Heh, Vlasuchka, won't they?"

"Once taxes are paid
I'll uncover to no man.
I'll work if it please me,
I'll lie with my wife,
Or I'll go to the tavern."
"Bravo!" cry the peasants,
In answer to Klimka,
"Now, Vlasuchka, do you
Agree to our plan?" 120

"The speeches of Klimka
Are short, and as plain
As the public-house signboard,"
Says Vlasuchka, joking.
"And that is his manner:
To start with a woman
And end in the tavern."

"Well, where should one end, then?
Perhaps in the prison?
Now--as to the taxes, 130
Don't croak, but decide."

But Vlasuchka really
Was far from a croaker.
The kindest soul living
Was he, and he sorrowed
For all in the village,