The Asses On Parnassus Poem by Emil Sharafutdinov

From Krylov

When long ago the Gods were removed from Greece
And among laity their lands were let on lease,
Then someone also got the mount of Parnassus;
And there the new master started to tend Asses.
The Asses, I don't know how, before long did know
That the Muses had lived there not so long ago,
And said the Asses, «Not in vain
We have been brought to this domain:
The public must have tired of the Muses' singing,
And now they want us to make a new beginning». —
«Get set, lads, cheer up! » One of the Asses cried,
«I will strike up and don't you lag behind!
My friends, do not feel shy, and may
Our herd be heard of far away!
And soon the talents of the Nine
Our zeal alone will outshine!
Yet so as to prevent our fellowship from being misled,
Such an admission order to Parnassus
We must apply that will not let
Inside our ranks one who has no vocal nicety of asses».
The Asses for all asses' cause
Approved their tricky-twisted clause:
And such nightmarish drivel the new poets started howling,
As if up there was a long train toiling
The wheels of which required a good oiling.
But how did this flashy-dashy sinning end?
The farmer, having lost his patience, went
And drove the Asses back into the cattle house.
____________________

No ignoramus's anger wishing to arouse,
I would like only to observe in this comment
That if one's head is devoid of wit
High places won't make up for it.