Охота на волков [Okhota na volkov] [English translation]

Pulling with all of my strength, and my sinews,

But today again, like yesterday,

They've besieged, they besieged me,

Driving happily towards numbers their pray.

From behind the fur tree double barrels are popping,

There the hunters are hiding in the shadows.

On the snow the wolves are tumbling,

In to a living target having turn themselves.

The hunt for wolves is on, the hunt is all around.

For grey predators-seasoned and cubs.

The beaters scream, and till vomit barking hounds,

Blood on the snow and crimson spots of flags.

With the wolves they don't play even,

Jaegers. But won't tremble their hands!

Having fenced in with flags our freedom,

They shoot for sure, with confidence!

The wolf can't break the traditions.

Evidently, when young, blind cubs,

We were sucking the she-wolf as wolflings

And sucked in: we're not allowed past flags!

The hunt for wolves is on, the hunt is all around.

For grey predators-seasoned and cubs.

The beaters scream, and till vomit barking hounds,

Blood on the snow and crimson spots of flags.

Very fast our legs and our jaws.

Why, Alpha, give us an answer then,

We like hounded running towards the shots

And not trying through the flags of forbiddance?

The wolf can't, and shouldn't do otherwise!

Now, my time is done:

The one to whom I designated,

Smiled and raised the gun.

The hunt for wolves is on, the hunt is all around.

For grey predators-seasoned and cubs.

The beaters scream, and till vomit barking hounds,

Blood on the snow and crimson spots of flags.

But I've walked out on obedience and fear,

Behind the flags: with thirst for life I'm overwhelmed,

Only behind I could happily hear

Astounded shouts of men.

Pulling with all of my strength, and my sinews,

But today, is not like yesterday,

They've besieged, they besieged me,

But the jaegers are left with no prey!

The hunt for wolves is on, the hunt is all around.

For grey predators-seasoned and cubs.

The beaters scream, and till vomit barking hounds,

Blood on the snow and crimson spots of flags.

• Artist:Vladimir Vysotsky