California Gold Croatian Wine

August Senoa

God has blessed California with gold;

Gold has exalted the land far and wide;

Its rivers and brooks roll treasures untold,

Its rocks conceal gold veins in their inside.

But from whatever you have had you fill

You no more derive any joyous thrill.

When it is far, however, what a change!

The gold that leaves its native land, and sails

The ocean to Europe- is it not strange?

May a fine day roll on Austrian rails.

Well, Austrian? Gold? But where is it? Where?

My brothers, in museums. Look it up there.

And we, the gentle souls, think it meet

To be content with a sheer paper sheet.

The country of Croatia overflows with wine,

Its drops more precious than gold, crystally clear:

God Himself has consecrated our vine,

Its fame expanding world-wide, far and near,

One cannot be a prophet in his land,

Sometimes we may not drink as manners demand.

When far and away, however- what a change!

Whenever leaving your home for some time,

You prize Croatian wine- is it not strange?

You miss it under a foreign clime.

And while I drink that wishy-washy beer,

I often brush away a painful tear.

Then I remember you, my charming home,

Your fiery wine, opulent, flavorsome,

With life in it and real love beside,

With heaven in it and thunderous song.

With olden glory and national pride,

With courage and concept lucid and strong;

Sure cure for old age, bright sunshine for youth,

Proof our hospitality tells the truth.

And you, my brothers in Croatian parts,

Keep on dancing, sing from you fullest hearts;

Our wince is foaming, see it sparkle, my dear,

Let jokes be cut- let everybody cheer,

Propose a toast to too many a son

Who lacks our wine beneath a foreign sun:

Drink moderately to keep yourselves alert

Let enemies should plan an assault;

Drink boldly to be able to avert

From new-glory-bearing vines any fault;

Drink modestly this divine, fierce gift;

Drink wisely, Mirza teaches, foster thrift.

Zagreb Times Newspaper 1862 Croatia