POETRY.
A SONG OF THE VOLOGDA.
[The following poem is a specimen of a folk-song which the Russian peasantry sing while dancing the Chorovod In the province of Voiogda, North-East of Russia.]
IN a rustic garden patch Walks a girl with simple grace ; She is just a little maid, With a smiling chubby face. Round the garden lurks a churl, Daring lad, and not afraid. Lot he comes, and brings along Gifts for her, his darling maid, Cloths of blue and yellow tint, Two ho brings, and peasant spun. Take away your linen stuff ! Peasant cloth I will have none ; Chintzes only choose for me, Striped the kind I like to wear. No! I love a ruddy lad With a head of curly hair. Do you love mo 7 Prove it then. Buy, my dear, a ring of gold, Golden ring for me to press Near my heart when growing old. If you love me you will buy Silk and satin, rich brocade,
Gown and kirtle, petticoat, Two of each shall then be made. Thanks, my dear, shall flow to you That you dressed the maiden welt Never more a timid girl
Forth I'll go to those who sell, Buy and bargain without lot In the market din and whirl, Fragrant mint I then shall buy, I a young and merry girl. Plant the mint with fragrant smell Down beside my cottage door. Hence I you curly-headed boy, Never cross my peasant floor. Tread not down the garden bed ; Listen now, my lad and hood 1 No'or I sowed the mint for you, No'or for you I'll water seed, Mint I planted there for him, Him I love, will love for aye. Watering seedlings for his sake, Him I've kissed, he's mine alway.
Translated by C. T. H. W.
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