That’s how it is -
Like in old times, like in old times:
If one opposed -
Onto the lantern, onto the lantern,

If someone stole -
That means cell, that means cell,
If one knew much -
One was shot, one was shot!

I thought at last I shall soon not see
Enclosures, enclosures, -
But I got into this dusty, turbulent town
Without people, without people.

Crowds of people scurring along, people unlike,
Indifferent, blind, -
I looked at the gloomy faces of passers-by -
Neither natives nor foreigners.

That’s how it is -
Like in old times, like in old times:
If one opposed -
Onto the lantern, onto the lantern,

If one stole -
That means cell, that means cell,
If one knew much -
One was shot, one was shot!

Why curse one’s bitter fate?
Oviously in vain, obviously in vain,
Why have I struggled for freedom so long?
In the enclosures, in the enclosures?

Crowds of people scurry along, people unlike,
Indifferent, blind, -
I looked at the gloomy faces of passers-by -
Neither natives, nor foreigners.