62
MODERN BOHEMIAN POETRY
Xaver Dvořák (b. 1858).
ASTRAY
We have strayed from the sunlight,
By the gloom of the forest encompassed around
What lamps have ye kindled?
In their dim rays the shadows abound and abound.
Old grids have arisen
Like night-birds 'mid drooping of branches that sigh,
Their eyes kindled with blood;
Exceeding close o'er my head they did fly.
I smell the scent of decay
Of the kingdom of death. The grave-stones are near;
They rest with the calm of the mound,
But the tooth-marks of Death on their crosses appear.
Let us back to the Sun!
Sore stricken am I. O turn once again!
How sweetly it glowed in our Day newly-born,
And a smile of delight went from all in its train.
