Living
Song of Farsan
Translated by John Bowring (1830) · From Poetry of the Magyars (1830)
Little cup, or great cup, all is one when both are void;
When my wife can keep them full, both are equally enjoyed.
Little glass, or great glass, all is one when fill'd with air,
And my wife storms just the same when she finds that nothing's there.
Little spoon, or great spoon, all is one when dinner's waiting,
But my wife finds fault with both when she learns there's nought for eating.
Little lid, or great lid, all is one when nothing's under;
When my wife peeps in she shows far more waspishness than wonder.
Little store, or great store, all is one for hungry sinner;
Give my wife the food to dress, and I'll answer for our dinner.
Cite this poem
MLA
Anonymous Hungarian Popular Songs. “Song of Farsan.” Translated by John Bowring. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-hungarian/19/.
Chicago
Anonymous Hungarian Popular Songs. “Song of Farsan.” Translated by John Bowring. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/anonymous-hungarian/19/.
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