Versos English Taras Shevchenko My Testament

English poem

My Testament

by (1814–1861)

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When I die, remember, lay me Lowly in the silent tomb, Where the prairie stretches free, Sweet Ukraine, my cherished home.

There, ’mid meadows’ grassy sward, Dnieper’s waters pouring May be seen and may be heard, Mighty in their roaring.

When from Ukraine waters bear Rolling to the sea so far Foeman’s blood, no longer there Stay I where my ashes are.

Grass and hills I’ll leave and fly. Unto throne of God I’ll go, There in heaven to pray on high, But, till then, no God I know.

Standing then about my grave, Make ye haste, your fetters tear! Sprinkled with the foeman’s blood Then shall rise your freedom fair.

Then shall spring a kinship great, This a family new and free. Sometimes in your glorious state, Gently, kindly, speak of me.