Alexander Blok
Dolor ante lucem

Every night, when the sun just commences to set,
I bid it farewell, while I yearn to be dead,
But again, as the cold, bitter day dawns anew,
Life will take hold of me and the pain will ensue!

I part with the good and the evil, in part,
Filled with hope and with dread that I may soon depart,
But the morning returns, and I stand where I stood,
And I still curse the evil and pine for the good.

Goodness, you’re wise, full of power and force,
For how many of us have you chosen this course,
So a mortal with daydreams, as the sun comes awake,
Has to long for your presence all day, with no break?..

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Dolor Ante Lucem — Anguish preceding dawn (Lat.)

Translated by Andrey Kneller