Mikhail Lermontov
The Prophet

Since time when the eternal Judge
Presented me the gift of a Prophet's Seeeing,
I started reading in men's eyes
The pages of their viсes, their malices.

I started to proclaim both love and truth
And teaching them: but neighbours 'round
Were throwing the stones, pebbles to
My side, being in state of blind.

I powdered my head with ash,
From towns I ran fast as beggar.
And up today I live in trash,
Like fowls seek to some God's fare.

The covenant of the everlasting Force
I keep here, the creatures fair
Are dutiful to me, and stars, of course,
Are listening to me, while playing.

When through the town I thread line
In haste, I hear there the elders
Who're telling children with a smile
About me, my fate with lecture:

'Let's see: he's the example cool!
He'd been so proud, couldn't get suited
To all of us. At least he's fool!
He tried us to believe he's a tutor

And through his lips the God sends bliss!
Look, children: he is gloomy, lean!
He's pale, naked, poor seen
And totally rejected been! '

Translated by Lyudmila Purgina