Curses (1850)
by Cyprian Kamil Norwid, translated from Polish by Wikisource

Klątwy” The poem „Curses” was written in spring of 1850, and was the poet's reaction against the antipolish articles in the contemporary Parisian press.

Cyprian Kamil Norwid2482957Curses1850Wikisource

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).