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;

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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.

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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.

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