Не говори неосторожно
При Нищем — о богатстве,
А при Голодном не толкуй
Про вина и про яства.
Не намекай Рабу на волю,
На воздух — в Подземелье...
От шуток корчатся от боли,
А Лжи — приятно зелье!
Emily Dickinson:
119.
Talk with prudence to a Beggar
Of "Potose," and the mines!
Reverently, to the Hungry
Of your viands, and your wines!
Cautious, hint to any Captive
You have passed enfranchised feet!
Anecdotes of air in Dungeons
Have sometimes proved deadly sweet!
1859