MIKHAIL LERMONTOV: The Prayer

The Prayer

1837
When my life is arduous,
If sadness freezes blood,
I say one prayer marvelous,
I learned it all by heart.

There's vigor unbelievable
In living words' accords,
And breathes unfamiliar
And holly charm in words.

A heart becomes not troublesome,
And doubts go awry,
And comes the truth and tears come,
And soul wants to fly.


Translated by Yevgeny Bonver, November, 2000
Edited by Dmitry Karshtedt, May, 2001