Canto I

The summer's sun descends with burning glow
Upon the hamlet's shepherd-lad below.
No need for it howe'er, he anyway
Feels warm enough without the sun's fierce ray.

The flame of love glows in his youthful soul;
A browsing herd is under his control.
His sheep-skin cloak he spread upon the grass
Reclining on it he thinks of his lass.

Around him waves a sea of flowers bright,
The flowers though do not arrest his sight.
Stone's throw from him runneth a babbling brook
To which with eager eyes he casts his look.

He cares not for the brooklet's silver-sheen.
A fair blonde maid he on its shore hath seen.
He gazes at her figure full of grace,
Her flowing locks, round breast and beauteous face.
The maiden's skirt is rolled up to her knee,
— Washing her linen sheets she would be free, —
Her bare feet were a most inspiring sight
To Kukoricza John's heartfelt delight.

The shepherd lad, reclining on the lawn,
Who could he be? Our Kukoricza John!
In her, who in the brooklet laves her sheet
Helen, his fond heart's pearly gem we greet.
"Pearl of my heart, my darling Helen, why" —
John says to her, — "dost turn away thy eye?
Do look on me, beloved one, 'neath the sky
No other bliss or happiness have I."

"Pray, turn to me thy blue eyes' loving ray,
Just for a moment, dear, thy work delay,
Come to the shore, that in a fond embrace
A soulful kiss I press on thy sweet face."

"I'd gladly go, thou knowest, John, howe'er,
I am in' such a haste, I do not dare...
My mother is a stepmother and mean,
She'd scold me if with thee I would be seen".

This was the answer fair, blonde Helen gave,
But never stops her sheets with zeal to lave.
The shepherd rises then and coming near
Enticingly he pleads: "Helen, my dear,

"My turtle-dove, come here, do come to me.
One hug, one kiss, — that's all, — I want from thee.
Be not afraid, the old jade 's far away,
Let not thy lover be his pining's prey."

Thus he allured her with his dulcet speech,
Embraced her lovingly when in his reach;
He kissed her; once? Oh, no! God only knows
How many times he kissed his budding rose.