THE GARDEN OF LOVE

I went to the Garden of Love. And saw what I never had seen: A Chapel was built in the midst, Where I used to play on the green.

And the gates of this Chapel were. shut, And Thou shalt not, writ over the door; So I turn'd to the Garden of Love, That so many sweet flowers bore,

And I saw it was filled with graves, And tomb-stones where flowers should be: And Priests in black gowns, were walking their rounds, And binding with briars, my joys desires.

& САД ЛЮБВИ

Я однажды пошел в Сад Любви Я глядел и не верил глазам: На лугу, где играл столько раз, Посредине поставили Храм.

Были двери его на замке Прочитал я над ними: "Не смей!" И тогда заглянул в Сад Любви Посмотреть на цветы юных дней.

Но увидел могилы кругом И надгробия вместо цветов И священники с пеньем моим наслажденьям Из вервий терновых крепили оковы.

THE LITTLE VAGABOND

Dear Mother, dear Mother, the Church is cold. But the Ale-house is healthy pleasant warm: Besides I can tell where I am use'd well. Such usage in heaven will never do well.

But if at the Church they would give us some Ale, And a pleasant fire, our souls to regale: We'd sing and we'd pray all the live-long day: Nor ever once wish from the Church to stray.

Then the Parson might preach drink sing, And we'd be as happy as birds in the spring: And modest dame Lurch, who is always at Church, Would not have bandy children nor fasting nor birch.

And God like a father rejoicing to see, His children as pleasant and happy as he: Would have no more quarrel with the Devil or the Barrel But kiss him give him both drink and apparel.

&&&&& МАЛЕНЬКИЙ БРОДЯГА

Ax, матушка, в церкви сквозняк продувной! Куда как теплей и приятней в пивной! Там пива в достатке, и пьют без оглядки В раю же, известно, другие порядки.

Вот кабы нам в церкви пивка на заказ Да возле огня отогрели бы нас, Так ночью и днем молиться начнем Из церкви не выставишь нас нипочем!