Classic Poem

Playing on the flute was Ivan,
Walking by Dunai.
And Palazhka, drawing water,
Smiled at him on high.

" Ivan, Ivan, my heart's lover!
Come down; drink with me.
Cider of the apple sparkling
And wine I'll give to thee. "

Down came he — she on her threshold
Offered poisoned cake:
Jelly of the cranberry,
Venom of the snake.

Came his mother from her sweeping
As in bed he lay:
" Nay, arise now, my son Ivan,
Wheat's to cut to-day. "

" Lift my head I cannot, Mother,
It is aching so.
Pray thee, dear my Mother, wilt thou
To my comrades go?

" Tell them swift to come anigh me.
Hasten, Mother! Say,
" Come, if ye would see my Ivan
On his life's last day." "

Like fine rain their tears were falling
When his fate they knew —
" Ivan, did Palazhka slay thee,
Ivan, tell us true? "

" Mother, Mother, dear my Mother,
Haste thee now away.
Tell Palazhka — " Look on Ivan
On his life's last day." "

Then his sweetheart entered softly —
Heard Ivan's demand:
" Oh Palazhka, didst thou slay me?
Was't thy mother's hand? "

" Neither I nor yet my mother
Slew thee, laid thee low.
Why didst thou for draught of water
To my neighbour go? "