Of hundreds men, who swarmed the streets, and either
were idle or in businesses engaged,
I asked, if I can find myself a brother
to stand with me against the callous age?
— No brothers, — they replied, — among our faction. —
Some were with ladies, others were with wine.
And every one was seeking my protection
and subject was to clemency of mine.
У тысячи мужчин, влекомых вдоль Арбата
заботами или бездельем дня,
спросила я: — Скажите, нет ли брата,
меж всеми вами брата для меня?
— Нет брата, — отвечали, — не взыщите. —
Тот пил вино, тот даму провожал.
И каждый прибегал к моей защите
и моему прощенью подлежал.