Page:Bohemian poems, ancient and modern (Lyra czecho-slovanska).djvu/71

‘But the child all proudly rising;
—rays as from an angel blest
‘From his visage pale were beaming;
—thus the mighty Khan addrest:
‘“Mighty lord, thy gaze directing
to my little, tender frame,
‘Soon to be death’s early victim,
think, O! think, how here I came;
‘How my little feet have borne me
countless risks and terrors through,
‘From Morava’s distant region
thy imperial throne unto.
‘Could a little, feeble body,
such as mine, the task fulfil?
‘But He gave me—He who guides me—
gave me pow’r to do His will.
‘Worms at His almighty bidding
elephants o’ermaster can,
‘Midges can the lion vanquish—
therefore listen, Kasans Khan!
‘God hath bid me fetch my brother
from his slavery with thee,
‘God hath bid me, as his ransom,
leave myself thy slave to be;
‘For a noble race is threat’ning
soon to fail and perish all,
‘Soon into the grave-like darkness
of forgetfulness to fall;
‘Therefore grant my brother’s freedom,
that he may to future days

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