Alas! I am myself to blame;

You men, I vow, are all the same.

By thy seduction helpless rendered,

To passion wholly I surrendered....

Deceiver! Blackguard! Thou shalt know

Wbat vengeance is, just wait!...'

" 'Twas so

We parted. In these forests buried

E'er since, a hermit's solitary

Life have I led, and of the balm

Of nature tasted, by its calm

And wisdom doctored. I'll not tarry

Long here on earth.... To you alone

Do I impart this; know: the crone

Has not forgot her unrequited,

Scorned passion. In her soul, her blighted

And ugly soul, love's changed to spite;

And that she'll come to hate you, knight

As she does me, you can be sure.

But be not, I entreat you, frighted:

Griefs bound to pass, 'twill not endure.

The old man's story hungrily

Our knight took in. Enchanted by it,

He sat there rapt and clear of eye,

Untouched by sleep. The night was qui(

He never heard it winging by.

Now dawn's bright glow the heavens graces...

With rueful smile Ruslan embraces

The mage, and, full of gratitude,

The cave leaves in a hopeful mood.

He leaps into the saddle deftly,

Grips with his legs the whinnying steed,

And with a whistle moves off swiftly.

"Be with me, Father, in my need!"