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

"Nurse, 'tis so close I cannot rest. Open the window—sit by me." "What ails thee, dear?"—"I feel depressed. Relate some ancient history.""But which, my dear?—In days of yore Within my memory I bore Many an ancient legend which In monsters and fair dames was rich;But now my mind is desolate, What once I knew is clean forgot— Alas! how wretched now my lot!" "But tell me, nurse, can you relate The days which to your youth belong? Were you in love when you were young?"—

XVIII

"Alack! Tattiana," she replied, "We never loved in days of old, My mother-in-law who lately died[36] Had killed me had the like been told.""How came you then to wed a man?"— "Why, as God ordered! My Ivan Was younger than myself, my light, For I myself was thirteen quite;[37]The matchmaker a fortnight sped, Her suit before my parents pressing: At last my father gave his blessing, And bitter tears of fright I shed.Weeping they loosed my tresses long[38] And led me off to church with song."

XIX

"Then amongst strangers I was left— But I perceive thou dost not heed—" "Alas! dear nurse, my heart is cleft, Mortally sick I am indeed.Behold, my sobs I scarce restrain—" "My darling child, thou art in pain.— The Lord deliver her and save! Tell me at once what wilt thou have?I'll sprinkle thee with holy water.— How thy hands burn!"—"Dear nurse, I'm well. I am—in love—you know—don't tell!" "The Lord be with thee, O my daughter!"— And the old nurse a brief prayer said And crossed with trembling hand the maid.

XX

"I am in love," her whispers tellThe aged woman in her woe:"My heart's delight, thou art not well."—"I am in love, nurse! leave me now."Behold! the moon was shining brightAnd showed with an uncertain lightTattiana's beauty, pale with care,Her tears and her dishevelled hair;And on the footstool sitting downBeside our youthful heroine fair,A kerchief round her silver hairThe aged nurse in ample gown,[39]Whilst all creation seemed to dreamEnchanted by the moon's pale beam. 

XXI

But borne in spirit far away Tattiana gazes on the moon, And starting suddenly doth say: "Nurse, leave me. I would be alone.Pen, paper bring: the table too Draw near. I soon to sleep shall go— Good-night." Behold! she is alone! 'Tis silent—on her shines the moon—Upon her elbow she reclines, And Eugene ever in her soul Indites an inconsiderate scroll Wherein love innocently pines.Now it is ready to be sent— For whom, Tattiana, is it meant?

XXII