FROM BIRUTE HILL

Rolling wind-driven breakers ashore from the west,

Splash my breast with the chill of your waves, or to me

Grant your power with which my own heart could express

All its strivings as grandly as you, Baltic Sea!

How I longed for you, infinite one! How I yearned

Just to hear your mysterious voices resound!

You alone understand me, because you have scorned

Through the ages to silence your breakers unbound!

Are you sad? So am I! And I do not know why;

I just pray all the storms to howl louder for me:

Though they offer no tranquil forgetfulness, I

Always strive to be closer to you, Baltic Sea!

And I wish for a friend who will help me to brave

All the storms of my heart which I try to defy,

Who shall not be a dark look my secret betray

And remain through the ages as restless as I.

Translated by Lionginas Pažūsis