Alexander Blok
On The Field of Kulikovo. 5. Again, on the field of Kulikovo...

5

And dawn was clouded with darkness.
Of ineluctable misfortune.
Soloview

Again, on the field of Kulikovo
the mist rose and spread,
and veiled the dawn of day
like a lowering cloud.

Behind the utter silence,
Behind the spreading mist
You can’t hear the battle’s thunder
Nor the lightning of the fight.

But I know you, Dawn
of exalted, turbulent days!
Over the enemy camp, again,
Swan-cries, and the beat of wings.

The heart cannot rest in peace,
clouds gather and not in vain.
Armour weighs heavy for the fight,
Now your hour is striking. — Pray!

Translated by A. S. Kline