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