These verses now are written. Nay, I write

But for myself, my brothers, for heart’s ease.

Lo, from beyond the Dnieper, as from far away

The words flow in and spread the paper o’er;

Laughing and crying as the children do

They gladden my poor soul, uncomforted,

Raw, inconsolable—I joy in them,

With them would always stay. They are my own.

As a rich father loves his little ones,

So am I glad and merry with my own.