1 <br /> <br />The lot by the graves was a dusty hot land; <br />The river behind -- blue and cool. <br />You told me, 'Well, go to a convent, <br />Or go marry a fool...' <br />Princes always say that, being placid or fierce, <br />But I cherish this speech, short and poor -- <br />Let it flow and shine through a thousand years, <br />Like from shoulders do mantles of fur. <br /> <br />2 <br /> <br />And, as if in wrong occasion, <br />I said, 'Thou,' else... <br />And an easy smile of pleasure <br />Lit up dear face. <br /> <br />From such lapses, told or mental, <br />Every cheek would blaze. <br />I love you as forty gentle <br />Sisters love and bless.<br /><br />Anna Akhmatova<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/reading-hamlet/
