Nath Pinkerton’s a sleuth no one can beat! Since my teen days he’s been my biggest idol, But with all that I must, of course, admit - His criminals were plain, naive and idle! I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion! Suspecting everything - this is my method’s base, Which I obtained through practicing and learning. I’m sure a criminal will always leave a trace And to the scene of crime he later is returning. I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion! Detectives have unpleasant, gloomy looks, Their characters aren’t lovely and appealing, Because with gangsters, murderers and crooks, With scallywags and liars we are dealing! I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion! When there’s a feast and everyone is drunk, When everybody laughs and sings and dances - It’s not for me - I rummage in the junk And peep in windows and look through slots in fences. I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion! Life makes us play the roles it perceives; The world’s a stage - I learned it from Shakespeare. And in this show scoundrels and thieves As well as harlots never disappear. I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion! But there’s a name I cherish in my heart. The woman’s name that gives me light and hope! She’s acting out a constructive part, Not letting me become a misanthrope! I’ve got excellent ears and eyes, No one can escape my incursion! And I know so much of you, guys, That I’m feeling disgust and aversion!
© George Tokarev. Translation, 2008
Edited by Robert Titterton