THE KOBZAR OF THE UKRAINE
31
When I remember thee
How mournful should I be.
What has come of our Cossacks bold
With coats of velvet red?
What of freedom by fate foretold,
And banners the Hetmans led?
Whither is it gone?
In flames it went:
O'er hills and tombs,
The floods were sent.
The hills are wrapt
in silence grim.
On boundless sea
waves ever play;
The tombs gleam forth
with sadness dim;
O'er all the land
the foe holds sway.
Play on, oh sea,
Hills silent be:
Dance, mighty wind,
O'er all the land.
Weep, Cossack youth,
Your fate withstand.
Now who shall our adviser be?
Then out spake Naleweiko,
A Cossack bold was he,
After him Paulioha
Like falcon swift did flee.
