And very soon the day must be near
we shall send a request to the prison governor

To preserve us from fear, freedom and cold
and accept us for penal servitude!

And when we are thrown into chains and servility
may the world at last lost its shameful stability!

And of those two worlds which this world embraces
may the world of prisoners become greatest.

And then may our guards out of shame or fright
ask to come over one night to our side.

Translated by Bernard Johnson