Like thought evanescent,

They lose me who find me.

THE BLACK SHAWL.

I gaze demented on the black shawl,

And my cold soul is torn by grief.

When young I was and full of trust

I passionately loved a young Greek girl.

The charming maid, she fondled me,

But soon I lived the black day to see.

Once as were gathered my jolly guests,

A detested Jew knocked at my door.

Thou art feasting, he whispered, with friends,

But betrayed thou art by thy Greek maid.

Moneys I gave him and curses,

And called my servant, the faithful.

We went; I flew on the wings of my steed,

And tender mercy was silent in me.

Her threshold no sooner I espied,

Dark grew my eyes, and my strength departed.

The distant chamber I enter alone -

An Armenian embraces my faithless maid.

Darkness around me: flashed the dagger;

To interrupt his kiss the wretch had no time.

And long I trampled the headless corpse, -

And silent and pale at the maid I stared.

I remember her prayers, her flowing blood,

But perished the girl, and with her my love.

The shawl I took from the head now dead,

And wiped in silence the bleeding steel.

When came the darkness of eve, my serf

Threw their bodies into the billows of the Danube.

Since then I kiss no charming eyes,

Since then I know no cheerful days.

I gaze demented on the black shawl,