Innokenty Annensky
Ballad

To N. S. Gumiliev

The day was early and milkily moist. We would soon
Be leaving and they had fastened the luggage...
On the highway in front of the harnessed pair
The winking lanterns had started to smoke.

Behind was only an abandoned country cottage,
Yellow and slippery... From the balcony
There hung some useless canvas, but when they
Tore it down hurriedly, they broke the dahlias.

“In the blessed...” and the jades lurched
Off; the masquerade of sorrows had exhausted
Them. A yellow dog at the ruined cottage beat

With its tail on the fir twigs and barked...
But at once, stretching out its paws, it
Lay down on the sand, as if in bed...
Only we, who had taken off our hats in
Fear, did not dare to put them on again.

...A curse upon you, Lady breathing
Gillyflower and phenol indifferently!
If I wish, I will be You...
— “Wish, try!” whispered the Lady.

Envoy

I send my verses to you, soldiers,
Who at some time played them afar!
Only yours, without quatrains, the
Trumpets sang more sorrowfully and softly...

Translated by R. H. Morrison