The night was fair by Nikolai Karlovich

Oh, why this brief night a wish

Was so wondrously fair?

My heart would then not, anguish.

Nor my soul know despair...

In the fragrant warm spring

I first met her fairer gaze.

The flowers around were blooming,

The nightingale sang so sweet praise.

I gave her my whole soul,

Lived that time only for her;

I kissed and caressed her all

And loved her beyond measure.

Heeding neither my pleas

Nor my tearful bad cries,

She suddenly walked to the altar—

Not with me, but with another.

And no one could see  me owfool,

As I stood in the church, brief,

Leaning against the stout wall,

Weeping in inconsolable grief.

So why, God, must I perish

For what reason should live,

If cruel fate has punished

That I may not love her in grief.