Hovhannes Tumanian: Descent

Translation of Hovhannes Tumanian poem
1909

For forty long years I follow one path,

Straight and fearless

Ascending

Towards a bright world, the Holy Unknown.

For forty long years by that dread path

I have travelled thus,

And now at last

Have reached

Tranquility.

I have left down there, at the mountain’s foot

Glory and wealth,

Grudge and envy,

Everything that oppressed the soul.

And all the things

That I view again

From my mountain heiahts

Look so worthless and meagre.

Now, richer in wisdom, my burden light,

With carefree laughter,

Song and canticle

I descend from the mountain's other side.