Boris Slutsky
In the state there is the law...

In the state there is the law
Citizens cannot ignore.
In the anti-state the sheep
Have a private rule they keep.

Under rule of law the folk
Serve what gives them food and drink
But rebellion has no book
And revolt no pen and ink.

When rebellion goes to press
When revolt takes up a pen
It has donned official dress
Nourishes the sons of men

Codifies its rights and wrongs
Rids the aged of their qualms.
Revolutionary songs
Are replaced by hymns and psalms.

Translated by Keith Bosley, Dimitry Pospielovsky and Janis Sapiets