...Like songs, years go by very quickly.
I've changed all my views and my mood.
The yard is too small for me, really,
I’m going to leave it for good.
I want neither honors nor riches,
nor anything else for the road
except for my neighbourhood which is
the only big thing that I’ve got.
Into my rucksack I put it
preparing myself for the stroll,
the yard, not so highly reputed,
but with a human soul.
I’m kind with it, strong, safe and sound.
What else do I need for once?
I touch its affectionate ground
to warm up my frozen hands.
...А годы проходят, как песни.
Иначе на мир я гляжу.
Во дворике этом мне тесно,
и я из него ухожу.
Ни почестей и ни богатства
для дальних дорог не прошу,
но маленький дворик арбатский
с собой уношу, уношу.
В мешке вещевом и заплечном
лежит в уголке небольшой,
не слывший, как я, безупречным
тот двор с человечьей душой.
Сильнее я с ним и добрее.
Что нужно еще? Ничего.
Я руки озябшие грею
о теплые камни его.
«He did not lie — the ghost, so sad and thoughtful, / That from a star took his name by a chance, / When he had said, “Don’t fear the Lord”, to us, / “Just try the fruit and be like Him immortal”. All routs for youths were opened in glow, / And all forbidden works – for older ...»
«That sad-strict spirit then did not dissemble – / The one who called himself the morning star – / When uttered he: “Fear not the highest’s bar, / Just eat the fruit, and you’ll the gods resemble.” To young men then all highways stretched before them, / And old men were relieved ...»
«He didn’t deceive us, that sad, somber spirit / Who wears the morning star as pseudonym / And said: “Shun not the highest gain, nor fear it: / Taste of the fruit and you will equal Him.” Instantly, for the youth, all roads lay open, / And for old men, all mysteries to know, / And to...»
«He told us no lies, that harsh spirit with sad / eyes and the morning star's name: / he said, "Don't worry about Heaven's vengeance; / eat of the fruit and be like gods." Young men can go anywhere, now, / old men can do anything, / and girls have / amber fruit and unicorns white as snow...»