I do not offend them with neurasthenia. Nikolai Gumilyov - My readers: Verse
MY READERS
An old tramp in Addis Ababa
conquered many tribes,
Sent me a black spearman
With greetings, composed of my poems.
Gunboat Lieutenant
under enemy fire,
Whole night over south sea
He recited my poems to me.
Man among the crowd
Shot the imperial ambassador,
Came up to shake my hand
Thanks for my poetry.
Many of them, strong, evil and cheerful,
Killing elephants and people
Dying of thirst in the desert
Frozen on the edge eternal ice,
Faithful to our planet
Strong, cheerful and evil,
Carry my books in a saddlebag
Read them in a palm grove,
Forgotten on a sinking ship.
I do not offend them with neurasthenia,
I do not humiliate with warmth,
I don't bother with meaningful hints
On the contents of the eaten egg.
But when bullets whistle around
When the waves break the sides
I teach them how not to be afraid
Don't be afraid and do what needs to be done.
And when a woman lovely face,
The only dear in the universe
Saying: "I don't love you"
I teach them how to smile
And leave and never come back.
And when they come last hour,
Smooth, red fog will cover the eyes,
I'll teach them to remember right away
All the cruel, sweet life
All native, strange land
And standing before the face of God
With simple and wise words,
Wait quietly for His judgment.
1921
* * *
On the distant star Venus
The sun is fiery and golden.
On Venus, ah, on Venus
Trees have blue leaves.
Everywhere free sonorous waters,
Rivers, geysers, waterfalls
Sing the song of freedom at noon.
At night they burn like lamps.
On Venus, ah, on Venus
There are no hurtful or powerful words.
Angels speak on Venus
A language of only vowels.
On Venus, ah, on Venus
There is no death, tart and stuffy.
If they die on Venus -
They turn into air vapor.
And golden smokes wander
In blue blue evening bushes
Or, like joyful pilgrims,
Visit the still living.
1921
* * *
After so many years
I came back.
But I'm an exile
And they follow me.
- I waited for you
So many long years!
For my love
There is no distance.
- In the side of a stranger
My life has passed.
How<украли?>life,
I didn't notice.
- My life was
Sweet me.
I waited for you,
I saw in a dream.
death in my house
And in your house.
- Nothing but death
If we are together.
1921
* * *
I laughed at myself
And I deceived myself
When could I think that in the world
There is something other than you.
Only white, in white clothes,
As in the peplum of ancient goddesses,
You hold the crystal sphere
In transparent and thin fingers.
And all the oceans, all the mountains,
Archangels, people, flowers -
They are reflected in the crystal
Transparent girlish eyes.
How strange to think that in the world
Is there anything other than you
That I myself am not only nocturnal,
Sleepless song about you.
But the light is behind you
Such a blinding light.
There are long flames flying,
Like two golden wings.
1921
Comments
During the life of N.S. Gumilyov saw the light of his poetic books "The Way of the Conquistadors" (published in 1905 in St. Petersburg, at the expense of the author), "Romantic Flowers" (published in 1908 in Paris, at the expense of the author, the third edition - in Petrograd in 1918 Petersburg, Zhemchuga (published in 1910 in Moscow, the second edition in 1918 in Petrograd, St. Petersburg on the title page), Alien Sky (published in 1912 in St. Petersburg), "Kolchan" (the title page indicates "Moscow - Petrograd" and the year 1916, although the book was published at the end of 1915), "Bonfire" (published in 1918 in Petrograd) , the poem "Mik" (published in 1918 in Petrograd), "Porcelain Pavilion" (published in 1918 in Petrograd), "Tent" (published in 1921 in Sevastopol) and "Pillar of Fire" (published in 1921 . in Petrograd).
In this collection, the works of N.S. Gumilev are printed according to the publication “Nikolai Gumilev. Works in three volumes. Volume one "(M.," Fiction", 1991).
The poem is named after the legendary Celtic warrior and bard who lived in the 3rd century BC. Scot J. Macpherson (1736–1796) published in late XVIII in. his writings, declaring that they were translations of authentic songs of Ossian that he had found. The hoax was quickly exposed, but the poems, in terms of subject matter and lyrical mood, were so in line with the spirit of the era of pre-romanticism that they caused a lot of imitations. Translation of J. MacPherson's poems by the beginning of the 20th century. published several times in Russian.
Warrior of green Erin, Cuchulain mighty // Fell under the sword of the king of the ocean, Swaran. – N.S. Gumilyov deviated from the original source: Swaran defeated Cuchulain, but did not kill him.
The sibyls of the gray-haired spell sobbed ominously ...- AT Ancient Greece sibyls, or sibyls, were called wandering prophetesses; subsequently the word became a household word.
And Swaran met frantically, in a thunderstorm of jubilation, // The hero of heroes, the lord of the desert, Fingal. Swaran was in turn defeated by Fingal. It should be added that the naming of Fingal "the lord of the desert", as well as some other revolutions, directly refer to the poem by J. MacPherson.
For the first time: "Romantic Flowers" (Pg., 1918).
Where is he, where is he, light-winged angel?- According to popular beliefs, each person is assigned an angel and a devil, who fight for his soul. However, according to the same beliefs, the guardian angel is always behind the right shoulder of a person, there is no need to call him.
For the first time: "The Way of the Conquistadors" (St. Petersburg, 1905).
The poem is named after the form in which it is written. The sonnet consists of two quatrains (quatrains) and two final three-verses (tercetes), rhymed in a special way.
Like a conquistador in an iron shell...- The Spanish conquerors who invaded in the 15th-16th centuries were called conquistadors or conquistadors. to the American continent and conquered vast territories.
I will get a blue lily. – The image of the “blue flower”, borrowed from the novel “Heinrich von Ofterdingen” by the German romantic Novalis (1772–1801), was widely used in symbolism as a symbol of ideal aspirations.
sleep cave
For the first time: the magazine "Scales", 1906, No. 6.
You and I will see Lucifer. – Under the name of Lucifer, the Church Fathers mention Satan, while in hermetic philosophy Lucifer is associated with secrets that are accessible only to the elect (see also comments on the poem “Ballad”).
Fairy Mab will tell her tales ...- Character English fairy tales fairy Mab subsequently moved into literature; she is mentioned, in particular, by W. Shakespeare, became the heroine of the poem by P.B. Shelley.
And frighten away, wandering, the Eternal Jew ...– The character of numerous medieval legends is mentioned, of which the German version is the most common. According to it, on his way to Golgotha, Christ wanted to rest near the house of the shoemaker Ahasuerus, but he rudely drove him away. For this, Ahasuerus was punished with eternal wanderings. The plot about Ahasuerus is one of the most popular in the literature of romanticism, suffice it to say that it was used by I.V. Goethe, P.B. Shelley, V.A. Zhukovsky.
But when the air moon sign // Lucifer - a wandering shadow. - In magic, Lucifer is related to the moon.
"The Navigator Pausanius ..."
For the first time: the magazine "Pass", 1907, No. 11.
Navigator Pausanius…- The ancient Greek writer and traveler Pausanias (2nd century) became famous as the author of the work "Description of Hellas", which contains a variety of information related to art, mythology, architecture, history and religion.
And a big crocodile. - The crocodile, according to the Egyptians, endowed with the gift of foresight, was considered as the emblem of the supreme deity.
Perversions of Caracalla. - This refers to the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus (186-217), who planted the cult of the goddess Isis (see comments on the poem "Egypt"). He received the nickname Caracalla because of the Gallic clothing he introduced - a long, ankle-length robe.
And in purple...- AT Ancient Rome clothes dyed with purple, a special dye of organic origin, were the property of high officials.
Bustling around the galley...- A large rowing vessel of a special type, common in Antiquity and the Middle Ages, is mentioned.
And graceful getters ...- In ancient Greece, unmarried educated women who led a free lifestyle were called getters. However, prostitutes were also called getters.
Raised in honor of Venus ...- Venus among the Romans, identified with the ancient Greek Aphrodite, was the goddess of love and beauty.
The whole bank, - he shouted, - I cover in the card!- When playing all-in, the bet is equal to the entire bank. This is where the expression "go for broke" comes from, that is, risk everything.
"Muses, stop crying ..."
For the first time: a collection of "Italy" (St. Petersburg, 1909), entitled "The Riddle".
Sing me a song about Dante...– Mention is made of the Italian poet and politician Dante Alighieri (1265–1321), creator of “ Divine Comedy».
Threw heaven to Beatrice ...- About love for Beatrice Portinari, later dei Bardi (1265? -1290) and bitter experiences after her death, is told in Dante's story " New life". Beatrice also appears as one of the heroines of the Divine Comedy, and in the philosophical work The Feast, two canzones are dedicated to her. However, how her image is idealized and how artistic reality is far from real life, researchers still argue.
And Gabriele Rossetti. – The English poet and painter Dante Gabriel Rossetti (1828–1882) is mentioned, in whose paintings the images of Dante and Beatrice were used.
For the first time: the magazine "Spring", 1908, No. 2.
And I read on the ghostly tablet...- On two stone slabs, the tablets handed to Moses on Mount Sinai, the Ten Commandments were inscribed. Subsequently, the word "tablet" began to be interpreted more broadly.
Spell
A young mage in a purple chiton...- Chiton, the attire of the ancient Greeks, was a long narrow shirt, girded so that the tunic lay around the body in beautiful folds.
Weeping invisible strings...- A reference to the most important element of the Pythagorean cosmogony, the "music of the spheres."
Pillars of fire floated...– The image of “pillars of fire” preceding the “great noon” is found in the work of the German thinker F. Nietzsche “Thus Spoke Zarathustra”.
Proud military stands...- Tribunes in Ancient Rome were called officials, heads of the legion.
And when on the emeralds of the Nile ...- Maybe, we are talking about Egyptian queen Cleopatra (69-30 BC).
For the first time: "Romantic Flowers" (Paris, 1908), under the title "Treason".
I dreamed that I sparkled in the sky ...- According to the ideas of the Aztecs, whose mythology, apparently, was reflected in the poem, one of the three main deities of the Central American pantheon, Tezcatlipoca personifies, among other things, the starry sky; it can also be depicted as a jaguar, its spirit counterpart.
And a hyena sneaks out of the cave. - Among the Egyptians, the hyena was a symbol of the devil Typhon.
She was such a hyena...- In the "Life of Animals" by the German zoologist A.E. Brema (1829–1884) mentions that hyenas were sometimes thought to be werewolves or evil spirits.
And the gloomy grab the fellah...- In Arabia and Egypt, farmers are called fellahs.
First: "Romantic Flowers" (Paris, 1908), untitled.
Pompeii at the Pirates
For the first time: "Romantic Flowers" (Paris, 1908).
Heads of a young Pompey.- Pompey Sextus (75-36 BC) is meant, younger son Pompey the Great. After he was declared an enemy of the fatherland, he engaged in piracy, attacked ships bound for Italy.
I met the head of a hyena // On slender girlish shoulders. - Perhaps the image refers to the belief about hyenas as werewolves and evil spirits (see comments to the poem "Hyena").
magic violin
For the first time: Spring magazine, 1908, No. 6.
The poem is dedicated to V.Ya. Bryusov (1873-1924), poet and versifier, one of the main figures of Russian symbolism.
For the first time: Spring magazine, 1908, No. 7.
The poem is dedicated to A.I. Gumilyova (1854–1942), the poet's mother.
Long gloomy druids...- The priests of a special cult among the ancient Celts are mentioned, where, in particular, a place was given to the worship of stones.
Sybils of gloomy kings...- See the comments on the poem "Ossian".
Comets running stuffy children ...- In connection with the upcoming approach to the Earth in 1910, Halley's comet predicted all kinds of cataclysms. Thus was born the myth that the tail of a comet is poisoned, and if this tail touches the Earth, people will die.
For the first time: "Journal of the Theater of the Literary and Artistic Society", 1909, No. 2. The poem was published as a facsimile of the autograph.
He who builds the tower will fall...“Perhaps the line refers to the Heavenly Fire card, one of the tarot cards used in divination. This card depicts a tower split by lightning and two human figures falling from it, which symbolizes the loss of a spiritual fortress by a person, a fall into the carnal world.
And at the bottom of the world well...- I mean hell.
Old conquistador
For the first time: the magazine "Spring", 1908, No. 5.
There he lived in the shade of dry fig trees...- The fig tree, the fruitful tree mentioned many times in the Bible, does not grow in South America. However, in the Bible there is an expression "to sit under a fig tree", the meaning of which is "peace, well-being."
He sang songs about sunny Castilla...- The Kingdom of Castile, located on the Iberian Peninsula, in 1479 became part of Spain. In this case, most likely, the area bearing this name is meant.
I saw either squeaking or mantillas. - Mention is made of firearms, a type of gun loaded from the barrel, and a light veil with which Spanish women covered their heads and faces.
For the first time: almanac "17" (St. Petersburg, 1909).
Let's take out the sword-treasurer ...– The magic sword-treasurer is one of the attributes of Russian folk tales. The mention of it along with the dragon and naiads (see below) indicates the timeless and transcultural nature of the plot of this poem.
A gift from benevolent naiads…- Naiads were called the daughters of Zeus, the nymphs of the water element (with the exception of the seas, where there were their own nymphs - Nereids).
For the first time: the magazine "Scales", 1909, No. 6.
Entering the circles of planetary movement. - In alchemy, "flying eagles" were called the seven revolutions of the planets.
More than once the worlds collapsed into the abyss, / More than once the trumpet of the archangel blew ...– According to the Apocalypse, the sound of the trumpet will announce the Last Judgment. In the iconography of the Last Judgment, there are certainly two or four angels with trumpets.
"On the polar seas and in the south..."
For the first time: Apollo magazine, 1909, No. 1.
Who has known maelstroms and stranded...- This refers to tidal whirlpools, which received their name from the name of the large tidal whirlpool Maelström in Northern Norway.
Whose is not the dust of lost charters ...– In this case, “charter” means “document”, “manuscript”.
Shreds of foam from high boots ...- Boots with hard tops, over the knee boots, in front were much higher than the knee, and in the back they reached the bend of the leg.
With pinkish Brabant cuffs. - The author probably means the famous Brussels lace, which was also used to make cuffs.
What he can do on enemy feluccas ...- In the Mediterranean, a three-masted vessel with triangular sails was called a feluca, formerly used as a military, and later as a merchant.
Unexpectedly abandon the frigate ...- A military three-masted vessel with full armament on all masts, a frigate, had two batteries, one of which, on the upper deck, was open.
Semiramide
The poem is dedicated to the memory of I.F. Annensky (1855–1909), a poet and critic, who was the director of the Nikolaev Tsarskoye Selo gymnasium at the time when N.S. Gumilev.
Strengthened my gardens. – Famous hanging gardens Semiramis was considered one of the wonders of the world. However, the gardens built by King Nebuchadnezzar had nothing to do with the Babylonian queen Shammurammat, whose name was consonantly associated with the name of Semiramis, the heroine of ancient Greek mythology.
From the height of seven hundred cubits. - The measure of measurement "elbow", which differed in certain European countries, was about 0.5 m.
In library
For the first time: Apollo magazine, 1909, No. 3.
The poem is dedicated to M.A. Kuzmin (1872–1936), poet and composer.
Today my lesson is difficult for me. - In this case, "lesson" means "a certain task" or "work intended for today."
In the process of ancient Gilles de Retz. - Marshal of France Gilles de Retz (1404-1440) was convicted and executed for practicing magic and making human sacrifices.
And then, there, in the shadow of the arcades...- An arcade is a series of interconnected arches or a vaulted passage.
Shagreen bindings.- Shagreen leather, dense, tanned leather with a rough surface, was often used for binding expensive publications.
Descendants of Cain
For the first time: Apollo magazine, 1909, No. 3.
He did not lie to us, a sadly strict spirit, / Taking the name of the morning star ...- Dennitsa, morning Star, is a symbol of Lucifer (see comments on the poems "The Cave of Sleep" and "Ballad").
And white as snow unicorns. – Mythological animal unicorn, symbolizing virginity and purity; in the Christian tradition, the unicorn is associated with the Mother of God and Christ.
“He swore in a strict temple…”
Portrait of a man
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
The Louvre Palace in Paris houses one of the largest museum collections in the world. In all likelihood, N.S. Gumilyov describes a particular work of art.
They caressed the sorceress girls // And they were in charge of bloody crucifixes. – The lines refer to the ritual of the “black mass” with human sacrifices.
To all the gardens of the Madonna and Cyprida / He will not exchange memories. - The word "Madonna", derived from the phrase meaning "my lady", has long been used in Italy in relation to the Mother of God; Cyprida was the name of the Greek goddess Aphrodite, who, according to legend, was born from sea foam near the island of Cyprus. Thus, the hero of the poem prefers memories over spiritual values and bodily pleasures.
book reader
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
Night shadow behind the closet, behind the icon case ...– This refers to a special glazed cabinet or a glazed frame for icons.
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
We are all funny actors // In the theater of the Lord God. – A reference to the metaphor from the play “As You Like It” by W. Shakespeare (1564–1616), where the world is likened to a theater, and people are like actors.
Hamlet? He must be pale. // Cain? He must be rough...- The literary character Hamlet, known from the play by W. Shakespeare, and Cain, one of the sons of Adam, a biblical character, are equalized.
Spectators listen to the victorious // Sunny, angelic trumpets. - See comments on the poem "Eagle".
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
The poem is named after the hero of a Spanish medieval legend, a libertine and violator of moral standards. Subsequently, Don Juan became one of the most popular characters in world literature, the plot about him was developed, among others, by E.T.A. Hoffman, A. Musset, A.S. Pushkin.
“I don’t have flowers…”
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
...Trading behind the cursed cemetery // The second-hand book dealer who sold them to me. - The place where the second-hand book dealer was found - the cemetery, on which the curse was imposed, and the magic itself, inherent in the old thing that absorbed the part life force previous owners indicate that the books mentioned in the poem are not mere fiction.
It's been more than once
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
After all, not a house in Galilee ...- The historical region in Northern Palestine, Galilee, which, according to the Bible, is associated with the earthly life of Christ.
The sun is getting close to...- A pritin is called a "place of destination", so the zenith is considered a pritin of the Sun.
Hear the breath of the end...– This refers to the words from the Gospel of Luke that at the time of the death of Christ “there was darkness over all the earth.”
Journey to China
For the first time: "Pearls" (M., 1910).
The poem is dedicated to S.Yu. Sudeikin (1883-1946), artist, member of the art association "World of Art".
Will fill our souls with burning passion // A dark-skinned child in a tea garden. – Perhaps in these lines there is a hidden polemic with A.A. Blok, in whose poem "The girl sang in the church choir" there are lines: "To the secrets of the Communion, - the child cried // About the fact that no one will come back."
Always ruddy, Maitre Rabelais.– In the novel “Gargantua and Pantagruel” by the French writer François Rabelais (1494–1553), among other things, there is alchemical symbolism (see preface).
Heavy, like barrels of Tokay wines ...– Hungarian dessert wine is mentioned.
Only in China will we anchor, // Even if we meet death on the way!– Any rite of initiation, a variation of which is alchemical work, implies an obligatory symbolic death with further rebirth.
Dazzling
For the first time: an anthology of the Musaget publishing house (Moscow, 1911), without a title.
And Baghdad rules again...– The cycle of Arabic tales, known to us as “Thousand and One Nights”, is connected with the city of Baghdad, located in Iraq.
And Sinbad wanders again...- This refers to the character of the cycle of fairy tales "A Thousand and One Nights".
To the magnificent Bassora. The city of Basra is located in the south of Iran.
Oh secret of secrets, oh bird Rock, / Is not your distant island ...- On one of the distant islands, travelers, including Sinbad (see above), met the monstrous bird Rock.
At the feast to Harun al-Rashid. – The Arab caliph Harun al-Rashid (766–809) is better known as a character in the cycle of fairy tales “Thousand and One Nights”.
On the shore behind the old Smyrna. The city of Izmir is located in Turkey.
And I will cry for the Levant. – Levant is the common name of the countries of the eastern part mediterranean sea, sometimes do not mean all countries, but only Syria and Lebanon.
margarita
Valentin talks about his sister in the tavern...- Valentine and Margarita - characters in the tragedy "Faust" (1808–1832) by I.V. Goethe (see comments on the poem "Fragment").
Evil mocker in a red cloak. – This refers to Mephistopheles, a demon who, under certain conditions, entered into an alliance with Faust.
Only ... gray carries from him. - The smell of sulfur was an indispensable attribute of the fiends of hell.
Why Rigoletto was hunchbacked and cunning...- The character of the drama of the French writer V. Hugo "The King Amuses himself", the court jester Rigoletto is better known for the opera by G. Verdi, in the libretto of which the plot of this drama is used.
Terrible Faust you call into battle, but in vain!- Valentine, standing up for the honor of his sister, challenged Faust to a duel.
Only a mocker in a red and holey cloak // You will find ... and you will be killed. - Valentine was killed by Mephistopheles, who got involved in a duel.
For the first time: the almanac "Northern Flowers" (M., 1911), without a title.
And in the land of lakes there are five great tribes...“Perhaps it means the country of Sidamo, a territory in the southwest of Abyssinia.
For the first time: "Sin. Collection of stories, poems and articles ”(M., 1911), untitled.
Christ said: the poor are blessed // And I will call them the most glorious of the glorious...– N.S. Gumilyov gives a free retelling of the beginning of the Sermon on the Mount.
Il Beatrice became a prostitute...- See the comments to the poem "Muses, stop crying ...".
Deaf-mute - the great Wolfgang Goethe ...– German poet, thinker and naturalist I.V. Goethe (1749-1832) is one of the founders of the German literature of the Modern Age.
And Byron - a public jester ... Oh, horror!– The great English poet D.G. Byron (1788–1824).
From the lair of the serpent
For the first time: the journal "Russian Thought", 1911, No. 7.
From the lair of the serpent, // From the city of Kyiv ...- According to Ukrainian legend, the Dnieper, its rapids and ramparts along it arose after the blacksmith plowed the land on the snake he defeated, who had previously collected requisitions from this country.
I took not a wife, but a sorceress. “Looking at southern women like witches is proverbial. So, the expression "witch of Kyiv" was widespread.
On the sinful Bald Mountain.- According to the legends, the witches' sabbats took place on the tops of mountains, for example, on Mount Brocken in the Harz and on Bald Mountain near Kyiv.
Above the part, cursed by God. - This refers to a pit from where clay is mined, etc., which is popularly called “clear”.
For the first time: Apollo magazine, 1911, No. 6.
For the first time: the almanac "Apollo" (St. Petersburg, 1912), without a title.
And that crazy hunter is alien to you / Shoots an arrow straight into the sun. – In Muslim mythology there is a legend about Nimrod, who is also mentioned in Old Testament. According to this legend, after the construction of the Tower of Babel, which Nimrod was building, ended in failure, he, having risen into the sky in a box drawn by four eagles, began to shoot arrows into the heavens. The arrows returned stained with blood, and Nimrod thought he had wounded God (in fact, the arrows were returned to him by the angel Jibril).
"When I was in love (and I'm in love ...)"
He put the almanacs "Knowledge" side by side ...- Around the collections published by the "Knowledge" partnership, democratically minded Russian writers, the object of critical attacks of the symbolists, united.
Postcards - so that even a Hottentot ...- The word "Hottentot" (see comments on the poem "Hottentot Cosmogony") was used among Europeans as a synonym for the word "savage".
Glass was shaking from the crowbars in the window ...- Lomoviks were engaged in the transportation of heavy loads.
Thoughtfully nodded to me with an aigretto. - An aigretto was a decoration of a woman's hat or hairstyle, a jewelry composition where a feather was inserted (the word "agret" is usually associated with the feather itself).
Aubrey Beardsley hardcover. – Mention is made of a book with drawings by the English modernist artist O. Beardsley (1872–1898), published in Russia in 1906.
Modernity
I closed the Iliad and sat by the window...- The ancient Greek epic poem "Iliad", which tells about the siege of Troy, is traditionally attributed to Homer.
Odysseus in the darkness of shipping offices ...- Odysseus, the king of Ithaca, a participant in the Trojan War, is the main character of Homer's Odyssey, which tells about his ten-year wandering around the seas and returning to his homeland.
Agamemnon between tavern markers. - The Mycenaean king Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in Trojan War, and a marker, an attendant who keeps score in a billiard game.
Freeze in silver ice mastodons...- Extinct large mammals of the proboscis order are mentioned.
A schoolboy with a schoolgirl, like Daphnis and Chloe. – The heroes of the novel by the ancient Greek writer Long (II-III centuries AD) “Daphnis and Chloe” are mentioned.
I believed, I thought...
For the first time: the journal "Russian Thought", 1912, No. 1, without a title or dedication.
The poem is dedicated to S.K. Makovsky (1877–1962), art historian and art critic.
Turkestan generals
For the first time: the journal "Russian Thought", 1912, No. 1.
Turkestan, from which the definition "Turkestan" in the name, was called the lands along the basin of the Tarim River in the eastern part and the Amu-Darya and Syr-Darya rivers in the western part of Central Asia.
And Uch-Kuduk, and Kinderli ... – fighting Russian troops near those mentioned here settlements played important role in the Khiva campaign.
And the Russian flag over white Khiva. Russian troops occupied Khiva in 1873.
Among the copies of Greuze and Watteau...– French artists J.B. Grez (1725–1805) and A. Watteau (1684–1721).
The poem is dedicated to the memory of M.A. Kuzmina-Karavaeva, a distant relative of N.S. Gumilyov, who died in girlhood from consumption.
Talk about the Heavenly Bride...- In this case, we mean the Virgin Mary, the patroness of the Order of St. John.
poisoned
Those nightmares that are slowly choking...- The representative of lower mythology, the spirit of mara (from whose name the word "nightmare" comes) leans on a sleeping person and strangles him.
For the first time: the newspaper "Birzhevye Vedomosti", 1912, February 5 (morning issue), under the title "Fear".
With a Latin sail, a shuttle ...- Oblique sail in the form right triangle by that time was widespread in the Mediterranean.
For the first time: "Alien Sky" (St. Petersburg, 1912).
A she-wolf with a bloody mouth // On a white, white pillar ...“I mean the monument known as the Capitoline Wolf.”
With you babies, two brothers ...- The legendary founders of the city, the brothers Romulus and Remus, are mentioned.
And St. Peter's...- This refers to the Cathedral of St. Peter in Rome, the stronghold of Catholicism.
For the first time: the journal "Russian Thought", 1912, No. 7.
Oh, the amber marble of Siena // And the milky white of Carrara!– The cities of Siena and Carrara are located in Central Italy in the region of Tuscany, famous for its marble reserves.
The golden Tuscan plain...- The center of the Tuscany region (see above) is Florence, a city associated with the life of Dante (see comments on the poem "Muses, stop crying ...").
The insatiable passion of Sodom...- This refers to the Italian artist Giovanni Antonio Bazzi (1477-1549), known as Sodoma.
And the hungry cry of Ugolino.- The ruler of Pisa, Count Ugolino della Gherardesca (? -1289), together with his sons and grandchildren, was imprisoned by the Ghibellines in a tower, where he died of starvation.
Ghibellines and Guelphs near...- Political parties in Italy in the 13th-15th centuries that were at enmity with each other.
Above the Leaning Tower of Pisa.– The famous tower was built in 1174–1350. The tower tilted due to the fact that the ground under it settled, but was strengthened in this form and is now a landmark of the city of Pisa.
Fra Beato Angelico
For the first time: the journal "Hyperborea", 1912, No. 1, under the title "Fra Angelico".
The poem tells about the Italian painter Fra Giovanni da Fiesole (c. 1400–1455), nicknamed Beato Angelico.
In a country where the hippogriff is a cheerful lion ...- The hippogriff, a fantastic animal, mentioned, among other things, by L. Ariosto, has an eagle's head and wings, while his body is that of a horse.
Crystal nymphs and crowned furies...- Nymphs in ancient Greek mythology personified elemental forces, special nymphs were in the forests, mountains, streams, etc. (see also comments on the poem “On the Road”), the furies of the ancient Romans were the goddesses of vengeance.
Let the heavenly Raphael / Cellini, who gave bronze the secret of flesh, be great. - The artist Raphael Santi (1483–1520), the sculptor, painter and poet Michelangelo Buonarroti (1475–1564), the painter, sculptor, architect, scientist and engineer Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519), the sculptor, jeweler and writer Benvenuto Cellini ( 1500-1571).
On Fiesole, among thin poplars...- The Italian city of Fiesole, built on a steep hill, is located in Tuscany.
For the first time: the journal "Hyperborea", 1912, No. 3.
I forgot the words of the litanies...- A litany is a Catholic prayer that is read or sung during religious processions.
Like the sound of decayed cymbals...- The mentioned musical instrument is considered an attribute of the goddess Isis (see comments to the poem "Egypt").
I am not the young Ganymede...- The son of the king of Troy, Ganymede, was kidnapped by Zeus, who took the form of an eagle.
For the first time: a literary supplement to the Niva magazine, 1913, No. 1.
The subtitle mentions the Italian sculptor A. Canova (1757–1822).
He raised the head of Medusa...- Perseus, the son of Zeus and Danae, defeated the goddesses of darkness and cut off the head of one of them, Medusa the Gorgon.
And he will not see, of course // Once terrible eyes ...- From the look of Medusa Gorgon, a man turned to stone.
A naked Andromeda awaits... Perseus saved Andromeda, who was sacrificed to a sea monster.
Florence
For the first time: the journal "Hyperborea", 1913, No. 6.
And the mountains that rose above the Arno ... The city of Florence was built on the Arno River.
... Here the Signoria stood up menacingly ...- Signoria was the name of the government council.
There perishes "Leda" Leonardo...– The opinion that the painting by Leonardo da Vinci “Leda”, which depicts the copulation of Leda and the Swan, was destroyed by order of Savonarola (see below) is incorrect, the painting was destroyed in France.
Hisses: "That's Savonarola..."– D. Savonarola (1452–1498), an Italian politician who ruled Florence for a short time, is mentioned.
Pale exile, Alighieri...- Dante Alighieri (see comments on the poem “Muses, stop crying ...”) was expelled from Florence.
Old estates
For the first time: Sovremennik magazine, 1913, No. 12.
The icon sailed to the village. – In Russia, there are quite a few so-called “manifested” icons, whose appearance is associated with some miraculous event, for example, the icon lies at the bottom of a spring, sails along the river, etc.
Is it bad for pale mermaids to live?- According to popular beliefs, drowned girls become mermaids.
Fortune rolls the wheel...- One of the attributes of Fortune, the symbolic embodiment of happiness, is the wheel, emblems of the variability of luck.
Baron Brambeus and Rousseau. – The Russian writer O.I. Senkovsky (1800-1858), once very popular, and then completely forgotten, novelist, who acted under the pseudonym "Baron Brambeus", and the French thinker J.J. Rousseau (1712-1778), whose books in Russia at one time enjoyed great success.
"My beautiful hideaway..."
The story of the Jewish woman Judith, // About the Babylonian Holofernes.– The Bible tells how Judith, a young Israelite widow, saved her city, which was besieged by the Assyrian troops. She charmed the leader of the troops, Holofernes, and then cut off his head. The troops, deprived of command, retreated.
The satrap was powerful and beautiful in body...– A satrap in Ancient Persia was a governor of a province who was in charge of minting coins, collecting taxes, declaring war and peace.
The winged Assyrian bull has risen...– Statues of winged bulls (shedu), guardian geniuses of the place, adorned the palaces of the kings of Assyria.
From the darkness of the future Salome...- Salome, daughter of Herodias, wife of Herod Antipas, at the request of her mother, performed a dance at the feast of King Herod and asked for the head of John the Baptist as a reward.
Boasted the head of Jokanaan. – John the Baptist is mentioned under the name Jokanaan in O. Wilde's play "Salome" (1891), based on a well-known biblical story.
Coachmen drive horses in a quarry ...- A horse gait, a fast gallop, is called a career.
On the island
For the first time: "Almanacs of poems published in Petrograd". Issue 1 (St. Petersburg, 1915).
And the Apocalypse was written here // And Pan died.– N.S. Gumilyov connects here two different episodes. In the Revelation of John the Theologian, the island of Patmos is mentioned, while the legend about the death of Pan, the god of forests, fields and cattle, is associated with the island of Paxos (the tradition is known in the presentation of Plutarch). Since Pan personifies the pagan world that retreated before Christianity, while the Apocalypse can be considered one of the main parts of the New Testament, such a rapprochement, built on consonance, cannot be regarded only as an oversight of the author.
newborn
For the first time: "The New Journal for All", 1915, No. 2.
The poem is dedicated to S.M. Lozinsky (1914–1985), son of M.L. Lozinsky (see comments on the poem "Iambic Pentameters"), who was born on the eve of the First World War.
Offensive
For the first time: Apollo magazine, 1914, No. 10.
For the first time: the magazine "Fatherland", 1914, No. 4.
The poem is dedicated to M.M. Chichagov, commander of the platoon in which N.S. served. Gumilev.
Seraphim, clear and winged...- The angels of love, light and fire are mentioned, the seraphim surrounding the throne of the Lord, each seraphim has six wings.
They burn with wax candles.- Wax candles, in contrast to the tallow ones common among the people, gave a purer flame. Due to the fact that they were not cheap, wax candles were a symbol of prosperity or a holiday, when it was a sin to be stingy.
There is a Chief in bright armor // The fire-winged call of the trumpeters. – Perhaps a contamination of two heterogeneous plots: the presence of dead warriors in Valhalla (see the comments on the poem “Olga”) and the picture of the Last Judgment (see the comments on the poem “The Eagle”).
Spirit sun
For the first time: "Nevsky Almanac to the Victims of War". Issue 1 (St. Petersburg, 1915), untitled.
Octave
For the first time: the magazine "Peaks", 1915, No. 25.
Middle Ages
For the first time: Peaks magazine, 1915, No. 29–30.
Freemasons worked in the night. - Freemasonry, a religious and ethical movement, did not arise in the Middle Ages, but only in early XVIII in. however, N.S. Gumilyov, apparently, interprets this word broadly, referring to the most diverse religious and ethical movements and organizations that arose at different stages of human history. The very word "Masons" he raises to the original source, for in French the word means "masons".
Grand Master with a level ...– At the head of the Masons was the Grand Master. In addition, some tools were used as Masonic symbols (trowel, spirit level, compasses, etc.).
We defeat Beelzebub.- The demonic creature Beelzebub, the lord of evil spirits, is mentioned, according to the ideas of Christians, associated with the Philistine god Baal-Zebub, "lord of the flies."
For the first time: Russian Thought magazine, 1915, No. 7.
Like nuns at vespers...- There is a nightly church service.
In the dead pools of magical mills // The neighing of mad horses ...– Numerous folk beliefs are associated with mills. Mill pools, for example, are often visited by water spirits, usually settling under the mill wheel for the night. In order to propitiate the water man, human sacrifices were previously made, pushing the doomed into the mill whirlpool; subsequently, instead of people, animals are sacrificed (the mention of horses may be connected with this custom).
“I didn’t live, I languished…”
For the first time: the collection "Full" (St. Petersburg, 1916).
I didn’t live, I languished // Half of my earthly life…- A reference to Dante's "Divine Comedy" (see comments on the poem "Muses, stop crying ..."). It is believed that then half of the earthly life was 30 years old.
I see a light on Mount Tabor...- In this case, the Transfiguration of the Lord is meant, which, according to the Bible, took place on Tabor.
"About Adonis with lunar beauty..."
For the first time: Peaks magazine, 1915, No. 31–32.
About Adonis with lunar beauty...– In Greek mythology, Adonis is the beautiful lover of Aphrodite.
About the subtle Hyacinth, about Narcissus...- Apollo's favorite, Hyacinth, accidentally killed by Apollo himself, and the beautiful young man Narcissus, punished by Aphrodite for rejecting the love of the nymph Echo are listed: Narcissus fell in love with his own reflection, which he saw in the water, and died of unrequited passion.
And about Danae, the golden cloud...- The myth tells that Zeus entered the tower where Danae was languishing in the form of golden rain.
Attic heights are still sad. - Attica was the name of the region in the south-east of Central Greece. But in this case, the word "Attic" is used as a synonym for "Ancient Greek".
And the palm tree, about which Odysseus ...- See comments on the poem "Modernity".
Told the embarrassed Navzikaya. Nausicaa, the daughter of the king of the Phaeacians, rescued the wrecked Odysseus.
Like the boys and girls of Hellas. - Ancient authors called Hellas an area in Northern Greece, later this name was transferred to the whole of Greece.
Ode to D'Annunzio
The famous Italian writer G. D'Annunzio (1863-1938), speaking with a speech, called for war with Germany.
Again the she-wolf on the pole...- See the comments to the poem "Rome".
There was an August high age...- This refers to Gaius Julius Caesar Octavian Augustus (63 BC - 14 AD), Roman emperor.
Virgil spoke to her. “I mean the famous Roman poet.
Pale exile, Alighieri. - See comments on the poem "Florence".
At the coronation of Torquatus. – Mention is made of the Italian poet Torquato Tasso (1544–1595), author of the heroic poem Jerusalem Delivered.
And Alexander and Agamemnon...- Alexander the Great (IV century BC), the great commander, and King Agamemnon, who led the Greeks in the Trojan War, are listed.
Apostle Peter, take your keys...- The Apostle Peter, according to medieval tradition, was the gatekeeper at the gates of heaven.
Colloquium with the Church Fathers there...- Colloquia, in particular, were called conversations on religious topics, for example, during the Reformation.
Will show that I was straight in dogmas. – A dogma is a central, indisputable statement in religious teaching.
George let him tell about that ...- In honor of St. George in Russia, a military order was established. N.S. Gumilyov received orders of IV and III degrees for bravery.
Saint Anthony can confirm...- Saint Anthony, who had gone into the desert, pacified his flesh, tormented by terrible visions.
But also Saint Cecilia's mouth...- A saint of the Catholic Church is mentioned, who in her youth secretly converted to Christianity and took a vow of virginity.
Before you is a dark seraph...– Perhaps, we are talking about Lucifer (see comments on the poems “The Cave of Sleep” and “The Ballad”). So, for example, on a fresco in the refectory of the monastery of Dionysias on Athos, under the feet of the archangels, a figure with a blackened face and the inscription "Dennitsa" is depicted.
Text: Dmitry Shevarov/RG
Photo: Nikolai Stepanovich Gumilyov at the age of 20. The picture was taken by the poet Maximilian Voloshin in Paris in 1906. From the archive of Maximilian Voloshin / Wikimedia.org
MY READERS
An old tramp in Addis Ababa
conquered many tribes,
Sent me a black spearman
With greetings, composed of my poems.
Gunboat Lieutenant
under enemy fire,
Whole night over the south sea
He recited my poems to me.
Man among the crowd
Shot the imperial ambassador,
Came up to shake my hand
Thanks for my poetry.
Many of them, strong, evil and cheerful,
Killing elephants and people
Dying of thirst in the desert
Frozen on the edge of eternal ice
Faithful to our planet
Strong, cheerful and evil,
Carry my books in a saddlebag
Read them in a palm grove,
Forgotten on a sinking ship.
I do not offend them with neurasthenia,
I do not humiliate with warmth,
I don't bother with meaningful hints
On the contents of an eaten egg,
But when bullets whistle around
When the waves break the sides
I teach them how not to be afraid
Don't be afraid and do what needs to be done.
And when a woman with a beautiful face
The only dear in the universe
Saying "I don't love you"
I teach them how to smile
And leave and never come back.
And when their last hour comes,
Smooth, red fog will cover the eyes,
I'll teach them to remember right away
All the cruel, sweet life
All native, strange land
And standing before the face of God
With simple and wise words,
Wait quietly for His judgment.
1921
Prior to the outbreak of World War I, Nikolai Gumilyov was a leading contributor to the Apollo magazine. Almost every issue published his articles and.
On August 1, 1914, the war began, and on August 24, Gumilev became a volunteer in the Life Guards Lancers Regiment.
From "Notes of a Cavalryman" by Nikolai Gumilyov: “In the evening we learned that our regiment was being transferred to another front. Novelty always captivates soldiers, but when I looked at the stars and breathed in the night wind, I suddenly felt very sad to part with the sky, under which I somehow received my baptism of fire ... "
Meanwhile, the first issue of Apollo since the start of the World War (double issue 6-7, August-September) opened with a selection of patriotic poems by seven famous poets. There were no poems by Gumilyov in that issue. And not a single line about him.
It seems that without Gumilyov, it was easier for the Apollo employees to show their militancy, to call on the “Ivanovo heroes” to return the Orthodox cross to the dome of Sophia in Constantinople. The “Apollonites” did not reach the front during the entire war, although they were all young people, the same age as Gumilyov.
The poet never reproached them for staying at home; rather regretted - they did not survive what he experienced.
On November 1, 1914, Nikolai informed his colleague to the editor: “I am writing to you already as a veteran who has been in reconnaissance many times, fired many times ... Everything that you read about the battles, I saw with my own eyes and took all possible part in everything. He was on duty, went on the attack (alas, repulsed by gunfire), froze in the outposts ... In general, I can say that this best time my life ... Almost every day to be under fire, to hear the squeal of shrapnel, the click of rifles aimed at you - I think such a pleasure is experienced by an inveterate drunkard in front of a bottle of very old, strong cognac ... "
From the story of Colonel A.V. Posadzhny: “Once, going to the location of the 4th squadron in an open area, captains Shakhnazarov and Posadzhnoy and warrant officer Gumilyov were unexpectedly fired on from the other side of the Dvina by a German machine gun. Shakhnazarov and Posaznoy quickly jumped into the trench. Gumilev, on purpose, remained in an open place ... Having lit a cigarette, he then also jumped from a dangerous place into a trench, where the commander of the squadron, Shakhnazarov, severely smashed him for his courage, which was unnecessary in such a situation ... "
For courage and courage, Gumilyov received two St. George's crosses.
The first George Cross 4th degree N 134060 (order for the Guards Cavalry Corps dated December 24, 1914 N 30) Nikolai Gumilyov received from the hands of the Empress.
It is amazing how much in the poet's life was connected with royal family. In 1912, Gumilyov's son was born in the maternity hospital of Empress Alexandra Feodorovna. In the spring of 1916, the wounded warrant officer Gumilyov was brought to the Tsarskoye Selo infirmary, where the royal daughters worked as nurses and patronesses.
In May 1917, the ensign of the 5th Alexandria Hussar Regiment, Gumilyov, ended up in Europe. This unusual trip was associated with the transfer of Russian expeditionary brigades to help the Allies on the Thessaloniki front.
In April 1918, Gumilyov returned to Russia, although his friends in London and Paris advised him to stay in the West until better times. On August 3, 1921, the poet was arrested.
He took the Gospel and the volume of Homer with him to prison. On the night before the execution, he wrote on the wall of the cell: “Lord, forgive my sins, I am going on my last journey.”
All participants in the imaginary "Tagantsevo conspiracy" (57 people) were shot. The exact date and place are still unknown. Presumably August 26, 1921 in the area of Berngardovka station.
Gumilyov's mother refused to believe that her son was dead. Before last days she was convinced that Nikolai had escaped from arrest and left for Madagascar.
...And in a luxurious hussar uniform
Favorably looked at them
Queens of Madagascar
The most dedicated general.
Nikolai Stepanovich Gumilyov at the age of 20. The picture was taken by the poet Maximilian Voloshin in Paris in 1906. Photo: From the archive of Maximilian Voloshin / Wikimedia.org
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An old tramp in Addis Ababa
conquered many tribes,
Sent me a black spearman
With greetings, composed of my poems.
Gunboat Lieutenant
under enemy fire,
Whole night over the south sea
He recited my poems to me.
Man among the crowd
Shot the imperial ambassador,
Came up to shake my hand
Thanks for my poetry.
Many of them, strong, evil and cheerful,
Killing elephants and people
Dying of thirst in the desert
Frozen on the edge of eternal ice
Faithful to our planet
Strong, cheerful and evil,
Carry my books in a saddlebag
Read them in a palm grove,
Forgotten on a sinking ship.
I do not offend them with neurasthenia,
I do not humiliate with warmth,
I don't bother with meaningful hints
On the contents of an eaten egg,
But when bullets whistle around
When the waves break the sides
I teach them how not to be afraid
Don't be afraid and do what needs to be done.
And when a woman with a beautiful face
The only dear in the universe
Say: I don't love you
I teach them how to smile
And leave and never come back.
And when their last hour comes,
Smooth, red fog will cover the eyes,
I'll teach them to remember right away
All the cruel, sweet life
All native, strange land,
And standing before the face of God
With simple and wise words,
Wait quietly for His judgment.
An old tramp in Addis Ababa
conquered many tribes,
Sent me a black spearman
With greetings, composed of my poems.
Gunboat Lieutenant
under enemy fire,
Whole night over the south sea
He recited my poems to me.
Man among the crowd
Shot the imperial ambassador,
Came up to shake my hand
Thanks for my poetry.
Many of them, strong, evil and cheerful,
Killing elephants and people
Dying of thirst in the desert
Frozen on the edge of eternal ice
Faithful to our planet
Strong, cheerful and evil,
Carry my books in a saddlebag
Read them in a palm grove,
Forgotten on a sinking ship.
I do not offend them with neurasthenia,
I do not humiliate with warmth,
I don't get bored with meaningful hints
On the contents of an eaten egg,
But when bullets whistle around
When the waves break the sides
I teach them how not to be afraid
Don't be afraid and do what needs to be done.
And when a woman with a beautiful face
The only dear in the universe
Say: I don't love you
I teach them how to smile
And leave and never come back.
And when their last hour comes,
Smooth, red fog will cover the eyes,
I'll teach them to remember right away
All the cruel, sweet life
All native, strange land,
And standing before the face of God
With simple and wise words,
Wait quietly for His judgment.
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