Alexander Pushkin — The Tenth Commandment

Don't covet goods of other beings —

My Goodness, You've commanded so;

The limits of my will You know —

Am I to manage tender feelings?!

I wish not to offend my friend,

His village I do not desire,

And for his steer I don't aspire,

I'm gazing at it with content:

His men, his house and his cattle,

I'm tempted not, though all is great.

But let's imagine that his maid

Is beautiful... I've lost the battle!

And if by chance his lady's pretty

And gifted with an angel's skin

Then God forgive me for my sin

Of being envious and greedy!

Who can command a heart like this?

Who is a slave to feeble effort?

Not love a person who is revered?—

Who can resist the heaven's bliss?

I sigh from sadness and perceive,

But I must honor my conviction,

Afraid to flatter heart's ambition,

I'm silent... and alone I grieve.