All is ready, have you heard?
In the morn’, my Little Light
We shall tie the knot so tight!
-Oh, what need is there to wed?
Single I shall be instead!
-What to do, O Maiden Fair?
Wedding dreams have made me square!
-If you love me truly, bring
Me in three days' time, my ring
Buried in the ocean deep-
-Quick, wake Vanya from his sleep!
Vanya, listen to my order.
Ride your way to ocean's border.
In this ocean, safe and sound
The Tsar-Maiden's ring is found.
If you snatch it from below
I will gift you - head to toe.
-Ever since my first retreat,
I can hardly move my feet.
Back to shore again so soon?
-Want to marry fast, buffoon!
No more arguments, I say-
Now, be off without delay.
They come out into the clearing,
To the ocean Ivan’s steering,
Where, with giant head and tail,
Lies the Monster-Marvel Whale.
These ten years he lies in pain,
Ignorant of how to gain
Pardon, to this very day.
-Oh, his eyes are looking sad
Why this suffering and dread?
-He endures this punishment,
For, without the Lord's consent,
Swallowed he in open sea,
Ten high-masted ships times three.
If he sets them free again,
God will take away his pain.
-May God speed you, gentles two-
Whither bound, and whence are you?
-From the capital we've ridden,
Looking for Tsar-Maid's ring hidden.
Search the seas with all your might-
Bring to us the ring so bright.
-Do you know how long must I
Live in this disgrace, and why?
For what sins I undergo
Of my pain tormenting woe?
-Fine, we'll tell you, Monster-Whale
Why you suffer and you ail.
If you help me get the ring,
Freedom my advice will bring.
Certainly-for friends like you,
There is nothing I won't do.
Peaceful folk, do hear me out!
Christian peasants all about!
If you wish to keep away
From a briny grave today,
Get you gone this minute, now!
Wonders will take place, I vow,
For the sea will seethe and churn!
And the Monster-Whale will turn!
Trouble’s brewing!
Trouble’s coming!
From the Whale we should be running!!!
You’ve endured this torment
Since without Lord’s consent
You've gulped down in open sea
Ten high-masted ships times three.
If you set them free again,
God will take away your pain.
O'er the billows, o'er the sea,
O'er the ocean wide and free,
At the bottom of the world,
Fly our ships with sails unfurled.
Masts are rising higher yet,
Sails from foamy splashes wet,
Villages and forests green,
Native region can be seen.
Tell me, friends, what can I do
In return, or give to you?
From the ocean’s floor I’ll bring
You the lovely Maiden's ring.
-Brought no ring from underneath…
May he rot with all his teeth!
-Thank you kindly, Monster-Whale!
-No, tis you, my friend, I hail!
I'll remember till I die.
What you've done for me–good-bye!
-I can’t lift this heavy chest.
Filled with fiendish hordes for jest
By the wily Monster Whale.
-Mount my back and tightly so
Hold to me for all you know.
Royal bow I give to thee
Ring is found- come and see!
And, forgive my boldness, do,
I just want to marry you.
Yes, I know, but truth be said-
Still-for now we can't be wed.
Why, oh why, Sweet Light of mine?
My soul loves your beauty fine!
I won't wed old man like you!
Grey haired, ugly, toothless, too?
Though you think I may be old
Yet I’m lively and I’m bold.
Look here-you're old and grey-
I am but fifteen today-
You regain your youth anew,
And I'll gladly marry you.
O, dear Maiden, listen here-
One can't be reborn, I fear
If you have no fear of pain,
You will soon be young again.
Listen-early in the morn,
On the palace court-yard lawn,
You must have three cauldrons ready,
Two-on fires burning steady.
Now, the first one must be filled
To the brim, with water chilled,
While the next-with water hot-
Have it boiled there on the spot;
Then, with milk fill up the last,
Heat it, till the milk boils fast.
If you want to marry me,
Young and handsome wish to be,
First you must your robes divest,
Plunge into the