Page:Conversion of St Vladimir.pdf/35

 “Some people weep, some whisper,

While others loudly sing;

Some whimper psalms in churches

It makes my eardrums ring.

“Some pray for health—or children,

Or something good to eat—

While others, who are lazy,

For easy jobs entreat.

“One peasant asks for showers,

He wants his flax to grow—

Another one wants sunshine,

His grass is ripe to mow.

“But that I raised old women

Fills me with bitter gall—

Their obstinate annoyance

Tempts me to starve them all.