Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin
(1743-1816)
On a Bird
A sweet-voiced bird's been caught. They squeeze it in a vice-like grip. The poor thing squeaks and warbles not But they insist: "O, birdie, sing!" 1792 or 1793
The Current of Time’s River…
The current of time's river Will carry off all human deeds And sink into oblivion All peoples, kingdoms and their kings. And if there's something that remains Through sounds of horn and lyre, It too will disappear into the maw of time And not avoid the common fate. 6 July 1816
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