Thus to reject your knightly fame?"

"In truth, Ruslan," replied the khan,

"War and its phantom glory bore me;

Behind me have I left my stormy,

Tumultuous years. This peace, this calm,

And love, and pastimes innocent

Bring me a hundred-fold more gladness

My lust for combat being spent,

No tribute do I pay to madness;

Rich am I, friend, in happiness,

And have all else forgot, yes, even

Ludmila's charms." "I'm glad, God bless

You for't, Ratmir, for fate has given

Her back to me...." "You have your bride

With you!" amazed, the young khan cried.

"What luck! I too once longed to free her....

W^here is she, then? I'd like to see her-

But no! I'll not betray my mate;

Made mine by a forgiving fate,

She wrought this change in me, the fervour

Of eager youth in me revived;

Because I'm hers, because I serve her

I know true love and am alive.

Twelve sirens who professed a longing

For me without regret I spurned;

My heart to none of them belonging,

I left them never to return;

I left their merry home, a castle

That in a shaded forest nestled,

My sword and helm laid down, and foe

And fame forgot. 'Twas, my friend, so

That, peace and solitude embracing,

A kithless hermit I became,