Konstantin Sluchevsky
What — memory would you attempt to murder?..

What — memory would you attempt to murder?
Nay, sooner you could blow out the sun’s light,
Or by the power of thought destroy a mountain,
Or with a fire warm up a chilly night.

Remembrances-they are eternal lanterns,
The lovely garments of a bygone spring.
A late reward for spiritual tortures,
Traces of dreams that to your soul still cling.

At life’s decline, one lives, by years encumbered
And only memories afford one light and warmth;
And if one’s memories should ever vanish,
All light for one would go out on this earth.

Life’s money box! Small change of reminiscence!
When other coins are no more in supply,
Then they are useful! Banquets, sumptuous banquets
Remembrances can give us till we die.

Yet woe to us if they include among them
Shame or a stain from our departed past.
By stealth it will creep to the banquet table
Like Banquo’s ghost, and poison our repast!

Translated by Dorian Rottenberg