Mikhail Lermontov
We stood in the ranks — as a mute crowd, once...

We stood in the ranks — as a mute crowd, once,
        While putting our friend to a ground,
Heard our chaplain's murmur and, by chance,
        The roar of a tempest around.
The shakos sparkled over the sacred abode,
        Immovable ones in a cloud,
With a cap of an uhlan and his fighting sword,
        The coffin's planks were laden out.
Not only one heart strongly beat in the breast,
        All looks were aimed straight at a ground,
As if all, that's given to it for the rest,
        We wanted to be taken out.
The vain tears didn't flow from our eyes:
        A heavy pine burdened a soul,
A handful of earth, that in silence was cast,
        Played over a coffin its solo.
Farewell, our friend, your young life was so short,
        — A Bard with eyes blue as a heaven —
The wooden cross stands for your only award —
        And our soul — forever!

Translated by Yevgeny Bonver