Sad that our finest aspiration, Our freshest dreams and meditations, In swift succession should decay, Like Autumn leaves that rot away.

Don't be sad, don't be angry, if life deceives you! Submit to your grief - your time for joy will come, believe me.

My whole life has been pledged to this meeting with you.

I am married and happy. My only wish is that nothing will change.

A deception that elevates us is dearer than a host of low truths.

I was not born to amuse the Tsars.

I’ve lived to bury my desires, And see my dreams corrode with rust; Now all that’s left are fruitless fires That burn my empty heart to dust.