Of Relatives! (Continued) pg. 15

If you would sincerely love me

Like a doe [loves] its children

I wish, for that, that you would have

As much happiness[1] as there is in the world

            To [My] Uncle!

I thought long, oh uncle

To maybe bring you gifts of some sort

But always had in [my] heart

More of a wreath of tenderness than offerings

            Sincere love, humility

            Everything that grows up from the mind[2]

            [I’m] not in a position to express [in words]

I will give [you] mutual love in a wreath

That which rewards virtue

For the space of your days, in turn

May [it] sweeten life for you

[And] not send [you] deceiving hopes

To [My] Sister!

Enjoy the sweeteness in life

Nonetheless [the sweetness] of a long life

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[1] Or “good fortune”

[2] The word translated here as “mind” is Ukrainian/Russian in origin.