Igor Severyanin
In the Limousine

She got into the Limousine in her fine attire
Feigning a thrill in her consistent friend, a dear,
And in the crunch of dancing rubber tyre
She had restored the voice of Cavalier.

Who called her on the stairs saying «Manon»?
And though she had flung out: «mais non»,
Whose hands had helped her, after all,
To put on fur-line shoes, in the cool entrance hall?

Well, it was he, as empty as a chanticleer,
A man in tail coat, combed, with no defect if any,
For many he is a desirable boy friend, such a dear,
A handsome man that has been used by many.

Oh, woman, call him on a tourne!
Your private room would be the best by far...
But never ever take him to Massenet:
Massenet's «La lettre» isn't for guitar!

Translated by Alec Vagapov