Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, ed. Poems of Places: An Anthology in 31 Volumes.
Russia: Vol. XX. 1876–79.
The Cossack
By From the UkranianF
When she crossed my path to-day;
Straight my spur the war-horse chiding,
“Speed,” I cried, “away!”
Stay and hear your love’s complaining,
See how tears my cheeks are staining;
Dear Cossack, O stay!”
Liskà, what distress was mine;
Almost was I broken-hearted,
Now the turn is thine!”
Must I lose thee, canst thou leave me?
Grief will sure of life bereave me,
If I thee resign!”
Hush the sob, and dry the tear!
Soon from battle laurels bringing,
Love, expect me here.”
Glory cannot tempt nor charm me,
Ah, there ’s naught on earth could harm me,
Wert thou safe, my dear!”
Swiftly from her sight I flew,
Crying, “If I live to-morrow,
I ’ll return to you.”
Home she hastened, almost dying,
How to find her way for crying,
Scarce, poor girl, she knew.