Fyodor Sologub (Pseudonym of Fyodor Teternikov) (b. 1863)

EVIL dragon in the zenith fiercely glowing,

Filaments of flame across the heavens throwing,

Singeing all the valley with a heat that scorches,—

From the deep, dark quiver I will pluck an arrow

Tipped with subtle poison that shall find thy marrow:

All too early flourish thy triumphal torches.

I shall draw my bow in valiant retribution,

I, executor of ruthless execution,

And thy groaning answer my glad ears shall cherish

As I speed the sudden doom long overhanging,

And the arrow whizzes with a brazen twanging.

Thou shalt fade, thou evil dragon, thou shalt perish.