Slumber sweet my fairest baby
Slumber calmly sleep.
Peaceful moonbeams light thy chamber
In thy cradle creep.
I will tell to thee a story
Pure as dewdrop glow;
Close those two beloved eyelids
Lullaby By-low.

List! The Terek oer its pebbles
Blusters through the vale
On its shores the little Khirgez
Whets his murdrous blade;
Yet thy father grey in battle
Guards thee child of woe
Safely rest thee in thy cradle
Lullaby By-low!

Grievous times will sure befall thee
Danger slaughterous fire
Thou shalt on a charger gallop
Curbing at desire;
And a saddle girth all silken
Sadly I will sew
Slumber now my wide-eyed darling
Lullaby By-low!

When I see thee my own Being
As a Cossack true
Must I only convoy give thee
Mother dear adieu!
Nightly in the empty chamber
Blinding tears will flow
Sleep my angel sweetest dear one
Lullaby By-low!

Thy return Ill wait lamenting
As the days go by
Ardent for thee praying fearing
In the cards to spy.
I shall fancy thou wilt suffer
As a stranger grow ‒
Sleep while yet thou nought regrettest
Lullaby By-low!

I will send a holy image
Gainst the foe with thee
To it kneeling dearest Being
Pray with piety!
Think of me in bloody battle
Dearest child of woe
Slumber soft within thy cradle
Lullaby By-low!

translation by Martha Gilbert Dickinson