Nikolay Gumilev
Christmas in Abyssinia

Time to hunt? — the moon had risen.
To the servant “Now!” I said,
“To the swamp’s benighted prison,
We should track where beaver’s fled.”

But in answer he now smiling —
Scarcely could he triumph hide —
“Master,” cried, “Stop your beguiling,
It’s the eve of Christmastide.

And tonight all beasts together —
Lions, elephants and mice —
At the pearly gates will tether,
Where they’ve come to gladden Christ.

There at first in peace they’ll gather —
There each other they’ll not fight,
They won’t get into a lather,
They won’t kick or buck or bite.

And when comes, past human knowing,
Shining God to take his seat,
All with roaring, barking, lowing
There will gather at his feet.

Had you eyes, you would distinguish
There among them beaver yet,
If you seek him to extinguish,
You’ll by troubles be beset!”

I replied: “I’ve sleep to get!”

Translated by Rupert Moreton