Though streams the sweat in rivers downward,
Our arms from shoveling grown weak,
Our bodies frozen to an ice crust
While we new strength in slumber seek—
Sweating or freezing, we will bear it!
Thirst-pain and hunger will withstand,
For each stone is of use to Russia,
And each is given by our own hand!
NEKRASSOW.
Written to a band of political exiles including some of the highest aristocracy.
FREEDOM
Oft through my native land I roved before,
But never such a cheerful spirit bore.
When on its mother's breast a child I spy—
Hope in my inmost heart doth secret cry,
"Boy, thou art born within a favoring time,
Thine eyes shall glad escape old sights of crime.
Free as a child, thou can'st prove all and be
The forger sole of thine own destiny.
Peasant remain,—as to thy father given—
Or like the eagle swing thyself to heaven!"