Давно ли цвел зеленый дол Лес шелестел листвой, И каждый лист был свеж и чист От влаги дождевой.
Где этот летний рай? Лестная глушь мертва. Но снова май придет в наш край И зашумит листва.
Но ни весной, ни в летний зной С себя я не стряхну Тяжелый след прошедших лет, Печаль и седину.
Под старость краток день, А ночь без сна длинна. И дважды в год к нам не придет Счастливая весна.
The Winter Of Life (Burns Original) 1794
But lately seen in gladsome green, The woods rejoic'd the day, Thro' gentle showers, the laughing flowers In double pride were gay: But now our joys are fled On winter blasts awa; Yet maiden May, in rich array, Again shall bring them a'.
But my white pow, nae kindly thowe Shall melt the snaws of Age; My trunk of eild, but buss or beild, Sinks in Time's wintry rage. Oh, Age has weary days, And nights o' sleepless pain: Thou golden time, o' Youthfu' prime, Why comes thou not again!
The Winter Of Life (Standard English Translation)
But lately seen in beautiful green, The woods rejoiced the day; Through gentle showers the laughing flowers In double pride were gay; But now our joys are fled On winter blasts away, Yet maiden May in rich array Again shall bring them all.
But my white head - no kindly thaw Shall melt the snows of Age! My trunk of old age, without bush and shelter, Sinks in Time's wintry rage. O, Age has weary days And nights of sleepless pain! You golden time of youthful prime, Why comes you not again?