B OHUSLAV was Pan Kanovsky's — Dancing there,
Bonderivna — as the Pava she was fair.

Then he saw her, the wild pigeon, full of grace —
And she felt upon her cheek his embrace

" Pan Kanovsky! You may take e'en my shoes
Off my feet. . . . But I kiss whom I choose! "

Then the good folk of the town whispered low:
" If thou dost not haste away cometh woe! "

Bonderivna's o'er the bridge like the wind:
She has left the village houses far behind.

With drawn sabres two grim soldiers follow fast
Through the market-place...poor pigeon! caught at last.

Pan Kanovsky's silver musket pointed straight
At her heart. . . . And she chose then her fate.

" Bonderivna, tall and lovely, live with me,
Or as dung upon the earth you shall be! "

" Rather would I, Pan Kanovsky, fall and die,
Than in arms I loathe, like yours, ever lie! "

As she answered, so he fired — so she fell.
And her father, watching, moaned: " It is well,

" I die with thee, fairest maid of them all! "
And he dashed his white head 'gainst the wall.

Tolled the bells — wailing music cried aloud:
" Bonderivna, earth for aye is thy shroud! "