Page:Anthology of Modern Slavonic Literature in Prose and Verse by Paul Selver.djvu/261

 

(And all who have been, through all centuries, upon the whole expanse of earth
Have died for us)
Because of all crops, sown by a myriad hands and yet ungarnered!
Because of the alluring gleam and perils of all anvoyaged oceans!
Because of every span of earth that is destined as the battle-field of our victories,
And is therefore secretly marked with blossoms and gold!
Because of all beauty yet unkindled upon countenances,
Unatoned guilt, stones unchanged into bread,
Wealth still unbestowed upon brethren, kisses still waiting for lips,
Blissful is life!

Because of the outcry of the desolate heart
When it exults from its anguish like a straying bird
That has found a singing multitude of brethren,
Blissful is life!

Because of gusts, cataclysma, tempests! Paroxysms of love and desire!
Onslaughts of spirits!
Ceaseless ardour and thirst of uniting endeavour!
Because of our mystical sharing
In labour of all conquerors,
Who mark all happenings as a flock for the shearing

17