THE GLORY OF THE COSSACKS.
Reading edition
An Ode. From the Russian of Boris Fedorow.
Quiet Don! Azure Don! Who dost glide Deep and wide, To the proud Cossack crowd Drink which cheers, Path which bears.
Quiet Don! Azure Don! Glory be To thy sons, Cossacks free Warrior ones; The world mute Of their deeds Hears the bruit— Wide it speeds.
Light, I wot, Hands they’ve not; Down they fly Thundringly, Foes to crush, E’en as rush Down midst rocks Eagle flocks.
Silent Don! Azure Don! Praise to their Deeds so fair; Fain our bright Czar requite Would each one, Knew it might Scarce be done— Gave his son.
Silent Don! Azure Don! Sport and play, Shine forth gay; Gift most rare— Alexander, Russia’s heir, To thy clan Given is for Attaman.
Joys now every Cossack man, Joys the Black sea’s every stan {26} And Ural Flings its spray, Roars withal Night and day— Joy to Cossacks—joy and glee To each hero-regiment be: Given is an Attaman.