English poem
H. L. Williams
by Victor Hugo (1802–1885)
MAZEPPA.
("Ainsi, lorsqu'un mortel!")
[XXXIV., May, 1828.]
As when a mortal--Genius' prize, alack! Is, living, bound upon thy fatal back, Thou reinless racing steed! In vain he writhes, mere cloud upon a star, Thou bearest him as went Mazeppa, far Out of the flow'ry mead,-- So--though thou speed'st implacable, (like him, Spent, pallid, torn, bruised, weary, sore and dim, As if each stride the nearer bring Him to the grave)--when comes the time, After the fall, he rises--KING!