XII + 

As if against obstruction sore + 

Tattiana o’er the stream complained; + 

To help her to the other shore + 

No one appeared to lend a hand. + 

But suddenly a snowdrift stirs, + 

And what from its recess appears? + 

A bristly bear of monstrous size! + 

He roars, and “Ah!” Tattiana cries. + 

He offers her his murderous paw; + 

She nerves herself from her alarm + 

And leans upon the monster’s arm, + 

With footsteps tremulous with awe + 

Passes the torrent. But alack! + 

Bruin is marching at her back! + 