Semyon Nadson Poems

Henceforth I am the poet of labor, knowledge, grief—
No more in praise of beauty my hand the harp shall sweep.
I sing no song of conquest, no song of glorious deeds;
I suffer with the suffering, I weep with those who weep.
...

Long lasted our dispute, intense to tears.
We were all gathered, and we were alone.
Distressing thoughts and anguish and dark doubts
For days had vexed and wrung us, sparing none.
...

But yesterday, renouncing happiness,
I scorned contented souls who held love dear,
And who exchanged the autumn's fog and chill
For the spring sun's caressing warmth and cheer.
...

Long years ago she to our earth descended
From heaven's calm depths of shadowy air and cloud,
With youthful smile and crowned with fragrant roses,
Nude, lovely, of her sinless beauty proud.
...

I know, dear friend, deep in my heart I know
My verse is pale and faint and lacking power.
Oft for its weakness do I sadly grieve,
And pour forth secret tears at night's still hour.
...

Oft of thy love, my friend, I fondly dreamed;
Such musings made my glad heart throb like flame.
But yet, whene'er I met thy happy glance,
Straightway perplexed and troubled I became.
...

Oh, had the Muses given to me the gift
Of burning speech, of clear and fiery song,
How mercilessly and how sternly then
Would I with infamy brand vice and wrong!
...