TARAS SHEVCHENKO

HAYDAMAKY

Introduction

(translated by Eugene E. Korovin)

All passes, all changes, with no end for ages.

Where did it get to and whence show up?

The matter is latent to dunces and sages.

Living and dying… One thing is in bloom,

Another has withered, forever has withered,

And shrivelled leafs have been scattered by breezes…

The sun will arise as at first it arose,

The stars beaming purple will shine as at first.

They will shine on later, and you, the pale-faced,

Along blue expanses will put to the skies.

You’ll glance at a draw-well and boundless ocean,

A sea waving roughly, and brightly will shine

Both over the Babylon’s ancient garden

And what our sons are to take as a burden.

You are everlasting!.. I thrive in the talk

As with a dear soul in talking along,

Chanting the reflection you whispered at night.

Advise me once more what to do with my sadness

As I’m not abandoned or orphaned one,

I do have my offspring but the fact is nothing,

With me shall I bury the soul alive?

But might it obtain some relief in oblivion

As one would be reading the lachrymose words

Which once it gave vent to with such ingenuousness,

Which once it bemoaned by weeping so noiseless? -

A sin is to bury as the soul’s alive.      

As heavens are azure with no end and edges

A soul aspires beyond any ranges. 

But where it shall be? Chimerical words!

Let someone recall it one day on occasion

Disabling disgraceful leave of this world.

Recall it, oh, maidens, you have to recall!

It loved impetuously your rosy blossom

Singing about your severe lot.

Till the sun has risen, take a rest, my children,

While I am considering our plot.