Old witch
You are not yoursel today,
Looking pale, struck with dismay.
Are the Turks approaching Moscow,
Or the Swedes stand in your way?

Have this aspen bark, a bit,
It will do you good indeed,
After all, it isn′t nitric,
It′s a gift of nature, isn′t it?

The aspen juice, my General,
Has got a healthy mineral,
No General has died from it,
Just have a taste, and you′ll be fit.

General
Lay off, woman, I′m not ill,
Let us step across the hill,
Scare away those hedgehogs, squirrels,
I must talk to you, it′s serious!

There′s a soldier, Fedot by name,
He thinks he′s got too much brain,
I was told the other day
To put him out of the way.

How? By cutting off his head?
There′ll be a noise, I′m afraid.
Can you give me your advice
As to how to make him dead?

Old witch
Magic, magic, you know what,
Three are here, yours are not,
Ace of diamonds, oaken coffin,
Tell me all about Fedot...

Well, if he′s so prompt and smart
As to dare disregard
Our sovereign, let him get,
By tomorrow, a golden carpet.

It has got to have a grand
Map-like view of the whole land.
If he doesn′t make so bold,
It will be his own fault.

General
What a woman! What a skill!
That′s the end of my ordeal!
You could be a politician
And hold a minister′s position!

With the foes we must take care,
There′s always trouble in the air,
I would join you on a mission,
Take you with me anywhere.

I can pay you back, I think,
Marten, beaver — anything!
If you want, I′ll give you coins,
Gold or silver — it′s your choice.

Old witch
Keep us without sin this day,
Better put your coins away,
I′m not doing it for money,
I enjoy it, so why pay?

Should you have some trouble again,
Come, don′t treat me with disdain,
After all, I′m not a beast,
I will always soothe your pain.