A Glance
Semen Yakovlevich Nadson
But yesterday, renouncing happiness,
I scorned contented souls who held love dear,
And who exchanged the autumn’s fog and chill
For the spring sun’s caressing warmth and cheer.
I said that while the world is full of tears,
And dense, unbroken darkness reigns around
It were a shame to dream of ease and bliss
Within one’s own home-corner to be found,
But lo! to-day the golden-shining Spring,
Flower-clad, has glanced in at my window too;
And my tired heart beat rapidly, and grieved
That all within was poor and dark to view.
A passing glance of kindly sympathy,
Sadness upon a beautiful young face—
And a mad wish is mine for happiness,
Tears, endless love, a woman’s fond embrace.
