IX + 

It was a cheery, generous + 

Cartel, or challenge to a fight, + 

Whereto in language courteous + 

Lenski his comrade did invite. + 

Onegin, by first impulse moved, + 

Turned and replied as it behoved, + 

Curtly announcing for the fray + 

That he was “ready any day.” + 

Zaretski rose, nor would explain, + 

He cared no longer there to stay, + 

Had much to do at home that day, + 

And so departed. But Eugene, + 

The matter by his conscience tried, + 

Was with himself dissatisfied. + 