Part 21 (2/2)

8.

He was not stupid; and, despising The heart in him, Eugene admired The spirit of his judgements, prizing The sound opinions he'd acquired.

Eugene was always pleased to meet him And so was not surprised to greet him When, in the morning, Eugene saw His neighbour standing at the door.

With salutations done, Zaretsky Broke off the chat that they'd begun And, eyes a-twinkle with the fun, Pa.s.sed on to him a note from Lensky.

Onegin to the window went And read the note the poet sent.

9.

It was a gentlemanly letter, A challenge or cartel10 he'd penned; Polite and cold and to the matter He sought a duel with his friend.

Eugene's immediate reaction To this demand for satisfaction Was swift enough. Discussion spared, He said he'd 'always be prepared'.

Zaretsky rose without explaining, Not wis.h.i.+ng to prolong his stay, For household business claimed the day, He left forthwith; Eugene, remaining Alone, encountering his soul, Was not contented with his role.

10.

Indeed, a strict examination Before a secret, inner court Engendered much self-accusation: First, that he'd not the right to sport Last evening in such casual fas.h.i.+on With Lensky's timid, tender pa.s.sion; Then... why not let a poet play The fool at eighteen, while he may.

Eugene, who loved him as a brother, Might well have proved, by seeking peace, To be no ball of prejudice That's batted one way or another, No fiery boy, no fighting kind, But man of honour, with a mind.

11.

He might have manifested feeling Instead of bristling like a beast, He should have set about the healing Of Lensky's heart. Such thoughts soon ceased.

'Too late now, everything is settled, Now this old duellist has meddled In the affair, what's left to do?

He's vicious and a gossip, too.

The answer to his droll dominion Should be contempt, of course, but then The whispers, laughs of stupid men...'

And there it is a public opinion!11 Our idol, honour's spring, which, wound, Ensures our universe goes round.

12.

Lensky, at home, with hatred blazing, Awaits the answer fretfully; His neighbour in the finest phrasing Conveys it with solemnity.

This sets the jealous poet cheering; The prankster might a so he'd been fearing a Treat the occasion as a jest, And by some ruse avert his breast And duck the pistol by retreating.

These doubts resolved, tomorrow they Must at the mill ere break of day Embark upon their fateful meeting, To raise the c.o.c.k and, taking aim, A temple or a thigh to claim.12

13.

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