78
THE KOBZAR OF THE UKRAINE
TO JACQUES DE BALMONT
SO they drove thee along, my dearest friend,
For Ukraina did'st thou shed
That good heart's blood of thine so red.
Our country's hangman, shame to think,
Muscovite poison gave thee to drink.
Oh, friend of mine, unforgotten friend,
Ukraine to thee doth welcome send.
Let thy spirit fly with Cossacks bold,
Along the shores of Dnieper old.
O'er ancient tombs hold watch and guard
And weep with us in labors hard.
Till I return to meet thee,
My songs I send to greet thee.
Such songs they are of hitter woe,
Yet ever, always, these I sow.
Thoughts and songs forever sowing,
To the care of winds bestowing.
Gentle winds of Ukraine
Shall hear them like the dew
To that dear land of mine
To greet my friends so true.
