In vain, and yet with ardent hope
I sought Svetlana's love;
In vain I sang and honored her
While sober and while drunk..
Then I perceived her fickle grace
Her shallow words and glances -
The wicked fire in me was quenched,
My head no longer spins!
My heart preserved its liberty,
I paid her ice with ice;
She is res publica, my friends,
And with her I will fight no more.