Fedor Tyutchev

The Rome orator once said
Midst civil storms and fateful troubles,
"I got up late  -- and on my routs  --
Was by the night of Rome met!"
Sending farewell to fame of Rome,
From Capitol historic heights,
You'd seen the whole grand and bright           
Of its star's set in the bloody foam.

He's blessed who visited this world
In moments of its destination --
Like for the feast or celebration,
He was invited there by gods;
A witness of their deals enlivened, --
He got access to their class,
And, like a native of the Heaven,
Drank deathlessness from their cups. 


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, October, 2000