В Степи Молдаванской [V Stepi Moldavanskoy] [English translation]

The sleepy dray is running calmly

and, with a sighing, is crawling downhill.

And at the dusty road looks sadly

crucified Jesus Christ near the draw-well.

What's wind in the Moldovan prairie!

Under the feet, how the earth is singing!

With my gypsy's soul so easily

to travel, by anyone not loving!

How are close to me all these pictures,

I'm seeing many familiar outlines!

Two swallows, as gymnasium girls,

They are escorting me to the concerts.

What's wind in the Moldovan prairie!

Under the feet, how the earth is singing!

With my gypsy's soul so easily

to travel, by anyone not loving!

At the Dniester and green pastures

I quietly hear a distant bell's chime.

At river shore over the distance

The bitter1 earth of Russia seems me fine.

When there are starting asleep, birches

And fields are preparing for a slumber

How sweetly, how painful through the tears-

"Only would glance at the native country."

1. The dubious epithet "bitter" in

this stanza is often replaced with “sweet", although the author sings ”bitter". Perhaps the author meant: “drunk away” or "emaciated" earth.