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Gavrila Derzhavin Quotes

1743–1816 Russia

Gavriil (Gavrila) Romanovich Derzhavin (Гаврии́л (Гаври́ла) Рома́нович Держа́вин, July 14, 1743 – July 20, 1816) was the greatest Russian poet before Alexander Pushkin, as well as a statesman. Although his works are traditionally considered literary classicism, his best verse is rich with antitheses and conflicting sounds in a way reminiscent of John Donne and other metaphysical poets.

Russia
Poets

Also known as: Derzhavin, Gavrila, Gavrila Romanovich Derzhavin

Random Gavrila Derzhavin quote

2 quotes

Thou art! directing, guiding all, Thou art!
Direct my understanding then to Thee;
Control my spirit, guide my wandering heart:
Though but an atom midst immensity.

Who will ride fiery, ahead of the legions,
Nag for a steed, and crusts for meal,
Temper his sword in the heat and in ice storms,
Sleep on straw pallets, labor 'til dawn,
Bring down the armies, the walls and the forts
With but a handful of stout Russian men?

Attribution

Quotes and notes from Wikiquote: Gavrila Derzhavin (page history), available under CC BY-SA 4.0.