On a shifting, insecure foundation.

Said the veela of the forest-mountain,

Each of you a faithful wife possesses;

Each a faithful bride that keeps your dwellings:

Her who to the fortress comes to-morrow,

Her who brings their rations to the workmen—

Her immure within the wall’s foundations;

So will the foundations bear the fortress:

So Boyana’s fortress be erected.

Now then, brothers! in God’s holy presence