“Unbraid her dusky hair
And place a garland there.”

The Duchess Marusenka
To the city Horodenka
Trips with her small white feet.

She cuts barwenok there
To wreathe her dusky hair.

Her mother comes, pursuing,
“My child, what art thou doing?”

“Dear mother, can it be
Thou hast no need for me?

“Thou wilt not let me stay
But strive to force away.

“To give away thy daughter
To him who now has sought her?

“Still very young am I,
Not very wise. Then why …”

“I force and give away
What I would not have stay.

“No longer I'm inclined
For thee upon my mind!

“Strangers for thee inquire;
I yield to their desire.”