Ratmir goads his steed on, his way

Toward southern plains impatient making,

Filled with the hope of overtaking

Ludmila 'fore the end of day....

The crimson skies turn slowly darker

And vainly with his gaze he strains

To pierce the haze that cloaks the plains

And sleepy stream. A last ray sparkles

Above the wood and paints it gold.

By nighttime's dark, thick veil enfolded,

Our knight rides past black, jutting boulders...

Oh, for a place to sleep!... Behold!-

A vale before him lies, an old

Walled castle perching high above it

Upon a cliff top; shadow-covered,

At every corner turrets show.

With all a swan's glide, smooth and slov

Along the wall there walks a maiden;

By twilight's faint ray lit is she,

And on the soft air dreamily

Her song floats, in the distance fading:

"Night cloaks the lea; from far away

The chilling winds of ocean carry.

Come, youthful roamer, do not tarry;

Take shelter in our castle, pray!

"The nights in languid calm we spend,

The days in feasts and merrymaking.

Come, youthful wanderer, attend

This fete of ours, to joy awaking.

"We many are and beauties all;

Our lips are soft, our speeches tender.

Come, youthful wanderer, surrender

And heed our joyous, secret call!