First published on 29 January 1845 by the New York Evening Mirror, the poem became an instant success with the readers. It is noted for its stylized language and musicality, achieved through internal rhyme and alliteration.

Many Georgian versions appeared at various times translated by: Vazha-Pshavela, Sandro Shanshiashvili, Grigol Megrelishvili, Konstantine Chichinadze, Pilipe Beridze, Giorgi Gamkrelidze, Giorgi Nishnianidze, Stepane Mkhargrdzeli, Jemal Injia, Porpire Iashvili, Silovan Narimanidze, Vazha Shiukashvili, Vano Kvavilashvili, Konstantine Z. Gamsakhurdia, Ghia Benidze, Zviad Museliani, Batu Danelia, Kote Jandieri, Kote Kubaneishvili, Lela Ebralidze, Bagrat Badidi, as well as an unfinished translation by Galaktion Tabidze. The publication includes an article The Philosophy of Composition by Paata and Rostom Chkheidzes.