Taras Shevchenko

thumb|right|Self-portrait of Taras Shevchenko, 1840 Taras Shevchenko (March 9 [O.S. February 25] 1814 – March 10 [O.S. February 26] 1861) was a Ukrainian poet, painter, writer, portraitist, and playwright. Quotes When I am dead, bury me In my beloved Ukraine, My tomb upon a grave mound high Amid the spreading plain, So that the fields, the boundless steppes, The Dnieper's plunging shore My eyes could see, my ears could hear The mighty river roar. When from Ukraine the Dnieper bears Into the deep blue sea The blood of foes ... then will I leave These hills and fertile fields -- I'll leave them all and fly away To the abode of God, And then I'll pray .... But until that day I know nothing of God. Oh bury me, then rise ye up And break your heavy chains And water with the tyrants' blood The freedom you have gained. And in the great new family, The family of the free, With softly spoken, kindly word Remember also me. Taras Shevchenko Zapovit, 1845 (Shevchenko's "Testament"), Translated by John Weir, Toronto, 1961; Online at Testament. Taras Shevchenko's poems in English http://www.dinternal.com.ua/topics/zapovit-taras-shevchenko-in-english/ dinternal.com.ua 4 June 2015 External links Category:Poets from Ukraine Category:Playwrights Category:1861 deaths