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Marko took the ancient books,
He made him ready and made ready Sharatz[1].
He leapt on the back of Sharatz,
And set out for Kossovo plain.
And when they were come to the King's tent
King Vukašin cried:
"Good fortune is mine, by the dear God!140
Behold my son Marko!
He will say that the empire falls to me,
For from the father it will pass to the son."
Marko heard, but said nothing,
Nor turned his head towards the tent.
And when Vojvoda Uglješ perceived him,
Uglješ spake this word:
"Good fortune is mine! Behold my nephew!
He will say that the empire falls to me.
Say, Marko, that the empire is mine150
And we twain shall reign like brothers!"
Marko held his peace, he said nothing,
Nor turned aside his head to the tent.
And when Vojvoda Gojko perceived him
Gojko spake this word:
"Good fortune is mine! Behold my nephew!
He will say that the empire falleth to me.
When Marko was yet a little child,
I cherished him tenderly;
I folded him in my silken bosom160
Like a fair golden apple;
And when I went forth on horseback
Ever I took Marko with me.
Say, Marko, that the empire is mine
And thou shalt reign chiefest therein,
And I will sit at thy knee."
Marko held his peace, he said nothing,
Nor turned his head towards the tent,
But he went straight to the white tent,
- ↑ Šarac, the name of Marko's wonderful piebald horse.
