Eunice Tietjens, trans.

From “Modern Greek Popular Songs”
From Antonin Proust’s French version

RIGI weeps—Rigi weeps like the dove;

Rigi laments like the partridge.

Yachos says, “Girl white as snow,

Girl sweet as melons, tell me your sorrow.”

“I search, Yachos, though I find it not,

I search for the plant which gives immortality.”

Yachos goes to the mountain and he comes again.

“Rigi, I kiss your eyes—here is the plant.”

Rigi carries the plant to her lips,

But Rigi weeps like the dove,

Rigi laments like the partridge.

“This is not the plant which gives immortality,

Yachos! This is the plant of love you have given me.”

“Why should you weep, Rigi?

Is it not love which gives immortality?”

And Rigi’s tears are dried.