Of the more-than-Egyptian number of plagues with which poor Pushkin's soul was afflicted, superstition was one. He believed in signs, and sometimes gave up a journey when a hare ran across his road. Owing to this superstition he once gave up a trip to St. Petersburg, which probably would have cost him his life, had he made it. For on hearing of the December rebellion, in which many of his friends took part, he started for the capital, but the hare....
ELEGY. ([Page 132].)
The fourth volume of Pushkin's Works, in which this poem was first published, struck Byelinsky with the poverty of its contents. "But in the fourth volume of Pushkin's Poems," says he, "there is one precious pearl which reminds us of the song of yore, of the bard of yore. It is the elegy, 'The extinguished joy of crazy years.' Yes! such an elegy can redeem not only a few tales, but even the entire volume of poetry!" ... (Byelinsky's Works, ii. 194.)
LOVE AND FREEDOM. ([Page 137].)
In the original this poem is called, "To Countess N. V. Kotshubey."
INSPIRING LOVE. ([Page 139].)
In the original this piece is headed, "To A. P. Kern."
THE GRACES. ([Page 141].)
Addressed to Princess S. A. Urussov.
TO THE POET. ([Page 153].)