The Bronze Horseman

On that shore, wave-swept and empty,

Deep in thought, he stood; intently

Gazing, seawards, while the strong

River, wide before him, slowly

Drew but the one frail skiff along.

All down its length, the marshy coast

A few moss-covered huts could boast,

The Chekhonts’ meagre dwelling-site;

While the mist-veiled land played host

To forests shrouded from the light,

Where pine-trees sighed. ‘From here’, he thought,

‘We’ll threaten the bold Swede and, here,

A city shall be built to thwart

Our haughty neighbour, dwelling near.

• Alexander Pushkin