Poetry
Ilia Chavchavadze – The sleeping maid
I gaze on thee so calm at rest,
And look upon thy crystal breast;
Thy heart beats like the placid waves,
When summer shores the water laves.
On thy soft cheek’s a gentle flush;
Thy smiling lips like rubies blush;
Like glimpse of heaven’s thy pure sleep,
While o’er thee angels vigil keep.
Thy breath’s as sweet as thy pure heart,
Oh! blest is he whose love thou art!
* * *
Ah!… She to whom my dear desires
Life’s longings — even self — were given —
This dark land now she ne’er inspires
She dwells beyond the highest heaven
The star of my fair fortune’s gone
An orphan am I here — alone —
The only joy for me that’s left
Is tears — of all else I’m bereft.