The narrative unfolds around a woman who, burdened by her past sins and the shame of her circumstances, mourns her lost fortune and contemplates her fate. She is a mother who, in her despair, decides to abandon her child, hoping to spare him from the stigma of her mistakes. The story introduces an elderly couple who, despite their wealth, are childless and fear dying alone. Their lives change when they discover an abandoned infant, whom they adopt and name Mark. As Mark grows, the couple hires a young servant who becomes a devoted mother figure to him. The servant, however, harbors her own sorrow and secret, shedding tears in solitude while caring for Mark. Time passes, and the couple ages, with the servant remaining a constant presence in their lives. Mark matures into a capable farmer, and plans for his marriage begin. The servant, who has grown attached to Mark, feels a deep sense of loss as she realizes her role may diminish. She embarks on a pilgrimage to pray for blessings for Mark, bringing back gifts from her journey, including a magical cap and a ring. As the wedding approaches, the servant's absence is felt deeply, and she struggles with her emotions. She returns home to find the couple preparing for the celebration, but her heart aches with the knowledge of her true identity. In a poignant twist, she reveals to Mark that she is, in fact, his mother, having spent her life in penance for abandoning him. Tragically, she dies shortly after confessing, leaving Mark to grapple with the weight of her sacrifice and the love that had been hidden beneath the guise of servitude. The story explores themes of motherhood, sacrifice, and the complexities of love and redemption.
By Taras Shevchenko · First published 1847 · Genre: Poetry, Drama, Tragedy