ARMENIAN WRITINGS

Liberty, by Mikael Nalbandian

(1829-1866) WHEN the God of LibertyFormed of earth this mortal frame,Breathed the breath of life in me,And a spirit I became, Wrapped within my swaddling bands,Bound and fettered helplessly,I stretched forth my infant handsTo embrace sweet Liberty. All night long, until the dawn,In my cradle ...
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The Birth of Vahagn, King of Armenia

“Heaven and earth were in travail,And the crimson waters were in travail.And in the water, the crimson reedWas also in travail.From the mouth of the reed issued smoke,From the mouth of the reed issued flame.And out of the flame sprang the young child.His hair was of fire, a beard had he ...
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Yesternight I walked Abroad

ANONYMOUS YESTERNIGHT I walked abroad.From the clouds sweet dews were falling,     And my love stood in the road,All in green, and to me calling.     To her home she led me straight,Shut and barred the gate securely ...
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The Apple Tree

THE door of Heaven open seemed     And in thy house the sunlight gleamed. As through the garden’s willow’d walks I hiedFull many a tree and blossom I espied.But of all trees, the Apple Tree most fairAnd beautiful did unto me appear.It sobbed and wept. Its leaves ...
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O Night, be long, by Nahabed Kouchak

O NIGHT, be long—long as an endless year !Descend, thick darkness, black and full of fear !     To-night my heart’s desire has been fulfilled—     My love is here at last—a guest concealed ! Dawn, stand behind seven mountains—out of ...
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Black Eyes, by Avetik Isahakian

(Born 1875) Do not trust black eyes, but fear them :—    Gloom they are, and endless night ;Woes and perils lurking near them—    Love not thou their gleaming bright ! In my heart a sea of blood wells,    Called up by their cruel ...
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The Exile’s Song

BELOVÈD one, for thy sweet sake,By whirlwinds tossed and swayed I roam ;The stranger’s accents round me wakeThese burning thoughts that wander home.No man such longings wild can bearAs in my heart forever rise.Oh that the wind might waft me thereWhere my belovèd’s vineyard lies !Oh ...
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