[Sing Not, Beauty.]

IV. 135.

Sing not, Beauty, in my presence, Of Transcaucasia sad the songs, Of distant shore, another life, The memory to me they bring.

Alas, alas, remind they do, These cruel strains of thine, Of steppes, and night, and of the moon And of distant, poor maid's features.

The vision loved, tender, fated, Forget can I, when thee I see But when thou singest, then before me Up again it rises.

Sing not, Beauty, in my presence Of Transcaucasia sad the songs, Of distant shore, another life The memory to me they bring.

1828.

SIGNS.

IV. 125.

To thee I rode: living dreams then Behind me winding in playful crowd; My sportive trot my shoulder over The moon upon my right was chasing.

From thee I rode: other dreams now.... My loving soul now sad was, And the moon at left my side Companion mine now sad was.

To dreaming thus in quiet ever Singers we are given over; Marks thus of superstition Soul's feeling with are in accord!

1829.

A PRESENTIMENT.

IV. 97.

The clouds again are o'er me, Have gathered in the stillness; Again me with misfortune Envious fate now threatens. Will I keep my defiance? Will I bring against her The firmness and patience Of my youthful pride?

Wearied by a stormy life I await the storm fretless Perhaps once more safe again A harbor shall I find.... But I feel the parting nigh, Unavoidable, fearful hour, To press thy hand for the last time I haste to thee, my angel.

Angel gentle, angel calm, Gently tell me: fare thee well. Be thou grieved: thy tender gaze Either drop or to me raise. The memory of thee now shall To my soul replace The strength, the pride and the hope, The daring of my former days!

1828.