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

In fact, the subject analysed, 
Within that secret court discussed, 
In much his conduct stigmatized; 
For, from the outset, 'twas unjust 
To jest as he had done last eve, 
A timid, shrinking love to grieve.

And ought he not to disregard 

The poet's madness? for 'tis hard 
At eighteen not to play the fool! 
Sincerely loving him, Eugene 
Assuredly should not have been 
Conventionality's dull tool— 
Not a mere hot, pugnacious boy, 
But man of sense and probity.

XI

He might his motives have narrated, 
Not bristled up like a wild beast, 
He ought to have conciliated 
That youthful heart—"But, now at least, 
The opportunity is flown. 
Besides, a duellist well-known 
Hath mixed himself in the affair, 
Malicious and a slanderer.

Undoubtedly, disdain alone 

Should recompense his idle jeers, 
But fools—their calumnies and sneers"— 
Behold! the world's opinion![66]
Our idol, Honour's motive force, 
Round which revolves the universe.

XII

Impatient, boiling o'er with wrath, 
The bard his answer waits at home, 
But lo! his braggart neighbour hath 
Triumphant with the answer come.

Now for the jealous youth what joy! 

He feared the criminal might try 
To treat the matter as a jest, 
Use subterfuge, and thus his breast 
From the dread pistol turn away. 
But now all doubt was set aside, 
Unto the windmill he must ride 
To-morrow before break of day, 
To cock the pistol; barrel bend 
On thigh or temple, friend on friend.

XIII

Resolved the flirt to cast away, 
The foaming Lenski would refuse, 
To see his Olga ere the fray— 
His watch, the sun in turn he views—

Finally tost his arms in air 

And lo! he is already there! 
He deemed his coming would inspire 
Olga with trepidation dire.

He was deceived. Just as before 

The miserable bard to meet, 
As hope uncertain and as sweet, 
Olga ran skipping from the door.

She was as heedless and as gay— 

Well! just as she was yesterday.

XIV

"Why did you leave last night so soon?" 
Was the first question Olga made, 
Lenski, into confusion thrown, 
All silently hung down his head.

Jealousy and vexation took 

To flight before her radiant look, 
Before such fond simplicity 
And mental elasticity.

He eyed her with a fond concern, 

Perceived that he was still beloved, 
Already by repentance moved 
To ask forgiveness seemed to yearn;

But trembles, words he cannot find, 

Delighted, almost sane in mind.

XV