Should no one for your favours plead,
And sit you broken-hearted,
Upon a graveyard stone go read:
«Here lies Rasul Gamzatov.»
* * *
Come, say what was the fire
Inflamed your young desire?
«Love of a woman!»
Today what is the torch
You blaze with, not unscorched?
«Love of a woman!»
With what flame do you yearn,
While yet alive, to burn?
«Love of a woman!»
What do you treasure more
Than honours by the score?
«Love of a woman!»
What nets you in despair
And lets you walk on air?
«Love of a woman!»
Can anything compare
With love that is so fair?
«Love of a woman!»
With what, O reckless man,
Shall you conclude your span?
«Love of a woman!»
THE MOUNTAIN YOUTH
A Legend
«Hey, pretty maiden, have no fear,
Unlock the door to me!»
«Upon what errand come you here
By night so jauntily?»
«I vow it is my loving heart
That brings me to your door.»
«Unwelcome visitor, depart!
I’ve heard such tales before.»
«My witness be the Lord above,
My honour you may test:
What must I do to prove my love?
Speak, what is your behest?»
«Hey stranger, why do you dismount?
Such rashness augurs ill,
For I decree that wishes three
A lover must fulfil.
«Should you these wishes three fulfil,
My heart is yours to keep.
But ride you will o’er many a hill
And high as heaven leap…»
«In what direction must I go?
Speak, set my mind at rest!»
«Where black clouds grow, a dove like snow
Has built her lofty nest.