ZI^KA'S WAR-SONG

151

of the fifteenth century. Want of space obHges me to quote only some of the first and the last Hnes of this spirited song, which, according to the most recent researches, is undoubtedly a work of Zizka : — " All ye warriors of God, Fighters for His law. Pray to Godfor help. And trust in Him, With Him victory ever

Fear not

those, the

will be yours.

Lord hath

said. Who would your body harm. For love ofyour fellow-creatures He has ordered you to die; Therefore strengthen manfully

Christ

will recompense your

your hearts.

sorrows.

Hundredfold repay you. Who for Him doth lose his life

j

Will win

eternal bliss Happy he who dies for the truth. Therefore manfully cry out : At them! rush at them!'

'

Wield bravely your arms; Pray to your Lord God; Strike and

kill!

spare none!"

The eventful life of Zizka belongs to Bohemian history, but it may yet not be out of place to mention here that his life and career have constantly been systematically misrepresented by writers hostile to his faith ; and particularly outside of Bohemia scarcely any other writings referring to Zizka were known. He thus passed down from one generation of writers to another as a ferocious and bloodthirsty robber and fanatic. The real Zizka was, as repeatedly mentioned, the leader of the