THE GENTLEMAN FROM LKOUŠE, 1571.
Šamonice’s bells are gladly ringing—
The farmers mourn, but their lords are laughing.
From out the castle to the church they go,
Lorecký Lkouše has two sons, you know.
Carriage on carriage drive from out the gate.
The gentleman of Lkouše looks elate.
He oft had thought to die without an heir,
Now he drives through the village with a pair.
But see, the way is blocked with village men,
And Peter Dulík stops the steeds just then.
Širák bows, and fain would now have spoken.
Šamonický waits not, calls out “Open!”
“Coachman, beat the knave! Whip him from the way!
Let my horses tramp them down this glad day.”
But Peter Dulík will not loose his hold,
But calls out in a voice both loud and bold:
“God has given you twins—will you mercy show,
Mercy, for God’s sake, mercy to us show.
“Free us from the tenth part—lighten our way,
For we starve and fast, as on Good Friday.
“Faint we are with labor—toiling for you—
Oh, bless us this day—twins God gave to you!”
