M. Eminescu - Poesii / Poems

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SATIRE III		SCRISOAREA III
A Sultan among those who over a language reign, Who where the flocks are pastured, there stretches their domain, Was sleeping on the hillside, his head laid on his arm, When came to him a vision that did his spirit charm: He saw the moon that nightly across the heavens ranged Turn from her wonted journey and to a maiden changed, He saw her glide towards him, with lovely downcast head, And there was sorrow in her eyes; but spring bloomed at her tread; While all the forest trembled, so wondrous was her grace, And a thrill of silver ripples ran o'er the water's face. A mist like sparkling diamonds that did the vision daze Lay on the earth enchanted, a bright illumined haze, While the sound of whispered music sang through that wonderland, And o'er the starry heavens a midnight rainbow spanned... Her hair in raven tresses about her shoulders fell, And taking his hand in hers, she these grave words did tell: "Let be our lives united, my pain let yours enfold That through your sorrow's sweetness my sorrow be consoled... Writ was it through the ages and all the stars record That I shall be your mistress, and you shall be my lord." Now, as the Sultan marvelled, softly she withdrew And he felt as if within him a wondrous tree up grew; A that in an instant raised loftily its head And to the far horizons its thrusting branches spread; A tree of such a stature that even at midday The farthest lands and oceans under its shadow lay. While at the earth's four corners rose up against the sky Atlas, Caucasus, Taurus and the Balkan mountains high, The wide Euphrates, Tigris, the Nile, the Danube old, All 'neath its boughs protecting their mighty waters rolled. Asia, Europe, Africa and the desert stretching far, The boats that on the lakes and seas and on the rivers are, Billowing, boundless corn fields that tossed emerald locks, And shores, and ships, and harbours with castles on the rocks, All these spread like a carpet his vision did embrace, Country next to country set, and race to race... All these as in a mist of silver did he see, A vast extending kingdom' neath the shadow of a tree. The eagle that aspires the sky does dawdle not With lazy wings, nor in among the branches squat; And now a wind of conquest the ancient forest fills And shouts of Allah ! Allah ! echo among the hills, As though a rising tempest does o'er the ocean roar The deafening clash of battle, the thunderous clang of war; Till loudly does the forest to that great gale resound. And bow before new Rome its branches to the ground. The Sultan then awakened to find the moon again Her wonted place had taken above Eskishehr plain, And sadly to the dwelling of Sheik Edebali turned And through the window bars a girlish form discerned, More lightsome than a hazel, a maid who gravely smiled, Sweet Malcatun the beautiful, Sheik Edebali's child. And then it was he understood his dream sent by the prophet, As though a moment he had gained the presence of Mahomet; He knew that born of this his love would there an empire grow Of which the tides and boundaries only the sky would know. Now, as the eagle rises the Sultan's dream came true, And year by year invincible that gathering kingdom grew, And year by year the emerald flame flew higher in the blast As generations came and went and as each sultan passed; Nor was there any nation could its course forbid Until up to the Danube rode conquering Bayazid... From one bank to the other a bridge of boats was cast And all that host marched over midst fanfare trumpet blast, The bodyguard of Allah did over the Danube ride Darkening with their numbers the Rovine countryside, Swarming tens of thousands spreading their tents immense; But on the far horizon stood oaks in forest dense. Now came a company of men, in front a white flag borne, And Bayazid regarding them enquired with haughty scorn: "What do you want?" "We want but peace, and if it be allowed Our Sire would like to speak awhile with you, great Sultan proud." At a sign the way was cleared and came towards the tent A man of calm and simple mien, and with the years bent. 'Isn't Mircea?" "Yes your Highness !" "Take heed, for caution warns, Lest you your crown exchange against a wreath of thorns." "That you have come, great emperor, no heed what be your aim, While still at peace I hail you, our greetings that you came; But, as to your good council, o may the Lord forgive, If you do dream to win this land by force imperative; Had you not better return home with calm and peaceful mind And show in your imperial strength that you are just and kind... Be the one or be the other, but little does it awe, Gladly shall we take our fare, either peace or war." "What, when nations open their gates before my trump You think my hosts will stumble against a rotten stump? You do not guess, old dotard, the force my foes deployed. The West's most noble flower these soldiers have destroyed. O'er all the cross does shelter, emperors and kings, The crescent moon ascending its silver shadow flings. Aye, clad in gleaming armour the cavaliers of Malta, The Pope who wears three crowns and guards the Holy Altar Lightning against lightning set and thunder against thunder, A. storm that fraught the sea with fear and filled the earth with wonder I needed but to make a sign, a movement of my head And all the nations in my path in wild disorder fled; For strong to overthrow the cross did march a mighty host O'er sea its rule from land to land, on land from coast to coast; Shattering the peace of earth as it did march along, Darkening the countryside in tens of thousand strong. Our lances stood uncounted like a field of growing corn, And tremble did the ocean o'er which our ships were borne. At Nicopolis you no doubt saw how many camps were brought, As though a shining metal wall of swords and spears wrought. But when I saw their number like the leaves and like the grass, I swore that I would crush them down and through their mist would pass; I swore that I would scatter them as wind up flings the foam, And give my charger hay and oast in the Vatican at Rome ... Yet you before my legions imagine you can stand, You ridiculous old dotard, with a bare staff in your hand?" "To that old dotard, Emperor, aught one courtesy accord For over all Wallachia 'tis he the chosen lord. And wiser you would guard your words, nor yet too loudly boast, Lest should the furious Danube flood engulf your fleeing host. Along the rolling ages many there were who came Since Darius Hystaspis of tall immortal fame; Many there were who flung their dream across the Danube's tide And set their bridges ship to ship and over them did ride; Emperors unnumbered, for their cruelty renowned, Who came to us with hungry eyes for water and for ground; And though I would not care to brag, tell you this thing I must: Little time went by ere they were water and were dust. You boast that on your conquering road no gates for long were closed Though all the flower the of West your vanguard's march opposed. But what the high aspiring cause that did their hearts endure? The vanity of every brave, of every cavalier; The pomp of noisy conquest; for they had set their vow To tear the pride from out your heart, the laurels from your brow. But I defend the poverty and the needs of a struggling land And therefore all the rocks and streams and hills that guardian stand And all that grows and moves and breathes to me is ally true, While every blade of grass and stone is enemy to you, We have small hosts, yet love of soil had ever power to rid This flowering land of all its foes. Prepare then Bayazid !" No sooner had he gone than mighty the commotion ! The forest rang with arms, and rumbled like the ocean, Amidst the greenwood thousand heads with long and plaited hair, And several thousands more besides that did bright helmets wear. While wave on wave of cavalry over the plain did flood Astride high prancing chargers, their stirrups carved of wood. Thundering over the battered earth an avalanche they went, Lances levelled to the charge and bows near double bent; Till like a shower of shivering light that whistled through the air, A storm of arrows leapt and sang and flew from everywhere, A din of blows on armour dealt like rattling of hail, The noise of hoof and sword and lance, the roar of battle gale. Unheeded was the Emperor's fury, lion-like his rage, For hotter still about his troops the fight did deadly wage; Unheeded did the green flame flutter o'er his stricken ranks For mightily assailed in front, attacked on both their flanks, The East's entire battle host was scattered in the fray And line on line of infantry mown down like summer hay. A steady rain of arrows fell and sword blows did resound, While riders dropped on every hand and dead bestrewed the ground. Till, onset from all sides at once, helpless to fight or fly, It seemed the very earth was doomed and fallen was the sky... Mircea himself led on his men midst storm of battle lust That came, and came, and came, that trod all in the dust; Their cavalry undaunted, a wall of lances proud Which through that pagan army streets of daylight ploughed And laid to earth their thousands like sheafs of ripened corn, High in the van of conquest Wallachia's banner borne; As deluge flung from heaven that burst upon the seas, Till in an hour the heathen were chaff before the breeze And from that hail of iron fast towards the Danube fled, While gloriously behind them the Romanian army spread. Now, while the troops are camping, the sun goes slowly down Decking the lofty summits with victory's gold crown; The lightning that from terror had flown out of the sky Now flashes forth its splendour along the mountains high, While gradually the planets do up the heaven rear And o'er the mist-drenched forest the pallid moon appear, The queen of night and ocean that squanders calm and sleep. Yet of the sons of Mircea does one still vigil keep, And on his knee, in musing, beneath the evening star, He writes to his beloved of Arges village far: "From deep within Rovine vale, O lady fair, we bid you hail, Alas, by letter not by speech, By sundering distance out of reach. Yet am I fain to beg of thee To send by messenger to me What in your valley fairest be: The forest with its silver glade, Thy eyes that long, curled lashes shade. And I in turn will send to you The proudest thing that here we view: This mighty host with banner spread, The forest, branching overhead, My helmet with its feathery crest, My eyes that 'neath their lashes rest. I have both health and resting place, Thanks be to Christ and to God's grace, And now, dear love, I thee embrace". ...................................................................................... By such an age as this were chroniclers inspired; But our good age of mountebanks what poet's heart has fired... In annals of past ages heroes are often found, But poet, with your late or lyre of dreaming sound Have you a single patriot to sing about today? Apollo at the sight of these had hid himself away ! O modern heroes squatting beneath far glory's wing, Since you are all the fashion I would your prowess sing; While draped in perfect nullity your praise is writ by those Who knead the golden ages within the mud of prose. Musats and Basarabs rest in your sacred shade, Givers of law and justice, men who our nation made, Who with the mace and ploughshare spread out our boundaries wide From seashore to the mountains, and to the Danube side. The present is not noble? Calling for heroes we? Is not our street quite famous for dealers in jewellery? Have not in far Sybaris our manners gained first prize? From tavern door and alley does glory not arise? And have we then no heroes, who wield rhetoric slings Amidst the noisy plaudit of hordes of gutterings? These pickpockets of honour who on a tightrope dance, And wear their fancy costumes with perfect elegance. Of Virtue and The Nation our liberal prates, till sure His daily life you'd fancy must be as crystal pure? You'd never dream him being a cafe haunting knave, Who mocks at his own sermon, so solemn, and so grave. O could you see the brigand that no conscience has nor soul With his hang-dog expression and heavy, sullen jaw, A hunchback, evil-visaged, a spring of cunning greed, Who spouts out for his comrades some poisoned, nonsense creed. Upon each lip is Virtue, and in each heart deceit; A set of wicked monsters and wrong from head to feet Who round their patrons stagnum, as standing; as those who Gods admire, Will roll protruding frog eyes, bright with their hearts' aspire. Such men become our leaders, its laws' our country give, Men who at best from kindness should in a madhouse live Clothed each in madmen's jackets, a fool's cap on each head. But no... they teach us wisdom and make our laws instead. Patriotism ! Justice !... Such guardians of our State Despise the laws as nonsense that they themselves create. As sly as artful foxes will they the benches throng Frenetically applauding our country game and song; Then meeting in the Senate each others praises speak This heavy-throated Bulgar, that long and hook-nosed Greek. Each claims to be Romanian, whatever mask he wears, These Bulgo-Greeks pretending that they are Trajan's heirs; This poison froth, this dung-heap, this foul and filthy brood Have they indeed inherited our nation's master hood ! The scourings of everywhere, the abortive and the maimed, All that man rejected and nature has disclaimed, These crafty, greedy gluttons, these grasping Phanariots To us they all have flooded and pose as patriots. Until at last these nothings, this foul and loath full scum, These cripple-minded stammerers lords of our land become. Are you then Rome's descendants, you eunuchs and no men? If you were men in earnest, pity it were that then This hungry plague of locusts, these creatures crazed and lame Dare part their lips in public and flatter without shame Our nations majesty, and make it odious stand, Dare even speak thy name... o miserable land! In Paris pleasure houses, there has your congress been; With jaded, worthless women, in revelry obscene, In sloth and vulgar rioting you wasted wealth and youth; In you what could develop, that empty are in sooth? And, coming back, for wisdom a perfume flask you brought, A monocle you flourished, a cane for sword you bought. Withered up before your time, yet childish in your brain, For scientific knowledge a Bal-Mabil refrain, And all your father's riches spent on some harlot's shoe: O admirable and worthy offspring of Romans, you ! And now just look with horror on faces sceptic cold, What wonder that your falsehoods no more persuasion hold? When those who speak fine phrases and lofty sermons give Would simply fill their pockets, that they may lazy live, Today the polished discourse does little credence know, But others are the reasons, dear Sirs, is that not so? Too much have you made riches and power your single aim, Too much have brought our nation to ridicule and shame, Too much you mocked the language and customs of this race, That now at last your mocking does but yourselves disgrace, While self was ever the craving that in your spirits stirred, Genius? A nonsense. Virtue? But a word. O, leave in the old chronicles our forefathers to rest; For they would gaze upon you with irony at best. Rise once more, o Tepes ! Take and divide these men As lunatics and rogues in two big tribes, and then In mighty, twin infirmaries by force both tribes intern, And with a single faggot prison and madhouse burn. Translated by Corneliu M. Popescu		Un sultan dintre aceia ce domnesc peste vro limba, Ce cu-a turmelor pasune, a ei patrie s-o schimba, La pãmânt dormea tinandu-si capatai mana cea dreapta; Dara ochiu,-nchis afara, inlauntru se desteapta. Vede cum din ceruri luna luneca si se coboara Si s-apropie de dansul preschimbata în fecioara. Inflorea cararea ca de pasul blandei primaveri; Ochii ei sunt plini de umbra tainuitelor dureri; Codrii se infioreaza de atata frumusete, Apele-ncretesc în tremur straveziile lor fete, Pulbere de diamante cade fina ca o bura, Scanteind plutea prin aer si pe toate din natura Si prin mandra fermecare sun-o muzica de soapte... Iar pe ceruri se inalta curcubeele de noapte. Ea, sezand cu el alãturi, mana fina i-o intinde, Parul ei cel negru-n valuri de matasa se desprinde: - Las' sã leg a mea viata de a ta... In bratu-mi vino, Si durerea mea cea dulce cu durerea ta alin-o... Scris în cartea vietii este si de veacuri si de stele Eu sã fiu a ta stapana, tu stapan vietii mele. Si cum o privea sultanul, ea se-ntuneca... dispare; Iar din inima lui simte un copac cum ca rasare, Care creste intr-o clipa ca în veacuri, mereu creste, Cu-a lui ramuri peste lume, peste mare se lateste; Umbra lui cea uriasa orizontul il cuprinde Si sub dansul universul intr-o umbra se intinde; Iar în patru parti a lumii vede siruri muntii mari, Atlasul, Caucazul, Taurul si Balcanii seculari; Vede Eufratul si Tigris, Nilul, Dunarea batrana - Umbra arborelui falnic peste toate e stapana. Astfel, Asia, Europa, Africa cu-a ei pustiuri Si corabiile negre leganandu-se pe rauri, Valurile verzi de graie leganandu-se pe lanuri, Marile Tarmuitoare si cetati langa limanuri, Toate se intind nainte-i... ca pe-un urias covor, Vede tara langa tara si popor langa popor - Ce prin neguri alburie se strevad si se prefac In intinsa-mparatie sub o umbra de copac. Vulturii porniti la ceruri pan'la ramuri nu ajung, Dar un vant de biruinta se porneste indelung Si loveste randuri, randuri în frunzisul sunator, Strigate de-Allah! Allahu! se aud pe sus prin nori, Zgomotul crestea ca marea tulburata si inalta, Urlete de batalie s-alungau dupaolalta, Insa frunzele-ascutite se indoaie dupa vant Si deasupra Romei noua se inclina la pãmânt. Se cutremura sultanul... se desteapta... si pe cer Vede luna cum pluteste peste plaiul Eschiser. Si priveste trist la casa seihului Edebali; Dupa gratii de fereastra o copila el zari Ce-i zambeste, mladioasa ca o creanga de alun; E a seihului copila, e frumoasa Malcatun. Atunci el pricepe visul ca-i trimis de la profet, Ca pe-o clipa se naltase chiar im rai la Mahomet, Ca din dragostea-i lumeasca un imperiu se va naste, Ai caruia ani si margini numai cerul le cunoaste. Visul sau se-nfiripeaza si se-ntinde vultureste, An cu an imparatia tot mai larga se sporeste, Iara flamura cea verde se inalta an cu an, Neam cu neam urmandu-i zborul si sultan dupa sultan. Astfel tara dupa tara drum de glorie-i deschid... Pan-în Dunare ajunge furtunosul Baiazid... La un semn, un tarm de altul, legand vas de vas, se leaga Si în sunet de fanfare trece oastea lui intreaga; Ieniceri, copii de suflet ai lui Allah si spahii Vin de-ntuneca pamantul la Rovine în campii; Raspandindu-se în roiuri, intinzand corturile mari... Numa-n zarea departata suna codrii de stejari. Iata vine-un sol de pace c-o naframa-n varf de bat. Baiazid, privind la dansul, il intreaba cu dispret: - Ce vrei tu? - Noi? Buna pace! Si de n-o fi cu banat, Domnul nostru-ar vrea sã vaza pe maritul imparat. La un semn deschisa-i calea si s-apropie de cort Un batrân atat de simplu, dupa vorba, dupa port. - Tu esti Mircea? - Da-mparate! - Am venit sã mi te-nchini, De nu, schimb a ta coroana intr-o ramura de spini. - Orice gând ai imparate, si oricum vei fi sosit, Cat suntem inca pe pace, eu iti zic: Bine-ai venit! Despre partea inchinarii insa, doamne, sã ne ierti; Dar acu vei vrea cu oaste si razboi ca sã ne certi, Ori vei vrea sã faci intoarsa de pe-acuma a ta cale, Sã ne dai un semn si noua din mila mariei-tale... De-o fi una, de-o fi alta... Ce e scris si pentru noi, Bucurosi le-om duce toate, de e pace de-i razboi. - Cum? Când lumea mi-e deschisa, a privi gandesti ca pot Ca intreg Aliotmanul sã se-mpiedice de-un ciot? O, tu nici visezi batrane, cati în cale mi s-au pus! Toata floarea cea vestita a intregului Apus, Tot ce sta în umbra crucii, imparati si regi s-aduna Sã dea piept cu uraganul ridicat de semiluna. S-a-mbracat în zale lucii cavalerii de la Malta, Papa cu-a lui trei coroane, puse una peste alta, Fulgerele adunat-au contra fulgerului care In turbarea-i furtunoasa a cuprins pãmânt si mare. N-au avut decât cu ochiul ori cu mana semn a face, Si Apusul isi impinse toate neamurile-ncoace; Pentru a crucii biruinta se miscara rauri-rauri, Ori din codri rascolite, ori starnite din pustiuri; Zguduind din pace-adanca ale lumii inceputuri, Innegrind tot orizontul cu-a lor zeci de mii de scuturi, Se miscau ingrozitoare ca paduri de lanci si sabii, Tremura inspaimantata marea de-ale lor corabii!... La Nicopole vãzut-ai cate tabere s-au strans Ca sã steie inainte-mi ca si zidul neinvins. Când vazui a lor multime, cata frunza, cata iarba, Cu o ura nempacata mi-am soptit atunci în barba, Am jurat ca peste dansii sã trec falnic, fãrã pas, Din pristolul de la Roma sã dau calului ovas... Si de crunta-mi vijelie tu te aperi c-un toiag? Si purtat de biruinta, sã mã-mpiedic de-un mosneag? - De-un mosneag, da, imparate, cãci mosneagul ce privesti Nu e om de rand, el este domnul Tarii Romanesti. Eu nu ti-as dori vreodata sã ajungi sã ne cunosti, Nici ca Dunarea sã-nece spumegand a tale osti. Dupa vremuri multi venira, incepand cu acel oaspe, Ce din vechi se pomeneste, cu Dariu a lui Istaspe; Multi durara, dupa vremuri, peste Dunare vrun pod, De-au trecut cu spaima lumii si multime de norod; Imparati pe care lumea nu putea sã-i mai incapa Au venit si-n tara noastra de-au cerut pãmânt si apa - Si nu voi ca sã mã laud, nici ca voi sã te-nspaimant, Cum venira, se facura toti o apa s-un pãmânt. Te falesti ca inainte-ti rasturnat-ai valvartej Ostile leite-n zale de-mparati si de viteji? Tu te lauzi ca Apusul inainte ti s-a pus?... Ce-i mana pe ei în lupta, ce-au voit acel Apus? Laurii voiau sã-i smulga de pe fruntea ta de fier, A credintei biruinta cata orice cavaler. Eu? Imi apar saracia si nevoile si neamul... Si de-aceea tot ce misca-n tara asta, raul, ramul, Mi-e prieten numai mie, iara tie dusman este, Dusmanit vei fi de toate, far-a prinde chiar de veste; N-avem osti, dara iubirea de mosie e un zid Care nu se-nfioreaza de-a ta faima, Baiazid! Si abia pleca batranul... Ce mai freamat, ce mai zbucium! Codrul clocoti de zgomot si de arme si de bucium, Iar la poala lui cea verde mii de capete pletoase, Mii de coifuri lucitoare ies din umbra-ntunecoasa; Calaretii umplu campul si roiesc dupa un semn Si în caii lor salbatici bat cu scarile de lemn, Pecopite iau în fuga fata negrului pãmânt, Lanci scanteie lungi în soare, arcuri se intind în vant, Si ca nouri de arama si ca ropotul de grindini, Orizontu-ntunecandu-l, vin sageti de pretutindeni, Vajaind ca vijelia si ca plesnetul de ploaie... Urla campul si de tropot si de strigat de bataie. In zadar striga-mparatul ca si leul în turbare, Umbra mortii se intinde tot mai mare si mai mare; In zadar flamura verde o ridica inspre oaste, Cãci cuprinsa-i de pieire si în fata si în coaste, Cãci se clatina rarite siruri lungi de batalie; Cad asabii ca si palcuri risipite pe campie, In genunchi cadeau pedestri, colo caii se rastoarna, Când sagetile în valuri, care suera, se toarna Si lovind în fata,-n spate, ca si crivatul si gerul, Pe pãmânt lor li se pare ca se naruie tot cerul... Mircea insusi mana-n lupta vijelia-ngrozitoare, Care vine, vine, vine, calca totul în picioare; Durduind soseau calarii ca un zid inalt de suliti, Printre cetele pagane trec rupandu-si large uliti; Risipite se-mprastie a dusmanului siraguri, Si gonind biruitoare tot veneau a tarii steaguri, Ca potop ce prapadeste, ca o mare turburata - Peste-un ceas paganatatea e ca pleava vanturata. Acea grindin-otelita inspre Dunare o mana, Iar în urma lor se-ntinde falnic armia romana. Pe când oastea se aseaza, iata soarele apune, Voind crestetele nalte ale tarii sã-ncunune Cu un nimb de biruinta; fulger lung incremenit Margineste muntii negri în intregul asfintit, Pin' ce izvorasc din veacuri stele una cate una Si din neguri, dintre codri, tremurand s-arata luna Doamna marilor s-a noptii varsa liniste si somn. Langa cortu-i, unul dintre fiii falnicului domn Sta zambind de-o amintire, pe genunchi scriind o carte, So trimita dragii sale, de la Arges mai departe: "De din vale de Rovine Graim , Doamna, catre Tine, Nu din gura, ci din carte, Ca ne esti asa departe. Te-am ruga, mari, ruga Sã-mi trimiti prin cineva Ce-i mai mandru-n valea Ta: Codrul cu poienele, Ochii cu sprancenele; Ca si eu trimite-voi Ce-i mai mandru pe la noi: Oastea mea cu flamurile, Codrul si cu ramurile, Coiful nalt cu penele, Ochii cu sprancenele, Si sã stii ca-s sanatos, Ca, multumind lui Cristos, Te sarut, Doamna, frumos." .................................................... De-asa vremi se-nvrednicira cronicarii si rapsozii; Veacul nostru ni-l umplura saltimbancii si irozii... In izvoadele batrane pe eroi mai pot sã caut; Au cu lira visatoare ori cu sunete de flaut Poti sã-ntampini patriotii ce-au venit de-atunci incolo? Inaintea acestora tu ascunde-te Apollo! O, eroi! care-n trecutul de mariri va adumbriseti, Ati ajuns acum de moda de va scot din letopiset, Si cu voi drapandu-si nula, va citeaza toti nerozii, Mestecand veacul de aur în noroiul greu al prozii. Ramaneti în umbra sfanta, Basarabi si voi Musatini, Descalecatori de tara, datatori de legi si datini, Ce cu plugul si cu spada ati intins mosia voastra De la munte pan'la mare si la Dunarea albastra. Au prezentul nu ni-i mare? N-o sã-mi dea ce o sã cer? N-o sã aflu intre-ai nostri vre un falnic juvaer? Au la Sybaris nu suntem langa capistea spoielii? Nu se nasc glorii pe strada si la usa cafenelii, N-avem oameni ce se lupta cu retoricele suliti In aplauze grele a canaliei de uliti, Panglicari în ale tarii, care joaca ca pe funii, Masti cu toate de renume din comedia minciunii? Au de patrie, virtute, nu vorbeste liberalul, De ai crede ca viata-i e curata ca cristalul? Nici visezi ca inainte-ti sta un stalp de cafenele, Ca isi rade de-aste vorbe inghitindu-le pe ele. Vezi colo pe uraciunea fãrã suflet, fãrã cuget, Cu privirea-imparosata si la falci umflat si buget, Negru, cocosat si lacom, un izvor de siretlicuri, La tovarasii sai spune veninoasele-i nimicuri; Toti pe buze-avand virtute, iar în ei moneda calpa, Quintesenta de mizerii de la crestet pana-n talpa, Si deasupra tuturora, oastea sã si-o recunoasca, Isi arunca pocitura bulbucatii ochi de broasca... Dintre-acestia tara noastra isi alege astazi solii! Oameni vrednici ca sã saza în zidirea sfintei Golii, In camesi cu maneci lunge si pe capete scufie, Ne fac legi si ne pun biruri, ne vorbesc filozofie. Patriotii! Virtuosii, ctitori de asezaminte, Unde spumega desfraul în miscari si în cuvinte, Cu evlavie de vulpe, ca în strane, sed pe locuri Si aplauda frenetic schime, cantece si jocuri... Si apoi în sfatul tarii se adun sã se admire Bulgaroi cu ceafa groasa, grecotei cu nas subtire; Toate mutrele acestea sunt pretinse de roman, Toata greco-bulgarimea e nepoata lui Traian! Spuma asta-nveninata, asta plebe, ast gunoi Sã ajunga-a fi stapana si pe tara si pe noi! Tot ce-n tarile vecine e smintit si starpitura, Tot ce-i insemnat cu pata putrejunii de natura, Tot ce e perfid si lacom, tot Fanarul, toti ilotii,.... Toti se scursera aicea si formeaza patriotii, Incat fonfii si flecarii, gagautii si gusatii, Balbaiti cu gura stramba sunt stapanii astei natii! Voi sunteti urmasii Romei? Niste rai si niste fameni! I-e rusine omenirii sã va zica voua oameni! In aceasta ciuma-n lume si aceste creaturi Nici rusine n-au sã ieie în smintitele lor guri Gloria neamului nostru spre-a o face de ocara, Indraznesc ca sã rosteasca pan' si numele tau... tara! La Paris, în lupanare de cinismu si de lene, Cu femeile-i pierdute si-n orgiile-i obscene, Acolo v-ati pus averea, tineretele la stos... Ce a scos din voi Apusul când nimic nu e de scos? Ne-ati venit apoi, drept minte o sticluta de pomada, Cu monoclu-n ochi, drept arma betisor de promenada, Vestejiti fãrã de vreme, dar cu creieri de copil, Drept stiint-avind în minte vre un vals de Bal-Mabil, Iar în schimb cu-averea toata vrun papuc de curtezana... O, te-admir, progenitura de origine romana! Si acum priviti cu spaima fata noastra sceptic-rece, Va mirati cum de minciuna astazi vi se mai trece? Când vedem ca toti aceia care vorbe mari arunca Numai banul il vaneaza si castigul fãrã munca, Azi, când fraza lustruita nu ne poate insela, Astazi altii sunt de vina, domnii mei, nu este-asa? Prea v-ati aratat arama, sfasiind aceasta tara, Prea facurati neamul nostru de rusine si ocara, Prea v-ati batut joc de limba, de strabuni si obicei, Ca sã nu s-arate-odata ce sunteti - niste misei! Da, castigul fãrã munca, iata singura pornire, Virtutea? e-o nerozie; Geniul? o nefericire. Dar lasati macar stramosii ca sã doarma-n colb de cronici Din trecutul de marire v-ar privi cel mult ironici. Cum nu vii tu Tepes doamne, ca punand mâna pe ei, Sã-i imparti în doua cete: în smintiti si în misei, Si în doua temniti large cu de-a sila sã-i aduni, Sã dai foc la puscarie si la casa de nebuni! 1881, 1 mai Mihail Eminescu
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