Like everybody, we happen to be merry and ill-humoured,
If you have to choose and the option is difficult, -
We choose the wooden costumes, -
Peaple! People!

One will long suggest to us not to miscaculate:
"Alas, - it is said, - how are you! You have not lived yet!
You must only just begin!.." -
Now and there decide: Either - or.

Either beaches, first viewings of exhibitions or even
Steamers, in them a freight of pillar- mirrors,
Coaches, races, routs, voyages -
Or simply wooden costumes.

And they will be merry or ill-humoured,
Amd will be in the roles of malicious buffoons and good judges, -
But the wooden costumes are recommended to us, -
People, People!

It may even be suggested to us to begin smoking:
"Alas, - remember, - you’ve not smoked so long!
Yes you have not begun to live!" -
Now and then decide: Either - or.

The smoke of a cigarette calls forth something, -
One drag - thoughts are merrier,
A craving to smoke. Like a craving to smoke!
But one must choose the wooden costumes.

And they will be polite and so friendly -
Offer a happy life on a bowl, -
But we shall refuse - and beat them mercylessly, -
People! People! People!