Valery Bryusov

Just a few names reach us from the kingdom of Chronos --
From the previous worlds -- from the centuries that passed;
Like the Altair's beam, like a star, these few souls
Through the darkness of times shine forever to us.

And they pass by, they pass by, they pass by -- the years,
Endless centuries of being -- like waves or like shades.
How many intentions, thoughts and hopes, and tears!
Many millions I, which are vanished and dead!

And for me Homer is just a singer alone,
And the bright Altair is alone in skies...
But in dreams I see often the sphere unknown,
And the word, that is perishing near bright stars.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, September, 2000