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Krok—he the first of nobles—he who founded
His country's freedom—and its resounded
So widely—Krok—his country's judge and friend;
What blessings on his memory still attend."
He said, to whom the Prince "Shall subjects choose,
Where, whom they will, and by their choice evince
Their sense, and build their bliss; and ye refuse
The privilege of his subjects to your prince?
Is rank more dear than happiness?—high station,
Nought but a mark for sorrow and vexation?
No! love has mark'd me out a flower-strown way,
I hear his mandate, and I must obey."
But hear! but hear! the tramping hoofs of steeds;
Tramp, tramp, tramp, tramp, and now their riders’ voice—
Up starts the prince—another knight succeeds
Another, and another at the noise.
"O welcome! welcome! welcome—maiden fairest!
Sweetest of women—bride, and all that's dearest,
Come to my arms, thou sweetest, gentlest, best,
And cling thee—cling thee to thy lover's breast."
