And the voice of the Lord called unto me:

"Arise! O prophet and guide, and listen, -

Be thou filled with my will,

And going over land and sea,

Burn with the Word the hearts of men!"

THE FOUNTAIN OF BAKHCHISARAY.

Translated by William D. Lewis Published in 1824, this narrative poem was written in the spring of 1821, after Pushkin had visited The Fountain of Tears at the Khan Palace in Bakhchisaray. The poem has since inspired several musical compositions, including Boris Asafyev's 1934 ballet and Alexander Ilyinsky's 1911 opera of the same name.

The title page of the poem's first edition CONTENTS.

THE FOUNTAIN OF BAKHCHISARAI.

TARTAR SONG.

'Pushkin in Bakhchisaray Palace' by Grigory Chernetsov THE FOUNTAIN OF BAKHCHISARAI.

A Tale of the Tauride Mute sat Giray, with downcast eye,

As though some spell in sorrow bound him,

His slavish courtiers thronging nigh,

In sad expectance stood around him.

The lips of all had silence sealed,

Whilst, bent on him, each look observant,

Saw grief's deep trace and passion fervent

Upon his gloomy brow revealed.

But the proud Khan his dark eye raising,

And on the courtiers fiercely gazing,

Gave signal to them to begone!

The chief, unwitnessed and alone,

Now yields him to his bosom's smart,

Deeper upon his brow severe

Is traced the anguish of his heart;

As full fraught clouds on mirrors clear

Reflected terrible appear!

What fills that haughty soul with pain?

What thoughts such madd'ning tumults cause?

With Russia plots he war again?

Would he to Poland dictate laws?

Say, is the sword of vengeance glancing?

Does bold revolt claim nature's right?

Do realms oppressed alarm excite?

Or sabres of fierce foes advancing?

Ah no! no more his proud steed prancing