2. McPherson's Farewell

As the second example, let’s have a look at the less well-known poem “McPherson’s Farewell" or "McPherson before his execution." This is a version of the song written by McPherson, a criminal, who lived in the XVII century, the night before his execution. It might be the best example of the canonization of beggars and swindlers, representing the common people. Here the translator manages to shift the focus completely by turning the criminal and the villain into a national hero, even a revolutionary.

In my view, it was impossible to avoid such a change in the USSR where Robert Burns was considered a poet of common people. Naturally he couldn’t devote his verses to such unworthy people like McPherson. From the first lines the position of the interpreter is for more than clear.

The original text says:

“Farewell, you dungeons dark and strong, The wretch's destiny!”

Marshak’s translation says:

“Привет вам, тюрьмы короля,

Где жизнь влачат рабы!”

(Greetings to you, the prisons of the king, Where a life of slaves is eked out !)

In the translation not only is the word "king” added but "a poor man" is replaced by "a slave." Thus Marshak once again exaggerates, paying attention only to the negative side of the monarchical type of ruling the country. In the particular case is difficult to explain his motivation since lines were not just slightly altered but are fundamentally different from the Burns’ text.

The author initially presents the hero as a cheerful rogue and thief, who, however, loves his motherland and doesn’t lose his spirits before the execution. Marshak transforms him into a brave warrior, omitting, at the same time, the lines about Scotland, where McPherson was born.

The original text says:

“And there is not a man in all Scotland But I will brave him at a word.”

Marshak’s translation says:

“Пусть выйдет десять смельчаков,

Я одолею всех”.

(Let ten brave men come out. I will prevail against all.)

Completely changing the direct words of the hero and putting emphasis on his arrogant belligerence, the translator violates the original intent of the author. The image of the jolly rogue is transformed into the image of a brave participant of numerous battles.

The following verses also show utter inconsistency of the original text and translation. Drawing attention to the fact that McPherson was a war hero, Marshak complements the image, introducing the theme of betrayal.

If Burns only says that, perhaps, the betrayal indirectly caused the death of McPherson, Marshak insists that it was the betrayal which brought the hero to the gallows.

The original text says:

“I have lived a life of trouble and strife; I die by treachery…”

Marshak’s translation says:

“Я жизнь свою провел в бою,

Умру не от меча.

Изменник предал жизнь мою

Веревке палача”.

(I've spent my life in battle, But won’t die from the sword. The traitor has betrayed my life to the Rope of a hangman)

Instead of parting with sunlight (“Now farewell light, you sunshine bright…”), Marshak’s hero bids farewell to his native land (“Прости, мой край! Весь мир, прощай!”/ "Forgive me, my country! The whole world, goodbye!»). However, his farewell can also be understood as a request to forgive him for some sins.

It is worth noting that the line where is said that McPherson played some musical instrument is omitted. Probably, according to Marshak, this fact could ruin the image of the revolutionary struggling for freedom.