Mikhail Lermontov (1814-1841). Gratitude. Deutsch and Yarmolinsky, comps. 1921. Modern Russian Poetry

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Deutsch and Yarmolinsky, comps. Modern Russian Poetry. 1921.

Gratitude

By Mikhail Lermontov (1814–1841)


FOR all, I thank Thee, I, the meek remitter:
For passion’s secret torments without end,
The kiss of venom, and the tears too bitter,
The vengeful enemy, the slanderous friend,
The spirit’s ardor on the desert squandered,	5
For every lash of life’s deceiving thong;
I thank Thee for the wastes where I have wandered:
But heed Thou, that I need not thank Thee long.