Nikolay Gumilev
Canzonet 1

How many of earth’s oceans I’ve sailed, oceans
ancient, gay, foam-covered;
how many matchless nights and days
have gone guiding caravans across the steppes...

How we laughed, then,
my Muse and I, free...
Rhymes flew together like birds,
so many — I don’t dare remember how many.

Only love is left, calling
like the strings of an angel’s harp,
like a thin needle stabbing the heart
with Heaven’s blue lights.

Only you are left. I’ve seen,
my eyes open, the night’s sun,
and you are all I live for,
work for, fight for.

In this restless hell of mine — yes,
you are the pilgrims’ Jerusalem.
I should mention your name
with a seraphim’s tongue.

Translated by Burton Raffel and Alla Burago