This website is using cookies

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on this website. 

Křesadlo, Jan: IX. What use can be her masonry (IX. Ach, na co je mi kamení in English)

Portre of Křesadlo, Jan

IX. Ach, na co je mi kamení (Czech)

Ach, na co je mi kamení,
které už opustila síla,
skořápka prázdná po ní zbyla
a nepotřebná znamení.

Ó, kéž tu kletbu rozbiju !
Vždyť už se ani neodváží
jmenovat Ty, k nimž vztáhl paži:
Ó, Krista Boha, Máriu !

A co jsme se jen naptali
kde se ten chorál k nebi klene.
Sami jsme brali metály

a bojovali jenom v loži.
Na co je mi to mrtvé zboží
byť staletími posvěcené.



Uploaded byRépás Norbert
PublisherVzdorověnec, překladatelova vlastní reakce na Seifertův Věnec Sonetů, dokončeno 1.8.1995
Source of the quotationkresadlo.cz
Publication date

IX. What use can be her masonry (English)

What use can be her masonry
Which long since has used up all its force
An empty shell being left, of course
And pointless symbols' armoury.

Oh if only I could break the spell !
Notice how he dares not quite name
Those to whose help he would lay claim
Oh Christ, Oh God, Oh Mary, tell !

We mused just where the sky vault meets
That Chorale which old foes had riven
We took our medals as befits

Jousting in bed, fought with all our might
What use to me lifeless form, despite
Blessings that centuries have given.



Uploaded byRépás Norbert
PublisherCounter-garland, written in reaction to and during translation of Jaroslav Seifert's Wreath of Sonnets, completed on August 1, 1995
Source of the quotationkresadlo.cz
Publication date

minimap