English poem
H.L. Williams
by Victor Hugo (1802–1885)
THE DANUBE IN WRATH.
("Quoi! ne pouvez-vous vivre ensemble?")
[XXXV., June, 1828.]
The River Deity upbraids his Daughters, the contributary Streams:--
Ye daughters mine! will naught abate Your fierce interminable hate? Still am I doomed to rue the fate That such unfriendly neighbors made? The while ye might, in peaceful cheer, Mirror upon your waters clear, Semlin! thy Gothic steeples dear, And thy bright minarets, Belgrade!
Fraser's Magazine
OLD OCEAN.
("J'étais seul près des flots.")
[XXXVII., September 5, 1828.]
I stood by the waves, while the stars soared in sight, Not a cloud specked the sky, not a sail shimmered bright; Scenes beyond this dim world were revealed to mine eye; And the woods, and the hills, and all nature around, Seem'd to question with moody, mysterious sound, The waves, and the pure stars on high. And the clear constellations, that infinite throng, While thousand rich harmonies swelled in their song, Replying, bowed meekly their diamond-blaze-- And the blue waves, which nothing may bind or arrest, Chorus'd forth, as they stooped the white foam of their crest "Creator! we bless thee and praise!"