Page:Modern Czech Poetry, 1920.djvu/79

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JAROSLAV VRCHLICKÝ.
61

6. AS PRECIOUS STONE . . .

In sooth, the dust on insects' wings,
A shimmering tree,
O beauteous soul, ne'er brings
Such ecstasy
As mine, that thee alone
I own
And in my heart I bear
As precious stone.

A hundred kisses sends to thee
My soul in dreams.
Thou hast therein shed radiancy,
Scent, purple gleams,
Now all that in the world I own
Is thee alone,
Whom in my heart I bear
As precious stone.

“Eclogues and Songs” (1880).


4. INSCRIPTION FOR AN OLD GOBLET.

A ruby 'mid the silver gleaming
In three-fold garland twined around,
Saith: "Reveller, see, what from me streaming
Its glowing path to thee hath found!"

With graces graved in golden splendour
Apollo on his car doth rise,
Saying: "In joy to earth surrender,
But speed in spirit to the skies!"