Nikolay Gumilev

This single link was else respected 
By people of the days that gone – 
There’s written on its tablet sacred 
That Love and Life is one.
But you’re not they, you live like arrows
Of dreams that fly through skies and earth,
And in your flight, unite, my fellows,                        
The Love and Death.

They said in their pledge eternal
That they are slaves of the bad past,
That they were born in dust infernal,
And will return again to dust.
Your heedless brightness was aroused
By songs of lyre, mad and fine, 
Eternity will be your spouse,
The world – a shrine.

All folk were utterly believing 
That they must live and love with smiles,
That woman is a child of sinning,
Who’s marked by sins a hundred times.
But different, unearthly sounds 
Were brought to you by running years,
And you will take to Snow Crowns
Your gentle friends.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, May, 2000
Edited by Dmitry Karshtedt, December, 2000