Madonna

by ALEKSANDR PUSHKIN (1799-1837)

Not by old masters, rich on crowded walls,

My house I ever sought to ornament,

That gaping guests might marvel while they bent

To connoisseurs with condescending drawls.

Amidst slow labors, far from garish halls,

Before one picture I would fain have spent

Eternity: where the calm canvas thralls

As though the Virgin and our Saviour leant

From regnant clouds, the Glorious and the Wise,

The meek and hallowed, with unearthly eyes,

Beneath the palm of Zion, these alone. . . .

My wish is granted: God has shown thy face

To me; here, my Madonna, thou shall throne:

Most pure exemplar of the purest grace.