Afanasy Fet
The first lily of the valley

Oh, the first may-lily! Out from the snow
You ask for a sun ray cheerfully;
What a virgin bliss you throw out
With your fragrant purity!

How colourful is the first ray of spring!
How remarkable are the dreams set in it!
How splendid you are, the present flammable
Of the coming spring!

So a maiden are making the first sigh
Of something unclearable to her —
And this faint sigh is full of aroma
Of the young living overflow.

Translated by Lyudmila Purgina