Alexander Pushkin
Worldly Power

When final triumph was accomplished there at last,
And thus the Son of God in agony had passed,
Beside the tree of life were mournful vigil keeping
The Magdalene and Blessèd Mother Mary weeping –
                Two women standing plunged
Immeasurably in grief to see his life expunged.
But now beneath the cross renowned instead are standing –
As if at city ruler’s castle’s gate commanding,
And commandeering roughly holy women’s place –
Two armed and booted sentries, both of cruel face.
What is the reason then for taking such a measure?
Is crucifixion somehow governmental treasure,
And do you fear the harm that thieves and mice will bring?
Or is this how you honour him, of kings the king?
Or does your guarding somehow offer Lord salvation –
The one who suffered woven prickles’ coronation –
To Christ who in obedience went to meet his end
To lash and nails and gibe did silent condescend?
Or do you fear perhaps the rabble wasn’t rotten
To one whose death made all of Adam’s sins forgotten,
And are you here to see that toffs may freely stray
As you enforce an edict to keep the mob away?

Translated by Rupert Moreton