some more on the Lermontov poem
Hello, Monica
Just a couple of more words about the Lermontov poem. In Russian it is not clear who it is addressed to. Some say that it is addressed to God. The translation adds "my dear", which is absent in the original text. If you read it like this, it changes the meaning a lot. By the way, he wrote the poem in 1840 saying (again in the original) in the last two lines that "he hopes to thank you (God) not for long". Again an inaccurate translation. In 1841 at the age of 27 Lermontov is shot to death during a duel. His poem's request was granted.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Monica
I love poems by Poe, but there's also one by Lermontov I really find amusing
"Gratitude"
For all, for all! I thank you, o my dear:
For passions' deeply hidden pledge,
For poison of a kiss, and stinging of a tear,
Abuse by friends, and enemies' revenge;
For soul's light, extinguished in a prison,
For things by which I was deceived before.
But do not give me any real reason
To give you thanks from now any more.