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