Second song

Indomitable Rogdai leaves his companions, submerged in deep thought.  “I will destroy all barriers,” he mutters.  “Even Ruslan!” Turning his steed, he gallops back at full speed.

The proud knight Farlaf sweetly dreams all morning; suddenly, someone races through the field.  He flees as fast as he can.  Farlaf, recognizing Rogdai, squirms in fear.  His ardent steed gallops, then jumps over a ravine.  The timid rider falls head over heels into it.

Rogdai rides up, already brandishing his sword.  He recognizes Farlaf, drops his hands, and rides away laughing.  Then he meets a hunchbacked old woman.  She directs him south, saying, “You will find him there.”  Rogdai flies off.

Farlaf remains in the ravine, afraid to breathe.  He hears an old woman say, “Ludmila will be difficult for you to find.  Follow my advice: retreat.  It will be better for you to stay in solitude, near Kiev.”  The sensible knight heads directly home, earnestly forgetting about the princess.

Meanwhile Ruslan has galloped far away.  Behind him, suddenly, is the clatter of horse’s hooves.  A fierce horseman rides against him, shouting, “Prepare for a battle to the death.”  Ruslan recognizes those wild eyes…

What of our maiden?  Walking up, the princess is full of fiery emotion and anxious horror.  Where is her husband?  She runs through a silver door and finds herself among terrible mountains, in a beautiful garden of oak groves, avenues of palm, forests of laurel, and rows of fragrant myrtle.  But the inconsolable Ludmila doesn’t look; this magical splendor is hateful to her.

Ludmila, tired and dry of tears, sits down.  A tent canopy unfolds around her.  She marvels at the luxurious meal before her but thinks, “Far from my love, in captivity, why should I live?  I need not tents, nor feasts–I will not eat; I will die among these gardens!”