"Here we are at home.
Through the door I fly 340
Like the pigeon grey;
Low the family
Bow at sight of me,
Nearly to the ground,
Pardon they beseech
For the way in which
They have treated me.
'Sit you down,' I say,
'Do not bow to me.
Listen to my words: 350
You must bow to one
Better far than I,
Stronger far than I,
Sing your praise to her.'

"'Sing to whom,' you say?
'To Elyenushka,
To the fairest soul
God has sent on earth:
Alexandrovna!'"




CHAPTER VIII