Nikolay Stepanovich Gumil

Nikolay Gumilyov] (1886 - 1921 / Kronstadt on Kotlin Island,

The Conquistador

Conquistador, set in the iron armor,
I gaily follow the outgoing star,
I go over precipices, harbors
And rest in joyful groves, so far.

Oh, how wild and starless heaven's shelter!
The haze is growing, but, silent, I must wait.
Conquistador, in iron armor set,
I'll find my love, find it sooner or later.

And if the stars are void of midday words,
I shall myself create them for the worlds,
And warmly charm them by the songs of battles.

I am a brother to the gulfs and storms,
But I will plait into my uniforms
A lily - the blue star of flourishing valleys.
Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, January, 2000
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