> +<span class="i0">Two wingless geese flew up in the sky,</span> +<span class="i0">As a legless hero ran hard by;</span> +<span class="i0">While near him scampered two roasted hares,</span> +<span class="i0">Hotly pursued by three dogs in pairs.</span> +<span class="i0">Then to the deaf man the dumb man spoke:</span> +<span class="i0">"What a monstrous lie! but I hope it's a joke."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXVII"></a>CXVII</h3> + +<h4>THE CONDITIONS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Listen, listen man of God,</span> +<span class="i0">If thou wouldest serve thy God,</span> +<span class="i0">In thy lifetime do thou good,</span> +<span class="i0">And revere thine elder brother,</span> +<span class="i0">So thy younger thee revere.</span> +<span class="i0">Neither boast when fortune smileth,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor complain in days of trouble;</span> +<span class="i0">Grasp not an another's good;</span> +<span class="i0">For when death befalleth man,</span> +<span class="i0">Nought he takes from out the world,</span> +<span class="i0">Save his deeds and crossed white hands—</span> +<span class="i0">When he goeth to the Judgment,</span> +<span class="i0">Where king's rank is unaccounted,</span> +<span class="i0">Rich men can no more be proud,</span> +<span class="i0">Poor men be no more despised.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXVIII"></a>CXVIII</h3> + +<h4>PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO BED</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">With a cross I lay me down,</span> +<span class="i0">With a cross I get me up,</span> +<span class="i0">All day long it doth protect,</span> +<span class="i0">And angels in the night are near;</span> +<span class="i0">Archangels, they shall ward my death,</span> +<span class="i0">And God's my guard till all things end.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXIX"></a>CXIX</h3> + +<h4>VISION BEFORE SLEEP</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">To sleep I laid me down,</span> +<span class="i0">Making my prayer to God;</span> +<span class="i0">I called upon His angels;</span> +<span class="i0">Heaven was unveiled to me;</span> +<span class="i0">The Seraphim, they worshipped there,</span> +<span class="i0">And prayed this prayer to Christ our Lord:</span> +<span class="i0">"While he doth rest, all through his sleep,</span> +<span class="i0">Frome visions dark do Thou him keep."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXX"></a>CXX</h3> + +<h4>PRAYER IN THE FIELD</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">We pray unto the Heavenly Lord,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo, Koledo!<a name="fnanchor_36" +id="fnanchor_36"></a><a href="#footnote_36" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[36]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i0">Dew to send upon our fields,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">To give grain to wheat and maize,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">To give fruits in all the glades,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">To give colours to the flowers,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">To give health to sheep and cattle,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">And pardon, joy and song to all,</span> +<span class="i6">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXI"></a>CXXI</h3> + +<h4>A CHILD IN HEAVEN</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Yesternight was born a Child,</span> +<span class="i0">But it passed from earth at morn,</span> +<span class="i0">Unbaptized to heaven's door.</span> +<span class="i0">"Open, heavenly watchman, open!"</span> +<span class="i0">"Nay, foolish babe, thou must away!</span> +<span class="i0">Sinful thou art, away, away!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Foolish I am—but sinful, nay;</span> +<span class="i0">Born yesternight, I died to-day;</span> +<span class="i0">In the green forest I was born,</span> +<span class="i2">Where no sponsor, where no priest;</span> +<span class="i2">Therefore unbaptized I come!"</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Then the heavenly watcher answered:</span> +<span class="i0">"Go thou yet a short way on;</span> +<span class="i0">Go on, my babe, and thou shalt find</span> +<span class="i0">Three watersprings; from one to drink,</span> +<span class="i0">From one to wash, the third a font of blessing.</span> +<span class="i0">The first shall breast-milk be to thee;</span> +<span class="i0">The second is thy mother's tears,</span> +<span class="i0">And from the third thou shalt baptized be,</span> +<span class="i0">And joyful entrance gain to heaven."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXII"></a>CXXII</h3> + +<h4>CHRISTMAS</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Why trembleth so the earth,</span> +<span class="i0">Set in this sphere of blue?</span> +<span class="i0">Christ our God was born hereon,</span> +<span class="i0">He, the Virgin's Holy Son,</span> +<span class="i0">Christ Who heaven and earth created,</span> +<span class="i0">And us sinners on the earth.</span> +<span class="i0">In awe when He shall come to judge,</span> +<span class="i0">We all shall stand before Him then,</span> +<span class="i0">Both righteous and unrighteous men.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXIII"></a>CXXIII</h3> + +<h4>CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">On angel wing in upward flight</span> +<span class="i0">Rise soul and body of our Lord,</span> +<span class="i0">When piercing heaven with high gaze,</span> +<span class="i0">He calleth for one down to go,</span> +<span class="i0">Down to darksome Golgotha,</span> +<span class="i0">Where Mary bending near the Cross,</span> +<span class="i0">Weepeth in bitter agony:</span> +<span class="i0">"Let herald hasten now to tell her</span> +<span class="i0">I am risen unto heaven."</span> +<span class="i0">Great Michael heard, two angels sent,</span> +<span class="i0">Swift to convey the tidings glad:</span> +<span class="i0">"O thou of women all most blest,</span> +<span class="i0">Let not thy heart with fear be filled;</span> +<span class="i0">From the tomb thy Son is risen,</span> +<span class="i0">Risen to the Father's throne,</span> +<span class="i0">Saving men from Death's dominion."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXIV"></a>CXXIV</h3> + +<h4>THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The Blessed Mary sent an angel</span> +<span class="i0">Unto John the Camel-girdled—</span> +<span class="i0">"God's wish it is, and my wish too,</span> +<span class="i0">That thou shouldst now my Son baptize."</span> +<span class="i0">John went responsive to the river,</span> +<span class="i0">Down into Jordan with the Christ,</span> +<span class="i0">And there upon him with his Lord,</span> +<span class="i0">Open wide the gate of heaven,</span> +<span class="i0">The roseate sun did light the east,</span> +<span class="i0">Sign of that Spirit-first of which spake John,</span> +<span class="i0">Whose purging heat doth purify from sin,</span> +<span class="i0">And in Jordan's flowing river</span> +<span class="i0">Man's sin was taken all away!</span> +<span class="i0">Our salvation is in heaven!</span> +<span class="i0">Save, O God, all trusting souls,</span> +<span class="i0">Save them from the devil's toils.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXV"></a>CXXV</h3> + +<h4>THE HOLY MOTHER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Sadly walked the Holy Mother</span> +<span class="i0">On the Holy Mountain.</span> +<span class="i0">Suddenly espied she something</span> +<span class="i0">Brightly shining in the dust:</span> +<span class="i0">The Cross, it was, of her own Son.</span> +<span class="i0">With gentlest hands she caressed it,</span> +<span class="i0">She did wash it with her tears,</span> +<span class="i0">And after dried it with her hair.</span> +<span class="i0">Kneeling then she uttered prayer.</span> +<span class="i0">Speaking to the Holy Cross:</span> +<span class="i0">"O sweet Cross, thou Cross of honour,</span> +<span class="i0">Upon thee my Son has died,</span> +<span class="i0">Hellish pains on thee He suffered,</span> +<span class="i0">Hellish pains from those hot nails,</span> +<span class="i0">To redeem our sinful souls.</span> +<span class="i0">When He did upon thee bleed,</span> +<span class="i0">His blood it fell in priceless seed,</span> +<span class="i0">Whence there sprang all lovely flowers,</span> +<span class="i0">And angels, coming down to gather,</span> +<span class="i0">Made them into wreathes and garlands</span> +<span class="i0">That they might adorn all heaven."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXVI"></a>CXXVI</h3> + +<h4>DREAM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The Holy Virgin dreaming slept,</span> +<span class="i0">And in her dream a great tree grew,</span> +<span class="i0">Its branches from her own heart crept,</span> +<span class="i0">O'er spreading earth, north, south, east, west,</span> +<span class="i0">And piercing, spire-like, heaven's blue.</span> +<span class="i0">Sore troubled by her dream she rose</span> +<span class="i0">And sought straightway a saintly brother;</span> +<span class="i0">"Hear Saint Basil, my brother hear!</span> +<span class="i0">Let me tell my vision wondrous</span> +<span class="i0">I dreamed and lo! a great tree grew,</span> +<span class="i0">Its branches from my own heart crept,</span> +<span class="i0">O'erspreading earth north, south, east, west,</span> +<span class="i0">And towering up through heaven's blue.</span> +<span class="i0">What saith this vision Saint, to you?"</span> +<span class="i0">Then Basil answered to the Virgin:</span> +<span class="i0">"O sister dear, thy vision's clear:</span> +<span class="i0">'A tree did spring from thy warm heart?'</span> +<span class="i0">To bear the Christ shall be thy part.</span> +<span class="i0">'Those spreading branches covering all?'</span> +<span class="i0">Sinners He'll save from evil's thrall.</span> +<span class="i0">'That height spire-piercing heaven's blue?'</span> +<span class="i0">To God the Father Christ shall rise</span> +<span class="i0">Passing from earth and fleshly view."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXVII"></a>CXXVII</h3> + +<h4>MOTHER AT THE TOMB OF HER SON</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Alas! my son, how fareth it with thee,</span> +<span class="i0">In thy new dwelling, new and strange and dark?</span> +<span class="i0">Strange thy dwelling without windows!</span> +<span class="i0">At daybreak, Vinko, thy sad mother rose,</span> +<span class="i0">Her earliest thought as but of thee,</span> +<span class="i0">Her first thought, Vinko; Vinko her first call!</span> +<span class="i0">Thorns are growing at the house-door,</span> +<span class="i0">Cuckoos mourn around the house,</span> +<span class="i0">Downcast thy brothers wait for thee,</span> +<span class="i0">To talk with thee, to walk with thee—</span> +<span class="i0">But now that ne'er can be.</span> +<span class="i0">With head bent down and brow o'ercast,</span> +<span class="i0">They make their way—for where art thou!</span> +<span class="i0">In ashes our hearth fire is hidden,</span> +<span class="i0">And when I saw the sun this morning,</span> +<span class="i0">I thought: It is the moon,</span> +<span class="i0">When thy sisters said to me:</span> +<span class="i0">"Dim thine eyes, it is the sun!"</span> +<span class="i0">"For me no sun," said I to them,</span> +<span class="i0">"Pale in the dust now is my sun,</span> +<span class="i0">No light have I above the earth."</span> +<span class="i0">Down in thy dwelling, oh my son,</span> +<span class="i0">Say, is it cold, my Sun, my Sun;</span> +<span class="i0">If it be cold as is my breast</span> +<span class="i0">It is too cold, too cold to rest.<a name="fnanchor_37" +id="fnanchor_37"></a><a href="#footnote_37" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[37]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXVIII"></a>CXXVIII</h3> + +<h4>MOTHER OVER HER DEAD SON</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Where art thou flying? Where, oh where?</span> +<span class="i2">My falcon?</span> +<span class="i0">To what silent land and lone?</span> +<span class="i2">Say, hero mine!</span> +<span class="i0">Around thy friends and brothers ask me:</span> +<span class="i2">How shall I answer them!</span> +<span class="i0">"Where goes Perko? Tell us, Mother!"</span> +<span class="i2">Woe to me, oh woe to me!</span> +<span class="i0">If I answered, I might blame thee!</span> +<span class="i2">How blame <i>thee</i>?</span> +<span class="i0">Alway thou askedst me: May I go here—or +should</span> +<span class="i2">I stay?</span> +<span class="i2">I knew thy way!</span> +<span class="i0">But now thou askedst not; nor may I give thee</span> +<span class="i0">"Yea" or "nay,"—</span> +<span class="i2">O blank, blank day!</span> +<span class="i0">Better, child, I went to thee, than to stay</span> +<span class="i2">As mother here</span> +<span class="i2">Having lost the light of day!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXIX"></a>CXXIX</h3> + +<h4>MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR HER SON</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Wherefore do I marvel, wherefore need I wonder?</span> +<span class="i6">Traveller the dearest!</span> +<span class="i0">That through this lower world already thou hast +sped,</span> +<span class="i6">Ray of light the fleetest!</span> +<span class="i0">Together we'd a little talk, but we looked for +more,</span> +<span class="i6">Thou my golden store!</span> +<span class="i0">To the realms of heaven thou from earth art +gone,</span> +<span class="i6">Thou my heaven and earth!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou thy flight hast taken, sure, to a land of +flowers,</span> +<span class="i6">Dearest of my flowers!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy journey leadeth up to God, unto the blest in +Paradise,</span> +<span class="i6">Thou my Paradise!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou shalt behold the Judgment Place,</span> +<span class="i6">Merciful my son!</span> +<span class="i0">Soon shalt reach those halls of rest,</span> +<span class="i6">Thou who gav'st me labour!</span> +<span class="i0">There shalt find the noble dead,</span> +<span class="i6">Thou my sweetest life!</span> +<span class="i0">Greet them all, the rich and poor,</span> +<span class="i6">Best of all my riches!</span> +<span class="i0">Salute the noblemen and princes.</span> +<span class="i6">Thou my prince of princes!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXX"></a>CXXX</h3> + +<h4>GREATEST GRIEF FOR A BROTHER</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O'er Neven woods the sun went down,</span> +<span class="i0">The sun went down behind the forest,</span> +<span class="i0">As came the heroes off the sea.</span> +<span class="i0">The young wife counted anxiously,</span> +<span class="i0">The wife of George the Hospodar,</span> +<span class="i0">Counted the warriors, found them all,</span> +<span class="i0">Save her three treasures who were missing.</span> +<span class="i0">She could not find her Hospodar</span> +<span class="i0">Nor the best man at their wedding,</span> +<span class="i0">And the third treasure was not there;</span> +<span class="i0">This treasure was her dearest brother.</span> +<span class="i0">For her brave lord she cuts her tresses,</span> +<span class="i0">For her best man she wounds her cheeks,</span> +<span class="i0">And for her brother puts out both her eyes.</span> +<span class="i0">She cuts her hair, it grows again;</span> +<span class="i0">She wounds her cheeks, the wounds do heal;</span> +<span class="i0">But none can heal those hurt blind eyes,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor yet her heart for her lost brother.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXI"></a>CXXXI</h3> + +<h4>THE DEATH CHAMBER OF HER FATHER-IN-LAW</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Why art thou thus attired?</span> +<span class="i4">My more than father!</span> +<span class="i0">Why art thou thus bedight, so knightly armed?</span> +<span class="i4">My fearless knight!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou art departing for the city?</span> +<span class="i4">My shining city!</span> +<span class="i0">In order there to meet the lords and knights,</span> +<span class="i4">O my wise lord!</span> +<span class="i0">Or go'st thou to a marriage feast?</span> +<span class="i4">My pride, my noble guest!</span> +<span class="i0">—But why! thine eyes are closed to me!</span> +<span class="i4">O closed, O closed to me!</span> +<span class="i0">And—can it be!—thy mouth is bound!</span> +<span class="i4">This black, black morning!</span> +<span class="i0">If thou art gone, and com'st not back—</span> +<span class="i4">How empty is the house!</span> +<span class="i0">How is it thou couldst leave us so?</span> +<span class="i4">To us, O woe, O woe!</span> +<span class="i0">Far, far thy journey, and the end not here!</span> +<span class="i4">But better is it there!</span> +<span class="i0">Mother and father, they will greet thee there,</span> +<span class="i4">Among the Blest!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy brothers, too, and children in celestial +light,—</span> +<span class="i4">O blessed, blessed sight!</span> +<span class="i0">Thee will they greet: we in their thoughts shall +be,</span> +<span class="i4">O heavenly harmony!</span> +<span class="i0">But thou wilt stay, and ne'er return to us,</span> +<span class="i4">O woe, O woe to us!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXII"></a>CXXXII</h3> + +<h4>KOLEDO</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">The king came to court our Margaret fair,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">And mother sang clear to our Margaret fair:</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">"Oh, Margaret, haste! my daughter dear,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">The King, he has come to court you here,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!"</span> +<span class="i0">Then thus sweet Margaret to mother's call:</span> +<span class="i4">"Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">I told you, mother mine, I told you,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">I want not kings, I want not knights,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis Jesus Himself alone doth bind me,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!</span> +<span class="i0">I've vowed to Him, true shall He find me,</span> +<span class="i4">Koledo, Koledo!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXIII"></a>CXXXIII</h3> + +<h4>A HORSE'S COMPLAINT</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A horse left his knight on Kossovo,</span> +<span class="i0">On a dreadsome place on Kossovo.</span> +<span class="i0">Finding his steed, the knight put question:</span> +<span class="i0">"O horse of mine, my greatest treasure,</span> +<span class="i0">Why hast thou left me here so lonely,</span> +<span class="i0">In this deadsome place on Kossovo?</span> +<span class="i0">What have I done thus to displease thee?</span> +<span class="i0">Say, horse of mine, why didst thou leave me?</span> +<span class="i0">Did press my saddle hard upon thee?</span> +<span class="i0">Thy jewelled bridle, was it heavy?</span> +<span class="i0">Or have I ridden thee too far?"</span> +<span class="i0">To his knight the horse made answer:</span> +<span class="i0">"Thy saddle pressed not hard upon me,</span> +<span class="i0">Thy jewelled bridle was not heavy,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor hast thou ridden me too far.</span> +<span class="i0">But this it is that doth displease me:</span> +<span class="i0">So oft thou tarriest at the tavern,</span> +<span class="i0">While I am tethered at the door.</span> +<span class="i0">Three maidens fair are dwelling there,</span> +<span class="i0">Whose beauty makes thee all forgetful,</span> +<span class="i0">While I am out here cold and fretful;</span> +<span class="i0">Then angrily I paw the earth,</span> +<span class="i0">And eat the grass down to its root,</span> +<span class="i0">And drink the water dry as stone,</span> +<span class="i0">While thou dost leave me here alone."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXIV"></a>CXXXIV</h3> + +<h4>A DANCE AT VIDIN</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo:</span> +<span class="i4">"Oh, let me, mother, go and see!"</span> +<span class="i4">"There is thy brother, go with him!"</span> +<span class="i4">"My brother! he can stay at home,</span> +<span class="i4">I do not want to go with him."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo:</span> +<span class="i4">"Oh! let me, mother, go and see!"</span> +<span class="i4">"There is thy father, go with him!"</span> +<span class="i4">"Oh, let my father stay at home,</span> +<span class="i4">I do not want to go with him."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo:</span> +<span class="i4">"Oh! let me, mother, go and see!"</span> +<span class="i4">"There is thy darling, go with him!"</span> +<span class="i4">"Oh, come, my sweetheart, come with me!</span> +<span class="i4">I'll dance the Kolo there with thee!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXV"></a>CXXXV</h3> + +<h4>THE PRICE</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">How many towns from here to the coast?</span> +<span class="i0">Seventy-seven sunlit towns,</span> +<span class="i0">And villages green a thousand!</span> +<span class="i0">And all of these I'd give for the street</span> +<span class="i0">Where I my sweetheart first did meet,</span> +<span class="i0">And e'en the street I'd give as the price</span> +<span class="i0">To meet him again—aye, but for a trice!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXVI"></a>CXXXVI</h3> + +<h4>PREFERENCES</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Three maids were talking on a night,</span> +<span class="i0">Upon a silvery moonlight night.</span> +<span class="i0">They walked and talked of many things,</span> +<span class="i0">They asked what each preferred to have.</span> +<span class="i0">Two did listen to the eldest:</span> +<span class="i0">"A castle white is what I'd like."</span> +<span class="i0">Then two did hear the second say:</span> +<span class="i0">"'Tis velvet blue with gold I like."</span> +<span class="i0">Then two listened to the youngest:</span> +<span class="i0">"A sweetheart true I would prefer.</span> +<span class="i0">Should the castle all be ruined,</span> +<span class="i0">My darling would rebuild it up;</span> +<span class="i0">The velvet would with time wear out,</span> +<span class="i0">My darling he could buy me more—</span> +<span class="i0">A sweetheart true is richer store!"</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXVII"></a>CXXXVII</h3> + +<h4>A BRIDE'S DEVOTION</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">A Bride most fair fed a swan and a lion,</span> +<span class="i0">A swan and a lion and a falcon grey.</span> +<span class="i0">To her came merchants from far away:</span> +<span class="i0">"Sell us, sweet maid, your swan and your lion,</span> +<span class="i0">This swan and this lion and falcon grey!"</span> +<span class="i0">"Ye men from afar, go away, go away,</span> +<span class="i0">My godfather cometh to see me wed,</span> +<span class="i0">And this lion I tend till the time be sped;</span> +<span class="i0">And for my true friend who best man shall be,</span> +<span class="i0">This white swan I keep, and for none but he!</span> +<span class="i0">But this falcon grey ye covet so much,</span> +<span class="i0">'Tis my true love's own; none shall it touch."</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXVIII"></a>CXXXVIII</h3> + +<h4>FIDELITY</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">A youth to God did pray,</span> +<span class="i2">About his sweetheart dear,</span> +<span class="i0">That he the gem might be</span> +<span class="i2">Which trembled in her ear.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He wished to be the beads</span> +<span class="i2">Reposing on her breast,</span> +<span class="i0">That he might hear her say</span> +<span class="i2">That she loved him best.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">The prayer he prayed was heard</span> +<span class="i2">A pearl beside the shore,</span> +<span class="i0">His darling picked him up,</span> +<span class="i2">And on her necklet bore.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">He listened and he heard</span> +<span class="i2">How true her loving heart:</span> +<span class="i0">She told the other maids</span> +<span class="i2">She ne'er from him would part.</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXXXIX"></a>CXXXIX</h3> + +<h4>A SISTER'S LAMENT</h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Sister was I of kingly brothers three,</span> +<span class="i0">But now my kings are gone from me,</span> +<span class="i6">Woe, woe, woe!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Better kingdoms they are asking,</span> +<span class="i0">Better work than this world's tasking,</span> +<span class="i0">And God will grant it, where they go,</span> +<span class="i0">Better service He'll bestow,</span> +<span class="i6">But for me, alas! Oh! woe!</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">So kingly brothers ne'er were known,</span> +<span class="i0">Now my heart breaketh here alone.</span> +<span class="i0">This world for me too dark is now,</span> +<span class="i0">And I took dark for it, I trow!</span> +<span class="i6">Woe, woe, woe!</span> +<span class="i10">J. W. W.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXL"></a>CXL</h3> + +<h4>THE PRAYER OF KARAGEORGE'S LADY<a name="fnanchor_38" +id="fnanchor_38"></a><a href="#footnote_38" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[38]</sup></a></h4> + +<span class="i0">Prayed of God the Karageorge's Lady!</span> +<span class="i0">"Give me, God, to bear a maiden lovely,</span> +<span class="i0">Patternized by Carapića Vasa,</span> +<span class="i0">Grant us, O God, to choose name of beauty,</span> +<span class="i0">Name of beauty, precious gold of mother.</span> +<span class="i0">When shall come the baby, christen'd Goldie,</span> +<span class="i0">Swaddling clothes her mother will then make her,</span> +<span class="i0">Flowing clothes of linen for her infant,</span> +<span class="i0">All of silk and cloth of gold so beauteous,</span> +<span class="i0">As she's Goldie let gold bless her slumber.</span> +<span class="i0">When she's come to her little cradle,</span> +<span class="i0">Then her mother will make little cradle,</span> +<span class="i0">Little cradle of gold will she make her,</span> +<span class="i0">As she's Goldie, let cradle be golden.</span> +<span class="i0">When Goldie is grown up to be spinner,</span> +<span class="i0">Spinning-wheel her mother then will make her,</span> +<span class="i0">Of gold will she make her golden spindle,</span> +<span class="i0">As she's Goldie let her wheel be golden.</span> +<span class="i0">When Goldie knows how to embroider,</span> +<span class="i0">Golden frame her mother will then make her,</span> +<span class="i0">Of gold will she make her spinning trinket,</span> +<span class="i0">As she's Goldie, may her work be golden."<a +name="fnanchor_39" id="fnanchor_39"></a><a href="#footnote_39" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[39]</sup></a></span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLI"></a>CXLI</h3> + +<h4>THOU ART EVER, EVER MINE<a name="fnanchor_40" +id="fnanchor_40"></a><a href="#footnote_40" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[40]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O my girl, O my soul,</span> +<span class="i0">What does mother say to you?</span> +<span class="i0">Will she marry you to me?</span> +<span class="i0">Her son-in-law can I be?</span> +<span class="i0">She might give you, she might not,</span> +<span class="i0">Thou art ever, ever mine!</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLII"></a>CXLII</h3> + +<h4>SEA MERCHANT<a name="fnanchor_41" id="fnanchor_41"></a><a +href="#footnote_41" class="fnanchor"><sup>[41]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy eyes are corals in the sea,</span> +<span class="i0">I am a merchant on the sea</span> +<span class="i0">Buying the riches of the sea.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy teeth are tiniest pearls,</span> +<span class="i0">I am a merchant on the sea</span> +<span class="i0">Buying tiniest pearls of the sea.</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy hands are whiter than the wool,</span> +<span class="i0">I am a merchant on the sea</span> +<span class="i0">Trading in wool o'er the sea.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLIII"></a>CXLIII</h3> + +<h4>ANGELA AS WATCHMAN<a name="fnanchor_42" id="fnanchor_42"></a><a +href="#footnote_42" class="fnanchor"><sup>[42]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Falcon is winging high,</span> +<span class="i0">But the fortress gates are higher;</span> +<span class="i0">And Angela is watching there</span> +<span class="i0">Aureoled in sunshine,</span> +<span class="i0">Belted with the moonbeams,</span> +<span class="i0">And flowering with the stars.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLIV"></a>CXLIV</h3> + +<h4>A LAD AND HIS BETROTHED<a name="fnanchor_43" id="fnanchor_43"></a><a +href="#footnote_43" class="fnanchor"><sup>[43]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Little lad is wandering</span> +<span class="i0">Through a wooded copse,</span> +<span class="i0">Strutting with a green bough</span> +<span class="i0">Walking down the slopes.</span> +<span class="i0">Looking on a courtyard</span> +<span class="i0">Sees young Jana sweeping:</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"O thou pearl, my sweet one,</span> +<span class="i0">Whence my ring in keeping?"</span> +<span class="i0">Thus she answered proudly:</span> +<span class="i0">"May thy brother know, perchance,</span> +<span class="i0">And should it bring God's blessing</span> +<span class="i0">He'll join our wedding dance."</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLV"></a>CXLV</h3> + +<h4>DIREFUL SICKNESS<a name="fnanchor_44" id="fnanchor_44"></a><a +href="#footnote_44" class="fnanchor"><sup>[44]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">What shall I do, what shall I do?</span> +<span class="i0">My nights are sleepless,</span> +<span class="i0">My heart is so restless—</span> +<span class="i0">Ah, sorrow, anew,</span> +<span class="i0">I'll die,</span> +<span class="i0">My love, for you.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLVI"></a>CXLVI</h3> + +<h4>ALL AS IT SHOULD BE<a name="fnanchor_45" id="fnanchor_45"></a><a +href="#footnote_45" class="fnanchor"><sup>[45]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">When the sun sets at even,</span> +<span class="i0">My love is just coming to me</span> +<span class="i0">And when the moon has passed Heaven</span> +<span class="i0">My lover is going from me.</span> +<span class="i0">So the paths are all darken'd with shadow,</span> +<span class="i0">Just as it should be, should be</span> +<span class="i0">In shadow that no one can see.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLVII"></a>CXLVII</h3> + +<h4>BEAUTY PREENS HERSELF<a name="fnanchor_46" id="fnanchor_46"></a><a +href="#footnote_46" class="fnanchor"><sup>[46]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">For whom powders face so lovely, Beauty?</span> +<span class="i0">For whom has she dropped her hair on shoulder,</span> +<span class="i0">For whom is she wearing charms in bosom?</span> +<span class="i0">Is it for Valach, or for a Magyar?</span> +<span class="i0">It is not for Valach nor for Magyar,</span> +<span class="i0">It is for this Stojan, mighty reaper,</span> +<span class="i0">Who in Kolo always takes the leadship,</span> +<span class="i0">When he's playing, every heart is touched.</span> +<span class="i0">When he's dancing, dances like a puppet.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLVIII"></a>CXLVIII</h3> + +<h4>HARVEST SONG<a name="fnanchor_47" id="fnanchor_47"></a><a +href="#footnote_47" class="fnanchor"><sup>[47]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Hurry, hurry, robust harvesters,</span> +<span class="i0">At field's end there's water and a maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">Cooling water, and a maiden youthful,</span> +<span class="i0">Drink ye water, and embrace your maiden.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CXLIX"></a>CXLIX</h3> + +<h4>LONG NIGHT<a name="fnanchor_48" id="fnanchor_48"></a><a +href="#footnote_48" class="fnanchor"><sup>[48]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">These are long nights, these are long nights,</span> +<span class="i0">For him who does not kiss black eyes,</span> +<span class="i0">He it is who cannot slumber,</span> +<span class="i0">For his heart is pierced with sorrow.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CL"></a>CL</h3> + +<h4>EYEBROW LURE<a name="fnanchor_49" id="fnanchor_49"></a><a +href="#footnote_49" class="fnanchor"><sup>[49]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Oh, my girl, my sweetest flower,</span> +<span class="i0">Curl not ends of eyebrow bower,</span> +<span class="i0">Do not grieve your youthful laddies,</span> +<span class="i0">As your way doth torment me:</span> +<span class="i0">Leading horse, I wander barefoot—</span> +<span class="i0">Carrying boots, I wander barefoot—</span> +<span class="i0">Bearing bread, I cannot eat it—</span> +<span class="i0">Treading water, cannot drink it.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLI"></a>CLI</h3> + +<h4>GIRLHOOD<a name="fnanchor_50" id="fnanchor_50"></a><a +href="#footnote_50" class="fnanchor"><sup>[50]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Girlhood was my golden tsardom!</span> +<span class="i0">Tsar was I while girlhood lasted;</span> +<span class="i0">Ah, if I could turn me backward,</span> +<span class="i0">Well I know how I'd live girlhood.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLII"></a>CLII</h3> + +<h4>YOUTH WITH YOUTH<a name="fnanchor_51" id="fnanchor_51"></a><a +href="#footnote_51" class="fnanchor"><sup>[51]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">On the river Sitnitsa</span> +<span class="i0">Little green fir standeth!</span> +<span class="i0">Who's young and stripling,</span> +<span class="i0">Youth with green youth sleepeth.</span> +<span class="i0">Ah, but see that youthful Jovo,</span> +<span class="i0">All alone is he,</span> +<span class="i0">Seeing that the youthful Mara</span> +<span class="i0">Joins him secretly.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLIII"></a>CLIII</h3> + +<h4>COME, MY LOVER, TO ME<a name="fnanchor_52" id="fnanchor_52"></a><a +href="#footnote_52" class="fnanchor"><sup>[52]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Full and thick is shadow,</span> +<span class="i0">Come, my love, to meadow,</span> +<span class="i0">For I've a verdant garden,</span> +<span class="i0">Red roses for a warden;</span> +<span class="i0">Golden kerchief will I make thee,</span> +<span class="i0">Christmas gift of love from me,</span> +<span class="i0">To carry so splendidly</span> +<span class="i0">In the memory of thy darling.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLIV"></a>CLIV</h3> + +<h4>SIGHS<a name="fnanchor_53" id="fnanchor_53"></a><a +href="#footnote_53" class="fnanchor"><sup>[53]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Oh my heart, I feel me sighing,</span> +<span class="i0">Methinks that my lover calls me to him,</span> +<span class="i0">But in truth my sweetheart's love hath ceased.</span> +<span class="i0">Cried out falcon from a fir branch lofty:</span> +<span class="i0">"O girl lovely! Sinfully you are speaking,</span> +<span class="i0">Only past night your love called you lovely,</span> +<span class="i0">Drinking wine unto your bounteous pleasure:</span> +<span class="i0">'O my girl, my soul of me most dearest,</span> +<span class="i0">I have made for thee a hiding,</span> +<span class="i0">Half my bed and half my arm,</span> +<span class="i0">Half a pillow, half a cover,</span> +<span class="i0">Half a cushion, heart of mine in bosom.'"</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLV"></a>CLV</h3> + +<h4>A BOUQUET OF LITTLE ROSES<a name="fnanchor_54" +id="fnanchor_54"></a><a href="#footnote_54" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[54]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O girl of my soul, my soul,</span> +<span class="i0">Take this bunch of rosebuds neat,</span> +<span class="i0">Should thy bouquet fade and fail,</span> +<span class="i0">Come once more, my soul, to me</span> +<span class="i0">I will pluck again for thee.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLVI"></a>CLVI</h3> + +<h4>DREAM INTERPRETATION<a name="fnanchor_55" id="fnanchor_55"></a><a +href="#footnote_55" class="fnanchor"><sup>[55]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Darling sweetheart on his free arm sleeping,</span> +<span class="i0">Makes he motion to sound gong in waking:</span> +<span class="i0">"Awake, my dear, dearer than mine own eyes,</span> +<span class="i0">Last night I a strange dream was a-dreaming:</span> +<span class="i0">My fez swept 'way on the troubled water,</span> +<span class="i0">Pearls were strewing richly in my lap-robe,</span> +<span class="i0">And my watch in pieces four was broken."</span> +<span class="i0">Sweetheart waking, calmly speaking this-wise:</span> +<span class="i0">"Easy is it to interpret dreaming,</span> +<span class="i0">That your fez was swept by troubled water</span> +<span class="i0">Means you're to go forth to battle army;</span> +<span class="i0">That pearls richly scatter'd in your lap-robe</span> +<span class="i0">Must mean our tears, thine with mine are +mingling;</span> +<span class="i0">That your watch in pieces four was broken</span> +<span class="i0">Means in truth that our hearts will be breaking</span> +<span class="i0">When we're forced to take leave of each other."</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLVII"></a>CLVII</h3> + +<h4>WITH SWEETHEART NIGHTS ARE SHORTEST<a name="fnanchor_56" +id="fnanchor_56"></a><a href="#footnote_56" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[56]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Cyclone downward rumbling,</span> +<span class="i0">All the castle trembling.</span> +<span class="i0">In castle is a girl</span> +<span class="i0">Crying, never ceasing:</span> +<span class="i0">"Alas, how long nights are!</span> +<span class="i0">When sleeping near to papa;</span> +<span class="i0">On nine soft mattresses,</span> +<span class="i0">On nine softest cushions,</span> +<span class="i0">'Neath nine fine coverlets."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Alas, how long nights are!</span> +<span class="i0">When sleeping near to mother;</span> +<span class="i0">On nine soft mattresses,</span> +<span class="i0">On nine softest cushions,</span> +<span class="i0">'Neath nine fine coverlets."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Alas, how long nights are!</span> +<span class="i0">When sleeping near to brother;</span> +<span class="i0">On nine soft mattresses,</span> +<span class="i0">On nine softest cushions,</span> +<span class="i0">'Neath nine fine coverlets."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">"Alas, how long nights are!</span> +<span class="i0">When sleeping near to sister;</span> +<span class="i0">On nine soft mattresses,</span> +<span class="i0">On nine softest cushions,</span> +<span class="i0">'Neath nine fine coverlets."</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">Cyclone downward rumbling,</span> +<span class="i0">All the castle trembling.</span> +<span class="i0">In castle is a girl</span> +<span class="i0">Crying, never ceasing:</span> +<span class="i0">"Alas, how short the nights are!</span> +<span class="i0">Sleeping with my darling,</span> +<span class="i0">Just on single mattress,</span> +<span class="i0">On a single pillow,</span> +<span class="i0">'Neath a single cover."</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div></div> + +<h3><a name="CLVIII"></a>CLVIII</h3> + +<h4>DAWN AWAKENED LAZAR<a name="fnanchor_57" id="fnanchor_57"></a><a +href="#footnote_57" class="fnanchor"><sup>[57]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">'Wakening Lazar dawn was stealing:</span> +<span class="i0">"Get up, Lazar; rise up, Lazar!</span> +<span class="i0">Horse of thine has thirst for water."</span> +<span class="i0">Forthwith up leaps Lazar quickly,</span> +<span class="i0">Grasps his horse's bridle lightly,</span> +<span class="i0">Leading horse, he goes to water,</span> +<span class="i0">But at water's edge was maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">With his foot he touched hers gently,</span> +<span class="i0">Kissed the while her black eyes sparkling,</span> +<span class="i0">Clasping her about the bosom.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLIX"></a>CLIX</h3> + +<h4>A DEVILISH YOUNG MATRON<a name="fnanchor_58" id="fnanchor_58"></a><a +href="#footnote_58" class="fnanchor"><sup>[58]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">When I lived a girl with mother,</span> +<span class="i0">Good advice was given me often,</span> +<span class="i0">That I should not drink the red wine,</span> +<span class="i0">That I should not wear green wreathlets,</span> +<span class="i0">That I shouldn't kiss a stranger.</span> +<span class="i2">But I poor girl deeply thinking over:</span> +<span class="i0">There's no red cheek without red wine sparkling,</span> +<span class="i0">There's no pleasure without green wreath glistening,</span> +<span class="i0">Neither amour without stranger wooer.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLX"></a>CLX</h3> + +<h4>GIRL IS ETERNAL POSSESSION<a name="fnanchor_59" +id="fnanchor_59"></a><a href="#footnote_59" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[59]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">In a garden works a maiden,</span> +<span class="i0">Digging furrow, water decoy,</span> +<span class="i0">To the garden 'luring water,</span> +<span class="i0">To give drink to early flowers,</span> +<span class="i0">Early flowers, whitest basil,</span> +<span class="i0">Whitest basil, gold carnation;</span> +<span class="i0">Where she's furrowing, there she's sleeping.</span> +<span class="i0">Putting head in sweetest basil,</span> +<span class="i0">Hands are lying in carnations,</span> +<span class="i0">Feet are plac'd in shallow hollow,</span> +<span class="i0">Covered with a fragile kerchief;</span> +<span class="i0">Beat upon her dew-drops slender,</span> +<span class="i0">Like a rain-soaked watermelon.</span> +<span class="i0">Now there comes a callow youth,</span> +<span class="i0">Callow youth and not yet married,</span> +<span class="i0">Grasping two posts, leaps the railing,</span> +<span class="i0">Springing lightly into garden,</span> +<span class="i0">Then commences soliloquizing:</span> +<span class="i0">"Should I pluck a bunch of flowers?</span> +<span class="i0">Should I kiss a sleeping maiden?</span> +<span class="i0">Bunch of flowers lasts till mid-day,</span> +<span class="i0">But a maiden lasts forever."</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXI"></a>CLXI</h3> + +<h4>JOVO AND MARIA<a name="fnanchor_60" id="fnanchor_60"></a><a +href="#footnote_60" class="fnanchor"><sup>[60]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Breeze fans up o'er roses 'long the meadow,</span> +<span class="i0">To the rich white tent of Jovo, youthful,</span> +<span class="i0">Where there's Jovo with Maria sitting:</span> +<span class="i0">Jovo writing and Maria sewing;</span> +<span class="i0">Ink runs short for Jovo where he's writing,</span> +<span class="i0">And Maria golden thread is losing,</span> +<span class="i0">Then to Maria, Jovo thus is speaking:</span> +<span class="i0">"Oh, my Maria, mine own cherish'd lov'd one!</span> +<span class="i0">Is my soul to thee a dear possession?</span> +<span class="i0">For a pillow is my right hand doughty?"</span> +<span class="i0">Mara to him gently whispering slowly:</span> +<span class="i0">"Believe me, Jovo, darling of my heart-throb,</span> +<span class="i0">Dearer to me is thy soul much dearer,</span> +<span class="i0">Than are altogether four of brothers;</span> +<span class="i0">Softer to me thy own right hand doughty,</span> +<span class="i0">Than four softest pillows of my choosing."</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXII"></a>CLXII</h3> + +<h4>ROSE TREE<a name="fnanchor_61" id="fnanchor_61"></a><a +href="#footnote_61" class="fnanchor"><sup>[61]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Planted rose-tree midst of Novi-Sad town,</span> +<span class="i0">O my rose-bud, O my sorrow rose tree,</span> +<span class="i0">Cannot pick you, neither give you sweetheart:</span> +<span class="i0">For my sweetie vents her anger on me,</span> +<span class="i0">Gliding past my courtyard stealthy,</span> +<span class="i0">Like the slave who passes Turkish graveyard.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXIII"></a>CLXIII</h3> + +<h4>DARLING'S WRATH<a name="fnanchor_62" id="fnanchor_62"></a><a +href="#footnote_62" class="fnanchor"><sup>[62]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">O my darling, be not wrathful;</span> +<span class="i0">Should I, myself, show my hot displeasure,</span> +<span class="i0">All of Bosnia never could appease us,</span> +<span class="i0">Not all Bosnia nor the Hercegovina.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXIV"></a>CLXIV</h3> + +<h4>LAD PIERCED WITH ARROW<a name="fnanchor_63" id="fnanchor_63"></a><a +href="#footnote_63" class="fnanchor"><sup>[63]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Alas hero I'm with arrow pierced,</span> +<span class="i0">O my Yetsa, thy white face is guilty,</span> +<span class="i0">Thy black eye-balls are the piercing arrows,</span> +<span class="i0">Thy white arms are now a very torment.</span> +<span class="i0">Come, my love bird, to my white court homing,</span> +<span class="i0">Come to heal my heart's own sore displeasure,</span> +<span class="i0">To bind up my wounds with thy throat's whiteness,</span> +<span class="i0">To salve suffering with thy honey kisses.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXV"></a>CLXV</h3> + +<h4>NOUGHT BUT KISSES<a name="fnanchor_64" id="fnanchor_64"></a><a +href="#footnote_64" class="fnanchor"><sup>[64]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Up and down went youth in mountain,</span> +<span class="i0">In a garden, girl round fountain;</span> +<span class="i4">On her threw he hawthorn red,—</span> +<span class="i4">Lightly answering, blackthorn sped,—</span> +<span class="i0">Think you they intend to kill?</span> +<span class="i0">Nought but kisses that they will.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXVI"></a>CLXVI</h3> + +<h4>UNITED<a name="fnanchor_65" id="fnanchor_65"></a><a +href="#footnote_65" class="fnanchor"><sup>[65]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Little girl, the small black-eyed,</span> +<span class="i0">Hero, wondering stupefied:</span> +<span class="i4">'Had we means of barter!</span> +<span class="i4">To lead us near together!</span> +<span class="i0">I my life long would not quit her,</span> +<span class="i0">None could make our friendship wither.'</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXVII"></a>CLXVII</h3> + +<h4>GIRL PLEADS WITH JEWELLER<a name="fnanchor_66" +id="fnanchor_66"></a><a href="#footnote_66" +class="fnanchor"><sup>[66]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Oh, my jeweller, for your trade's sake, listen!</span> +<span class="i0">Make me hero, all of gold my hero,</span> +<span class="i0">I will spoil him, as his mother dares not,</span> +<span class="i0">I will kiss him until dawns the twilight,</span> +<span class="i0">Till day breaks ever will caress him.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXVIII"></a>CLXVIII</h3> + +<h4>WIFE DEARER THAN SISTER<a name="fnanchor_67" id="fnanchor_67"></a><a +href="#footnote_67" class="fnanchor"><sup>[67]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">Lo! behold behind the forest</span> +<span class="i0">Someone loudly screams—</span> +<span class="i0">"'Tis a voice," says youthful hero,</span> +<span class="i0">"Girlish-like it seems."</span> +<span class="i0">When behold! he looked and spied her,</span> +<span class="i0">Tiny girl, tree-bound they'd tied her,</span> +<span class="i0">With fine silken seams.</span> +<span class="i0">Hear! she prays of youthful hero, dazzled by his +might:</span> +<span class="i0">"Come to me, thou youthful hero, O most beauteous, +wonderknight.</span> +<span class="i0">Come to free me, youthful hero, and I'll be thy sister +true."</span> +<span class="i0">Thus she spake, but laughing he, "O, there's one at +home like you."</span> +<span class="i0">"Come to free me then, my brother; sister-in-law I'll +be no other."</span> +<span class="i0">('But at home she sits by mother.')</span> +<span class="i0">"Then I'll be thy golden bride.</span> +<span class="i0">Take me to thy meadows wide,</span> +<span class="i0">Take me to thy castles white,</span> +<span class="i0">Take me, take me from this plight."</span> +<span class="i0">So she spake to gallant lover,</span> +<span class="i0">Hovering near and just above her,</span> +<span class="i0">Clasps her in his arms to love her—</span> +<span class="i0">Such a gallant knight!</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXIX"></a>CLXIX</h3> + +<h4>GREATEST SORROW<a name="fnanchor_68" id="fnanchor_68"></a><a +href="#footnote_68" class="fnanchor"><sup>[68]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<span class="i0">All young heroes here save mine,</span> +<span class="i0">All young gallant heroes brave.</span> +<span class="i0">O! that I were sure he'd tarry,</span> +<span class="i0">Lingering in some sickness grave,</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than the wish to marry</span> +<span class="i0">Sends him courting another maid.</span> +<span class="i0">O! may he be too ill to travel,</span> +<span class="i0">May him dread illness cause to pine,</span> +<span class="i0">Rather than to court another,</span> +<span class="i0">Never, never to be mine.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div> + +<h3><a name="CLXX"></a>CLXX</h3> + +<h4>YOUTH AND GIRL<a name="fnanchor_69" id="fnanchor_69"></a><a +href="#footnote_69" class="fnanchor"><sup>[69]</sup></a></h4> +<div class="poem"> +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O maiden, thou gentlest rose</span> +<span class="i0">When thou wert growing what didst thou behold?</span> +<span class="i0">Hast thou observed a pine-tree growing</span> +<span class="i0">Or the slender, proud fir-tree blowing,</span> +<span class="i0">Or did'st gaze at my youngest brother?—</span></div> + +<div class="stanza"> +<span class="i0">O glad, young hero, brilliant Sun!</span> +<span class="i0">Never at the pine-tree blowing</span> +<span class="i0">Have I look'd in wonder gazing</span> +<span class="i0">Neither at the slender fir-tree,</span> +<span class="i0">Nor thy youngest brother, free,</span> +<span class="i0">Rather have I grown to suit thee,</span> +<span class="i0">Tender knight, to suit but thee.</span> +<span class="i10">B. S. S.</span></div></div> + +<h4>NOTES</h4> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_1" id="footnote_1"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_1">[1]</a> +This song as also those signed "S. J. B." has been transversified and +published by (Sir) John Bowring, "Servian Popular Poetry," London, +1827.</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_2" id="footnote_2"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_2">[2]</a> +The Serbian peasants, especially women, firmly believe that saints, +parents, rulers, bishops and clergymen have the privilege of cursing and +that the person to whom the curse is addressed is bound to undergo the +consequences pronounced by the curser. There are several instances in +the Serbian heroic ballads by which it is proven that the national +Serbian bards, and indeed all the peasants who participated in the +composition of their epic poetry, believe that curses pronounced by +privileged persons always come true. Thus in the ballad <i>Uros and +Mrnjavcevici</i> King Vukasin of Macedonia, angry with his son Marko +Kralyevich because the latter, when chosen for arbiter, said that the +imperial crown belonged to Carevic Uros and not to him (Vukasin), +exclaimed:</p> + +<p class=" footnote poem"> +<span class="i0">"O son Marko, may God smother thee!</span> +<span class="i0">Mayest thou have no tomb, nor progeny</span> +<span class="i0">May thy soul not leave thy body</span> +<span class="i0">Before thou hast served the Turkish emperor!"</span> +</p> + +<p class="footnote">While Marko's kingly father cursed him, Carevic Uros +blesses him thus:</p> + +<p class=" footnote poem"> +<span class="i0">"O my Kum Marko, God second thee!</span> +<span class="i0">Thy face shine at divan</span> +<span class="i0">Thy sabre smother in duels!</span> +<span class="i0">May no one excel thee in heroism</span> +<span class="i0">Thy name be reverently remembered.</span> +<span class="i0">As long as Sun and Moon shine!"</span></p> + +<p class="footnote">And the bard finishes his poem with, "Whatever they +said, it came true."</p> + +<p class="footnote">Another oral tradition tells us how a nobleman +<i>Velimir Bogati</i> (Velimir the Rich) who once refused hospitality to +Knez Lazar, the emperor of Serbia (1389), was cursed by the noble prince +and how Velimir's first son indeed drowned himself in the river +Lepenica, his second son fell from his horse and died in consequence of +the accident and how his third, and now only son, was imprisoned by his +father in one of the remotest towers of his castle in order to avoid any +danger of experiencing the prince's curse. One day, however, Velimir +Bogati brought to his imprisoned son some grapes from his own vineyard, +in order that the poor young fellow should at least know what time of +the year it was, and lo! while the boy was eating the grapes a small +viper jumped out of the bunch and mortally bit him. The news of the +sudden death of the young nobleman spread rapidly amongst the +neighboring villages and fortified the peasants in their belief that one +cannot escape the curse.</p> + +<p class="footnote">Par extension a <i>kletva</i> (curse) can be +effective even if pronounced, as in the above song, by other persons +than those privileged.</p> + +<p class="footnote">Another saga narrates how a peasant greedily coveted +and wished to appropriate a corn field that belonged to his neighbour +and, in order to attain his evil end, he buried in the middle of that +field his only son whom he had previously taught what to say when +interrogated. The judge and the plaintiffs came with the defender to the +spot and the mischievous peasant in order to mystify those present, +exclaimed: "O black earth, speak of thy own free will, to whom dost thou +rightly belong?"</p> + +<p class="footnote">"I belong to thee," the voice from below was +heard.</p> + +<p class="footnote">The lawful owner, hearing this, started aback. And +the judge's verdict appointed the field to belong to the covetous and +wrong claimant. And the parties dispersed in wonder.</p> + +<p class="footnote">Then the father began to dig the ground in order to +disinter his son. But—there was not the shadow of one! He called +loudly and the child answered the call but the voice from beneath the +earth was ever fainter and fainter. Finally the child turned to a +mole.</p> + +<p class="footnote">Thus became, according to Serbian tradition, the +first mole. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_3" id="footnote_3"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_3">[3]</a> +Sir John Bowring, although a remarkable transversifier and at times a +true interpreter of popular songs of the Slavs, has taken too much of +that <i>licentia poetica</i> in his rendering of this, one of the most +beautiful lyrics ever composed by Serbian peasant women. The reader may +judge for himself, when comparing Sir John Bowring's liberal +transversification with the following <i>verbatim</i> translation (which +he, himself, felt absolutely indispensable to reproduce) what a great +injustice is inflicted upon the popular songs of any people by even the +most conscientious transversifier and how infinitely less untrue to the +original a rendering can be. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote">Of this little poem, which Goethe calls "wonderful," +the following is an almost literal translation:</p> + +<p class="poem footnote"> +<span class="i0">Full of wine, white branches of the vine-trees</span> +<span class="i0">To white Buda's fortress white had clung them:</span> +<span class="i0">No! it was no vine-tree, white and pregnant!</span> +<span class="i0">No! it was a pair of faithful lovers,</span> +<span class="i0">From their early youth betrothed together.</span> +<span class="i0">Now they are compell'd to part untimely.</span> +<span class="i0">One address'd the other at their parting,</span> +<span class="i0">"Go! my soul! burst out and leave my bosom!</span> +<span class="i0">Thou wilt find a hedge-surrounded garden,</span> +<span class="i0">And a red-rose branch within the garden;</span> +<span class="i0">Pluck a rose from off the branch, and place it,</span> +<span class="i0">Place it on thy heart, within thy bosom;</span> +<span class="i0">Then behold!—ev'n as that rose is fading,</span> +<span class="i0">Fades my heart within thy heart thou loved one!"</span> +<span class="i0">And thus answer'd then the other lover:</span> +<span class="i0">"Thou, my soul! turn back a few short paces.</span> +<span class="i0">There thou wilt discern a verdant forest;</span> +<span class="i0">In it is a fount of crystal water;</span> +<span class="i0">In the fount there is a block of marble;</span> +<span class="i0">On the marble block a golden goblet;</span> +<span class="i0">In the goblet thou wilt find a snow-ball.</span> +<span class="i0">Love! take out that snow-ball from the goblet,</span> +<span class="i0">Lay it on thy heart within thy bosom;</span> +<span class="i0">See it melt—and as it melts, my lov'd one!</span> +<span class="i0">So my heart within thy heart is melting."</span> +<span class="i10a">(S. J. B.)</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_4" id="footnote_4"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_4">[4]</a> +This song has obviously been composed by a Serbian woman of Mohammedan +faith. A large percentage of Serbians in Bosnia, Hercegovina and even +Macedonia are still adhering to the Koran. Ali Bey surely must have been +a Serbian bey. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_5" id="footnote_5"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_5">[5]</a> +Smilia, the <i>grapharium arenarium</i>, or "lovely love." Also a +woman's name. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_6" id="footnote_6"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_6">[6]</a> +This song is sung at the close of the harvest, when all the reapers are +gathered together. Half as many reeds as the number of persons present +are so bound that no one can distinguish the two ends which belong to +the same reed. Each man takes one end of the reeds on one side, each of +the women takes one end at the other. The withes that bind the reeds are +severed, and the couples that hold the same reed kiss one another. (S. +J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_7" id="footnote_7"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_7">[7]</a> +<i>Kalpak</i>, the fur cap of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_8" id="footnote_8"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_8">[8]</a> +This is one of the songs sung at the breaking up of the +company, addressed to the giver of the festival. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_9" id="footnote_9"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_9">[9]</a> +<i>Musko cedo</i> (male child). The male sex is in Serbia, as elsewhere, +deemed entitled to more care and attention than the other. (S. J. +B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_10" id="footnote_10"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_10">[10]</a> +A handkerchief embroidered and given by a girl to a boy is considered in +Jugoslavia as a symbol of love and faith. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_11" id="footnote_11"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_11">[11]</a> +As unfortunately Serbian parents often, very often, select the husband +of their marriageable daughter, the poor girl, unless disobedient and +rebellious, meekly accedes to the choice even if her bridegroom should +be an old man. This is obviously a remnant of Turkish dominion in +Serbia. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_12" id="footnote_12"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_12">[12]</a> +<i>Zvezda</i>, star, is of the feminine gender. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_13" id="footnote_13"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_13">[13]</a> +Sun is feminine in Serbian. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_14" id="footnote_14"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_14">[14]</a> +The leech, <i>Sanguisuga</i>; but in Serbian there is no disagreeable +association with the word. It is the name usually employed to describe +the beauty of the eyebrows, as swallows' wings are the simile used for +eyelashes. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_15" id="footnote_15"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_15">[15]</a> +<i>Visnja</i>, the universal Slavonian name of the Vistula cherry-tree. +The <i>Cerasum apronianum</i> of Linné. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_16" id="footnote_16"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_16">[16]</a> +The <i>Vila</i> nearly corresponds to the <i>Peri</i> of the Persians, +and the <i>Wöla</i> of the Scandinavians. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_17" id="footnote_17"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_17">[17]</a> +<i>Radisa</i> is the name of a man. <i>Radovanje</i>—joy. (S. J. +B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_18" id="footnote_18"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_18">[18]</a> +<i>Lepota</i> is the Serbian word for beauty. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_19" id="footnote_19"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_19">[19]</a> +I shall be accused of having <i>decorated</i> this. The translation is +more free than I have generally given; but in order to show how little I +have deviated from the thought of the original, I give the conclusion. +(S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="poem footnote"> +<span class="i0">"Ako bi te u pjesmu pjevala,</span> +<span class="i0">Pjesma ide od usta do usta,</span> +<span class="i0">Pa ce doci u pogana usta;</span> +<span class="i0">Ako bi te u rukave vezla,</span> +<span class="i0">Rukav ce se odma izderati,</span> +<span class="i0">Pa ce tvoje ime poginuti;</span> +<span class="i0">Ako bi te u knjigu pisala</span> +<span class="i0">Knjiga ide od ruke do ruke,</span> +<span class="i0">Pa ce doci u pogane ruke."</span> +<span class="i10a">Vuk i. p. 200</span></p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_20" id="footnote_20"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_20">[20]</a> +The popular national dance of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_21" id="footnote_21"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_21">[21]</a> +<i>Bosiljak</i>, the <i>Ocimum basilicum</i> of Linné (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_22" id="footnote_22"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_22">[22]</a> +As the Serbians have had during the long Ottoman rule to attend to much +sterner duties than that of cultivating literature and art, and, as the +greater part of the population (sixty per cent at least) are even to +this day completely illiterate, ability to read and write is still +considered an 'art' with the peasantry. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_23" id="footnote_23"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_23">[23]</a> +<i>Kaloper</i>, balsamita vulgaris of Linné. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_24" id="footnote_24"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_24">[24]</a> +<i>Vila</i> (pronounced veelah) is with the Serbians a female deity +(Muse or Grace) of incomparable beauty and tenderness. But she can be +very hostile to mortals. (Cf. note 16. Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_25" id="footnote_25"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_25">[25]</a> +The cuckoo (<i>Kukavica</i>), according to Serbian tradition, was a +maiden who mourned so unceasingly for a dead brother, that she was +changed into a bird, and thence continues without rest her melancholy +note. A Serbian girl who has lost a brother never hears a cuckoo without +shedding tears.—"I a poor cuckoo," is equivalent to "woe is me!" +(S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_26" id="footnote_26"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_26">[26]</a> +<i>Ban</i> is obviously a corrupt form of the Polish or Cech or +Ruthenian title <i>Pan</i>, meaning "Mr." or, in direct address, "Sir." +To this day that word has been conserved only by those Serbians who have +lived in the Austro-Hungarian territory called Croatia, and is applied +as a title to their political chief. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_27" id="footnote_27"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_27">[27]</a> +Lado is the vocative of <i>Lada</i>, the goddess of love, in the old +Slavonian mythology. <i>Lado!</i> is a melancholy interjection in +Serbian, whereas <i>Lele!</i> the vocative of Lela, the god of love, has +frequently a cheerful association. <i>Polela</i> (after love) the +goddess of marriage, is also sometimes apostrophised. Talvj remarks, +that <i>Ljad</i>, in Russian, signifies misfortune. In common parlance, +<i>Lele mene</i> (Serbian) imports "Woe is me!" (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_28" id="footnote_28"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_28">[28]</a> +<i>Mlinar</i>, the miller. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_29" id="footnote_29"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_29">[29]</a> +Wesely imagines that this expression has been introduced into Serbian +poetry by the influence of the interesting ballad on the marriage of +Maxim Cernojevic (see <i>Quarterly Review</i> for December, 1826). The +intimate intercourse which existed between Serbia and Venice may account +for the phraseology. (S. J. B.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_30" id="footnote_30"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_30">[30]</a> +This song, as also others signed "O. M.", has been transversified by +Robert Bulwer Lytton (Owen Meredith), "Serbske Pesme; or National Songs +of Serbia," London, 1861. (Edit.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_31" id="footnote_31"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_31">[31]</a> +<i>Kolo</i>, signifying literally a wheel, is the generic term for all +the Serbian national dances in most of which the dancers, either taking +hands, or united each to each by a handkerchief tied round the waist or +to the girdle, form a ring and advance or retreat to and from the centre +to a monotonous music, either of the voice or some very simple wind +instruments. Both sexes take part in these dances, which are frequently +in the open air. (O. M.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_32" id="footnote_32"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_32">[32]</a> +This song as also those signed "J. W. W.", has been transversified and +published by J. W. Wiles, "Serbian Songs and Poems: Chords of the +Yugoslav Harp," New York, 1917.</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_33" id="footnote_33"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_33">[33]</a> +<i>Hodza</i>, i. e. Mohammedan priest. (J. W. W.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_34" id="footnote_34"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_34">[34]</a> +Turkish seminary. (J. W. W.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_35" id="footnote_35"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_35">[35]</a> +<i>Kalfa</i>, governess. (J. W. W.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_36" id="footnote_36"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_36">[36]</a> +<i>Koledó</i>: In ancient times the Serbians, as all the Slavs, often +used this word as a refrain in their bucolic songs. It was an address to +<i>Ledo</i>, the ancient Slav divinity who presided over the process of +fertility and protected fields and flowers. (J. W. W.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_37" id="footnote_37"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_37">[37]</a> +Loud lamentations, by women rather than men, are an ancient custom among +the Serbs. These dirges are again and again extemporized with +spontaneous poetic feeling. Girls let down their hair and lament in the +orchards and precincts of the house. (J. W. W.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_38" id="footnote_38"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_38">[38]</a> +This song, as well as others signed "B. S. S.," has been rendered into +English by the Editor.</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_39" id="footnote_39"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_39">[39]</a> +"The Prayer of Karageorge's Lady" is number 685 of Vol. I of Vuk +Karadzic's collection. (Edition of 1891.)</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_40" id="footnote_40"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_40">[40]</a> +No. 428 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_41" id="footnote_41"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_41">[41]</a> +No. 445 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_42" id="footnote_42"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_42">[42]</a> +No. 468 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_43" id="footnote_43"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_43">[43]</a> +No. 474 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_44" id="footnote_44"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_44">[44]</a> +No. 581 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_45" id="footnote_45"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_45">[45]</a> +No. 792 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_46" id="footnote_46"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_46">[46]</a> +No. 765 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_47" id="footnote_47"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_47">[47]</a> +No. 247 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_48" id="footnote_48"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_48">[48]</a> +No. 314 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_49" id="footnote_49"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_49">[49]</a> +No. 338 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_50" id="footnote_50"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_50">[50]</a> +No. 409 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_51" id="footnote_51"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_51">[51]</a> +No. 446 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_52" id="footnote_52"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_52">[52]</a> +No. 298 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_53" id="footnote_53"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_53">[53]</a> +No. 279 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_54" id="footnote_54"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_54">[54]</a> +No. 335 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_55" id="footnote_55"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_55">[55]</a> +No. 309 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_56" id="footnote_56"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_56">[56]</a> +No. 294 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_57" id="footnote_57"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_57">[57]</a> +No. 466 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_58" id="footnote_58"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_58">[58]</a> +No. 459 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_59" id="footnote_59"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_59">[59]</a> +No. 453 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_60" id="footnote_60"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_60">[60]</a> +No. 287 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_61" id="footnote_61"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_61">[61]</a> +No. 472 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_62" id="footnote_62"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_62">[62]</a> +No. 473 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_63" id="footnote_63"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_63">[63]</a> +No. 482 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_64" id="footnote_64"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_64">[64]</a> +No. 487 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_65" id="footnote_65"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_65">[65]</a> +No. 488 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_66" id="footnote_66"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_66">[66]</a> +No. 491 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_67" id="footnote_67"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_67">[67]</a> +No. 300 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_68" id="footnote_68"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_68">[68]</a> +No. 359 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<p class="footnote"> +<a name="footnote_69" id="footnote_69"></a> + <a href="#fnanchor_69">[69]</a> +No. 422 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).</p> + +<hr class="c10" /> + +<p class="p4"></p> + +<div class='tnote'> <h4>Transcriber's Notes:</h4> +<p>Corrected mis-numbered footnote anchors.<br /> +Added close quote at end of line 8, poem I ...and others +cursing."....<br /> +Removed open quote at beginning of a page break of poem IX.<br /> +Added period to end of poem XXI.<br /> +Added close quote to end of first stanza of poem XXIX.<br /> +Added final period to 'J. W. W.' at end of poem CXXIV.</p> +</div> + + + + + + + + +<pre> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; +Serbian Lyrics, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + +***** This file should be named 36091-h.htm or 36091-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/0/9/36091/ + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian Lyrics + +Author: Various + +Editor: Beatrice Stevenson Stanoyevich + +Release Date: May 13, 2011 [EBook #36091] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + + + + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + + + + + Transcriber's Notes: + + ['c] represents accent over letter "c". + [vc] represents caron over letter "c". + [vs] represents caron over letter "s". + [vz] represents caron over letter "z". + + Corrected mis-numbered footnote anchors. + Added close quote at end of line 8, poem I ...and others cursing."... + Removed open quote at beginning of a page break of poem IX. + Added period to end of poem XXI. + Added close quote to end of first stanza of poem XXIX. + Added final period to J. W. W. at end of poem CXXIV. + + + + + AN ANTHOLOGY OF + JUGOSLAV POETRY + + SERBIAN LYRICS + + EDITED BY + DR. B. STEVENSON STANOYEVICH + + [Illustration: Printer's logo] + + BOSTON + RICHARD G. BADGER + THE GORHAM PRESS + + + COPYRIGHT, 1920, BY RICHARD G. BADGER + All Rights Reserved + + + + + Made in the United States of America + The Gorham Press, Boston, U. S. A. + + + + + TRANSLITERATION OF UNUSUAL + JUGOSLAV SCRIPT: + + a = a in father, garden + e = e in men, envoy + i = i in tin, ill + o = o in son, note + u = u in rule, rumor + j = y in yoke, yes + c = ts in cats, lots + lj = ly in William, million + dj = dy in endure, verdure + gj = gy in George + nj = ny in Kenyon, opinion + [vc] = tch in watch, catch + ['c] = ch in culture, literature + [vs] = sh in ship, shade + [vz] = zh in azure, seizure + d[vz] = dzh in Badger, or j in James + + The rest of the letters correspond to the English sounds. + + + + +PREFACE + + +"Give me the making of a nation's songs, and let who will make their +laws," was the maxim of a Scottish patriot. We would prefer to modify +this rule, and say, "Give us the poems which the people make for +themselves, and then we shall obtain a clear insight into the national +character and learn what customs and laws they are likely to accept or +reject." Folk-songs are the intimate expressions of the ideas of the +people. What the comic drama is to the cultured, and the music-hall to +the ill-educated portions of urban population, the popular song has +been, and in some countries still is, to the rural peasantry, a true +exponent of their sentiments, though too frequently inaccurate in +statements of facts. Critics, as is well known, have censured Lord +Macaulay for his indiscriminate adoption of the vulgar and often +malignant rhapsodies sung in the streets of London. But the Russian +_bylina_, collected by Danilov, Rybnikov, Sreznevsky and others, may be +taken as furnishing unimpeachable evidence of the state of Russia during +the invasions of the Mongols and Turks. The Jacobite poems give us the +real feelings of the people of Scotland for nearly an entire century. +The popular and rustic strains which are handed down from the reign of +Henry III have rehabilitated the memory of Simon de Montfort. Moore's +Irish melodies, originally composed for the delectation of English +aristocrats, have been so generally admired in his native land that they +exhibit pretty clear indications of what the Irish patriots would like +to do if they had the power. And the battle-hymn by Rouget de Lisle is +not only popular in France, but has recently been sung by the Russian +bolsheviki when marching to occupy Tsarskoe Selo and other imperial +lands. + +The songs to which the English form has been given in the following +volume have been taken mostly from Vuk Karad[vz]i['c]'s invaluable +collection: _Srpske Narodne Pjesme_ (Serbian National Songs). +Karad[vz]i['c], of whom the literary world has heard so much, is the +father of modern Serbian literature. He spent many years among the +peasants in collecting the national treasures: ballads, tales, proverbs, +anecdotes and other folklore. Before his time the songs had never been +reduced to written form, and were kept out of reach of the public ear. +He was only able to hear them partly because of a ruse and partly in +secret, when he listened with inexhaustible patience to the girls +spinning, or the _guslars_ (bards) trolling in taverns and at fairs, or +the reapers chanting at their work. In the preface of his first book of +_Srpske Narodne Pjesme_ Karad[vz]i['c] tells us that in Serbia two sorts +of popular poetry exist--the historical ballads, and popular songs of a +character which caused them to be described as _[vz]enske pjesme_ +(women's songs) chanted by country folk, both men and women and mostly +in duet. It is the latter, _[vz]enske pjesme_, which having been +translated into English are gathered together in the following +anthology, _Serbian Lyrics_. + +Sir John Bowring, who unveiled to his countrymen the rich treasures of +Slavic popular songs in general, is also distinguished by being the +pioneer to point out the Serbian in particular. But the claims, which +we, at the present day, feel ourselves entitled to make on a translator, +are very different from those current in Bowring's time. Correctness and +fidelity are now considered necessary requisites in a good translation, +just as antiquarian exactness is expected in the publication of an old +manuscript. + +Jugoslav lyric poetry is divided into several groups, as, for instance, +one grouping contains poems concerning marriage. These songs tell of the +beauty of the bride, of her joy and sorrow before departure from the +home of her parents, as well as her feelings upon other occasions during +wedlock. There are poems belonging to the group of bacchanalian songs, +pronounced during the toast, and resounding with many refrains. Then +there are lamentations (_tu[vz]balice_) which are mostly provincial, +from Montenegro and Dalmatia. They are also accompanied by refrains, +expressing sorrow after the death of some loved one, and extolling the +virtues of the deceased, or the great misfortune felt by those left +behind. All this emotion is described very fitly and in a touching +manner. Further, there are poems commemorating the holy seasons and +"red-letter days," as _sve[vc]arske pjesme_ sung on the _Slava_ +celebration of some _svetac_ (saint). To the same grouping belong +Christmas poems hailing the glory of the Christ, and depicting the +customs of that season (_koledo_). Saints, such as Sts. John, George, +Peter, and others, have their own eulogies. There are besides poems +exalting the Holy Ghost (_kralji[vc]ke pjesme_). _Dodole_, which +originated from old customs of heathenism, are sung during the summer +droughts. Others are reapers' songs, mostly sung at _prelo_ time (social +gatherings). There are poems that are connected neither with marriage, +nor death, nor harvests, but which treat of mythological or religious +subjects; they are called _pobo[vz]ne_, describing the spiritual virtues +of the Virgin, or the Christ, or the apostles. Here are also to be found +humoristic and satirical compositions, directed against women, or +especially against monks, widows, and old bachelors. They are as a rule +sprightly songs and piquant, pleasant and witty. + +Critics who have written of the Serbian national songs declare that they +are characterized by extreme delicacy both of feeling and workmanship, +and that they are noble in their childlike purity, simple treatment of, +and sympathy with, every phase of natural human experience. But these +Serbian songs have quite a peculiar character of their own. They are +directly, passionately, fiercely human, and rich with poetic sympathy. +Love, glory, sorrow, death--are the themes constantly handled in a +thousand weird and poetic phrases. There is a strong Indian flavor of +the joy of rest in Mother Earth; and again, a keen thirst for the fight +which smacks of the men who lived with Moslems around them. Although +these chants occasionally recall something of the martial lilt of old +Spanish ballads, they have an individual original turn which cannot be +compared with any extant popular poetry. They have the uncanny mystery +of the Celtic tales of love in death, which is very rare. + +The love songs of the Jugoslav lands have a dreamy, calm and exalted +sweetness that reminds us of the Alps and the Cevennes. Among these the +Bosnian _sevdalinke_ (love songs of Bosnia) are especially worthy of +remark, for they are full of emotion, yearning and tender passion. The +greater warmth of the songs of Herzegovina and Montenegro is owing more +to the sonorous language than to any superiority in melody. Here are +mostly to be found _tu[vz]balice_. As to Dalmatia, Croatia and Slovenia, +their melodies are chiefly marked by simplicity and a feeling for the +domestic side of life. Ba[vc]ka and Banat, blessed with much open air +and sunshine, possess no love-songs in the strict sense of the term; but +they have _serenade_ and _posko[vc]ice_, although for these there is +little or no original melody. To the light-minded and bright-witted +singers of these provinces imagination is easier than memory. + +A country very rich in melody is Serbia. Here one may find a truer and +more intense musical feeling, a stronger love of the soil, and more +sincere devotion to the beauty of nature, especially of spring and +summer, than in any other part of Jugoslavia. The love songs of Serbia +seem to have a special inspiration of their own. We may hear the +shepherds singing in green pastures and among the fir-woods, or in the +silence of the mountains. From the vineyards, from the fair and dances, +and from the daily round of work the strains arise. Everywhere that +youth is seen a poem is heard, and every occupation is accompanied by a +song. + +We cannot, however, leave this part of our subject without mentioning +some of the burlesque poems, which the Jugoslavs possess in great +number, partly narrative and partly lyric. The Americans are accustomed +to think of the Jugoslavs and their kinsmen as grave and sombre, or, +when their passions are excited, prone to deeds of tragic violence. +Those who are better acquainted with them know full well that they are +as loquacious and sarcastically sportive in their social gatherings as +any nation, and many of their verses are redolent of these qualities. +They display all the gradations of the comic, from the diverting +simplicity of the innocent confession of an enamoured girl, together +with the ludicrous situation and disappointed vanity of her cheated +lover, up to a strain of bitter satire and merciless irony. Poems marked +by that simplicity which borders between the touching and the humorous +are also represented in this volume. Such is the song, "Trouble with the +Husband": + + I married last year, + This year I repent. + Bad husband have I, + With temper like nettle: + My lot I resent. + + The frost kills the nettle, + But this husband of mine, + He thinks the frost fine: + By the stove all day long + He does nothing but sit, + And says that the frost + He minds not one bit! + + In Celovec 'tis market-day, + 'Tis market-day to-morrow; + I will take my husband there, + And will either there him change, + Or else will sell him at the fair. + + Not too cheap I'll let him go, + Because he was so hard to get; + Rather than too cheaply sell him, + Back home again I'll take the man, + And love him--howsomuch I can! + +The western world has already heard of the rich mine of Jugoslav +folk-literature. Nevertheless, comparatively speaking, only a very small +number have been translated into English. The extreme simplicity of +these verses, the peculiar character of the Serbian language, with its +melodiously protracted words, its pompously sonorous sounds, and its +harmonious diffuseness, all render it exceedingly difficult to translate +Serbian lyrics without encountering the danger of making constant +additions; especially when rendering it into a language with so many +monosyllabic words, and so philosophically condensed, as the English. + + MILIVOY STANOYEVICH. + +New York, 1920. + + + + + TABLE OF CONTENTS + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + SIR JOHN BOWRING + + CHAPTER PAGE + + I. THE CURSE 21 + II. FAREWELL 23 + III. THE VIOLET 24 + IV. SMILIA 24 + V. HARVEST SONG 25 + VI. MAIDEN'S PRAYER 25 + VII. KISSES 26 + VIII. HARVEST SONG 27 + IX. CURSE 27 + X. SALUTATION OF THE MORNING STAR 28 + XI. THE KNITTER 29 + XII. ROYAL CONVERSE 30 + XIII. ROSA 31 + XIV. THE MAIDEN AND THE SUN 31 + XV. THE MAIDEN'S WISH 32 + XVI. THE FALCON 33 + XVII. DEER AND VILA 34 + XVIII. VIRGIN AND WIDOW 35 + XIX. NIGHTINGALES 36 + XX. THE RING 37 + XXI. FRATRICIDE 38 + XXII. LOVE 40 + XXIII. MAPLE TREE 40 + XXIV. SEMENDRIAN BEAUTY 41 + XXV. SELF-ADMIRATION 42 + XXVI. ASSIGNATION 42 + XXVII. FOOLISH VOW 43 + XXVIII. VILAS 43 + XXIX. LEPOTA 44 + XXX. IMPRECATIONS 45 + XXXI. SECRETS DIVULGED 46 + XXXII. WISHES 47 + XXXIII. LOVER ASLEEP 47 + XXXIV. EARLY SORROWS 48 + XXXV. THE YOUNG SHEPHERDS 49 + XXXVI. THOUGHTS OF A MOTHER 51 + XXXVII. COUNSEL 52 + XXXVIII. DESOLATION 52 + XXXIX. APPREHENSION 53 + XL. MILICA 54 + XLI. THE CHOICE 55 + XLII. FOR WHOM? 55 + XLIII. LIBERTY 56 + XLIV. THE DANCE 57 + XLV. ELEGY 58 + XLVI. INQUIRY 59 + XLVII. DOUBT 60 + XLVIII. THE SULTANESS 61 + XLIX. BETROTHING 61 + L. CAUTIONS 62 + LI. MAIDEN'S CARES 63 + LII. MOHAMMEDAN SONG 65 + LIII. MINE EVERYWHERE 65 + LIV. MAID AWAKING 67 + LV. MOTHER'S LOVE 67 + LVI. THE GREYBEARD 68 + LVII. MOHAMMEDAN TALE 69 + LVIII. LOVE'S DIFFICULTIES 71 + LIX. WITCHES 72 + LX. PLEDGES 72 + LXI. COMPLAINT 73 + LXII. SONG 74 + LXIII. MOHAMMEDAN SONG 74 + LXIV. BROTHERLESS SISTERS 75 + LXV. MISFORTUNES 76 + LXVI. TIMIDITY 77 + LXVII. YOUTH ENAMOURED 78 + LXVIII. BLACK EYES AND BLUE 79 + LXIX. THE WIDOW 80 + LXX. ALARMS 80 + LXXI. FOND WIFE 81 + LXXII. UNHAPPY BRIDE 81 + LXXIII. LAST PETITION 82 + LXXIV. LOVE FOR A BROTHER 83 + LXXV. REBUKE 84 + LXXVI. MAN'S FAITH 85 + LXXVII. MAIDEN'S AFFECTION 85 + LXXVIII. MARRIAGE SONGS 86 + LXXIX. HEROES SERVED 89 + LXXX. YOUTH AND AGE 89 + LXXXI. CHOICE 90 + LXXXII. ANXIETY 91 + LXXXIII. INQUIRY 91 + LXXXIV. FROZEN HEART 92 + LXXXV. UNION IN DEATH 92 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + EARL OF LYTTON (OWEN MEREDITH) + + LXXXVI. LOVE AND SLEEP 93 + LXXXVII. LOVE CONFERS NOBILITY 95 + LXXXVIII. A SOUL'S SWEETNES 95 + LXXXIX. REMINISCENCES 96 + XC. SLEEP AND DEATH 97 + XCI. IMPERFECTION 98 + XCII. EMANCIPATION 99 + XCIII. PLUCKING A FLOWER 100 + XCIV. A WISH 102 + XCV. A SERBIAN BEAUTY 102 + XCVI. SLEEPLESSNESS 103 + XCVII. A MESSAGE 104 + XCVIII. TRANSPLANTING A FLOWER 104 + XCIX. ISOLATION 105 + C. FATIMA AND MEHMED 106 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + J. W. WILES, M.A. + + CI. MORAVA HORSES 107 + CII. THE GIRL AND THE GRASS 108 + CIII. THE SUN AND THE GIRL 108 + CIV. CURSE AND BLESSING 109 + CV. THE NICEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD 110 + CVI. THE PRETTY TOMB 111 + CVII. TODA AND HER FATE 112 + CVIII. THE VILA 113 + CIX. THREE ROSES 113 + CX. HER DREAM 114 + CXI. TROUBLE WITH THE HUSBAND 115 + CXII. THE PEACOCK AND THE NIGHTINGALE 116 + CXIII. THE FIRST TOAST 116 + CXIV. THE HOD[VZ]A 117 + CXV. WOES 118 + CXVI. HARD TO BELIEVE 119 + CXVII. THE CONDITIONS 119 + CXVIII. PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO BED 120 + CXIX. VISION BEFORE SLEEP 120 + CXX. PRAYER IN THE FIELD 121 + CXXI. A CHILD IN HEAVEN 121 + CXXII. CHRISTMAS 122 + CXXIII. CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER 123 + CXXIV. THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST 124 + CXXV. THE HOLY MOTHER 125 + CXXVI. DREAM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN 126 + CXXVII. MOTHER AT THE TOMB OF HER SON 127 + CXXVIII. MOTHER OVER HER DEAD SON 128 + CXXIX. MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR HER SON 129 + CXXX. GREATEST GRIEF FOR A BROTHER 130 + CXXXI. THE DEATH CHAMBER OF HER FATHER-IN-LAW 131 + CXXXII. KOLEDO 132 + CXXXIII. A HORSE'S COMPLAINT 133 + CXXXIV. A DANCE AT VIDIN 134 + CXXXV. THE PRICE 135 + CXXXVI. PREFERENCES 135 + CXXXVII. A BRIDE'S DEVOTION 136 + CXXXVIII. FIDELITY 136 + CXXXIX. A SISTER'S LAMENT 137 + + + POEMS TRANSLATED BY + BEATRICE STEVENSON STANOYEVICH, Ph.D. + + + CXL. THE PRAYER OF KARAGEORGE'S LADY 138 + CXLI. THOU ART EVER, EVER MINE 139 + CXLII. SEA MERCHANT 139 + CXLIII. ANGELA AS WATCHMAN 140 + CXLIV. A LAD AND HIS BETROTHED 140 + CXLV. DIREFUL SICKNESS 141 + CXLVI. ALL AS IT SHOULD BE 141 + CXLVII. BEAUTY PREENS HERSELF 141 + CXLVIII. HARVEST SONG 142 + CXLIX. LONG NIGHTS 142 + CL. EYEBROW LURE 143 + CLI. GIRLHOOD 143 + CLII. YOUTH WITH YOUTH 144 + CLIII. COME MY LOVER, TO ME 144 + CLIV. SIGHS 145 + CLV. A BOUQUET OF LITTLE ROSES 145 + CLVI. DREAM INTERPRETATION 146 + CLVII. WITH SWEETHEART NIGHTS ARE SHORTEST 146 + CLVIII. DAWN AWAKENED LAZAR 148 + CLIX. A DEVILISH YOUNG MATRON 148 + CLX. GIRL IS ETERNAL POSSESSION 149 + CLXI. JOVO AND MARIA 150 + CLXII. ROSE TREE 150 + CLXIII. DARLING'S WRATH 151 + CLXIV. LAD PIERCED WITH ARROW 151 + CLXV. NOUGHT BUT KISSES 152 + CLXVI. UNITED 152 + CLXVII. GIRL PLEADS WITH JEWELLER 152 + CLXVIII. WIFE DEARER THAN SISTER 153 + CLXIX. GREATEST SORROW 154 + CLXX. YOUTH AND GIRL 154 + + + + + I + + THE CURSE[1] + + + I heard a sprightly swallow say + To a gray cuckoo t'other day,-- + "Thou art a happy bird indeed; + Thou dost not in the chimney breed, + Thou dost not hear the eternal jarring, + Of sisters and step-sisters warring; + Their woes and grievances rehearsing, + Cursing themselves, and others cursing." + A young step-sister once I saw, + Foul language at the elder throw; + "Perdition's daughter! hence depart; + Thou hast no fruit beneath thy heart." + And thus the elder one replied: + "Curse thy perverseness and thy pride! + Mihailo is a son of thine; + Now thou shalt bring forth daughters nine, + And madness shall their portion be. + Thy son shall cross the parting sea; + He never shall return to thee, + But, bathed in blood and wounded, pine!" + And thus she cursed;--the curse was true;[2] + Her sister's nine fair daughters grew; + And madness seized them,--seized them all: + Mihailo,--far away, and wounded, + By solitude and woe surrounded, + I heard him on his mother call: + "O mother! mother! send me now + A bandage of that snowy linen + Which you so thoughtlessly were spinning, + When curses wander'd to and fro. + In your rage you wove it,--now remove it; + Tear it for bandages, as you tore + Love and affection all asunder. + Where it was bleach'd thy son lies under; + With it cover his hot wounds o'er. + Rend it, mother; and send it, mother! + May it thy suffering son restore!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + II + + FAREWELL[3] + + + Against white Buda's walls, a vine + Doth its white branches fondly twine; + O, no! it was no vine-tree there; + It was a fond, a faithful pair, + Bound each to each in earliest vow-- + And, O! they must be severed now! + And these their farewell words:--"We part-- + Break from my bosom--break--my heart! + Go to a garden--go, and see, + Some rose-branch blushing on the tree; + And from that branch of rose-flower tear, + Then place it on thy bosom bare; + And as its leaflets fade and pine, + So fades my sinking heart in thine." + And thus the other spoke: "My love! + A few short paces backward move, + And to the verdant forest go; + There's a fresh water-fount below; + And in the fount a marble stone, + Which a gold cup reposes on; + And in the cup a ball of snow-- + Love! take that ball of snow to rest + Upon thine heart within thy breast. + And as it melts unnoticed there, + So melts my heart in thine, my dear!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + III + + THE VIOLET[4] + + + How captivating is to me, + Sweet flower! thine own young modesty! + Though did I pluck thee from thy stem, + There's none would wear thy purple gem. + I thought, perchance, that Ali Bey-- + But he is proud and lofty--nay! + He would not prize thee--would not wear + A flower so feeble though so fair: + His turban for its decorations + Had full blown roses and carnations. + + S. J. B. + + + + + IV + + SMILIA[5] + + + Sweet Smilia-flowers did Smilia pull, + Her sleevelets and her bosom full; + By the cool stream she gather'd them, + And twined her many a diadem-- + A diadem of flowery-wreaths;-- + One round her brows its fragrance breathes; + One to her bosom-friend she throws; + The other where the streamlet flows + She flings, and says in gentlest tone-- + "Swim on, thou odorous wreath! swim on, + Swim to my Juris' home, and there + O whisper in his mother's ear: + 'Say, wilt thou not thy Juris wed?-- + Then give him not a widow's bed; + But some sweet maiden, young and fair.'" + + S. J. B. + + + + + V + + HARVEST SONG + + + Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and see + Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall be. + Take hold of your reeds, till the secret be told, + If the old shall kiss young, and the young shall kiss old + Take hold of your reeds, youths and maidens! and see + What fortune and chance to the drawers decree: + And if any refuse, may God smite them--may they + Be cursed by Paraskeva, the saint of to-day! + Now loosen your hands--now loosen, and see + Who the kissers and kiss'd of the reapers shall be.[6] + + S. J. B. + + + + + VI + + MAIDEN'S PRAYER + + + Beauty's maiden thus invoked the Heavens: + "Send me down a whirlwind! let it scatter + Yonder stony tower--its halls lay open! + Let me look on Ger[vc]i['c] Manoilo. + If the otter on his knee is playing-- + If the falcon sits upon his shoulder-- + If the rose is blooming on his kalpak."[7] + What she pray'd for speedily was granted: + And a storm-wind came across the ocean; + And the stony tower fell down before it: + And she look'd on Ger[vc]i['c] Manoilo: + Saw the otter on his knees disporting: + Saw the falcon sitting on his shoulder: + Saw the rose upon his kalpak blooming. + + S. J. B. + + + + + VII + + KISSES + + + What's the time of night, my dear? + For my maiden said, "I'll come"-- + Said "I'll come,"--but is not here: + And 'tis now the midnight's gloom. + Lone and silent home I turn'd; + But upon the bridge I met her-- + Kiss'd her: How my hot lips burned!-- + How forget it--how forget her! + In one kiss full ten I drew: + And upon my lips there grew, + From that hour, a honey-dew, + As if sugar were my meat, + And my drink metheglin sweet. + + S. J. B. + + + + + VIII + + HARVEST SONG + + + Lord and master! let us homewards, let us homewards haste: + Far, far distant are our dwellings--far across the waste.[8] + Some have aged mothers threat'ning--"Ne'er allow another:" + Some male-children[9] in the cradle, crying for their mother; + Some impatient lovers chiding;--dearer they than brother. + + S. J. B. + + + + + IX + + CURSE + + + The maiden cursed her raven eyes, + She cursed them for their treacheries. + "Be blinded now, to you if heaven + All that is visible has given! + If ye see all, ye traitors, say + Why saw ye not my love to-day:-- + He pass'd my door,--but, truants, ye + Gave not the gentlest hint to me. + He had a nosegay in his hand,-- + He wore a gold embroider'd band.[10] + 'Twas made by other hands than mine! + Upon it wreathing branches twine: + May every branch embroidered there, + A miserable heart-wound bear;-- + Upon each branch, may every leaf + Bring and betoken toil and grief." + + + + + X + + SALUTATION OF THE MORNING STAR + + + Lo! the maiden greets the day-star! "Sister! + Sister star of morning! well I greet thee; + Thou dost watch the world from thine uprising + To thy sinking hour. In Hercegovina, + Tell me didst thou see the princely Stephan? + Tell me, was his snowy palace open, + Were his steeds caparisoned, and ready; + And was he equipp'd his bride to visit?" + + Gently then the morning star responded: + "Lovely sister! beautiful young maiden, + True, I watch the world from my uprising + To my setting;--and in Hercegovina + Saw the palace of the princely Stephan; + And that snowy palace was wide open, + And his horse was saddled, and was ready, + And he was equipp'd his bride to visit: + But not thee--not thee--another maiden; + False tongues three have whisper'd evil of thee; + One has said--thine origin is lowly; + One, that thou art treacherous as a serpent; + And the third, that thou art dull and dreamy." + + Then the maiden pour'd her imprecations: + "He who said my origin was lowly, + Never let a child of love be born him; + He who called me treacherous as a serpent, + Round his heart, O! let a serpent wreathe it; + Through hot summers in his hair be tangled, + Through cold winters in his bosom nestle; + He who dar'd to call me dull and dreamy, + Nine long years may he be worn by sickness, + And no sleep renew his strength to bear it." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XI + + THE KNITTER + + + The maiden sat upon the hill, + Upon the hill and far away, + Her fingers wove a silken cord, + And thus I heard the maiden say: + "O with what joy, what ready will, + If some fond youth, some youth adored, + Might wear thee, should I weave thee now! + The finest gold I'd interblend, + The richest pearls as white as snow. + But if I knew, my silken friend, + That an old man[11] should wear thee, I + The coarsest worsted would inweave, + Thy finest silk for dog-grass leave, + And all thy knots with nettles tie." + + + + + XII + + ROYAL CONVERSE + + + The king from the queen an answer craves; + "How shall we now employ our slaves?" + The maidens in fine embroidery, + The widows shall spin flax-yarn for me, + And the men shall dig in the fields for thee. + + The king from the queen an answer craves, + "How shall we, lady, feed our slaves?" + The maidens shall have the honey-comb sweet, + The widows shall feed on the finest wheat, + And the men of maize-meal bread shall eat. + + The king from the queen an answer craves; + "Where for the night shall rest our slaves?" + The maidens shall sleep in the chambers high, + The widows on mattress'd beds shall lie, + And the men on the nettles under the sky. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIII + + ROSA + + + Under roses slept the maiden Rosa, + And a rose fell down and waken'd Rosa; + To the flower-rose, said the maiden Rosa-- + "Rose of mine! O fall, not on the maiden, + I am in no tune of soul to love thee, + For a heavy grief o'erwhelms my spirit; + Youth would have me--but old age hath won me. + An old bridegroom is a worthless maple; + When the wind is up it faints and trembles; + When the rain descends, decay decays it: + But a young bride, is a roselet budding; + When the wind is up, its fair leaves open, + When the rain descends, it shines in beauty,-- + When the sun comes forth, it smiles and glories." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIV + + THE MAIDEN AND THE SUN + + + A maiden proudly thus the sun accosted: + "Sun! I am fairer far than thou,--far fairer; + Fairer than is thy sister[12] or thy brethren,-- + Fairer than yon bright moon at midnight shining, + Fairer than yon gay star in heav'n's arch twinkling, + That star, all other stars preceding proudly, + As walks before his sheep the careful shepherd." + The sun complain'd to God of such an insult: + "What shall be done with this presumptuous maiden?" + And to the sun God gave a speedy answer: + "Thou glorious Sun! thou my beloved daughter![13] + Be joyous yet! say, why art thou dejected? + Wilt thou reward the maiden for her folly-- + Shine on, and burn the maiden's snowy forehead. + But I a gloomier dowry yet will give her; + Evil to her shall be her husband's brother; + Evil to her shall be her husband's father. + Then shall she think upon the affront she gave thee." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XV + + THE MAIDEN'S WISH + + + If I had, ah Laso! + All the emp'ror's treasures, + Well I know, ah Laso! + What with these I'd purchase; + I would buy, ah Laso! + Garden on the Sava; + Well I know, ah Laso! + What my hands would plant there; + I would plant, ah Laso! + Hyacinths, carnations. + If I had, ah Laso! + All the emp'ror's treasures, + Well I know, ah Laso! + What with these I'd purchase; + I would buy, ah Laso! + I would purchase Laso, + He should be, ah Laso! + Gardener in my Garden. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVI + + THE FALCON + + + The falcon soars both far and high, + He spreads his pinions in the sky, + Then from his cloudy heights he lowers, + And seats him on the city's towers: + He sees a laughing girl of grace, + In crystal water bathe her face; + And looks with open, eager eye + Upon her neck of ivory: + White as the snow upon the mountain; + And there he hears a youth recounting + His tale of love.--"Now bend thy head + Upon thy snowy neck," he said; + "Its whiteness is too bright for me: + And 'neath it sorrowing heart may be." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVII + + DEER AND VILA + + + A young deer tracked his way through the green forest, + One lonely day--another came in sadness; + And the third dawn'd, and brought him sighs and sorrow: + Then he address'd him to the forest Vila: + "Young deer!" she said, "thou wild one of the forest, + Now tell me what great sorrow has oppress'd thee? + Why wanderest thou thus in the forest lonely: + Lonely one day,--another day in sadness,-- + And the third day with sighs and anguish groaning?" + + And thus the young deer to the Vila answer'd: + "O thou sweet sister! Vila of the forest! + Me has indeed a heavy grief befallen; + For I had once a fawn, mine own beloved, + And one sad day she sought the running water: + She enter'd it, but came not back to bless me: + Then tell me, had she lost her way and wander'd? + Was she pursued and captured by the huntsman? + Or has she left me?--has she wholly left me?-- + Loving some other deer--and I forgotten. + O! if she has but lost her way, and wanders, + Teach her to find it--bring her back to love me. + O! if she has been captured by the huntsman, + Then may a fate as sad as mine await him. + But if she has forsaken me--if, faithless, + She loves another deer--and I forgotten-- + Then may the huntsman speedily o'er take her." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XVIII + + VIRGIN AND WIDOW + + + Over Sarajevo flies a falcon, + Looking round for cooling shade to cool him. + Then he finds a pine on Sarajevo; + Under it a well of sparkling water; + By the water, Hyacinth, the widow, + And the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin. + He look'd down--the falcon--and bethought him: + "Shall I kiss grave Hyacinth, the widow; + Or the Rose, the young, unmarried virgin?" + Thinking thus--at last the bird determined-- + And he whisper'd to himself sedately, + "Gold--though long employ'd, is far, far better + Than the finest silver freshly melted," + So he kiss'd--kiss'd Hyacinth, the widow. + Very wroth wax'd then young Rose, the virgin: + "Sarajevo! let a ban be on thee! + Cursed be thy strange and evil customs! + For thy youths they love the bygone widows, + And thy aged men the untried virgins." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XIX + + NIGHTINGALES + + + All the night two nightingales were singing + At the window of th'affianced maiden; + And th'affianced maiden thus address'd them: + "Tell me, ye two nightingales, O tell me! + Are ye brothers? are ye brothers' children?" + + Thus the nightingales made speedy answer: + "Brothers are we not, nor brothers' children: + We are friends--friends of the verdant forest. + Once we had another friend--another-- + But that friend is lost to us for ever. + We have heard that nuptial bliss awaits him; + And we came the youthful bride to look on, + And to offer her a golden spindle, + With the flax of Egypt bound around it." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XX + + THE RING + + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maiden that stream to draw--a lovely maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and offer'd her a golden fruit and said: + "O take this apple, damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the apple--flung it back--and said, in angry tone, + "Neither thine apple, Sir! nor thee--presumptuous boy, be gone!" + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maid that stream to draw--a lovely maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden brooch, and said: + "O take this brooch, thou damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the brooch, and flung it back and said, in peevish tone, + "I'll neither have thee nor thy brooch--presumptuous boy, be gone!" + + The streamlet ripples through the mead, beneath the maple tree; + There came a maid that stream to draw--the loveliest maid was she; + From the white walls of old Belgrade that maid came smilingly. + + Young Mirko saw, and proffer'd her a golden-ring, and said: + "O take this ring, my damsel fair! and be mine own sweet maid!" + She took the ring--she slipp'd it on--and said, in sprightliest tone, + "I'll have thee and thy golden ring, and be thy faithful one." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXI + + THE FRATRICIDE + + + Between two mountains sank the sun-- + Between two maids the enamour'd one. + He gave his kiss to one alone; + The other maid grew jealous then: + "Most faithless thou of faithless men!" + + She said--and he replied--"Fair maid! + I fain would kiss thy cheeks of red, + But thou hast got a bickering brother, + Who loves to quarrel with another, + And I no quarrel seek, my love!" + + She hied her to the darksome grove-- + Silent--she turn'd o'er many a rock, + And look'd 'neath many a broken stock; + Probed weeds and briars, till she found + A poisonous serpent on the ground. + She smote it with her golden ring, + Tore from its mouth the venomy fang; + Its poisonous juice her hands did wring + Into a wine cup--and she sprang + On swiftest feet to Raduli-- + + Her own--her only brother he-- + Her hands the fatal cup supplied-- + He drank the poison--and he died. + + Then sped she to the youth--"A kiss-- + At least one kiss of love for this-- + For this--for thee--I dress'd the cup + With poison--and he drank it up-- + The brother that thou lov'st not--he + I poison'd for a kiss from thee"-- + + Away! away! thou murd'rous maid! + Avaunt! Avaunt!--the lover said: + "What fame--what courage could confide + In thee--a heartless fratricide." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXII + + LOVE + + + The youth he struck on the tambourine, + And nought was so bright as its golden sheen; + Of the hair of maidens twined together + Its strings, which he struck with a falcon's feather. + The maid look'd down from the balcony, + And thus to her inner self said she:-- + + "O heaven! what a noble youth is he! + Would'st thou but give this youth to me, + I would make of the garden-pinks his bed, + I would lay fair roses under his head; + And waked by perfume, with what delight + Would he kiss the maiden's forehead white!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIII + + MAPLE TREE + + + O thou brotherly maple tree! + Wilt thou be a friend to me? + Be a brother, and a friend! + To the green grass thy branches bend, + That I may climb to their highest tip! + Look o'er the sea, and see the ship, + Where my lover sits smiling now; + He binds the turban round his brow, + And over his shoulders the shawl he flings, + Which is full of mine own embroiderings. + For three long years my hands inwove + Those golden flowers to deck my love: + The richest silk of the brightest dyes + I work'd for him, and now my eyes + Would fain my absent lover see: + Assist me, brotherly maple tree! + And tell me, if he thinks of me! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIV + + SEMENDRIAN BEAUTY + + + Lovely maiden of Semendria! + Hail thee, youth! and health be with thee! + Hast thou visited the markets? + Saw'st thou there a sheet of paper? + Like that paper is my forehead. + Hast thou ever seen the vineyard, + Seen the rosy wine that flows there? + Youth! my cheeks that wine resemble. + Didst thou ever walk the meadows, + Hast thou seen the black sloe-berry? + That black sloe my eyes will paint thee: + Hast thou wandered near the ocean? + Hast thou seen the _pijavica_?[14] + Like it are the maiden's eye-brows. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXV + + SELF-ADMIRATION + + + A maiden to the fountain went; + I saw her overhang the place-- + And--she was young and innocent-- + I heard her say with simple grace, + "Indeed she has a pretty face; + And if she had a spring-flower wreath, + How well 'twould sit upon her brow; + And she might hear the shepherd breathe, + Yes! thou shalt be my maiden now! + The shepherd--'midst his fleecy drove, + Goes like a moon the stars above." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVI + + ASSIGNATION + + + Maiden! let us share each other's kisses! + Tell me, tell me, where shall be our meeting, + In thy garden, or in mine, sweet maiden? + Under thine, or under my green rose-tree; + Thou shalt be a rose, my gentle angel: + I to a fond butterfly will change me, + Everlastingly o'er thee to flutter-- + On thy flowers untired I will suspend me, + Living blest upon mine own love's kisses. + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVII + + FOOLISH VOW + + + The maiden made a foolish vow: + "I'll never wear a flow'ret now:-- + No flow'ret shall be ever mine-- + I'll never drink the proffer'd wine. + No wine I'll drink--no friend I'll kiss + No, never more--my vow is this." + So rashly, rashly spoke the maid, + But soon--ah, soon--repentance said: + + "A flowery garland o'er me, + How beautiful 'twould be: + And wine--it would restore me, + My heart's own gaiety: + And love might play before, + If one sweet kiss were free." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XXVIII + + VILAS + + + Vi[vs]nja,[15] lovely vi[vs]nja! + Lift thy branches higher; + For beneath thy branches, + Vilas[16] dance delight: + While Radi[vs]a[17] dashes + From the flow'rs the dewdrops. + Vilas two conveying, + To the third he whispers: + "O be mine, sweet Vila! + Thou, with mine own mother, + In the shade shalt seat thee; + Silken vestments spinning, + Weaving golden garments." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXIX + + LEPOTA[18] + + + Lepota went forth to the harvest--she held + A sickle of silver in fingers of gold: + And the sun mounted high o'er the parched harvest field; + And the maiden in song all her sympathies told, + "I'll give my white forehead to him who shall bind + All the sheaves which my sickle leaves scatter'd behind: + I'll give my black eyes to the friend who shall bring + A drought of sweet waters just fresh from the spring; + And to him who shall bear me to rest in the shade, + I will be--and for aye--an affectionate maid." + + And she thought that her words were all wasted in air: + But a shepherd--just watching his sheepfold, was there; + And he flew, and with sedges he bound all the sheaves; + And he made her an arbor of hazelwood leaves; + And he ran to the spring, and he brought the sweet water; + And he look'd on the face of Beauty's young daughter, + And he said, "Lovely maiden, thy promise I claim;" + But the cheeks of the maiden were cover'd with shame, + And she said to the shepherd, while blushing--"Not so! + Go back to thy sheepfold--thou wanderer, go! + For if thou didst bind the loose sheaves, thou hast left + Thy sheep in the stubble, to wander bereft; + And if from the fountain the water thou beared'st, + Its freshness and coolness thou equally shared'st; + And if thou hast reared up an arbor of shade, + For thyself as for me it refreshment has made." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXX + + IMPRECATIONS + + + Through the long night a falcon cried, + "Awake, awake thee! youth! anon + Thy maiden will become a bride: + She puts her marriage garments on. + Awake! awake thee, youth! and send + A marriage blessing to thy friend." + + "What! shall I be a marriage guest? + And shall I bid the maid be blest? + Hear then my marriage blessing hear! + No son her barren womb shall bear: + May every bit of bread she breaks + Bring with it wretchedness and woe,-- + For every drop her thirst that slakes + May tears of bitter anguish flow!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXI + + SECRETS DIVULGED + + + Two lovers kiss each other in the meadows; + They think that no one sees the fond betrayal, + But the green meadows see them, and are faithless; + To the white flocks incontinent they say all; + And the white flocks proclaim it to the shepherd, + The shepherd to a high-road traveller brings it + He to a sailor on the restless ocean tells it, + The sailor to his spice-ship thoughtless sings it; + The spice-ship whispers it upon the waters, + The waters rush to tell the maiden's mother. + + And thus impassioned spoke the lovely maiden-- + "Meadows! of spring-days never see another! + Flocks! may the cruel ravenous wolves destroy ye. + Thee, shepherd! may the cruel Moslem slaughter. + Wanderer! may oft thy slippery footsteps stumble. + Thee, sailor! may the ocean billows smother. + Ship! may a fire unquenchable consume thee; + And sink into the earth, thou treacherous water!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXII + + WISHES + + + O that I were a little stream, + That I might flow to him--to him! + How should I dance with joy, when knowing + To whom my sparkling wave was flowing! + Beneath his window would I glide, + And linger there till morning-tide; + When first he rouses him to dress + In comely garb his manliness,-- + Then should he weak, or thirsty be, + O he might stoop to drink of me! + Or baring there his bosom, lave + That bosom in my rippling wave + O what a bliss, if I could bear + The cooling power of quiet there! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXIII + + LOVER ASLEEP + + + O nightingale! thy warblings cease, + And let my master sleep in peace: + 'Twas I who lull'd him to repose, + And I will wake from his rest; + I'll seek the sweetest flower that grows, + And bear it to his presence blest; + And gently touch his cheeks, and say, + "Awake, my master! for 'tis day." + + + + + XXXIV + + EARLY SORROWS + + + O nightingale! sweet bird--they say, + That peace abides with thee; + But thou hast brought from day to day + A triple woe to me. + The first, first woe my spirit knew, + My first, first woe was this, + My mother never train'd me to + A lover's early bliss + My second woe, my second woe, + Was that my trusty steed, + Whene'er I mounted, seem'd to show + Nor eagerness nor speed. + My third, third woe--of all the worst, + Is that the maid I woo, + The maid I lov'd the best--the first, + Is angry with me, too. + Then dig an early grave for me, + Yon whiten'd fields among; + In breadth two lances let it be, + And just four lances long. + And o'er my head let roses grow, + There plant the red-rose tree; + And at my feet a fount shall flow, + O scoop that fount for me! + So when a youthful swain appears, + The roses he shall wreathe; + And when an old man bent with years, + He'll drink the stream beneath. + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXV + + THE YOUNG SHEPHERDS + + + The sheep, beneath old Buda's wall, + Their wonted quiet rest enjoy; + But ah! rude stony fragments fall, + And many a silk-wool'd sheep destroy; + Two youthful shepherds perish there, + The golden George, and Mark the fair. + + For Mark, O many a friend grew sad, + And father, mother wept for him: + George--father, friend, nor mother had, + For him no tender eye grew dim: + Save one--a maiden far away, + She wept--and thus I heard her say: + + My golden George--and shall a song, + A song of grief be sung for thee-- + 'Twould go from lip to lip--ere long + By careless lips profaned to be; + Unhallow'd thoughts might soon defame + The purity of woman's name. + + Or shall I take thy picture fair, + And fix that picture in my sleeve? + Ah! time will soon the vestment tear, + And not a shade, nor fragment leave: + I'll give not him I love so well + To what is so corruptible. + + I'll write thy name within a book; + That book will pass from hand to hand, + And many an eager eye will look, + But ah! how few will understand! + And who their holiest thoughts can shroud + From the cold insults of the crowd?[19] + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVI + + THOUGHTS OF A MOTHER + + + Lo! a fir-tree towers o'er Sarajevo, + Spreads o'er half the face of Sarajevo-- + Rises up to heaven from Sarajevo: + Brothers and half-sisters there were seated; + And the brother cuts a silken garment, + Which he holds, and questions thus his sister: + + "Brother's wife! thou sweet and lovely dovelet! + Wherefore art thou looking at the fir-tree? + Art thou rather dreaming of the poplar, + Or art thinking of my absent brother?" + + To her brother thus the lady answer'd: + "Golden-ring of mine! my husband's brother! + Not about the fir-tree was I dreaming, + Nor the noble stem of lofty poplar; + Neither was I dreaming of my brother. + I was thinking of my only mother, + She with sugar and with honey reared me; + She for me the red wine pour'd at even, + And at midnight gave the sweet metheglin; + In the morning milk, with spirit chasten'd + So to give me cheeks of rose and lily; + And with gentle messages she waked me, + That her child might grow both tall and slender." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVII + + COUNSEL + + + "My Misho! tell me, tell me, pray, + Where wert thou wandering yesterday?" + "I did not ramble--did not roam; + A wretched headache kept me home." + "A thousand times I've said, I think + No widows love--no water drink! + But thou, a thoughtless unbeliever, + Wilt water drink, and get a fever; + Wilt give to widows thine affection, + And find remorse, or find rejection; + Now take my counsel,--drink of wine, + And be a virgin maiden thine!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXVIII + + DESOLATION + + + Gloomy night! how full thou art of darkness! + Thou, my heart! art fuller yet of sorrow, + Sorrow which I bear, but cannot utter! + I have now no mother who will hear me, + I have now no sister who will soothe me,-- + Yet I had a friend--but he is absent! + Ere he comes, the night will be departed; + Ere he wakes, the birds will sing their matins, + Ere his kiss, the twilight hour will brighten: + Go thy way, my friend; the day is dawning! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XXXIX + + APPREHENSION + + + "Sweet maiden mine! thou blushing rose! + Sweet, blushing roselet mine! + For me, what thought of honey flows + From those sweet lips of thine?" + 'I dare not speak with thee, my dear, + My mother has forbid me.' + + "Sweet maid! thy mother is not here." + 'She saw me once, and chid me. + Sir, she is in the garden there, + Plucking the evergreen:-- + O may her heart like mine decay, + Like mine decay unseen,-- + Ere love's sweet power has pass'd away, + As it had never been.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + XL + + MILICA + + + Long and lovely are Milica's eyebrows, + And they overhang her cheeks of roses-- + Cheeks of roses, and her snowy forehead, + Three long years have I beheld the maiden, + Could not look upon her eyes so lovely-- + On her eyes--nor on her snowy forehead. + To our country dance I lured the maiden, + Lured Milica,--lured her to our dances, + Hoping to look on her eyes so lovely. + + While they danced upon the greensward, verdant + In the sunshine, sudden darkness gather'd, + And the clouds broke out in fiery lightning, + And the maidens all look'd up to heaven,-- + All the maidens--all, except Milica. + She still look'd on the green grass, untrembling, + While the maidens trembled as they whisper'd: + + "O Milica! thou our friend and playmate, + Art thou overwise--or art thou silly? + Thus to look upon the grass beneath us, + And not look up to the heaven above us, + To the clouds, round which the lightnings wind them?" + And Milica gave this quiet answer: + "I am neither overwise nor silly. + Not the _Vila,_ nor the cloud-upgatherer; + I am yet a maid--and look before me." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLI + + THE CHOICE + + + He slept beneath a poplar tree: + And three young maidens cross'd the way; + I listen'd to the lovely three, + And heard them to each other say:-- + "Now what is dearest, love! to thee?" + The eldest said--'Young Ranko's ring + Would be to me the dearest thing.' + "No! not for me," the second cried; + "I'd choose the girdle from his side." + 'Not I,' the youngest said--'In truth, + I'll rather have the sleeping youth. + The ring, O sister! will grow dim, + The girdle will ere long be broken; + But this is an eternal token,-- + His love for me and mine for him.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLII + + FOR WHOM? + + + Sweet fountain, that so freshly flows! + And thou, my own carnation-rose, + That shines like a shining gem! + And shall I tear thee from thy stem? + For whom? my mother? ah! for whom? + My mother slumbers in the tomb. + For whom? my sister? who has fled, + To seek a foreign bridal bed. + For whom? my brother? he is far, + Far off, in dark and bloody war. + For whom, for whom, but thee, my love? + But thou art absent far above, + Above these three green mountains, + Beyond these three fresh fountains! + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIII + + LIBERTY + + + Nightingale sings sweetly + In the verdant forest; + In the verdant forest, + On the slender branches. + + Thither came three sportsmen, + Nightingale to shoot at. + She implored the sportsmen, + "Shoot me not, ye sportsmen! + + Shoot me not, ye sportsmen! + I will give you music, + In the verdant garden, + On the crimson rose-tree." + + But the sportsmen seize her; + They deceive the songster, + In a cage confine her, + Give her to their loved one. + + Nightingale will sing not-- + Hangs its head in silence: + Then the sportsmen bear her + To the verdant forests. + + Soon her song is waken'd; + "Woe! woe! betides us, + Friend from friend divided, + Bird from forest banish'd!" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIV + + THE DANCE + + + Omar's court is near to Sarajevo; + All around it is a woody mountain: + In the midst there is a verdant meadow; + There the maidens dance their joyous Kolo[20] + In the Kolo there is Damian's loved one; + O'er the Kolo her fair head uprises, + Rises gay and lustrous in her beauty. + 'Midst the Kolo Nicholas address'd her: + "Veil your face, thou Damian's best beloved! + For to-day death's summons waits on Damian. + Half thy face veil over, lovely maiden!" + Hardly the prophetic words were utter'd, + Ere a gun was heard from the green forest; + Damian, wounded, fell amidst the Kolo-- + Damian fell, and thus his love address'd him: + "O my Damian! O my sun of spring time! + Wherefore, wherefore, didst thou shine so brightly, + Thus so soon to sink behind the mountain?" + "My beloved! O thou rose all beauteous! + Wherefore didst thou bloom so fair, so lovely, + And I never can enjoy, nor wear thee?" + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLV + + ELEGY + + + Konda died--his mother's only offspring. + O what grief was hers the youth to bury + Far away from his own natural dwelling, + So she bore him to a verdant garden, + And 'neath pomegranate trees interr'd him. + Every, every day she wandered thither: + "Doth the earth, sweet son, lie heavy on thee? + Heavy are the planks of maple round thee?" + From his grave the voice of Konda answers: + "Lightly presses the green earth upon me, + Lightly press the planks of maple round me. + Heavy is the virgins' malediction; + When they sigh, their sighs reach God's high presence; + When they curse, the world begins to tremble; + When they weep, even God is touch'd with pity." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLVI + + INQUIRY + + + A maiden sat on th' ocean shore, + And held this converse with herself: + "O God of goodness and of love! + What's broader than the mighty sea, + And what is longer than the field, + And what is swifter than the steed, + What sweeter than the honey dew, + What dearer than a brother is?" + A fish thus answer'd from the sea: + "O maid! thou art a foolish girl. + And heaven is broader than the sea; + The sea is longer than the field; + The eye is swifter than the steed; + Sugar more sweet than honey dew; + Dearer than brother is thy love." + + S.J.B. + + + + + XLVII + + DOUBT + + + Three young travellers travell'd forth to travel: + On their travels met a lovely maiden: + Each will give the lovely maiden a present: + One presents her with a fresh-pluck'd apple: + One presents her with _bosiljak_[21] flowering: + One a gold ring for the maiden's finger. + He who gave the maiden the _bosiljak_ + Said, "The maid is mine--I claim the maiden." + He who gave the maid the fresh-pluck'd apple + Said, "The maid is _mine_--I claim the maiden." + He who gave the gold ring to the maiden + Said, "We'll go and seek the Judge together: + He shall say to whom belongs the maiden." + + So they went and sought the Judge's presence: + "Judge, thou honourable, judge between us: + We three travell'd forth together, + And we met a maiden in our travels, + And we gave her--gave her each a present: + One of us a green and fresh-pluck'd apple: + One presented her _bosiljak_ flowering; + And the third a gold ring for her finger:-- + Now decide to whom belongs the maiden." + + Thus the honourable judge decided: + "We present _bosiljak_ for its odour: + As a pledge of love we give an apple: + But to give a ring is a betrothing;-- + He who gave the ring must have the maiden." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLVIII + + THE SULTANESS + + + Listen! I hear a cry, a cry! + The bells are ringing lustily; + And the hens are cackling all in riot. + No! no! no! the bells are quiet; + The hens at rest with one another: + 'Tis the sister calls the brother: + "Brother! I am a Moslem slave! + Tear me from my Turkish grave. + Small the price which sets me free: + Of pearls two measures--of gold but three." + + In vain she calls her brother.--'O no! + My treasures to my apparel go: + The gold my horse's bridle must deck: + My pearls must grace my maiden's neck; + Must buy a kiss--must buy a kiss.' + The maid her brother answer'd with this: + "I am no slave! I am no less + Than the sultan's chosen sultaness." + + S. J. B. + + + + + XLIX + + BETROTHING + + + Here there is a maiden, + Young, and yet a virgin: + Give her then a husband, + Or give us the maiden, + And we will betroth her + To Ivan the student. + He's our parson's nephew-- + He has art to write[22] on + Pinions of the eagle. + What shall be his subject? + What--but bright-eyed maidens + And the brows of heroes? + + S. J. B. + + + + + L + + CAUTIONS + + + O thou lovely maiden! + Lo! thy praise has mounted + To the monarch's city + Maiden! thou hast planted + The six-branch'd _kaloper_[23] + And bosilka early. + But the youths unmarried + Long have been in waiting + To tear up thy balsam-- + Thy bosilka pillage. + Know'st thou not they linger + Just to steal thy kisses? + Maiden! Maiden! never + Let those youths betray thee! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LI + + MAIDEN'S CARES + + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The goatherd, child! + The goatherd, child! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He tracks the mountains steep and wild + Where rocks and dangers be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The shepherd, maid! + The shepherd, maid! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He wanders through the distant glade + Where wolves and perils be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The tradesman, dear! + The tradesman, dear! for thee." + Nay, mother, nay! not he, not he; + That were no happiness for me: + He is a wanderer far and near, + His house no home may be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me: + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says, "The tailor, then + The tailor, then, for thee!" + Nay, mother! nay; not he, not he! + That were no happiness for me: + The tailor's needle may be keen, + His children hungry be. + + O sleep! sweet sleep! in vain, in vain + I bid thee visit me; + The anxious thought disturbs my brain-- + Whose shall the maiden be? + My mother says,--"The peasant, take + The peasant, child! for thee." + Yes! mother, yes! in him I see + Both love and happiness for me; + For though his labouring hands are black, + The whitest bread eats he. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LII + + MOHAMMEDAN SONG + + + His breath is amber,--sharp his reed; + The hand which holds it, O! how white. + He writes fair talismans,--a creed, + For maidens doth the loved one write: + "Of him that will not have thee,--think not! + From him that fain would have thee, shrink not." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIII + + MINE EVERYWHERE + + + "Come with me, thou charming maiden! + Be my love and come with me." + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + That can never, never be; + I had rather in the tavern + Bear the golden cup, than ever,-- + Ever promise to be thine.' + "I am the young tavern-keeper, + So thou wilt indeed be mine." + + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + No such fate will e'er befall; + In the coffee-house I'd rather + Serve, envelop'd in my shawl, + Rather than be thine at all.' + "But I am the coffee boiler, + Thee, my maiden, will I call." + + 'Wherefore play with words so foolish? + That can never, never be; + Rather o'er the field I'll wander, + Changed into a quail, than ever, + Ever give myself to thee.' + "But I am a vigorous sportsman, + And thou wilt belong to me." + + 'Play not, youth! with words so foolish, + That can never, never be; + Rather to a fish I'd change me, + Dive me deep beneath the sea, + Rather than belong to thee.' + "But I am the finest network, + Which into the sea I'll cast; + Mine thou art, and mine thou shalt be,-- + Yes; thou must be mine at last; + Be it here, or be it there, + Mine thou must be everywhere." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIV + + MAID AWAKING + + + Lovely maiden gather'd roses, + Sleep o'ertook her then; + Pass'd a youth and call'd the maiden, + Waked the maid again: + "Wake! O wake! thou lovely maiden, + Why art slumbering now? + All the rosy wreaths are fading, + Fading on thy brow. + He, thy heart's own love, will marry; + He will break his vow!" + 'Let him marry, let him marry, + I shall not complain; + But the thunderbolt of heav'n + Shall destroy him then.' + + S. J. B. + + + + + LV + + MOTHER'S LOVE + + + On the balcony young Jovan sported, + While he sported, lo! it crash'd beneath him, + And he fell,--his right arm broke in falling! + Who shall find a surgeon for the sufferer? + Lo! the Vila[24] of the mountain sends one, + But the recompense he asks is heavy; + Her white hand demands he of the mother,-- + Of the sister all her silken ringlets,-- + Of the wife he asks her pearl-strung necklace. + + Freely gave her hand young Jovan's mother, + Freely gave her silken hair his sister, + But his wife refus'd her pearly treasure:-- + "Nay! I will not give my pearl-strung necklace, + For it was a present of my father." + Anger then incens'd the Mountain-Vila, + Into Jovan's wounds she pour'd her poison, + And he died,--Alas! for thee, poor mother! + + Then began the melancholy cuckoos,[25] + Cuckoos then began their funeral dirges; + One pour'd out her mournful plaints unceasing, + One at morning mourn'd, and mourn'd at ev'ning, + And the third when'er sad thoughts came o'er her. + Tell me which is the unceasing mourner? + 'Tis the sorrowing mother of young Jovan. + Which at morning mourns and late at evening? + 'Tis the grieving sister of young Jovan. + Which when melancholy thoughts come o'er her? + 'Tis the youthful wife,--the wife of Jovan. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVI + + THE GREYBEARD + + + I heard young Falisava say: + "I'll have no ancient greybeard, nay! + A sprightly beardless youth for me." + An aged man the maiden heard, + He shaves his long and snowy beard, + And paints his chin like ebony: + To Falisava then he goes-- + "My heart! my soul! my garden rose! + A beardless youth is come for thee." + And then she listen'd--they were wed-- + And to the old man's home they sped. + + Then twilight came, and evening's shade-- + And said the old man to the maid: + "Sweet Falisava! maiden fair! + Our bed beside the stove prepare, + And the warm feather-mattress bear"-- + The maiden heard--the maiden went, + And gather'd flowers of sweetest scent-- + Of sweetest scent and fairest hue, + Which on the old man's bed she threw, + And like on a strong-wing'd eagle then + Flew to her father's home again. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVII + + MOHAMMEDAN TALE + + + Who is mourning there in Glamodelec's fortress? + 'Tis the Vila--'tis an angry serpent? + 'Tis no Vila--'tis no angry serpent! + 'Tis the maid Emina there lamenting-- + There lamenting, for her woe is grievous! + Lo! the Ban[26] the maiden hath imprison'd-- + Hath imprison'd her, and will baptize her; + But Emina never will be faithless-- + From the white-wall'd tower will fling her rather. + + Thus the unbelieving Ban address'd her: + "Unbelieving Ban! a moment tarry, + While I hasten to the upper story." + And she hasten'd to the upper story; + Look'd around her from the white-wall'd fortress: + In the distance saw her father's dwelling-- + Saw the white school where she pass'd her childhood + "O my father's home! my poor heart's sorrow! + School of childhood! once that childhood's terror! + Many a day of weariness and sorrow + Did thy small-writ lessons give Emina." + + Then she wrapp'd her snowy robes around her-- + Thought not of the band that bound her tresses, + And she flung her from the fortress turret. + But her hair-band caught the open window-- + From the window, ah she hung suspended-- + Hung a week suspended from the window-- + Then her hair gave away--and then the maiden + On the greensward fell. + + The Christian heard it-- + He, the Christian Ban, and hasten'd thither; + Oft and oft he kiss'd the dead Emina; + And he peacefully entom'd the maiden. + O'er her grave a chapel he erected, + And with golden apples he adorn'd it. + Ere a week had pass'd away, descended + On her tomb a beauteous light from heaven; + At her head a beauteous light was kindled; + At her feet another light shone sweetly; + And her aged mother saw and wonder'd + From her chain she took her knife, and plunged it-- + Plunged it deep within her troubled bosom-- + Fell, and died--O melancholy mother! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LVIII + + LOVE'S DIFFICULTIES + + + I loved her from her infancy, + Lado![27] Lado! + From childhood to maturity, + Lado! Lado! + And when I claim'd the smiling maid, + Lado! Lado! + "Ye are of kindred blood!" they said, + Lado! Lado! + "Brother and sister's children ye, + Lado! Lado! + It were a sin to steal a kiss," + Lado! Lado! + Oh what a sacrifice is this! + Lado! Lado! + I'll steal a kiss though I be riven, + Lado! Lado! + From every, every hope of heaven, + Lado! Lado! + For what would heaven become to me + Lado! Lado! + When the long nights of autumn flee, + Lado! Lado! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LIX + + WITCHES + + + The sky is cover'd with stars again: + The plains are cover'd with flocks of sheep: + But where is the shepherd? On the plain + The shepherd is lost in careless sleep: + The youthful Radoje sleeps:--Arise! + Awake! his sister Jania cries. + + "Jania! sister nay! depart! + My body to witches is plighted: + My mother has torn away my heart, + And my aunt my mother lighted." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LX + + PLEDGES + + + The wind was with the roses playing: + To Ranko's tent it blew their leaves: + Milica, Ranko, there were staying, + And Ranko writes--Milica weaves. + His letter done, he drops his pen: + Her finish'd web she throws aside: + And lo! I heard the lover then + Low whisper to his promised bride: + "Milica! tell me truly now + And dost thou love me--love me best? + Or heavy is thy nuptial vow?"-- + And thus the maid the youth address'd: + "O trust me--thou my heart--my soul-- + That thou art dearer far to me-- + Far dearer, Ranko! than the whole + Of brothers--many though they be: + And that the vows we pledged together + Are lighter than the lightest feather." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXI + + COMPLAINT + + + O flower! so lovely in thy bloom, + Be evil fate thy mother's doom! + Thy mother, who so kindly nurst, + And sent thee to our village first. + Where heroes o'er their cups romancing, + And our young striplings stones are flinging, + And our delighted brides are dancing, + And our gay maidens songs are singing-- + 'Twas then I saw thee, lovely flower! + And lost my quiet from that hour. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXII + + SONG + + + The winter is gone, + Beloved, arise! + The spring is come on, + The birds are all singing: + Beloved, arise! + + The roses are springing; + Earth laughs out in love: + Beloved, arise! + And thou, my sweet dove! + O waste not thy time: + Beloved, arise. + + Enjoy the sweet bliss + Of a kiss--of a kiss: + Beloved, arise + In the hour of thy prime, + Beloved, arise! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIII + + MOHAMMEDAN SONG + + + I have piercing eyes--the eyes of falcons: + I am of undoubted noble lineage: + I can read the heart of Osman Aga: + I was ask'd by Osman Aga's mother: + + "Cursed witch: and yet most lovely maiden! + Why with white and red dost paint thy visage? + Fascinate no longer Osman Aga! + I will speed me to the verdant forest, + Build me up of maple-trees a dwelling, + And lock up within it Osman Aga." + + Then the maid replied to Osman's mother: + "Lady Anka! Osman Aga's mother-- + I have falcon eyes--and eyes of devils: + With them I can ope thy ample dwelling-- + With them visit, too, thy Osman Aga." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIV + + BROTHERLESS SISTERS + + + Two solitary sisters, who + A brother's fondness never knew, + Agreed, poor girls, with one another, + That they would make themselves a brother: + They cut them silk, as snow-drops white; + And silk, as richest rubies bright; + They carved his body from a bough + Of box-tree from the mountain's brow; + Two jewels dark for eyes they gave; + For eyebrows, from the ocean's wave + They took two leeches; and for teeth + Fix'd pearls above, and pearls beneath; + For food they gave him honey sweet, + And said, "Now live, and speak, and eat." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXV + + MISFORTUNES + + + On the hill, the fir-tree hill, + Grows a tall fir-tree: + There a maiden, calm and still, + Sits delightedly. + To a youthful swain she pledges + Vows: "O come to me: + Lightly spring across the hedges: + Come--but slightly. + Come at eve--lest harm betide thee. + If any home thou seek, + In our quiet dwelling hide thee; + Not a whisper speak." + And he o'er the hedges sprung, + Lo! a twig he tore: + When the house-door ope he flung, + Noisy was the door. + When he enter'd in, there fell + Shelves upon the floor, + 'Twas the broken china's knell-- + O the luckless hour! + Then her mother comes afeard, + Trips and cuts her knee; + And her father burns his beard + In perplexity. + And the youth must quench the fire, + And the maiden must retire. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVI + + TIMIDITY + + + Lo! upon the mountain green + Stands a fir-tree tall and thin-- + 'Tis no fir-tree--none at all-- + 'Tis a maiden thin and tall. + Three long years the enamour'd one + Fed upon her eyes alone; + On the fourth, he sought the bliss + Of the maiden's primal kiss + "Why, thou witching maid! repel me-- + Why with foot of scorn dost tread, + On my feet, my boots of red! + Why despise me, maiden! tell me." + + "No, my friend, I will not tread + On thy feet, thy boots of red! + Come at evening--come and string + Pearls for me--and thou shalt fling + O'er me my embroider'd shawl. + We will go at morning's call + To the kolo--Friend! but thou + Must not touch the maiden now-- + + Know'st thou not that busy slander + Follows us wher'er we wander? + Evil tongues are ever talking; + Calumny abroad is walking + Know'st thou that a simple kiss + Ample food for slander is? + 'Never did we kiss,' you'll say, + 'Till last evening and to-day.' + Come at evening--come, my dear. + Sisters' eyes will watch thee here." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVII + + YOUTH ENAMOURED + + + "Where wert thou! Misho! yesterday?" + "O 'twas a happy day for me! + A lovely maiden cross'd my way + A maiden smiling lovelily + And those sweet smiles for me were meant; + I claimed her--mother answer'd, 'No!' + Would steal her--vain was the intent, + For many guardians watch'd her so. + There grows a verdant almond-tree + Before her house--its boughs I'll climb; + Wail like a cuckoo mournfully, + And swallow-like, at evening time, + Pour forth my woe in throbbings deep + And like a sorrowing widow sigh, + And like a youthful maiden weep. + So may her mother turn her eye, + Pitying my grief, her heart may move, + And she may give me her I love." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXVIII + + BLACK EYES AND BLUE + + + I wish the happy time were nigh, + When youths are sold, that I might buy. + But for an azure-eyed Mlinar,[28] + I would not give a single dinar, + Though for a raven-black eyed youth, + A thousand golden coins, in truth. + Alas! alas! and is it true? + My own fair youth has eyes of blue; + Yes! they are blue--yet dear to me-- + Will he forgive my levity? + Ye maidens! pray him to forgive me; + Nay! spare me now--and rather leave me + To tell him "I am yours"--and smile + In fond affection all the while. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXIX + + THE WIDOW + + + Rose! O smile upon the youth no longer; + He in his impatience to be wedded, + Chose a widow for his years unsuited, + And wher'er she goes, where'er she tarries, + She is mourning for her ancient husband. + "O my husband! first and best possession! + Happy were the days we spent together! + Early we retired and late we waken'd + Thou didst wake me kissing my white forehead, + 'Up, my heart! the sun is high in heaven, + And our aged mother is arisen.'" + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXX + + ALARMS + + + Fairest youths are here--but not the fairest! + Could I hear him now, or could I see him,-- + Could I know if he be sick, or faithless! + Were he sick, my ears would rather hear it, + Than that he had loved another maiden. + Sickness may depart, and time restore him,-- + If enamour'd,--never! never! never! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXI + + FOND WIFE + + + O! If I were a mountain streamlet, + I know where I would flow + I'd spring into the crystal Sava, + Where the gay vessels go, + That I might look upon my lover-- + For fain my heart would know + If, when he holds the helm, he ever + Looks on my rose, and thinks + Of her who gave it;--if the nosegay + I made of sweetest pinks + Is faded yet, and if he wear it. + On Saturday I cull + To give him for a Sabbath present + All that is beautiful. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXII + + UNHAPPY BRIDE + + + The maiden gave the ring she wore + To him who gave it her before: + "O take the ring--for thou and thine + Are hated,--not by me--but mine-- + Father and mother will not hear thee + Brother and sister both forswear thee + Yet, think not, youth,--I think not ill + Of her who needs must love thee still! + I am a poor unhappy maid, + Whose path the darkest clouds o'ershade, + I sowed sweet basil, and there grew + On that same spot the bitterest rue + And wormwood, that unholy flower, + I now alone my marriage dower; + The only flower which they shall wear + Who to the maiden's marriage comes, + When for my marriage altar there + The guests shall find the maiden's tomb." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIII + + LAST PETITION + + + Upon her mother's bosom lay + Young Mira, and she pined away. + 'Twas in her own maternal bed; + And thus the anxious mother said:-- + "What ails thee, tell me, Mira, pray?" + + "O ask me not, my mother dear! + I feel that death approaches near, + I shall not rise from this my bed; + But, mother mine! when I am dead-- + O mother mine! call round me all + My playmates to my funeral; + And let the friends I loved receive + The little gifts that I shall leave; + Then let me sleep in peace beneath.-- + + There's one, my mother, I should grieve + To be divided from in death. + Then call around me priests divine, + And pious pilgrims, mother mine! + The forehead of thy dying daughter + Steep in the rose's fragrant water. + And, mother, let my forehead be + Dried with the rose-leaves from the tree; + And pillow not thy daughter's head, + O mother! with the common dead; + But let me have a quiet tomb + Adjacent to my Mirjo's home, + And near my Mirjo's nightly bed; + So when he wakes his thoughts shall dwell + With her he loved and loved so well." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIV + + LOVE FOR A BROTHER + + + The sun sank down behind the gold-flower'd hill; + The warriors from the fight approach the shore: + There stood young George's wife, serene and still: + She counted all the heroes o'er and o'er, + And found not those she loved--though they were three:-- + Her husband, George; her marriage friend, another + Who late had led the marriage revelry; + The third, her best-loved, her only brother. + + Her husband he was dead; she rent her hair + For him--Her friend was gone,--for him she tore + Her cheeks--Her only brother was not there: + For him she pluck'd her eye-balls from their bed. + Her hair grew forth as lovely as before; + Upon her cheeks her former beauties spread; + But nothing could her perish'd sight restore: + Nought heals the heart that mourns a brother dead. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXV + + REBUKE + + + "Maiden! hast thou seen my steed?" + "Faithless one! not I, indeed! + But I heard that thou hadst tied him + To the mountain-maple tree; + When a stranger pass'd beside him, + Full of scorn and rage was he: + With his hoofs the ground he beat; + Of his master's guilt he knew. + Not one maiden did he cheat. + No; that master cheated two: + One has borne a wretched child; + One with grief and shame is wild." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVI + + MAN'S FAITH + + + Say! dost thou remember when under the vine, + Thy tears fell in streams on the breast of thy maid; + When thy heart burst in joy as I own'd thee for mine? + Alas! for the maiden whose peace is betray'd + By the tears and the vows of a falsehood like thine! + As the changeable sky--now o'erclouded, now bright, + Is the faith of thy race--their language to-day, + "I will wed thee to-morrow, my love and my light!" + To-morrow--"Let's wait till the harvest's away." + The harvest is ended, the winter is nigh + And another maid dwells in their hearts and their eye. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVII + + MAIDEN'S AFFECTION + + + "Black is the night--an outcast lad + Is wandering in our village, mother! + Thy daughter's heart is very sad, + Sad even to death! He has no home: + O give him ours, he has no other, + And bid the lad no longer roam!" + "Nay! daughter, let this outcast stray, + He is a proud and city youth; + Will ask for wine at break of day, + And costly meats at eve, forsooth, + And for his city-tutor'd head + Will want a soft and stately bed." + + "O mother! In God's name divine, + Give the poor lad a shelter now: + My eyes shall serve instead of wine, + For costly meats my maiden brow. + My neck shall be his honey comb. + His bed the dewy grass shall be, + And heaven his stately canopy. + His head shall rest upon my arm. + O mother! give the youth a home, + And shelter, shelter him from harm." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXVIII + + + MARRIAGE SONGS + + + The Marriage Leader: + + "Make ready! make ready," + To his sister the youth is repeating; + "Make ready my steed for the wedding, + O sister! the young Doge[29] is waiting. + I'm bid to the wedding, I'm summon'd to guide + To the wedding the maiden--the Doge's young bride." + + + The approaching bridegroom: + + What is shining on the verdant mountain? + Sun--or moon--that shines so brightly, + 'Tis not sun, or moon that shines so brightly, + 'Tis the bridegroom hasting to the marriage. + + + Parting of the bride: + + Sweetest of maidens! O be still, + Be silent--prithee weep not now + Thy mother she will weep--wilt fill + Her sorrowing eyes with tears, for thou + Wilt leave thy cherish'd home ere long: + And when thy young companions go + To the fresh stream, amidst the throng + She'll seek thee--will she find thee! No! + + + Departure of the wedding guests: + + O thou young bridegroom, thou rose in its beauty, + Lo! we have brought thee a rosemary branch, + And if the rosemary branch should decay, + Thine will the shame be, the sorrow be ours. + Scatter the rosemary leaves o'er thy way; + Let not destruction disparage its flowers. + + + To the bride, when the marriage hood is first put on: + + Maid from a distant forest tree, + A verdant leaf is blown to thee; + And that green leaf has fixed it now, + In the green garland on thy brow: + The garland green, that we have bound + Maiden! thy auburn ringlets round: + O no! it is no leaf, that we + Have braided in a wreath for thee; + 'Tis the white hood that thou must wear, + The token of domestic care: + Thou hast no mother now--another, + A stranger must be called thy mother; + And sister-love thy heart must share, + With one who was not born thy brother. + + + At the marriage: + + An apple tree at Ranko's door was growing, + Its trunk was silver, golden were its branches; + Its branches golden and of pearls its foliage, + Its leaves were pearls, and all its apple corals. + And many dovelets, on the branches seated, + Coo'd in their fond affection to each other; + Coo'd loudly, and they pluck'd the pearls--one only + One, only one was silent, one was silent-- + It coo'd not, pluck'd no pearls from off the branches: + That one was terrified by Ranko's mother: + "Begone--grey dovelet! thou art an intruder! + Was not the apple-tree by Ranko planted? + By Ranko planted, and by Ranko watered, + That it might shade the guests at Ranko's marriage, + Shade all his guests beneath its joyous branches." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXIX + + HEROES SERVE + + + Upon the silent Danube's shore, + When ev'ning wastes, 'tis sweet to see + 'Their golden wine cups flowing o'er'; + Our heroes in their revelry. + + A youthful beauty pours the wine, + And each will pledge a cup to her; + And each of charms that seem divine, + Would fain become a worshipper. + + "Nay! heroes, nay!" the virgin cried, + "My service--not my love--I give: + For one alone--for none beside: + For one alone I love and live." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXX + + YOUTH AND AGE + + + Lo! the maid her rosy cheeks is laving. + Listen! while she bathes her snowy forehead: + "Forehead! if I thought an old man's kisses + Would be stamp'd upon thee, I would hasten + To the forest, and would gather wormwood + Into boiling water press its bitters: + With it steep my forehead ev'ry morning, + That the old man's kiss might taste of wormwood. + But, if some fair youth should come to kiss me, + I would hurry to the verdant garden: + I would gather all its sweetest roses, + Would condense their fragrance,--and at morning, + Every morning, would perfume my forehead + So the youth's sweet kiss would breathe of fragrance, + And his heart be gladden'd with the odour. + Better dwell with youth upon the mountains, + Than with age in luxury's richest palace: + Better sleep with youth on naked granite, + Than with eld on silks howe'er voluptuous." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXI + + CHOICE + + + In my court the morning's twilight found me; + At the chase the early sun while rising, + I upon the mountain--and behind it, + On that mountain, 'neath a dark-green pine tree + Lo! I saw a lovely maiden sleeping; + On a clover-sheaf her head was pillow'd; + On her bosom lay two snowy dovelets; + In her lap there was a dappled fawnkin. + There I tarried till the fall of ev'ning: + Bound my steed at night around the pine-tree: + Bound my falcon to the pine-tree branches: + Gave the sheaf of clover to my courser: + Gave the two white dovelets to my falcon: + Gave the dappled fawn to my good greyhound: + And, for me,--I took the lovely maiden. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXII + + ANXIETY + + + I fain would sing--but will be silent now, + For pain is sitting on my lover's brow; + And he would hear me--and, though silent, deem + I pleased myself, but little thought of him, + While of nought else I think; to him I give + My spirit--and for him alone I live; + Bear him within my heart, as mothers bear + The last and youngest object of their care. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXIII + + INQUIRY + + + Say, heavenly spirit! kindly say, + Where tarries now this youth of mine; + Say, is he speeding on his way, + Or doth he linger, drinking wine? + + If he be speeding on,--elated + With joy and gladness let him be: + If quaffing wine,--in quiet seated, + O! his be peace and gaiety! + + But if he love another maiden, + I wish him nought but sorrow:--No! + Then be his heart with anguish laden! + And let Heaven smite his path with woe! + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXIV + + FROZEN HEART + + + Thick fell the snow upon St. George's day; + The little birds all left their cloudy bed; + The maiden wander'd bare-foot on her way; + Her brother bore her sandals, and he said: + "O sister mine! cold, cold thy feet must be." + "No! not my feet, sweet brother! not my feet-- + But my poor heart is cold with misery. + There's nought to chill me in the snowy sleet + My mother--tis my mother who hath chill'd me, + Bound me to one who with disgust hath fill'd me." + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXV + + UNION IN DEATH + + + Fondly lov'd a youth and youthful maiden, + And they wash'd them in the self-same water, + And they dried them with the self-same linen + Full a year had pass'd, and no one knew it + Yet another year--'twas all discover'd, + And the father heard it, and the mother; + But the mother check'd their growing fondness, + Banish'd love, and exiled them for ever. + + To the stars he look'd, and bade them tell her: + "Die, sweet maiden! on the week's last even; + Early will I die on Sabbath morning." + + As the stars foretold the event, it happen'd; + On the eve of Saturday the maiden + Died--and died the youth on Sunday morning: + And they were, fond pair, together buried; + And their hands were intertwined together: + In those hands they placed the greenest apples; + When behold! ere many moons had shone there, + From the grave sprung up a verdant pine-tree, + And a fragrant crimson rose-tree follow'd: + Round the pine the rose-tree fondly twined it, + As around the straw the silk clings closely. + + S. J. B. + + + + + LXXXVI + + LOVE AND SLEEP[30] + + + I walkt the high and hollow wood, from dawn to even-dew, + The wild-eyed wood stared at me, and unclaspt, and let me through, + Where mountain pines, like great black birds, stood percht against + the blue. + + Not a whisper heaved the woven woof of those warm trees: + All the little leaves lay flat, unmoved of bird or breeze: + Day was losing light all round, by indolent degrees. + + Underneath the brooding branches, all in holy shade, + Unseen hands of mountain things a mossy couch had made: + There asleep among pale flowers my beloved was laid. + + Slipping down, a sunbeam bathed her brows with bounteous gold, + Unmoved upon her maiden breast her heavy hair was roll'd, + Her smile was silent as the smile on corpses three hours old. + "O God!" I thought, "if this be death, that makes not sound nor stir." + My heart stood still with tender awe, I dared not waken her, + But to the dear God, in the sky, this prayer I did prefer: + + "Grant, dear Lord, in the blessed sky, a warm wind from the sea, + Then shake a leaf down on my love from yonder leafy tree; + That she may open her sweet eyes, and haply look on me." + + The dear God, from the distant sea, a little wind releast, + It shook a leaflet from the tree, and laid it on her breast, + Her sweet eyes ope'd and looked on me. How can I tell the rest? + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXVII + + LOVE CONFERS NOBILITY + + + He. Violet, little one mine, + I would love thee, but thou art so small. + + She. Love me, my love, from those heights of thine, + And I shall grow tall, so tall, + The pearl is small, but it hangs above + The royal brow, and a kingly mind + The quail is little, little, my love, + But she leaves the hunter behind. + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXVIII + + A SOUL'S SWEETNESS + + + He. O maiden of my soul! + What odour from the orange hast thou stole, + That breathes about thy breast with such sweet power? + What sweetness, unto me + More sweet than amber honey to the bee + That builds in the oaken hole, + And sucks the essential summer of the year + To store with sweetest sweets her hollow tower? + Or is it breath of basil, maiden dear? + Or of the immortal flower? + + She. By the sweet heavens, young lover! + No odour from the orange have I stole; + Nor have I robb'd for thee, + Dearest the amber dower + Of the building bee, + From any hollow tower + In oaken bole: + But if, on this poor breast thou dost discover + Fragrance of such sweet power, + Trust me, O my beloved and my lover, + 'Tis not of basil, nor the immortal flower, + But from a virgin soul. + + O. M. + + + + + LXXXIX + + REMINISCENCES + + + He. "And art thou wed, my beloved? + My Beloved of long ago?" + + She. "I am wed, my Beloved. And I have given + A child to this world of woe. + And the name I have given my child is thine: + So that, when I call to me my little one, + The heaviness of this heart of mine + For a little while may be gone. + For I say not ... 'Hither, hither, my son!' + But ... 'Hither, my Love, my Beloved.'" + + + + + XC + + SLEEP AND DEATH + + + The morning is growing: the cocks are crowing: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the morning light; + Only the moonbeam white. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The breeze is blowing: the cattle are lowing: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the cattle there; + Only the call to prayer. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The Turks are warning to the mosque, 'tis morning! + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis not the Turks, sweet soul! + Only the wolves that howl. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + The white roofs are gleaming: the glad children screaming: + Let me away, love, away! + + 'Tis the night-clouds that gleam: + The night winds that scream. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + My mother in the gateway calls to me.... "Come straightway" + And I must away, love, away! + + Thy mother's in her bed, + Dumb, holy, and dead. + Stay, my white lamb, stay, + And sleep on my bosom, sleep. + + O. M. + + + + + XCI + + IMPERFECTION + + + All in the spring, + When little birds sing, + And flowers do talk + From stalk to stalk; + Whispering to a silver shower, + A violet did boast to be + Of every flower the fairest flower + That blows by lawn or lea. + But a rose that blew thereby + Answer'd her reproachfully, + (All in the spring, + When little birds sing, + And flowers do talk + From stalk to stalk): + "Violet, I marvel me + Of fairest flowers by lawn or lea + The fairest thou should'st boast to be; + For one small defect I spy, + Should make thee speak more modestly: + Thy face is fashion'd tenderly, + But then it hangs awry." + + O. M. + + + + + XCII + + EMANCIPATION + + + The Day of Saint George! and a girl pray'd thus: + "O Day of Saint George, when again to us + Thou returnest, and they carouse + Here in my mother's house, + May'st thou find me either a corpse or a bride, + Either buried or wed; + Rather married than dead; + But, however, that may betide, + And whether a corpse or a spouse, + No more in my mother's house." + + O. M. + + + + + XCIII + + PLUCKING A FLOWER + + + He. O maiden, vermeil rose! + Unplanted, unsown, + Blooming alone + As the wild-flower blows, + With a will of thine own! + Neither grafted nor grown, + Neither gather'd nor blown, + O maiden, O rose! + Blooming alone + In the green garden-close + Unnoticed, unknown, + Unpropt, unsupported, + Unwater'd, and uncourted, + Unwoo'd and unwed, + A sweet wild rose, + Who knows? Who knows? + Might I kiss thee, and court thee? + My kiss would not hurt thee! + A sweet, sweet rose, + In the green garden-close, + If a gate were undone, + And if I might come to thee + And meet thee alone? + Sue thee, and woo thee, + And make thee my own? + Clasp thee, and cull thee, what harm would be done? + + She. Beside thy field my garden blows, + Were a gate in the garden left open ... who knows? + And I water'd my garden at eventide? + (Who knows?) + And if somebody silently happen'd to ride + That way? And a horse to the gate should be tied? + And if somebody (Who knows who,), unespied, + Were to enter my garden to gather a rose? + Who knows?... I suppose + No harm need be done. My beloved one, + Come lightly, come softly, at set of the sun! + Come, and caress me! + Kiss me, and press me, + Fold me, and hold me! + Kiss me with kisses that leave not a trace, + But set not the print of thy teeth on my face, + Or my mother will see it, and scold me. + + O. M. + + + + + XCIV + + A WISH + + + I would I were a rivulet, + And I know where I would run! + To Save, the chilly river, + Where the market boats pass on; + To see my dear one stand + By the rudder; and whether the rose + Which, at parting, I put in his hand, + Warm with a kiss in it, blows; + Whether it blows or withers: + I pluckt it on Saturday; + I gave it to him on Sunday; + On Monday he went away. + + O. M. + + + + + XCV + + A SERBIAN BEAUTY + + + 'Tis the Kolo[31] that dances before the white house, + And 'tis Stojan's fair sister, O fair, fair is she! + Too fair she is truly, too fair, heaven knows, + (God forgive her!) so cruel to be. + The fair Vila, whom the wan clouds fondly follow + O'er the mountain wherever she roam it, + Is not fairer nor whiter than she. + Her long soft eyelash is the wing of the swallow + When the dew of the dawn trembles from it, + And as dawn-stars her blue eyes to me: + Her eyebrows so dark are the slender sea-leeches; + Her rich-bloomed cheeks are the ripe river peaches, + Her teeth are white pearls from the sea; + Her lips are two half-open'd roses; + And her breath the south wind, which discloses + The sweetness that soothes the wild bee. + She is tall as the larch, she is slender + As any green bough the birds move; + See her dance--'tis the peacock's full splendour! + Hear her talk--'tis the coo of the dove! + And, only but let her look tender-- + 'Tis all heaven melting down from above! + + O. M. + + + + + XCVI + + SLEEPLESSNESS + + + Sleep will not take the place of Love, + Nor keep the place from Sorrow. + Oh, when the long nights slowly move + To meet a lonely morrow, + The burden of the broken days, + The grief that on the bosom weighs, + And all the heart oppresses, + But lightly lies on restless eyes + Love seals no more with kisses. + + O. M. + + + + + XCVII + + A MESSAGE + + + Sweet sister of my loved, unloving one, + Kiss thy wild brother, kiss him tenderly! + Ask him what is it, witless, I have done + That he should look so coldly upon me? + Ah, well ... I know he recks not! Let it be. + Yet say ... "There's many a woodland nodding yet + For who needs wood when winter nights be cold." + Say ... "Love to give finds ever love to get. + There lack not goldsmiths where there lacks not gold. + The wood will claim the woodman by-and-by; + The gold (be sure!) the goldsmith cannot miss; + Each maid to win finds lads to woo: and I...." + Well, child, but only tell him, tell him this! + Sweet sister, tell him this! + + O. M. + + + + + XCVIII + + TRANSPLANTING A FLOWER + + + O maiden, mother's golden treasure! + Purest gold of perfect pleasure! + Do they beat thee, and ill-treat thee, + That I meet thee all alone? + Do they beat thee, that I meet thee + All too often, all too late, + After nightfall, at the gate + Of the garden, all alone? + Tell me, tell me, little one, + Do they do it? If I knew it, + They should rue it! I would come + Oftener, later, yet again, + (Hail, or snow, or wind, or rain!) + Oftener, later! Nor in vain: + For if mother, for my sake, + Were to drive thee out of home, + Just three little steps 'twould take + (Think upon it, little one!)-- + Just three little steps, or four, + To my door from mother's door. + Love is wise. I say no more. + Ponder on it, little one! + + O. M. + + + + + XCIX + + ISOLATION + + + The night is very dark and very lonely: + And as dark, and all as lonely, is my heart: + And the sorrow that is in it night knows only: + For the dawn breaks, and my heart breaks. Far apart + From my old self seems my new self. And my mother + And my sister are in heaven,--so they say: + And the dear one dearer yet than any other + Is far, far away. + The sweet hour of his coming ... night is falling! + The hour of our awakening ... bird on bough! + The hour of last embraces ... friends are calling + "Love, farewell!" ... and every hour is silent now. + + O. M. + + + + + C + + FATIMA AND MEHMED + + + Beneath a milk-white almond tree, + Fatima and Mehmed be. + The black earth is their bridal bed; + The thick-starred sky clear-spread + Is their coverlet all the night, + As they lie in each other's arms so white. + The grass is full of honey-dew; + The crescent moon, that glimmers through + The unrippled leaves, is faint and new: + And the milk-white almond blossoms + All night long fall on their bosoms. + + O. M. + + + + + CI + + MORAVA HORSES[32] + + + On the banks of Morava, + Sleek black horses danced, + "Could not we," one horse did say, + "Over this river swim to-day?" + But the second cried, "Beware, + Deep flows the stream, beware, beware! + 'Twas by these banks of Morava, + At set of sun a knight was drowned, + And dawn had broke ere he was found. + If mother this poor knight had had, + Within a day his fate she'd know, + And him to seek next day would go; + The third day, finding him, would weep, + And who knows how long sad heart keep?" + To which a third black horse replied + "No mother mourns him as lost son, + But mother-in-law the knight has one! + She in one year would surely cry: + 'What has my daughter's husband done?' + And in two years find time to go + Toward the place where he lay low; + And when there should have passed years three, + His grave, perchance, she then might see-- + Where long since green grass had grown, + The peacock preened himself and flown." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CII + + THE GIRL AND THE GRASS + + + In the green grass a girl fell asleep; + When she awoke the grass was red, + And her ruddy cheeks were green instead. + Before the Kadi the girl sued the grass: + Give me, O grass, my color red!" + And to the girl the red grass said: + "Thy color red, I'll give it thee, + When my color green thou dost give me." + Then before the Kadi they exchanged color + And became bosom-sisters for ever and ever. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIII + + THE SUN AND THE GIRL + + + To the great sun a radiant maiden cried: + "Bright sun, thy beauty cannot equal mine!" + Whereon the burning orb complained to God: + "Let me bring low her pride, and scorch her face." + To which request his mighty Maker said: + "The burden that she bears is weight enough; + Her father and her mother, both I've taken; + One simple, smiling youth alone is left to her; + Touch not their joy, let him be fond of her." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIV + + CURSE AND BLESSING + + + To the river ran the mother, + To her Mary by the water, + Dreaming there, the pretty daughter: + "Have you washed the linen, Mary?" + "Why, mother dear, not yet begun; + A naughty youth did come my way, + And muddy made the silvery water." + "I'll curse him, then; I'll curse him, daughter! + Cold be his heart as ice is cold." + "As cold as the sun o'er the corn-fields, mother!" + "May his face be black before all men!" + "As black as the snow on the mountains, mother!" + "May he be hanged!--Dost hear, my daughter!" + "But hanged upon my neck, dear mother!" + "From grievous wounds he then shall suffer!" + "Let my own teeth, then, cause them, mother!" + "May the wild torrent take him, daughter!" + "And bring him home to me, my mother!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CV + + THE NICEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD + + + A yellow orange by the sea + Vaunted much his beauty, + This boast the red, round apple heard, + Scolded the orange for his word, + "See my superiority!" + + The apple's boast the meadow heard, + The meadow rich beflowered: + "Boast not, thou smooth, round apple red, + But see how I am carpeted, + So green and richly dowered!" + + The meadow's boast the maiden heard: + "Deem'st flowery mead, so great thy worth! + Though sweetly thou art sure bedight, + Yet still I am the sweetest sight, + That can be found in all the earth." + + These vaunts heard all a daring youth: + "This maid, I see she is in truth, + She is by far the sweetest flower + That can be found in all the earth. + That orange, I will bring it down, + That apple-tree, I'll root it up, + That meadow's flowers shall all be mown, + And thou, fair maid, shalt be mine own!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVI + + THE PRETTY TOMB + + + "Wait, my girl, I want to talk, + Though my talk will wound thee!" + "Speak, O Youth; I'll listen, speak! + Even though thou wound me" + "Well, I am about to die." + "Die! Where will they bury thee?" + "I pray to rest upon thy breast." + "Ah! blind and foolish is thy prayer! + That were unseemly cemet'ry. + My bosom is no graveyard lone, + An apple orchard is my breast + Where fruits do ripen, birds do rest!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVII + + TODA AND HER FATE + + + Many youths paid court to Toda, + She, the blithesome shepherd girl; + So with mirthful laugh she cried: + "The youth on whom my apple falls, + 'Tis henceforth he my heart enthralls." + Then Toda threw her apple red, + Which fell upon a grey-haired head. + Toda had not wished such love, + So sent him off to draw her water. + She sent him thus unto the river, + That no more trouble he might give her! + But safely back the old man came, + Brought the water, smiled and spake: + "O love me, Toda, love me, Toda." + Toda did not want to love him, + So sent him off to cut down branches, + Not caring should they fall upon him; + But safely back the old man came, + Brought the wood, and smiled and spake: + "O love me, Toda, little Toda!" + Toda did not want to love him, + So sent him to the war to fight, + Not caring what might be his plight: + But safely back the old man came, + Back from the war, and spake the same: + "O love me, Toda, Toda, love me! + That which must be, let it be." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CVIII + + THE VILA + + + Under the clouds there's nought to me + So handsome as a falcon bird. + A falcon I did wish to be, + And my wish by God was heard. + High to the clouds I flew, + And over the clouds too! + Then to a nut-tree I shot down. + Under the tree a vila sleeping! + Or else some being strange to me! + Oh, God Himself, and He alone, can say, + But she was fairer than the fairest summer day. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CIX + + THREE ROSES + + + Red Sun! too quickly art thou hasting down; + A little while prolong thy stay, + Smile from thy evening gate on me, + Till I've adorned with roses three-- + Roses of silk in purest gold-- + My darling's garment that I hold: + The first rose, a rose for my own country dear, + The second, a rose for sweet mother, + The third, the rose of my own bridal crown. + O stay, glad Sun! too quickly art thou going down! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CX + + HER DREAM + + + The girl awoke at dawn of day, + Aroused by trilling roundelay; + "Nightingale, oh, stop thy singing! + Stop thy singing, pray! + Cease thy songs, and fly away + To Cattaro, down by the bay. + + To Cattaro now speed thy flight, + To tell the dream I've dreamt this night: + I found me in his garden gay, + Gathering fair roses; + With his eye he followed me, + As I passed from tree to tree. + + I brought him then red roses fair, + And tied them in his steed's black hair. + Smiling, then a ring he gave me; + Ah, a ring so rare! + And he kissed me where I stood; + A kiss that made to me all good. + + Smiling, yes, a kiss he gave me! + Than golden ring with diamond bright + More precious far in my heart's sight. + Stop singing, bird! + This is my dream; go, tell him so, + Go! wing thy way to Cattaro." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXI + + TROUBLE WITH THE HUSBAND + + + I married last year, + This year I repent. + Bad husband have I, + With temper like nettle: + My lot I resent. + + The frost kills the nettle, + But this husband of mine, + He thinks the frost fine: + By the stove all day long + He does nothing but sit, + And says that the frost + He minds not one bit! + + In Celovec 'tis market-day, + 'Tis market-day to-morrow; + I will take my husband there, + And will either there him change, + Or else will sell him at the fair. + Not too cheap I'll let him go, + Because he was so hard to get; + Rather than too cheaply sell him, + Back home again I'll take the man, + And love him--howsomuch I can! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXII + + THE PEACOCK AND THE NIGHTINGALE + + + How beautiful it is this evening-time! + The noblemen, they quaff the cool wine, + And to their knee there comes a little stag, + With golden peacock proudly on one shoulder, + While on the other, perching there as neighbour, + Behold a silver-throated nightingale! + Upon whom gazing, saith the peacock golden: + "How now, my silver-throated friend! + If mine it were to trill thy liquid note, + To every noble knight I'd sing a song, + And honour each in turn from my clear throat." + Answered the nightingale in silver voice: + "List, lustrous peacock in thy blue and gold! + If mine it were, that sheeny fan of thine, + Its golden feathers all I would pluck out, + And decorate these nobles round about." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIII + + THE FIRST TOAST + + + Rising at the banquet table, + Now acclaim we our first toast, + To our God's high honour drink we, + Only of His glory think we-- + No first place to human boast! + To celebrate the Lord's great glory-- + What equal duty to be found? + Say, all ye who sit around, + Save truly to have earned the dinner! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIV + + THE HOD[vZ]A[33] + + + In Mostar was a sheker-meyteph,[34] + Thirty young ladies were learning there, + Omer-effendia was their hod[vz]a, + And pretty Maru[vs]a their kalfa.[35] + + One day Maru[vs]a opened the Koran: + "Tell us now, hod[vz]a, tell what is written!' + Hod[vz]a reads silently, then he speaks loudly: + "First page--The hod[vz]a is going to marry! + + "Willeth so Allah, so willeth hod[vz]a--thus on page two! + And on page three--Whom will he marry, whom will he marry? + Thus on page three--He'll marry the pretty Maru[vs]a." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXV + + WOES + + + Woe to the wolf that eats not flesh, + Woe to the knight who drinks not wine, + Woe to the maid who counteth love + No gift divine. + + Woe to legs with a foolish head, + And woe to gilt on an unclean bed. + + Woe to satin on humped shoulders. + + Woe to the gun in a fearsome hand, + Woe to the strong in that village where + But cowards stand. + + Woe to the mother-in-law in the house of her son-in-law. + + Woe to the wolf whom the ravens feed, + And to the knight who children doth need + Him to defend. + + Woe to the cock who strutteth on ice, + Woe to the nightingale singing in the mill; + In such a din, far better to be still! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVI + + HARD TO BELIEVE + + + A man ne'er born once told a tale + To seven stout ghosts so hearty and hale; + A ship went sailing 'mid greenwood trees, + While the burning sun her crew did freeze. + A horse danced o'er the billowy sea, + From him a duck with hoofs did flee. + From an empty cup two knights did quaff, + Served by a maid whose head was off. + Two wingless geese flew up in the sky, + As a legless hero ran hard by; + While near him scampered two roasted hares, + Hotly pursued by three dogs in pairs. + Then to the deaf man the dumb man spoke: + "What a monstrous lie! but I hope it's a joke." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVII + + THE CONDITIONS + + + Listen, listen man of God, + If thou wouldest serve thy God, + In thy lifetime do thou good, + And revere thine elder brother, + So thy younger thee revere. + Neither boast when fortune smileth, + Nor complain in days of trouble; + Grasp not an another's good; + For when death befalleth man, + Nought he takes from out the world, + Save his deeds and crossed white hands-- + When he goeth to the Judgment, + Where king's rank is unaccounted, + Rich men can no more be proud, + Poor men be no more despised. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXVIII + + PRAYER BEFORE GOING TO BED + + + With a cross I lay me down, + With a cross I get me up, + All day long it doth protect, + And angels in the night are near; + Archangels, they shall ward my death, + And God's my guard till all things end. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXIX + + VISION BEFORE SLEEP + + + To sleep I laid me down, + Making my prayer to God; + I called upon His angels; + Heaven was unveiled to me; + The Seraphim, they worshipped there, + And prayed this prayer to Christ our Lord: + "While he doth rest, all through his sleep, + Frome visions dark do Thou him keep." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXX + + PRAYER IN THE FIELD + + + We pray unto the Heavenly Lord, + Koledo, Koledo![36] + Dew to send upon our fields, + Koledo! + To give grain to wheat and maize, + Koledo, Koledo! + To give fruits in all the glades, + Koledo! + To give colours to the flowers, + Koledo, Koledo! + To give health to sheep and cattle, + Koledo! + And pardon, joy and song to all, + Koledo, Koledo! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXI + + A CHILD IN HEAVEN + + + Yesternight was born a Child, + But it passed from earth at morn, + Unbaptized to heaven's door. + "Open, heavenly watchman, open!" + "Nay, foolish babe, thou must away! + Sinful thou art, away, away!" + + "Foolish I am--but sinful, nay; + Born yesternight, I died to-day; + In the green forest I was born, + Where no sponsor, where no priest; + Therefore unbaptized I come!" + + Then the heavenly watcher answered: + "Go thou yet a short way on; + Go on, my babe, and thou shalt find + Three watersprings; from one to drink, + From one to wash, the third a font of blessing. + The first shall breast-milk be to thee; + The second is thy mother's tears, + And from the third thou shalt baptized be, + And joyful entrance gain to heaven." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXII + + CHRISTMAS + + + Why trembleth so the earth, + Set in this sphere of blue? + Christ our God was born hereon, + He, the Virgin's Holy Son, + Christ Who heaven and earth created, + And us sinners on the earth. + In awe when He shall come to judge, + We all shall stand before Him then, + Both righteous and unrighteous men. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIII + + CHRIST THINKS OF HIS MOTHER + + + On angel wing in upward flight + Rise soul and body of our Lord, + When piercing heaven with high gaze, + He calleth for one down to go, + Down to darksome Golgotha, + Where Mary bending near the Cross, + Weepeth in bitter agony: + "Let herald hasten now to tell her + I am risen unto heaven." + Great Michael heard, two angels sent, + Swift to convey the tidings glad: + "O thou of women all most blest, + Let not thy heart with fear be filled; + From the tomb thy Son is risen, + Risen to the Father's throne, + Saving men from Death's dominion." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIV + + THE BLESSED MARY AND JOHN THE BAPTIST + + + The Blessed Mary sent an angel + Unto John the Camel-girdled-- + "God's wish it is, and my wish too, + That thou shouldst now my Son baptize." + John went responsive to the river, + Down into Jordan with the Christ, + And there upon him with his Lord, + Open wide the gate of heaven, + The roseate sun did light the east, + Sign of that Spirit-first of which spake John, + Whose purging heat doth purify from sin, + And in Jordan's flowing river + Man's sin was taken all away! + Our salvation is in heaven! + Save, O God, all trusting souls, + Save them from the devil's toils. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXV + + THE HOLY MOTHER + + + Sadly walked the Holy Mother + On the Holy Mountain. + Suddenly espied she something + Brightly shining in the dust: + The Cross, it was, of her own Son. + With gentlest hands she caressed it, + She did wash it with her tears, + And after dried it with her hair. + Kneeling then she uttered prayer. + Speaking to the Holy Cross: + "O sweet Cross, thou Cross of honour, + Upon thee my Son has died, + Hellish pains on thee He suffered, + Hellish pains from those hot nails, + To redeem our sinful souls. + When He did upon thee bleed, + His blood it fell in priceless seed, + Whence there sprang all lovely flowers, + And angels, coming down to gather, + Made them into wreathes and garlands + That they might adorn all heaven." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVI + + DREAM OF THE HOLY VIRGIN + + + The Holy Virgin dreaming slept, + And in her dream a great tree grew, + Its branches from her own heart crept, + O'er spreading earth, north, south, east, west, + And piercing, spire-like, heaven's blue. + Sore troubled by her dream she rose + And sought straightway a saintly brother; + "Hear Saint Basil, my brother hear! + Let me tell my vision wondrous + I dreamed and lo! a great tree grew, + Its branches from my own heart crept, + O'erspreading earth north, south, east, west, + And towering up through heaven's blue. + What saith this vision Saint, to you?" + Then Basil answered to the Virgin: + "O sister dear, thy vision's clear: + 'A tree did spring from thy warm heart?' + To bear the Christ shall be thy part. + 'Those spreading branches covering all?' + Sinners He'll save from evil's thrall. + 'That height spire-piercing heaven's blue?' + To God the Father Christ shall rise + Passing from earth and fleshly view." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVII + + MOTHER AT THE TOMB OF HER SON + + + Alas! my son, how fareth it with thee, + In thy new dwelling, new and strange and dark? + Strange thy dwelling without windows! + At daybreak, Vinko, thy sad mother rose, + Her earliest thought as but of thee, + Her first thought, Vinko; Vinko her first call! + Thorns are growing at the house-door, + Cuckoos mourn around the house, + Downcast thy brothers wait for thee, + To talk with thee, to walk with thee-- + But now that ne'er can be. + With head bent down and brow o'ercast, + They make their way--for where art thou! + In ashes our hearth fire is hidden, + And when I saw the sun this morning, + I thought: It is the moon, + When thy sisters said to me: + "Dim thine eyes, it is the sun!" + "For me no sun," said I to them, + "Pale in the dust now is my sun, + No light have I above the earth." + Down in thy dwelling, oh my son, + Say, is it cold, my Sun, my Sun; + If it be cold as is my breast + It is too cold, too cold to rest.[37] + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXVIII + + MOTHER OVER HER DEAD SON + + + Where art thou flying? Where, oh where? + My falcon? + To what silent land and lone? + Say, hero mine! + Around thy friends and brothers ask me: + How shall I answer them! + "Where goes Perko? Tell us, Mother!" + Woe to me, oh woe to me! + If I answered, I might blame thee! + How blame _thee_? + Alway thou askedst me: May I go here--or should + I stay? + I knew thy way! + But now thou askedst not; nor may I give thee + "Yea" or "nay,"-- + O blank, blank day! + Better, child, I went to thee, than to stay + As mother here + Having lost the light of day! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXIX + + MOTHER'S LAMENT FOR HER SON + + + Wherefore do I marvel, wherefore need I wonder? + Traveller the dearest! + That through this lower world already thou hast sped, + Ray of light the fleetest! + Together we'd a little talk, but we looked for more, + Thou my golden store! + To the realms of heaven thou from earth art gone, + Thou my heaven and earth! + Thou thy flight hast taken, sure, to a land of flowers, + Dearest of my flowers! + Thy journey leadeth up to God, unto the blest in Paradise, + Thou my Paradise! + Thou shalt behold the Judgment Place, + Merciful my son! + Soon shalt reach those halls of rest, + Thou who gav'st me labour! + There shalt find the noble dead, + Thou my sweetest life! + Greet them all, the rich and poor, + Best of all my riches! + Salute the noblemen and princes. + Thou my prince of princes! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXX + + GREATEST GRIEF FOR A BROTHER + + + O'er Neven woods the sun went down, + The sun went down behind the forest, + As came the heroes off the sea. + The young wife counted anxiously, + The wife of George the Hospodar, + Counted the warriors, found them all, + Save her three treasures who were missing. + She could not find her Hospodar + Nor the best man at their wedding, + And the third treasure was not there; + This treasure was her dearest brother. + For her brave lord she cuts her tresses, + For her best man she wounds her cheeks, + And for her brother puts out both her eyes. + She cuts her hair, it grows again; + She wounds her cheeks, the wounds do heal; + But none can heal those hurt blind eyes, + Nor yet her heart for her lost brother. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXI + + THE DEATH CHAMBER OF HER FATHER-IN-LAW + + + Why art thou thus attired? + My more than father! + Why art thou thus bedight, so knightly armed? + My fearless knight! + Thou art departing for the city? + My shining city! + In order there to meet the lords and knights, + O my wise lord! + Or go'st thou to a marriage feast? + My pride, my noble guest! + --But why! thine eyes are closed to me! + O closed, O closed to me! + And--can it be!--thy mouth is bound! + This black, black morning! + If thou art gone, and com'st not back-- + How empty is the house! + How is it thou couldst leave us so? + To us, O woe, O woe! + Far, far thy journey, and the end not here! + But better is it there! + Mother and father, they will greet thee there, + Among the Blest! + Thy brothers, too, and children in celestial light,-- + O blessed, blessed sight! + Thee will they greet: we in their thoughts shall be, + O heavenly harmony! + But thou wilt stay, and ne'er return to us, + O woe, O woe to us! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXII + + KOLEDO + + + The king came to court our Margaret fair, + Koledo, Koledo! + And mother sang clear to our Margaret fair: + Koledo, Koledo! + "Oh, Margaret, haste! my daughter dear, + Koledo, Koledo! + The King, he has come to court you here, + Koledo, Koledo!" + Then thus sweet Margaret to mother's call: + "Koledo, Koledo! + I told you, mother mine, I told you, + Koledo, Koledo! + I want not kings, I want not knights, + Koledo, Koledo! + 'Tis Jesus Himself alone doth bind me, + Koledo, Koledo! + I've vowed to Him, true shall He find me, + Koledo, Koledo!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIII + + A HORSE'S COMPLAINT + + + A horse left his knight on Kossovo, + On a dreadsome place on Kossovo. + Finding his steed, the knight put question: + "O horse of mine, my greatest treasure, + Why hast thou left me here so lonely, + In this deadsome place on Kossovo? + What have I done thus to displease thee? + Say, horse of mine, why didst thou leave me? + Did press my saddle hard upon thee? + Thy jewelled bridle, was it heavy? + Or have I ridden thee too far?" + To his knight the horse made answer: + "Thy saddle pressed not hard upon me, + Thy jewelled bridle was not heavy, + Nor hast thou ridden me too far. + But this it is that doth displease me: + So oft thou tarriest at the tavern, + While I am tethered at the door. + Three maidens fair are dwelling there, + Whose beauty makes thee all forgetful, + While I am out here cold and fretful; + Then angrily I paw the earth, + And eat the grass down to its root, + And drink the water dry as stone, + While thou dost leave me here alone." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIV + + A DANCE AT VIDIN + + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh, let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy brother, go with him!" + "My brother! he can stay at home, + I do not want to go with him." + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh! let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy father, go with him!" + "Oh, let my father stay at home, + I do not want to go with him." + + One day at Vidin they did dance the Kolo: + "Oh! let me, mother, go and see!" + "There is thy darling, go with him!" + "Oh, come, my sweetheart, come with me! + I'll dance the Kolo there with thee!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXV + + THE PRICE + + + How many towns from here to the coast? + Seventy-seven sunlit towns, + And villages green a thousand! + And all of these I'd give for the street + Where I my sweetheart first did meet, + And e'en the street I'd give as the price + To meet him again--aye, but for a trice! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVI + + PREFERENCES + + + Three maids were talking on a night, + Upon a silvery moonlight night. + They walked and talked of many things, + They asked what each preferred to have. + Two did listen to the eldest: + "A castle white is what I'd like." + Then two did hear the second say: + "'Tis velvet blue with gold I like." + Then two listened to the youngest: + "A sweetheart true I would prefer. + Should the castle all be ruined, + My darling would rebuild it up; + The velvet would with time wear out, + My darling he could buy me more-- + A sweetheart true is richer store!" + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVII + + A BRIDE'S DEVOTION + + + A Bride most fair fed a swan and a lion, + A swan and a lion and a falcon grey. + To her came merchants from far away: + "Sell us, sweet maid, your swan and your lion, + This swan and this lion and falcon grey!" + "Ye men from afar, go away, go away, + My godfather cometh to see me wed, + And this lion I tend till the time be sped; + And for my true friend who best man shall be, + This white swan I keep, and for none but he! + But this falcon grey ye covet so much, + 'Tis my true love's own; none shall it touch." + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXVIII + + FIDELITY + + + A youth to God did pray, + About his sweetheart dear, + That he the gem might be + Which trembled in her ear. + + He wished to be the beads + Reposing on her breast, + That he might hear her say + That she loved him best. + + The prayer he prayed was heard + A pearl beside the shore, + His darling picked him up, + And on her necklet bore. + + He listened and he heard + How true her loving heart: + She told the other maids + She ne'er from him would part. + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXXXIX + + A SISTER'S LAMENT + + + Sister was I of kingly brothers three, + But now my kings are gone from me, + Woe, woe, woe! + + Better kingdoms they are asking, + Better work than this world's tasking, + And God will grant it, where they go, + Better service He'll bestow, + But for me, alas! Oh! woe! + + So kingly brothers ne'er were known, + Now my heart breaketh here alone. + This world for me too dark is now, + And I took dark for it, I trow! + Woe, woe, woe! + + J. W. W. + + + + + CXL + + THE PRAYER OF KARAGEORGE'S LADY[38] + + + Prayed of God the Karageorge's Lady! + "Give me, God, to bear a maiden lovely, + Patternized by Carapi['c]a Vasa, + Grant us, O God, to choose name of beauty, + Name of beauty, precious gold of mother. + When shall come the baby, christen'd Goldie, + Swaddling clothes her mother will then make her, + Flowing clothes of linen for her infant, + All of silk and cloth of gold so beauteous, + As she's Goldie let gold bless her slumber. + When she's come to her little cradle, + Then her mother will make little cradle, + Little cradle of gold will she make her, + As she's Goldie, let cradle be golden. + When Goldie is grown up to be spinner, + Spinning-wheel her mother then will make her, + Of gold will she make her golden spindle, + As she's Goldie let her wheel be golden. + When Goldie knows how to embroider, + Golden frame her mother will then make her, + Of gold will she make her spinning trinket, + As she's Goldie, may her work be golden."[39] + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLI + + THOU ART EVER, EVER MINE[40] + + + O my girl, O my soul, + What does mother say to you? + Will she marry you to me? + Her son-in-law can I be? + She might give you, she might not, + Thou art ever, ever mine! + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLII + + SEA MERCHANT[41] + + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy eyes are corals in the sea, + I am a merchant on the sea + Buying the riches of the sea. + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy teeth are tiniest pearls, + I am a merchant on the sea + Buying tiniest pearls of the sea. + + Listen, my girl, listen, my beauty! + Thy hands are whiter than the wool, + I am a merchant on the sea + Trading in wool o'er the sea. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIII + + ANGELA AS WATCHMAN[42] + + + Falcon is winging high, + But the fortress gates are higher; + And Angela is watching there + Aureoled in sunshine, + Belted with the moonbeams, + And flowering with the stars. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIV + + A LAD AND HIS BETROTHED[43] + + + Little lad is wandering + Through a wooded copse, + Strutting with a green bough + Walking down the slopes. + Looking on a courtyard + Sees young Jana sweeping: + + "O thou pearl, my sweet one, + Whence my ring in keeping?" + Thus she answered proudly: + "May thy brother know, perchance, + And should it bring God's blessing + He'll join our wedding dance." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLV + + DIREFUL SICKNESS[44] + + + What shall I do, what shall I do? + My nights are sleepless, + My heart is so restless-- + Ah, sorrow, anew, + I'll die, + My love, for you. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVI + + ALL AS IT SHOULD BE[45] + + + When the sun sets at even, + My love is just coming to me + And when the moon has passed Heaven + My lover is going from me. + So the paths are all darken'd with shadow, + Just as it should be, should be + In shadow that no one can see. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVII + + BEAUTY PREENS HERSELF[46] + + + For whom powders face so lovely, Beauty? + For whom has she dropped her hair on shoulder, + For whom is she wearing charms in bosom? + Is it for Valach, or for a Magyar? + It is not for Valach nor for Magyar, + It is for this Stojan, mighty reaper, + Who in Kolo always takes the leadship, + When he's playing, every heart is touched. + When he's dancing, dances like a puppet. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLVIII + + HARVEST SONG[47] + + + Hurry, hurry, robust harvesters, + At field's end there's water and a maiden, + Cooling water, and a maiden youthful, + Drink ye water, and embrace your maiden. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CXLIX + + LONG NIGHT[48] + + + These are long nights, these are long nights, + For him who does not kiss black eyes, + He it is who cannot slumber, + For his heart is pierced with sorrow. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CL + + EYEBROW LURE[49] + + + Oh, my girl, my sweetest flower, + Curl not ends of eyebrow bower, + Do not grieve your youthful laddies, + As your way doth torment me: + Leading horse, I wander barefoot-- + Carrying boots, I wander barefoot-- + Bearing bread, I cannot eat it-- + Treading water, cannot drink it. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLI + + GIRLHOOD[50] + + + Girlhood was my golden tsardom! + Tsar was I while girlhood lasted; + Ah, if I could turn me backward, + Well I know how I'd live girlhood. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLII + + YOUTH WITH YOUTH[51] + + + On the river Sitnitsa + Little green fir standeth! + Who's young and stripling, + Youth with green youth sleepeth. + Ah, but see that youthful Jovo, + All alone is he, + Seeing that the youthful Mara + Joins him secretly. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIII + + COME, MY LOVER, TO ME[52] + + + Full and thick is shadow, + Come, my love, to meadow, + For I've a verdant garden, + Red roses for a warden; + Golden kerchief will I make thee, + Christmas gift of love from me, + To carry so splendidly + In the memory of thy darling. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIV + + SIGHS[53] + + + Oh my heart, I feel me sighing, + Methinks that my lover calls me to him, + But in truth my sweetheart's love hath ceased. + Cried out falcon from a fir branch lofty: + "O girl lovely! Sinfully you are speaking, + Only past night your love called you lovely, + Drinking wine unto your bounteous pleasure: + 'O my girl, my soul of me most dearest, + I have made for thee a hiding, + Half my bed and half my arm, + Half a pillow, half a cover, + Half a cushion, heart of mine in bosom.'" + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLV + + A BOUQUET OF LITTLE ROSES[54] + + + O girl of my soul, my soul, + Take this bunch of rosebuds neat, + Should thy bouquet fade and fail, + Come once more, my soul, to me + I will pluck again for thee. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVI + + DREAM INTERPRETATION[55] + + + Darling sweetheart on his free arm sleeping, + Makes he motion to sound gong in waking: + "Awake, my dear, dearer than mine own eyes, + Last night I a strange dream was a-dreaming: + My fez swept 'way on the troubled water, + Pearls were strewing richly in my lap-robe, + And my watch in pieces four was broken." + Sweetheart waking, calmly speaking this-wise: + "Easy is it to interpret dreaming, + That your fez was swept by troubled water + Means you're to go forth to battle army; + That pearls richly scatter'd in your lap-robe + Must mean our tears, thine with mine are mingling; + That your watch in pieces four was broken + Means in truth that our hearts will be breaking + When we're forced to take leave of each other." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVII + + WITH SWEETHEART NIGHTS ARE SHORTEST[56] + + + Cyclone downward rumbling, + All the castle trembling. + In castle is a girl + Crying, never ceasing: + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to papa; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to mother; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to brother; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + "Alas, how long nights are! + When sleeping near to sister; + On nine soft mattresses, + On nine softest cushions, + 'Neath nine fine coverlets." + + Cyclone downward rumbling, + All the castle trembling. + In castle is a girl + Crying, never ceasing: + "Alas, how short the nights are! + Sleeping with my darling, + Just on single mattress, + On a single pillow, + 'Neath a single cover." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLVIII + + DAWN AWAKENED LAZAR[57] + + + 'Wakening Lazar dawn was stealing: + "Get up, Lazar; rise up, Lazar! + Horse of thine has thirst for water." + Forthwith up leaps Lazar quickly, + Grasps his horse's bridle lightly, + Leading horse, he goes to water, + But at water's edge was maiden, + With his foot he touched hers gently, + Kissed the while her black eyes sparkling, + Clasping her about the bosom. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLIX + + A DEVILISH YOUNG MATRON[58] + + + When I lived a girl with mother, + Good advice was given me often, + That I should not drink the red wine, + That I should not wear green wreathlets, + That I shouldn't kiss a stranger. + But I poor girl deeply thinking over: + There's no red cheek without red wine sparkling, + There's no pleasure without green wreath glistening, + Neither amour without stranger wooer. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLX + + GIRL IS ETERNAL POSSESSION[59] + + + In a garden works a maiden, + Digging furrow, water decoy, + To the garden 'luring water, + To give drink to early flowers, + Early flowers, whitest basil, + Whitest basil, gold carnation; + Where she's furrowing, there she's sleeping. + Putting head in sweetest basil, + Hands are lying in carnations, + Feet are plac'd in shallow hollow, + Covered with a fragile kerchief; + Beat upon her dew-drops slender, + Like a rain-soaked watermelon. + Now there comes a callow youth, + Callow youth and not yet married, + Grasping two posts, leaps the railing, + Springing lightly into garden, + Then commences soliloquizing: + "Should I pluck a bunch of flowers? + Should I kiss a sleeping maiden? + Bunch of flowers lasts till mid-day, + But a maiden lasts forever." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXI + + JOVO AND MARIA[60] + + + Breeze fans up o'er roses 'long the meadow, + To the rich white tent of Jovo, youthful, + Where there's Jovo with Maria sitting: + Jovo writing and Maria sewing; + Ink runs short for Jovo where he's writing, + And Maria golden thread is losing, + Then to Maria, Jovo thus is speaking: + "Oh, my Maria, mine own cherish'd lov'd one! + Is my soul to thee a dear possession? + For a pillow is my right hand doughty?" + Mara to him gently whispering slowly: + "Believe me, Jovo, darling of my heart-throb, + Dearer to me is thy soul much dearer, + Than are altogether four of brothers; + Softer to me thy own right hand doughty, + Than four softest pillows of my choosing." + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXII + + ROSE TREE[61] + + + Planted rose-tree midst of Novi-Sad town, + O my rose-bud, O my sorrow rose tree, + Cannot pick you, neither give you sweetheart: + For my sweetie vents her anger on me, + Gliding past my courtyard stealthy, + Like the slave who passes Turkish graveyard. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIII + + DARLING'S WRATH[62] + + + O my darling, be not wrathful; + Should I, myself, show my hot displeasure, + All of Bosnia never could appease us, + Not all Bosnia nor the Hercegovina. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIV + + LAD PIERCED WITH ARROW[63] + + + Alas hero I'm with arrow pierced, + O my Yetsa, thy white face is guilty, + Thy black eye-balls are the piercing arrows, + Thy white arms are now a very torment. + Come, my love bird, to my white court homing, + Come to heal my heart's own sore displeasure, + To bind up my wounds with thy throat's whiteness, + To salve suffering with thy honey kisses. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXV + + NOUGHT BUT KISSES[64] + + + Up and down went youth in mountain, + In a garden, girl round fountain; + On her threw he hawthorn red,-- + Lightly answering, blackthorn sped,-- + Think you they intend to kill? + Nought but kisses that they will. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVI + + UNITED[65] + + + Little girl, the small black-eyed, + Hero, wondering stupefied: + 'Had we means of barter! + To lead us near together! + I my life long would not quit her, + None could make our friendship wither.' + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVII + + GIRL PLEADS WITH JEWELLER[66] + + + Oh, my jeweller, for your trade's sake, listen! + Make me hero, all of gold my hero, + I will spoil him, as his mother dares not, + I will kiss him until dawns the twilight, + Till day breaks ever will caress him. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXVIII + + WIFE DEARER THAN SISTER[67] + + + Lo! behold behind the forest + Someone loudly screams-- + "'Tis a voice," says youthful hero, + "Girlish-like it seems." + When behold! he looked and spied her, + Tiny girl, tree-bound they'd tied her, + With fine silken seams. + Hear! she prays of youthful hero, dazzled by his might: + "Come to me, thou youthful hero, O most beauteous, wonderknight. + Come to free me, youthful hero, and I'll be thy sister true." + Thus she spake, but laughing he, "O, there's one at home like you." + "Come to free me then, my brother; sister-in-law I'll be no other." + ('But at home she sits by mother.') + "Then I'll be thy golden bride. + Take me to thy meadows wide, + Take me to thy castles white, + Take me, take me from this plight." + So she spake to gallant lover, + Hovering near and just above her, + Clasps her in his arms to love her-- + Such a gallant knight! + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXIX + + GREATEST SORROW[68] + + + All young heroes here save mine, + All young gallant heroes brave. + O! that I were sure he'd tarry, + Lingering in some sickness grave, + Rather than the wish to marry + Sends him courting another maid. + O! may he be too ill to travel, + May him dread illness cause to pine, + Rather than to court another, + Never, never to be mine. + + B. S. S. + + + + + CLXX + + YOUTH AND GIRL[69] + + + O maiden, thou gentlest rose + When thou wert growing what didst thou behold? + Hast thou observed a pine-tree growing + Or the slender, proud fir-tree blowing, + Or did'st gaze at my youngest brother?-- + + O glad, young hero, brilliant Sun! + Never at the pine-tree blowing + Have I look'd in wonder gazing + Neither at the slender fir-tree, + Nor thy youngest brother, free, + Rather have I grown to suit thee, + Tender knight, to suit but thee. + + B. S. S. + + + + +NOTES + + +[Footnote 1: This song as also those signed "S. J. B." has been +transversified and published by (Sir) John Bowring, "Servian Popular +Poetry," London, 1827.] + +[Footnote 2: The Serbian peasants, especially women, firmly believe that +saints, parents, rulers, bishops and clergymen have the privilege of +cursing and that the person to whom the curse is addressed is bound to +undergo the consequences pronounced by the curser. There are several +instances in the Serbian heroic ballads by which it is proven that the +national Serbian bards, and indeed all the peasants who participated in +the composition of their epic poetry, believe that curses pronounced by +privileged persons always come true. Thus in the ballad _Uros and +Mrnjavcevici_ King Vukasin of Macedonia, angry with his son Marko +Kralyevich because the latter, when chosen for arbiter, said that the +imperial crown belonged to Carevic Uros and not to him (Vukasin), +exclaimed: + + "O son Marko, may God smother thee! + Mayest thou have no tomb, nor progeny + May thy soul not leave thy body + Before thou hast served the Turkish emperor!" + +While Marko's kingly father cursed him, Carevic Uros blesses him thus: + + "O my Kum Marko, God second thee! + Thy face shine at divan + Thy sabre smother in duels! + May no one excel thee in heroism + Thy name be reverently remembered. + As long as Sun and Moon shine!" + +And the bard finishes his poem with, "Whatever they said, it came true." + +Another oral tradition tells us how a nobleman _Velimir Bogati_ (Velimir +the Rich) who once refused hospitality to Knez Lazar, the emperor of +Serbia (1389), was cursed by the noble prince and how Velimir's first +son indeed drowned himself in the river Lepenica, his second son fell +from his horse and died in consequence of the accident and how his +third, and now only son, was imprisoned by his father in one of the +remotest towers of his castle in order to avoid any danger of +experiencing the prince's curse. One day, however, Velimir Bogati +brought to his imprisoned son some grapes from his own vineyard, in +order that the poor young fellow should at least know what time of the +year it was, and lo! while the boy was eating the grapes a small viper +jumped out of the bunch and mortally bit him. The news of the sudden +death of the young nobleman spread rapidly amongst the neighboring +villages and fortified the peasants in their belief that one cannot +escape the curse. + +Par extension a _kletva_ (curse) can be effective even if pronounced, as +in the above song, by other persons than those privileged. + +Another saga narrates how a peasant greedily coveted and wished to +appropriate a corn field that belonged to his neighbour and, in order to +attain his evil end, he buried in the middle of that field his only son +whom he had previously taught what to say when interrogated. The judge +and the plaintiffs came with the defender to the spot and the +mischievous peasant in order to mystify those present, exclaimed: "O +black earth, speak of thy own free will, to whom dost thou rightly +belong?" + +"I belong to thee," the voice from below was heard. + +The lawful owner, hearing this, started aback. And the judge's verdict +appointed the field to belong to the covetous and wrong claimant. And +the parties dispersed in wonder. + +Then the father began to dig the ground in order to disinter his son. +But--there was not the shadow of one! He called loudly and the child +answered the call but the voice from beneath the earth was ever fainter +and fainter. Finally the child turned to a mole. + +Thus became, according to Serbian tradition, the first mole. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 3: Sir John Bowring, although a remarkable transversifier and +at times a true interpreter of popular songs of the Slavs, has taken too +much of that _licentia poetica_ in his rendering of this, one of the +most beautiful lyrics ever composed by Serbian peasant women. The reader +may judge for himself, when comparing Sir John Bowring's liberal +transversification with the following _verbatim_ translation (which he, +himself, felt absolutely indispensable to reproduce) what a great +injustice is inflicted upon the popular songs of any people by even the +most conscientious transversifier and how infinitely less untrue to the +original a rendering can be. (Edit.) + +Of this little poem, which Goethe calls "wonderful," the following is an +almost literal translation: + + Full of wine, white branches of the vine-trees + To white Buda's fortress white had clung them: + No! it was no vine-tree, white and pregnant! + No! it was a pair of faithful lovers, + From their early youth betrothed together. + Now they are compell'd to part untimely. + One address'd the other at their parting, + "Go! my soul! burst out and leave my bosom! + Thou wilt find a hedge-surrounded garden, + And a red-rose branch within the garden; + Pluck a rose from off the branch, and place it, + Place it on thy heart, within thy bosom; + Then behold!--ev'n as that rose is fading, + Fades my heart within thy heart thou loved one!" + And thus answer'd then the other lover: + "Thou, my soul! turn back a few short paces. + There thou wilt discern a verdant forest; + In it is a fount of crystal water; + In the fount there is a block of marble; + On the marble block a golden goblet; + In the goblet thou wilt find a snow-ball. + Love! take out that snow-ball from the goblet, + Lay it on thy heart within thy bosom; + See it melt--and as it melts, my lov'd one! + So my heart within thy heart is melting." + + (S. J. B.) +] + +[Footnote 4: This song has obviously been composed by a Serbian woman of +Mohammedan faith. A large percentage of Serbians in Bosnia, Hercegovina +and even Macedonia are still adhering to the Koran. Ali Bey surely must +have been a Serbian bey. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 5: Smilia, the _grapharium arenarium_, or "lovely love." Also +a woman's name. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 6: This song is sung at the close of the harvest, when all the +reapers are gathered together. Half as many reeds as the number of +persons present are so bound that no one can distinguish the two ends +which belong to the same reed. Each man takes one end of the reeds on +one side, each of the women takes one end at the other. The withes that +bind the reeds are severed, and the couples that hold the same reed kiss +one another. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 7: _Kalpak_, the fur cap of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 8: This is one of the songs sung at the breaking up of the +company, addressed to the giver of the festival. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 9: _Musko cedo_ (male child). The male sex is in Serbia, as +elsewhere, deemed entitled to more care and attention than the other. +(S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 10: A handkerchief embroidered and given by a girl to a boy is +considered in Jugoslavia as a symbol of love and faith. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 11: As unfortunately Serbian parents often, very often, select +the husband of their marriageable daughter, the poor girl, unless +disobedient and rebellious, meekly accedes to the choice even if her +bridegroom should be an old man. This is obviously a remnant of Turkish +dominion in Serbia. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 12: _Zvezda_, star, is of the feminine gender. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 13: Sun is feminine in Serbian. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 14: The leech, _Sanguisuga_; but in Serbian there is no +disagreeable association with the word. It is the name usually employed +to describe the beauty of the eyebrows, as swallows' wings are the +simile used for eyelashes. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 15: _Visnja_, the universal Slavonian name of the Vistula +cherry-tree. The _Cerasum apronianum_ of Linne. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 16: The _Vila_ nearly corresponds to the _Peri_ of the +Persians, and the _Woela_ of the Scandinavians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 17: _Radisa_ is the name of a man. _Radovanje_--joy. (S. J. +B.)] + +[Footnote 18: _Lepota_ is the Serbian word for beauty. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 19: I shall be accused of having _decorated_ this. The +translation is more free than I have generally given; but in order to +show how little I have deviated from the thought of the original, I give +the conclusion. (S. J. B.) + + "Ako bi te u pjesmu pjevala, + Pjesma ide od usta do usta, + Pa ce doci u pogana usta; + Ako bi te u rukave vezla, + Rukav ce se odma izderati, + Pa ce tvoje ime poginuti; + Ako bi te u knjigu pisala + Knjiga ide od ruke do ruke, + Pa ce doci u pogane ruke." + + Vuk i. p. 200 +] + +[Footnote 20: The popular national dance of the Serbians. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 21: _Bosiljak_, the _Ocimum basilicum_ of Linne (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 22: As the Serbians have had during the long Ottoman rule to +attend to much sterner duties than that of cultivating literature and +art, and, as the greater part of the population (sixty per cent at +least) are even to this day completely illiterate, ability to read and +write is still considered an 'art' with the peasantry. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 23: _Kaloper_, balsamita vulgaris of Linne. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 24: _Vila_ (pronounced veelah) is with the Serbians a female +deity (Muse or Grace) of incomparable beauty and tenderness. But she can +be very hostile to mortals. (Cf. note 16. Edit.)] + +[Footnote 25: The cuckoo (_Kukavica_), according to Serbian tradition, +was a maiden who mourned so unceasingly for a dead brother, that she was +changed into a bird, and thence continues without rest her melancholy +note. A Serbian girl who has lost a brother never hears a cuckoo without +shedding tears.--"I a poor cuckoo," is equivalent to "woe is me!" (S. J. +B.)] + +[Footnote 26: _Ban_ is obviously a corrupt form of the Polish or Cech or +Ruthenian title _Pan_, meaning "Mr." or, in direct address, "Sir." To +this day that word has been conserved only by those Serbians who have +lived in the Austro-Hungarian territory called Croatia, and is applied +as a title to their political chief. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 27: Lado is the vocative of _Lada_, the goddess of love, in +the old Slavonian mythology. _Lado!_ is a melancholy interjection in +Serbian, whereas _Lele!_ the vocative of Lela, the god of love, has +frequently a cheerful association. _Polela_ (after love) the goddess of +marriage, is also sometimes apostrophised. Talvj remarks, that _Ljad_, +in Russian, signifies misfortune. In common parlance, _Lele mene_ +(Serbian) imports "Woe is me!" (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 28: _Mlinar_, the miller. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 29: Wesely imagines that this expression has been introduced +into Serbian poetry by the influence of the interesting ballad on the +marriage of Maxim Cernojevic (see _Quarterly Review_ for December, +1826). The intimate intercourse which existed between Serbia and Venice +may account for the phraseology. (S. J. B.)] + +[Footnote 30: This song, as also others signed "O. M.", has been +transversified by Robert Bulwer Lytton (Owen Meredith), "Serbske Pesme; +or National Songs of Serbia," London, 1861. (Edit.)] + +[Footnote 31: _Kolo_, signifying literally a wheel, is the generic term +for all the Serbian national dances in most of which the dancers, either +taking hands, or united each to each by a handkerchief tied round the +waist or to the girdle, form a ring and advance or retreat to and from +the centre to a monotonous music, either of the voice or some very +simple wind instruments. Both sexes take part in these dances, which are +frequently in the open air. (O. M.)] + +[Footnote 32: This song as also those signed "J. W. W.", has been +transversified and published by J. W. Wiles, "Serbian Songs and Poems: +Chords of the Yugoslav Harp," New York, 1917.] + +[Footnote 33: _Hodza_, i. e. Mohammedan priest. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 34: Turkish seminary. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 35: _Kalfa_, governess. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 36: _Koledo_: In ancient times the Serbians, as all the Slavs, +often used this word as a refrain in their bucolic songs. It was an +address to _Ledo_, the ancient Slav divinity who presided over the +process of fertility and protected fields and flowers. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 37: Loud lamentations, by women rather than men, are an +ancient custom among the Serbs. These dirges are again and again +extemporized with spontaneous poetic feeling. Girls let down their hair +and lament in the orchards and precincts of the house. (J. W. W.)] + +[Footnote 38: This song, as well as others signed "B. S. S.," has been +rendered into English by the Editor.] + +[Footnote 39: "The Prayer of Karageorge's Lady" is number 685 of Vol. I +of Vuk Karadzic's collection. (Edition of 1891.) + +[Footnote 40: No. 428 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 41: No. 445 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 42: No. 468 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 43: No. 474 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 44: No. 581 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 45: No. 792 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 46: No. 765 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 47: No. 247 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 48: No. 314 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 49: No. 338 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 50: No. 409 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 51: No. 446 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 52: No. 298 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 53: No. 279 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 54: No. 335 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 55: No. 309 Vol. V. (Edition of 1898).] + +[Footnote 56: No. 294 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 57: No. 466 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 58: No. 459 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 59: No. 453 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 60: No. 287 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 61: No. 472 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 62: No. 473 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 63: No. 482 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 64: No. 487 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 65: No. 488 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 66: No. 491 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 67: No. 300 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 68: No. 359 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + +[Footnote 69: No. 422 Vol. I. (Edition of 1891).] + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of An Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; +Serbian Lyrics, by Various + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ANTHOLOGY OF JUGOSLAV POETRY *** + +***** This file should be named 36091.txt or 36091.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/3/6/0/9/36091/ + +Produced by Roberta Staehlin, Carol Ann Brown, and the +Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net +(This file was produced from images generously made +available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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