Part 33 (1/2)

What silent sufferings were reflected In this quick moment of distress!

Who is it could not have detected Poor Tanya in the new princess!

Eugene, the moment that he saw her, Fell maddened with remorse before her.

She gave a start, said not a word And looked at Eugene unperturbed Without surprise or wrath... His fading Appearance, his extinguished look, Imploring aspect, mute rebuke She takes in all. The simple maiden Returns again now, reappears With dreams and heart of former years.

42.

She lets Onegin go on kneeling And, looking at him fixedly, Does not withdraw her hand unfeeling That he is kissing avidly...

What is she dreaming of at present?

A long time pa.s.ses by, quiescent, At last she softly speaks again: 'Enough, get up. I must explain Myself to you. I wonder whether, Onegin, you recall, do you, The garden and the avenue, The hour when fate brought us together And how you lectured me, so meek.

Today it is my turn to speak.

43.

'I was much younger at that meeting And better looking, to my mind, I loved you then, was that upsetting?

And in your heart, what did I find?

What was your answer? Only sternness.

You'd never, would you, take in earnest A little maiden's modest love.

My blood runs cold now a G.o.d above! a The very moment I remember Your chilling glance, that sermon... I'm Not blaming you: at that dark time You showed at least a n.o.ble temper And you were right regarding me, I thank you for your honesty...

44.

'Admit that in our backwoods haven, From empty rumour far away, I was not to your liking... Say, then, Why you're pursuing me today.

Why have you marked me for attention?

Might it not be because convention Includes me in the social round, Because I'm wealthy and renowned, Because my husband's wounds in battle Have gained him royal favour, fame?

Might it not be because my shame Would feed the flames of t.i.ttle-tattle And win you, in society, Seductive notoriety?

45.

'I weep... if you recall your Tanya, There's one thing you should hear from me: Your sharp reproach, unfriendly manner, Your cold, unsparing homily, All this, with which you made me cower, I'd have preferred, had I the power, To this offensive pa.s.sion, to The letters, tears I've had from you.

You showed my childish dreams compa.s.sion, And you at least respected me And my young age. But now, I see You at my feet in coward fas.h.i.+on?

How with the heart and mind you have Can you be paltry feeling's slave?

46.

'This pomp, Onegin, these excesses, The trumpery of hateful days, My high society successes, My fas.h.i.+onable house, soirees, What do they mean? Oh, I'd surrender At once this masquerade, this splendour, With all its glitter, noise and smoke For one wild garden and a book, For our poor home, to me the dearest, For all those places I recall, Where I beheld you first of all, And for the humble churchyard near us, Where now a cross and branches shade The grave where my poor nurse is laid...

47.