Mikhail Lermontov

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, November, 2000