Mihai Eminescu. The Poet's Life and Work 1850-1857 1850-1857 On 15th of January, in Botosani, a North Eastern town of Romania, the future poet Mihai Eminescu.

Mihai EminescuMihai Eminescu

The Poet's Life and WorkThe Poet's Life and Work

1850-1857 1850-1857 On 15th of January, in Botosani, a North On 15th of January, in Botosani, a North

Eastern town of Romania, the future poet Eastern town of Romania, the future poet Mihai Eminescu is born. His parents, Mihai Eminescu is born. His parents, Gheorghe and Raluca Eminovici were Gheorghe and Raluca Eminovici were small land owners and Mihai was the 7th of small land owners and Mihai was the 7th of 11 children. The future poet spends his 11 children. The future poet spends his Childhood in Ipotesti, a village where his Childhood in Ipotesti, a village where his parents had a small estate, 8 km away parents had a small estate, 8 km away from Botosani. Today, here we can find from Botosani. Today, here we can find Mihai Eminescu Memorial HouseMihai Eminescu Memorial House


1858-18601858-1860 He is registered to National He is registered to National

Hauptschule in Cernauti (a Hauptschule in Cernauti (a town in North Bucovina), town in North Bucovina), that belonged to Austria at that belonged to Austria at that time; at present the that time; at present the town is in Ukraine. Here he town is in Ukraine. Here he attends the courses of the attends the courses of the 3rd and 4th form.3rd and 4th form.

( Ipotesti, his ( Ipotesti, his childhood's house. childhood's house.

Photo from the Photo from the beginning of the XX-beginning of the XX-

century)century)


1860-1863 1860-1863 He attends Ober Gymnasium in Cernauti. He attends Ober Gymnasium in Cernauti.

He attends the courses of the first and He attends the courses of the first and second form (repeating the latter). second form (repeating the latter).

(Cernauti town center, at the (Cernauti town center, at the middle of the XIX-century)middle of the XIX-century)


18641864 He works for a short time as a clerk to Law Court He works for a short time as a clerk to Law Court

and the Permanent District Committee in and the Permanent District Committee in Botosani.Botosani.

18651865 He comes back to Cernauti gymnasium as a He comes back to Cernauti gymnasium as a

private pupil. He takes up lodgings with Aron private pupil. He takes up lodgings with Aron Pumnul, his gymnasium teacher, a great linguist, Pumnul, his gymnasium teacher, a great linguist, philologist and owner of a large library.philologist and owner of a large library.

The Poet's Life and WorkThe Poet's Life and Work 18661866

Around 12th/24th of January, Aron Pumnul dies. Around 12th/24th of January, Aron Pumnul dies. In the commemorative booklet written by his In the commemorative booklet written by his pupils, the first poem signed M.Eminoviciu pupils, the first poem signed M.Eminoviciu (private pupil) appears under the title: At Aron (private pupil) appears under the title: At Aron Pumnul's Grave. About 25th of February/9th of Pumnul's Grave. About 25th of February/9th of March, the periodical The Family in Pesta March, the periodical The Family in Pesta publishes his poem Had I. The director of the publishes his poem Had I. The director of the above mentioned periodical changed his name above mentioned periodical changed his name from Eminovici into Eminescu, a name that the from Eminovici into Eminescu, a name that the poet adopted for the rest of his life. In April-poet adopted for the rest of his life. In April-October he undertakes a trip on foot, through October he undertakes a trip on foot, through Transylvania (that belonged to Austria at that Transylvania (that belonged to Austria at that time). From there, he crosses the mountains and time). From there, he crosses the mountains and goes to Bucharest. goes to Bucharest.


1867 1867 He joins as a prompter and copyist into a theatre He joins as a prompter and copyist into a theatre

group, with which he travels all over the country. group, with which he travels all over the country. He reads a lot of Schiller, whose poem He reads a lot of Schiller, whose poem "Resignation", he translates."Resignation", he translates.

1868 1868 He becomes employed with another theatrical He becomes employed with another theatrical

company, with which he undertakes a tour company, with which he undertakes a tour through Transylvania. Settled in Bucharest, he through Transylvania. Settled in Bucharest, he meets I. L. Caragiale (1852-1912), one of the most meets I. L. Caragiale (1852-1912), one of the most important Romanian writers.important Romanian writers.


(The make-up box of the time and the plate of the lid with monogram, used by the time of theatrical tour)


1869 1869 At the beginning of October he registers at the At the beginning of October he registers at the

Faculty of Philosophy, Vienna University. He is Faculty of Philosophy, Vienna University. He is matriculated as an ausserordentlich attendee. He matriculated as an ausserordentlich attendee. He also registers at the two existing societies of also registers at the two existing societies of Romanian students, that will merge to form Romanian students, that will merge to form Romania Juna ("Young Romania").Romania Juna ("Young Romania"). 1868 1868

(The University from Vienna)


He attends the University courses with certain He attends the University courses with certain regularity, but he shows more interest in the regularity, but he shows more interest in the library. He publishes the first poem Venera si library. He publishes the first poem Venera si Madona (Venere and Madonna) in Convorbiri Madona (Venere and Madonna) in Convorbiri literare (Literary Talks) from Iasi. literare (Literary Talks) from Iasi.

18711871 In his capacity of outstanding member of the In his capacity of outstanding member of the

students Society Romania Juna (Young Romania) students Society Romania Juna (Young Romania) Eminescu participates in the Festivals organized Eminescu participates in the Festivals organized at Putna (a locality in Bucovina, where Stephen at Putna (a locality in Bucovina, where Stephen the Great was buried, a Prince of Moldavia the Great was buried, a Prince of Moldavia between 1457-1504 ).between 1457-1504 ).


At Vienna, he meets Veronica Micle (1850-1889) a At Vienna, he meets Veronica Micle (1850-1889) a poetess from the literary circle of Convorbiri poetess from the literary circle of Convorbiri literare (Literary Talks), whom he will have a literare (Literary Talks), whom he will have a passionate and troubled relationship with. In Iasi, passionate and troubled relationship with. In Iasi, he reads poems and prose in two successive he reads poems and prose in two successive sessions of Societatea Junimea (Youth Society). sessions of Societatea Junimea (Youth Society). On receiving a monthly amount from this society, On receiving a monthly amount from this society, he leaves to Berlin, where he joins the he leaves to Berlin, where he joins the University,so wishing to attend Philosophy, University,so wishing to attend Philosophy, History, Economy and Law courses.History, Economy and Law courses.

The Poet's Life and WorkThe Poet's Life and Work 1873 1873

He attends the courses of Berlin University He attends the courses of Berlin University without passing any examination.without passing any examination.

(University Humboldt from Berlin, infiintata in anul 1810)


He corresponds with Titu Maiorescu (1840-1917, an He corresponds with Titu Maiorescu (1840-1917, an aesthetician, literary critic and professor), the mentor of aesthetician, literary critic and professor), the mentor of Junimea Society and Convorbiri literare (Literary Talks Junimea Society and Convorbiri literare (Literary Talks periodical). He suggests that Eminescu should take a periodical). He suggests that Eminescu should take a Doctor's degree as to be then appointed university Doctor's degree as to be then appointed university professor, but Eminescu does not submit his doctorate and professor, but Eminescu does not submit his doctorate and on the 1st September he is appointed director of the on the 1st September he is appointed director of the Central Library in Iasi. At the same, time he teaches logics Central Library in Iasi. At the same, time he teaches logics at Academic Institute in the same town. at Academic Institute in the same town.

1875 1875 In the first part of the year, Eminescu takes good care of In the first part of the year, Eminescu takes good care of

the Central Library in Iasi and proposes its enrichment by the Central Library in Iasi and proposes its enrichment by bringing in old Romanian books and manuscripts. On the bringing in old Romanian books and manuscripts. On the 1st of June, he is appointed a school inspector for Iasi and 1st of June, he is appointed a school inspector for Iasi and Vaslui districts. He meets Ion Creanga (1838-1889), whom Vaslui districts. He meets Ion Creanga (1838-1889), whom he advises to write. The latter will become one of the most he advises to write. The latter will become one of the most important Romanian writers.important Romanian writers.


Within the public lectures of Junimea, Eminescu addresses Within the public lectures of Junimea, Eminescu addresses the conference, later designated "Austrian Influence on the conference, later designated "Austrian Influence on Romanians in the Principalities". Under the new Romanians in the Principalities". Under the new government, he is no longer a school inspector. He accepts government, he is no longer a school inspector. He accepts the job of a proof reader and editor for the informal section the job of a proof reader and editor for the informal section of the local paper Curierul de Iasi (Iasi Messenger). of the local paper Curierul de Iasi (Iasi Messenger).

18771877 He continues his journalistic activity with Curierul de Iasi He continues his journalistic activity with Curierul de Iasi

(Iasi Messenger), writes theatre chronicles and attends the (Iasi Messenger), writes theatre chronicles and attends the meetings of Junimea society. In the second half of October, meetings of Junimea society. In the second half of October, he moves to Bucharest, where he works as an editor to he moves to Bucharest, where he works as an editor to Timpul (The Time) newspaper. Here, he publishes the Timpul (The Time) newspaper. Here, he publishes the series of articles Icons, Old and New.series of articles Icons, Old and New.


He works at Timpul (The Time) He works at Timpul (The Time) newspaper. In March he newspaper. In March he publishes here, in series, the publishes here, in series, the article Basarabia, a real press article Basarabia, a real press campaign against the Russian campaign against the Russian unjust expansionist policy. unjust expansionist policy. During the summer, while During the summer, while residing at a friend's estate, he residing at a friend's estate, he translates from German a translates from German a volume entitled Fragments volume entitled Fragments From Romanians' History.From Romanians' History.

(The court yard of the building where the newspaper The Time used to run)


Veronica Micle's husband dies. Together with Veronica Micle's husband dies. Together with Eminescu, she makes unaccomplishable marriage Eminescu, she makes unaccomplishable marriage plans. plans.

1880 1880 He works hard with the editorial staff of Timpul (The He works hard with the editorial staff of Timpul (The

Time). He gives up the idea of marrying Veronica Time). He gives up the idea of marrying Veronica Micle. Micle.

1881 1881 He is still an editor at Timpul (The Time). He He is still an editor at Timpul (The Time). He

publishes four of the five Letters. His relationship publishes four of the five Letters. His relationship with Veronica Micle is going to be deteriorated.with Veronica Micle is going to be deteriorated.


He continues his work at Timpul (The Time). At He continues his work at Timpul (The Time). At Junimea (Youth) meetings in Bucharest, he reads Junimea (Youth) meetings in Bucharest, he reads the poem Hyperion on two occasions. Mite the poem Hyperion on two occasions. Mite Kremnitz, Maiorescu's sister in law, translates it Kremnitz, Maiorescu's sister in law, translates it into German. into German.

18831883 In the second half of August, he shows several In the second half of August, he shows several

signs of mental disorder and he is put in a signs of mental disorder and he is put in a sanatorium in Bucharest. In October, he is sent to a sanatorium in Bucharest. In October, he is sent to a sanatorium in Ober-Dobling, now a district of sanatorium in Ober-Dobling, now a district of Vienna. At the end of December, the volume Poems Vienna. At the end of December, the volume Poems is published in Bucharest, guided and bearing an is published in Bucharest, guided and bearing an introduction by Titu Maiorescu.introduction by Titu Maiorescu.


The volumeThe volume

contains 44 of Eminescu's contains 44 of Eminescu's poems compiled from poems compiled from

different publications and different publications and twenty-six unpublished twenty-six unpublished

items. It is the only poetry items. It is the only poetry volume published during his volume published during his

lifetime.lifetime.


He continues to work at the library, occupying He continues to work at the library, occupying himself with small jobs: he writes the paylist and himself with small jobs: he writes the paylist and the letters that go with it, all sorts of memoranda the letters that go with it, all sorts of memoranda for the handing back of the borrowed books and for for the handing back of the borrowed books and for summoning the library board. In summer, his summoning the library board. In summer, his disease recourses. He is transported to a disease recourses. He is transported to a madhouse neighboring a monastery. madhouse neighboring a monastery.

1887 1887 After coming out of the madhouse, we find him in After coming out of the madhouse, we find him in

Botosani, looked after by his younger sister. He Botosani, looked after by his younger sister. He goes on a journey to Halle for treatment, then he goes on a journey to Halle for treatment, then he returns to Botosani.returns to Botosani.


Veronica Micle persuades Veronica Micle persuades Eminescu to move to Eminescu to move to Bucharest. The third Bucharest. The third edition of his volume of edition of his volume of poetry is published at the poetry is published at the end of the year.end of the year.

(The last photo of the poet, made in Jean Bielig' s studio in

Botosani, in 1887)


18891889 In February, his health is put to serious In February, his health is put to serious

damage. He is first hospitalized, then put into a damage. He is first hospitalized, then put into a sanatorium. On 15th of June he dies. He is sanatorium. On 15th of June he dies. He is buried on 17th of June.buried on 17th of June.


Days go past and days come stillDays go past and days come stillAll is old and all is new,All is old and all is new,

What is well and what is ill,What is well and what is ill,You imagine and construe;You imagine and construe;

Do not hope and do not fear,Do not hope and do not fear,Waves that leap like waves must fall;Waves that leap like waves must fall;

Should they praise or should they jeer,Should they praise or should they jeer,Look but coldly on it all.'Look but coldly on it all.'

Things you'll meet of many a kind,Things you'll meet of many a kind,Sights and sounds, and tales no end,Sights and sounds, and tales no end,

But to keep them all in mindBut to keep them all in mindWho would bother to attend ?...Who would bother to attend ?...

Very little does it matter,Very little does it matter,If you can yourself fulfil,If you can yourself fulfil,

That with idle, empty chatterThat with idle, empty chatterDays go past and days come still.Days go past and days come still.

Little heed the lofty rangingLittle heed the lofty rangingThat cold logic does displayThat cold logic does display

To explain the endless changingTo explain the endless changingOf this pageantry of joy,Of this pageantry of joy,

And which out of death is growingAnd which out of death is growingBut to last an hour or two;But to last an hour or two;

For the mind profoundly knowingFor the mind profoundly knowingAll is old and all is new.All is old and all is new.

As before some troop of actors,As before some troop of actors,You before the world remain;You before the world remain;

Act they Gods, or malefactors,Act they Gods, or malefactors,'Tis but they dressed up again.'Tis but they dressed up again.

And their loving and their slaying,And their loving and their slaying,Sit apart and watch, untilSit apart and watch, until

You will see behind their playingYou will see behind their playing'What is well and what is ill.'What is well and what is ill.

GLOSSGLOSS


What has been and what to beWhat has been and what to beAre but of a page each partAre but of a page each part

Which the world do read is free.Which the world do read is free.Yet who knows them off by heart?Yet who knows them off by heart?

All that was and is to come All that was and is to come Prospers in the present too,Prospers in the present too,

But its narrow modicumBut its narrow modicum'You image and construe.''You image and construe.'

With the selfsame scales and gaugesWith the selfsame scales and gauges

This great universe to weigh,This great universe to weigh,Man has been for thousand agesMan has been for thousand ages

Sometimes sad and sometimes gay;Sometimes sad and sometimes gay;Other masks, the same old story,Other masks, the same old story,

Players pass and reappear,Players pass and reappear,Broken promises of glory;Broken promises of glory;

"Do not hope and do not fear.""Do not hope and do not fear."

Do not hope when greed is staringDo not hope when greed is staringO'er the bridge that luck has flung,O'er the bridge that luck has flung,These are fools for not despairing,These are fools for not despairing,

On their brows though stars are hung;On their brows though stars are hung;Do not fear if one or otherDo not fear if one or other

Does his comrades deep enthral,Does his comrades deep enthral,Do not let him call you brotherDo not let him call you brother

"Waves that leap like waves must fall.""Waves that leap like waves must fall."

Like the sirens’ silver singingLike the sirens’ silver singingMen spread nets to catch their prey,Men spread nets to catch their prey,Up and down the curtain swingingUp and down the curtain swinging

Midst a whirlwind of display.Midst a whirlwind of display.Leave them room without resistance,Leave them room without resistance,

Nor their commentaries cheer,Nor their commentaries cheer,Hearing only from a distance,Hearing only from a distance,

"Should they praise or should they jeer.""Should they praise or should they jeer."

GLOSSGLOSS


If they touch you, do not tarry,If they touch you, do not tarry,Should they curse you, hold your Should they curse you, hold your ttongue,ongue,

All your counsel must miscarryAll your counsel must miscarryKnowing who you are among.Knowing who you are among.

Let them muse and let them mingle,Let them muse and let them mingle,Let them pass both great and small;Let them pass both great and small;

Unattached and calm and single,Unattached and calm and single,"Look but coldly on it all.""Look but coldly on it all."

Should they praise or should they jeer;Should they praise or should they jeer;

Waves that leap like waves must fall,Waves that leap like waves must fall,Do not hope and do not fear.Do not hope and do not fear.

You imagine and construeYou imagine and construeWhat is well and what is ill;What is well and what is ill;

All is old and all is new,All is old and all is new,"Days go past and days come still.""Days go past and days come still."

GLOSSGLOSS


Once on a time, as poets singOnce on a time, as poets singHigh tales with fancy laden,High tales with fancy laden,Born of a very noble kingBorn of a very noble kingThere lived a wondrous maiden.There lived a wondrous maiden. An only child, her kinsfolk boon,An only child, her kinsfolk boon,So fair, imagination faints;So fair, imagination faints;As though amidst the stars the moon,As though amidst the stars the moon,Or Mary amidst the saints. Or Mary amidst the saints.

From 'neath the castle's dark retreat,From 'neath the castle's dark retreat,Her silent way she wendedHer silent way she wendedEach evening to the window-seat Each evening to the window-seat Where Lucifer attended. Where Lucifer attended.

And secretly, with never fail,And secretly, with never fail,She watched his double race,She watched his double race,Where vessels drew their pathless trailWhere vessels drew their pathless trailAcross the ocean's face.Across the ocean's face.

LUCIFERLUCIFER

And as intent she drank his light,And as intent she drank his light,Desire was quickly there;Desire was quickly there;While he who saw her every nightWhile he who saw her every nightSoon fell in love with her. Soon fell in love with her.

And sitting thus with rested head,And sitting thus with rested head,Her elbows on the sill,Her elbows on the sill,Her heart by youthful fancy ledHer heart by youthful fancy ledDid with deep longing fill. Did with deep longing fill.

While he, a brilliant shining spark,While he, a brilliant shining spark,Glowed always yet more clearGlowed always yet more clearTowards the castle tall and dark Towards the castle tall and dark Where she would soon appear. Where she would soon appear.

While where his ray on mirror landsWhile where his ray on mirror landsAnd is upon her couch redrifted,And is upon her couch redrifted,It falls upon her throat and handsIt falls upon her throat and handsAnd on her face uplifted.And on her face uplifted.

The Poet's Life and WorkThe Poet's Life and WorkLUCIFERLUCIFER

And where his bolt is lost to view And where his bolt is lost to view The sea in whirlpool surges,The sea in whirlpool surges,Till out of the unfathomed blueTill out of the unfathomed blueA handsome youth emerges, A handsome youth emerges,

Who, leaping off the fretful wave,Who, leaping off the fretful wave,Lightly through her casement passes;Lightly through her casement passes;And in his hand he holds a staveAnd in his hand he holds a staveCrowned with a wreath of grasses.Crowned with a wreath of grasses.

Until one night with shower of rays Until one night with shower of rays He slips into her room,He slips into her room,As though a strange and silver hazeAs though a strange and silver hazeDid round about her loom. Did round about her loom.

And when at last the child to restAnd when at last the child to restUpon her sofa lies,Upon her sofa lies,He lays her arms across her breastHe lays her arms across her breastAnd closes her soft eyes.And closes her soft eyes.

A smile is on her lips it seems;A smile is on her lips it seems;He in the mirror trembles,He in the mirror trembles,For smooth his ray glides midst her dreamsFor smooth his ray glides midst her dreamsAnd round her soul assembles. And round her soul assembles.

And while she is in slumber goneAnd while she is in slumber goneShe murmurs through her sighs:She murmurs through her sighs:'Come down to me beloved one,'Come down to me beloved one,Fair prince of the clear skies. Fair prince of the clear skies.

Come down, good Lucifer and kind,Come down, good Lucifer and kind,O lord of my aspire'O lord of my aspire'And flood my chamber and my mindAnd flood my chamber and my mindWith your sweetest fire!'With your sweetest fire!'

And Lucifer beams still more brightAnd Lucifer beams still more brightTo hear her word's emotion;To hear her word's emotion;Then like a comet in its flightThen like a comet in its flightDives down into the ocean.Dives down into the ocean.


'O, beautiful you are, good Sire,'O, beautiful you are, good Sire,As but an angel prince could be, As but an angel prince could be, But to the course that you desire But to the course that you desire I never shall agree. I never shall agree.

Now, as he heard her tender cryNow, as he heard her tender cryWith pain he faded out,With pain he faded out,And lightning flew about the sky,And lightning flew about the sky,Which wheeled and rocked about; Which wheeled and rocked about;

Around the earth a lurid glow Around the earth a lurid glow Poured like a torrent race,Poured like a torrent race,Till out of its chaotic flowTill out of its chaotic flowThere grew a human face; There grew a human face;

About the head dark wisps of hairAbout the head dark wisps of hairGirt with a crown of flame,Girt with a crown of flame,And through the sun-illumined airAnd through the sun-illumined airBorne up by truth he came.Borne up by truth he came.

'Down from the spheres do I come'Down from the spheres do I comeThough dreadful the commotion,Though dreadful the commotion,My father is the vaulted dome,My father is the vaulted dome,My mother is the ocean. My mother is the ocean.

For I have left my realm to keepFor I have left my realm to keepObedience to your command;Obedience to your command;Born of the zenith and the deepBorn of the zenith and the deepHere I before you stand. Here I before you stand.

O come, fair child of royal birth,O come, fair child of royal birth,Cast this your world aside,Cast this your world aside,For Lucifer has flown to earthFor Lucifer has flown to earthTo claim you as his bride.To claim you as his bride.

And you will live till time is doneAnd you will live till time is doneIn castles built of sky,In castles built of sky,And all the fish will be your own,And all the fish will be your own,And all the birds that fly.'And all the birds that fly.'


And scarce his beam waved bright above,And scarce his beam waved bright above,Her dreams to him were borne,Her dreams to him were borne,Her heart again by aching loveHer heart again by aching loveAnd cruel longing torn. And cruel longing torn.

'Come down, good Lucifer and kind,'Come down, good Lucifer and kind,O lord of my aspire,O lord of my aspire,And flood my chamber and my mind And flood my chamber and my mind With your sweetest fire!' With your sweetest fire!'

You wound me with your crude behest;You wound me with your crude behest;I dread what you extol;I dread what you extol;Your heavy eyes, as though possessed,Your heavy eyes, as though possessed,Gleam down into my soul." Gleam down into my soul."

'But why should I descend to thee? 'But why should I descend to thee? Far better what I give;Far better what I give;My days are all eternity,My days are all eternity,While you but one hour live.'While you but one hour live.'

His arms of rounded marble sheenHis arms of rounded marble sheenDid 'neath a cloak of raven show,Did 'neath a cloak of raven show,And sad and thoughtful was his mienAnd sad and thoughtful was his mienAnd pallid was his brow. And pallid was his brow.

Bright eyes he had that seemed to tellBright eyes he had that seemed to tellOf strange chimeric bonds;Of strange chimeric bonds;And deep they were as passion's spell,And deep they were as passion's spell,And dark as moonlit ponds. And dark as moonlit ponds.

Strange, as your voice and vaster show,Strange, as your voice and vaster show,I live while you are dead; I live while you are dead; Your eyes gleam with an icy glowYour eyes gleam with an icy glowWhich fills my soul with dread.' Which fills my soul with dread.' * * One day went past, and went past two,One day went past, and went past two,Then o'er the castle dark,Then o'er the castle dark,Fair Lucifer again to viewFair Lucifer again to viewShone forth his lustrous spark. Shone forth his lustrous spark.


Round-cheeked, like rose-apples red,Round-cheeked, like rose-apples red,Mischievous, bright-eyed,Mischievous, bright-eyed,He slipped with quick yet stealthy treadHe slipped with quick yet stealthy treadTo Catalina's side.To Catalina's side.

Upon my soul, Queen of romance!Upon my soul, Queen of romance!Was such a darling ever?Was such a darling ever?Come Catalin, quick try your chance,Come Catalin, quick try your chance,For now's your time or never.For now's your time or never.

'I would not chosen phrases seek,'I would not chosen phrases seek,Nor carefully my world arrange,Nor carefully my world arrange,But though with human mouth you speak,But though with human mouth you speak,Your speech to me is strange. Your speech to me is strange.

Yet if you wish to prove your worth,Yet if you wish to prove your worth,That I betroth myself to you, That I betroth myself to you, Well, then come down to me on earthWell, then come down to me on earthAnd be a mortal too.' And be a mortal too.'

-Down from the spheres have I flown,Down from the spheres have I flown,Though terrible my flight;Though terrible my flight;My father wears Apollo's crown,My father wears Apollo's crown,My mother is the night. My mother is the night.

O come, fair child of royal birth,O come, fair child of royal birth,Cast this your world aside,Cast this your world aside,For Lucifer has flown to earth For Lucifer has flown to earth To claim you as his bride. To claim you as his bride.

A starry halo from the skiesA starry halo from the skiesAbout your hair will fall,About your hair will fall,And you among the spheres will riseAnd you among the spheres will riseThe proudest of them all.“The proudest of them all.“

O, beautiful you are, good Sire,O, beautiful you are, good Sire,As but a demon prince could be,As but a demon prince could be,But to the course of your desireBut to the course of your desireI never shall agree. I never shall agree.


At which he round her waist did twineAt which he round her waist did twineHis arm in sudden wooing.His arm in sudden wooing.'Behave, you rascal Catalin,'Behave, you rascal Catalin,Whatever are you doing?' Whatever are you doing?'

'By sorrow brooding all the while 'By sorrow brooding all the while You would your heart assuage,You would your heart assuage,But better you would turn and smileBut better you would turn and smileAnd kiss just once your page.' And kiss just once your page.'

'I know not what your wishes are,'I know not what your wishes are,Leave me alone, you knave.Leave me alone, you knave.Ah me! The longing for that starAh me! The longing for that starWill drive me to the grave.‘Will drive me to the grave.‘

'If you don't know, and you would learn'If you don't know, and you would learnHow love is set about,How love is set about,Don't recklessly my teaching spurn,Don't recklessly my teaching spurn,First fairly hear me out. First fairly hear me out.

'You ask my endless life above'You ask my endless life aboveTo barter for a kiss.To barter for a kiss.Aye, I will show how my love,Aye, I will show how my love,How deep my longing is. How deep my longing is.

My birthright I will fling asideMy birthright I will fling asideTo be reborn of sin, and I To be reborn of sin, and I Who to all rolling time am tied,Who to all rolling time am tied,Will that great knot untie.' Will that great knot untie.'

At which he turned and went away At which he turned and went away Midst a cloud of sombre pearl,Midst a cloud of sombre pearl,To renounce his birthright from that dayTo renounce his birthright from that dayFor the love of a mortal girl. For the love of a mortal girl. * * About this time young CatalinAbout this time young CatalinWas a page boy of that house,Was a page boy of that house,Who filled the festive cups with wineWho filled the festive cups with wineAt feast and royal carouse,At feast and royal carouse,

The Poet's Life and WorkThe Poet's Life and WorkWHY DO YOU WAIL, O FOREST TREESWHY DO YOU WAIL, O FOREST TREES

When my singing birds have flown,When my singing birds have flown,And across the frozen skyAnd across the frozen skyFlocks of swallows hurry by,Flocks of swallows hurry by,And with them my fancies flyAnd with them my fancies flyLeaving me alone to sigh;Leaving me alone to sigh;Hurry on as time in flightHurry on as time in flightTurning day half into night,Turning day half into night,Time that o'er the forest ringsTime that o'er the forest ringsWith a fluttering of wings...With a fluttering of wings...And they pass and leave me cold,And they pass and leave me cold,Nude and shivering and old;Nude and shivering and old;For my thoughts with them have flown,For my thoughts with them have flown,And with them my gladness gone!"And with them my gladness gone!"

"Why do you wail, o forest trees,"Why do you wail, o forest trees,Forest, without rain or breeze,Forest, without rain or breeze,Your branches ill at ease?“Your branches ill at ease?“

"How indeed should I not wail"How indeed should I not wailWhen the hours of summer fail!When the hours of summer fail!Nights grow longer, days get short,Nights grow longer, days get short,On my branches few leaves caught,On my branches few leaves caught,And the winds with bitter swordAnd the winds with bitter swordDrive my chorister abroad;Drive my chorister abroad;Autumn winds that forest flay,Autumn winds that forest flay,Winter near, spring far away.Winter near, spring far away.How indeed should I not groan How indeed should I not groan

Mihai Eminescu. The Poet's Life and Work 1850-1857 1850-1857 On 15th of January, in Botosani, a North Eastern town of Romania, the future poet Mihai Eminescu.

Documents

mihai eminescu slide

vienna slide

poets life

century slide

cernauti gymnasium

future poet mihai eminescu

time of theatrical tour

vienna university