Explore "To Jacques De Balmont" by Taras Shevchenko on Textopian. Read with annotations and highlights.
So they drove thee along, my dearest friend, / For Ukraina did'st thou shed / That good heart's blood of thine so red.
Our country's hangman, shame to think, / Muscovite poison gave thee to drink.
Oh, friend of mine, unforgotten friend, / Ukraine to thee doth welcome send.
Let thy spirit fly with Cossacks bold.
Along the shores of Dnieper old.
O'er ancient tombs hold watch and guard / And weep with us in labors hard.
Till I return to meet thee, / My songs I send to greet thee.
Such songs they are of bitter woe.
Yet ever, always, these I sow.
Thoughts and songs forever sowing, / To the care of winds bestowing.
Gentle winds of Ukraine / Shall bear them like the dew / To that dear land of mine / To greet my friends so true.