At that night-party like a tot I looked at her and quite forgot About singing, about boozing. But one who was with her before He said to me: "Out you go!" He said to me: "Out you go! You are a loser!" And one who was with her ahead He was rude, trying to lose dread. I recollect all. I was not tipsy. When I was going away, She said to me: "Don’t hurry! Stay!" She said to me: "Don’t hurry! Stay!" Now it’s not late still. But one who was with her ahead About me did not forget. Once in an autumn, Once in an autumn When going with a friend of mine I saw them standing in a line, In silence they stood in a line. There were eight them. I had a dirk, ready to jerk. To take me - it would be a work. Hold out, base souls! Hold out, base souls! What was the use, if I’d be lost? I was the first who dealt the blows. I was the first who dealt the blows. It had to be so. But one who was with her ahead Had planned this mess from outset Fully in earnest. Earnest was his hate. Somebody hung upon my neck, Valuha cried: "Beware, look back!" Valuha cried: "Beware, look back!" But it was too late. For ten faults punishment is sole. Jail also has a hospital. There I was lying. There I was lying. A surgeon cut me far and wide. He told me: "Hold tight, brother! Fight!" He told me: "Hold tight, brother! Fight!" And I was trying. By jiff our severing had breezed. She failed to wait till my release. But I forgive her, I have forgiven. Of course I have forgiven her. To one who was with her before, To one who was with her before Pardon is not given. Of course I have forgiven her. With one who was with her before, With one who was with her before I will get even.
© Eugeny Koshelev. Translation, 2008