Page:Modern Russian Poetry.djvu/141

Rh

Above dark, rippled waters rises in retreat Earth's heavy mass: the spines and rocky crests defying The tortured steep in torrents of red rubble lying— A lifeless land, its mourning reaches at my feet. Sad dreams and solemn dreams flow by me, bitter-sweet: Earth ancient and obscure, whose echoing bays are sighing, Where in late twilight with a sadder beauty dying The waves in waste hexameters billow and beat. And where no roadways run upon the dark's still rivers, Breathing an ancient mystery, the dim sail swells and quivers With winds of tossed desire and seas that lift and fall. An alien tremor takes my ship upon its going Where destined roads of daring and retribution call. And lamp-like in the sky the Seven Stars are glowing.