XVI
I like this word exceedingly
Although it will not bear translation,
With us 'tis quite a novelty
Not high in general estimation;
'Twould serve ye in an epigram—
But turn we once more to our dame.
Enchanting, but unwittingly,
At table she was sitting by
The brilliant Nina Voronskoi,
The Neva's Cleopatra, and
None the conviction could withstand
That Nina's marble symmetry,
Though dazzling its effulgence white,
Could not eclipse her neighbour's light.
XVII
'And is it,' meditates Eugene.
'And is it she? It must be—no—
How! from the waste of steppes unseen,'—
And the eternal lorgnette through
Frequent and rapid doth his glance
Seek the forgotten countenance
Familiar to him long ago.
'Inform me, prince, pray dost thou know
The lady in the crimson cap
Who with the Spanish envoy speaks?'—
The prince's eye Oneguine seeks:
'Ah! long the world hath missed thy shape!
But stop! I will present thee, if
You choose.'—'But who is she?'—'My wife.'
XVIII
'So thou art wed! I did not know.
Long ago?'—''Tis the second year.'
'To—?'—'Larina.'—'Tattiana?'—'So.
And dost thou know her?'—'We live near.'
'Then come with me.' The prince proceeds,
His wife approaches, with him leads
His relative and friend as well.
The lady's glance upon him fell—
And though her soul might be confused,
And vehemently though amazed
She on the apparition gazed,
No signs of trouble her accused,
A mien unaltered she preserved,
Her bow was easy, unreserved.
XIX
Ah no! no faintness her attacked
Nor sudden turned she red or white,
Her brow she did not e'en contract
