"I enter the town
As the bell rings for matins.
I make for the market
Before the cathedral.
I know that the gates
Of the Governor's courtyard 90
Are there. It is dark still,
The square is quite empty;
In front of the courtyard
A sentinel paces:
'Pray tell me, good man,
Does the Governor rise early?'
"'Don't know. Go away.
I'm forbidden to chatter.'
(I give him some farthings.)
'Well, go to the porter; 100
He knows all about it.'
"'Where is he? And what
Is his name, little sentry?'
"'Makhár Fedosséich,
He stands at the entrance.'
I walk to the entrance,
The doors are not opened.
I sit on the doorsteps
And think….
"It grows lighter, 110
A man with a ladder
Is turning the lamps down.
"'Heh, what are you doing?
And how did you enter?'
"I start in confusion,
I see in the doorway
A bald-headed man
In a bed-gown. Then quickly
I come to my senses,
And bowing before him 120
(Makhár Fedosséich),
I give him a rouble.
"'I come in great need
To the Governor, and see him
I must, little Uncle!'
"'You can't see him, woman.
Well, well…. I'll consider….
Return in two hours.'
"I see in the market
A pedestal standing, 130
A peasant upon it,
He's just like Savyéli,
And all made of brass:
It's Susánin's memorial.
While crossing the market
I'm suddenly startled—
A heavy grey drake
From a cook is escaping;
The fellow pursues
With a knife. It is shrieking. 140
My God, what a sound!
To the soul it has pierced me.
('Tis only the knife
That can wring such a shriek.)
The cook has now caught it;
It stretches its neck,
Begins angrily hissing,
As if it would frighten
The cook,—the poor creature!
I run from the market, 150
I'm trembling and thinking,
'The drake will grow calm
'Neath the kiss of the knife!'