OUTofthedarkestdepthsoflife，whereviceandcrimeandmiseryabound，comestheByronofthetwentiethcentury，thepoetofthevagabondandtheproletariat，MaximGorky。Notlikethebeggar，humblyimploringforacrustinthenameoftheLord，norlikethejewellerdisplayinghispreciousstonestodazzleandtempttheeye，hecomestotheworld，——nay，inaccentsofTyrtaeusthiscommonerofNizhniNovgorodspursonhistroopsoffreedom-lovingheroestoconquer，asitwere，theplacid，self-
　　satisfiedliteraturesofto-day，andbringnewlifetopale，bloodlessframes。
　　LikeByron'simpassionedutterances，"borneonthetonesofawildandquiteartlessmelody，"isGorky'smad，unbridled，powerfulvoice，ashesingsofthe"madnessofthebrave，"ofthebarefooteddreamers，whoareproudoftheiridleness，whopossessnothingandfearnothing，whoaregayintheirmisery，thoughmiserableintheirjoy。
　　Gorky'svoiceisnotthecalm，cultivated，well-balancedvoiceofChekhov，theRussianDeMaupassant，noreventheapostolic，well-
　　meaning，butcomparativelyfaintvoiceofTolstoy，thepreacher：
　　itistheroaringofalion，thecrashofthunder。Initselementarypoweristheheart。rendingcryofasincerebutsufferingsoulthatsawthebrutalityoflifeinallitshorrors，andnowflingsitsexperiencesintothefaceoftheworldwithunequalledsympathyandthecourageofagiant。
　　ForGorky，aboveall，hascourage；hedarestosaythathefindsthevagabond，theoutcastofsociety，moresublimeandsignificantthansocietyitself。
　　HisBosyak，thesymbolicincarnationoftheOver-man，isasnaiveandasboldasachild——orasagenius。Inthevehementpassionsofthemagnanimous，compassionateherointatters，inthearistocracyofhissoul，andinhisconstantthirstforFreedom，Gorkyseestherebelliousandirreconcilablespiritofman，offutureman，——intheseheseessomethingbeautiful，somethingpowerful，somethingmonumental，andiscarriedawaybytheirstrangepsychology。Forthebarefooteddreamer'slifeisGorky'slife，hisidealsareGorky'sideals，hispleasuresandpains，Gorky'spleasuresandpains。
　　AndGorky，thoughbrokeninhealthnow，buffetedbythestormsoffate，bruisedandwoundedinthebattle-fieldoflife，stilllikeByronandlikeLermontov，"——seeksthestormAsthoughthestormcontainedrepose。"
　　Andinaleoninevoicehecriesdefiantly：
　　"Letthestormragewithgreaterforceandfury！"
　　HERMANBERNSTEIN。
　　September20，1901。
　　FOMAGORDYEEF
　　DedicatedtoANTONP。CHEKHOV
　　ByMaximGorkyCHAPTERI
　　ABOUTsixtyyearsago，whenfortunesofmillionshadbeenmadeontheVolgawithfairy-talerapidity，IgnatGordyeeff，ayoungfellow，wasworkingaswater-pumperononeofthebargesofthewealthymerchantZayev。
　　Builtlikeagiant，handsomeandnotatallstupid，hewasoneofthosepeoplewhomluckalwaysfollowseverywhere——notbecausetheyaregiftedandindustrious，butratherbecause，havinganenormousstockofenergyattheircommand，theycannotstoptothinkoverthechoiceofmeanswhenontheirwaytowardtheiraims，and，exceptingtheirownwill，theyknownolaw。Sometimestheyspeakoftheirconsciencewithfear，sometimestheyreallytorturethemselvesstrugglingwithit，butconscienceisanunconquerablepowertothefaint-heartedonly；thestrongmasteritquicklyandmakeitaslavetotheirdesires，fortheyunconsciouslyfeelthat，givenroomandfreedom，consciencewouldfracturelife。Theysacrificedaystoit；andifitshouldhappenthatconscienceconqueredtheirsouls，theyareneverwrecked，evenindefeat——theyarejustashealthyandstrongunderitsswayaswhentheylivedwithoutconscience。
　　AttheageoffortyIgnatGordyeeffwashimselftheownerofthreesteamersandtenbarges。OntheVolgahewasrespectedasarichandcleverman，butwasnicknamed"Frantic，"becausehislifedidnotflowalongastraightchannel，likethatofotherpeopleofhiskind，butnowandagain，boilingupturbulently，ranoutofitsrut，awayfromgain——theprimeaimofhisexistence。ItlookedasthoughtherewerethreeGordyeeffsinhim，orasthoughtherewerethreesoulsinIgnat'sbody。Oneofthem，themightiest，wasonlygreedy，andwhenIgnatlivedaccordingtoitscommands，hewasmerelyamanseizedwithuntamablepassionforwork。Thispassionburnedinhimbydayandbynight，hewascompletelyabsorbedbyit，and，grabbingeverywherehundredsandthousandsofroubles，itseemedasifhecouldneverhaveenoughofthejingleandsoundofmoney。HeworkedaboutupanddowntheVolga，buildingandfasteningnetsinwhichhecaughtgold：heboughtupgraininthevillages，floatedittoRybinskonhisbarges；heplundered，cheated，sometimesnotnoticingit，sometimesnoticing，and，triumphant，beopenlylaughedatbyhisvictims；andinthesenselessnessofhisthirstformoney，herosetotheheightsofpoetry。But，givingupsomuchstrengthtothishuntaftertherouble，hewasnotgreedyinthenarrowsense，andsometimesheevenbetrayedaninconceivablebutsincereindifferencetohisproperty。Once，whentheicewasdriftingdowntheVolga，hestoodontheshore，and，seeingthattheicewasbreakinghisnewbarge，havingcrusheditagainstthebluffshore，heejaculated：
　　"That'sit。Again。Crushit！Now，oncemore！Try！"
　　"Well，Ignat，"askedhisfriendMayakin，cominguptohim，"theiceiscrushingabouttenthousandoutofyourpurse，eh？"
　　"That'snothing！I'llmakeanotherhundred。ButlookhowtheVolgaisworking！Eh？Fine？Shecansplitthewholeworld，likecurd，withaknife。Look，look！Thereyouhavemy'Boyarinya！'
　　Shefloatedbutonce。Well，we'llhavemasssaidforthedead。"
　　Thebargewascrushedintosplinters。Ignatandthegodfather，sittinginthetavernontheshore，drankvodkaandlookedoutofthewindow，watchingthefragmentsofthe"Boyarinya"driftingdowntherivertogetherwiththeice。
　　"Areyousorryforthevessel，Ignat？"askedMayakin。
　　"WhyshouldIbesorryforit？TheVolgagaveittome，andtheVolgahastakenitback。Itdidnottearoffmyhand。"
　　"Nevertheless。"
　　"What——nevertheless？ItisgoodatleastthatIsawhowitwasalldone。It'salessonforthefuture。Butwhenmy'Volgar'wasburned——Iwasreallysorry——Ididn'tseeit。Howbeautifulitmusthavelookedwhensuchawoodpilewasblazingonthewaterinthedarknight！Eh？Itwasanenormoussteamer。"
　　"Weren'tyousorryforthateither？"
　　"Forthesteamer？Itistrue，Ididfeelsorryforthesteamer。
　　Butthenitismerefoolishnesstofeelsorry！What'stheuse？I
　　mighthavecried；tearscannotextinguishfire。Letthesteamersburn。Andeventhougheverythingbeburneddown，I'dspituponit！Ifthesoulisbutburningtowork，everythingwillbeerectedanew。Isn'titso？"
　　"Yes，"saidMayakin，smiling。"Thesearestrongwordsyousay。
　　Andwhoeverspeaksthatway，eventhoughhelosesall，willneverthelessberich。"
　　Regardinglossesofthousandsofroublessophilosophically，Ignatknewthevalueofeverykopeika；hegavetothepoorveryseldom，andonlytothosethatwerealtogetherunabletowork。
　　Whenamoreorlesshealthymanaskedhimforalms，Ignatwouldsay，sternly：
　　"Getaway！Youcanworkyet。Gotomydvornikandhelphimtoremovethedung。I'llpayyouforit。"
　　Wheneverhehadbeencarriedawaybyhisworkheregardedpeoplemoroselyandpiteously，nordidhegivehimselfrestwhilehuntingforroubles。Andsuddenly——itusuallyhappenedinspring，wheneverythingonearthbecamesobewitchinglybeautifulandsomethingreproachfullywildwasbreatheddownintothesoulfromtheclearsky——IgnatGordyeeffwouldfeelthathewasnotthemasterofhisbusiness，butitslowslave。Hewouldlosehimselfinthoughtand，inquisitivelylookingabouthimselffromunderhisthick，knittedeyebrows，walkaboutfordays，angryandmorose，asthoughsilentlyaskingsomething，whichhefearedtoaskaloud。Theyawakenedhisothersoul，theturbulentandlustfulsoulofahungrybeast。Insolentandcynical，hedrank，ledadepravedlife，andmadedrunkardsofotherpeople。Hewentintoecstasy，andsomethinglikeavolcanooffilthboiledwithinhim。Itlookedasthoughhewasmadlytearingthechainswhichhehimselfhadforgedandcarried，andwasnotstrongenoughtotearthem。Excitedandverydirty，hisfaceswollenfromdrunkennessandsleeplessness，hiseyeswanderingmadly，androaringinahoarsevoice，hetrampedaboutthetownfromonetaverntoanother，threwawaymoneywithoutcountingit，criedanddancedtothesadtunesofthefolksongs，orfought，butfoundnorestanywhere——inanything。
　　Ithappenedonedaythatadegradedpriest，ashort，stoutlittlebald-headedmaninatorncassock，chancedonIgnat，andstucktohim，justasapieceofmudwillsticktoashoe。Animpersonal，deformedandnastycreature，heplayedthepartofabuffoon：
　　theysmearedhisbaldheadwithmustard，madehimgouponall-
　　fours，drinkmixturesofdifferentbrandiesanddancecomicaldances；hedidallthisinsilence，anidioticsmileonhiswrinkledface，andhavingdonewhathewastoldtodo，heinvariablysaid，outstretchinghishandwithhispalmupward：
　　"Givemearouble。"
　　Theylaughedathimandsometimesgavehimtwentykopeiks，sometimesgavehimnothing，butitsometimeshappenedthattheythrewhimaten-roublebillandevenmore。
　　"Youabominablefellow，"criedIgnattohimoneday。"Say，whoareyou？"
　　Thepriestwasfrightenedbythecall，andbowinglowtoIgnat，wassilent。
　　"Who？Speak！"roaredIgnat。
　　"Iamaman——tobeabused，"answeredthepriest，andthecompanyburstoutlaughingathiswords。
　　"Areyouarascal？"askedIgnat，sternly。
　　"Arascal？Becauseofneedandtheweaknessofmysoul？"
　　"Comehere！"Ignatcalledhim。"Comeandsitdownbymyside。"
　　Tremblingwithfear，thepriestwalkeduptotheintoxicatedmerchantwithtimidstepsandremainedstandingoppositehim。
　　"Sitdownbesideme！"saidIgnat，takingthefrightenedpriestbythehandandseatinghimnexttohimself。"Youareaverynearmantome。Iamalsoarascal！You，becauseofneed；I，becauseofwantonness。Iamarascalbecauseofgrief！Understand？"
　　"Iunderstand，"saidthepriest，softly。Allthecompanyweregiggling。
　　"DoyouknownowwhatIam？"
　　"Ido。"
　　"Well，say，'Youarearascal，Ignat！'"
　　Thepriestcouldnotdoit。HelookedwithterroratthehugefigureofIgnatandshookhisheadnegatively。Thecompany'slaughterwasnowliketherattlingofthunder。Ignatcouldnotmakethepriestabusehim。Thenheaskedhim：
　　"ShallIgiveyoumoney？"
　　"Yes，"quicklyansweredthepriest。
　　"Andwhatdoyouneeditfor？"
　　Hedidnotcaretoanswer。ThenIgnatseizedhimbythecollar，andshookoutofhisdirtylipsthefollowingspeech，whichhespokealmostinawhisper，tremblingwithfear：
　　"Ihaveadaughtersixteenyearsoldintheseminary。Isaveforher，becausewhenshecomesouttherewon'tbeanythingwithwhichtocoverhernakedness。"
　　"Ah，"saidIgnat，andletgothepriest'scollar。Thenhesatforalongtimegloomyandlostinthought，andnowandagainstaredatthepriest。Suddenlyhiseyesbegantolaugh，andhesaid：
　　"Aren'tyoualiar，drunkard？"
　　Thepriestsilentlymadethesignofthecrossandloweredhisheadonhisbreast。
　　"Itisthetruth！"saidoneofthecompany，confirmingthepriest'swords。
　　"True？Verywell！"shoutedIgnat，and，strikingthetablewithhisfist，headdressedhimselftothepriest：
　　"Eh，you！Sellmeyourdaughter！Howmuchwillyoutake？"
　　Thepriestshookhisheadandshrankback。
　　"Onethousand！"
　　Thecompanygiggled，seeingthatthepriestwasshrinkingasthoughcoldwaterwasbeingpouredonhim。
　　"Two！"roaredIgnat，withflashingeyes。
　　"What'sthematterwithyou？Howisit？"mutteredthepriest，stretchingoutbothhandstoIgnat。
　　"Three！"
　　"IgnatMatveyich！"criedthepriest，inathin，ringingvoice。
　　"ForGod'ssake！ForChrist'ssake！Enough！I'llsellher！ForherownsakeI'llsellher！"
　　Inhissickly，sharpvoicewasheardathreattosomeone，andhiseyes，unnoticedbyanybodybefore，flashedlikecoals。Buttheintoxicatedcrowdonlylaughedathimfoolishly。
　　"Silence！"criedIgnat，sternly，straighteninghimselftohisfulllengthandflashinghiseyes。
　　"Don'tyouunderstand，devils，what'sgoingonhere？It'senoughtomakeonecry，whileyougiggle。"
　　Hewalkeduptothepriest，wentdownonhiskneesbeforehim，andsaidtohimfirmly：
　　"FathernowyouseewhatarascalIam。Well，spitintomyface！"
　　Somethinguglyandridiculoustookplace。Thepriesttoo，kneltbeforeIgnat，andlikeahugeturtle，creptaroundnearhisfeet，kissedhiskneesandmutteredsomething，sobbing。Ignatbentoverhim，liftedhimfromthefloorandcriedtohim，commandingandbegging：
　　"Spit！Spitrightintomyshamelesseyes！"
　　Thecompany，stupefiedforamomentbyIgnat'ssternvoice，laughedagainsothatthepanesrattledinthetavernwindows。
　　"I'llgiveyouahundredroubles。Spit！"
　　Andthepriestcreptoverthefloorandsobbedforfear，orforhappiness，tohearthatthismanwasbegginghimtodosomethingdegradingtohimself。
　　FinallyIgnatarosefromthefloor，kickedthepriest，and，flingingathimapackageofmoney，saidmorosely，withasmile：
　　"Rabble！Canamanrepentbeforesuchpeople？Someareafraidtohearofrepentance，otherslaughatasinner。Iwasabouttounburdenmyselfcompletely；thehearttrembled。Letme，I
　　thought。No，Ididn'tthinkatall。Justso！Getoutofhere！Andseethatyounevershowyourselftomeagain。Doyouhear？"
　　"Oh，aqueerfellow！"saidthecrowd，somewhatmoved。
　　Legendswerecomposedabouthisdrinkingboutsintown；everybodycensuredhimstrictly，butnooneeverdeclinedhisinvitationtothosedrinkingbouts。Thushelivedforweeks。
　　Andunexpectedlyheusedtocomehome，notyetaltogetherfreedfromtheodourofthekabaks，butalreadycrestfallenandquiet。
　　Withhumblydowncasteyes，inwhichshamewasburningnow，hesilentlylistenedtohiswife'sreproaches，and，humbleandmeekasalamb，wentawaytohisroomandlockedhimselfin。Formanyhoursinsuccessionhekneltbeforethecross，loweringhisheadonhisbreast；hishandshunghelplessly，hisbackwasbent，andhewassilent，asthoughhedarednotpray。Hiswifeusedtocomeuptothedoorontiptoeandlisten。Deepsighswereheardfrombehindthedoor——likethebreathingofatiredandsicklyhorse。
　　"God！Yousee，"whisperedIgnatinamuffledvoice，firmlypressingthepalmsofhishandstohisbroadbreast。
　　Duringthedaysofrepentancehedranknothingbutwaterandateonlyryebread。
　　Inthemorninghiswifeplacedatthedoorofhisroomabigbottleofwater，aboutapoundandahalfofbread，andsalt。Heopenedthedoor，tookinthesevictualsandlockedhimselfinagain。Duringthistimehewasnotdisturbedinanyway；
　　everybodytriedtoavoidhim。Afewdayslaterheagainappearedontheexchange，jested，laughed，madecontractstofurnishcornassharp-sightedasabirdofprey，arareexpertatanythingconcerninghisaffairs。
　　ButinallthemoodsofIgnat'slifetherewasonepassionatedesirethatneverlefthim——thedesiretohaveason；andtheolderhegrewthegreaterwasthisdesire。Veryoftensuchconversationasthistookplacebetweenhimandhiswife。Inthemorning，athertea，oratnoonduringdinnerhourhegloomilyglaredathiswife，astout，well-fedwoman，witharedfaceandsleepyeyes，andaskedher：
　　"Well，don'tyoufeelanything？"
　　Sheknewwhathemeant，butsheinvariablyreplied：
　　"HowcanIhelpfeeling？Yourfistsarelikedumb-bells。"
　　"YouknowwhatI'mtalkingabout，youfool。"
　　"Canonebecomepregnantfromsuchblows？"
　　"It'snotonaccountoftheblowsthatyoudon'tbearanychildren；it'sbecauseyoueattoomuch。Youfillyourstomachwithallsortsoffood——andthere'snoroomforthechildtoengender。"
　　"AsifIdidn'tbearyouanychildren？"
　　"Thoseweregirls，"saidIgnat，reproachfully。"Iwantason！Doyouunderstand？Ason，anheir！TowhomshallIgivemycapitalaftermydeath？Whoshallprayformysins？ShallIgiveittoacloister？Ihavegiventhemenough！OrshallIleaveittoyou？
　　Whatafinepilgrimyouare！Eveninchurchyouthinkonlyoffishpies。IfIdie，you'llmarryagain，andmymoneywillbeturnedovertosomefool。DoyouthinkthisiswhatIamworkingfor？"
　　Andhewasseizedwithsardonicanguish，forhefeltthathislifewasaimlessifheshouldhavenosontofollowhim。
　　Duringthenineyearsoftheirmarriedlifehiswifehadbornehimfourdaughters，allofwhomhadpassedaway。WhileIgnathadawaitedtheirbirthtremblingly，hemournedtheirdeathbutlittle——atanyratetheywereunnecessarytohim。Hebegantobeathiswifeduringthesecondyearoftheirmarriedlife；atfirsthediditwhilebeingintoxicatedandwithoutanimosity，butjustaccordingtotheproverb："Loveyourwifelikeyoursoulandshakeherlikeapear-tree；"butaftereachconfinement，deceivedinhisexpectation，hishatredforhiswifegrewstronger，andhebegantobeatherwithpleasure，inrevengefornotbearinghimason。
　　OncewhileonbusinessintheprovinceofSamarsk，hereceivedatelegramfromrelativesathome，informinghimofhiswife'sdeath。Hemadethesignofthecross，thoughtawhileandwrotetohisfriendMayakin：
　　"Buryherinmyabsence；lookaftermyproperty。"
　　Thenhewenttothechurchtoservethemassforthedead，and，havingprayedforthereposeofthelateAquilina'ssoul，hebegantothinkthatitwasnecessaryforhimtomarryassoonaspossible。
　　Hewasthenforty-threeyearsold，tall，broad-shouldered，withaheavybassvoice，likeanarch-deacon；hislargeeyeslookedboldandwisefromunderhisdarkeyebrows；inhissunburntface，overgrownwithathick，blackbeard，andinallhismightyfiguretherewasmuchtrulyRussian，crudeandhealthybeauty；inhiseasymotionsaswellasinhisslow，proudwalk，aconsciousnessofpowerwasevident——afirmconfidenceinhimself。Hewaslikedbywomenanddidnotavoidthem。
　　Eresixmonthshadpassedafterthedeathofhiswife，hecourtedthedaughterofanUralCossack。Thefatherofthebride，notwithstandingthatIgnatwasknowneveninUralasa"pranky"
　　man，gavehimhisdaughterinmarriage，andtowardautumnIgnatGordyeeffcamehomewithayoungCossack-wife。HernamewasNatalya。Tall，well-built，withlargeblueeyesandwithalongchestnutbraid，shewasaworthymatchforthehandsomeIgnat。Hewashappyandproudofhiswifeandlovedherwiththepassionateloveofahealthyman，buthesoonbegantocontemplateherthoughtfully，withavigilanteye。
　　Seldomdidasmilecrosstheoval，demurefaceofhiswife——shewasalwaysthinkingofsomethingforeigntolife，andinhercalmblueeyessomethingdarkandmisanthropicwasflashingattimes。
　　Whenevershewasfreefromhouseholddutiessheseatedherselfinthemostspaciousroombythewindow，andsattheresilentlyfortwoorthreehours。Herfacewasturnedtowardthestreet，butthelookofhereyeswassoindifferenttoeverythingthatlivedandmovedtherebeyondthewindow，andatthesametimeitwassofixedlydeep，asthoughshewerelookingintoherverysoul。Andherwalk，too，wasqueer。Natalyamovedaboutthespaciousroomslowlyandcarefully，asifsomethinginvisiblerestrainedthefreedomofhermovements。Theirhousewasfilledwithheavyandcoarselyboastfulluxury；everythingtherewasresplendent，screamingoftheproprietor'swealth，buttheCossack-wifewalkedpastthecostlyfurnitureandthesilverwareinashyandsomewhatfrightenedmanner，asthoughfearinglesttheymightseizeandchokeher。Evidently，thenoisylifeofthebigcommercialtowndidnotinterestthissilentwoman，andwhenevershewentoutdrivingwithherhusband，hereyeswerefixedonthebackofthedriver。Whenherhusbandtookhervisitingshewentandbehavedtherejustasqueerlyasathome；whenguestscametoherhouse，shezealouslyservedthemrefreshments，takingnointerestwhateverinwhatwassaid，andshowingpreferencetowardnone。OnlyMayakin，awitty，drollman，attimescalledforthonherfaceasmile，asvagueasashadow。Heusedtosayofher：
　　"It'satree——notawoman！Butlifeislikeaninextinguishablewood-pile，andeveryoneofusblazesupsometimes。She，too，willtakefire；wait，givehertime。Thenweshallseehowshewillbloom。"
　　"Eh！"Ignatusedtosaytoherjestingly。"Whatareyouthinkingabout？Areyouhomesick？Brightenupabit！"
　　Shewouldremainsilent，calmlylookingathim。
　　"Yougoentirelytoooftentothechurch。Youshouldwait。Youhaveplentyoftimetoprayforyoursins。Committhesinsfirst。
　　Youknow，ifyoudon'tsinyoudon'trepent；ifyoudon'trepent，youdon'tworkoutyoursalvation。Youbettersinwhileyouareyoung。Shallwegooutforadrive？"
　　"Idon'tfeellikegoingout。"
　　Heusedtositdownbesideherandembraceher。Shewascold，returninghiscaressesbutsparingly。Lookingstraightintohereyes，heusedtosay：
　　"Natalya！Tellme——whyareyousosad？Doyoufeellonesomeherewithme？"
　　"No，"sherepliedshortly。
　　"Whatthenisit？Areyoulongingforyourpeople？"
　　No，it'snothing。"
　　"Whatareyouthinkingabout？"
　　"Iamnotthinking。"
　　"Whatthen？"
　　"Oh，nothing！"
　　Oncehemanagedtogetfromheramorecompleteanswer：
　　"Thereissomethingconfusedinmyheart。Andalsoinmyeyes。
　　Anditalwaysseemstomethatallthisisnotreal。"
　　Shewavedherhandaroundher，pointingatthewalls，thefurnitureandeverything。Ignatdidnotreflectonherwords，and，laughing，saidtoher：
　　"That'stonopurpose！Everythinghereisgenuine。Allthesearecostly，solidthings。Ifyoudon'twantthese，I'llburnthem，I'llsellthem，I'llgivethemaway——andI'llgetnewones！Doyouwantmeto？"
　　"Whatfor？"saidshecalmly。
　　Hewondered，atlast，howonesoyoungandhealthycouldliveasthoughsheweresleepingallthetime，caringfornothing，goingnowhere，excepttothechurch，andshunningeverybody。Andheusedtoconsoleher：
　　"Justwait。You'llbearason，andthenanaltogetherdifferentlifewillcommence。Youaresosadbecauseyouhavesolittleanxiety，andhewillgiveyoutrouble。You'llbearmeason，willyounot？
　　"IfitpleasesGod，"sheanswered，loweringherhead。
　　Thenhermoodbegantoirritatehim。
　　"Well，whydoyouwearsuchalongface？Youwalkasthoughonglass。Youlookasifyouhadruinedsomebody'ssoul！Eh！Youaresuchasucculentwoman，andyetyouhavenotasteforanything。
　　Fool！"
　　Cominghomeintoxicatedoneday，hebegantoplyherwithcaresses，whilesheturnedawayfromhim。Thenhegrewangry，andexclaimed：
　　"Natalya！Don'tplaythefool，lookout！"
　　Sheturnedherfacetohimandaskedcalmly：
　　"Whatthen？"
　　Ignatbecameenragedatthesewordsandatherfearlesslook。
　　"What？"heroared，comingupclosetoher。
　　"Doyouwishtokillme？"askedshe，notmovingfromherplace，norwinkinganeye。
　　Ignatwasaccustomedtoseeingpeopletremblebeforehiswrath，anditwasstrangeandoffensivetohimtoseehercalm。
　　"There，"hecried，liftinghishandtostrikeher。Slowly，butintime，sheeludedtheblow；thensheseizedhishand，pusheditawayfromher，andsaidinthesametone：
　　"Don'tyoudaretotouchme。Iwillnotallowyoutocomenearme！"
　　Hereyesbecamesmallerandtheirsharp，metallicglittersoberedIgnat。Heunderstoodbyherfacethatshe，too，wasastrongbeast，andifshechosetoshewouldn'tadmithimtoher，eventhoughsheweretoloseherlife。
　　"Oh，"hegrowled，andwentaway。
　　Buthavingretreatedonce，hewouldnotdoitagain：hecouldnotbearthatawoman，andhiswifeatthat，shouldnotbowbeforehim——thiswouldhavedegradedhim。Hethenbegantorealisethathenceforthhiswifewouldneveryieldtohiminanymatter，andthatanobstinatestrifeforpredominancemuststartbetweenthem。
　　"Verywell！We'llseewhowillconquer，"hethoughtthenextday，watchinghiswifewithsterncuriosity；andinhissoulastrongdesirewasalreadyragingtostartthestrife，thathemightenjoyhisvictorythesooner。
　　Butaboutfourdayslater，NatalyaFominichnaannouncedtoherhusbandthatshewaspregnant。
　　Ignattrembledforjoy，embracedherfirmly，andsaidinadullvoice：
　　"You'reafinefellow，Natalya！Natasha，ifitshouldbeason！
　　IfyoubearmeasonI'llenrichyou！Itellyouplainly，I'llbeyourslave！ByGod！I'llliedownatyourfeet，andyoumaytrampleuponme，ifyoulike！"
　　"Thisisnotwithinourpower；it'sthewilloftheLord，"saidsheinalowvoice。
　　"Yes，theLord's！"exclaimedIgnatwithbitternessanddroopedhisheadsadly。
　　Fromthatmomenthebegantolookafterhiswifeasthoughshewerealittlechild。
　　"Whydoyousitnearthewindow？Lookout。You'llcatchcoldinyourside；youmaytakesick，"heusedtosaytoher，bothsternlyandmildly。"Whydoyouskiponthestaircase？Youmayhurtyourself。Andyouhadbettereatmore，eatfortwo，thathemayhaveenough。"
　　AndthepregnancymadeNatalyamoremoroseandsilent，asthoughshewerelookingstilldeeperintoherself，absorbedinthethrobbingofnewlifewithinher。Butthesmileonherlipsbecameclearer，andinhereyesflashedattimessomethingnew，weakandtimid，likethefirstrayofthedawn。
　　When，atlast，thetimeofconfinementcame，itwasearlyonanautumnmorning。Atthefirstcryofpainsheuttered，Ignatturnedpaleandstartedtosaysomething，butonlywavedhishandandleftthebedroom，wherehiswifewasshrinkingconvulsively，andwentdowntothelittleroomwhichhadservedhislatemotherasachapel。Heorderedvodka，seatedhimselfbythetableandbegantodrinksternly，listeningtothealarminthehouseandtothemoansofhiswifethatcamefromabove。Inthecorneroftheroom，theimagesoftheikons，indifferentanddark，stoodoutconfusedly，dimlyilluminedbytheglimmeringlightoftheimagelamp。Therewasastampingandscrapingoffeetoverhishead，somethingheavywasmovedfromonesideofthefloortotheother，therewasaclatteringofdishes，peoplewerebustlinghurriedly，upanddownthestaircase。Everythingwasbeingdoneinhaste，yettimewascreepingslowly。Ignatcouldhearamuffledvoicefromabove"Asitseems，shecannotbedeliveredthatway。WehadbettersendtothechurchtoopenthegatesoftheLord。"
　　Vassushka，oneofthehangers-oninhishouse，enteredtheroomnexttoIgnat'sandbegantoprayinaloudwhisper：
　　"God，ourLord，descendfromtheskiesinThybenevolence，bornoftheHolyVirgin。Thoudostdivinethehelplessnessofhumancreatures。ForgiveThyservant。"
　　Andsuddenlydrowningallothersounds，asuperhuman，soul-
　　rendingcryrangout，andacontinuousmoanfloatedsoftlyovertheroomanddiedoutinthecorners，whichwerefillednowwiththetwilight。Ignatcaststernglancesattheikons，heavedadeepsighandthought：
　　"Isitpossiblethatit'sagainadaughter？"
　　Attimeshearose，stupidlystoodinthemiddleoftheroom，andcrossedhimselfinsilence，bowingbeforetheikons；thenhewentbacktothetable，drankthevodka，whichhadnotmadehimdizzyduringthesehours，dozedoff，andthuspassedthewholenightandfollowingmorninguntilnoon。
　　Andthen，atlast，themidwifecamedownhastily，cryingtohiminathin，joyousvoice。
　　"Icongratulateyouwithason，IgnatMatveyich！"
　　"Youlie！"saidheinadullvoice。"What'sthematterwithyou，batushka！"Heavingasighwithallthestrengthofhismassivechest，Ignatwentdownonhisknees，andclaspinghishandsfirmlytohisbreast，mutteredinatremblingvoice：
　　"ThankGod！EvidentlyThoudidstnotwantthatmystemshouldbechecked！MysinsbeforeTheeshallnotremainwithoutrepentance。
　　IthankThee，OhLord。Oh！"and，risingtohisfeet，heimmediatelybegantocommandnoisily：
　　"Eh！LetsomeonegotoSt。Nicholasforapriest。TellhimthatIgnatMatveyichaskedhimtocome！Lethimcometomakeaprayerforthewoman。"
　　Thechambermaidappearedandsaidtohimwithalarm：
　　"IgnatMatveyich，NatalyaFominichnaiscallingyou。Sheisfeelingbad。"
　　"Whybad？It'llpass！"heroared，hiseyesflashingcheerfully。
　　"TellherI'llbethereimmediately！Tellhershe'safinefellow！
　　I'lljustgetapresentforherandI'llcome！Holdon！Preparesomethingtoeatforthepriest。SendsomebodyafterMayakin！"
　　Hisenormousfigurelookedasthoughithadgrownbigger，andintoxicatedwithjoy，hestupidlytossedabouttheroom；hewassmiling，rubbinghishandsandcastingferventglancesattheimages；hecrossedhimselfswinginghishandwide。Atlasthewentuptohiswife。
　　Hiseyesfirstofallcaughtaglimpseofthelittleredbody，whichthemidwifewasbathinginatub。Noticinghim，Ignatstoodupontiptoes，and，foldinghishandsbehindhisback，walkeduptohim，steppingcarefullyandcomicallyputtingforthhislips。
　　Thelittleonewaswhimperingandsprawlinginthewater，naked，impotentandpitiful。
　　"Lookoutthere！Handlehimmorecarefully！Hehasn'tgotanybonesyet，"saidIgnattothemidwife，softly。
　　Shebegantolaugh，openinghertoothlessmouth，andcleverlythrowingthechildoverfromonehandtotheother。
　　"Youbettergotoyourwife。"
　　Heobedientlymovedtowardthebedandaskedonhisway：
　　"Well，howisit，Natalya？"
　　Then，onreachingher，hedrewbackthebedcurtain，whichhadthrownashadowoverthebed。
　　"I'llnotsurvivethis，"saidsheinalow，hoarsevoice。
　　Ignatwassilent，fixedlystaringathiswife'sface，sunkinthewhitepillow，overwhichherdarklockswerespreadoutlikedeadsnakes。Yellow，lifeless，withblackcirclesaroundherlarge，wide-openeyes——herfacewasstrangetohim。Andtheglanceofthoseterribleeyes，motionlesslyfixedsomewhereinthedistancethroughthewall——that，too，wasunfamiliartoIgnat。Hisheart，compressedbyapainfulforeboding，slackeneditsjoyousthrobbing。
　　"That'snothing。That'snothing。It'salwayslikethis，"saidhesoftly，bendingoverhiswifetogiveherakiss。Butshemoanedrightintohisface：
　　"I'llnotsurvivethis。"
　　Herlipsweregrayandcold，andwhenhetouchedthemwithhisownheunderstoodthatdeathwasalreadywithinher。
　　"Oh，Lord！"heuttered，inanalarmedwhisper，feelingthatfrightwaschokinghisthroatandsuppressinghisbreath。
　　"Natasha？Whatwillbecomeofhim？Hemustbenursed！Whatisthematterwithyou？"
　　Healmostbegantocryathiswife。Themidwifewasbustlingabouthim；shakingthecryingchildintheair。Shespoketohimreassuringly，butheheardnothing——hecouldnotturnhiseyesawayfromthefrightfulfaceofhiswife。Herlipsweremoving，andheheardwordsspokeninalowvoice，butcouldnotunderstandthem。Sittingontheedgeofthebed，hespokeinadullandtimidvoice："Justthinkofit！Hecannotdowithoutyou；he'saninfant！Gatherstrength！Drivethisthoughtawayfromyou！Driveitaway。"
　　Hetalked，yetheunderstoodhewasspeakinguselesswords。Tearswelledupwithinhim，andinhisbreasttherecameafeelingheavyasstoneandcoldasice。
　　"Forgiveme。Goodbye！Takecare。Lookout。Don'tdrink，"
　　whisperedNatalya，soundlessly。
　　Thepriestcame，and，coveringherfacewithsomething，andsighing，begantoreadgentle，beseechingwords：
　　"0hGod，AlmightyLord，whocuretheverydisease，curealsoThyservantNatalya，whohasjustgivenbirthtoachild；andrestoreherfromthebedonwhichshenowlies，forinthewordsofDavid，'WeindulgeinlawlessnessandarewickedinThineeyes。"'
　　Theoldman'svoicewasinterruptednowandthen，histhinfacewassternandfromhisclothescametheodourofrock-rose。
　　"Guardtheinfantbornofher，guardhimfromallpossibletemptation，fromallpossiblecruelty，fromallpossiblestorms，fromevilspirits，nightandday。"
　　Ignatlistenedtotheprayer，andweptsilently。Hisbig，hottearsfellonthebarehandofhiswife。Butthehand，evidently，didnotfeelthatthetearsweredroppinguponit：itremainedmotionless，andtheskindidnottremblefromthefallofthetears。AftertheprayerNatalyabecameunconsciousandadaylatershedied，withoutsayinganotherword——shediedjustasquietlyasshehadlived。Havingarrangedapompousfuneral，Ignatchristenedhisson，namedhimFoma，andunwillinglygavehisboyintothefamilyofthegodfather，hisoldfriendMayakin，whosewife，too，hadgivenbirthtoachildnotlongbefore。ThedeathofhiswifehadsownmanygrayhairsinIgnat'sdarkbeard，butinthesternglitterofhiseyesappearedanewexpression，gentle，clearandmild。
　　CHAPTERII
　　MAYAKINlivedinanenormoustwo-storyhousenearabigpalisade，wheresturdy，oldspreadinglindentreesweregrowingmagnificently。Therankbranchescoveredthewindowswithadense，darkembroidery，andthesuninbrokenrayspeepedintothesmallrooms，whichwerecloselycrowdedwithmiscellaneousfurnitureandbigtrunks，whereforeasternandmelancholysemi-
　　darknessalwaysreignedtheresupreme。Thefamilywasdevout——theodourofwax，ofrock-roseandofimage-lampoilfilledthehouse，andpenitentsighsandprayerssoaredaboutintheair。
　　Religiousceremonialswereperformedinfallibly，withpleasure，absorbingallthefreepowerofthesoulsofthedwellersofthehouse。Femininefiguresalmostnoiselesslymovedabouttheroomsinthehalf-dark，stifling，heavyatmosphere。Theyweredressedinblack，woresoftslippersontheirfeet，andalwayshadapenitentlookontheirfaces。
　　ThefamilyofYakovTarazovichMayakinconsistedofhimself，hiswife，adaughterandfivekinswomen，theyoungestofwhomwasthirty-fouryearsold。Thesewerealikedevoutandimpersonal，andsubordinatetoAntoninaIvanovna，themistressofthehouse。
　　Shewasatall，thinwoman，withadarkfaceandwithsterngrayeyes，whichhadanimperiousandintelligentexpression。MayakinalsohadasonTaras，buthisnamewasnevermentionedinthehouse；acquaintancesknewthatsincethenineteen-year-oldTarashadgonetostudyinMoscow——hemarriedtherethreeyearslater，againsthisfather'swill——Yakovdisownedhim。Tarasdisappearedwithoutleavinganytrace。ItwasrumouredthathehadbeensenttoSiberiaforsomething。
　　YakovMayakinwasveryqueerlybuilt。Short，thin，lively，withalittleredbeard，slygreenisheyes，helookedasthoughhesaidtoeachandeveryone：
　　"Nevermind，sir，don'tbeuneasy。EventhoughIknowyouforwhatyouare，ifyoudon'tannoymeIwillnotgiveyouaway。"
　　Hisbeardresembledanegginshapeandwasmonstrouslybig。Hishighforehead，coveredwithwrinkles，joinedhisbaldcrown，anditseemedasthoughhereallyhadtwofaces——oneanopen，penetratingandintellectualface，withalonggristlenose，andabovethisfaceanotherone，eyelessandmouthless，coveredwithwrinkles，behindwhichMayakinseemedtohidehiseyesandhislipsuntilacertaintime；andwhenthattimehadarrived，hewouldlookattheworldwithdifferenteyesandsmileadifferentsmile。
　　Hewastheownerofarope-yardandkeptastoreintownneartheharbour。Inthisstore，filleduptotheceilingwithrope，twine，hempandtow，hehadasmallroomwithacreakingglassdoor。Inthisroomstoodabig，old，dilapidatedtable，andnearitadeeparmchair，coveredwithoilcloth，inwhichMayakinsatalldaylong，sippingteaandalwaysreadingthesame"MoskovskiyaVedomosty，"towhichhesubscribed，yearinandyearout，allhislife。Amongmerchantsheenjoyedtherespectandreputationofa"brainy"man，andhewasveryfondofboastingoftheantiquityofhisrace，sayinginahoarsevoice：
　　"We，theMayakins，weremerchantsduringthereignof'Mother'
　　Catherine，consequentlyIamapure-bloodedman。"
　　InthisfamilyIgnatGordyeeff'ssonlivedforsixyears。BythetimehewassevenyearsoldFomawasabig-headed，broad-
　　shoulderedboy，seeminglyolderthathisyears，bothinhissizeandintheseriouslookofhisdark，almond-shapedeyes。Quiet，silentandpersistentinhischildishdesires，hespentallhisdaysoverhisplaythings，withMayakin'sdaughter，Luba，quietlylookedafterbyoneofthekinswomen，astout，pock-markedoldmaid，whowas，forsomereasonorother，nicknamed"Buzya。"Shewasadull，somewhattimidcreature；andeventothechildrenshespokeinalowvoice，inwordsofmonosyllables。Havingdevotedhertimetolearningprayers，shehadnostoriestotellFoma。
　　Fomawasonfriendlytermswiththelittlegirl，butwhensheangeredorteasedhimheturnedpale，hisnostrilsbecamedistended，hiseyesstaredcomicallyandhebeatheraudaciously。
　　Shecried，rantohermotherandcomplainedtoher，butAntoninalovedFomaandshepaidbutlittleattentiontoherdaughter'scomplaints，whichstrengthenedthefriendshipbetweenthechildrenstillmore。Foma'sdaywaslonganduniform。Gettingoutofbedandwashinghimself，heusedtoplacehimselfbeforetheimage，andunderthewhisperingofthepock-markedBuzyaherecitedlongprayers。Thentheydrankteaandatemanybiscuits，cakesandpies。Aftertea——duringthesummer——thechildrenwenttothebigpalisade，whichrandowntoaravine，whosebottomalwayslookeddarkanddamp，fillingthemwithterror。Thechildrenwerenotallowedtogoeventotheedgeoftheravine，andthisinspiredinthemafearofit。Inwinter，fromteatimetodinner，theyplayedinthehousewhenitwasverycoldoutside，orwentoutintheyardtoslidedownthebigicehill。
　　Theyhaddinneratnoon，"inRussianstyle，"asMayakinsaid。Atfirstabigbowloffat，sourcabbagesoupwasservedwithryebiscuitsin，butwithoutmeat，thenthesamesoupwaseatenwithmeatcutintosmallpieces；thentheyateroastmeat——pork，goose，vealorrennet，withgruel——thenagainabowlofsoupwithvermicelli，andallthiswasusuallyfollowedbydessert。Theydrankkvassmadeofredbilberries，juniper-berries，orofbread——
　　AntoninaIvanovnaalwayscarriedastockofdifferentkindsofkvass。Theyateinsilence，onlynowandthenutteringasighoffatigue；thechildreneachateoutofaseparatebowl，theadultseatingoutofonebowl。Stupefiedbysuchadinner，theywenttosleep；andfortwoorthreehoursMayakin'shousewasfilledwithsnoringandwithdrowsysighs。
　　Awakingfromsleep，theydrankteaandtalkedaboutlocalnews，thechoristers，thedeacons，weddings，orthedishonourableconductofthisorthatmerchant。AfterteaMayakinusedtosaytohiswife：
　　"Well，mother，handmetheBible。"
　　YakovTarasovichusedtoreadtheBookofJobmoreoftenthananythingelse。Puttinghisheavy，silver-framedspectaclesonhisbig，ravenousnose，helookedaroundathislistenerstoseewhetherallwereintheirplaces。
　　Theywereallseatedwherehewasaccustomedtoseethemandontheirfaceswasafamiliar，dullandtimidexpressionofpiety。
　　"TherewasamaninthelandofUz，"beganMayakin，inahoarsevoice，andFoma，sittingbesideLubaontheloungeinthecorneroftheroom，knewbeforehandthatsoonhisgodfatherwouldbecomesilentandpathisbaldheadwithhishand。Hesatand，listening，picturedtohimselfthismanfromthelandofUz。Themanwastallandbare，hiseyeswereenormouslylarge，likethoseoftheimageoftheSaviour，andhisvoicewaslikeabigbrasstrumpetonwhichthesoldiersplayedinthecamps。Themanwasconstantlygrowingbiggerandbigger；and，reachingthesky，hethrusthisdarkhandsintotheclouds，and，tearingthemasunder，criedoutinaterriblevoice：
　　"Whyislightgiventoamanwhosewayishid，andwhomGodhathhedgedin？"
　　DreadfellonFoma，andhetrembled，slumberfledfromhiseyes，heheardthevoiceofhisgodfather，whosaid，withalightsmile，nowandthenpinchinghisbeard：
　　"Seehowaudacioushewas！"
　　TheboyknewthathisgodfatherspokeofthemanfromthelandofUz，andthegodfather'ssmilesoothedthechild。Sothemanwouldnotbreakthesky；hewouldnotrenditasunderwithhisterriblearms。AndthenFomaseesthemanagain——hesitsontheground，"hisfleshisclothedwithwormsandclodsofdust，hisskinisbroken。"Butnowheissmallandwretched，heislikeabeggaratthechurchporch。
　　Herehesays：
　　"Whatisman，thatheshouldbeclean？Andhewhichisbornofwoman，thatheshouldberighteous？"[ThesewordsattributedbyMayakintoJobarefromEliphaztheTemanite'sreply——
　　Translator'sNote。]
　　"HesaysthistoGod，"explainedMayakin，inspired。"How，sayshe，canIberighteous，sinceIammadeofflesh？That'saquestionaskedofGod。Howisthat？"
　　Andthereader，triumphantlyandinterrogativelylooksaroundathislisteners。
　　"Hemeritedit，therighteousman，"theyrepliedwithasigh。
　　YakovMayakineyesthemwithasmile，andsays：
　　"Fools！Youbetterputthechildrentosleep。"
　　IgnatvisitedtheMayakinseveryday，broughtplaythingsforhisson，caughthimupintohisarmsandhuggedhim，butsometimesdissatisfiedhesaidtohimwithill-concealeduneasiness：
　　"Whyareyousuchabugbear？Oh！Whydoyoulaughsolittle？"
　　Andhewouldcomplaintothelad'sgodfather：
　　"Iamafraidthathemayturnouttobelikehismother。Hiseyesarecheerless。"
　　"Youdisturbyourselfrathertoosoon，"Mayakinsmilinglyreplied。
　　He，too，lovedhisgodson，andwhenIgnatannouncedtohimonedaythathewouldtakeFomatohisownhouse，Mayakinwasverymuchgrieved。
　　"Leavehimhere，"hebegged。"See，thechildisusedtous；
　　there！he'scrying。"
　　"He'llceasecrying。Ididnotbegethimforyou。Theairoftheplaceisdisagreeable。Itisastedioushereasinanoldbeliever'shermitage。Thisisharmfultothechild。AndwithouthimIamlonesome。Icomehome——itisempty。Icanseenothingthere。Itwouldnotdoformetoremovetoyourhouseforhissake。Iamnotforhim，heisforme。So。Andnowthatmysisterhascometomyhousetherewillbesomebodytolookafterhim。"
　　Andtheboywasbroughttohisfather'shouse。
　　Therehewasmetbyacomicaloldwoman，withalong，hook-likenoseandwithamouthdevoidofteeth。Tall，stooping，dressedingray，withgrayhair，coveredbyablacksilkcap，shedidnotpleasetheboyatfirst；sheevenfrightenedhim。Butwhenhenoticedonthewrinkledfaceherblackeyes，whichbeamedsotenderlyonhim，heatoncepressedhisheadclosetoherkneesinconfidence。
　　"Mysicklylittleorphan！"shesaidinavelvet-likevoicethattrembledfromthefulnessofsound，andquietlypattedhisfacewithherhand，"stayclosetome，mydearchild！"
　　Therewassomethingparticularlysweetandsoftinhercaresses，somethingaltogethernewtoFoma，andhestaredintotheoldwoman'seyeswithcuriosityandexpectationonhisface。Thisoldwomanledhimintoanewworld，hithertounknowntohim。Theveryfirstday，havingputhimtobed，sheseatedherselfbyhisside，and，bendingoverthechild，askedhim：
　　"ShallItellyouastory，Fomushka？"
　　AndafterthatFomaalwaysfellasleepamidthevelvet-likesoundsoftheoldwoman'svoice，whichpaintedbeforehimamagiclife。Giantsdefeatingmonsters，wiseprincesses，foolswhoturnedouttobewise——troopsofnewandwonderfulpeoplewerepassingbeforetheboy'sbewitchedimagination，andhissoulwasnourishedbythewholesomebeautyofthenationalcreativepower。
　　Inexhaustiblewerethetreasuresofthememoryandthefantasyofthisoldwoman，whooftentimes，inslumber，appearedtotheboy——
　　nowlikethewitchofthefairy-tales——onlyakindandamiableoldwitch——nowlikethebeautiful，all-wiseVasilisa。Hiseyeswideopen，holdinghisbreath，theboylookedintothedarknessthatfilledhischamberandwatcheditasitslowlytrembledinthelightofthelittlelampthatwasburningbeforetheimage。
　　AndFomafilledthisdarknesswithwonderfulpicturesoffairy-
　　talelife。Silent，yetlivingshadows，werecreepingoverthewallsandacrossthefloor；itwasbothpleasantandterribletohimtowatchtheirlife；todealoutuntothemformsandcolours，and，havingendowedthemwithlife，instantlytodestroythemallwithasingletwinkleoftheeyelashes。Somethingnewappearedinhisdarkeyes，somethingmorechildishandnaive，lessgrave；thelonelinessandthedarkness，awakinginhimapainfulfeelingofexpectation，stirredhiscuriosity，compelledhimtogoouttothedarkcornerandseewhatwashiddentherebeyondthethickveilsofdarkness。Hewentandfoundnothing，buthelostnohopeoffindingitout。
　　Hefearedhisfatherandrespectedhim。Ignat'senormoussize，hisharsh，trumpet-likevoice，hisbeardedface，hisgray-hairedhead，hispowerful，longarmsandhisflashingeyes——allthesegavetoIgnattheresemblanceofthefairy-talerobbers。
　　Fomashudderedwheneverheheardhisvoiceorhisheavy，firmsteps；butwhenthefather，smilingkind-heartedly，andtalkingplayfullyinaloudvoice，tookhimuponhiskneesorthrewhimhighupintheairwithhisbighandstheboy'sfearvanished。
　　Once，whentheboywasabouteightyearsold，heaskedhisfather，whohadreturnedfromalongjourney：
　　"Papa，wherewereyou？"
　　"OntheVolga。"
　　"Wereyourobbingthere？"askedFoma，softly。
　　"Wha-at？"Ignatdrawledout，andhiseyebrowscontracted。
　　"Aren'tyouarobber，papa？Iknowit，"saidFoma，winkinghiseyesslyly，satisfiedthathehadalreadyreadthesecretofhisfather'slife。
　　"Iamamerchant！"saidIgnat，sternly，butafteramoment'sthoughthesmiledkind-heartedlyandadded："Andyouarealittlefool！Idealincorn，Irunalineofsteamers。Haveyouseenthe'Yermak'？Well，thatismysteamer。Andyours，too。"
　　"Itisaverybigone，"saidFomawithasigh。
　　"Well，I'llbuyyouasmallonewhileyouaresmallyourself。
　　ShallI？"
　　"Verywell，"Fomaassented，butafterathoughtfulsilenceheagaindrawledoutregretfully："ButIthoughtyouwerearobberoragiant。"
　　"ItellyouIamamerchant！"repeatedIgnat，insinuatingly，andtherewassomethingdiscontentedandalmosttimorousinhisglanceatthedisenchantedfaceofhisson。
　　"LikeGrandpaFedor，theKalatchbaker？"askedFoma，havingthoughtawhile。
　　"Well，yes，likehim。OnlyIamricherthanhe。IhavemoremoneythanFedor。"
　　"Haveyoumuchmoney？"
　　Well，somepeoplehavestillmore。"
　　"Howmanybarrelsdoyouhave？"
　　"Ofwhat？"
　　"Ofmoney，Imean。"
　　"Fool！Ismoneycountedbythebarrel？"
　　"Howelse？"exclaimedFoma，enthusiastically，and，turninghisfacetowardhisfather，begantotellhimquickly："Maksimka，therobber，cameoncetoacertaintownandfilleduptwelvebarrelswithmoneybelongingtosomerichmanthere。Andhetookdifferentsilverwareandrobbedachurch。Andcutupamanwithhisswordandthrewhimdownthesteeplebecausehetriedtosoundanalarm。"
　　"Didyouraunttellyouthat？"askedIgnatadmiringhisson'senthusiasm。
　　"Yes！Why？"
　　"Nothing！"saidIgnat，laughing。"Soyouthoughtyourfatherwasarobber。"
　　"Andperhapsyouwerearobberlongago？"
　　Fomaagainreturnedtohistheme，anditwasevidentonhisfacethathewouldbeverygladtohearanaffirmativeanswer。
　　"Iwasneverarobber。Letthatendit。"
　　"Never？"
　　"ItellyouIwasnot！Whataqueerlittleboyyouare！Isitgoodtobearobber？Theyareallsinners，therobbers。Theydon'tbelieveinGod——theyrobchurches。Theyareallcursedinthechurches。Yes。Lookhere，myson，you'llhavetostarttostudysoon。Itistime；you'llsoonbenineyearsold。StartwiththehelpofGod。You'llstudyduringthewinterandinspringI'lltakeyoualongwithmeontheVolga。"
　　"WillIgotoschool？"askedFoma，timidly。
　　"Firstyou'llstudyathomewithauntie。"Soonaftertheboywouldsitdownnearthetableinthemorningand，fingeringtheSlavonicalphabet，repeatafterhisaunt：
　　"Az，Buky，Vedy。"
　　Whentheyreached"bra，vra，gra，dra"foralongtimetheboycouldnotreadthesesyllableswithoutlaughter。Fomasucceededeasilyingainingknowledge，almostwithoutanyeffort，andsoonhewasreadingthefirstpsalmofthefirstsectionofthepsalter："Blessedisthemanthatwalkethnotinthecounseloftheungodly。"
　　"That'sit，mydarling！So，Fomushka，that'sright！"chimedinhisauntwithemotion，enrapturedbyhisprogress。
　　"You'reafinefellow，Foma！"Ignatwouldapprovinglysaywheninformedofhisson'sprogress。"We'llgotoAstrakhanforfishinthespring，andtowardautumnI'llsendyoutoschool！"
　　Theboy'sliferolledonward，likeaballdownhill。Beinghisteacher，hisauntwashisplaymateaswell。LubaMayakinusedtocome，andwhenwiththem，theoldwomanreadilybecameoneofthem。
　　Theyplayedat"hideandseekand"blindman'sbuff；"thechildrenwerepleasedandamusedatseeingAnfisa，hereyescoveredwithahandkerchief，herarmsoutstretched，walkingabouttheroomcarefully，andyetstrikingagainstchairsandtables，orlookingforthemineachandeverycommodiouscorner，saying：
　　"Eh，littlerascals。Eh，rogues。Wherehavetheyhiddenthemselves？Eh？"
　　Andthesunshonecheerfullyandplayfullyupontheoldworn-outbody，whichyetretainedayouthfulsoul，andupontheoldlife，thatwasadorning，accordingtoitsstrengthandabilities，thelife-pathoftwochildren。
　　IgnatusedtogototheExchangeearlyinthemorningandsometimesstayedawayuntilevening；intheeveningheusedtogotothetowncouncilorvisitingorelsewhere。Sometimeshereturnedhomeintoxicated。AtfirstFoma，onsuchoccasions，ranfromhimandhidhimself，thenhebecameaccustomedtoit，andlearnedthathisfatherwasbetterwhendrunkthansober：hewaskinderandplainerandwassomewhatcomical。Ifithappenedatnight，theboywasusuallyawakenedbyhistrumpet-likevoice：
　　"Anfisa！Dearsister！Letmeintomyson；letmeintomysuccessor！"
　　Andauntieansweredhiminacryingandreproachfulvoice：
　　"Goon。Youbettergotosleep，youcurseddevil！Drunkagain，eh？
　　Youaregrayalready？"
　　"Anfisa！MayIseemyson，withoneeye？"FomaknewthatAnfisawouldnotlethimin，andheagainfellasleepinspiteofthenoiseoftheirvoices。ButwhenIgnatcamehomeintoxicatedduringthedayheimmediatelyseizedhissonwithhisenormouspawsandcarriedhimabouttherooms，askinghimwithanintoxicated，happylaughter：
　　"Fomka！Whatdoyouwish？Speak！Presents？Playthings？Ask！