Когда поймёшь умом [Kogda pojmesh umom] [English translation]

Well, when it dawns on you that you're alone in this world,

And path of loneliness is so long and entwined,

Then heart's at ease and you think of the death throes

As of the last drop of the dry and bitter wine.

Here is my glass, yet no drop's left in it

Of past life that, like honey, was so sweet,

Just bitterness of undiluted sadness lingers,

It's all that's left to old man's fate indeed.

My glass is full but I would never treat them,

I would not treat my friends to bitter ale,

I love them all, Lord, give them happiness,

And let them drink cold water from the tap stem.

For the whole world I shall do many gracious deeds,

The people won't forget them till the end of ages,

And if it all ensues just as I dreamed,

Oh, dear God, then splendid world awaits us.

Since you've sent suffering on my head in conceit,

And bleak despair to my soul, my truthful spirit,

Lord, send me faith, so I shall sing of it,

And give me strength to have my bliss and live it.

And I shall pray to Thee before I quit.