FRANCOIS VILLON’S PRAYER

While the world is still turning, and while the daylight is broad,
Oh Lord, pray, please give everyone what he or she hasn’t got.
Give the timid a horse to ride, give the wise a bright head,
Give the fortunate money and about me don’t forget.

While the world is still turning, Lord, You are omnipotent,
Let those striving for power wield it to their heart's content.
Give a break to the generous, at least for a day or two,
Pray, give Cain repentance, and remember me, too.

I know You are almighty, and I believe You are wise
Like a soldier killed in a battle believes he’s in paradise.
Like every eared creature believes, oh, my Lord, in You,
Like we believe, doing something, not knowing what we do.

Oh Lord, oh my sweet Lord, my blue eyed Lord, You’re good!
While the world is still turning, wondering, why it should,
While it has got sufficient fire and time, as You see,
Give each a little of something and remember about me!
(http://vagalecs.narod.ru/Okudzh.htm#FRANCOIS VILLONS)

While Earth is still turning around,
While light is still warming and bright,
I pray you, my Lord, give just everyone,
What everyone hasn’t on his side:

A head – give him who’s always clever,
A horse – give a coward – to flee,
Give money him, who’s now happy…
And don’t be forgetful of me.

While Earth is still turning around,
-- My Lord, it’s for you to decide! –
Let him, who is craving for power,
Enjoy it until his is glut.

Give breather a man, open-handed,
At least, his day’s evening to see.
Let Cain have his utter repentance…
And don’t be forgetful of me.

I know that you are almighty,
Believe to that wisdom of yours,
As solders believe – those killed ones –
That they live the Eden indoors,

As always believes every ear
Your quiet admonishes to,
As all we believe to our actions,
Not knowing ev’n what we do.

Oh, God! Oh, my Master, almighty!
Oh, You of the evergreen eyes!
While Earth is still turning around –
That’s strange and to her and to us, –

While she has enough of the fire
And time for us farther to be,
Give everyone even a little…
And don’t be forgetful of me.
(http://www.poetryloverspage.com/yevgeny … illon.html)

Не могу оценить английские переводы, но русская песня - гениальна.