Thoughtfully，hedrummedwithhisfingersagainstthetableandexaminedhisface，whichwasreflectedinthebrightlypolishedbrassofthesamovar。Thenheraisedhishead，winkedhiseyesandsaidimpressivelyandirritably：
　　"Theyarenotmen，theyaresores！ThebloodoftheRussianpeoplehasbecomemixed，ithasbecomemixedandspoiled，andfromthebadbloodhavecomeallthesebookandnewspaper-
　　writers，theseterriblePharisees。Theyhavebrokenouteverywhere，andtheyarestillbreakingout，moreandmore。
　　Whencecomesthisspoilingoftheblood？Fromslownessofmotion。
　　Whencethemosquitoes，forinstance？Fromtheswamp。Allsortsofuncleanlinessmultiplyinstagnantwaters。Thesameistrueofadisorderedlife。"
　　"Thatisn'tright，papa！"saidLubov，softly。
　　"Whatdoyoumeanby——notright？"
　　"Writersarethemostunselfishpeople，theyarenoblepersonalities！Theydon'twantanything——alltheystriveforisjustice——truth！They'renotmosquitoes。"
　　Lubovgrewexcitedasshelaudedherbelovedpeople；herfacewasflushed，andhereyeslookedatherfatherwithsomuchfeeling，asthoughimploringhimtobelieveher，beingunabletoconvincehim。
　　"Eh，you！"saidtheoldman，withasigh，interruptingher。
　　"You'vereadtoomuch！You'vebeenpoisoned！Tellme——whoarethey？Nooneknows！ThatYozhov——whatishe？OnlyGodknows。Alltheywantisthetruth，yousay？Whatmodestpeopletheyare！Andsupposetruthistheverydearestthingthereis？Perhapseverybodyisseekingitinsilence？Believeme——mancannotbeunselfish。Manwillnotfightforwhatbelongsnottohim，andifhedoesfight——hisnameis'fool，'andheisofnousetoanybody。Amanmustbeabletostandupforhimself，forhisown，thenwillheattainsomething！Hereyouhaveit！Truth！HereI
　　havebeenreadingthesamenewspaperforalmostfortyyears，andIcanseewell——hereismyfacebeforeyou，andbeforeme，thereonthesamovarisagainmyface，butitisanotherface。Yousee，thesenewspapersgiveasamovarfacetoeverything，anddonotseetherealone。Andyetyoubelievethem。ButIknowthatmyfaceonthesamovarisdistorted。Noonecantelltherealtruth；
　　man'sthroatistoodelicateforthis。Andthen，therealtruthisknowntonobody。"
　　"Papa！"exclaimedLubov，sadly，"Butinbooksandinnewspaperstheydefendthegeneralinterestsofallthepeople。"
　　"Andinwhatpaperisitwrittenthatyouarewearyoflife，andthatitwastimeforyoutogetmarried？So，thereyourinterestisnotdefended！Eh！You！Neitherisminedefended。WhoknowswhatIneed？Who，butmyself，understandsmyinterests？"
　　"No，papa，thatisn'tright，thatisn'tright！Icannotrefuteyou，butIfeelthatthisisn'tright！"saidLubovalmostwithdespair。
　　"Itisright！"saidtheoldman，firmly。"Russiaisconfused，andthereisnothingsteadfastinit；everythingisstaggering！
　　Everybodylivesawry，everybodywalksononeside，there'snoharmonyinlife。Allareyellingoutoftune，indifferentvoices。Andnotoneunderstandswhattheotherisinneedof！
　　Thereisamistovereverything——everybodyinhalesthatmist，andthat'swhythebloodofthepeoplehasbecomespoiled——hencethesores。Manisgivengreatlibertytoreason，butisnotpermittedtodoanything——that'swhymandoesnotlive；butrotsandstinks。"
　　"Whatoughtonetodo，then？"askedLubov，restingherelbowsonthetableandbendingtowardherfather。
　　"Everything！"criedtheoldman，passionately。"Doeverything。Goahead！Leteachmandowhateverheknowsbest！Butforthatlibertymustbegiventoman——completefreedom！Sincetherehascomeatime，wheneveryrawyouthbelievesthatheknowseverythingandwascreatedforthecompletearrangementoflife——
　　givehim，givetheroguefreedom！Here，Carrion，live！Come，come，live！Ah！Thensuchacomedywillfollow；feelingthathisbridleisoff，manwillthenrushuphigherthanhisears，andlikeafeatherwillflyhitherandthither。He'llbelievehimselftobeamiracleworker，andthenhe'llstarttoshowhisspirit。"
　　Theoldmanpausedawhileand，loweringhisvoice，wenton，withamalicioussmile：
　　"Butthereisverylittleofthatcreativespiritinhim！He'llbristleupforadayortwo，stretchhimselfonallsides——andthepoorfellowwillsoongrowweak。Forhisheartisrotten——he，he，he！Here，he，he，he！Thedearfellowwillbecaughtbythereal，worthypeople，bythoserealpeoplewhoarecompetenttobetheactualcivilmasters，whowillmanagelifenotwitharodnorwithapen，butwithafingerandwithbrains。
　　"What，theywillsay。Haveyougrowntired，gentlemen？What，theywillsay，yourspleenscannotstandarealfire，canthey？So——
　　"and，raisinghisvoice，theoldmanconcludedhisspeechinanauthoritativetone：
　　"Well，then，now，yourabble，holdyourtongues，anddon'tsqueak！Orwe'llshakeyouofftheearth，likewormsfromatree！
　　Silence，dearfellows！Ha，ha，ha！That'showit'sgoingtohappen，Lubavka！He，he，he！"
　　Theoldmanwasinamerrymood。Hiswrinklesquivered，andcarriedawaybyhiswords，hetrembled，closedhiseyesnowandthen，andsmackedhislipsasthoughtastinghisownwisdom。
　　"Andthenthosewhowilltaketheupperhandintheconfusionwillarrangelifewisely，aftertheirownfashion。Thenthingswon'tgoatrandom，butasifbyrote。It'sapitythatweshallnotlivetoseeit！"
　　Theoldman'swordsfelloneafteranotheruponLubovlikemeshesofabigstrongnet——theyfellandenmeshedher，andthegirl，unabletofreeherselffromthem，maintainedsilence，dizziedbyherfather'swords。Staringintohisfacewithanintenselook，shesoughtsupportforherselfinhiswordsandheardinthemsomethingsimilartowhatshehadreadinbooks，andwhichseemedtohertherealtruth。Butthemalignant，triumphantlaughterofherfatherstungherheart，andthewrinkles，whichseemedtocreepaboutonhisfacelikesomanydarklittlesnakes，inspiredherwithacertainfearforherselfinhispresence。Shefeltthathewasturningherasidefromwhathadseemedsosimpleandsoeasyinherdreams。
　　"Papa！"shesuddenlyaskedtheoldman，inobediencetoathoughtandadesirethatunexpectedlyflashedthroughhermind。"Papa！
　　andwhatsortofaman——whatinyouropinionisTaras？"
　　Mayakinshuddered。Hiseyebrowsbegantomoveangrily，hefixedhiskeen，smalleyesonhisdaughter'sfaceandaskedherdrily：
　　"Whatsortoftalkisthis？"
　　"Musthenotevenbementioned？"saidLubov，softlyandconfusedly。
　　Idon'twanttospeakofhim——andIalsoadviseyounottospeakofhim！"——theoldmanthreatenedherwithhisfingerandloweredhisheadwithagloomyfrown。Butwhenhesaidthathedidnotwanttospeakofhisson，heevidentlydidnotunderstandhimselfcorrectly，forafteraminute'ssilencehesaidsternlyandangrily：
　　"Taraska，too，isasore。Lifeisbreathinguponyou，milksops，andyoucannotdiscriminateitsgenuinescents，andyouswallowallsortsoffilth，whereforethereistroubleinyourheads。
　　That'swhyyouarenotcompetenttodoanything，andyouareunhappybecauseofthisincompetence。Taraska。Yes。Hemustbeaboutfortynow。Heislosttome！Agalley-slave——isthatmyson？Ablunt-snoutedyoungpig。Hewouldnotspeaktohisfather，and——hestumbled。"
　　"Whatdidhedo？"askedLubov，eagerlylisteningtotheoldman'swords。
　　"Whoknows？Itmaybethatnowhecannotunderstandhimself，ifhebecamesensible，andhemusthavebecomeasensibleman；he'sthesonofafatherwho'snotstupid，andthenhemusthavesufferednotalittle。Theycoddlethem，thenihilists！Theyshouldhaveturnedthemovertome。I'dshowthemwhattodo。
　　Intothedesert！Intotheisolatedplaces——march！Come，now，mywisefellows，arrangelifethereaccordingtoyourownwill！Goahead！AndasauthoritiesoverthemI'dstationtherobustpeasants。Well，now，honourablegentlemen，youweregiventoeatandtodrink，youweregivenaneducation——whathaveyoulearned？
　　Payyourdebts，pray。Yes，Iwouldnotspendabrokengroshonthem。Iwouldsqueezeallthepriceoutofthem——giveitup！Youmustnotsetamanatnaught。Itisnotenoughtoimprisonhim！
　　Youtransgressedthelaw，andareagentleman？Nevermind，youmustwork。Outofasingleseedcomesanearofcorn，andamanoughtnotbepermittedtoperishwithoutbeingofuse！Aneconomicalcarpenterfindsaplaceforeachandeverychipofwood——justsomusteverymanbeprofitablyusedup，andusedupentire，totheverylastvein。Allsortsoftrashhaveaplaceinlife，andmanisnevertrash。Eh！itisbadwhenpowerliveswithoutreason，norisitgoodwhenreasonliveswithoutpower。
　　TakeFomanow。Whoiscomingthere——givealook。"
　　Turningaround，Lubovnoticedthecaptainofthe"Yermak，"Yefim，comingalongthegardenpath。Hehadrespectfullyremovedhiscapandbowedtoher。Therewasahopelesslyguiltyexpressiononhisfaceandheseemedabashed。YakovTarasovichrecognizedhimand，instantlygrownalarmed，hecried：
　　"Whereareyoucomingfrom？Whathashappened？"
　　"I——Ihavecometoyou！"saidYefim，stoppingshortatthetable，withalowbow。
　　"Well，Isee，you'vecometome。What'sthematter？Where'sthesteamer？"
　　"Thesteameristhere！"Yefimthrusthishandsomewhereintotheairandheavilyshiftedfromonefoottotheother。
　　"Whereisit，devil？Speakcoherently——whathashappened？"criedtheoldman，enraged。
　　"So——amisfortune，Yakov。"
　　"Haveyoubeenwrecked？"
　　"No，Godsavedus。"
　　"Burnedup？Well，speakmorequickly。"
　　Yefimdrewairintohischestandsaidslowly：
　　"BargeNo。9wassunk——smashedup。Oneman'sbackwasbroken，andoneisaltogethermissing，sothathemusthavedrowned。Aboutfivemorewereinjured，butnotsoverybadly，thoughsomeweredisabled。"
　　"So-o！"drawledoutMayakin，measuringthecaptainwithanill-
　　omenedlook。
　　"Well，Yefimushka，I'llstripyourskinoff"
　　"Itwasn'tIwhodidit！"saidYefim，quickly。
　　"Notyou？"criedtheoldman，shakingwithrage。"Whothen？"
　　"Themasterhimself。"
　　"Foma？Andyou。Wherewereyou？"
　　"Iwaslyinginthehatchway。"
　　"Ah！Youwerelying。"
　　"Iwasboundthere。"
　　"Wha-at？"screamedtheoldmaninashrillvoice。
　　"Allowmetotellyoueverythingasithappened。Hewasdrunkandheshouted："'Getaway！I'lltakecommandmyself！'Isaid'I
　　can't！Iamthecaptain。''Bindhim！'saidhe。Andwhentheyhadboundme，theyloweredmeintothehatchway，withthesailors。
　　Andasthemasterwasdrunk，hewantedtohavesomefun。Afleetofboatswascomingtowardus。Sixemptybargestowedby'Cheruigorez。'SoFomaIgnatyichblockedtheirway。Theywhistled。Morethanonce。Imusttellthetruth——theywhistled！"
　　"Well？"
　　"Well，andtheycouldn'tmanageit——thetwobargesinfrontcrashedintous。Andastheystruckthesideofourninth，weweresmashedtopieces。Andthetwobargeswerealsosmashed。Butwefaredmuchworse。"
　　Mayakinrosefromthechairandburstintojarring，angrylaughter。AndYefimsighed，and，outstretchinghishands，said：xxx"Hehasaveryviolentcharacter。Whenheissoberheissilentmostofthetime，andwalksaroundthoughtfully，butwhenhewetshisspringswithwine——thenhebreaksloose。Thenheisnotmasterofhimselfandofhisbusiness——buttheirwildenemy——
　　youmustexcuseme！AndIwanttoleave，YakovTarasovich！Iamnotusedtobeingwithoutamaster，Icannotlivewithoutamaster！"
　　"Keepquiet！"saidMayakin，sternly。"Where'sFoma？"
　　"There；atthesameplace。Immediatelyaftertheaccident，hecametohimselfandatoncesentforworkmen。They'llliftthebarge。Theymayhavestartedbythistime。"
　　"Ishetherealone？"askedMayakin，loweringhishead。
　　"Notquite，"repliedYefim，softly，glancingstealthilyatLubov。
　　"Really？"
　　"There'saladywithhim。Adarkone。"
　　"So。"
　　"Itlooksasthoughthewomanisoutofherwits，"saidYefim，withasigh。"She'sforeversinging。Shesingsverywell。It'sverycaptivating。"
　　"Iamnotaskingyouabouther！"criedMayakin，angrily。Thewrinklesofhisfacewerepainfullyquivering，anditseemedtoLubovthatherfatherwasabouttoweep。
　　"Calmyourself，papa！"sheentreatedcaressingly。"Maybethelossisn'tsogreat。"
　　"Notgreat？"criedYakovTarasovichinaringingvoice。"Whatdoyouunderstand，youfool？Isitonlythatthebargewassmashed？
　　Eh，you！Amanislost！That'swhatitis！Andheisessentialtome！Ineedhim，dulldevilsthatyouare！"Theoldmanshookhisheadangrilyandwithbriskstepswalkedoffalongthegardenpathleadingtowardthehouse。
　　AndFomawasatthistimeaboutfourhundredverstsawayfromhisgodfather，inavillagehut，ontheshoreoftheVolga。Hehadjustawakenedfromsleep，andlyingonthefloor，onabedoffreshhay，inthemiddleofthehut，hegazedgloomilyoutofthewindowatthesky，whichwascoveredwithgray，scatteredclouds。
　　Thewindwastearingthemasunderanddrivingthemsomewhere；
　　heavyandweary，oneovertakinganother，theywerepassingacrosstheskyinanenormousflock。Nowformingasolidmass，nowbreakingintofragments，nowfallinglowovertheearth，insilentconfusion，nowagainrisingupward，oneswallowedbyanother。
　　Withoutmovinghishead，whichwasheavyfromintoxication，Fomalookedlongatthecloudsandfinallybegantofeelasthoughsilentcloudswerealsopassingthroughhisbreast，——passing，breathingadampcoldnessuponhisheartandoppressinghim。
　　Therewassomethingimpotentinthemotionofthecloudsacrossthesky。Andhefeltthesamewithinhim。Withoutthinking，hepicturedtohimselfallhehadgonethroughduringthepastmonths。Itseemedtohimasthoughhehadfallenintoaturbid，boilingstream，andnowhehadbeenseizedbydarkwaves，thatresembledthesecloudsinthesky；hadbeenseizedandcarriedawaysomewhere，evenasthecloudswerecarriedbythewind。Inthedarknessandthetumultwhichsurroundedhim，hesawasthoughthroughamistthatcertainotherpeoplewerehasteningtogetherwithhim——to-daynotthoseofyesterday，newoneseachday，yetalllookingalike——equallypitifulandrepulsive。
　　Intoxicated，noisy，greedy，theyflewabouthimasinawhirlwind，carousedathisexpense，abusedhim，fought，screamed，andevenweptmorethanonce。Andhebeatthem。Herememberedthatonedayhehadstrucksomebodyontheface，tornsomeone'scoatoffandthrownitintothewaterandthatsomeonehadkissedhishandswithwet，coldlipsasdisgustingasfrogs。Hadkissedandwept，imploringhimnottokill。Certainfacesflashedthroughhismemory，certainsoundsandwordsranginit。Awomaninayellowsilkwaist，unfastenedatthebreast，hadsunginaloud，sobbingvoice：
　　"AndsoletuslivewhilewecanAndthen——e'engrassmayceasetogrow。"
　　Allthesepeople，likehimself，grownwildandbeastlike，wereseizedbythesamedarkwaveandcarriedawaylikerubbish。Allthesepeople，likehimself，musthavebeenafraidtolookforwardtoseewhitherthispowerful，wildwavewascarryingthem。Anddrowningtheirfearinwine，theywererushingforwarddownthecurrentstruggling，shouting，doingsomethingabsurd，playingthefool，clamouring，clamouring，withouteverbeingcheerful。Hewasdoingthesame，whirlingintheirmidst。Andnowitseemedtohim，thathewasdoingallthisforfearofhimself，inordertopassthesoonerthisstripoflife，orinordernottothinkofwhatwouldbeafterward。
　　Amidtheburningturmoilofcarouses，inthecrowdofpeople，seizedbydebauchery，perplexedbyviolentpassions，half-crazyintheirlongingtoforgetthemselves——onlySashawascalmandcontained。Sheneverdranktointoxication，alwaysaddressedpeopleinafirm，authoritativevoice，andallhermovementswereequallyconfident，asthoughthisstreamhadnottakenpossessionofher，butshewasherselfmasteringitsviolentcourse。SheseemedtoFomathecleverestpersonofallthosethatsurroundedhim，andthemosteagerfornoiseandcarouse；sheheldthemallinhersway，foreverinventingsomethingnewandspeakinginoneandthesamemannertoeverybody；forthedriver，thelackeyandthesailorshehadthesametoneandthesamewordsasforherfriendsandforFoma。ShewasyoungerandprettierthanPelageya，buthercaressesweresilent，cold。Fomaimaginedthatdeepinherheartshewasconcealingfromeverybodysomethingterrible，thatshewouldneverloveanyone，neverrevealherselfentire。
　　Thissecrecyinthewomanattractedhimtowardherwithafeelingoftimorouscuriosity，ofagreat，strainedinterestinhercalm，coldsoul，whichseemedevenasdarkashereyes。
　　SomehowFomasaidtoheroneday：
　　"ButwhatpilesofmoneyyouandIhavesquandered！"
　　Sheglancedathim，andasked：
　　"Andwhyshouldwesaveit？"
　　"Indeed，why？"thoughtFoma，astonishedbythefactthatshereasonedsosimply。
　　"Whoareyou？"heaskedheratanotheroccasion。
　　"Why，haveyouforgottenmyname？"
　　"Well，theidea！"
　　"Whatdoyouwishtoknowthen？"
　　"Iamaskingyouaboutyourorigin。"
　　"Ah！IamanativeoftheprovinceofYaroslavl。I'mfromOoglich。Iwasaharpist。Well，shallItastesweetertoyou，nowthatyouknowwhoIam？"
　　"DoIknowit？"askedFoma，laughing。
　　"Isn'tthatenoughforyou？Ishalltellyounothingmoreaboutit。Whatfor？Weallcomefromthesameplace，bothpeopleandbeasts。AndwhatistherethatIcantellyouaboutmyself？Andwhatfor？Allthistalkisnonsense。Let'sratherthinkalittleastohowweshallpasstheday。"
　　Onthatdaytheytookatriponasteamer，withanorchestraofmusic，drankchampagne，andeveryoneofthemgotterriblydrunk。
　　Sashasangapeculiar，wonderfullysadsong，andFoma，movedbyhersinging，weptlikeachild。Thenhedancedwithherthe"Russiandance，"andfinally，perspiringandfatigued，threwhimselfoverboardinhisclothesandwasnearlydrowned。
　　Now，recallingallthisandagreatdealmore，hefeltashamedofhimselfanddissatisfiedwithSasha。Helookedatherwell-shapedfigure，heardherevenbreathingandfeltthathedidnotlovethiswoman，andthatshewasunnecessarytohim。Certaingray，oppressivethoughtswereslowlyspringingupinhisheavy，achinghead。Itseemedtohimasthougheverythinghehadlivedthroughduringthistimewastwistedwithinhimintoaheavyandmoistball，andthatnowthisballwasrollingaboutinhisbreast，unwindingitselfslowly，andthethingraycordswerebindinghim。
　　"Whatisgoingoninme？"hethought。"I'vebeguntocarouse。
　　Why？Idon'tknowhowtolive。Idon'tunderstandmyself。WhoamI？"
　　Hewasastonishedbythisquestion，andhepausedoverit，attemptingtomakeitcleartohimself——whyhewasunabletoliveasfirmlyandconfidentlyasotherpeopledo。Hewasnowstillmoretortured。byconscience。Moreuneasyatthisthought，hetossedaboutonthehayandirritated，pushedSashawithhiselbow。
　　"Becareful！"saidshe，althoughnearlyasleep。
　　"It'sallright。You'renotsuchaladyofquality！"mutteredFoma。
　　"What'sthematterwithyou？"
　　"Nothing。"
　　Sheturnedherbacktohim，andsaidlazily，withalazyyawn：
　　"IdreamedthatIbecameaharpistagain。ItseemedtomethatI
　　wassingingasolo，andoppositemestoodabig，dirtydog，snarlingandwaitingformetofinishthesong。AndIwasafraidofthedog。AndIknewthatitwoulddevourme，assoonasI
　　stoppedsinging。SoIkeptsinging，singing。Andsuddenlyitseemedmyvoicefailedme。Horrible！Andthedogisgnashinghisteeth。0hLord，havemercyonme！Whatdoesitmean？"
　　"Stopyouridletalk！"Fomainterruptedhersternly。"Youbettertellmewhatyouknowaboutme。"
　　"Iknow，forinstance，thatyouareawakenow，"sheanswered，withoutturningtohim。
　　"Awake？That'strue。I'veawakened，"saidFoma，thoughtfullyand，throwinghisarmbehindhishead，wenton："That'swhyIamaskingyou。WhatsortofmandoyouthinkIam？"
　　"Amanwithadrunkenheadache，"answeredSasha，yawning。
　　"Aleksandra！"exclaimedFoma，beseechingly，"don'ttalknonsense！
　　Tellmeconscientiously，whatdoyouthinkofme？"
　　"Idon'tthinkanything！"shesaiddrily。"Whyareyoubotheringmewithnonsense？"
　　"Isthisnonsense？"saidFoma，sadly。"Eh，youdevils！Thisistheprincipalthing。Themostessentialthingtome。"
　　Heheavedadeepsighandbecamesilent。Afteraminute'ssilence，Sashabegantospeakinherusual，indifferentvoice：
　　"Tellhimwhoheis，andwhyheissuchasheis？Didyoueversee！Isitpropertoasksuchquestionsofourkindofwomen？AndonwhatgroundshouldIthinkabouteachandeveryman？Ihavenoteventimetothinkaboutmyself，and，perhaps，Idon'tfeellikedoingitatall。"
　　Fomalaugheddrilyandsaid：
　　"IwishIwerelikethis——andhadnodesiresforanything。"
　　Thenthewomanraisedherheadfromthepillow，lookedintoFoma'sfaceandlaydownagain，saying：
　　"Youaremusingtoomuch。Lookout——nogoodwillcomeofittoyou。Icannottellyouanythingaboutyourself。Itisimpossibletosayanythingtrueaboutaman。Whocanunderstandhim？Mandoesnotknowhimself。Well，here，I'lltellyou——youarebetterthanothers。Butwhatofit？"
　　"AndinwhatwayamIbetter？"askedFoma，thoughtfully。
　　"So！Whenonesingsagoodsong——youweep。Whenonedoessomemeanthing——youbeathim。Withwomenyouaresimple，youarenotimpudenttothem。Youarepeaceable。Andyoucanalsobedaring，sometimes。"
　　YetallthisdidnotsatisfyFoma。
　　"You'renottellingmetherightthing！"saidhe，softly。
　　"Well，Idon'tknowwhatyouwant。Butseehere，whatarewegoingtodoaftertheyhaveraisedthebarge？"
　　"Whatcanwedo？"askedFoma。
　　"ShallwegotoNizhniortoKazan？"
　　"Whatfor？"
　　Tocarouse。"
　　"1don'twanttocarouseanymore。"
　　"Whatelseareyougoingtodo？"
　　"What？Nothing。"
　　Andbothweresilentforalongtime，withoutlookingateachother。
　　"Youhaveadisagreeablecharacter，"saidSasha，"awearisomecharacter。"
　　"ButneverthelessIwon'tgetdrunkanymore！"saidFoma，firmlyandconfidently。
　　"Youarelying！"retortedSasha，calmly。
　　"You'llsee！Whatdoyouthink——isitgoodtoleadsuchalifeasthis？"
　　"I'llsee。"
　　"No，justtellme——isitgood？"
　　"Butwhatisbetter？"
　　Fomalookedatheraskanceand，irritated，said：
　　"Whatrepulsivewordsyouspeak。"
　　"Well，hereagainIhaven'tpleasedhim！"saidSasha，laughing。
　　"Whatafinecrowd！"saidFoma，painfullywrinklinghisface。
　　"They'reliketrees。Theyalsolive，buthow？Nooneunderstands。
　　Theyarecrawlingsomewhere。Andcangivenoaccounteithertothemselvesortoothers。Whenthecockroachcrawls，heknowswhitherandwhereforehewantstogo？Andyou？Whitherareyougoing？"
　　"Holdon！"Sashainterruptedhim，andaskedhimcalmly："Whathaveyoutodowithme？Youmaytakefrommeallthatyouwant，butdon'tyoucreepintomysoul！"
　　"Intoyourso-o-ul！"Fomadrawledout，withcontempt。"Intowhatsoul？He，he！"
　　Shebegantopacetheroom，gatheringtogethertheclothesthatwerescatteredeverywhere。Fomawatchedherandwasdispleasedbecauseshedidnotgetangryathimforhiswordsabouthersoul。Herfacelookedcalmandindifferent，asusual，buthewishedtoseeherangryoroffended；hewishedforsomethinghumanfromthewoman。
　　"Thesoul！"heexclaimed，persistinginhisaim。"Canonewhohasasoulliveasyoulive？Asoulhasfireburninginit，thereisasenseofshameinit。"
　　Bythistimeshewassittingonabench，puttingonherstockings，butathiswordssheraisedherheadandsternlyfixedhereyesuponhisface。
　　"Whatareyoustaringat？"askedFoma。
　　"Whydoyouspeakthatway？"saidshe，withoutliftinghereyesfromhim。
　　"BecauseImust。"
　　"Lookout——mustyoureally？"
　　Therewassomethingthreateninginherquestion。Fomafeltintimidatedandsaid，thistimewithoutprovocationinhisvoice：
　　"HowcouldIhelpspeaking？"
　　"Oh，you！"sighedSashaandresumeddressingherself"Andwhataboutme？"
　　"Merelyso。Youseemasthoughyouwerebornoftwofathers。DoyouknowwhatIhaveobservedamongpeople？"
　　"Well？"
　　"Ifamancannotanswerforhimself，itmeansthatheisafraidofhimself，thathispriceisagrosh！"
　　"Doyourefertome？"askedFoma，afterapause。
　　"Toyou，too。"
　　Shethrewapinkmorninggownoverhershouldersand，standinginthecentreoftheroom，stretchedoutherhandtowardFoma，wholayatherfeet，andsaidtohiminalow，dullvoice：
　　"Youhavenorighttospeakaboutmysoul。Youhavenothingtodowithit！Andthereforeholdyourtongue！Imayspeak！IfI
　　please，Icouldtellsomethingtoallofyou。Eh，howIcouldtellit！Only，——whowilldaretolistentome，ifIshouldspeakatthetopofmyvoice？AndIhavesomewordsaboutyou，——they'relikehammers！AndIcouldknockyouallonyourheadssothatyouwouldloseyourwits。Andalthoughyouareallrascals——youcannotbecuredbywords。Youshouldbeburnedinthefire——justasfrying-pansareburnedoutonthefirstMondayofLent。"
　　Raisingherhandssheabruptlyloosenedherhair，andwhenitfelloverhershouldersinheavy，blacklocks——thewomanshookherheadhaughtilyandsaid，withcontempt：
　　"NevermindthatIamleadingalooselife！Itoftenhappens，thatthemanwholivesinfilthispurerthanhewhogoesaboutinsilks。IfyouonlyknewwhatIthinkofyou，youdogs，whatwrathIbearagainstyou！Andbecauseofthiswrath——Iamsilent！
　　ForIfearthatifIshouldsingittoyou——mysoulwouldbecomeempty。Iwouldhavenothingtoliveon。"Fomalookedather，andnowhewaspleasedwithher。Inherwordstherewassomethingakintohisframeofmind。Laughing，hesaidtoher，withsatisfactiononhisfaceandinhisvoice：
　　"AndIalsofeelthatsomethingisgrowingwithinmysoul。Eh，I
　　tooshallhavemysay，whenthetimecomes。"
　　"Againstwhom？"askedSasha，carelessly。
　　"I——againsteverybody！"exclaimedFoma，jumpingtohisfeet。
　　"Againstfalsehood。Ishallask——"
　　"Askwhetherthesamovarisready，"Sashaorderedindifferently。
　　Fomaglancedatherandcried，enraged：
　　"Gotothedevil！Askyourself。"
　　"Well，allright，Ishall。Whatareyousnarlingabout？"
　　Andshesteppedoutofthehut。
　　Inpiercingguststhewindblewacrosstheriver，strikingagainstitsbosom，andcoveredwithtroubleddarkwaves，theriverwasspasmodicallyrushingtowardthewindwithanoisysplash，andallinthefrothofwrath。Thewillowbushesontheshorebentlowtotheground——trembling，theynowwereabouttoliedownontheground，now，frightened，theythrustthemselvesawayfromit，drivenbytheblowsofthewind。Intheairrangawhistling，ahowling，andadeepgroaningsound，thatburstfromdozensofhumanbreasts：
　　"Itgoes——itgoes——itgoes！"
　　Thisexclamation，abruptasablow，andheavyasthebreathfromanenormousbreast，whichissuffocatingfromexertion，wassoaringovertheriver，fallinguponthewaves，asifencouragingtheirmadplaywiththewind，andtheystrucktheshoreswithmight。
　　Twoemptybargeslayanchoredbythemountainousshore，andtheirtallmasts，risingskyward，rockedincommotionfromsidetoside，asthoughdescribingsomeinvisiblepatternintheair。Thedecksofbothbargeswereencumberedwithscaffolds，builtofthickbrownbeams；hugesheaveswerehangingeverywhere；chainsandropeswerefastenedtothem，androckingintheair；thelinksofthechainswerefaintlyclanging。Athrongofpeasantsinblueandinredblousespulledalargebeamacrossthedockand，heavilystampingtheirfeet，groanedwithfullchest：
　　"Itgoes——itgoes——itgoes！"
　　Hereandtherehumanfiguresclungtothescaffoldings，likebiglumpsofblueandred；thewind，blowingtheirblousesandtheirtrousers，gavethemenoddforms，makingthemappearnowhump-
　　backed，nowroundandpuffeduplikebladders。Thepeopleonthescaffoldsandonthedecksofthebargesweremakingfast，hewing，sawing，drivinginnails；andbigarms，withshirtsleevesrolleduptotheelbowswereseeneverywhere。Thewindscatteredsplintersofwood，andavaried，lively，brisknoiseintheair；thesawgnawedthewood，chokingwithwickedjoy；thebeams，woundedbytheaxes，moanedandgroaneddrily；theboardscrackedsicklyastheysplitfromtheblowstheyreceived；thejointersqueakedmaliciously。Theironclinkingofthechainsandthegroaningcreakingofthesheavesjoinedthewrathfulroaringofthewaves，andthewindhowledloudly，scatteringovertheriverthenoiseoftoilanddrovethecloudsacrossthesky。
　　"Mishka-a！Thedeucetakeyou！"criedsomeonefromthetopofthescaffolding。Andfromthedeck，alarge-formedpeasant，withhisheadthrownupward，answered：
　　"Wh-a-at？"Andthewind，playingwithhislong，flaxenbeard，flungitintohisface。
　　"Handustheend。"
　　Aresoundingbassoshoutedasthroughaspeaking-trumpet：
　　"Seehowyou'vefastenedthisboard，youblinddevil？Can'tyousee？I'llrubyoureyesforyou！"
　　"Pull，myboys，comeon！"
　　"Oncemore——brave——boys！"criedoutsomeoneinaloud，beseechingvoice。
　　Handsomeandstately，inashortclothjacketandhighboots，Fomastood，leaninghisbackagainstamast，andstrokinghisbeardwithhistremblinghand，admiredthedaringworkofthepeasants。Thenoiseabouthimcalledforthinhimapersistentdesiretoshout，toworktogetherwiththepeasants，tohewwood，tocarryburdens，tocommand——tocompeleverybodytopayattentiontohim，andtoshowthemhisstrength，hisskill，andthelivesoulwithinhim。Butherestrainedhimself。Andstandingspeechless，motionless，hefeltashamedandafraidofsomething。
　　Hewasembarrassedbythefactthathewasmasterovereverybodythere，andthatifheweretostarttoworkhimself，noonewouldbelievethathewasworkingmerelytosatisfyhisdesire，andnottospurthemonintheirwork；tosetthemanexample。Andthen，thepeasantsmightlaughathim，inallprobability。
　　Afairandcurly-headedfellow，withhisshirtcollarunbuttoned，wasnowandagainrunningpasthim，nowcarryingalogonhisshoulder，nowanaxeinhishands；hewasskippingalong，likeafrolicsomegoat，scatteringabouthimcheerful，ringinglaughter，jests，violentoaths，andworkingunceasingly，nowassistingone，nowanother，ashewascleverlyandquicklyrunningacrossthedeck，whichwasobstructedwithtimberandshavings。Fomawatchedhimclosely，andenviedthismerryfellow，whowasradiantwithsomethinghealthyandinspiring。
　　"Evidentlyheishappy，"thoughtFoma，andthisthoughtprovokedinhimakeen，piercingdesiretoinsulthimsomehow，toembarrasshim。Allthoseabouthimwereseizedwiththezestofpressingwork，allwereunanimouslyandhastilyfasteningthescaffoldings，arrangingthepulleys，preparingtoraisethesunkenbargefromthebottomoftheriver；allweresoundandmerry——theyalllived。Whilehestoodalone，asidefromthem，notknowingwhattodo，notknowinghowtodoanything，feelinghimselfsuperfluoustothisgreattoil。Itvexedhimtofeelthathewassuperfluousamongmen，andthemorecloselyhewatchedthem，themoreintensewasthisvexation。Andhewasstungmostbythethoughtthatallthiswasbeingdoneforhim。Andyethewasoutofplacethere。
　　"Whereismyplace，then？"hethoughtgloomily。"Whereismywork？AmI，then，somedeformedbeing？Ihavejustasmuchstrengthasanyofthem。Butofwhatuseisittome？"Thechainsclanged，thepulleysgroaned，theblowsoftheaxesresoundedloudovertheriver，andthebargesrockedfromtheshocksofthewaves，buttoFomaitseemedthathewasrockingnotbecausethebargewasrockingunderhisfeet，butratherbecausehewasnotabletostandfirmlyanywhere，hewasnotdestinedtodoso。
　　Thecontractor，asmall-sizedpeasantwithasmallpointedgraybeard，andwithnarrowlittleeyesonhisgraywrinkledface，cameuptohimandsaid，notloud，butpronouncinghiswordswithacertainmthebottomoftheriver。Hewishedthattheymightnotsucceed，thattheymightfeelembarrassedinhispresence，andawickedthoughtflashedthroughhismind：
　　"Perhapsthechainswillbreak。"
　　"Boys！Attention！"shoutedthecontractor。"Startalltogether。
　　Godblessus！"Andsuddenly，claspinghishandsintheair，hecriedinashrillvoice：
　　"Let——her——go-o-o！"
　　Thelabourerstookuphisshout，andallcriedoutinonevoice，withexcitementandexertion：
　　"Lethergo！Shemoves。"
　　Thepulleyssqueakedandcreaked，thechainsclanked，strainedundertheheavyweightthatsuddenlyfelluponthem；andthelabourers，bracingtheirchestsagainstthehandleofthewindlasses，roaredandtrampedheavily。Thewavessplashednoisilybetweenthebargesasthoughunwillingtogiveuptheirprizetothemen。EverywhereaboutFoma，chainsandropeswerestretchedandtheyquiveredfromthestrain——theywerecreepingsomewhereacrossthedeck，pasthisfeet，likehugegrayworms；
　　theywereliftedupward，linkafterlink，fallingbackwitharattlingnoise，andallthesesoundsweredrownedbythedeafeningroaringofthelabourers。
　　"Itgoes，itgoes，itgoes，"theyallsanginunison，triumphantly。Buttheringingvoiceofthecontractorpiercedthedeepwaveoftheirvoices，andcutitevenasaknifecutsbread。
　　"Myboys！Goahead，allatonce，allatonce。"
　　Fomawasseizedwithastrangeemotion；passionatelyhenowlongedtominglewiththisexcitedroaringofthelabourers，whichwasasbroadandaspowerfulastheriver——toblendwiththisirritating，creaking，squeaking，clangingofironandturbulentsplashingofwaves。Perspirationcameoutonhisfacefromtheintensityofhisdesire，andsuddenlypalefromagitation，hetorehimselfawayfromthemast，andrushedtowardthewindlasseswithbigstrides。
　　"Allatonce！Atonce！"hecriedinafiercevoice。Whenhereachedtheleverofthewindlass，hedashedhischestagainstitwithallhismight，andnotfeelingthepain，hebegantogoaroundthewindlass，roaring，andfirmlystampinghisfeetagainstthedeck。Somethingpowerfulandburningrushedintohisbreast，replacingtheeffortswhichhespentwhileturningthewindlass-lever！Inexpressiblejoyragedwithinhimandforceditselfoutsideinanagitatedcry。Itseemedtohimthathealone，thatonlyhisstrengthwasturningthelever，thusraisingtheweight，andthathisstrengthwasgrowingandgrowing。
　　Stooping，andloweringhishead，likeabullhemassedthepoweroftheweight，whichthrewhimback，butyieldedtohim，nevertheless。Eachstepforwardexcitedhimthemore，eachexpendedeffortwasimmediatelyreplacedinhimbyafloodofburningandvehementpride。Hisheadreeled，hiseyeswereblood-
　　shot，hesawnothing，heonlyfeltthattheywereyieldingtohim，thathewouldsoonconquer，thathewouldoverthrowwithhisstrengthsomethinghugewhichobstructedhisway——wouldoverthrow，conquerandthenbreatheeasilyandfreely，fullofprouddelight。Forthefirsttimeinhislifeheexperiencedsuchapowerful，spiritualizingsensation，andhedrankitwithallthestrengthofahungry，thirstysoul；hewasintoxicatedbyitandhegaveventtohisjoyinloud，exultingcriesinunisonwiththeworkers：
　　"Itgoes——itgoes——itgoes。"
　　"Holdon！Fasten！Holdon，boys！"
　　SomethingdashedagainstFoma'schest，andhewashurledbackward。
　　"Icongratulateyouonasuccessfulresult，FomaIgnatyich！"thecontractorcongratulatedhimandthewrinklesquiveredonhisfaceincheerfulbeams。
　　"ThankGod！Youmustbequitetirednow？"
　　ColdwindblewinFoma'sface。Acontented，boastfulbustlewasintheairabouthim；swearingatoneanotherinafriendlyway，merry，withsmilesontheirperspiringbrows，thepeasantsapproachedhimandsurroundedhimclosely。Hesmiledinembarrassment：theexcitementwithinhimhadnotyetcalmeddownandthishinderedhimfromunderstandingwhathadhappenedandwhyallthosewhosurroundedhimweresomerryandcontented。
　　"We'veraisedahundredandseventythousandpudsasifwepluckedaradishfromagarden-bed！"saidsomeone。
　　"Weoughttogetavedroofwhiskyfromourmaster。"
　　Foma，standingonaheapofcable，lookedovertheheadsoftheworkersandsaw；betweenthebarges，sidebysidewiththem，stoodathirdbarge，black，slippery，damaged，wrappedinchains。
　　Itwaswarpedallover，itseemedasthoughitswelledfromsometerriblediseaseand，impotent，clumsy，itwassuspendedbetweenitscompanions，leaningagainstthem。Itsbrokenmaststoodoutmournfullyinthecentre；reddishstreamsofwater，likeblood，wererunningacrossthedeck，whichwascoveredwithstainsofrust。Everywhereonthedecklayheapsofiron，ofblack，wetstumpsofwood，andofropes。
　　"Raised？"askedFoma，notknowingwhattosayatthesightofthisugly，heavymass，andagainfeelingoffendedatthethoughtthatmerelyforthesakeofraisingthisdirty，bruisedmonsterfromthewater，hissoulhadfoamedupwithsuchjoy。
　　"How'sthebarge？"askedFoma，indefinitely，addressingthecontractor。
　　"It'sprettygood！Wemustunloadrightaway，andputacompanyofabouttwentycarpenterstoworkonit——they'llbringitquicklyintoshapeI"saidthecontractorinaconsolingtone。
　　Andthelight-hairedfellow，gailyandbroadlysmilingintoFoma'sface，asked：
　　"Arewegoingtohaveanyvodka？"
　　"Can'tyouwait？Youhavetime！"saidthecontractor，sternly。
　　"Don'tyousee——themanistired。"
　　Thenthepeasantsbegantospeak：
　　"Ofcourse，heistired！
　　"Thatwasn'teasywork！"
　　"Ofcourse，onegetstiredifheisn'tusedtowork。"
　　"Itisevenhardtoeatgruelifyouarenotusedtoit。"
　　"Iamnottired，"saidFoma，gloomily，andagainwereheardtherespectfulexclamationsofthepeasants，astheysurroundedhimmoreclosely。
　　"Work，ifonelikesit，isapleasantthing。"
　　"It'sjustlikeplay。"
　　"It'slikeplayingwithawoman。"
　　Butthelight-hairedfellowpersistedinhisrequest：
　　"YourHonour！Yououghttotreatustoavedroofvodka，eh？"hesaid，smilingandsighing。
　　Fomalookedatthebeardedfacesbeforehimandfeltlikesayingsomethingoffensivetothem。Butsomehoweverythingbecameconfusedinhisbrain，hefoundnothoughtsinitand，finally，withoutgivinghimselfanaccountofhiswords，saidangrily：
　　"Allyouwantistodrinkallthetime！Itmakesnodifferencetoyouwhatyoudo！Youshouldhavethought——why？towhatpurpose？
　　Eh，you！"
　　Therewasanexpressionofperplexityonthefacesofthosethatsurroundedhim，blueandred，beardedfiguresbegantosigh，scratchthemselves，shiftthemselvesfromonefoottoanother。
　　OtherscastahopelessglanceatFomaandturnedaway。
　　"Yes，yes！"saidthecontractor，withasigh。"Thatwouldn'tharm！Thatis——tothink——whyandhow。Thesearewordsofwisdom。"
　　Thelight-hairedfellowhadadifferentopiniononthematter；
　　smilingkind-heartedly，hewavedhishandandsaid：
　　"Wedon'thavetothinkoverourwork！Ifwehaveit——wedoit！
　　Ourbusinessissimple！Whenaroubleisearned——thankGod！wecandoeverything。"
　　"Anddoyouknowwhat'snecessarytodo？"questionedFoma，irritatedbythecontradiction。
　　"Everythingisnecessary——thisandthat。"
　　"Butwhere'sthesense？"
　　"There'sbutoneandthesamesenseineverythingforourclass——
　　whenyouhaveearnedforbreadandtaxes——live！Andwhenthere'ssomethingtodrink，intothebargain。"
　　"Eh，you！"exclaimedFoma，withcontempt。"You'realsotalking！
　　Whatdoyouunderstand？"
　　"Isitourbusinesstounderstand？"saidthelight-hairedfellow，withanodofthehead。ItnowboredhimtospeaktoFoma。Hesuspectedthathewasunwillingtotreatthemtovodkaandhewassomewhatangry。
　　"That'sit！"saidFoma，instructively，pleasedthatthefellowyieldedtohim，andnotnoticingthecross，sarcasticglances。
　　"Andhewhounderstandsfeelsthatitisnecessarytodoeverlastingwork！"
　　"Thatis，forGod！"explainedthecontractor，eyeingthepeasants，andadded，withadevoutsigh：
　　"That'strue。Oh，howtruethatis！"
　　AndFomawasinspiredwiththedesiretosaysomethingcorrectandimportant，afterwhichthesepeoplemightregardhiminadifferentlight，forhewasdispleasedwiththefactthatall，savethelight-hairedfellow，keptsilentandlookedathimaskance，surlily，withsuchweary，gloomyeyes。
　　"Itisnecessarytodosuchwork，"hesaid，movinghiseyebrows。
　　"Suchworkthatpeoplemaysayathousandyearshence：'ThiswasdonebythepeasantsofBogorodsk——yes！
　　Thelight-hairedfellowglancedatFomawithastonishmentandasked：
　　"Arewe，perhaps，todrinktheVolgadry？"Thenhesniffedand，noddinghishead，announced："Wecan'tdothat——weshouldallburst。"
　　Fomabecameconfusedathiswordsandlookedabouthim；thepeasantsweresmilingmorosely，disdainfully，sarcastically。Andthesesmilesstunghimlikeneedles。Aserious-lookingpeasant，withabiggraybeard，whohadnotyetopenedhismouthuptothattime，suddenlyopeneditnow，cameclosertoFomaandsaidslowly：
　　"AndevenifweweretodrinktheVolgadry，andeatupthatmountain，intothebargain——thattoowouldbeforgotten，yourHonour。Everythingwillbeforgotten。Lifeislong。Itisnotforustodosuchdeedsaswouldstandoutaboveeverythingelse。Butwecanputupscaffoldings——thatwecan！"
　　Hespokeandscepticallyspittingathisfeet，indifferentlywalkedofffromFoma，andslippedintothecrowd，asawedgeintoatree。HiswordscrushedFomacompletely；hefelt，thatthepeasantsconsideredhimstupidandridiculous。Andinordertosavehisimportanceasmasterintheireyes，toattractagainthenowexhaustedattentionofthepeasantstohimself，hebristledup，comicallypuffeduphischeeksandblurtedoutinanimpressivevoice：
　　"Imakeyouapresentofthreebucketsofvodka。"
　　Briefspeecheshavealwaysthemostmeaningandarealwaysapttoproduceastrongimpression。ThepeasantsrespectfullymadewayforFoma，makinglowbowstohim，and，smilingmerrilyandgratefully，thankedhimforhisgenerosityinaunanimousroarofapproval。
　　"Takemeovertotheshore，"saidFoma，feelingthattheexcitementthathadjustbeenarousedinhimwouldnotlastlong。
　　Awormwasgnawinghisheart，andhewasweary。
　　"Ifeeldisgusted！"hesaid，enteringthehutwhereSasha，inasmart，pinkgown，wasbustlingaboutthetable，arrangingwinesandrefreshments。"Ifeeldisgusted，Aleksandra！Ifyoucouldonlydosomethingwithme，eh？"
　　Shelookedathimattentivelyand，seatingherselfonthebench，shouldertoshoulderwithhim，said：
　　"Sinceyoufeeldisgusted——itmeansthatyouwantsomething。Whatisityouwant？"
　　"Idon'tknow！"repliedFoma，noddinghisheadmournfully。
　　"Thinkofit——search。"
　　"Iamunabletothink。Nothingcomesoutofmythinking。"
　　"Eh，you，mychild！"saidSasha，softlyanddisdainfully，movingawayfromhim。"Yourheadissuperfluoustoyou。"
　　Fomaneithercaughthertonenornoticedhermovement。Leaninghishandsagainstthebench，hebentforward，lookedatthefloor，and，swayinghisbodytoandfro，said：
　　"SometimesIthinkandthink——andthewholesoulisstuckroundwiththoughtsaswithtar。Andsuddenlyeverythingdisappears，withoutleavinganytrace。Thenitisdarkinthesoulasinacellar——dark，dampandempty——thereisnothingatallinit！Itiseventerrible——IfeelthenasthoughIwerenotaman，butabottomlessravine。YouaskmewhatIwant？"
　　Sashalookedathimaskanceandpensivelybegantosingsoftly：
　　"Eh，whenthewindblows——mistcomesfromthesea。"
　　"Idon'twanttocarouse——itisrepulsive！Alwaysthesame——thepeople，theamusements，thewine。WhenIgrowmalicious——I'dthrasheverybody。Iamnotpleasedwithmen——whatarethey？Itisimpossibletounderstandthem——whydotheykeeponliving？Andwhentheyspeakthetruth——towhomarewetolisten？Onesaysthis，anotherthat。WhileI——Icannotsayanything。"
　　"Eh，withoutthee，dear，mylifeisweary，"
　　sangSasha，staringatthewallbeforeher。AndFomakeptonrockingandsaid：
　　"TherearetimeswhenIfeelguiltybeforemen。Everybodylives，makesnoise，whileIamfrightened，staggered——asifIdidnotfeeltheearthunderme。Wasit，perhaps，mymotherthatendowedmewithapathy？Mygodfathersaysthatshewasascoldasice——
　　thatshewasforeveryearningtowardssomething。Iamalsoyearning。TowardmenIamyearning。I'dliketogotothemandsay：'Brethren，helpme！Teachme！Iknownothowtolive！。AndifIamguilty——forgiveme！'Butlookingabout，Iseethere'snoonetospeakto。Noonewantsit——theyareallrascals！AnditseemstheyareevenworsethanIam。ForIam，atleast，ashamedoflivingasIam，whiletheyarenot！Theygoon。"
　　Fomautteredsomeviolent，unbecominginvectivesandbecamesilent。Sashabrokeoffhersongandmovedstillfartherawayfromhim。Thewindwasragingoutsidethewindow，hurlingdustagainstthewindow-panes。Cockroacheswererustlingontheovenastheycrawledoverabunchofpinewoodsplinters。Somewhereintheyardacalfwaslowingpitifully。
　　SashaglancedatFoma，withasarcasticsmile，andsaid：
　　"There'sanotherunfortunatecreaturelowing。Yououghttogotohim；perhapsyoucouldsinginunison。Andplacingherhandonhiscurlyheadshejestinglypusheditontheside。
　　"Whatarepeoplelikeyourselfgoodfor？That'swhatyououghttothinkof。Whatareyougroaningabout？Youaredisgustedwithbeingidle——occupyyourself，then，withbusiness。"
　　"0hLord！"Fomanoddedhishead。"Itishardforonetomakehimselfunderstood。Yes，itishard！"Andirritated，healmostcriedout："Whatbusiness？Ihavenoyearningtowardbusiness！
　　Whatisbusiness？Businessismerelyaname——andifyoushouldlookintothedepth，intotherootofit——you'llfinditisnothingbutabsurdity！DoInotunderstandit？Iunderstandeverything，Iseeeverything，Ifeeleverything！Onlymytongueisdumb。Whataimisthereinbusiness？Money？Ihaveplentyofit！Icouldchokeyoutodeathwithit，coveryouwithit。Allthisbusinessisnothingbutfraud。Imeetbusinesspeople——well，andwhataboutthem？Theirgreedinessisimmense，andyettheypurposelywhirlaboutinbusinessthattheymightnotseethemselves。Theyhidethemselves，thedevils。Trytofreethemfromthisbustle——whatwillhappen？Likeblindmentheywillgropeabouthitherandthither；they'lllosetheirmind——they'llgomad！Iknowit！Doyouthinkthatbusinessbringshappinessintoman？No，that'snotso——somethingelseismissinghere。Thisisnoteverythingyet！Theriverflowsthatmenmaysailonit；
　　thetreegrows——tobeuseful；thedog——toguardthehouse。Thereisjustificationforeverythingintheworld！Andmen，likecockroaches，arealtogethersuperfluousonearth。Everythingisforthem，andthey——whataretheyfor？Aha！Whereinistheirjustification？Ha，ha，ha！"
　　Fomawastriumphant。Itseemedtohimthathehadfoundsomethinggoodforhimself，somethingsevereagainstmen。Andfeelingthat，becauseofthis，therewasgreatjoyinhim，helaughedloudly。
　　"Doesnotyourheadache？"inquiredSasha，anxiously，scrutinizinghisface。
　　"Mysoulaches！"exclaimedFoma，passionately。"Anditachesbecauseitisupright——becauseitisnottobesatisfiedwithtrifles。Answerit，howtolive？Towhatpurpose？There——takemygodfather——heiswise！Hesays——createlife！Buthe'stheonlyonelikethis。Well，I'llaskhim，wait！Andeverybodysays——lifehasusurpedus！Lifehaschokedus。Ishallaskthese，too。Andhowcanwecreatelife？Youmustkeepitinyourhandstodothis，youmustbemasteroverit。Youcannotmakeevenapot，withouttakingtheclayintoyourhands。"
　　"Listen！"saidSasha，seriously。"Ithinkyououghttogetmarried，that'sall！"
　　"Whatfor？"askedFoma，shrugginghisshoulders。
　　"Youneedabridle。"
　　"Allright！Iamlivingwithyou——youareallofakind，areyounot？Oneisnotsweeterthantheother。Ihadonebeforeyou，ofthesamekindasyou。No，butthatonediditforlove'ssake。
　　Shehadtakenalikingtome——andconsented；shewasgood——but，otherwise，shewasineverywaythesameasyou——thoughyouareprettierthanshe。ButItookalikingtoacertainlady——aladyofnoblebirth！Theysaidsheledalooselife，butIdidnotgether。Yes，shewasclever，intelligent；shelivedinluxury。I
　　usedtothink——that'swhereI'lltastetherealthing！Ididnotgether——and，itmaybe，ifIhadsucceeded，allwouldhavetakenadifferentturn。Iyearnedtowardher。Ithought——Icouldnottearmyselfaway。WhilenowthatIhavegivenmyselftodrink，I'vedrownedherinwine——Iamforgettingher——andthatalsoiswrong。0man！Youarearascal，tobefrank。"
　　Fomabecamesilentandsankintomeditation。AndSasharosefromthebenchandpacedthehuttoandfro，bitingherlips。Thenshestoppedshortbeforehim，and，claspingherhandstoherhead，said：
　　"Doyouknowwhat？I'llleaveyou。"
　　"Wherewillyougo？"askedFoma，withoutliftinghishead。
　　"Idon'tknow——it'sallthesame！"
　　"Butwhy？"
　　"You'realwayssayingunnecessarythings。Itislonesomewithyou。Youmakemesad。"
　　Fomaliftedhishead，lookedatherandburstintomournfullaughter。
　　"Really？Isitpossible？"
　　"Youdomakemesad！Doyouknow？IfIshouldreflectonit，I
　　wouldunderstandwhatyousayandwhyyousayit——forIamalsoofthatsort——whenthetimecomes，Ishallalsothinkofallthis。AndthenIshallbelost。Butnowitistooearlyforme。
　　No，Iwanttoliveyet，andthen，later，comewhatwill！"
　　"AndI——willI，too，belost？"askedFoma，indifferently，alreadyfatiguedbyhiswords。
　　"Ofcourse！"repliedSasha，calmlyandconfidently。"Allsuchpeoplearelost。He，whosecharacterisinflexible，andwhohasnobrains——whatsortofalifeishis？Wearelikethis。"
　　"Ihavenocharacteratall，"saidFoma，stretchinghimself。Thenafteramoment'ssilenceheadded：
　　"AndIhavenobrains，either。"
　　Theyweresilentforaminute，eyeingeachother。
　　"Whatarewegoingtodo？"askedFoma。
　　"Wemusthavedinner。"
　　"No，Imean，ingeneral？Afterward？"
　　"Afterward？Idon'tknow？"
　　"Soyouareleavingme？"
　　"Iam。Come，let'scarousesomemorebeforewepart。Let'sgotoKazan，andtherewe'llhaveaspree——smokeandflame！I'llsingyourfarewellsong。"
　　"Verywell，"assentedFoma。"It'squiteproperatleavetaking。
　　Eh，youdevil！That'samerrylife！Listen，Sasha。Theysaythatwomenofyourkindaregreedyformoney；areeventhieves。"
　　"Letthemsay，"saidSasha，calmly。
　　"Don'tyoufeeloffended？"askedFoma，withcuriosity。"Butyouarenotgreedy。It'sadvantageoustoyoutobewithme。Iamrich，andyetyouaregoingaway；thatshowsyou'renotgreedy。"
　　"I？"Sashathoughtawhileandsaidwithawaveofthehand：
　　"PerhapsIamnotgreedy——whatofit？Iamnotoftheverylowestofthestreetwomen。AndagainstwhomshallIfeelagrudge？Letthemsaywhatevertheyplease。Itwillbeonlyhumantalk，notthebellowingofbulls。Andhumanholinessandhonestyarequitefamiliartome！Eh，howwellIknowthem！IfIwerechosenasajudge，Iwouldacquitthedeadonlyl"andburstingintomaliciouslaughter，Sashasaid："Well，thatwilldo，we'vespokenenoughnonsense。Sitdownatthetable！"