Эмили Дикинсон. I gave myself to him

 I gave myself to him,
 And took himself for pay.
 The solemn contract of a life
 Was ratified this way

 The value might disappoint,
 Myself a poorer prove
 Than this my purchaser suspect,
 The daily own of Love

Depreciates the sight;
 But, 'til the merchant buy,
 Still fabled, in the isles of spice
 The subtle cargoes lie.

 At least, 'tis mutual risk,
 Some found it mutual gain;
 Sweet debt of Life, each night to owe,
 Insolvent, every noon

-----
Я отдалась ему
И им взяла расчёт.
Такая сделка - по уму,
Когда оплачен счёт.

Возможно,
проиграл,
Купец влюблённый мой,
Когда подозревал,
Что я - телец златой.

Бывает зря плывёт
Купец на острова
В надежде, что возьмёт
Изысканный товар.

Ну, что ж,
- Взаимный риск:
Бывает, кто рискнёт
И ночью долг любви отдаст,
Тот к полудню банкрот.


Рецензии
I recently came across Vladimir Chervyakov's translation of Emily Dickinson’s poem “I gave myself to him” on Proza.ru. The original work by Dickinson is known for its introspective nature and metaphorical language, which explores themes of love, self-worth, and the complexities of relationships. Chervyakov’s interpretation captures much of the essence of these themes while offering an interesting perspective through his choice of words and structure.

The translation maintains the rhythm and rhyme scheme of the original, providing readers with a familiar flow that resonates well with English-speaking audiences. However, some nuances inherent in Dickinson's style may be lost or altered slightly due to linguistic differences between Russian and English. This is inevitable when translating poetry, as certain idiomatic expressions and cultural references do not always translate directly.

Overall, Chervyakov has done a commendable job preserving the core message and emotional tone of the poem. His efforts are evident in both form and content, making this piece accessible to those unfamiliar with Dickinson's works but still appreciative of her unique voice.

With regards to literary merit, this translation serves as a good introduction to Dickinson's oeuvre for non-native speakers. It offers enough depth to engage serious readers without overwhelming them with overly dense language or obscure metaphors.

In conclusion, if you're looking for an approachable yet insightful rendition of one of Dickinson's lesser-known poems, Chervyakov's version could be worth exploring further. While there are areas where improvements can be made—particularly regarding capturing subtleties—the overall quality makes it a worthwhile read.

Sincerely,

Рух Вазир   11.01.2026 13:14     Заявить о нарушении
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