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 Danube’s billows—
Since then I kiss no charming eyes
Since then I know no cheerful days.
I gaze demented on the black shawl
And my cold soul is torn by grief.