Ivan Krylov
The Knight

A knight of old, who pined away
For high adventure in the grand tradition,
Resolved to sally forth and slay
Some ogres, fiends, and such, and send them to perdition.

He donned his coat of mail, called for his thoroughbred,
Then hesitated, deeming it his duty
To make a speech before he mounted his Black Beauty.
“O frisky, faithful steed,” he said,

“Fare forth, now, over hill and dale.
As the code of chivalry ordains,
Follow your nose and not the reins.
And let us seek the Holy Grail.

“When I have quelled the fiendish hordes,
Conquered a kingdom here and there,
And wed the Chinese Princess, Chin P’ing Mei the Fair,
Then, friend, your labors will bring rich rewards.

“I’ll share my glory equally with you:
You’ll have a huge, palatial stable, housing
All the mares you want. For summer browsing,
You’ll have green pastures always fresh with dew.

“Thus far, your diet has consisted
Chiefly of hay;
But, come the day,
You'll have more goodies than you ever knew existed:
You'll dine on barley, and drink only mead.”

Then, in one agile bound.
He mounted, let the reins fall to the ground.
And spurred hard. But his faithful steed,
Not faring forth at all,
Just headed for his stall.

Translated by Guy Daniels