Konstantin Balmont
I came into this world to see the sunlight...

I came into this world to see the sunlight,
        The skyline’s sapphire glow,
I came into this world to see the sunlight.
        And peaks of snow.

I came into this world to see the ocean,
        The vale’s rich flower-starred pall,
Mine eyes beheld a thousand worlds in motion,
        And conquered all.

I overcame oblivion with the trembling
        Dream-echoes of my lyre,
My heart is pure and free from all dissembling
        And full of fire.

I am beloved because mine accents ringing
        In suffering had their birth;
Who is my peer in the sweet art of singing?
        No man on earth.

I came into this world to see the sunlight.
        And if day ends its race,
I still shall sing the glory of the sunlight
        In death’s embrace.

Translated by W. Matthews