Each step of the sun the host march’d on
Until the full noonday;
Awaiting them on the level plain
The warlike Vlaslaw lay.
From wood to wood his army reach’d,
It reach’d along five times as strong
As the men of Prague arrayed,
And from it, as from thunder-clouds,
Was heard around a hurtling sound,
And countless bloodhounds bayed.
“With foes like these we scarce can fight,
“Not oft the staff can strive
“Against the axe!”[1] Thus Voimir, thus
Doth Czestmir answer give:
“’Tis wise in whispers thus to speak,
“’Tis wise prepar’d to be
“For every chance. With heedless shock
“Why strike thy forehead ’gainst a rock?
“With artful wiles the fox beguiles
“The bull so strong to see.
“Here Vlaslaw from the hill on high
“Can see us as we go—
“Quick down, and round the mountain march!
- ↑ See Note B.
