Eugene Onegin

But, as it is, this pied collection

begs your indulgence — it's been spun

from threads both sad and humoristic,

themes popular or idealistic,

products of carefree hours, of fun,

of sleeplessness, faint inspirations,

of powers unripe, or on the wane,

of reason's icy intimations,

and records of a heart in pain.

Alexander Pushkin, "Eugene Onegin" (1823)