And the old nurse a brief prayer said

And crossed with trembling hand the maid.

XX.

"I am in love," her whispers tell

The 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 bright

And showed with an uncertain light

Tattiana's beauty, pale with care,

Her tears and her dishevelled hair;

And on the footstool sitting down

Beside our youthful heroine fair,

A kerchief round her silver hair

The aged nurse in ample gown,(37)

Whilst all creation seemed to dream

Enchanted by the moon's pale beam.

[Note 37: It is thus that I am compelled to render a female garment not known, so far as I am aware, to Western Europe. It is called by the natives "doushegreika," that is to say, "warmer of the soul" - in French, chaufferette de l'ame. It is a species of thick pelisse worn over the "sarafan," or gown.]

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.

I have known beauties cold and raw

As Winter in their purity,