František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow

Name: Poet Lore
Author: František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow

Poet Lore (1917)

Summary

“Poet Lore”, published in 1917, is a work by František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow. It explores elements such as Kralenec, Tonicka and miners.

Quotes from Poet Lore (František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow)

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Rokos.—Life is as dark and uncertain as a deep body of water; one it buoys up, another it drowns,—and that usually just when a person is beginning to think that all is won.
Tonicka.—That is the truth. But it drowns a hundred while fortune comes to but one.
Skarban.—And it plays with people like a cyclone tossing about the leaves. The only thing to hope for is the blessing of peace and a decent livelihood.
Kralenec.—Yes, that is a golden truth. I myself am now satisfied because I have a wife, my children, and this little room. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Veverka.—For Heaven’s sake, don’t yell at me so! If you had a family to support, who knows how you would decide!
Rokos.—What’s that?
Veverka (Stepping aside, as though afraid) .—I don’t know, . . . perhaps you would hold out, . . . but perhaps you, . . . I am in deadly distress . . . Christ in Heaven!
Rokos.—You are making a fine beginning. Where are Kralovec and the others?
Veverka.—They went somewhere, . . . to the tavern perhaps, . . . it is filling with men. But they asked about you!
Rokos.—Skarban! Let us go. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Rokos.—And the longest holiday stretches before man when death comes to summon him. Every man should welcome death as the greatest of all experiences. His toiling and anxiety are then over; if someone has learned to like him a bit, they have the chance to weep,—and then for all eternity, peace.
Tonicka.—Oh, what gloomy views! Better tell us some thing more cheerful!
Skarban (Gazing out of the window, and changing the conversation) .—Look, look! There goes Veverka! Flying this way as though his brain were afire!
Kralenec.—He always looks as though he had a screw loose. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Brouzda, Tonicka, later Veverka.
Brouzda.—Where is he hurrying? (Kralenec has gone. Brouzda is gazing about the room.) One can see that you are fortunate. Everything looks as though you were celebrating one long holiday.
Tonicka.—You could live just as well if you would only try.
Brouzda.—You want to scold me all the time. Rather have a little pity on me. It’s easy for you to talk when good fortune smiles upon you. You have two children of your own, and yet you take a third to raise. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec.—There won’t be a great deal of chaff. But cold and hunger are hard taskmasters. If there only were work to be had elsewhere! But except for the foundries and the mines, no employment is to be found, and in the neighbouring villages, there are more unemployed men even than here.
Veverka.—And on the Count’s estate, . . . what work can be found there in the winter?
Rokos.—If we can all hold out to a man, they cannot let any of us go. But a little endurance and fortitude we must expect to show!
Chaplain.—That is true. We are like the shoreline which the flood is devouring. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Tonicka (Smiling) .—You wanted to win a great battle, perhaps, or acquire several millions, so everybody could be happy.
Rokos.—To accomplish something out of the ordinary, . . . That is the dream of every person at least once in a life time. All of us would like to rule, or direct great battles. And yet, to rear one child well, or save some one from poverty,—is that not greater than the conquering of a nation or the over throwing of a king?
Skarban.—Truly, yes.
Kralenec.—When a man comes to his senses, he arrives at that conclusion. But at times the old ambition returns to haunt him. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Trnka.—Mrs. Kralenec—Vojtech?
Tonicka.—He is there! (Pointing to Vojtech.)
Trnka.—Dead!
Miners and women (With subdued voices) .—Dead!
Chaplain.—Dead,—gave up his life for you, for us all, to purchase for you a nobler life, and help you come unto your own, a realization of those ideals for which he himself died. (Kneeling at the bed of Kralenec, prays:) Almighty God, accept this newly-sped spirit unto thy fold, make his passing easy, and in thy kingdom, give him his deserved reward,—the life that is eternal, endless! ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Brouzda.—Little work, . . . yet the winter drags itself along. And what about this neighborhood, . . . there are foundries here everywhere.
Kralenec.—If you cannot find work in your own village, it is useless to look further up in the hills. There is none to be had. Everyone is holding the work he has. There is no bread to be found for the asking. (Looking out of the window.)
Brouzda.—Well, so you see, Madam,—or rather, Mrs. Tonicka,—how am I to get a crust of bread somewhere? ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec (Goes to the door to open it for them) .—Bozeno, take good care of them!
Bozenka.—I shall, father! (The children leave.)
(Skarban arose while Rokos is shaking the ashes from his long pipe.)
Rokos.—That Bozenka of yours is growing into a pretty girl.
Tonicka.—And how good and obedient she is! If they could but see her now, how proud my dead sister and brother-in-law would be!
Rokos.—The Lord’s will be done. We should never murmur against Death. It is our best friend.
Skarban.—That is almost true. Most of us take time to rest only when we are sick. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Rokos has heavy white hair and a full gray beard. He is a man who is greatly respected. While speaking, he gazes straight ahead with his eyes fixed upon the ceiling; when he looks at one, he takes his measure with a piercing glance. His movements are measured and slow. He is dressed in miner’s clothes, habitually smoking a long pipe. Young Kralenec, a twenty-seven year old miner in workman’s clothes, is resting in a careless attitude at the table. His wife, Tonicka, is a young woman, strong and well-proportioned. Skarban is a forty-year old miner, also in a workman’s clothes. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec (Looking at Rokos) .—We would surely have some thing to say about that?
(Rokos, shaking his head.)
Veverka (Looking out of the window toward the village) .—And do you know that something is happening? The miners are running out from every direction, . . . and the women! And everyone is passing before the house of the Starosta! Something has surely happened! (He is silent for a minute, then suddenly breaking out.) He will be after me first! I answered that Merfajt back! But, (pausing,) let us promise one another, brothers, that come what may, we won’t give in! ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec.—You?
Brouzda.—Yes. They gave me this notice at the chancery, and told me to move right in,—and if you show any violence, they will have you put out!
Tonicka.—Put out! Do you hear, Vojtech? Put out!
Brouzda.—But, old friend, you know that I am a good fellow! As for furniture, I have none. The wife and children have a number of bundles with some rags, and three pillows, and that is all. So do you know what? Let us all stay right here, and as long as you do not find a new home, (raising his voice,) we can all live together! I will put in a good word for you so they will let you stay. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Tonicka.—Vojtech!
Dr. Houska.—Silence!
(Tonicka runs to the bed, kneels beside her husband, clutching the pillow with one hand.)
(Dr. Houska from the other side, walks swiftly to the bed.)
(Bruj stops dictating.)
Kralenec (raises himself, clutching at the feather-bed cover, and sits erect) .—Forward! . . . Forward, brothers . . . this is our solemn day . . . I am at the head . . . I must lead them . . . something big and splendid . . . Forward, forward . . . Now we are not miners . . . warriors . . . we are warriors . . . against the powers that crush us . ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ How are you, brother? (To Kralenec.) You didn’t suppose that your old comrade would be here today?
Kralenec.—Welcome, welcome! Here, sit down, (pointing to the bench by the stove.) You must be half frozen!
Tonicka.—And you want to wander around even on Sunday. Six days of the week should give you time enough for your tramping.
Brouzda (With the adventurer’s comedy) .—Yes, if one didn’t want to eat on Sunday, lady! ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Zakovec.—To right a wrong is difficult after the mischief has been done. Who can give life back unto the dead, and make the wounded whole? And who will provide a livelihood for the hundred of others who have a crippled existence before them? ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec.—Heaven knows! They will soon learn what a storm they have started!
Tonicka (Looking toward the bed) .—Pepicek is asleep! How would it do for me to go to the school now for Bozenka? If there should be a riot outside, the children will be badly frightened!
Kralenec.—It may be serious here. The estate is just across the street! (Someone raps, with a scraping of feet.) Who comes? (He wants to open, when in walks Brouzda.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Tonicka (Weeping) .—My God, God, God . . .
Chaplain.—Do not carry on so, Mrs. Kralenec! People have even deeper wounds and recover! (Goes to her, leading her from the bed.) And be a bit more subdued in your grief; control yourself lest you disturb your husband! The Lord is all-powerful! Even now, all need not be lost!
Kralencova (Adjusts the pillows for her son, gazes intently at him for a minute, then slowly goes away to work at something) .—It will be difficult for him to crawl out of this. Today . ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Tonicka.—But it is possible that they will listen to the doctor.
Kralenec.—They will store up that much more against us! (Wildly.) But if they should come and try to drive me out, . . . . then may the Lord help them . . . (seems to collect himself,) and me also! (Crumples up in a chair.) (In the door appear Rokos, Skarban, and Kotora. All appear to be in the heat of anger.)
Scene III
Rokos, Skarban, Kotora, Tonicka, Kralenec
Rokos (Speaking quickly, and excitedly) .—Peace be with you! Well, how goes it? Have they been here yet to move you out? ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec.—That might help!
Kotora.—We intended to do it tomorrow . . .
Skarban.—But that accursed Merfajt was laughing at us in the tavern, taunting us with our uprising, saying it would soon come to an end! He has sent a telegram for the troops!
Tonicka (Frightened) .—For the troops!
Kralenec (Overcome and dazed) .—The troops! Why, they can’t as yet show the slightest reason for calling them!
Kotora.—But they scent trouble ahead!
Rokos (With emphasis) .—And so everything must be done at once. All the miners are gathering at the mines . . . ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Same without Veverka.
Kralenec.—Do you think, Rokos, that they will attempt to persecute us?
Tonicka.—How?
Skarban.—By doing what has been done elsewhere, . . . refusing to give work to every miner who insists on sending his children to our school.
Tonicka.—We would see about that! And what do you think, Rokos?
Rokos.—People will not suffer their heads to be broken for nothing.
Kralenec.—Surely! We know that perfectly well!
Skarban.—However it may be, . . . I must go out there too. (Looking out of the window.) The crowd keeps on steadily growing! God be with you! ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Melichar.—But there are only four of the dead, so it was claimed.
Chaplain.—It is time that the truth was leaking out. There are ten dead, and twenty-six mortally wounded. Those with slight wounds are so numerous that they are not even counted.
Melichar.—I would like the names of the dead.
Chaplain.—There is poor old Rokos,—a splendid old fellow,—a man who was a rock of strength. He fell while leading the miners when the first shot was fired. Then Kotora, Pluhar, Nemec, Schulze . . .
Tonicka.—Sutnar, Kliment, and Dufek. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Tonicka.—But don’t be so gloomy! Why do you worry? Certainly things won’t be so bad! It is a great pity to lose Director Baum, and yet Director Scheidler may not be the worst we could have! He was here for two years!
Kralenec.—Three.
Tonicka.—Well then, three years among us,—he knows the people, and he never was a harsh man.
Kralenec.—But will he follow out the instructions given him . . . And will he begin to let men out of employment? If I were to finally become a vagabond,— (with a clouded face,) like Brouzda,—with you,—and the children.— (Sinking into a chair.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ You see, Vojtech . . .
Kralencova.—Surely not . . .
Tonicka.—Is just getting ready to go to the chancery. They are letting men out of work.
Kralencova.—Oh, Holy Mother! If they should let you go! Then it will be just as it now is with us! Where would you all go?
Kralenec.—And what has happened at your place?
Kralencova.—Josef received his notice day before last. Half of the men have been let out of work. They are not operating the mines. I was about to ask if the work is to be had here!
Tonicka.—Here it will be still worse! For they are purposely driving men away. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec (Heavily) .—Thanks . . . thanks . . .
Chaplain.—Only do not try to talk! We will make up for everything after you get well!
Kralenec.—When I am well . . . (His head sinks back. He sleeps.)
Tonicka.—And again he sleeps. That is just the way he does all the time. He awakes, speaks, or takes a drink of water, . . . and then sleeps again. (Enters Melichar, young, twenty-five years old, in a laboring man’s clothes.) And what do you wish?
Scene II
Melichar and the Others
Melichar.—I am here with my father— . ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ I had just gone off, trundling a wheelbarrow close to the shaft. For some unknown reason, I turned around, and suddenly I saw, as though from a miner’s lamp,—I believe it came from your brother-in-law’s,—a flame shooting up. It mounted higher and higher. ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Kralenec.—I will come! (Rokos, Trnka, Schulze, and Kotora leave.)
Scene X
Kralenec, Tonicka, later Bozenka, Ruzenka, and Pepicek.
Tonicka.—Look at that Rokos! The worthy man is entirely changed! I have never yet seen him so fired by anything!
Kralenec (Getting ready to leave) .—Give mymy cap! I am going. They will make a mess of things there at the chancery. I have all my life been longing for the chance to have a hand in something unusual, and now it is beginning to appear as though I might be coming to it!
Tonicka (Jokingly) .—A general you certainly will not become! ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ They have capable and orderly miners here, at least.
Skarban.—But they claim that the cottages have cost too much; that is what the company regrets.
Rokos.—The Lord willing, all will yet quiet down, I hope. Things are never just as man might wish them to be. If nothing worse is ahead of us than just what we have now, we may all be fairly well satisfied.
Kralenec.—Would to God that we might never again see such a storm as we had with that rising cyclone.
(Tonicka sighs, looking thoughtful, then wipes her eyes with the corner of her apron.) ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ Schulze (With his broken accent) .—Yes, yes, the first thing. And to the Cech and German alike, it means the same thing. Since they are cutting our wages and driving us all away, we must all stand together.
Rokos.—Let us hurry now. They are already on the lookout for unemployed men. And that good-for-nothing, drunken Brouzda, they have already taken in! We must take a stand against such injustice! Our places must not be filled by others!
Kralenec.—They shall not!
Rokos (To Kralenec) .—And when will you give them your answer at the chancery? ”

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Source: Wikisource

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow, Poet Lore (1917)

“ When I arrived at your station yesterday, the military police asked me to take the first train back to Prague. I obeyed only while I had to. I bought a ticket for Prague, then appeared later in this laborer’s outfit. What was I to do? You would be a mighty poor journalist to go back without reaching the place, I said to myself! So I set out afoot, hoping to reach the mine under cover of the night. On the road, I met with a tarmaker, . . . later he told me that his name is Pankracek . . . and his son. ”

František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow

Summary

Quotes from Poet Lore (František Adolf Šubert, translated by Beatrice M. Mekota and Francis Haffkine Snow)

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