Fedor Tyutchev

Be silent, hide yourself, keep in
Your feelings and your sacred dream – 
And let them, quiet, rise and set, 
Soundlessly – in your heart’s depth,
Like stars do on the nightly rut: 
Admire them, but just be mute.

How could your heart express its view?
Could any other feel like you?
Will he discern your base of life?
The word, pronounced, is a lie;
While stirring springs, you’ll cloud flood:
Drink their water, but be mute.

Within yourself, keep life in hold: 
Your soul is a whole world
Of thoughts of mystery and charm,
They will be sunk in daily hum,
And scattered by the sun’s rays, rude: 
Hark to their song, and just be mute.  


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, October, 2000