Alexander Blok
At the Restaurant

I will never forget it (did it happen-who cares?)
Burnt and split by the sunset blaze
Was the pallid celestial vast, and some flares
Came to light in the yellow space.

There I sat by the window, in a crowded chamber.
Fiddlesticks were singing again.
And I sent you a flower, black rose, I remember,
And a bottle of golden champagne.

As you glanced, full of pride, I was slightly embarrassed,
But I looked and I bowed from above.
And addressing the man standing by, harsh and balanced,
You said: "Oh, this one, too, is in love".

All at once the guitars started playing the song and
Fiddlesticks played in tune with the band...
But you were with me with your youthful dishonour,
I could see by the move of your hand.

And you dashed like a bird as if suddenly roused,
Passing by, like my dream you were light...
And there came a sweet fume, and the eyelashes drowsed
To the whisper of silk in the night.

Now and then from the mirror at me you'd be glancing
As you did "Catch it now" you would ask...
And the jewelry rattled, the gipsy kept dancing
And she screamed of her love to the dusk.

Translated by Alec Vagapov