The Armenian Poet's Prayer : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 43 THE ARMENIAN POET'S PRAYER BY ALEXANDER DZADOURIAN ("Born" 1870) O GOD, 'tis not for laurel wreaths I pray, For pompous funeral or jubilee; Nor yet for fame beyond my life's decay-- All these my country will accord to me. One favour, Lord of Heaven, I...
The Lily Of Shavarshan : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 37 THE LILY OF SHAVARSHAN BY LEO ALISHAN (1820--1901) ARMENIAN maidens, come and view In Shavarshan a lily new! The radiant type of maidenhood, Crown of Armenia's pride! From the fair brow beneath her veil The wind-stirred curls float wide With little steps...
My Death : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 50 MY DEATH BY BEDROS TOUR IAN WHEN Death's pale angel comes to me, And smiling sweetly on my head, Bids all my pains and sorrows fleet,-- Believe not then that I am dead. When my cold limbs they shroud with care, And on my brow love's tear-drops shed...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 02 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] At the end of the eleventh century, chronicles and histories were written in ancient Armenian ("Grabar"), but there was also a language of the people, in which books for popular use, such as collections of medical recipes, began to be written at this period...
Ye Mountain Bluebells : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 29 YE MOUNTAIN BLUEBELLS BY AVETIS ISAHAKIAN YE mountain bluebells, weep with me, And flowers in coloured crowds; Weep, nightingale, on yonder tree, Cool winds dropped from the clouds. All dark around the earth and sky, All lonely here I mourn. My love is...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 06 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] The most momentous event in the national life of Armenia--an event which was the chief determining factor in the early history of the country--was the change of religion made by the adoption of Christianity, the foundation of which had been already laid by...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 15 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] We have given specimens of mediaeval Armenian poetry; we now proceed to indicate in outline its most striking characteristics. The theme of the Armenian pagan minstrels was the heroic deeds of their country's history. The adoption of Christianity imparted...
The Christ Child : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 113 THE CHRIST-CHILD BY SAINT GREGORY OF NAREK (951-1009) THE lips of the Christ-child are like to twin leaves; They let roses fall when he smiles tenderly. The tears of the Christ-child are pearls when he grieves; The eyes of the Christ-child are deep...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 18 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] At the close of the fourteenth century, the glory of Cilicia vanished, as the Armenian kingdom became extinct, after an existence of nearly three hundred years; and Armenia once more became the scene of turmoil and bloodshed. The fifteenth century opened with...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 11 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 195 INDEX TO FIRST LINES "Author". "Translated by" PAGE Above the waters, like a hoary giant HOVHANNES HOVHANNESSIAN Z. C. BOYAJIAN 60 Accostarsi all'oscuro VITTORIA AGANOOR POMPILJ 123 A great black bird like to a great black cloud ELIA DEMIRJIBASHIAN Z. C...
The Song Of The Vulture : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 98 THE SONG OF THE VULTURE BY ELIA DEMIRJIBASHIAN (1851-1908) A GREAT black bird like to a great black cloud Hovers forever o'er my spirit bowed. He is my guardian angel, but alack! Darker than night he is--than hell more black. A fearful-looking bird, with...
Charm Verses : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 67 CHARM VERSES 1 FOLK SONGS SNOWLESS hang the clouds to-night, Through the darkness comes no light; While my lover, far away, Line or letter will not write. * * * Snowless hang the clouds to-night, Through the darkness comes no light; On this lonely pillow...
The Parrot's Song : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 78 THE PARROT'S SONG BY RAFFI (1837-1888) WITH nuts and sweets and dainty fare, My lady feeds me oft. She decks my cage with tender care, And hands so white and soft. But not a moment's joy can give This pampering care to me, Since as a prisoner here I live...
I Have A Word I Fain Would Say : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 35 I HAVE A WORD I FAIN WOULD SAY BY SAYAT NOVA I HAVE a word I fain would say--list patiently, Light of my Eyes; A ceaseless longing fills my heart thy face to see, Light of my Eyes. How have I sinned that thou shouldst thus offended be, Light of my Eyes...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 10 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 124 p. 125 ARMENIA: ITS EPICS, FOLK-SONGS, AND MEDIAEVAL POETRY BY ARAM RAFFI THE country that is called Armenia consists of a large plateau, covered with numerous mountain ranges, which are intersected by many valleys and passes, as well as by rivers...
Introduction : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. ix INTRODUCTION SEVERED for many centuries from Western Europe by the flood of Turkish barbarism which descended upon their country in the Middle Ages, and subjected for the last two generations to oppressions and cruelties such as few civilised people have...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 14 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] The occupation of the Armenian provinces by Russia in 1828, with the attendant emigration of thousands from Persia and Turkey into Russian Armenia, strengthened the nation. National schools were soon opened, supported by the Armenians themselves. An Armeni...
The Little Lake : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 18 THE LITTLE LAKE 1 BY BEDROS TOURIAN (1852-1872) WHY dost thou lie in hushed surprise, Thou little lonely mere? Did some fair woman wistfully Gaze in thy mirror clear? Or are thy waters calm and still Admiring the blue sky, Where shining cloudlets, like...
The Wind Is Howling Through The Winter Night : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 42 THE WIND IS HOWLING THROUGH THE WINTER NIGHT BY AVETIS ISAHAKIAN THE wind is howling through the winter night, Like to a pack of angry wolves that cry. My hapless willows bend before its might; Their broken branches in the garden lie. Alas, my heart, thy...
Birthday Song : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 31 BIRTHDAY SONG BY NAHABED KOUCHAK ON the morning of thy birth We were glad but thou wert wailing, See that when thou leav'st the earth Thou art glad and we bewailing. Let me speak unto thy heart,-- List if thou hast understanding; Keep thyself from fools...
No Bird Can Reach The Mountain's Crest : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 106 NO BIRD CAN REACH THE MOUNTAIN'S CREST BY HOVHANNES COSTANIANTZ No bird can reach the mountain's crest. There blow the winds that never rest; And 'midst the stars that crown the height, Saint Gregory's fair lamp shines bright. 1 Ah, gentle brother...
Without Thee What Are Song And Dance To Me : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 85 WITHOUT THEE WHAT ARE SONG AND DANCE TO ME? BY SAYAT NOVA WITHOUT thee what are song and dance to me? The castagnettes I throw down wearily. My heart and thoughts are ever filled with thee, So rhymes and verses leave me, one by one. How can one bandage...
A Day After : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 89 SPRING BY MUGGURDICH BESHIGTASHLIAN (1829-1868) O LITTLE breeze, how fresh and sweet Thou blowest in the morning air! Upon the flowers caressingly, And on the gentle maiden's hair. But not my country's breath thou art: Blow elsewhere, come not near my...
Black Eyes : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 6 BLACK EYES BY AVETIS 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...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 04 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] When Armenia had ceased to be an independent state, its literature became more religious, as the clergy were anxious to foster devotion. Christianity introduced a new kind of poetry, namely, Church hymns and chants. These were called, in Armenian, "sharakans"...
The Eagle's Love : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 51 THE EAGLE'S LOVE BY SHUSHANIK GOURGHINIAN ("Born" 1876) AN eagle sat upon the fell,-- He sat and sang alone. A pretty maid passed in the dell, He saw--his heart was won. "Ah, lovely maid, enchanting maid, Alas, thou canst not fly! Down in the vale thou...
The Nightingale Of Avarair : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 108 THE NIGHTINGALE OF AVARAIR BY LEO ALISHAN WHENCE comest thou, my moon, gentle and still, Spreading thy light o'er meadow, vale, and hill, And o'er this patriarch, that lost in thought The midnight plains of Avarair has sought Whereon our fathers...
Liberty : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 12 LIBERTY BY MIKAEL NALBANDIAN (1829-1866) WHEN the God of Liberty Formed 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, 1 I stretched forth my infant...
Thou Art So Sweet : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 110 THOU ART SO SWEET BY SAYAT NOVA THOU art so sweet thou wilt not pain the minstrel singing songs to thee, But when he loves thee thou dost frown--in vain he tells his wrongs to thee. Love's fire is such, 'twill not consume--'twill burn, and burn...
The Crane : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 62 THE CRANE BY HOVHANNES TOUMANIAN ("Born" 1869) THE Crane has lost his way across the heaven, From yonder stormy cloud I hear him cry, A traveller o'er an unknown pathway driven, In a cold world unheeded he doth fly. Ah, whither leads this pathway long...
The Lake Of Van : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 86 THE LAKE OF VAN THE LAKE OF VAN BY RAFFI UNUTTERABLE silence here is spread On every hand, and Nature might be dead. A lonely exile, here I sit and weep, And far above, bright Moon, I see thee sweep. From Earth's creation till the skies shall parch...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 12 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 193 CHRONOLOGICAL INDEX TO AUTHORS MOSES OF KHORENE, fifth century-- PAGE Vahagn, King of Armenia 10 Ara and Semiramis 23 The Founding of Van 33 Artashes and Satenik 48 Artavasd 65 Christ and Abgarus 75 FOLK SONGS-- The Exile's Song 1 The Apple Tree 3...
The Sun Went Down : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 30 THE SUN WENT DOWN BY AVETIS ISAHAKIAN THE sun went down behind the hill, No light was on the lea, The fowls and birds slept calm and still, But sleep came not to me. The moon peeped in beneath the eaves, The Balance rose on high, The fresh night-wind...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 08 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] In Armenian epics, the immortals stand in the background, the most prominent place being assigned to legendary heroes, to whom poets attribute divine descent, thus tracing the origin of the Armenian race to the gods. Unfortunately, the greater part of these...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 16 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] During the last years of the eighteenth century, the Russian conquest of Armenia began. At the end of the eighteenth century an Armenian monk named MKHITAR SEPASTATZI established at St. Lazare in Venice an Armenian Brotherhood, who devoted themselves...
Untitled : This is a collection of translations of Armenian literature from the middle ages, interspersed with poetry from the 19th century. In addition, there are a number of episodes from the chronicles of Moses of Khorene, a fifth century Armenian historian. These recount legendary incidents of ancient...
Christ And Abgarus : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 75 CHRIST'S LETTER TO ABGARUS CHRIST AND ABGARUS From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE ABGAR the son of Arsham began to reign in the twentieth year of the reign of Arshavr King of Persia. This Abgar was called the Great Man because of his...
The Tale Of Rosiphelee : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 91 THE VISION OF ROSIPHELEE, PRINCESS OF ARMENIA THE TALE OF ROSIPHELEE From The "Confessio Amantis" By JOHN GOWER (Died 1408) OF Armenye, I rede us, Ther was a king, which Herupus Was hote, and he a lusti Maide To dowhter hadde, and as men saide Hire name...
Concerning The Rose And The Nightingale : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 52 CONCERNING THE ROSE AND THE NIGHTINGALE BY GRIGORIS OF AGHTAMAR (Fifteenth Century) THE Rose was gone. When to the empty tent The Nightingale returned, his heart was torn. He filled the night with mourning and lament, And wandered through the darkness...
Araxes Came Devouringly : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 77 ARAXES CAME DEVOURINGLY BY HOVHANNES HOVHANNESSIAN ARAXES came devouringly, Swept o'er her boulders scouringly-- Where shall I lay my aching head Bowed down with grief o'erpoweringly? Oh my Araxes, flow serene;-- Tell me, hast thou my sweet love seen? My...
The Dream : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 46 THE DREAM BY SMPAD SHAHAZIZ (1840-1897) SOFT and low a voice breathed o'er me, Near me did my mother seem; Flashed a ray of joy before me, But, alas, it was a dream! There the murmuring streamlet flowing Scattered radiant pearls around, Pure and clear...
Artashes And Satenik : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 48 ARTASHES AND SATENIK ARTASHES AND SATENIK From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE AT this time the Alans united with all the people of the mountain country, and having taken possession of the half of Georgia, spread themselves in gre...
Love One Another : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 121 LOVE ONE ANOTHER BY BEDROS TOURIAN UNDYING Love, Whose beams forever glow On rose-red Golgotha's stupendous brow; Wilt Thou those shafts still in Thy bosom keep? What guardest Thou?--bones, spectres, chasms deep,-- That in the echoes...
The Chragan Palace : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 44 THE CHRAGAN PALACE BY THOMAS TERZYAN (1842-1909) HAVE you ever seen that wondrous building, Whose white shadows in the blue wave sleep? There Carrara sent vast mounds of marble, And Propontis, beauty of the deep. From the tombs of centuries awaking...
Lament Over The Heroes Fallen In The Battle : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 25 LAMENT OVER THE HEROES FALLEN IN THE BATTLE OF AVARAIR BY KAREKIN SRVANSTIAN (1840-1892) IF Goghtan's bards no longer crown Armenia's heroes with their lays, Let deathless souls from Heaven come down, Our valiant ones to praise! Ye shining angel hosts...
The Arrival Of The Crusaders : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 58 THE ARRIVAL OF THE CRUSADERS BY SAINT NERSES SHNORHALI (1102-1173) ONCE more God hither moves their course; With countless infantry and horse, As swell the waves towards the strand, Fierce and tempestuous, they land. Like sands that by the ocean lie...
A Trial Of Orthodoxy : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. xvi A TRIAL OF ORTHODOXY ("Sonnet on Armenia)" BY WILLIAM WATSON THE clinging children at their mother's knee Slain; and the sire and kindred one by one Flayed or hewn piecemeal; and things nameless done, Not to be told: while imperturbably The nations gaze...
Incense : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 17 INCENSE BY ZABELLE ESSAYAN ("Born" 1878) THE incense at the altar slowly burns Swayed in the silver censer to and fro; Around the crucifix it coils and turns, The brows of saints it wreathes with misty glow. And tremulous petitions, long drawn out...
O'er The Mountains High He Went : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 81 O'ER THE MOUNTAINS HIGH HE WENT FOLK SONG O'ER the mountains high he went, Love, love! In the meadows above I seek for my love. With a weary sigh he went. Love, love! To fight thou art gone While I stay here alone. Neither quail nor partridge stirred...
Reproaches : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. xv REPROACHES BY "FRIK" ("Died" 1330) O GOD of righteousness and truth, Loving to all, and full of ruth; I have some matter for Thine ear If Thou wilt but Thy servant hear. Lo, how the world afflicteth us With wrongs and torments rancorous; And Thou dost...
Artavasd : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 65 ARTAVASD ARTAVASD From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE AFTER the death of Artashes his son Artavasd reigned, and he drove all his brothers and sisters to the lands of Aghyovd and Arberan, that they might not live in Ararat, on the territory...
The Rock : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 60 THE ROCK BY HOVHANNES HOVHANNESSIAN ABOVE the waters, like a hoary giant, The rock stands up, majestic and defiant. The little waves, as to and fro they move, Greet him with kisses and with looks of love. The wavelets of the river laugh and dance...
O Night, Be Long : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 5 O NIGHT, BE LONG BY N. 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...
Like An Ocean Is This World : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 59 LIKE AN OCEAN IS THIS WORLD BY HOVHANNES ERZINGATZI ("Born" 1260) LIKE an ocean is this world; None undrenched may cross that ocean. My ship too its sails unfurled, Ere I knew it was in motion. Now we draw towards the land, And I fear the sea-board...
I Beheld My Love This Morning : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 14 I BEHELD MY LOVE THIS MORNING BY SAYAT NOVA (1712-1795) I BEHELD my love this morning, in the garden paths she strayed, All brocaded was the ground with prints her golden pattens made; Like the nightingale, I warbled round my rose with wings displayed...
The Hawk And The Dove : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 63 THE HAWK AND THE DOVE FOLK SONG THE Hawk said to the Dove, "My dear, Why dost thou shed tear after tear, That go to swell the streamlet clear?" The Dove said to the Hawk, "I fear That spring is gone and autumn's here; The rills have ceased their glad...
Ara And Semiramis : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 23 ARA AND SEMIRAMIS ARA AND SEMIRAMIS From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE FOR a few years before the death of Ninus, Ara reigned over Armenia under his Protectorate, and found the same favour in his eyes as his father Aram had done. But th...
Vahagn, King Of Armenia : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 10 THE BIRTH OF VAHAGN, KING OF ARMENIA VAHAGN, KING OF ARMENIA From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE ("Fifth Century") CONCERNING the birth of this king the legends say-- "Heaven and earth were in travail, And the crimson waters were in travail...
List Of Illustrations : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. xiii LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Armenia "Frontispiece The Birth of Vahagn, King of Armenia "facing page" 10 Ara and Semiramis 23 The Founding of Van 33 Artashes and Satenik 48 The Wedding 49 Artavasd 65 Christ's Letter to Abgarus 75 The Lake of Van 86 The Visi...
Title Page : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. i ARMENIAN LEGENDS AND POEMS p. ii p. iii ARMENIA p. iv ARMENIAN LEGENDS AND POEMS COMPILED & ILLUSTRATED By ZABELLE C. BOYAJIAN WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE RIGHT HON. VISCOUNT BRYCE, O.M. LONDON: J. M. DENT & SONS LTD NEW YORK: COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY PRESS...
The Wandering Armenian To The Swallow : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 111 THE WANDERING ARMENIAN TO THE SWALLOW BY C. A. DODOCHIAN O SWALLOW, gentle swallow, Thou lovely bird of spring! Say, whither art thou flying So swift on gleaming wing? Fly to my birthplace, Ashdarag, The spot I love the best; Beneath my father's...
Complaints : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 82 COMPLAINTS BY BEDROS TOURIAN FAREWELL, thou Sun, and Thou, O Power Divine, That far above my spirit dimly shine. I go to add another star to heaven:-- For what are stars, but anguished curses, riven From innocent and hapless souls, that fly To burn...
The Apple Tree : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 3 THE APPLE TREE FOLK SONG THE door of Heaven open seemed And in thy house the sunlight gleamed. As through the garden's willow'd walks I hied Full many a tree and blossom I espied. But of all trees, the Apple Tree most fair And beautiful did unto me appear...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] The period whose history we have sketched (twelfth to fourteenth centuries), especially the two former centuries, is called the Silver Age of Armenian literature. The independence of Armenia gave a breathing space which facilitated the production of literary...
Cradle Song : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 21 CRADLE SONG BY RAPHAEL PATKANIAN (1830-1892) "Mother" SWEET slumber now creeps o'er thee slow, Sweet breezes rock thee to and fro: My baby sleeps, so soft and low With sweetest songs I'll sing "oror". 1 "Baby" O Mother dear, thou art unkind My sleepless...
The Song Of The Stork : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 27 THE SONG OF THE STORK FOLK SONG STORK, I welcome thy return. Thou stork, I welcome thy return. Thy coming is the sign of spring, And thou dost joy and gladness bring. Stork, upon our roof descend. Thou stork, upon our roof descend. Upon our ash-tree...
Io Vidi : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 123 "IO VIDI" BY VITTORIA AGANOOR POMPILJ ACCOSTARSI all'oscuro mio letto, dalle porte raggianti, io vidi il puro angiolo della morte. Una dorata ciocca velava gli occhi suoi: diceva la sua bocca sorridendo:--Mi vuoi?-- Rapita io nella bianca sua desi...
The Founding Of Van. Part 02 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 33 THE FOUNDING OF VAN THE FOUNDING OF VAN From The History Of Armenia, By MOSES OF KHORENE AND after these things Semiramis, having remained in the plain called Ararat after Ara, went into the hill country towards the south. For it was summer time and she...
Yesternight I Walked Abroad : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 7 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; Whoso tries...
Earth And Sky : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 79 EARTH AND SKY BY HOVHANNES TOUMANIAN THE Sky bent down his piercing gaze one day On Mother Earth, that far beneath him lay. And as he looked on mountain, sea, and grove, On hill and dale, he burnt with thoughts of love. Earth lying numbed and frozen...
The Sorrows Of Armenia : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 47 THE SORROWS OF ARMENIA IN many a distant, unknown land, My sons belovd exiled roam, Servile they kiss the stranger's hand; How shall I find and bring them home? The ages pass, no tidings come; My brave ones fall, are lost and gone. My blood is chilled...
The Eve Of Ascension Day : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 73 THE EVE OF ASCENSION DAY 1 BY DERENIK DEMIRJIAN NIGHT with her ebon hair and starry crown Upon the hills came down. Her loosened tresses floated all unbound And veiled her form around. The fountain murmured like an endless tale On her entrancing lips;...
Ballad : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 103 THE LADY AND THE MINSTREL BALLAD BY RAFFI DARK forests clothe the mountain-side, And o'er that mountain's lofty head The heavens bend their arches wide, And, dome-like, round its summit spread. A castle stood upon the steep, Enchanted by a witch's...
The Fox : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 90 THE FOX FOLK SONG THE fox ran up into the mill, He raised his paws, and danced his fill. Brave Master Fox, 'tis but your due, In all the world there's none like you! A peck of corn he ground that day, Which on his back he bore away. He ate the village...
Dance Song : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 101 DANCE SONG 1 FOLK SONG "I HAVE loved your winsome face, And your never-fading grace. If they give you not to me May God send them black disgrace!" "Mountain sorrel, fresh with dew, Sweets I send and honey new; Is a dainty maid like me Fit to wed a youth...
Spring : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 20 SPRING BY HOVHANNES HOVHANNESSIAN ("Born" 1869) NONE await thy smiling rays; Whither comest thou, O Spring None are left to sing thy praise-- Vain thy coming now, O Spring! All the world is wrapped in gloom, Earth in blood is weltering: This year brought...
Armenia's Love To Shakespeare : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. xiv ARMENIA'S LOVE TO SHAKESPEARE BY ZABELLE C. BOYAJIAN A great festival was held on the tercentenary of Shakespeare's death in 1916. Miss Boyajian was one of many authors who paid tribute at that time to the King of the Bards. Her poem was published...
The Fox, The Wolf, And The Bear : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 15 THE FOX, THE WOLF, AND THE BEAR FOLK SONG THE little fox, the wolf and bear made peace; Like kinsfolk all, they bade their warfare cease. The fox they consecrate a hermit now;-- False monk, false hermit, false recluse's vow! The little fox a sack found...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 05 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] At the end of the fourth century (374-383), Nerses the Great was Catholicos. During these ten years he displayed great energy. Under his rule, many councils were held and many regulations drawn up to safeguard the morals of the people. In addition to this...
The Exile's Song : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 1 ARMENIAN LEGENDS AND POEMS THE EXILE'S SONG FOLK SONG BELOVD one, for thy sweet sake, By whirlwinds tossed and swayed I roam; The stranger's accents round me wake These burning thoughts that wander home. No man such longings wild can bear As in my heart...
Concerning Death : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 119 CONCERNING DEATH BY HOVHANNES TULKOURANTZI (1450-1525) O EVIL man, with passions fraught, How long wilt thou strive after sin Enough the ill that thou hast wrought: Repent,--a holier life begin. From Adam's time until this day, No soul hath had immortal...
The Tears Of Araxes : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 69 THE TEARS OF ARAXES BY RAPHAEL PATKANIAN I WALK by Mother Arax With faltering steps and slow, And memories of past ages Seek in the waters' flow. But they run dark and turbid, And beat upon the shore In grief and bitter sorrow, Lamenting evermore...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 17 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] From this time, migrations of Armenians out of their own country into different parts of the world became more frequent. Twenty years after the invention of printing (1476) a grammar in many tongues was published in France, which contains several pages...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 09 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] To the periods which we have outlined belongs the literature of Armenia preceding the introduction of Christianity. Of this literature the remains that have come down to us consist of legends, songs, and fragments of epics. Of the epics we have some records...
Happiness : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 118 HAPPINESS BY ARSCHAG TCHOBANIAN (Born 1872) WEARY of vainly seeking Happiness In city alleys full of sound and strife, I hastened from the noisy human press,-- The labyrinth of this dark, grovelling life. I said, "The mountain knows its place of rest,"...
The Castle Of Anoush : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 114 THE CASTLE OF ANOUSH THE CASTLE OF ANOUSH 1 BY RAFFI "ANOUSH" in name, but full of bitterness in reality. On one side of the road that leads from Tisbon to Ecbatana stands a steep, pointed crag. Its massive base rises from an extensive bed of rock...
My Heart Is Turned Into A Wailing Child : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 4 MY HEART IS TURNED INTO A WAILING CHILD BY N. KOUCHAK ("Fifteenth Century") MY heart is turned into a wailing child, In vain with sweets I seek to still its cries; Sweet love, it calls for thee in sobbings wild All day and night, with longing and with...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 13 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 192 ADDENDA AND CORRIGENDA pp. 6, 11, 29, 30, 42. "For" 'Avetis Isahakian' "read" 'Avetik Isahakian'. p. 6 (Isahakian) Died 1957 p. 17 (Essayan) Died 1947 p. 20 (Hovhannessian) "For" 'Born 1869' "read" '1864-1929' P. 43 (Dzadourian) "For" 'Born 1870' "read"...
The Founding Of Van : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 41 CRADLE SONG BY RAPHAEL PATKANIAN NIGHTINGALE, oh, leave our garden, Where soft dews the blossoms steep; With thy litanies melodious Come and sing my son to sleep! Nay, he sleeps not for thy chanting, And his weeping hath not ceased. Come not, nightingale...
A Day After. Part 02 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 84 A DAY AFTER BY BEDROS TOURIAN SLUMBERING darkly yesterday, As in deathly sweats I lay, And two roses fiery red On my faded cheeks were spread-- On my brow perchance a ray Of Death's pallor trembling lay. And I prayed and longed for death. Then I heard...
Pasqua Armena : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 122 PASQUA ARMENA 1 BY VITTORIA AGANOOR POMPILJ NON fu di fiele abbeverato? Il petto non gli squarci l'ignobile scherano? Non fu percosso, irriso, e un'empia mano non lo inchiod sul legno maledetto? Pur, quale mai pi glorioso e forte risorgere, se anc...
Preface : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. vii p. viii PREFACE IN preparing this book of Armenian Legends and Poems my principal object was to publish it as a Memorial to an unhappy nation. The book does not claim to represent Armenian poetry adequately. Many gifted and well-known authors have been...
Huntsman, That On The Hills Above : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 11 HUNTSMAN, THAT ON THE HILLS ABOVE BY AVETIS ISAHAKIAN "HUNTSMAN, that on the hills above To hunt the deer hast been, Tell me, I pray thee, if my love-- My wild deer thou hast seen? "He sought the hills his grief to quell-- My darling love, my sun. He...
Thy Voice Is Sweet : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 74 "THY VOICE IS SWEET" BY SAYAT NOVA THY voice is soft, thy speech all sweetness flows; May he protect who hath thy heart, my love! Thy waist is the gazelle's, thy hue the rose, Brocade from Franguistan thou art, my love! If I compare thee to brocade...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 07 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 147 We have frequently quoted Moses of Khorene, whose work contains all the extant remains of the epics and all the information that has come down to us with regard to these poems. In fact the first book of his History, as well as the first nine chapters...
Armenia. Its Epics, Folk Songs, And Mediaeval. Part 03 : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] The Armenians took advantage of the weakening of the Arab power to form independent kingdoms. One of the principal noble families during the period of Arab dominion was that of the Bagratuni. This family was rich and powerful and had much land in its...
The Song Of The Partridge : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 36 THE SONG OF THE PARTRIDGE FOLK SONG THE sun has touched the mountain's crest, The partridge rises from her nest; And down the hillside tripping fast, Greets all the flowers as she goes past. I breakfast on my roof at morn When to my ear her voice is...
Morning : * "Armenian Legends and Poems" [1916] p. 32 MORNING BY HAROUTUNE TOUMANIAN DAY dawned. Bright tongues of scarlet flame Shot up into the sky, The livid heav'ns blushed, and became A sea of crimson dye. The sun his fiery beams unrolled Like strands of coloured thread; Embroidered all the clouds with...
