From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask

From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask (1841)
by Mikhail Lermontov, translated by Dmitri Smirnov
Written in 1840 or 1841, first published in 1843.
Mikhail Lermontov131293From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask1841Dmitri Smirnov
From beneath a mysterious and ice-cold half-mask Your voice sounded to me as flattering as a dream,Your charming eyes were shining at me, And your cunning mouth was smiling.
Through the wispy haze I noticed unconsciously The paleness of your virgin cheeks and neck,Lucky creature! I saw a wilful curl Leaving the wave of its native locks!..
And I created then by these light signs A lovely beauty in my imagination; And from that time I carry in my soul,Caress and love this ethereal apparition.
And all seems thus to me: this lively conversation I have already heard in the former years,And someone whispers to me: after this encounter We will meet again as good old friends.<1840 or 1841>

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Original:

This work was published before January 1, 1930, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.

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Translation:

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