"The story was strange: It appears that the shepherd Went home for awhile, Leaving little Fedotka In charge of the flock. 'I was sitting,' he told me, 'Alone on the hillside, When all of a sudden 250 A wolf ran close by me And picked Masha's lamb up. I threw myself at her, I whistled and shouted, I cracked with my whip, Blew my horn for Valetka, And then I gave chase. I run fast, little Mother, But still I could never Have followed the robber 260 If not for the traces She left; because, Mother, Her breasts hung so low (She was suckling her children) They dragged on the earth And left two tracks of blood. But further the grey one Went slower and slower; And then she looked back And she saw I was coming. 270 At last she sat down. With my whip then I lashed her; ''Come, give me the lamb, You grey devil!'' She crouched, But would not give it up. I said--''I must save it Although she should kill me.'' I threw myself on her And snatched it away, But she did not attack me. 280 The lamb was quite dead, She herself was scarce living. She gnashed with her teeth And her breathing was heavy; And two streams of blood ran From under her body. Her ribs could be counted, Her head was hung down, But her eyes, little Mother, Looked straight into mine ... 290 Then she groaned of a sudden, She groaned, and it sounded As if she were crying. I threw her the lamb....' "Well, that was the story. And foolish Fedotka Ran back to the village And told them about it. And they, in their anger, Were going to beat him 300 When I came upon them. The Elder, because Of his fall, was indignant, He shouted--'How dare you! Do you want a beating Yourself?' And the woman Whose lamb had been stolen Cried, 'Whip the lad soundly, 'Twill teach him a lesson!' Fedotka she pulled from 310 My arms, and he trembled, He shook like a leaf. "Then the horns of the huntsmen Were heard,--the Pomyeshchick Returning from hunting. I ran to him, crying, 'Oh, save us! Protect us!' "'What's wrong? Call the Elder!' And then, in an instant, The matter is settled: 320 'The shepherd is tiny-- His youth and his folly May well be forgiven. The woman's presumption You'll punish severely!' "'Oh, Barin, God bless you!' I danced with delight! 'Fedotka is safe now! Run home, quick, Fedotka.' "'Your will shall be done, sir,' 330 The Elder said, bowing; 'Now, woman, prepare; You can dance later on!' "A gossip then whispered, 'Fall down at the feet Of the Elder--beg mercy!' "'Fedotka--go home!' "Then I kissed him, and told him: 'Remember, Fedotka, That I shall be angry 340 If once you look backwards. Run home!'