Читать книгу In Praise of Poetry - Ольга Седакова - Страница 20

10. THE WORD

He who loves will be loved in return.

He who serves shall be served—

if not now, then another time, later.

But the best reward comes of gratitude,

he shall walk forth, his work finished, and without Rachel

feel happy, climbing green hills.

You, word, are the robes of Kings,

a dress of patience, both long and short,

more lofty than the sky, more joyous than the sun.

Our eyes will not see

your color—a color near to us, and dear,

no human ears shall hear the noise

of your swishing, broad pleats,

only the heart will say to itself:

“You are free, and you shall be free,

and you shall not answer to slaves.”