Page:Modern Russian Poetry.djvu/90

 "WHEN, HEAVING ON THE STORMY WATERS"

When, heaving on the stormy waters, I felt my ship begin to sink, I prayed, "Oh, Father Satan, save me, Forgive me at death's utter brink!

"If you will save my soul embittered From perishing before its hour, The days to come, the nights that follow I vow to vice, I pledge to power."

The Devil forthwith snatched and flung me Into a boat; the sides were frail, But on the bench the oars were lying And in the bow an old gray sail.

And landward once again I carried My outcast soul, bereft of kin, Upon its sickly vicious sojourn My body and its gift of sin.

And I am faithful, Father Satan, Unto my evil hour's vow, When from my drowning ship you saved me And when I prayed you guide the prow.

To you descend my praises, Father, No day from bitter blame exempt. O'er worlds my blasphemy shall tower; And I shall tempt—and I shall tempt.