European Elegies/Summer/Broken pines

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88.BROKEN PINES

The wind has rent the soaring pinesThat towered by the ocean-side,Reaching strong arms towards far sea-lines,Cleft but unconquered in their pride.
"Thou breakest us, unpitying foe!Yet hast not had the victory:Horizon-yearning still, we throwHissed hate from every branch to thee!"
The shattered pines lie spent no more;Wrought into ships they sail the sea;Proud -breasted o'er the waves they soar,Scorning the wind's dark perfidy:
"Fling howling billows, hateful foe!—The terrors of thy tumult cease:Thy strength could break us, yet we knowThrough death a far, still dawn of peace."


From the Lettish of Janis Rainis.

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