"'I'm tired, little Uncle.'

"'You've plenty of courage, 180
God's mercy be yours!
Come, give me another,
And I will befriend you.'

"(I give him a rouble.)
'Now come, I will make you
Some tea in my office.'

"His den is just under
The stairs. There's a bedstead,
A little iron stove,
And a candlestick in it, 190
A big samovar,
And a lamp in the corner.
Some pictures are hung
On the wall. 'That's His Highness,'
The porter remarks,
And he points with his finger.
I look at the picture:
A warrior covered
With stars. 'Is he gentle?'

"'That's just as you happen 200
To find him. Why, neighbour,
The same is with me:
To-day I'm obliging,
At times I'm as cross