Текст песни
On the shore of desert waves he stood
Full of great thoughts, and gazed afar
Before him wide the river flowed
A poor small skiff upon it rowed
It sped alone Along the banks
Moss‑grown and boggy, here and there
Black huts appeared — the humble place
Where poor Chukhna found their space
And forests, hidden from the sun
By fog of hidden sun outdone
Around him rustled, one by one
And thus he mused
“From here we’ll threaten Swede, no less
Here a city shall be placed
To spite the haughty neighbour’s face
By nature’s will, it’s been decreed
We’ll cut a window to the West
With steady foot by sea be blest
Upon new waves, so fresh, so vast
All flags will come to us as guests
We’ll feast in open space, at last”
A hundred years have passed away
And youthful city, bright and gay
The wonder and the pride of North
Has risen proudly, full of worth
From forests dark, from marshes deep
In splendour high, in vigour steep
Where once a Finnish fisher lone
Sad stepchild of the world, unknown
Beside low shores, in silent mood
Cast his old net in waters rude —
Now there, along the lively strands
Grand masses press in close demands
Palaces and towers in line
Ships from all lands, in grand design
Crowd to the rich and wealthy wharves
Seeking trade and fortune’s curves
The Neva clad herself in stone
Bridges hang above the foam
Isles are covered, all alone
With dark‑green gardens, far from home
And before this younger throne
Old Moscow fades, and stands forlorn
Like widow crowned, once royal, worn
Before a new tsarina born
