A child is groaning... A candle, burning out,
Dimly flickers onto surroundings.
The whole night, rocking the cradle,
A mother has not dozed away with sleep.
Early-early in the morning, carefully, on the door
Compassionate Death -- Knock!
The mother shuddered, looked back with worry...
"Don't get frightened, my dear!
Pale morning already looks in the window...
With crying, anguishing and loving
You have tired yourself, have a little nap,
I'll sit instead of you.
You've failed to pacify the child.
I'll sing sweeter than you" --
"Quiet! My child rushes and struggles,
Tormenting my soul!"
(continued in part 2)

(translation by Sergey Rybin)