Alexander Blok
About glory, valor, feats, and fame...

About glory, valor, feats, and fame
I was forgetting in this sorrow place,
Until in front of me, in a'simple frame,
Stood on the table your enchanting face.

But it has come, the day of loss and danger.
The sacred ring in the dark night I threw,
Your destiny was given to a stranger,
And I forgot your charming face and you.

Like some cursed swarm, my days were whirling 'nd flying,
My life was tortured by passions and by wine,
And then, before the lectern, almost dying,
I called you back, as if the youth of mine.

I called you back but you did `not look round,
I have shed tears, you didn't condescend.
You ruefully wrapped yourself in a blue gown,
And went away to night, confirming th'end.

I do not know, my darling, where you found
A shelter for your love and for your pride.
I'm fast asleep and only dream about
That gown, you disappeared in in the night.

To dream about glory, I'm not able.
All 's in the past, and over is the game.
I have removed from my poor life and table
Your charming face in the unartful frame.

Translated by Vladimir Gurvich