TRIQUET' S COUPLETS


When Triquet at the party stood to read, 
The vodka-drinking guests gave little heed!

But he, bespectacled, bewigged, at last
Prevailed-- a man so lovable and blessed.

Monsieur Triquet had come from France and taught
Young Russian daughters language of the Court.

He now believed his couplets might amuse
The nameday party at the Larin's house--

Though whether he had time to speak them all
I doubt, amid distractions of a ball!

So while the couples swirled, Triquet declaimed
Old couplets oddly, hoping to be heard.

For he, Pickwickian by temperament,
Had a heart irrepressibly content.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Tchaikovsky in ''Onegin'' *  gave Triquet
Deft quirky settings for his couplets' play,

With music piquant, lyrical, serene,
Conveying Triquet's pleasure in the scene;

Fit contrast to the moody Yevgeny,
Shy Tatyana, Olga gravely giddy--

Before Onegin's duel with Lensky marred
The merry party with a tragic feud.

~ Stanley ~