The Salt Song in Nekrassov's epic poem - WHO CAN BE HAPPY AND FREE IN RUSSIA?

Temporal

Read in full here

Translated by Juliet M. Soskice

1917 

(this song - on p. 258) 

The Salt Song

  Now none but God
    Can save my son:
  He's dying fast,
    My little one….

  I give him bread—-
    He looks at it,
  He cries to me,
    "Put salt on it." 140
  I have no salt—
    No tiny grain;
  "Take flour," God whispers,
    "Try again…."

    He tastes it once,
  Once more he tries;
    "That's not enough,
  More salt!" he cries.

   The flour again….
  My tears fall fast 150
    Upon the bread,—
  He eats at last!

  The mother smiles
    In pride and joy:
  Her tears so salt
    Have saved the boy.