The illusion which exalts us is dearer to us than ten thousand truths. - Alexander Pushkin

"Perhaps you'd like, you gentle fellow,
To hear what I'm prepared to say
On "kinfolk" and their implications?
Well, here's my view of close relations:
They're people whom we're bound to prize,
To honor, love, and idolize,
And following the old tradition,
To visit come the Christmas feast,
Or send a wish by mail at least;
All other days they've our permission,
To quite forget us if they please-
So grant them, God, long life and ease!"

От враг се пази всеки, но…
пази ни от приятел, боже!
Ох вий, приятели! За вас
не току-тъй си спомням аз.

Admittedly, his dinners consisted only of two or three courses, and were prepared by an ex-soldier, but the champagne flowed like water.