Afanasy Fet
On the Cover of Tutchev`s Book of Poems

Now here is our noble patent —
The poet hands it in to us;
It has the dominance of spirit
And subtle tint of life of ours.

In eastern hills you won't find Helicon,
A laurel will not grow on ice,
The Chukchi haven't got Anacreon,
On Tutchev Komis won't set eyes.

But sticking to the Truth, the goddess
Looks at the scale, and as she looks,
She sees this little book that's heavier
Than lots of other noted books.

Translated by Alec Vagapov