Page:The Russian Review Volume 1.djvu/304

272 to come. Thus, what Russia wants is neither the territory nor the money of the Balkan countries. She wants these countries to be free and strong and civilized and friendly among themselves, for upon their strength and their mutual friendship rests Russia's influence in the East. And in so far as Russia, with the aid of her Allies, will succeed in this, her mission in the Balkans will be one of good, not of evil; of culture, not of disruption.

 

Like a surging billow, time was rolling, rolling, Into grim eternal, whence there's no return. And in lofty bowers ever were you pining, While your heart with strivings never ceased to burn.

Yet when we did suffer, souls within us wearied, Cursing darkness dreary, and in spirit lame, Like a friend still loyal, like a loving sister, God's own gentle angel, to our, cells you came.

And when peaceful lived we, and when war's grim horrors Spilled the blood around us, blood that bathed our swords, On the field of battle, midst its deaf'ning thunder, Ever did you whisper love's consoling words.

From the darkness ever to the light outreaching, Truth and goodness served you in life's endless strife. Now the time has ripened—make way for the woman, Meet her with full honors at the feast of life!