Eyes there are of every kind. Some pairs
Of eyes have evil charm like vicious snares.

But other eyes are perfect, always clear
As stars that just before the dawn appear.

In life's long vistas lamps of hope they seem
That shine for all the world with crystal gleam.

Then eyes there are that, like the startled deer,
Avoid men's gaze and seek the shade for fear.

Some don't reflect the dappled spring at all.
As dull they are as faded leaves in fall.

Yet other eyes of vengeance' hour dream
And, like the diamond, blind men with their gleam.

Some have the sheen of death on headsman's steel,
Their black glint shows that lust for blood is real.

In other lands I've seen that glint in eyes
Beyond Pamirs that reach up to the skies,

Where eastern lands still bear the fetters' weight
And men are still oppressed by bitter fate.

When first we met each other eye to eye,
Lahore, upon your squares so hot and dry,

And when our trip had only just begun,
The news was spread, «From Russia guests have come!»

Such words delight our many friends, but fill
With gall the ones who hate and wish us ill.

So, close behind us came both friend and foe,
For here was something new to see and know.

They sought our eyes as down the street we walked
And avidly would listen when we talked.

Our country's foes and friends made up that crowd.
I gazed around and felt alert and proud.

Yes, proud, for in that multitude 1 knew,
Were many friends. Our enemies were few.

Some glances told a tale like mournful sighs,
And I could tell a friend just by his eyes.

Some glances told a tale like hateful cries,
So I could sense a foe just by his eyes

And recognised that human-hating band
Who long to make a jail of our free land.

Such hopeless plans! Our people in their might
Forever conquered darkness in their fight.

But pride, above all else, I felt that day
In that strange eastern land so far away,

Because I saw true friends on every hand
Who showed their love for our dear Soviet land.

They march ahead and all their hopes they place
In happiness and peace for every race,

Opponents of all war who want to see
The splendid victory of man set free.

The love for us those peaceful people feel,
And for our land, is strong as tempered steel.

As if to spite our foes there rally round
Those men of peace, in friendship newly found.

«A Lasting Peace to all the World!» we cry.
The flag of victory we bear on high.

We know that Spring will reign thro' all the world
And war by peace to limbo will be hurled.

1950