NOTE: 54

31

What shall I do? What shall I do? What shall I do? The mountains [are covered in] snow, I am bewildered; My beloved is small, I am lost. Mercy, *agha*, [look what] you have done! From where did you procure this blind boy? You were greedy for the hundred-[ruble note], [And] you gave me to [this] one-pounder.* What shall I do? etc. What shall I do with a mirrored knife, [When] I have no sweetheart with whom to jest? I do not want a belt [or] a necklace, I want a husband, [that] my wound may be dispelled. May I die for you, *khatun* mother-in-law, Give some counsel to your crooked lad, Lest he go and lie in the water buffalo’s manger; What flaw is there in my plane-tree stature? *** * *Translator's note:* “One-pounder” (*gərkanots’*) is a derogatory diminutive referring to a puny, undersized, or infant groom, contrasted with the large bride price (*hariwrnots’*, a hundred-unit note or sum) taken by the father/matchmaker.