Ivan Krylov
The Titmouse

A titmouse journeyed to the sea,
Took one look, and announced that he
Would set the thing on fire.
The news spread quickly through the whole empire:

From the jungle, all the beasts came on the run
To see how high the ocean's flames would leap;
Huge flocks of birds eclipsed the sun;
And terror gripped the dwellers in the briny deep.

Among the first arrivals at the beach
Were certain well-known gluttons, each
Armed with a spoon.
Ready to tackle a tureen
Of hot fish soup the likes of which they’d never seen
On the table of the wealthiest tycoon.

The crowed grew thick. All found the miracle amazing,
Though it hadn’t happened yet. Then, eyes fixed on the sea,
They waited. From time to time someone would whisper, “See,
It’s steaming! Any minute, now, it will be blazing!”

But no: the ocean didn't flare up like a pan of fat.
At least it simmered? No, not even that.

So they called the little titmouse a big liar,
And home he flew in shame.
He’d made big plans, and got himself a Name:
But he never set the sea on fire.

Translated by Guy Daniels