XLV + 

Tattiana would have gladly heard + 

The converse of the world polite, + 

But in the drawing-room all appeared + 

To find in gossip such delight, + 

Speech was so tame and colourless + 

Their slander e’en was weariness; + 

In their sterility of prattle, + 

Questions and news and tittle-tattle, + 

No sense was ever manifest + 

Though by an error and unsought⁠— + 

The languid mind could smile at nought, + 

Heart would not throb albeit in jest⁠— + 

Even amusing fools we miss + 

In thee, thou world of empty bliss. + 