V. Non scholae, sed vitae discimus* Умом на страже благородной цели, Сам Государь российский повелел Собрать плеяду отроков в Лицее И обучать веденью важных дел‚ Лелеять их под Царскосельским небом Вдали от люда, пагубных страстей, Под оком просвещённейших мужей Воспитывать Отчизне на потребу И завершить задуманный проект В коротких шесть неповторимых лет. Среди аллей, Задумчивой тиши дубов, Под сенью влажных веток, Идиллии причудливых беседок И у прудов, где чаще ни души, Где девушка, разбившая кувшин, И яркой зеленью осыпаны поляны, Прозрачен воздух, мысли полупьяны, Дворец Екатерининский стоял; Соединённый трёхпролётной аркой, Лицей к нему изящно примыкал, Светилась колоннада цепью яркой‚ И дух побед российских пребывал. * Mы учимся не для школы, а для жизни (лат) | V. Non scholae, sed vitae discimus* In aiming his mind to some noble intents The Ruler of Russia had ordered To gather a cluster of young applicants And keep them protected and boarded. The proudly-formed and unmatched academe Was one of the world’s most exclusive Lyceums.** The edified scholars were courteously asked To teach their pupils all government acts. The youngsters prepared to pursue their careers In six very brief unforgettable years. Where alleys in daylight were calmly shaded And every glade was turning varnished green, Where branches of the oaks were gently faded, Where ponds were lonely, sorrowfully dim, Where whimsical pavilions looked protrusive The beauty with a jug was so select, The air was transparent, thoughts — illusive, There Catherine’s Palace*** stood erect. To that creation, gallantly attached, Lyceum bordered with a triple arch. The colonnade was lit and over slumber The spirit of great victories did wander. * We’re studying not for school, but for life (lat) ** Lyceum — a school for the children of prominent citizens at Tsarskoe Selo, to which Pushkin was admitted at twelve. *** Catherine the Great — the Empress of Russia. |
