Рушники [Rushniki] [English translation]

Yanka by a river rode on Saturday,

Helen washed white towels near a willow bay.

Yanka asked Helen: “I’m your countryman.

Where can a rider safely cross the river span?”

Leave me lad alone and cross at any place

Just don't muddy water, let me wash out stains.

Yanka bowed head down, feeling quite upset

But then a towel dropped in a water, and Helen quickly said:

Dearest brave lad Yanka, help me, be so nice!

Towel disappearing right before my eyes.

My beloved Helen, water scares me, dear

Kiss me first, cause I may simply drown in here

Yanka tied his horse then to the willow tree,

And Helen kissed Yanka over the river stream

It became so quiet all around the land

White towels kept floating down the river bend