How can I live when thou art not in sight?
Just like a leaf that whirls upon the wind,
My body drifts—but leaves my soul behind!”[15]
The national poet of Hungary, Alexander Petófi, has sung of the charms of the Alföld, too, and the following is Mr. Felbermann’s literal rendering of a part of his tribute—
“I love the plains! It is only there that I feel free!
My eyes can wander as they please, quite unconstrained!
One is not confined by barriers.
The mountain cliffs do not frown down at one like threatening objects,
Throwing about their loudly trickling rivulets as though they hold in their grasp a group of noisy chains!
Let no one say the plains are not beautiful.