12. From Ruslan and Liudmila Alexander Pushkin, 1820 There’s a green oak by the shores Of the blue bay; on a golden chain, A cat, learned in fairy stories, Walks round the tree in ceaseless strain: Moves to the right – a song it groans, Moves to the left – it tells a tale. There’re marvels there: the wood-sprite roams, Midst branches shines a mermaid’s tail; There are the strangest creatures’ traces On mysterious paths and moors; There stands a hut on hen’s legs, hairless, With no windows and no doors [..]
13. Illustration for Ruslan and Liudmila by 15-year-old Sasha Kushakov
15. From “Exegi Monumentum” Alexander Pushkin, 1836 I have erected a monument to myself Not built by hands; the path to it, though trodden By the people, shall not become overgrown, And it stands higher than Alexander's column.
16. From “The Prophet” Alexander Pushkin, 1827 "Arise, prophet, and see, and hear, Carry out my will, And passing by sea and land, Burn the hearts of people with the word."