The icon hangs in the left corner at them -
Probably, they are milkdrinkers, -
Sacking lies on the floor at them,
Heels have trampled on it.

Beds and one table - that is with them the whole comfort, -
And two - former wine - barrels, -
As if I came upon an invalid refuge -
A passer-by in a starched shirt.

I was given wine - and from where is it!
For two rubles - two magnificent pitchers, -
And the grandfather - an invalid without teeth and legs -
Looked pleadingly to me back.

"I wish success!" - I said to him.
"There is no success for an old fogey!"
We drank with him, sat in the smoke, -
And he began at once, and began!..

"And what, - he says, - have given me the authorities
For my teeth and for my legs!
And the grandfather - hellishly - get drunk to your heart’s content -
And scrape ways with the stumps.

Oh, had I legs - I would manage better,
Could better tackle someone, that I am on the poverty line!
It’s useless - the grandfather demanded, -
It’s useless, it will come to nothing!

"What’s needed, grandfather" - I asked the old man.
"But needs are a trifle:
That - god be with them, with the ZK - but that at least the Cheka
Would be interested in my fate..."