I blame not your behaviour -

An honourable course ye took,

Displayed a noble rectitude -

My soul is filled with gratitude!

XLIII.

"Then, in the country, is't not true?

And far removed from rumour vain;

I did not please you. Why pursue

Me now, inflict upon me pain? -

Wherefore am I your quarry held? -

Is it that I am now compelled

To move in fashionable life,

That I am rich, a prince's wife? -

Because my lord, in battles maimed,

Is petted by the Emperor? -

That my dishonour would ensure

A notoriety proclaimed,

And in society might shed

A bastard fame prohibited?

XLIV.

"I weep. And if within your breast

My image hath not disappeared,

Know that your sarcasm ill-suppressed,

Your conversation cold and hard,

If the choice in my power were,

To lawless love I should prefer -

And to these letters and these tears.

For visions of my childish years

Then ye were barely generous,

Age immature averse to cheat -

But now - what brings you to my feet? -

How mean, how pusillanimous!

A prudent man like you and brave

To shallow sentiment a slave!

XLV.

"Oneguine, all this sumptuousness,