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A fairytale in verse (revised repost from Open 8)
| Open Poetry #12 |
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A fairytale in verse (revised repost from Open 8) |
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Master Senior Member
since 1999-08-18
Posts 1867Boston, MA 
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*Note: This is one of my translations, I've translated this fairytale from Russian and it took me almost two weeks. The original was written in Russian by A. Pushkin in 1833. Well, here it is, let me know what you think! A Fairytale About A Dead Princess... By: Aleksander Pushkin (1833) The czar bid farewell to his wife, Packing for the road of strife, And czarina, by the door, Sat to wait for him alone. There she waited until nighttime, Watched the fields, and from the sighting Wearing eyes, no longer bright, Grew dejected every night; Her dear friend could not be seen! Only blizzards there would spin, Every day, the snow was falling, And the pale earth was glowing,-- Thus she sat there nine long months Never left her post, not once, Then, on Christmas Eve, unnerved To a daughter she gave birth. And one morning, her dear guest, Long awaited in unrest, -- Finally, from lands afar Came back home the father-czar. She would gaze at him one time, Uttering a heavy sigh,-- All the joy she could not bare And she died right then and there. For some time, the czar felt stressed, But he is mortal like the rest, A year of sadness passed and hence He had married someone else. His younger wife, I have to say, Was a czarina all the way: Tall and slender, pale white, Smart, ‘most everything was right, Only she was proud, zealous, Willful, obstinate and jealous. As a present, to her passed There’s a mirror that she has But this mirror is unique Unlike others, it can speak. Only with it would she be Tender, thoughtful and free With it, friendly she would joke Self-admiring, she spoke: “Oh my light! My mirror, say And don’t hide the truth away: Am I the prettiest on earth? Purest, fairest, with most verve?” And the mirror would resound: “Yes you are, without a doubt, You’re the prettiest on earth, Purest, fairest, with most verve.” And czarina would then giggle With her shoulders she would jiggle With her eyes she’d wink, so happy That her fingers started tapping And she started dancing, leaping At the mirror always peeping. But the princess, -- pretty child, Was still blooming, all the while Growing, growing and she grew, She would slowly blossom through, Darkened brows and skin so tender, She appeared to be short-tempered. She had met her fiancé Son of king, prince Ellisay. Czar gave word and king was seated And the gift was now completed: Seven business trading towns And one hundred forty towers. Getting ready for the party Dressing up, czarina darling, By her mirror comes to sit And begins to question it: “Am I the prettiest on earth? Purest, fairest, with most verve?” And she hears the glass resound, “You are pretty, there’s no doubt, But the princess, on this earth Is the purest, with most verve!” Scared czarina jumped away, Raised her hand up in a fray Hit the mirror best she could Stomping fiercely with her foot. “O, you lying piece of glass! O, how dare you curse me thus? She will never match my grace I will put her in her place! How she grew before my sight! We all know why she’s so white; Her pregnant mother, grieving, mourning Sat the snowy fields observing. Mirror, tell me: how can she Be more beautiful than me? Now confess that I’m more pretty: In the boundaries of our city, No one’s prettier than I Is it so?” The glass replied: “But the princess’ still more charming Still more beautiful, more darling.” Nothing’s left to do and she, Overfilled with jealousy, Threw the glass under the bench Called her maid, an older wretch. Mad czarina, now irate, Told her elder chambermaid, “Take the princess to the forest Tie her up and leave her soulless Leave her up there, by the pine So the wolves may come to dine!” A frenzied lady to persuade?-- It’s useless. Thus the chambermaid Took the princess to the woods Deep and with so many loops That the princess guessed the purpose, And became afraid and nervous, And implored half-shocked, half-stunned: “Tell me, what is it I’ve done? I beseech you, spare me, friend, Do not leave me here to stand, I’ll repay you then for all!” And the maid, who in her soul, Liked the princess, did not fled Let her go and simply said: “God be with you,” and alone, She would slowly travel home. There, czarina was all ready: “Where’s the charming, pretty lady? --“In the woods, alone she stands” She replied, “tied are her legs, I have tied her as I clutched her If by chance a beast shall catch her, Not for long will she sustain She will shortly die from pain.” Rumors quickly hit the coast: Princess in the woods is lost! Her poor father cries all day. Future husband, Ellisay, After praying for the best, Now, sets out on a quest For her rescue. He is ready To bring back his cherished lady. While, the princess, all alone, Wandered in the woods till dawn, Rambled, rambled all around And a wooden tower found. Toward her, a dog ran up, Barked with playfulness and stopped. To the door she’d slowly start-- All was quiet in the yard. And the dog she kindly pet, Then, the princess walked ahead By the door, she came to stop In her hand she held the knob Heavy door was opened wide And the princess went inside In the chamber, all around Benches stood with carpets covered, And a table made of wood, And a tile stove there stood, And the princess then could tell: Here, good people had to dwell; She will not regret here stopping! All the while, no one’s coming. For the owners she would gaze Then she cleaned the dusty place Lit a candle for the Lord, Lit the fire in the stove, On the planking, she would climb, And there, peacefully reclined. Lunchtime hour now drew close, Footsteps in the yard arose. Seven stalwarts entered then Seven strong and handsome men. Eldest uttered: “What a dream! All is beautiful and clean. Someone cleaned inside our home And awaited us alone. Who are you? Just let us see, And a friend to us you’ll be. If you’re just an elder man You shall be our uncle then. If you’re just a youthful male As a brother you’ll be hailed. If you’re just an elder lady Be our mother, we are ready, And if you are a pretty dame Then our sister you’ll become.” And the frightened princess would Come out forth with a salute. Bowing gracefully in meekness, She then asked them for forgiveness, For she entered uninvited Seeking rest since she was tired. And they instantly affirmed, That they all accepted her. In the corner, she was seated, With a pie, was nicely greeted. A full glass for her to drink, On a tray to her they’d bring. But the fresh and hearty wine With a smile she declined. Just a little of the pie Just to sample she would try, Then, the languor to relieve She was kindly granted leave. And to rest her, they had led Wearied princess to the bed And allowed her to repose And in slumber she would doze. Day by day was flashing by And the princess by-and-by In the woods, was now content With the seven stalwart men. Every morning, before dawning, Brothers are together going To just wander and relax, On the hunt for wild ducks, To refresh the arm, with force, To throw some robber off his horse, Or to cut off a heavy head,-- Some evil Tatar to behead, From the forest, to deface The circassian feeble race. As a housekeeper, she Inside alone all day would be, Cooking, cleaning in the den Never contradicting them And they’re never disagreeing Thus the days are quickly fleeing. Brothers grew to love her soon, Thus, one day, into her room, They walked in before first light. As the brothers went inside, Eldest uttered: “Listen, dear, You are like a sister here, There are seven, all of us Love you passionately, thus Each would love to take your hand, To marry all you simply can’t, Help us, dear, to end this strife; Pick just one and be his wife, For the rest, a sister stay; -- With your head you’re saying nay? Are we all for you too stale? Is the product not for sale?” “O, my friends, you all are great, You’re my brothers, all innate,-- The sweet princess tells them that: -- If I’m lying, then dear God Strike me now by pain enraged! How can I? For I’m engaged. And to me, you’re all alike All are mighty, all are bright, I sincerely love you all But forever my pure soul With another man shall stay, Son of king, prince Ellisay.” Silent grew the seven men, Each stood scratching on his head. “Do forgive us, we were coarse, Uttered eldest with remorse:-- I will speak no more of it.” “I’m not angry at your deed, She responded with affection:-- Do not mind my rejection.” Bowing down with delight, Brothers disappeared from sight, And contented once again, Happily they lived since then. Mad czarina all the while, Still remembering the child, Simply couldn’t just forgive her. She was angry at her mirror With most wrathful aggravation, But to end the separation, She would look for it at last. Held it up and anger passed. Self-admiring, she stared, Then she uttered with a flare: “Nice to see you! mirror say, And don’t hide the truth away: Am I the prettiest on earth? Purest, fairest, with most verve?” And the mirror would resound: “You are pretty, there’s no doubt, But without fame there lives, In the forest of green leaves, With the seven stalwart men, She, whose grace you can’t outstand!” And czarina angered truly At her maid would scream in fury: “Dare you lie to me?” Aghast, She plead guilty: “all was thus...” And czarina, now irate, With a stick would scare the maid: “Let her live and you shall die, Slay the princess and survive.” Once, the princess on the setting Her dear brothers was expecting By the window, spun the yarn, When, with rancor in the yard, Barked the dog, and there our lady Saw a poor old beggar waiting, Swinging with her crutch, afraid Of the raging dog. “Please wait, Granny, wait right there a bit, -- Yelled the princess from her seat: -- Let me calm him, he’s not scary, And there’s something I will carry.” Beggar answered with a smile: “Oh you’re such a helpful child! Damn dog, I’ve lost my breath, Almost ate me here to death. Oh, just look how he is winding Toward me.” – The princess’ trying To come out, took the bread, But the dog who was ahead, Halted her with loud barking From the elder beggar guarding. As the beggar tried to near, Like a beast at her he’d steer. “What is wrong, my dog, my love? He just didn’t sleep enough, -- To the beggar then she said: Catch it!” -- and she threw some bread. The old beggar caught it high “Thank you dearly!” she replied: God will bless you for this deed! Here’s something you can eat!” For the princess thus to sample, Fresh and golden, ripened apple Flies to her. And this perceiving, The dog whimpers, highly leaping But the princess with both hands Clutched the apple. “When you’re tense, Eat it, angel, it’s so good, And thank Goodness for your food...” The old woman said that proud And then vanished, bowing down... With the princess to the door, Ran the dog and barked with woe Stared at her and wailed hard As though ached his loving heart. As if he tried to say sincerely: Drop it!— princess pet dearly With a hand so soft and kind: “Sokolko, what’s on your mind?” Then, inside she slowly crossed Quietly, the door she closed, By the window, to the yarn,-- Sits there, gazing at the yard, And the charming apple. It With the mellowed juice is filled, Oh so fresh, and oh so bloated, With the golden color coated, As though honey flows inside, Seeds are seen from either side... Until lunch, she tried to wait But her yearning was too great Thus the apple she picked up To the blushing lips brought up Took a bite and slowly swallowed And the juicy piece devoured... And then suddenly, our grace, Breathless, slowly swayed in place, She had let her arms hang down, Dropped the fruit onto the ground Rolled her eyes up in the air, And below the icons, there, On the bench, she dropped her head, Still became, just like the dead... Men were slowly coming back To their house in a pack From the dauntless, gallant fighting. Wailing, to them, like lightening Rushed the dog and led ahead To the yard. “Something is bad! -- Brothers uttered while in flight: Sorrow’s certain.” Went inside, And were stunned. Inside the shack, The raging dog would there attack A golden apple. He seemed mad, Swallowed it and fell there dead. Brothers understood what happened: Poisoned was the charming apple. And above the princess, all Stood with sorrow in their souls. All the brothers hung their heads Then, a sacred prayer said, From the bench, they’d lift her up, Went to bury her, but stopped. She was lively, and it seemed, By the wing of hapless dream, Calm and tranquil, she would rest, With no breath inside her chest. For three days, the men would wait, From her sleep she wouldn’t wake. They began the somber rite, A crystal casket locked inside The beloved, stillborn body Of the princess. Everybody Up the mount, carried her Through the midnight’s gloomy blur. To six posts her casket bringing, With the iron chains then linking, Carefully they hung it, thence They’d surround it with a fence. For their sister, to the ground Each would gracefully bow down Eldest uttered: “Rest there, jaded, As a victim of cruel hatred, You have made the earth seem dull Heavens shall receive your soul. We were all by you affected, For a loved one we protected, -- No one got to share your presence Just the coffin took your essence.” Mad czarina, that same day, Waiting for the news felt gay, Brought the mirror into sight And inquired with delight: “Am I the prettiest on earth? Purest, fairest, with most verve?” And she heard the glass resound: “Yes you are, without a doubt, You’re the prettiest on earth Purest, fairest, with most verve.” All the while, on his way, Son of king, prince Ellisay Gallops on, his lady seeking. She is lost! He’s sadly weeping. All the people that he questions Answer with confused reactions; Some just laugh right in his face Some -- another way will gaze, To the blazing sun at last, He would turn and gravely ask: “In the sky, you’re always fleeting All year round, you are meeting Spring and winter full of snow, You can see us there below. Will my question your decline? Have you caught somewhere, sometime, My beloved in your sight? I’m her fiancé.” – “My light, -- The sultry sun would answer so: I did not perceive her. Know That the princess might be dead But perhaps the moon, my friend, Saw her somewhere on the road Marked her footprints in the dirt.” For the night to fill the air, The prince would wait in deep despair. When the moon had first emerged, He would beg of it with urge: “Oh dear moon, my cherished friend, Like a golden horn you stand! In the darkness of the night, You arise, your eyes are bright, Loving your occurrence dearly Stars admire you sincerely, Will my question you decline? Have you caught somewhere, sometime In your sight my dear beloved I’m her fiancé.” -- My brother, The bright moon replied to him: -- Your sweet lady I’ve not seen. On my post I stand just then When it is my turn to stand. It is likely that she passed Right before my eyes.” “Alas!”-- Uttered prince his sad reply, While the moon upon the sky, Kept right on: “Perhaps the wind Your beloved might have seen Go on, find him, he will help Don’t despair my friend, farewell.” And the prince, not losing hope To the wind ran up and spoke: “Wind! You’re powerful and strong You command the clouds along You provoke the raging seas, Blowing everywhere you please, Never fearing someone greater Other than our God-Creator. Will my question you decline? Have you seen at any time My dear lady as of late? I’m her fiancé.”-- “Just wait, -- The strong wind would thus respond: There, beyond a placid pond Stands a mount, steep and tall, In this mountain, there’s a hole; And inside this gloomy space There, a crystal coffin sways To the poles with chains it’s tied. And no footprints there abide Fruitless soil there is bare, Your beloved’s buried there.” The gusting wind would further sweep And the prince began to weep, Down to the vacant place He would go to simply gaze Just once more to see her eyes. While he’s walking there would rise Right before him a steep mount. There was nothing else around. To the passageway below He would turn and quickly go. There inside-- a gloomy space, There, a crystal coffin sways, In the coffin, dark and somber Princess rests in endless slumber. And the prince, in rage then would Strike the coffin best he could. Crystals fell onto the ground, Princess rose. She looked around With bewildered eyes dismaying. On the metal chains while swaying Sighing, she would slowly speak: “Oh! how long was I asleep?!” From the casket, she would rise, Both shed tears from happy eyes. He would lift her up and then Carried her out of the den, Talking pleasantly alone, They began to travel home. Rumors quickly spread around: Daughter of the czar is found! All the while, bored, at home, Mad czarina stayed alone, By her mirror came to sit And began to question it: “Am I the pretties on earth Purest, fairest, with most verve?” And she heard the glass resound: “You are pretty, there’s no doubt, But the princess’ still more darling Still more beautiful, more charming.” Mad czarina got up sore, Crashed the mirror on the floor, To the doors she turned to run, By the princess, there, was stunned. All this grief she could not bare And she died right then and there. And as soon as she was buried The beloved quickly married, And his lovely bride that day, Kissed with passion Ellisay. Since the time the world exists, No one witnessed such a feast. I was there, drank beer and mead Barely got my mustache wet. Check out my poetry here: http://www.unknownpoets.com/db/authors/master |
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| © Copyright 2001 Andrey Kneller - All Rights Reserved | |||
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I am one third the way through..need to take a bit of a break..and come back for more..almost like chapters...but I am enjoying your transalation so far... ~S~ ~Wynter "The worst prison would be a closed heart". ...Pope John Paul II |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Master~ I'd be the first to admit that I almost didn't finish it - But I got caught up in the rhyme from another place, another time. I admire your tenacity to take the time to translate it. I've noticed before that you do seem to favor Pushkin ... may I inquire as to what strikes your fancy with his work ? This one seemed to be sort of akin to Sleeping Beauty. Admirably intriguing story. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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