By the cliff, along the precipice, up to the edge
I lash my horses with the whip, - hurrying on, -
Too little air to me, I drink wind, I swallow fog
I feel, in a fatal ecstasy - I’m dying, I’m dying!

A little more slowly, my horses, a little more!
Do not listen to the snaps of whips!
But my horses are so capricious
I didn’t have time to live, I won’t have time to sing to the end!

I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, -
Just a little bit longer I will stay on the edge!..

I’ll vanish, like a flake, the hurricane will sweep me off the palm,
And, on the sledge, they will take me away through the morning snow.
Please, ease your pace, my horses!
Just a little, extend my journey to the last shelter!

A little bit slowly, my horses, just a little bit more!
Don’t let knout and lash ruling over you!
But my horses are so capricious,
I didn’t live out my life, I won’t finish my song!

I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, -
Just a little bit longer I will stay on the edge!..

We’ve come in time - one should not arrive late at God’s palace.
Then, are angels there singing in such a malicious voice?
Or is it the harness bell that sobs and weeps?
Or am I yelling at my horses, not to carry the sledge so fast?

A little bit slowly, my horses, just a little bit more!
I beg you, don’t rush at full gallop!
But my horses are so capricious,
I didn’t have time to live, but at least I shall sing to the end!

I shall water my horses, I shall sing this verse to the end, -
At least, still for a moment, I’ll stay on the edge!..