Translation:Gemma

(Fantasy for music.) On way of life which led through the swamp I found gem! from stones, with weeds faeces, I raised to sun, and washed with tears, And how this gem is call, I asked?.. From over Sierras black cloud approached And nature on my way said me: Gemma!

Later on the way of life, which by beaten Tracks led, wide – far – I met figure with garish garment Gold glittered her as the lid on coffin, And when I asked, she said: I’m your well-known, Fallen angel, but I was called – Gemma!

And once on boat, in full sea at night, In the moonlight brought me young oarsman, He sang barcarolle with orphan's homesickness, That I saw in waves, the shape full of beauty, Like snow swan with flying hair She flowed in glitter … peace of drowneds Gemma!

Barcarole has already died down and waves Hums as of yore on rocks of bay, And moon rises from deep sea And I squeeze my harp in madness of arms – And oarsman whispers: harpist do you remember? And harpist whispers: oarsman do you remember? Gemma!

1869.