1
His dove to be, like an eagle!
More than a mother to be, Marina!
A messenger — a guard — a courier —
A flag-bearer — flatterer of the court!
With a seraph and dog to guard
A sleep restless and full of fear.
Taking a pack of sallow cards for a game,
Legs in stirrup! — through water and flame!
Where on horse — where to swim — where to crawl!
By the swamp — by the willows — by the reeds —
And where horse does not take — fly, all winds
Having been captured in your shawl!
In a black noiseless whirlwind flying,
Not a lady — a handy, I am!
Not to be sole — the second!
A twin — a double — slender
Godbrother in flame of bonfire,
To be his crooked friend.
Clamor of Kremlin's uninvited guests.
If Basmanov is your name, set
Aside — yield before love!
Threw open a chest kerchief, I.
Arms wide open! That on Judgment Day
He won't stand in Basmanov's blood.
1
Быть голубкой его орлиной!
Больше матери быть, — Мариной!
Вестовым — часовым — гонцом —
Знаменосцем — льстецом придворным!
Серафимом и псом дозорным
Охранять непокойный сон.
Сальных карт захватив колоду,
Ногу в стремя! — сквозь огнь и воду!
Где верхом — где ползком — где вплавь!
Тростником — ивняком — болотом,
А где конь не берёт, — там лётом,
Все ветра полонивши в плащ!
Чёрным вихрем летя беззвучным,
Не подругою быть — сподручным!
Не единою быть — вторым!
Близнецом — двойником — крестовым
Стройным братом, огнём костровым,
Ятаганом его кривым.
Гул кремлёвских гостей незваных.
Если имя твоё — Басманов,
Отстранись. — Уступи любви!
Распахнула платок нагрудный.
— Руки настежь! — Чтоб в день свой судный
Не в басмановской встал крови.
____
Марина. 1. Быть голубкой его орлиной!..
Марина. 2. Трём Самозванцам жена...
Марина. 3. Сердце, измена!..
Марина. 4. Грудь Ваша благоуханна...
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