Sergey Yesenin — With myself I shall be fair and square 

With myself I shall be fair and square 

There’s a trouble in my misty bosom.

Why am I reputed as a prankster?

Why am I reputed as a hoodlum?

Not a highway robber nor a raider,

Didn’t shoot the wretched in the dungeons.

I’m a city debauchee and waster,

Smiling back to strangers who I come on.

I’m a Moscow naughty merry-maker.

Everywhere about the Tverskoy district,

Each and every side-street dog’s acquainted

With my footstep’s light and jerky tipping. 

Each and every wretched tacky greets me

With a nod each time I come upon it;

I’m a friend to every beastly creature,

Every verse mine heals a beastly soul.

Not for women do I wear a silk hat –

Heart’s unable to stand a silly bother – 

Troubles abated with it on, it’s neater

To supply a mare with gold of oats. 

I am not on friendly terms with people,

I’m a subject of a different kingdom.

Here, for the neck of every flea bag,

My best necktie I would like to give up.

I’m not going to be sick since present.

It’s more lucid in my gloomy bosom.

That’s why I’m reputed as a prankster,

That’s why I’m reputed as a hoodlum.

1922