Deutsch and Yarmolinsky, comps. Modern Russian Poetry. 1921.
The Coming HunsValery Brusov (b. 1873)
W
Who weigh on the world like a cloud?
Far, under Asian suns,
Your cast-iron tread is loud.
From your dark encampments, rise
In a tide of crimson poured
Over this land that dies.
Your tent by the palace gate.
Plow deep, dig wide the ditch
Where the throne shone on your hate.
Dance in their ruddy light.
Foul altar steps with mire:
You are children in our sight.
From the onslaught that darkens and raves,
Defending the torch you despise,
Shall hold it in deserts and caves.
The tempests that raven and tear,
What will the hazards of harm
From our long labor spare?
Shall perish and sink and grow dim.
But you who shall slay me, you
I salute with hosanna and hymn.