Translation:Curses (Norwid)

by Cyprian Kamil Norwid

Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; how I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty people. ^[1]
Psalm LXXXIX

No Polish King stood on the scaffold,
Well, Frenchman will say us: Rebels! ^[2]

No Polish monk blasphemed against whole-virginity,
So heretic will say us: Heretics!

No Polish plough ploughed else’s land,
So we will be treated like a thieves.

No Polish spirit broke up with his…,
Well, they will teach us – what is history?

But goes time – of Christ's nobility,
Voice of conscience and voiceless knowledge;

But goes time and the way simplifieds itself...
Fear those – who today learn to fear the God.

1. Bible (King James Version), Ps 89, 51.
2. Louis XVI, (because this poem was inspired by French press).