Page:Songs of Russia.djvu/27

 Long lasted our dispute, intense to tears.
 * We were all gathered, and we were alone.

Distressing thoughts and anguish and dark doubts
 * For days had vexed and wrung us, sparing none.

In our own circle here no monarch’s power
 * Restrained free speech, and in those hours, too brief,

It poured forth freely and it sounded harsh,
 * And each of us, while speaking, felt relief.

Brothers whose aspirations were the same,
 * Life’s fellow-travellers on the self-same path,

Oh, strange with what mistrust and bitterness
 * We on each other gazed, like foes in wrath!

Were we not all by one same feeling warmed,
 * The sacred love of our own country dear,

And on our lives, in stifling darkness wrapped,
 * Had not the self-same sun of hope shone clear?

You listened to us sadly; and sometimes
 * When I glanced at you, as we fiercely strove,