What is thy cleverness to me?

The letter is the thing, you see, -

Oneguine's letter!" - "Ah! the thing!

Now don't be cross with me, my soul,

You know that I am now a fool -

But why are your cheeks whitening?"

"Nothing, good nurse, there's nothing wrong,

But send your grandson before long."

XXXVIII.

No answer all that day was borne.

Another passed; 'twas just the same.

Pale as a ghost and dressed since morn

Tattiana waits. No answer came!

Olga's admirer came that day:

"Tell me, why doth your comrade stay?"

The hostess doth interrogate:

"He hath neglected us of late." -

Tattiana blushed, her heart beat quick -

"He promised here this day to ride,"

Lenski unto the dame replied,

"The post hath kept him, it is like."

Shamefaced, Tattiana downward looked

As if he cruelly had joked!

XXXIX.

'Twas dusk! Upon the table bright

Shrill sang the samovar at eve,(44)

The china teapot too ye might

In clouds of steam above perceive.

Into the cups already sped

By Olga's hand distributed

The fragrant tea in darkling stream,

And a boy handed round the cream.

Tania doth by the casement linger

And breathes upon the chilly glass,

Dreaming of what not, pretty lass,