«Demyan's Fish Soup» in Russian

"Some soup, good neighbour mine?

Dine well, and I'll be grateful!"

"Good neighbour, I am full to bursting."

"Never mind, You'll not decline another plateful. Delicious soup, I'd say the best soup in your life."

"That helping was my third! "

"Now, now, no mathematics! It's willingness that matters.

Let's see the bottom of your plate!

When did you ever contemplate Such amber fat - so thick you almost need a knife!

Oblige me, my dear friend!

Now stir it, There's bream here, innards too. Look, there's a piece of sturgeon!

Just one more spoonful, please!

Give him a helping, wife." In this wise was Demyan his neighbour Fok regaling, Not giving him a moment's rest, his will prevailing; Like hailstones down Fok's brow came rolling beads of sweat.

Yet all the same another plateful he accepts; And making one supreme last effort He puts it all away.

"I like such friends as these!"

Exclaims Demyan.

"I cannot stand formalities!

Now just a teeny-weeny plateful more, dear fellow!"

My poor friend Fok! Although He really loved fish soup, escaping from such woe, His hat and waistband He grabbed and hastened Off home as fast as he could go - Himself at Demyan's door no more to show. — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — - Outspokenness may bless an author in his labours, But, if to shut your mouth in good time you're unable And do not spare the ears of friends and neighbours, Take note: your prose and verse will be to every man No less repulsive than the fish soup of Demyan.