By the cliff, along the precipice, up to the edge I lash my horses with the whip, - hurrying on, - Too little air to me, I drink wind, I swallow fog I feel, in a fatal ecstasy - I’m dying, I’m dying! A little more slowly, my horses, a little more! Do not listen to the snaps of whips! But my horses are so capricious I didn’t have time to live, I won’t have time to sing to the end! I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, - Just a little bit longer I will stay on the edge!.. I’ll vanish, like a flake, the hurricane will sweep me off the palm, And, on the sledge, they will take me away through the morning snow. Please, ease your pace, my horses! Just a little, extend my journey to the last shelter! A little bit slowly, my horses, just a little bit more! Don’t let knout and lash ruling over you! But my horses are so capricious, I didn’t live out my life, I won’t finish my song! I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, - Just a little bit longer I will stay on the edge!.. We’ve come in time - one should not arrive late at God’s palace. Then, are angels there singing in such a malicious voice? Or is it the harness bell that sobs and weeps? Or am I yelling at my horses, not to carry the sledge so fast? A little bit slowly, my horses, just a little bit more! I beg you, don’t rush at full gallop! But my horses are so capricious, I didn’t have time to live, but at least I shall sing to the end! I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, - At least, still for a moment, I’ll stay on the edge!..
© Leila Tavi. Translation, 2012