Beginning of Platonov's skazka "Ivan-chudo"

[Robert Chandler]

Dear all,

The second paragraph of this skazka is difficult to convey in English.

Всем жили ладно муж с женой и прожили лет пять без малого, да не было у них детей, а без детей жить нельзя, без детей совестно.

For five years the husband and wife lived in harmony in every way, but they had no children and a life without children is no life at all; all one feels is shame.  ??  

For five years the husband and wife lived in harmony in every way, but they had no children and without children one can't go on living; all one feels is shame.  ??  

Any thoughts, anyone?

All the best,

Robert

Robert Chandler, 42 Milson Road, London, W14 OLD

tel. +44 207 603 3862





-------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Use your web browser to search the archives, control your subscription
  options, and more.  Visit and bookmark the SEELANGS Web Interface at:
                    http://seelangs.home.comcast.net/
-------------------------------------------------------------------------