“Listentome。Thisishowthingsaredonehere。WhenItakeonaserf，Ifithimoutwithacowandahorse。Ontheotherhand，I
　　demandofhimthereaftermorethanisdemandedofapeasantanywhereelse。Thatistosay，firstandforemostImakehimwork。Whetherapeasantbeworkingforhimselforforme，neverdoIlethimwastetime。Imyselftoillikeabullock，andIforcemypeasantstodothesame，forexperiencehastaughtmethatthatistheonlywaytogetthroughlife。Allthemischiefintheworldcomesthroughlackofemployment。Now，doyougoandconsiderthematter，andtalkitoverwithyourmir[8]。“
　　[8]Villagecommune。
　　“Wehavedonethatalready，ConstantineThedorovitch，andourelders'
　　opinionis：'Thereisnoneedforfurthertalk。EverypeasantbelongingtoConstantineThedorovitchiswelloff，andhasn'ttoworkfornothing。Thepriestsofhisvillage，too，aremenofgoodheart，whereasourshavebeentakenaway，andthereisnoonetoburyus。'“
　　“Nevertheless，doyougoandtalkthematteroveragain。“
　　“Wewill，barin。“
　　Herethefactorwhohadbeenwalkingonthebarin'sothersideputinaword。
　　“ConstantineThedorovitch，“hesaid，“IbegofyoutodoasIhaverequested。“
　　“Ihavetoldyoubefore，“repliedthebarin，“thatIdonotcaretoplaythehuckster。Iamnotoneofthoselandownerswhomfellowsofyoursortvisitontheverydaythattheinterestonamortgageisdue。Ah，Iknowyourfraternitythoroughly，andknowthatyoukeeplistsofallwhohavemortgagestorepay。Butwhatistheresocleveraboutthat？Anyman，ifyoupinchhimsufficiently，willsurrenderyouamortgageathalf-price，——anyman，thatistosay，exceptmyself，whocarenothingforyourmoney。Werealoanofminetoremainoutthreeyears，Ishouldneverdemandakopeckofinterestonit。“
　　“Quiteso，ConstantineThedorovitch，“repliedthefactor。“ButIamaskingthisofyoumoreforthepurposeofestablishingusonabusinessfootingthanbecauseIdesiretowinyourfavour。Prey，therefore，acceptthisearnestmoneyofthreethousandroubles。“Andthemandrewfromhisbreastpocketadirtyrollofbank-notes，which，carelesslyreceiving，Kostanzhoglothrust，uncounted，intothebackpocketofhisovercoat。
　　“Hm！”thoughtChichikov。“Forallhecares，thenotesmighthavebeenahandkerchief。“
　　WhenKostanzhogloappearedatcloserquarters——thatistosay，inthedoorwayofthedrawing-room——hestruckChichikovmorethaneverwiththeswarthinessofhiscomplexion，thedishevelmentofhisblack，slightlygrizzledlocks，thealertnessofhiseye，andtheimpressionoffierysouthernoriginwhichhiswholepersonalitydiffused。ForhewasnotwhollyaRussian，norcouldhehimselfsaypreciselywhohisforefathershadbeen。Yet，inasmuchasheaccountedgenealogicalresearchnopartofthescienceofestate-management，butameresuperfluity，helookeduponhimselfas，toallintentsandpurposes，anativeofRussia，andthemoresosincetheRussianlanguagewastheonlytongueheknew。
　　PlatonpresentedChichikov，andthepairexchangedgreetings。
　　“Togetridofmydepression，Constantine，“continuedPlaton，“Iamthinkingofaccompanyingourguestonatourthroughafewoftheprovinces。“
　　“Anexcellentidea，“saidKostanzhoglo。“Butpreciselywhither？”headded，turninghospitablytoChichikov。
　　“Totellyouthetruth，“repliedthatpersonagewithanaffableinclinationoftheheadashesmoothedthearmofhischairwithhishand，“Iamtravellinglessonmyownaffairsthanontheaffairsofothers。Thatistosay，GeneralBetristchev，anintimatefriend，and，Imightadd，agenerousbenefactor，ofmine，haschargedmewithcommissionstosomeofhisrelatives。Nevertheless，thoughrelativesarerelatives，ImaysaythatIamtravellingonmyownaccountaswell，inthat，inadditiontopossiblebenefittomyhealth，Idesiretoseetheworldandthewhirligigofhumanity，whichconstitute，sotospeak，alivingbook，asecondcourseofeducation。“
　　“Yes，thereisnoharminlookingatothercornersoftheworldbesidesone'sown。“
　　“Youspeaktruly。ThereISnoharminsuchaproceeding。Therebyonemayseethingswhichonehasnotbeforeencountered，onemaymeetmenwithwhomonehasnotbeforecomeincontact。Andwithsomemenofthatkindaconversationisaspreciousabenefitashasbeenconferreduponmebythepresentoccasion。Icometoyou，mostworthyConstantineThedorovitch，forinstruction，andagainforinstruction，andbegofyoutoassuagemythirstwithanexpositionofthetruthasitis。Ihungerforthefavourofyourwordsasformanna。“
　　“Buthowso？Whatcan_I_teachyou？”exclaimedKostanzhogloinconfusion。“Imyselfwasgivenbuttheplainestofeducations。“
　　“Nay，mostworthysir，youpossesswisdom，andagainwisdom。Wisdomonlycandirectthemanagementofagreatestate，thatcanderiveasoundincomefromthesame，thatcanacquirewealthofareal，notafictitious，orderwhilealsofulfillingthedutiesofacitizenandtherebyearningtherespectoftheRussianpublic。AllthisIprayyoutoteachme。“
　　“Itellyouwhat，“saidKostanzhoglo，lookingmeditativelyathisguest。“Youhadbetterstaywithmeforafewdays，andduringthattimeIcanshowyouhowthingsaremanagedhere，andexplaintoyoueverything。Thenyouwillseeforyourselfthatnogreatwisdomisrequiredforthepurpose。“
　　“Yes，certainlyyoumuststayhere，“putintheladyofthehouse。
　　Then，turningtoherbrother，sheadded：“Andyoutoomuststay。Whyshouldyoubeinsuchahurry？”
　　“Verywell，“hereplied。“ButwhatsayYOU，PaulIvanovitch？”
　　“Isaythesameasyou，andwithmuchpleasure，“repliedChichikov。
　　“ButalsoIoughttotellyouthis：thatthereisarelativeofGeneralBetristchev's，acertainColonelKoshkarev——“
　　“Yes，weknowhim；butheisquitemad。“
　　“Asyousay，heismad，andIshouldnothavebeenintendingtovisithim，wereitnotthatGeneralBetristchevisanintimatefriendofmine，aswellas，Imightadd，mymostgenerousbenefactor。“
　　“Then，“saidKostanzhoglo，“doyougoandseeColonelKoshkarevNOW。
　　Heliveslessthantenverstsfromhere，andIhaveagigalreadyharnessed。Gotohimatonce，andreturnherefortea。“
　　“Anexcellentidea！”criedChichikov，andwiththatheseizedhiscap。
　　Halfanhour'sdrivesufficedtobringhimtotheColonel'sestablishment。Thevillageattachedtothemanorwasinastateofutterconfusion，sinceineverydirectionbuildingandrepairingoperationswereinprogress，andthealleyswerechokedwithheapsoflime，bricks，andbeamsofwood。Also，someofthehutswerearrangedtoresembleoffices，andsuperscribedingiltletters“DepotforAgriculturalImplements，““ChiefOfficeofAccounts，““EstateWorksCommittee，““NormalSchoolfortheEducationofColonists，“andsoforth。
　　ChichikovfoundtheColonelpostedbehindadeskandholdingapenbetweenhisteeth。Withoutaninstant'sdelaythemasteroftheestablishment——whoseemedakindly，approachableman，andaccordedtohisvisitoraverycivilwelcome——plungedintoarecitalofthelabourwhichithadcosthimtobringthepropertytoitspresentconditionofaffluence。Thenhewentontolamentthefactthathecouldnotmakehispeasantryunderstandtheincentivestolabourwhichtherichesofscienceandartprovide；forinstance，hehadfailedtoinducehisfemaleserfstowearcorsets，whereasinGermany，wherehehadresidedforfourteenyears，everyhumblemiller'sdaughtercouldplaythepiano。Nonetheless，hesaid，hemeanttopegawayuntileverypeasantontheestateshould，ashewalkedbehindtheplough，indulgeinaregularcourseofreadingFranklin'sNotesonElectricity，Virgil'sGeorgics，orsomeworkonthechemicalpropertiesofsoil。
　　“Goodgracious！”mentallyexclaimedChichikov。“Why，ImyselfhavenothadtimetofinishthatbookbytheDuchessedelaValliere！”
　　MuchelsetheColonelsaid。Inparticulardidheaverthat，providedtheRussianpeasantcouldbeinducedtoarrayhimselfinGermancostume，sciencewouldprogress，tradeincrease，andtheGoldenAgedawninRussia。
　　ForawhileChichikovlistenedwithdistendedeyes。Thenhefeltconstrainedtointimatethatwithallthathehadnothingtodo，seeingthathisbusinesswasmerelytoacquireafewsouls，andthereaftertohavetheirpurchaseconfirmed。
　　“IfIunderstandyouaright，“saidtheColonel，“youwishtopresentaStatementofPlea？”
　　“Yes，thatisso。“
　　“Thenkindlyputitintowriting，anditshallbeforwardedtotheOfficefortheReceptionofReportsandReturns。ThereafterthatOfficewillconsiderit，andreturnittome，whowill，inturn，dispatchittotheEstateWorksCommittee，whowill，inturn，reviseit，andpresentittotheAdministrator，who，jointlywiththeSecretary，will——“
　　“Pardonme，“expostulatedChichikov，“butthatprocedurewilltakeupagreatdealoftime。WhyneedIputthematterintowritingatall？
　　Itissimplythis。Iwantafewsoulswhichare——well，whichare，sotospeak，dead。“
　　“Verygood，“commentedtheColonel。“DoyouwritedowninyourStatementofPleathatthesoulswhichyoudesireare，'sotospeak，dead。'“
　　“Butwhatwouldbetheuseofmydoingso？Thoughthesoulsaredead，mypurposerequiresthattheyshouldberepresentedasalive。“
　　“Verygood，“againcommentedtheColonel。“DoyouwritedowninyourStatementthat'itisnecessary'or，shouldyoupreferanalternativephrase，'itisrequested，'or'itisdesiderated，'or'itisprayed，'
　　'thatthesoulsberepresentedasalive。'Atallevents，WITHOUT
　　documentaryprocessofthatkind，themattercannotpossiblybecarriedthrough。Also，IwillappointaCommissionertoguideyouroundthevariousOffices。“
　　Andhesoundedabell；whereupontherepresentedhimselfamanwhom，addressingas“Secretary，“theColonelinstructedtosummonthe“Commissioner。“Thelatter，onappearing，wasseentohavetheair，halfofapeasant，halfofanofficial。
　　“Thisman，“theColonelsaidtoChichikov，“willactasyourescort。“
　　WhatcouldbedonewithalunaticlikeKoshkarev？Intheend，curiositymovedChichikovtoaccompanytheCommissioner。TheCommitteefortheReceptionofReportsandReturnswasdiscoveredtohaveputupitsshutters，andtohavelockeditsdoors，forthereasonthattheDirectoroftheCommitteehadbeentransferredtothenewly-formedCommitteeofEstateManagement，andhissuccessorhadbeenannexedbythesameCommittee。Next，ChichikovandhisescortrappedatthedoorsoftheDepartmentofEstateAffairs；butthatDepartment'squartershappenedtobeinastateofrepair，andnoonecouldbemadetoanswerthesummonssaveadrunkenpeasantfromwhomnotawordofsensewastobeextracted。Atlengththeescortfelthimselfremovedtoremark：
　　“Thereisadealoffoolishnessgoingonhere。Fellowslikethatdrunkardleadthebarinbythenose，andeverythingisruledbytheCommitteeofManagement，whichtakesmenfromtheirproperwork，andsetsthemtodoanyotheritlikes。Indeed，onlythroughtheCommitteedoesANYTHINGgetdone。“
　　BythistimeChichikovfeltthathehadseenenough；whereforehereturnedtotheColonel，andinformedhimthattheOfficefortheReceptionofReportsandReturnshadceasedtoexist。AtoncetheColonelflamedtonoblerage。PressingChichikov'shandintokenofgratitudefortheinformationwhichtheguesthadfurnished，hetookpaperandpen，andnotedeightsearchingquestionsunderthreeseparateheadings：1“WhyhastheCommitteeofManagementpresumedtoissueorderstoofficialsnotunderitsjurisdiction？”2“WhyhastheChiefManagerpermittedhispredecessor，thoughstillinretentionofhispost，tofollowhimtoanotherDepartment？”and3“WhyhastheCommitteeofEstateAffairssufferedtheOfficefortheReceptionofReportsandReturnstolapse？”
　　“Nowforarow！”thoughtChichikovtohimself，andturnedtodepart；
　　buthishoststoppedhim，saying：
　　“Icannotletyougo，for，inadditiontomyhonourhavingbecomeinvolved，itbehovesmetoshowmypeoplehowtheregular，theorganised，administrationofanestatemaybeconducted。HerewithI
　　willhandovertheconductofyouraffairtoamanwhoisworthalltherestofthestaffputtogether，andhashadauniversityeducation。Also，thebettertolosenotime，mayIhumblybegyoutostepintomylibrary，whereyouwillfindnotebooks，paper，pens，andeverythingelsethatyoumayrequire。Ofthesearticlespraymakefulluse，foryouareagentlemanofletters，anditisyourandmyjointdutytobringenlightenmenttoall。“
　　Sosaying，heusheredhisguestintoalargeroomlinedfromfloortoceilingwithbooksandstuffedspecimens。Thebooksinquestionweredividedintosections——asectiononforestry，asectiononcattle-breeding，asectionontheraisingofswine，andasectiononhorticulture，togetherwithspecialjournalsofthetypecirculatedmerelyforthepurposesofreference，andnotforgeneralreading。
　　Perceivingthattheseworkswerescarcelyofakindcalculatedtowhileawayanidlehour，Chichikovturnedtoasecondbookcase。Buttodosowastofalloutofthefrying-panintothefire，forthecontentsofthesecondbookcaseprovedtobeworksonphilosophy，while，inparticular，sixhugevolumesconfrontedhimunderalabelinscribed“APreparatoryCoursetotheProvinceofThought，withtheTheoryofCommunityofEffort，Co-operation，andSubsistence，initsApplicationtoaRightUnderstandingoftheOrganicPrinciplesofaMutualDivisionofSocialProductivity。“Indeed，wheresoeverChichikovlooked，everypagepresentedtohisvisionsomesuchwordsas“phenomenon，““development，““abstract，““contents，“and“synopsis。“
　　“Thisisnotthesortofthingforme，“hemurmured，andturnedhisattentiontoathirdbookcase，whichcontainedbooksontheArts。
　　Extractingahugetomeinwhichsomebynomeansreticentmythologicalillustrationswerecontained，hesethimselftoexaminethesepictures。Theywereofthekindwhichpleasesmostlymiddle-agedbachelorsandoldmenwhoareaccustomedtoseekintheballetandsimilarfrivolitiesafurtherspurtotheirwaningpassions。Havingconcludedhisexamination，ChichikovhadjustextractedanothervolumeofthesamespecieswhenColonelKoshkarevreturnedwithadocumentofsomesortandaradiantcountenance。
　　“Everythinghasbeencarriedthroughindueform！”hecried。“ThemanwhomImentionedisageniusindeed，andIintendnotonlytopromotehimovertherest，butalsotocreateforhimaspecialDepartment。
　　Herewithshallyouhearwhatasplendidintellectishis，andhowinafewminuteshehasputthewholeaffairinorder。“
　　“MaytheLordbethankedforthat！”thoughtChichikov。ThenhesettledhimselfwhiletheColonelreadaloud：
　　“'AftergivingfullconsiderationtotheReferencewhichyourExcellencyhasentrustedtome，Ihavethehonourtoreportasfollows：
　　“'1IntheStatementofPleapresentedbyonePaulIvanovitchChichikov，Gentleman，Chevalier，andCollegiateCouncillor，therelurksanerror，inthatanoversighthasledthePetitionertoapplytoRevisionalSoulstheterm“Dead。“Now，fromthecontextitwouldappearthatbythistermthePetitionerdesirestosignifySoulsApproachingDeathratherthanSoulsActuallyDeceased：whereforethetermemployedbetrayssuchanempiricalinstructioninlettersasmust，beyonddoubt，havebeenconfinedtotheVillageSchool，seeingthatintruththeSoulisDeathless。'
　　“Therascal！”Koshkarevbrokeofftoexclaimdelightedly。“Hehasgotyouthere，MonsieurChichikov。Andyouwilladmitthathehasasufficientlyincisivepen？
　　“'2OnthisEstatethereexistnoUnmortgagedSoulswhatsoever，whetherApproachingDeathorOtherwise；forthereasonthatallSoulsthereonhavebeenpledgednotonlyunderaFirstDeedofMortgage，butalsoforthesumofOneHundredandFiftyRoublesperSoulunderaSecond，——thevillageofGurmailovkaaloneexcepted，inthat，inconsequenceofaSuithavingbeenbroughtagainstLandownerPriadistchev，andofacaveathavingbeenpronouncedbytheLandCourt，andofsuchcaveathavingbeenpublishedinNo。42oftheGazetteofMoscow，thesaidVillagehascomewithintheJurisdictionoftheCourtAbove-Mentioned。“
　　“Whydidyounottellmeallthisbefore？”criedChichikovfuriously。
　　“Whyyouhavekeptmedancingaboutfornothing？”
　　“Becauseitwasabsolutelynecessarythatyoushouldviewthematterthroughformsofdocumentaryprocess。Thisisnojestonmypart。Theinexperiencedmayseethingssubconsciously，yetisimperativethatheshouldalsoseethemCONSCIOUSLY。“
　　ButtoChichikov'spatienceanendhadcome。Seizinghiscap，andcastingallceremonytothewinds，hefledfromthehouse，andrushedthroughthecourtyard。Asithappened，themanwhohaddrivenhimthitherhad，warnedbyexperience，nottroubledeventotakeoutthehorses，sinceheknewthatsuchaproceedingwouldhaveentailednotonlythepresentationofaStatementofPleaforfodder，butalsoadelayoftwenty-fourhoursuntiltheResolutiongrantingthesameshouldhavebeenpassed。NeverthelesstheColonelpursuedhisguesttothegates，andpressedhishandwarmlyashethankedhimforhavingenabledhimtheColonelthustoexhibitinoperationthepropermanagementofanestate。Also，hebeggedtostatethat，underthecircumstances，itwasabsolutelynecessarytokeepthingsmovingandcirculating，since，otherwise，slacknesswasapttosupervene，andtheworkingofthemachinetogrowrustyandfeeble；butthat，inspiteofall，thepresentoccasionhadinspiredhimwithahappyidea——namely，theideaofinstitutingaCommitteewhichshouldbeentitled“TheCommitteeofSupervisionoftheCommitteeofManagement，“andwhichshouldhaveforitsfunctionthedetectionofbackslidersamongthebodyfirstmentioned。
　　Itwaslatewhen，tiredanddissatisfied，ChichikovregainedKostanzhoglo'smansion。Indeed，thecandleshadlongbeenlit。
　　“Whathasdelayedyou？”askedthemasterofthehouseasChichikoventeredthedrawing-room。
　　“Yes，whathaskeptyouandtheColonelsolonginconversationtogether？”addedPlaton。
　　“This——thefactthatneverinmylifehaveIcomeacrosssuchanimbecile，“wasChichikov'sreply。
　　“Nevermind，“saidKostanzhoglo。“Koshkarevisamostreassuringphenomenon。Heisnecessaryinthatinhimweseeexpressedincaricatureallthemorecryingfolliesofourintellectuals——oftheintellectualswho，withoutfirsttroublingtomakethemselvesacquaintedwiththeirowncountry，borrowsillinessfromabroad。Yetthatishowcertainofourlandownersarenowcarryingon。Theyhavesetup'offices'andfactoriesandschoolsand'commissions，'andthedevilknowswhatelsebesides。Afinelotofwiseacres！AftertheFrenchWarin1812theyhadtoreconstructtheiraffairs：andseehowtheyhavedoneit！YetsomuchworsehavetheydoneitthanaFrenchmanwouldhavedonethatanyfoolofaPeterPetrovitchPietukhnowranksasagoodlandowner！”
　　“Buthehasmortgagedthewholeofhisestate？”remarkedChichikov。
　　“Yes，nowadayseverythingisbeingmortgaged，orisgoingtobe。“Thissaid，Kostanzhoglo'stemperrosestillfurther。“Outuponyourfactoriesofhatsandcandles！”hecried。“Outuponprocuringcandle-makersfromLondon，andthenturninglandownersintohucksters！
　　TothinkofaRussianpomiestchik[9]，amemberofthenoblestofcallings，conductingworkshopsandcottonmills！Why，itisforthewenchesoftownstohandleloomsformuslinandlace。“
　　[9]Landowner。
　　“Butyouyourselfmaintainworkshops？”remarkedPlaton。
　　“Ido；butwhoestablishedthem？Theyestablishedthemselves。Forinstance，woolhadaccumulated，andsinceIhadnowheretostoreit，I
　　begantoweaveitintocloth——but，markyou，onlyintogood，plainclothofwhichIcandisposeatacheaprateinthelocalmarkets，andwhichisneededbypeasants，includingmyown。Again，forsixyearsonenddidthefishfactorieskeepdumpingtheiroffalonmybankoftheriver；wherefore，atlast，astherewasnothingtobedonewithit，I
　　tooktoboilingitintoglue，andclearedfortythousandroublesbytheprocess。“
　　“Thedevil！”thoughtChichikovtohimselfashestaredathishost。
　　“Whatafistthismanhasformakingmoney！”
　　“AnotherreasonwhyIstartedthosefactories，“continuedKostanzhoglo，“isthattheymightgiveemploymenttomanypeasantswhowouldotherwisehavestarved。Yousee，theyearhappenedtohavebeenaleanone——thankstothosesameindustry-mongeringlandowners，inthattheyhadneglectedtosowtheircrops；andnowmyfactorieskeepgrowingattherateofafactoryayear，owingtothecircumstancethatsuchquantitiesofremnantsandcuttingsbecomesoaccumulatedthat，ifamanlookscarefullytohismanagement，hewillfindeverysortofrubbishtobecapableofbringinginareturn——yes，tothepointofhishavingtorejectmoneyonthepleathathehasnoneedofit。YetIdonotfindthattodoallthisIrequiretobuildamansionwithfacadesandpillars！”
　　“Marvellous！”exclaimedChichikov。“Beyondallthingsdoesitsurprisemethatrefusecanbesoutilised。“
　　“Yes，andthatiswhatcanbedonebySIMPLEmethods。Butnowadayseveryoneisamechanic，andwantstoopenthatmoneychestwithaninstrumentinsteadofsimply。ForthatpurposehehieshimtoEngland。
　　Yes，THATisthethingtodo。Whatfolly！”Kostanzhoglospatandadded：“Yetwhenhereturnsfromabroadheisahundredtimesmoreignorantthanwhenhewent。“
　　“Ah，Constantine，“putinhiswifeanxiously，“youknowhowbadforyouitistotalklikethis。“
　　“Yes，buthowamItohelplosingmytemper？Thethingtouchesmetooclosely，itvexesmetoodeeplytothinkthattheRussiancharactershouldbedegenerating。ForinthatcharactertherehasdawnedasortofQuixotismwhichneverusedtobethere。Yes，nosoonerdoesamangetalittleeducationintohisheadthanhebecomesaDonQuixote，andestablishesschoolsonhisestatesuchasevenamadmanwouldneverhavedreamedof。Andfromthatschoolthereissuesaworkmanwhoisgoodfornothing，whetherinthecountryorinthetown——afellowwhodrinksandisforeverstandingonhisdignity。Yetstillourlandownerskeeptakingtophilanthropy，toconvertingthemselvesintophilanthropicknights-errant，andspendingmillionsuponsenselesshospitalsandinstitutions，andsoruiningthemselvesandturningtheirfamiliesadrift。Yes，thatisallthatcomesofphilanthropy。“
　　Chichikov'sbusinesshadnothingtodowiththespreadofenlightenment，hewasbutseekinganopportunitytoinquirefurtherconcerningtheputtingofrefusetolucrativeuses；butKostanzhoglowouldnotlethimgetawordinedgeways，soirresistiblydidtheflowofsarcasticcommentpourfromthespeaker'slips。
　　“Yes，“wentonKostanzhoglo，“folkarealwaysschemingtoeducatethepeasant。Butfirstmakehimwell-offandagoodfarmer。THENhewilleducatehimselffastenough。Asthingsarenow，theworldhasgrownstupidtoadegreethatpassesbelief。Lookatthestuffourpresent-dayscribblerswrite！Letanysortofabookbepublished，andatonceyouwillseeeveryonemakingarushforit。Similarlywillyoufindfolksaying：'Thepeasantleadsanover-simplelife。Heoughttobefamiliarisedwithluxuries，andsoledtoyearnforthingsabovehisstation。'Andtheresultofsuchluxurieswillbethatthepeasantwillbecomearagratherthanaman，andsufferfromthedevilonlyknowswhatdiseases，untiltherewillremaininthelandnotaboyofeighteenwhowillnothaveexperiencedthewholegamutofthem，andfoundhimselfleftwithnotatoothinhisjawsorahaironhispate。
　　Yes，thatiswhatwillcomeofinfectingthepeasantwithsuchrubbish。But，thankGod，thereisstillonehealthyclasslefttous——aclasswhichhasnevertakenupwiththe'advantages'ofwhichI
　　speak。Forthatweoughttobegrateful。Andsince，evenyet，theRussianagriculturistremainsthemostrespect-worthymanintheland，whyshouldhebetouched？WouldtoGodeveryonewereanagriculturist！”
　　“Thenyoubelieveagriculturetobethemostprofitableofoccupations？”saidChichikov。
　　“Thebest，atallevents——ifnotthemostprofitable。'Inthesweatofthybrowshaltthoutilltheland。'Toquotethatrequiresnogreatwisdom，fortheexperienceofageshasshownusthat，intheagriculturalcalling，manhaseverremainedmoremoral，morepure，morenoblethaninanyother。OfcourseIdonotmeantoimplythatnoothercallingoughttobepractised：simplythatthecallinginquestionliesattherootofalltherest。Howevermuchfactoriesmaybeestablishedprivatelyorbythelaw，therewillstillliereadytoman'shandallthatheneeds——hewillstillrequirenoneofthoseamenitieswhicharesappingthevitalityofourpresent-dayfolk，noranyofthoseindustrialestablishmentswhichmaketheirprofit，andkeepthemselvesgoing，bycausingfoolishmeasurestobeadoptedwhich，intheend，areboundtodepraveandcorruptourunfortunatemasses。Imyselfamdeterminednevertoestablishanymanufacture，howeverprofitable，whichwillgiverisetoademandfor'higherthings，'suchassugarandtobacco——nonotifIloseamillionbymyrefusingtodoso。IfcorruptionMUSTovertaketheMIR，itshallnotbethroughmyhands。AndIthinkthatGodwilljustifymeinmyresolve。TwentyyearshaveIlivedamongthecommonfolk，andIknowwhatwillinevitablycomeofsuchthings。“
　　“Butwhatsurprisesmemost，“persistedChichikov，“isthatfromrefuseitshouldbepossible，withgoodmanagement，tomakesuchanimmensityofprofit。“
　　“Andasforpoliticaleconomy，“continuedKostanzhoglo，withoutnoticinghim，andwithhisfacechargedwithbilioussarcasm，“——asforpoliticaleconomy，itisafinethingindeed。Justonefoolsittingonanotherfool'sback，andflogginghimalong，eventhoughtheridercanseenofurtherthanhisownnose！Yetintothesaddlewillthatfoolclimb——spectaclesandall！Oh，thefolly，thefollyofsuchthings！”Andthespeakerspatderisively。
　　“Thatmaybetrue，“saidhiswife。“Yetyoumustnotgetangryaboutit。Surelyonecanspeakonsuchsubjectswithoutlosingone'stemper？”
　　“AsIlistentoyou，mostworthyConstantineThedorovitch，“Chichikovhastenedtoremark，“itbecomesplaintomethatyouhavepenetratedintothemeaningoflife，andlaidyourfingerupontheessentialrootofthematter。Yetsupposing，foramoment，weleavetheaffairsofhumanityingeneral，andturnourattentiontoapurelyindividualaffair，mightIaskyouhow，inthecaseofamanbecomingalandowner，andhavingamindtogrowwealthyasquicklyaspossibleinorderthathemayfulfilhisboundenobligationsasacitizen，hecanbestsetaboutit？”
　　“Howhecanbestsetaboutgrowingwealthy？”repeatedKostanzhoglo。
　　“Why，——“
　　“Letusgotosupper，“interruptedtheladyofthehouse，risingfromherchair，andmovingtowardsthecentreoftheroom，whereshewrappedhershiveringyoungforminashawl。Chichikovsprangupwiththealacrityofamilitaryman，offeredherhisarm，andescortedher，asonparade，tothedining-room，whereawaitingthemtherewasthesoup-toureen。Fromitthelidhadjustbeenremoved，andtheroomwasredolentofthefragrantodourofearlyspringrootsandherbs。Thecompanytooktheirseats，andatoncetheservantsplacedtheremainderofthedishesundercoversuponthetableandwithdrew，forKostanzhoglohatedtohaveservantslisteningtotheiremployers'
　　conversation，andobjectedstillmoretotheirstaringathimallthewhilethathewaseating。
　　Whenthesouphadbeenconsumed，andglassesofanexcellentvintageresemblingHungarianwinehadbeenpouredout，Chichikovsaidtohishost：
　　“Mostworthysir，allowmeoncemoretodirectyourattentiontothesubjectofwhichwewerespeakingatthepointwhentheconversationbecameinterrupted。YouwillrememberthatIwasaskingyouhowbestamancansetabout，proceedin，thematterofgrowing……“
　　[Herefromtheoriginaltwopagesaremissing。]……“Apropertyforwhich，hadheaskedfortythousand，Ishouldstillhavedemandedareduction。“
　　“Hm！”thoughtChichikov；thenaddedaloud：“Butwhydoyounotpurchaseityourself？”
　　“Becausetoeverythingtheremustbeassignedalimit。Alreadymypropertykeepsmesufficientlyemployed。Moreover，IshouldcauseourlocaldvorianetobegincryingoutinchorusthatIamexploitingtheirextremities，theirruinedposition，forthepurposeofacquiringlandforunderitsvalue。OfthatIamweary。“
　　“Howreadilyfolkspeakevil！”exclaimedChichikov。
　　“Yes，andtheamountofevil-speakinginourprovincesurpassesbelief。Neverwillyouhearmynamementionedwithoutmybeingcalledalsoamiserandausureroftheworstpossiblesort；whereasmyaccusersjustifythemselvesineverything，andsaythat，'thoughwehavewastedourmoney，wehavestartedademandforthehigheramenitiesoflife，andthereforeencouragedindustrywithourwastefulness，afarbetterwayofdoingthingsthanthatpractisedbyKostanzhoglo，wholiveslikeapig。'“
　　“Would_I_couldliveinyour'piggish'fashion！”ejaculatedChichikov。
　　“Andsoforth，andsoforth。Yetwhatarethe'higheramenitiesoflife'？Whatgoodcantheydotoanyone？Evenifalandownerofthedaysetsupalibrary，heneverlooksatasinglebookinit，butsoonrelapsesintocard-playing——theusualpursuit。YetfolkcallmenamessimplybecauseIdonotwastemymeansuponthegivingofdinners！OnereasonwhyIdonotgivesuchdinnersisthattheywearyme；andanotherreasonisthatIamnotusedtothem。Butcomeyoutomyhouseforthepurposeoftakingpotluck，andIshallbedelightedtoseeyou。Also，folkfoolishlysaythatIlendmoneyoninterest；whereasthetruthisthatifyoushouldcometomewhenyouarereallyinneed，andshouldexplaintomeopenlyhowyouproposetoemploymymoney，andIshouldperceivethatyouarepurposingtousethatmoneywisely，andthatyouarereallylikelytoprofitthereby——well，inthatcaseyouwouldfindmereadytolendyouallthatyoumightaskwithoutinterestatall。“
　　“Thatisathingwhichitiswelltoknow，“reflectedChichikov。
　　“Yes，“repeatedKostanzhoglo，“underthosecircumstancesIshouldneverrefuseyoumyassistance。ButIdoobjecttothrowingmymoneytothewinds。Pardonmeforexpressingmyselfsoplainly。Tothinkoflendingmoneytoamanwhoismerelydevisingadinnerforhismistress，orplanningtofurnishhishouselikealunatic，orthinkingoftakinghisparamourtoamaskedballorajubileeinhonourofsomeonewhohadbetterneverhavebeenborn！”
　　And，spitting，hecameneartoventingsomeexpressionwhichwouldscarcelyhavebeenbecominginthepresenceofhiswife。Overhisfacethedarkshadowofhypochondriahadcastacloud，andfurrowshadformedonhisbrowandtemples，andhiseverygesturebespoketheinfluenceofahot，nervousrancour。
　　“Butallowmeoncemoretodirectyourattentiontothesubjectofourrecentlyinterruptedconversation，“persistedChichikovashesippedaglassofexcellentraspberrywine。“Thatistosay，supposingIweretoacquirethepropertywhichyouhavebeengoodenoughtobringtomynotice，howlongwouldittakemetogrowrich？”
　　“Thatwoulddependonyourself，“repliedKostanzhoglowithgrimabruptnessandevidentill-humour。“Youmighteithergrowrichquicklyoryoumightnevergrowrichatall。Ifyoumadeupyourmindtogrowrich，soonerorlateryouwouldfindyourselfawealthyman。“
　　“Indeed？”ejaculatedChichikov。
　　“Yes，“repliedKostanzhoglo，assharplyasthoughhewereangrywithChichikov。“Youwouldmerelyneedtobefondofwork：otherwiseyouwouldeffectnothing。Themainthingistolikelookingafteryourproperty。Believeme，youwouldnevergrowwearyofdoingso。Peoplewouldhaveitthatlifeinthecountryisdull；whereas，ifIweretospendasingledayasitisspentbysomefolk，withtheirstupidclubsandtheirrestaurantsandtheirtheatres，Ishoulddieofennui。
　　Thefools，theidiots，thegenerationsofblinddullards！Butalandownerneverfindsthedayswearisome——hehasnotthetime。Inhislifenotamomentremainsunoccupied；itisfulltothebrim。Andwithitallgoesanendlessvarietyofoccupations。Andwhatoccupations！
　　Occupationswhichgenuinelyupliftthesoul，seeingthatthelandownerwalkswithnatureandtheseasonsoftheyear，andtakespartin，andisintimatewith，everythingwhichisevolvedbycreation。Forletuslookattheroundoftheyear'slabours。Evenbeforespringhasarrivedtherewillhavebegunageneralwatchingandawaitingforit，andapreparingforsowing，andanapportioningofcrops，andameasuringofseedgrainbybyres，anddryingofseed，andadividingoftheworkersintoteams。Foreverythingneedstobeexaminedbeforehand，andcalculationsmustbemadeattheverystart。Andassoonasevertheiceshallhavemelted，andtheriversbeflowing，andthelandhavedriedsufficientlytobeworkable，thespadewillbeginitstaskinkitchenandflowergarden，andtheploughandtheharrowtheirtasksinthefield；untileverywheretherewillbetillingandsowingandplanting。Anddoyouunderstandwhatthesumofthatlabourwillmean？Itwillmeanthattheharvestisbeingsown，thatthewelfareoftheworldisbeingsown，thatthefoodofmillionsisbeingputintotheearth。Andthereafterwillcomesummer，theseasonofreaping，endlessreaping；forsuddenlythecropswillhaveripened，andrye-sheafwillbelyingheapeduponrye-sheaf，with，elsewhere，stocksofbarley，andofoats，andofwheat。Andeverythingwillbeteemingwithlife，andnotamomentwillthereneedtobelost，seeingthat，hadyoueventwentyeyes，youwouldhaveneedforthemall。Andaftertheharvestfestivitiestherewillbegraintobecartedtobyreorstackedinricks，andstorestobepreparedforthewinter，andstorehousesandkilnsandcattle-shedstobecleanedforthesamepurpose，andthewomentobeassignedtheirtasks，andthetotalsofeverythingtobecalculated，sothatonemayseethevalueofwhathasbeendone。Andlastlywillcomewinter，whenineverythreshing-floortheflailwillbeworking，andthegrain，whenthreshed，willneedtobecarriedfrombarntobinn，andthemillsrequiretobeseento，andtheestatefactoriestobeinspected，andtheworkmen'shutstobevisitedforthepurposeofascertaininghowthemuzhikisfaringfor，givenacarpenterwhoiscleverwithhistools，I，forone，amonlytoogladtospendanhourortwoinhiscompany，socheeringtomeislabour。Andif，inaddition，onediscernstheendtowhicheverythingismoving，andthemannerinwhichthethingsofearthareeverywheremultiplyingandmultiplying，andbringingforthmoreandmorefruittoone'sprofiting，Icannotadequatelyexpresswhattakesplaceinaman'ssoul。Andthat，notbecauseofthegrowthinhiswealth——moneyismoneyandnomore——butbecausehewillfeelthateverythingistheworkofhisownhands，andthathehasbeenthecauseofeverything，anditscreator，andthatfromhim，asfromamagician，therehasflowedbountyandgoodnessforall。Inwhatothercallingwillyoufindsuchdelightsinprospect？”Ashespoke，Kostanzhogloraisedhisface，anditbecameclearthatthewrinkleshadfledfromit，andthat，liketheTsaronthesolemndayofhiscrowning，Kostanzhoglo'swholeformwasdiffusinglight，andhisfeatureshadinthemagentleradiance。“Inalltheworld，“herepeated，“youwillfindnojoyslikethese，forhereinmanimitatestheGodwhoprojectedcreationasthesupremehappiness，andnowdemandsofmanthathe，too，shouldactasthecreatorofprosperity。Yettherearefolkwhocallsuchfunctionstedious！”
　　Kostanzhoglo'smellifluousperiodsfelluponChichikov'searlikethenotesofabirdofparadise。Fromtimetotimehegulped，andhissoftenedeyesexpressedthepleasurewhichitgavehimtolisten。
　　“Constantine，itistimetoleavethetable，“saidtheladyofthehouse，risingfromherseat。Everyonefollowedherexample，andChichikovonceagainactedashishostess'sescort——althoughwithlessdexterityofdeportmentthanbefore，owingtothefactthatthistimehisthoughtswereoccupiedwithmoreessentialmattersofprocedure。
　　“Inspiteofwhatyousay，“remarkedPlatonashewalkedbehindthepair，“I，formypart，findthesethingswearisome。“
　　Butthemasterofthehousepaidnoattentiontohisremark，forhewasreflectingthathisguestwasnofool，butamanofseriousthoughtandspeechwhodidnottakethingslightly。And，withthethought，Kostanzhoglogrewlighterinsoul，asthoughhehadwarmedhimselfwithhisownwords，andwereexultinginthefactthathehadfoundsomeonecapableoflisteningtogoodadvice。
　　Whentheyhadsettledthemselvesinthecosy，candle-lighteddrawing-room，withitsbalconyandtheglassdooropeningoutintothegarden——adoorthroughwhichthestarscouldbeseenglitteringamidtheslumberingtopsofthetrees——Chichikovfeltmorecomfortablethanhehaddoneformanyadaypast。Itwasasthough，afterlongjourneying，hisownroof-treehadreceivedhimoncemore——hadreceivedhimwhenhisquesthadbeenaccomplished，whenallthathewishedforhadbeengained，whenhistravelling-staffhadbeenlaidasidewiththewords“Itisfinished。“Andofthisseductiveframeofmindthetruesourcehadbeentheeloquentdiscourseofhishospitablehost。
　　Yes，foreverymanthereexistcertainthingswhich，instantlythattheyaresaid，seemtotouchhimmoreclosely，moreintimately，thananythinghasdonebefore。Norisitanuncommonoccurrencethatinthemostunexpectedfashion，andinthemostretiredofretreats，onewillsuddenlycomefacetofacewithamanwhoseburningperiodswillleadonetoforgetoneselfandthetracklessnessoftherouteandthediscomfortofone'snightlyhalting-places，andthefutilityofcrazesandthefalsenessoftricksbywhichonehumanbeingdeceivesanother。
　　Andatoncetherewillbecomeengravenuponone'smemory——vividly，andforalltime——theeveningthusspent。Andofthateveningone'sremembrancewillholdtrue，bothastowhowaspresent，andwhereeachsuchpersonsat，andwhatheorshewaswearing，andwhatthewallsandthestoveandothertriflingfeaturesoftheroomlookedlike。
　　InthesamewaydidChichikovnoteeachdetailthatevening——boththeappointmentsoftheagreeable，butnotluxuriouslyfurnished，room，andthegood-humouredexpressionwhichreignedonthefaceofthethoughtfulhost，andthedesignofthecurtains，andtheamber-mountedpipesmokedbyPlaton，andthewayinwhichhekeptpuffingsmokeintothefatjowlofthedogYarb，andthesneezewhich，oneachsuchoccasion，Yarbvented，andthelaughterofthepleasant-facedhostessthoughalwaysfollowedbythewords“Praydonotteasehimanymore“
　　andthecheerfulcandle-light，andthecricketchirpinginacorner，andtheglassdoor，andthespringnightwhich，layingitselbowsuponthetree-tops，andspangledwithstars，andvocalwiththenightingaleswhichwerepouringforthwarbleddittiesfromtherecessesofthefoliage，keptglancingthroughthedoor，andregardingthecompanywithin。
　　“Howitdelightsmetohearyourwords，goodConstantineThedorovitch！”saidChichikov。“Indeed，nowhereinRussiahaveImetwithamanofequalintellect。“
　　Kostanzhoglosmiled，whilerealisingthatthecomplimentwasscarcelydeserved。
　　“IfyouwantamanofGENUINEintellect，“hesaid，“Icantellyouofone。Heisamanwhosebootsolesareworthmorethanmywholebody。“
　　“Whomayhebe？”askedChichikovinastonishment。
　　“Murazov，ourlocalCommissionerofTaxes。“
　　“Ah！Ihaveheardofhimbefore，“remarkedChichikov。
　　“Heisamanwho，werehenotthedirectorofanestate，mightwellbeadirectoroftheEmpire。AndweretheEmpireundermydirection，I
　　shouldatonceappointhimmyMinisterofFinance。“
　　“Ihaveheardtalesbeyondbeliefconcerninghim——forinstance，thathehasacquiredtenmillionroubles。“
　　“Ten？Morethanforty。SoonhalfRussiawillbeinhishands。“
　　“Youdon'tsayso？”criedChichikovinamazement。
　　“Yes，certainly。Themanwhohasonlyahundredthousandroublestoworkwithgrowsrichbutslowly，whereashewhohasmillionsathisdisposalcanoperateoveragreaterradius，andsobackwhatsoeverheundertakeswithtwiceorthricethemoneywhichcanbebroughtagainsthim。Consequentlyhisfieldbecomessospaciousthatheendsbyhavingnorivals。Yes，noonecancompetewithhim，and，whatsoeverpricehemayfixforagivencommodity，atthatpriceitwillhavetoremain，norwillanymanbeabletooutbidit。“
　　“MyGod！”mutteredChichikov，crossinghimself，andstaringatKostanzhoglowithhisbreathcatchinginhisthroat。“Themindcannotgraspit——itpetrifiesone'sthoughtswithawe。YouseefolkmarvellingatwhatSciencehasachievedinthematterofinvestigatingthehabitsofcowbugs，buttomeitisafarmoremarvellousthingthatinthehandsofasinglemortaltherecanbecomeaccumulatedsuchgiganticsumsofmoney。ButmayIaskwhetherthegreatfortuneofwhichyouspeakhasbeenacquiredthroughhonestmeans？”
　　“Yes；throughmeansofthemostirreproachablekind——throughthemosthonourableofmethods。“
　　“YetsoimprobabledoesitseemthatIcanscarcelybelieveit。
　　ThousandsIcouldunderstand，butmillions——！”
　　“Onthecontrary，tomakethousandshonestlyisafarmoredifficultmatterthantomakemillions。Millionsareeasilycomeby，foramillionairehasnoneedtoresorttocrookedways；thewayliesstraightbeforehim，andheneedsbuttoannexwhatsoeverhecomesacross。Norivalwillspringuptoopposehim，fornorivalwillbesufficientlystrong，andsincethemillionairecanoperateoveranextensiveradius，hecanbringasIhavesaidtwoorthreeroublestobearuponanyoneelse'sone。Consequently，whatinterestwillhederivefromathousandroubles？Why，tenortwentypercent。attheleast。“
　　“Anditisbeyondmeasuremarvellousthatthewholeshouldhavestartedfromasinglekopeck。“
　　“Haditstartedotherwise，thethingcouldneverhavebeendoneatall。Suchisthenormalcourse。Hewhoisbornwiththousands，andisbroughtuptothousands，willneveracquireasinglekopeckmore，forhewillhavebeensetupwiththeamenitiesoflifeinadvance，andsonevercometostandinneedofanything。Itisnecessarytobeginfromthebeginningratherthanfromthemiddle；fromakopeckratherthanfromarouble；fromthebottomratherthanfromthetop。Foronlythuswillamangettoknowthemenandconditionsamongwhichhiscareerwillhavetobecarved。Thatistosay，throughencounteringtheroughandthetumbleoflife，andthroughlearningthateverykopeckhastobebeatenoutwithathree-kopecknail，andthroughworstingknaveafterknave，hewillacquiresuchadegreeofperspicuityandwarinessthathewillerrinnothingwhichhemaytackle，andnevercometoruin。Believeme，itisso。Thebeginning，andnotthemiddle，istherightstartingpoint。Noonewhocomestomeandsays，'Givemeahundredthousandroubles，andIwillgrowrichinnotime，'doIbelieve，forheislikelytomeetwithfailureratherthanwiththesuccessofwhichheissoassured。'Tiswithakopeck，andwithakopeckonly，thatamanmustbegin。“
　　“Ifthatisso，_I_shallgrowrich，“saidChichikov，involuntarilyrememberingthedeadsouls。“Forofasurety_I_beganwithnothing。“
　　“Constantine，prayallowPaulIvanovitchtoretiretorest，“putintheladyofthehouse。“Itishightime，andIamsureyouhavetalkedenough。“
　　“Yes，beyondadoubtyouwillgrowrich，“continuedKostanzhoglo，withoutheedinghiswife。“Fortowardsyoutherewillrunriversandriversofgold，untilyouwillnotknowwhattodowithallyourgains。“
　　Asthoughspellbound，Chichikovsatinanaureateworldofever-growingdreamsandfantasies。Allhisthoughtswereinawhirl，andonacarpetoffuturewealthhistumultuousimaginationwasweavinggoldenpatterns，whileeverinhisearswereringingthewords，“towardsyoutherewillrunriversandriversofgold。“
　　“Really，Constantine，DOallowPaulIvanovitchtogotobed。“
　　“Whatonearthisthematter？”retortedthemasterofthehouseholdtestily。“Praygoyourselfifyouwishto。“Thenhestoppedshort，forthesnoringofPlatonwasfillingthewholeroom，andalso——outrivallingit——thatofthedogYarb。ThiscausedKostanzhoglotorealisethatbedtimereallyhadarrived；wherefore，afterhehadshakenPlatonoutofhisslumbers，andbiddenChichikovgoodnight，alldispersedtotheirseveralchambers，andbecameplungedinsleep。
　　All，thatistosay，exceptChichikov，whosethoughtsremainedwakeful，andwhokeptwonderingandwonderinghowbesthecouldbecometheowner，notofafictitious，butofareal，estate。Theconversationwithhishosthadmadeeverythingclear，hadmadethepossibilityofhisacquiringrichesmanifest，hadmadethedifficultartofestatemanagementatonceeasyandunderstandable；untilitwouldseemasthoughparticularlywashisnatureadaptedformasteringtheartinquestion。Allthathewouldneedtodowouldbetomortgagethedeadsouls，andthentosetupagenuineestablishment。AlreadyhesawhimselfactingandadministeringasKostanzhoglohadadvisedhim——energetically，andthroughpersonaloversight，andundertakingnothingnewuntiltheoldhadbeenthoroughlylearned，andviewingeverythingwithhisowneyes，andmakinghimselffamiliarwitheachmemberofhispeasantry，andabjuringallsuperfluities，andgivinghimselfuptohardworkandhusbandry。Yes，alreadycouldhetastethepleasurewhichwouldbehiswhenhehadbuiltupacompleteindustrialorganisation，andthespringsoftheindustrialmachinewereinvigorousworkingorder，andeachhadbecomeabletoreinforcetheother。Labourshouldbekeptinactiveoperation，and，evenas，inamill，flourcomesflowingfromgrain，soshouldcash，andyetmorecash，comeflowingfromeveryatomofrefuseandremnant。AndallthewhilehecouldseebeforehimthelandownerwhowasoneoftheleadingmeninRussia，andforwhomhehadconceivedsuchanunboundedrespect。HithertoonlyforrankorforopulencehadChichikovrespectedaman——neverformereintellectualpower；butnowhemadeafirstexceptioninfavourofKostanzhoglo，seeingthathefeltthatnothingundertakenbyhishostcouldpossiblycometonaught。AndanotherprojectwhichwasoccupyingChichikov'smindwastheprojectofpurchasingtheestateofacertainlandownernamedKhlobuev。
　　AlreadyChichikovhadathisdisposaltenthousandroubles，andafurtherfifteenthousandhewouldtryandborrowofKostanzhogloseeingthatthelatterhadhimselfsaidthathewaspreparedtohelpanyonewhoreallydesiredtogrowrich；while，asfortheremainder，hewouldeitherraisethesumbymortgagingtheestateorforceKhlobuevtowaitforit——justtotellhimtoresorttothecourtsifsuchmightbehispleasure。
　　Longdidourheroponderthescheme；untilatlengththeslumberwhichhad，thesefourhourspast，beenholdingtherestofthehouseholdinitsembracesenfoldedalsoChichikov，andhesankintooblivion。
　　CHAPTERIV
　　Nextday，withPlatonandConstantine，ChichikovsetforthtointerviewKhlobuev，theownerwhoseestateConstantinehadconsentedtohelpChichikovtopurchasewithanon-interest-bearing，uncovenantedloanoftenthousandroubles。Naturally，ourherowasinthehighestofspirits。ForthefirstfifteenverstsorsotheroadledthroughforestlandandtillagebelongingtoPlatonandhisbrother-in-law；butdirectlythelimitofthesedomainswasreached，forestlandbegantobereplacedwithswamp，andtillagewithwaste。
　　Also，thevillageinKhlobuev'sestatehadaboutitadesertedair，andasfortheproprietorhimself，hewasdiscoveredinastateofdrowsydishevelment，havingnotlonglefthisbed。Amanofaboutforty，hehadhiscravatcrooked，hisfrockcoatadornedwithalargestain，andoneofhisbootswornthrough。Neverthelessheseemeddelightedtoseehisvisitors。
　　“What？”heexclaimed。“ConstantineThedorovitchandPlatonMikhalitch？
　　ReallyImustrubmyeyes！NeveragaininthisworlddidIlooktoseecallersarriving。Asarule，folkavoidmelikethedevil，fortheycannotdisabusetheirmindsoftheideathatIamgoingtoaskthemforaloan。Yes，itismyownfault，Iknow，butwhatwouldyou？Totheendwillswinecheatswine。Prayexcusemycostume。Youwillobservethatmybootsareinholes。ButhowcanIaffordtogetthemmended？”
　　“Nevermind，“saidConstantine。“Wehavecomeonbusinessonly。MayI
　　presenttoyouapossiblepurchaserofyourestate，inthepersonofPaulIvanovitchChichikov？”
　　“Iamindeedgladtomeetyou！”wasKhlobuev'sresponse。“Prayshakehandswithme，PaulIvanovitch。“
　　Chichikovofferedonehand，butnotboth。
　　“Icanshowyouapropertyworthyourattention，“wentonthemasteroftheestate。“MayIaskifyouhaveyetdined？”
　　“Yes，wehave，“putinConstantine，desirousofescapingassoonaspossible。“Tosaveyoufurthertrouble，letusgoandviewtheestateatonce。“
　　“Verywell，“repliedKhlobuev。“Praycomeandinspectmyirregularitiesandfutilities。Youhavedonewelltodinebeforehand，fornotsomuchasafowlisleftintheplace，sodirearetheextremitiestowhichyouseemereduced。“
　　Sighingdeeply，hetookPlatonbythearmitwasclearthathedidnotlookforanysympathyfromConstantineandwalkedahead，whileConstantineandChichikovfollowed。
　　“Thingsaregoinghardwithme，PlatonMikhalitch，“continuedKhlobuev。“Howhardyoucannotimagine。NomoneyhaveI，nofood，noboots。WereIstillyoungandabachelor，itwouldhavecomeeasytometoliveonbreadandcheese；butwhenamanisgrowingold，andhasgotawifeandfivechildren，suchtrialspressheavilyuponhim，and，inspiteofhimself，hisspiritssink。“
　　“But，shouldyousucceedinsellingtheestate，thatwouldhelptoputyouright，woulditnot？”saidPlaton。
　　“Howcoulditdoso？”repliedKhlobuevwithadespairinggesture。
　　“WhatImightgetforthepropertywouldhavetogotowardsdischargingmydebts，andIshouldfindmyselfleftwithlessthanathousandroublesbesides。“
　　“Thenwhatdoyouintendtodo？”
　　“Godknows。“
　　“ButisthereNOTHINGtowhichyoucouldsetyourhandinordertoclearyourselfofyourdifficulties？”
　　“Howcouldtherebe？”
　　“Well，youmightacceptaGovernmentpost。“
　　“Becomeaprovincialsecretary，youmean？HowcouldIobtainsuchapost？Theywouldnotoffermeoneofthemeanestpossiblekind。Evensupposingthattheydid，howcouldIliveonasalaryoffivehundredroubles——Iwhohaveawifeandfivechildren？”
　　“Thentryandobtainabailiff'spost。“
　　“Whowouldentrusttheirpropertytoamanwhohassquanderedhisownestate？”
　　“Nevertheless，whendeathanddestitutionthreaten，amanmusteitherdosomethingorstarve。ShallIaskmybrothertousehisinfluencetoprocureyouapost？”
　　“No，no，PlatonMikhalitch，“sighedKhlobuev，grippingtheother'shand。“Iamnolongerserviceable——Iamgrownoldbeforemytime，andfindthatliverandrheumatismarepayingmeforthesinsofmyyouth。
　　WhyshouldtheGovernmentbeputtoalossonmyaccount？——nottospeakofthefactthatforeverysalariedposttherearecountlessnumbersofapplicants。Godforbidthat，inordertoprovidemewithalivelihoodfurtherburdensshouldbeimposeduponanimpoverishedpublic！”
　　“Sucharetheresultsofimprovidentmanagement！”thoughtPlatontohimself。“Thediseaseisevenworsethanmyslothfulness。“
　　MeanwhileKostanzhoglo，walkingbyChichikov'sside，wasalmosttakingleaveofhissenses。
　　“Lookatit！”hecriedwithawaveofhishand。“Seetowhatwretchednessthepeasanthasbecomereduced！Shouldcattlediseasecome，Khlobuevwillhavenothingtofallbackupon，butwillbeforcedtosellhisall——toleavethepeasantwithoutahorse，andthereforewithoutthemeanstolabour，eventhoughthelossofasingleday'sworkmaytakeyearsoflabourtorectify。Meanwhileitisplainthatthelocalpeasanthasbecomeameredissolute，lazydrunkard。Giveamuzhikenoughtoliveuponfortwelvemonthswithoutworking，andyouwillcorrupthimforever，soinuredtoragsandvagrancywillhegrow。Andwhatisthegoodofthatpieceofpasturethere——ofthatpieceonthefurthersideofthosehuts？Itisamerefloodedtract。
　　Wereitmine，Ishouldputitunderflax，andclearfivethousandroubles，orelsesowitwithturnips，andclear，perhaps，fourthousand。Andseehowtheryeisdrooping，andnearlylaid。Asforwheat，Iamprettysurethathehasnotsownany。Look，too，atthoseravines！Weretheymine，theywouldbestandingundertimberwhichevenarookcouldnottop。Tothinkofwastingsuchquantitiesofland！Wherelandwouldn'tbearcorn，Ishoulddigitup，andplantitwithvegetables。WhatoughttobedoneisthatKhlobuevoughttotakeaspadeintohisownhands，andtosethiswifeandchildrenandservantstodothesame；andeveniftheydiedoftheexertion，theywouldatleastdiedoingtheirduty，andnotthroughguzzlingatthedinnertable。“
　　Thissaid，Kostanzhoglospat，andhisbrowflushedwithgrimindignation。
　　Presentlytheyreachedanelevationwhencethedistantflashingofariver，withitsfloodwatersandsubsidiarystreams，caughttheeye，while，furtheroff，aportionofGeneralBetristchev'shomesteadcouldbediscernedamongthetrees，and，overit，ablue，denselywoodedhillwhichChichikovguessedtobethespotwhereTientietnikov'smansionwassituated。
　　“ThisiswhereIshouldplanttimber，“saidChichikov。“And，regardedasasiteforamanorhouse，thesituationcouldscarcelybebeatenforbeautyofview。“
　　“Youseemtogetgreatstoreuponviewsandbeauty，“remarkedKostanzhoglowithreproofinhistone。“Shouldyoupaytoomuchattentiontothosethings，youmightfindyourselfwithoutcropsorview。Utilityshouldbeplacedfirst，notbeauty。Beautywillcomeofitself。Take，forexample，towns。Thefairestandmostbeautifultownsarethosewhichhavebuiltthemselves——thoseinwhicheachmanhasbuilttosuithisownexclusivecircumstancesandneeds；whereastownswhichmenhaveconstructedonregular，string-tautlinesarenobetterthancollectionsofbarracks。Putbeautyaside，andlookonlytowhatisNECESSARY。“
　　“Yes，buttomeitwouldalwaysbeirksometohavetowait。AllthetimethatIwasdoingsoIshouldbehungeringtoseeinfrontofthemethesortofprospectwhichIprefer。“
　　“Come，come！Areyouamanoftwenty-five——youwhohaveservedasatchinovnikinSt。Petersburg？Havepatience，havepatience。Forsixyearswork，andworkhard。Plant，sow，anddigtheearthwithouttakingamoment'srest。Itwillbedifficult，Iknow——yes，difficultindeed；butattheendofthattime，ifyouhavethoroughlystirredthesoil，thelandwillbegintohelpyouasnothingelsecando。Thatistosay，overandaboveyourseventyorsopairsofhands，therewillbegintoassistintheworksevenhundredpairsofhandswhichyoucannotsee。Thuseverythingwillbemultipliedtenfold。Imyselfhaveceasedeventohavetoliftafinger，forwhatsoeverneedstobedonegetsdoneofitself。Naturelovespatience：alwaysrememberthat。
　　ItisalawgivenherofGodHimself，whohasblessedallthosewhoarestrongtoendure。“
　　“Tohearyourwordsistobebothencouragedandstrengthened，“saidChichikov。TothisKostanzhoglomadenoreply，butpresentlywenton：
　　“Andseehowthatpieceoflandhasbeenploughed！TostayherelongerismorethanIcando。Forme，tohavetolookuponsuchwantoforderlinessandforesightisdeath。FinishyourbusinesswithKhlobuevwithoutme，andwhatsoeveryoudo，getthistreasureoutofthatfool'shandsasquicklyaspossible，forheisdishonouringGod'sgifts。“
　　AndKostanzhoglo，hisfacedarkwiththeragethatwasseethinginhisexcitablesoul，leftChichikov，andcaughtuptheowneroftheestablishment。
　　“What，ConstantineThedorovitch？”criedKhlobuevinastonishment。
　　“Justarrived，youaregoingalready？”
　　“Yes；Icannothelpit；urgentbusinessrequiresmeathome。“Andenteringhisgig，Kostanzhoglodroverapidlyaway。SomehowKhlobuevseemedtodivinethecauseofhissuddendeparture。
　　“Itwastoomuchforhim，“heremarked。“Anagriculturistofthatkinddoesnotliketohavetolookupontheresultsofsuchfecklessmanagementasmine。Wouldyoubelieveit，PaulIvanovitch，butthisyearIhavebeenunabletosowanywheat！AmInotafinehusbandman？
　　Therewasnoseedforthepurpose，noryetanythingwithwhichtopreparetheground。No，IamnotlikeConstantineThedorovitch，who，I
　　hear，isaperfectNapoleoninhisparticularline。Againandagainthethoughtoccurstome，'Whyhassomuchintellectbeenputintothathead，andonlyadroportwointomyowndullpate？'Takecareofthatpuddle，gentlemen。Ihavetoldmypeasantstolaydownplanksforthespring，buttheyhavenotdoneso。Neverthelessmyheartachesforthepoorfellows，fortheyneedagoodexample，andwhatsortofanexampleamI？Howam_I_togivethemorders？Praytakethemunderyourcharge，PaulIvanovitch，forIcannotteachthemorderlinessandmethodwhenImyselflackboth。Asamatteroffact，Ishouldhavegiventhemtheirfreedomlongago，hadtherebeenanyuseinmydoingso；forevenIcanseethatpeasantsmustfirstbeaffordedthemeansofearningalivelihoodbeforetheycanlive。Whattheyneedisastern，yetjust，masterwhoshalllivewiththem，dayin，dayout，andsetthemanexampleoftirelessenergy。Thepresent-dayRussian——I
　　knowofitmyself——ishelplesswithoutadriver。Withoutonehefallsasleep，andthemouldgrowsoverhim。“
　　“YetIcannotunderstandWHYheshouldfallasleepandgrowmouldyinthatfashion，“saidPlaton。“Whyshouldheneedcontinualsurveillancetokeephimfromdegeneratingintoadrunkardandagood-for-nothing？”
　　“Thecauseislackofenlightenment，“saidChichikov。
　　“Possibly——onlyGodknows。Yetenlightenmenthasreachedusrightenough。Dowenotattenduniversitylecturesandeverythingelsethatisbefitting？Takemyowneducation。Ilearntnotonlytheusualthings，butalsotheartofspendingmoneyuponthelatestrefinement，thelatestamenity——theartoffamiliarisingoneselfwithwhatsoevermoneycanbuy。How，then，canitbesaidthatIwaseducatedfoolishly？Andmycomrades'educationwasthesame。Afewofthemsucceededinannexingthecreamofthings，forthereasonthattheyhadthewittodoso，andtherestspenttheirtimeindoingtheirbesttoruintheirhealthandsquandertheirmoney。OftenIthinkthereisnohopeforthepresent-dayRussian。Whiledesiringtodoeverything，heaccomplishesnothing。Onedayhewillschemetobeginanewmodeofexistence，anewdietary；yetbeforeeveninghewillhavesoover-eatenhimselfastobeunabletospeakordoaughtbutsitstaringlikeanowl。Thesamewitheveryone。“
　　“Quiteso，“agreedChichikovwithasmile。“'Tiseverywherethesamestory。“
　　“Totellthetruth，wearenotborntocommonsense。IdoubtwhetherRussiahaseverproducedareallysensibleman。Formyownpart，ifI
　　seemyneighbourlivingaregularlife，andmakingmoney，andsavingit，Ibegintodistrusthim，andtofeelcertainthatinoldage，ifnotbefore，hetoowillbeledastraybythedevil——ledastrayinamoment。Yes，whetherornotwebeeducated，thereissomethingwelack。Butwhatthatsomethingispassesmyunderstanding。“
　　Onthereturnjourneytheprospectwasthesameasbefore。Everywherethesameslovenliness，thesamedisorder，wasdisplayingitselfunadorned：theonlydifferencebeingthatafreshpuddlehadformedinthemiddleofthevillagestreet。Thiswantandneglectwasnoticeableinthepeasants'quartersequallywiththequartersofthebarin。Inthevillageafuriouswomaningreasysackclothwasbeatingapooryoungwenchwithinanaceofherlife，andatthesametimedevotingsomethirdpersontothecareofallthedevilsinhell；furtherawayacoupleofpeasantswerestoicallycontemplatingthevirago——onescratchinghisrumpashedidso，andtheotheryawning。Thesameyawnwasdiscernibleinthebuildings，fornotaroofwastherebuthadagapingholeinit。AshegazedatthescenePlatonhimselfyawned。
　　Patchwassuperimposeduponpatch，and，inplaceofaroof，onehuthadapieceofwoodenfencing，whileitscrumblingwindow-frameswerestayedwithstickspurloinedfromthebarin'sbarn。EvidentlythesystemofupkeepinvoguewasthesystememployedinthecaseofTrishkin'scoat——thesystemofcuttingupthecuffsandthecollarintomendingsfortheelbows。