I have erected a monument to myself—one that was not created by human hands.

…a pillar. Well, what about that? Not bad, not bad at all.

The moment when your poetry actually begins to resemble something meaningful…

Note that I didn’t propose this idea myself.

You’re so adventurous, Paramoša…

“Ivan Semyonovich, stop talking in riddles—you’re driving me crazy!”

I thought they were going to send me to Moscow!

I thought they would send me to Moscow.

Note: I didn’t propose this idea.

Mirror

You’re such a naive, foolish Paramosha—this is exactly what’s ruining you.