XVIII + 

“Alack! Tattiana,” she replied, + 

“We never loved in days of old, + 

My mother-in-law who lately died + 

Had killed me had the like been told.” + 

“How came you then to wed a man?”⁠— + 

“Why, as God ordered! My Ivan + 

Was younger than myself, my light, + 

For I myself was thirteen quite; + 

The matchmaker a fortnight sped, + 

Her suit before my parents pressing: + 

At last my father gave his blessing, + 

And bitter tears of fright I shed. + 

Weeping they loosed my tresses long + 

And led me off to church with song.” + 