In their hearts hid, the three are too

O'erwrought for speech. The first of these

Is bold Rogdai of battle fame

('Twas he who Kiev's boundaries

Stretched with his blade); the next, the vain,

Loud-voiced Farlaf, by none defeated

At festal board, but tame, most tame

Mid flashing swords and tempers heated;

The last, the Khazar Khan Ratmir,

A reckless spirit, aye, and ardent.

All three are pale-browed, glum, despondent:

The feast's no feast, the cheer's no cheer.

It's over, and the teasiers rise

And flock together. Noise. All eyes

Are smiling, all are on the two

Younff newlv-weds.... Ludmila. tearful,

Looks shyly down: her groom is cheerful,

He beams.... Now do the shades anew

Embrace the earth, e'er nearer creeping,

The murk of midnight veils the dome....

The bovars. by sweet mead made sleepy,

Bow to their hosts and make for home.

Ruslan's all rapture, all elation....

AVhat bliss! In his imagination

His bride caresses he. But there

Is sadness in the warmth of feeling

With which, their happy union sealing,

The old prince blesses our young pair.

The bridal couch has long been ready;

The maid is led to it.... It's night.

The torches dim, but Lei already

His own bright lamp has set alight.

Love offers- see - its gifts most tender,