'You mustn't think . . . and please don't worry . . .
But see . . . Oh, nanny, don't refuse!'
'As God's my witness, dear, I promise.'
'Then send your grandson, little Thomas,
To take this note of mine to #62038;------,
Our neighbour, nurse, the one. . . you know!
And tell him that he's not to mention
My name, or breathe a single word. . . .
' 'But who's it for, my little bird?
I'm trying hard to pay attention;
But we have lots of neighbours call,
I couldn't even count them all.'
35
'Oh nurse, your wits are all befuddled!'
'But, sweetheart, I've grown old ... I mean . . .
I'm old; my mind ... it does get muddled.
There was a time when I was keen,
When just the master's least suggestion. . . .'
'Oh, nanny, please, that's not the question,
It's not your mind I'm talking of,
I'm thinking of Onegin, love;
This note's to him.''Now don't get riled,
You know these days I'm not so clear,
I'll take the letter, never fear.
But you've gone pale again, my child!'
'It's nothing, nanny, be at ease,
Just send your grandson, will you please.'
36
The day wore on, no word came flying.
Another fruitless day went by.
All dressed since dawn, dead-pale and sighing,
Tatyana waits: will he reply?
Then Olga's suitor came a-wooing.
'But tell me, what's your friend been doing?'
Asked Tanya's mother, full of cheer;
'He's quite forgotten us, I fear.'
Tatyana blushed and trembled gently.
'He promised he would come today,'
Said Lensky in his friendly way,
'The mail has kept him evidently.'
Tatyana bowed her head in shame,
As if they all thought her to blame.
37
'Twas dusk; and on the table, gleaming,
The evening samovar grew hot;
It hissed and sent its vapour steaming
In swirls about the china pot.
And soon the fragrant tea was flowing
As Olga poured it, dark and glowing,
In all the cups; without a sound
