Poetry and Progress in Russia (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 edition. Excerpt: ...sore athirst, his face Disfigured by the battle's smoke and stain, Haroun beheld by moonlight once again, Perch'd high among the crags, his native place. No human eye his furtive steps might mark; The village in a pallid light was bathed; None stirred; for all its sons were lying stark, Save Haroun, who was creeping home unscathed. Lo Haroun sought a well-known cabin where The lamp proclaimed the master still was there. He paused to steel his conscience for the meeting, Then entered: Selim gave him friendly greeting. At first he did not recognise the guest; Stretched on a bed of torture and unrest, The old man lay and suffered silently. "Now praise to Allah, who hath rescued thee, And praise his holy angels, who o'ercame The ruthless foe, and saved thee for fresh fame What news?" Thus Selim spake with labour'd breath, But in his eyes hope's fires blazed up anew, While all his warrior-blood rush'd coursing through His veins, grown stagnant in the frosts of death. And Haroun: "Two whole days we fought, nor ceased, And in the Pass my brothers fell and died Beside my father; then like some wild beast I crept into the wilderness to hide, And there, among the bushes, all alone I dragged my bleeding feet o'er sand and stone, And save for tracks of boars and wolves, no guide In all my weary wanderings I found. Circassia's sons were crushed: the foe all round. Now give me shelter, friend, and hear mine oath: "Lo, by the Prophet I will be thy slave, And cherish gratitude e'en to the grave." He spoke; but straight the dying man in wrath Replied: "Begone, and take my scorn with thee 'Tis well-deserved. No hospitality, Nor any blessing have I to dispense To traitors like thyself. Go--get thee hence " Then Haroun turned in...