Eugene Oneguine [Onegin]. A Romance of Russian Life in Verse

Time was the flattering voice of fame, 
His ruffian bravery adored, 
And true, his pistol's faultless aim 
An ace at fifteen paces bored.

But I must add to what I write 

That, tipsy once in actual fight, 
He from his Kalmuck horse did leap 
In mud and mire to wallow deep, 
Drunk as a fly; and thus the French 
A valuable hostage gained, 
A modern Regulus unchained, 
Who to surrender did not blench 
That every morn at Verrey's cost 
Three flasks of wine he might exhaust.

VI

Time was, his raillery was gay, 
He loved the simpleton to mock, 
To make wise men the idiot play 
Openly or 'neath decent cloak.

Yet sometimes this or that deceit 

Encountered punishment complete, 
And sometimes into snares as well 
Himself just like a greenhorn fell.

He could in disputation shine 

With pungent or obtuse retort, 
At times to silence would resort, 
At times talk nonsense with design;

Quarrels among young friends he bred 

And to the field of honour led;

VII

Or reconciled them, it may be, 
And all the three to breakfast went; 
Then he'd malign them secretly 
With jest and gossip gaily blent.

Sed alia tempora

. And bravery (Like love, another sort of knavery!) 
Diminishes as years decline. 
But, as I said, Zaretski mine 
Beneath acacias, cherry-trees, 
From storms protection having sought, 
Lived as a really wise man ought, 
Like Horace, planted cabbages, 
Both ducks and geese in plenty bred 
And lessons to his children read.

VIII

He was no fool, and Eugene mine, 
To friendship making no pretence, 
Admired his judgment, which was fine, 
Pervaded with much common sense.

He usually was glad to see 

The man and liked his company, 
So, when he came next day to call, 
Was not surprised thereby at all.

But, after mutual compliments, 

Zaretski with a knowing grin, 
Ere conversation could begin, 
The epistle from the bard presents.

Oneguine to the window went 

And scanned in silence its content.

IX

It was a cheery, generous 
Cartel, or challenge to a fight, 
Whereto in language courteous 
Lenski his comrade did invite.

Oneguine, by first impulse moved, 

Turned and replied as it behoved, 
Curtly announcing for the fray 
That he was "ready any day."

Zaretski rose, nor would explain, 

He cared no longer there to stay, 
Had much to do at home that day, 
And so departed. But Eugene, 
The matter by his conscience tried, 
Was with himself dissatisfied.

X