Josef Václav Sládek

“ VIOLETS BLOOM IN SPRING.
The violets flower in spring,
And the heath in autumn gray.
Too late to love to-morrow,
If you have not loved to-day.
The world is full of maidens,
Like poppies, blooming free. ”

“ Frowns on their brows—hate lurking in their eyes,
’Neath purple robes are hid hands white and wise.
Two kings upon two hills, their palms spread out,
Four hundred thousand men rush with a shout.
Ten thousand souls shriek out in mortal pain,
The kings applaud the music, “Call again.”
Thousands of dying men at eve lie low,
The kings gaze as at an opera show. ”

“ When the day ends, and I shall sleep,
Come see my grave, but do not weep,
Nor let your grief be over wild.
⁠Who sleeps, is glad to rest in peace,
And holy is the evening mild,
⁠When the day ends. ”