Eugene Oneguine (1833) is a novel in verse by Alexander Pushkin. The book is admired for the artfulness of its verse narrative as well as for its exploration of life, death, love, world-weariness, convention and passion. Excerpt from the book: Having performed his service truly, Deep into debt his father ran; Three balls a year he gave ye duly, At last became a ruined man. But Eugene was by fate preserved, For first 'madame' his wants observed, And then 'monsieur' supplied her place; The boy was wild but full of grace. 'Monsieur l'Abbe,' a starving Gaul, Fearing his pupil to annoy, Instructed jestingly the boy, Morality taught scarce at all; Gently for pranks he would reprove And in the Summer Garden rove.