Afanasy Fet
Sheltered by a crimson awning...

Sheltered by a crimson awning,
All alone, his slaves dismissed,
A lord is bidding farewell fondly
To a black-browed odalisque.

"Sarah, houri of the prophet,
My sunshine, comfort, strength, delight,
Sarah, morning's not far off now —
Azrael will soon alight.

"After battle on the morrow
Will I still walk the earth somewhere,
Or, forever freed from sorrow,
Rest my head without a care?

"Another night and tabernacle
Soon may take the place of these;
Then despite my ardent rapture,
I won't touch your rosebud cheek.

"I won't smoke my lazy hookah
Idly as you bide nearby,
Will not pensively sit looking
Into your gazelle-like eyes.

"Nor will I with weary fingers
Plait and twist your tresses black
Along the scarlet fez and fringes
Into a shining, scaly snake."

Translated by Alyssa Gillespie