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,a ,,/ory ,,( ,,old ,,russia4

  ,i4

,we >e ab 6relate a /ory ( m+l$ fact & fancy4 ,! facts >e borr{$ f ! ,russian au?or1 ,petj}ski2 ! fancy is |r {n4 ,|r task w *iefly be 6s(t5 ! |tl9es ( 9cid5ts alm too %>p & ru7$ = lit}>y use1 6supply !m )! nec color+ & s5ti;t1 & 6give a coh}5t & propor;n$ %ape 6! irregul> frag;ts ( an old *ronicle4 ,we "k "s?+1 f o!r s|rces1 (! cu/oms describ$1 "s?+ (! "* (! p f p}sonal obs}v,n1 & may "!=e ! m freely take s* lib}ties z we *oose )! rude1 vigor|s sket*es (! ,russian orig9al4 ,"o :o happ5s 6h r1d ! "w ( ,villebois c easily -preh5d ! exi/;e (a /ate ( society1 on ! banks (! ,volga1 a hundr$ ye>s ago1 : is n{ impossi#1 & w soon 2come 9cr$i#4 ,:at is /range/ 9 |r n>rative has be5 dcld 6be true4



  ,,ii4


,we >e 9 ,k9esma1 a small t{n on ! ,volga1 2t ,ko/roma & ,nijni-,novgorod4 ,! "t is ab ! mi4le (! la/ c5tury1 &! mon? ,octob}4

  ,"! 0 tr|# "o "d1 9 ! palace ( ,pr9ce ,alexis1 ( ,k9esma4 ,? $ifice1 ) xs massive :ite walls1 & xs pyramidal ro(s ( gre5 copp}1 /ood ~u a g5tle m.d 6! ea/w>d (! t{n1 ov}look+ x1 a broad /ret* (! ,volga1 &! opposite %ore4 ,on a simil> hill1 6! we/w>d1 /ood ! *ur*1 glitt}+ ) xs doz5 bulg+1 gold5 domes4 ,~! two e/abli%;ts divid$ ! sov}eignty ( ,k9esma 2t !m4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis {n$ ! bodies (! 9habitants1 7) ! excep;n (a few m}*ants & tradesm517 &! ,>*im&rite ,s}gius {n$ _! s|ls4 ,b ! %ad{ (! =m} /ret*$ al ov} o!r villages1 f> 2y ! r+ (! wood$ horizon4 ,! numb} ( 8 s}fs 0 t5 ?|s&1 & 8 rule ov} !m 0 ev5 less 4put$ ?an _!s ov} _! dome/ic animals4

  ,! 9habitants (! place _h notic$ ) 4may t ! slumb}-flag _h n be5 hoi/$ on ! ca/le1 al? x 0 half an h|r af ! usual "t4 ,s r>e a circum/.e 2tok5$ su45 wra? or 4a/}1 on ! "p ( ,pr9ce ,alexis4 ,l;g exp}i;e _h prep>$ ! p = any?+ t mi<t happ51 & !y 7 3sequ5tly n a/oni%$ at ! s+ul> ev5t : pres5tly transpir$4

  ,! fact is1 t 9 ! f/ place1 ! d9n} _h be5 prol;g$ full t5 m9utes 2y xs a3u/om$ limit1 {+ 6a 4cus.n 2t ! ,pr9ce1 8 wife1 ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a1 & _! son ,pr9ce ,boris4 ,! la/ 0 6l1ve = ,/4 ,pet}sburg 9 a =tni<t1 & wi%$ 6h 8 de"pure prec$$ 0a fe/ival at ! ca/le4 ,! ,pr9cess ,m>?a 0 alw r1dy 6second ! desires ( h} only *4 ,2t ! two !y _h press$ "s tw5ty or ?irty ?|s& ru#s | (! old ,pr9ce1 =! w9t} div}.ns (! "y "o4 ,! fe/ival1 6be sure1 wd h be5 a sli<t exp5diture =a no# ( s* imm5se w1l? z ,pr9ce ,alexis2 b he n"e lik$ 8 wife1 & he took a /u2orn pl1sure 9 ?w>t+ h} wi%es4 ,x 0 no satisfac;n t ,boris resem#d h} 9 "*4 ,t w1k su3essor 6! sov}eignty ( ,k9esma pref}r$ a game ( c>ds 6a be> hunt1 & cd n"e dr9k m ?an a qu>t ( vodki )|t 2com+ dizzy & sick4

  8,u<60 ,pr9ce ,alexis wd cry1 )a %u4} ( 4gu/1 8! :elp b>ks af ! dam60

  ,a /ate d9n} he mi<t give2 b a fe/ival1 ) d.es1 dramatic 'epres5t,ns1 burn+ t>-b>rels1 & cannon1-- no6 ,he knitt$ 8 h1vy br{s & drank deeply1 & 8 fi}y gray eyes %ot s* 9cessant gl.es f side 6side t ,boris &! ,pr9cess ,m>?a cd n ex*ange a s+le w9k ( sil5t advice4 ,! pet be>1 ,mi%ka1 pli$ ) /r;g w9es1 : ,pr9ce ,alexis p|r$ | = hm 96a gold5 bas91 2came at la/ -ic,y drunk1 & 9 5d1vor+ 6execute a d.e1 lo/ 8 bal.e1 & fell at full l5g? on 8 back4

  ,! ,pr9ce bur/ 96a yell+1 %riek+ fit ( lau<t}4 ,9/antly ! yell{-hair$ s}fs 9 wait+1 ! ,calmucks at ! hall-door1 &! half-witt$ dw>f :o crawl$ >.d ! ta# 9 8 t{ %irt1 2gan lau<+ 9 *orus1 z viol5tly z !y cd4 ,! ,pr9cess ,m>?a & ,pr9ce ,boris lau<$ al2 & :ile ! old man's eyes 7 dimm$ ) /r1m+ te>s ( mir?1 qkly ex*ang$ nods4 ,! s.d ext5d$ all ov} ! ca/le1 & 0 he>d |tside (! walls4

  8,"f60 sd ,boris1 8let u h ! fe/ival1 & ,mi%ka % p}=m ag4 ,pr9ce ,paul ( ,ko/roma wd /rangle1 if he cd see hm40

  8,gd1 0,/4 ,vladimir60 exclaim$ ,pr9ce ,alexis4 8,?| %alt h x1 my ,borka6 [#a] ,":'s ,simon ,petrovit*8 ,may ! ,devil scor* t vagabond1 if he doesn't d bett} ?an ! la/ "t6 ,sa%a60


  [#a] ,ll ,boris4 ,a broad-%|ld}$ s}f /epp$ =w>d & /ood ) b{$ h1d4

8,lock up ,simon ,petrovit* 9 ! s|?we/}n t{}4 ,s5d ! tailor &! girls 6hm1 6le>n _! "ps4 ,se>* e "o ( !m 2f !y g in1 & if any "o d>es 6c>ry vodki 6! b1/1 tw5ty-five la%es on ! back60


  ,sa%a b{$ ag & de"p$4 ,simon ,petrovit* 0 ! c|rt- poet ( ,k9esma4 ,he _h a me*anical knack ( prep>+ allegorical div}.ns : suit$ ! 3v5;nal ta/e ( society at t "t2 b he _h al a fail+1-- he 0 r>ely sob} 5 6write4 ,pr9ce ,alexis1 "!=e1 0 9 ! habit ( lock+ hm up & plac+ a gu>d ov} hm1 until ! 9spir,n _h d"o xs "w4 ,! mo/ -ely "y s}fs ( bo? sexes 7 select$ 6p}=m ! "ps1 &! c|rt-tailor >rang$ = !m ! appropriate dresses4 ,x dep5d$ v m* ~u a3id5t-- t is 6say1 ! mood ( ,pr9ce ,alexis-- :e!r ,simon ,petrovit* 0 rew>d$ ) /ripes or ru#s4

  ,! matt} ?us settl$1 ! ,pr9ce rose f ! ta# & walk$ | ~u an ov}hang+ balcony1 ": an imm5se recl9+ >m- *air ( /u6$ l1!r 0 r1dy = 8 sie/a4 ,he pref}r$ ? 9dulg;e 9 ! op5 air2 & al? ! w1!r 0 rapidly gr{+ cold1 a pelisse ( sa#s 5a#d hm 6slumb} sweetly 9 ! face (! nor? w9d4 ,an att5dant /ood )! pelisse |tspr1d2 ano!r held ! haly>ds 6: 0 atta*$ ! grt r$ slumb}-flag1 r1dy 6run x up & ann|nce 6all ,k9esma t ! noises (! t{n m/ c1se2 a few seconds m1 & all ?+s wd h be5 fix$ 9 _! regul> daily c|rses4 ,! ,pr9ce1 9 fact1 0 j /rai<t5+ 8 %|ld}s 6rcv ! sa#s2 8 eyelids 7 dropp+1 & 8 eyes1 s9k+ me*anic,y ) !m1 fell ~u ! riv}-road1 at ! foot (! hill4 ,al;g ? road walk$ a man1 we>+ ! l;g clo? caftan (a m}*ant4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis />t$1 & all slumb} vani%$ | ( 8 eyes4 ,he l1n$ =w>d =a mo;t1 )a qk1 eag} expres.n2 !n a l|d ro>1 l t ( an 5rag$ wild b1/1 bur/ f 8 m|?4 ,he gave a /amp t %ook ! balcony4

  8,dog60 he cri$ 6! trembl+ att5d5t1 8my cap6 my :ip60
 ,! sa#s fell ~u ! floor1 ! cap & :ip appe>$ 9 a tw9kl+1 &! r$ slumb}-flag 0 fold$ up ag =! f/ "t 9 s"eal ye>s1 z ! ,pr9ce /orm$ | (! ca/le4 ,! travell} 2l _h he>d ! cry1-- = x mi<t h be5 he>d half a mile4 ,he seem$ 6h a pres5ti;t ( evil1 = he _h alr set (f t{>ds ! t{n at full spe$4

  ,6expla9 ! o3ur;e1 we m/ m5;n "o (! ,pr9ce's _m peculi> habits4 ,? was1 69vite /rang}s or m}*ants (! nei<borhood 6d9e ) hm1 &1 af regal+ !m b.ti;lly1 6take 8 pay 9 subject+ !m 6all sorts ( |trage|s tricks1 )! help ( 8 b& ( will+ dome/ics4 ,n{ ? "picul> m}*ant _h be5 9vit$1 & _h att5d$2 b1 2+ a v wide-awake1 %rewd p}son1 he saw :at 0 -+1 & dext}|sly slipp$ away f ! banquet )|t 2+ p}cvd4 ,! ,pr9ce v{$ v5ge.e1 on 4cov}+ ! escape1 & he 0 n a man 6=get 8 ~w4

  ,impell$ 0s* opposite pas.ns1 bo? "pies ran ) a/oni%+ spe$4 ,! m}*ant 0 ! tall}1 b 8 l;g caftan1 ha/ily ungirdl$1 swung 2h hm & dra7$ 9 ! air4

  ,! %ort1 boot$ legs (! ,pr9ce b1t quick} "t1 & he grasp$ 8 %ort1 h1vy1 l1!rn :ip m ti<tly z he saw ! space dim9i%+4 ,!y da%$ 96! t{n ( ,k9esma a hundr$ y>ds a"p4 ,! m}*ant 5t}$ ! ma9 /reet1 or baza>1 look+ rapidly 6"r & left1 z he ran1 9 ! hope ( espy+ "s place ( refuge4 ,! t}ri# voice 2h hm cri$1-- 

  8,/op1 sc.drel6 ,i h a cr{ 6pick ) y60
 ,&! tradesm5 9 _! %ops look$ on & lau<$1 z well !y mi<t1 2+ unconc}n$ spectators (! fun4 ,! fugitive1 "!=e1 kept /rai<t on1 not)/&+ a pond ( wat} glitt}$ acr ! f>!r 5d (! /reet4

  ,al? ,pr9ce ,alexis _h ga9$ 3sid}ably 9 ! race1 s* viol5t ex}cise1 af a h1vy d9n}1 depriv$ hm ( br1?4 ,he ag cri$1-- 

  8,/op60
 8,b ! m}*ant answ}$1-- 

8,no1 ,hi<;s6 ,y may -e 6me1 b ,i w n g 6y40

8,oh1 ! villian60 gr{l$ ! ,pr9ce1 9 a ho>se :isp}1 = he _h no m voice4

  ,! pond cut ( all fur!r pursuit4 ,ha/ily kick+ (f 8 loose boots1 ! m}*ant plung$ 96! wat}1 r ?an 5c.t} ! pr9cely :ip1 : alr 2gan 6crack & snap 9 fi}ce anticip,n4 ,pr9ce ,alexis kick$ (f 8 boots & foll{$2 ! pond gradu,y deep5$1 & 9 a m9ute ! tall m}*ant /ood up 6his *9 9 ! icy wat}1 & 8 %ort pursu} likewise b | ( /rik+ 4t.e4 ,! latt} coax$ & 5tr1t$1 b ! victim kept 8 gr.d4

  8,y lie1 ,hi<;s60 he sd1 boldly4 8,if y want me1 -e 6 me40

  8,ah-h-h60 ro>$ ! ,pr9ce1 ) *att}+ tee?1 8:at a /u2orn rascal y >e6 ,-e "h1 & ,i give y my ~w t ,i w n hurt y4 ,nay10-- see+ t ! man did n move1-- 8y % d9e ) me z (t5 z y pl1se4 ,y % 2 my fr2 0,/4 ,vladimir1 ,i l y60

  8,make ! sign (! cross1 & swe> x 0all ! ,sa9ts10 sd ! m}*ant1 -pos$ly4

  ,)a grim smile on 8 face1 ! ,pr9ce /epp$ back & %iv}+ly obey$4 ,bo? !n wad$ |1 sat d{n ~u ! gr.d & pull$ on _! boots2 & pres5tly ! p ( ,k9esma 2held ! dripp+ pair walk+ side 0side up ! /reet1 3v}s+ 9 ! mo/ cordial mann}4 ,! m}*ant dri$ 8 clo!s ,,f ,,)91 at ! ca/le ta#2 a fre% keg ( old ,cognac 0 op5$2 & al? ! slumb}-flag 0 n unfurl$ t afn1 x flew f ! /aff & hu%$ ! t{n ne>ly all ! next "d4




  ,,iii4


,! fe/ival grant$ on 2half ( ,pr9ce ,boris 0 "o (! gr&e/ "e giv5 at ! ca/le4 ,9 "* x 0 a s+ul> cross 2t ! old ,muscovite revel &! ,fr5* 5t}ta9;ts : 7 !n 9troduc$ 0! ,empress ,elizabe?4

  ,all ! nobil;y1 = fifty v}/s >.d1 9clud+ ,pr9ce ,paul &! *ief families ( ,ko/roma1 7 9vit$4 ,simon ,petrovit* _h be5 s c>e;lly gu>d$ t 8 "w 0 actu,y -plet$ &! "ps 4tribut$2 8 sup}9t5d;e (! p}=m.e1 h{"e1 0 / a matt} ( d|bt1 z x 0 nec 6 rel1se hm f ! t{}1 & af s"eal "ds ( =c$ ab/9;e he alw manife/$ a rag+ appetite4 ,pr9ce ,alexis1 9 spite ( ? d|bt1 _h be5 assur$ by ,boris t ! dramatic "p (! 5t}ta9;t wd n 2 a failure4 ,:5 he "q$ ,sa%a1 ! poet's /r;g-%|ld}$ gu>d1 ! latt} w9k$ famili>ly & answ}$ )a prov}b1-- 

  8,i sit on ! %ore & wait =! w9d10-- : 0 z m* z 6say t ,sa%a _h ll fe> (! result

  ,! ta#s 7 spr1d 9 ! grt hall1 ": places = "o hundr$ *os5 gue/s 7 >rang$ on ! floor1 :ile ! ?ree or f|r hundr$ ( m9or import.e 7 provid$ = 9 ! gall}ies abv4 ,by noon ! :ole "py 7 assem#d4 ,! halls & passages (! ca/le 7 alr p}m1t$ ) ri* & unctu|s smells1 &a delicate nose mi<t h pick$ | & >rang$1 0_! f9} or co>s} vapors1 ! di%es prep>+ =! upp} & l{} ta#s4 ,"o (! p>asites ( ,pr9ce ,alexis1 a dilapidat$ no#man1 (ficiat$ z ,gr& ,m>%al1-- an (fice : m ?an -p5sat$ =! savage *>;y he rcvd1 = x 0 p}=m$ 9 3t9ual fe> & trembl+4 ,! ,pr9ce _h felt ! /ick (! ,grt ,pet} ~u 8 {n back1 & 0 r1dy 5 6imitate any cu/om (! fam|s mon>*4

  ,an or*e/ra1 -pos$ pr9cip,y ( horns & brass 9/ru;ts1 o3upi$ a sep>ate gall}y at "o 5d (! d9+-hall4 ,! gue/s 7 assem#d 9 ! adjo9+ a"p;ts1 ac 6 _! rank2 & :5 ! f/ l|d bla/ (! 9/ru;ts ann|nc$ ! 2g9n+ (! banquet1 two v di6}5tly attir$ & frei<t$ proces.ns ( s}vants made _! appe>.e at ! same "t4 ,~? 9t5d$ =! pr9cely ta# numb}$ two hundr$1-- two = ea* gue/4 ,!y 7 ! h&"s/ "y m5 am;g ! t5 ?|s& s}fs1 clo!d 9 loose :ite tr|s}s & %irts ( p9k or lilac silk2 _! s(t gold5 hair1 "p$ 9 ! mi4le1 fell ~u _! %|ld}s1 &a b& ( gold-?r1d ab ! br{ prev5t$ x f sweep+ ! di%es !y c>ri$4 ,!y 5t}$ ! recep;n-room1 be>+ huge trays ( sculptur$ silv}1 ~u : 7 an*ovies1 ! f9e/ ,f9ni% cavi>1 slic$ oranges1 *eese1 & cry/al flagons ( ,cognac1 rum1 & kummel4 ,"! 7 few} s}vants =! rema9+ gue/s1 :o 7 ga!r$ 9 a sep>ate *amb}1 & regal$ )! -mon black cavi>1 onions1 br1d1 & vodki4 ,at ! second bla/ ( trumpets1 ! two -panies set !mvs 9 mo;n & 5t}$ ! d9+-hall at opposite 5ds4 ,|r busi;s1 h{"e1 is only )! pr9cipal p}sonages1 s we w all{ ! -mon cr{d quietly 6m.t 6! gall}ies & satisfy _! s5ses )! co>s} vi&s1 :ile _! imag9,n is /imulat$ 0 ! si<t (! spl5dor & luxury 2l4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis 5t}$ f/1 )a pomp|s1 m9c+ gait1 l1d+ ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a 0! tips ( h} f+}s4 ,he wore a caftan ( gre5 velvet lac$ ) gold1 a huge ve/ ( crimson brocade1 & bree*es ( yell{ sat94 ,a wig1 resembl+ cl|ds boil+ 9 ! 3flu;e ( oppos+ w9ds1 surg$ f 8 l{1 broad =eh1d1 & fl{$ ~u 8 %|ld}s4 ,z 8 small1 fi}y eyes swept ! hall1 e s}vant trem#d3 he 0 z sev}e at ! -m;e;t z he 0 reck.s at ! close (a banquet4 ,! ,pr9cess ,m>?a wore a robe ( p9k sat9 embroid}$ ) fl{}s made ( small pe>ls1 &a tra9 & h1d-dress ( crimson velvet4

  ,h} em}alds 7 ! f9e/ |tside ( ,mosc{1 & %e wore !m all4 ,h} pale1 w1k1 f"r5$ face 0 qu5*$ 9 ! dazzle (! gre5 fires : %ot f h} =eh1d1 e>s1 & bosom1 z %e mov$4

  ,pr9ce ,paul ( ,ko/roma &! ,pr9cess ,nadejda foll{$2 b on r1*+ ! ta#1 ! g5tlem5 took _! s1ts at ! h1d1 :ile ! ladies m>*$ d{n 6! foot4 ,_! s1ts 7 det}m9$ 0_! relative rank1 & woe 6hm :o 0 s
ignorant or s abs5t-m9d$ z 6make a mistake6 ,! s}vants
_h be5 c>e;lly tra9$ 9 adv.e 0! ,gr& ,m>%al2 &
:o"e took a place abv 8 rank or import.e f.d1 :5 he came 6sit d{n1 t 8 *air _h miracul|sly 4appe>$1 or1 n notic+ ! fact1 s1t$ hmf absurdly & viol5tly ~u ! floor4 ,! ,pr9ce at ! h1d (! ta#1 &!
,pr9cess at ! foot1 ) _! ne>e/ gue/s ( equal rank1 ate
f di%es ( massive gold2 ! o!rs f silv}4 ,z soon z
! la/ (! -pany _h 5t}$ ! hall1 a cr{d ( ju7l}s1 tum#rs1 dw>fs1 & ,calmucks foll{$1 cr{d+ !mvs 96 ! corn}s "u ! gall}ies1 ": !y await$ ! 3clu.n (! banquet 64play _! tricks1 & scold$ & pummell$ ea* o!r 9 ! m1n "t4

  ,on "o side ( ,pr9ce ,alexis ! be> ,mi%ka took 8 /,n4 ,by ord} ( ,pr9ce ,boris he _h be5 kept f w9e = s"eal "ds1 & 8 small eyes 7 ke5} & hungri} ?an usual4 ,z he rose n{ & !n1 impati5tly1 & sat ~u 8 h9d legs1 he =m$ a curi|s 3tra/ 6! ,pr9ce's o!r support}1 ! idiot1 :o sat al 9 8 t{-%irt1 )a l>ge pewt} bas9 9 8 h&4 ,x 0 di6icult 6say :e!r ! b1/ 0 mo/ man or ! man mo/ b1/4 ,!y ey$ ea* o!r & wat*$ ! mo;ns ( _! "l ) equal j1l|sy2 &! 4mal :9e (! be> f.d an e*o 9 ! drawl+1 slav}+ lau< (! idiot4 ,! ,pr9ce gl.ed =m "o 6! o!r2 !y put hm 9 a capital humor1 : 0 n less5$ z he p}cvd an expres.n ( 5vy pass ov} ! face ( ,pr9ce ,paul4

  ,! d9n} -m;ed )a botv9ia-- "s?+ 2t a s|p &a salad-- ( wond};l -posi;n4 ,x 3ta9$ cucumb}s1 *}ries1 salt fi%1 melons1 br1d1 salt1 pepp}1 & w9e4 ,:ile x 0 2+ s}v$1 f|r huge fi%}m51 dress$ 6 repres5t m}m5 (! ,volga1 nak$ 6! wai/1 ) hair cr{n$ ) re$s1 legs f9n$ ) silv} tissue f ! knees d{nw>d1 & prepo/}|s scaly tails1 : dra7$ help.sly ~u ! floor1 5t}$ ! hall1 be>+ a broad1 %all{ tank ( silv}4 ,9 ! tank flapp$ & swam f|r sup}b /}lets1 _! ridgy backs ris+ | (! wat} l ~? ( alligators4 ,grt applause welcom$ ? new & classical adapt,n (! old cu/om ( %{+ ! ,,liv+ fi%1 2f cook+ !m1 6 ! gue/s at ! ta#4 ,! 9v5;n 0 due to ,simon ,petrovit*1 & 0 7if ! tru? m/ 2 3fess$7 ! result ( c}ta9 c>e;lly m1sur$ supplies ( br&y : ,pr9ce ,boris hmf _h c>ri$ 6! imprison$ poet4

  ,af ! /}lets _h melt$ away 6_! backb"os1 &! roa/$ geese _h %runk 96drum/icks & br1/plates1 & "h & "! a gue/'s e>s 2gan 6r$d5 ) m rapid blood1 ,pr9ce ,alexis judg$ t ! "t = div}.n _h >riv$4 ,he f/ fill$ up ! idiot's bas9 ) frag;ts ( all ! di%es )9 8 r1*1-- fi%1 /ew$ fruits1 goose fat1 br1d1 boil$ ca2age1 & be}1-- ! idiot gr9n+ ) deli<t all ! :ile1 & s++1 8,ne uyesjai golub*ik moi10 7,don't g away1 my ll pigeon71 2t ! h&;ls : he cramm$ 96his m|?4 ,! gue/s ro>$ ) lau<t}1 especi,y :5 a ju7l} or ,calmuck /ole | f "u ! gall}y1 & pret5d$ 6h designs ~u ! bas94 ,mi%ka1 ! be>1 _h al be5 well f$1 & gre$ily drank ripe old ,malaga f ! gold5 di%4 ,b1 alas6 he wd n d.e4 ,sitt+ up on 8 h9d legs1 ) 8 =e paws hang+ 2f hm1 he ca/ a drunk51 langui%+ eye ~u ! -pany1 loll$ | 8 t;gue1 & :9$ ) an alm human voice4 ,! dome/ics1 secretly 9cit$ 0! ,gr& ,m>%al1 exhau/$ _! 9g5u;y 9 coax+ hm1 b 9 va94 ,f9,y1 "o ( !m took a go#t ( w9e 9 "o h&1 &1 embrac+ ,mi%ka )! o!r1 2gan 6waltz4 ,! be> /ret*$ | 8 paw & clumsily foll{$ ! move;ts1 :irl+ r.d & r.d af ! 5tic+ go#t4 ,! or*e/ra /ruck up1 &! spectacle1 ?|< n exactly :at ,pr9ce ,alexis wi%$1 0 -ical 5 6div}t ! -pany imm5sely4

  ,b ! close (! p}=m.e 0 n ~u ! programme4 ,! impati5t be>1 gett+ no ne>} 8 go#t1 hu7$ ! man viol5tly )! o!r paw1 /rik+ 8 claws "? ! ?9 %irt4 ,! d.e-m1sure 0 lo/2 ! legs (! two tangl$1 & !y fell 6! floor1 ! be> "umo/4 ,)a gr{l ( rage & 4appo9t;t1 he br"| 8 tee? tgr "? ! man's >m1 & x mi<t h f>$ badly )! latt}1 _h n ! go#t be5 refill$ by "s "o & held 6! animal's nose4

  ,!n1 rel1s+ 8 hold1 he sat up ag1 drank ano!r bottle1 & /a7}$ | (! hall4

  ,n{ ! h1l? ( ,pr9ce ,alexis 0 drunk1-- by ! gue/s on ! floor (! hall 9 ,*ampagne1 0~? 9 ! gall}ies 9 kislis*i & hydromel4 ,! or*e/ra play$2 a *oir ( s}fs sang an ode  by ,simon ,petrovit*1 9 : ! de"pure ( ,pr9ce ,boris 0 m5;n$2 ! tum#rs 2gan 6po/ure2 ! ju7l}s came =? & play$ _! tricks2 &! cannon on ! ram"ps ann|nc$ 6all ,k9esma1 & f> up & d{n ! ,volga1 t ! -pany 7 ris+ f ! ta#4

  ,half an h|r lat}1 ! grt r$ slumb}-flag float$ ov} ! ca/le4 ,all slept1-- except ! s}f )! w.d$ >m1 ! n}v|s ,gr& ,m>%al1 & ,simon ,petrovi* ) 8 b& ( dramati/s1 gu>d$ 0! 9defatiga# ,sa%a4 ,all o!rs slept1-- &! curi|s cr{d |tside1 li/5+ 6! music1 /ole sil5tly away2 d{n 9 ,k9esma1 ! "ms c1s$ 6scold _! *n1 &! m}*ants :isp}$ 6ea* o!r 9 ! baza>2 ! capta9s ( vessels float+ on ! ,volga direct$ _! m5 by ge/ures2 ! me*anics laid aside hamm} & axe1 & li<t$ _! pipes4 ,grt sil;e fell ~u ! l&1 & 3t9u$ unbrok5 s l;g z ,pr9ce ,alexis & 8 gue/s slept ! sleep (! j &! tipsy4

  ,0ni<t1 h{"e1 !y 7 all awake & busily prep>+ =! div}.ns (! ev5+4 ,! ball-room 0 illum9at$  by ?|s&s ( wax-li<ts1 s 3nect$ ) 9flamma# ?r1ds1 t ! wicks cd all be k9dl$ 9 a mo;t4 ,a pyramid ( t>- b>rels _h be5 erect$ on ea* side (! ca/le-gate1 & e hill or m.d on ! opposite bank (! ,volga 0 simil>ly cr{n$4 ,:51 6a /ately m>*1-- ! musicians bl{+ _! l|de/1-- ,pr9ce ,alexis & ,pr9cess ,m>?a l$ ! way 6! ball-room1 ! signal 0 giv53 c&les & t>-b>re];s bur/ 96flame1 & n only )9 ! ca/le1 b ov} ! l&scape = five or six v}/s1 >.d "ey?+ 0 b"r & cle> 9 ! fi}y "d4 ,!n ! noises ( ,k9esma 7 n only p}mitt$1 b 5c|rag$4 ,m1d & qvass fl{$ 9 ! v /reets1 &! ca/le trumpets cd n be he>d =! s.d ( troikas & balalaikas4

  ,af ! ,polonaise1 &a few /ately m9uets1 7copi$ f ! c|rt ( ,elizabe?71 ! -pany 7 u%}$ 96! !atre4 ,! h|r ( ,simon ,petrovit* _h /ruck3 )! 9spir,n smu7l$ 6hm by ,pr9ce ,boris1 he _h >rang$ a p}=m.e : he felt 6be 8 ma/}piece4 ,anxiety z 6xs recep;n kept hm sob}4 ,! ov}ture _h c1s$1 ! spectators 7 all 9 _! s1ts1 & n{ ! curta9 rose4 ,! backgr.d 0 a gr{? ( 5orm|s1 sickly toad-/ools1 suppos$ 6be cl|ds4 ,on ! /age /ood a girl ( ei<te51 7! h&"s/ 9 ,k9esma71 9 hoops & sat9 petticoat1 p{d}$ hair1 pat*es1 & hi<-heel$ %oes4 ,%e held a fan 9 "o h&1 &a bun* ( m>igolds 9 ! o!r4 ,af a deep & grace;l curtsy 6! -pany1 %e came =w>d & sd1-- 

  8,i am ! go4ess ,v5us4 ,i h -e to ,olympus 6ask "s "qs ( ,jupit}40

  ,?"u 0 he>d1 &a c> roll$ ~u ! /age4 ,jupit} sat "!91 9 a blue coat1 yell{ ve/1 ru6l$ %irt & ?ree- corn}$ hat4 ,"o h& held a bun* ( ?"ubolts1 : he o3a.n,y lift$ & %ook2 ! o!r1 a gold-h1d$ cane4

  8,"h am1 ,i ,jupit}10 sd he2 8:at does ,v5us desire80
 ,a poetical dialogue !n foll{$1 6! e6ect t ! favorite (! go4ess1 ,pr9ce ,alexis ( ,k9esma1 0 ab s5d+ 8 son1 ,pr9ce ,boris1 96! gay _w1 ":9 hmf _h alr 4play$ all ! gifts ( all ! div9ities ( ,olympus4 ,he claim$ f h}1 ,v5us1 l favors = 8 son3 0 x possi# 6grant !m8 ,jupit} dropp$ 8 h1d & m$itat$4 ,he cd n answ} ! "q at once3 ,apollo1 ! ,graces1 &! ,muses m/ be 3sult$3 "! 7 few prec$5ts ": ! son _h su3e$$ 9 rivall+ ! "f1-- yet ! "f's pi|s wi%es cd n 2 ov}look$4 ,v5us sd1-- 

  8,:at ,i ask$ = ,pr9ce ,alexis 0 = ,,his sake3 :at ,i ask =! son is =! "f's sake40

  ,jupit} %ook 8 ?"ubolt & call$ 8,apollo60
 ,9/antly ! /age 0 cov}$ ) explosive & coruscat+ fires1-- r$1 blue1 & gold51-- & amid smoke1 & gl>e1 & fizz+ noises1 & /r;g *emical smells1 ,apollo dropp$ d{n f abv4 ,he 0 a3u/om$ 6h1t & smoke1 2+ ! cook's assi/ant1 & 0 sw1t$ d{n 6a wei<t capa# ( 2+ support$ 0! 9visi# wires4 ,he wore a yell{ caftan1 & wide blue silk tr|s}s4 ,his yell{ hair 0 twi/$ >.d & glu$ fa/ 6gild$ /icks1 : /ood | f 8 h1d 9 a circle1 & repres5t$ rays ( li<t4 ,he f/ b{$ to ,pr9ce ,alexis1 !n 6! gue/s1 !n to ,jupit}1 !n to ,v5us4 ,! matt} 0 expla9$ 6hm4

  ,he promis$ 6d :at he cd t{>ds favor+ ! _w )a second g5},n (! b1uty1 grace1 9tellect1 & nobil;y ( "* : _h alr won 8 reg>d4 ,he ?"|1 h{"e1 t _! gifts 7 unnec1 s9ce ! model 0 alr 9 exi/;e1 & no?+ m cd 2 d"o ?an to ,,imitate x4

  7,"h "! 0 ano!r m1n+ b{ t{>ds ,pr9ce ,alexis1-- a b{ 9 : ,jupit} & ,v5us jo9$4 ,? 0 ! grt po9t (! ev5+1 9 ! op9ion ( ,simon ,petrovit*4 ,he peep$ "? a hole 9 "o (! cl|ds1 &1 see+ ! deli<t ( ,pr9ce ,alexis &! 3gratul,ns ( 8 frs1 immly took a l>ge glass ( ,cognac74

  ,! ,graces 7 !n summon$1 & af !m ! ,muses-- all 9 hoops1 p{d}1 & pa9t4 ,_! s;gs _h ! same burd51--  9t5se admir,n (! "f1 & gd-will =! son1 "ulaid )a delicate d|bt4 ,! close 0 a *orus ( all ! deities & semi-deities 9 praise (! old ,pr9ce1 )! a3ompani;t ( fire"ws4 ,apollo rose "? ! air l a frog1 ) 8 blue legs & yell{ >ms wide a"p2 ,jupit}'s *>iot roll$ (f2 ,v5us b{$ h}f back ag/ a m|ldy cl|d2 &! ,muses came =w>d 9 a bun*1 )a wr1? ( laurel1 : !y plac$ ~u ! v5}at$ h1d4

  ,sa%a 0 4pat*$ 6br+ ! poet1 t he mi<t rcv 8 well-e>n$ praise & rew>d4 ,b alas = ,simon ,petrovit*8 ,his legs _h alr d|#d "u hm4 ,he 0 aw>d$ fifty ru#s &a new caftan1 : he 0 n 9 a 3di;n 6a3ept until s"eal "ds afw4

  ,! supp} : foll{$ resem#d ! d9n}1 except t "! 7 few} di%es & m bottles4 ,:5 ! clos+ c|rse ( sw1tm1ts _h ei be5 3sum$ or transf}r$ 6! pockets (! gue/s1 ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a retir$ )! ladies4 ,! gue/s ( l{} rank foll{$2 & "! rema9$ only "s fifte5 or tw5ty1 :o 7 "!~u 3duct$ by ,pr9ce ,alexis 6a small} *amb}1 ": he pull$ (f 8 coat1 lit 8 pipe1 & call$ = br&y4 ,! o!rs foll{$ 8 example1 & _! revelry wore | ! ni<t4

  ,s* 0 ! fe/ival : prec$$ ! de"pure ( ,pr9ce ,boris = ,/4 ,pet}sburg4



  ,,iv4


,2f foll{+ ! "y ,pr9ce & 8 =tunes1 9 ! capital1 we m/ relate two 9cid5ts : "s:at 4turb$ ! ord}$ c|rse ( life 9 ! ca/le ( ,k9esma1 dur+ ! f/ mon? or two af 8 de"pure4

  ,x m/ 2 /at$1 z "o favora# trait 9 ! "* ( ,pr9ce ,alexis1 t1 h{"e brut,y he tr1t$ 8 s}fs1 he all{$ no o!r man 6oppress !m4 ,all !y _h & w}e-- _! s}vices1 bodies1 lives-- bel;g$ 6hm2 h;e 9ju/ice t{>ds !m 0 4respect t{>ds _! "l4 ,"u ! fe> : 8 b>b>;y 9spir$ lurk$ a brute-l atta*;t1 kept alive 0 ! recogni;n ( ? qual;y4

  ,"o "d x 0 report$ 6hm t ,gregor1 a m}*ant 9 ! baza> at ,k9esma1 _h *1t$ ! wife ( "o ( 8 s}fs 9 ! pur*ase (a piece ( clo?4 ,m.t+ 8 horse1 he rode at once to ,gregor's boo?1 call$ =! clo?1 & s5t ! 5tire piece 6! woman1 9 ! m}*ant's "n1 z a 3fess$ act ( rep>,n4

  8,n{1 ,gregor1 my *10 sd he1 z he turn$ 8 horse's h1d1
8h a c>e 9 future1 & play me no m 4h"o/ tricks4 ,d y he>8 ,i % -e & take yr busi;s 9 h& myf1 if ! l happ5s ag40

  ,n t5 "ds pass$ 2f ! l-- or "s?+ fully z bad--  did happ54 ,gregor m/ h be5 a new -er 9 ,k9esma1 or he wd n h tri$ ! exp}i;t4 ,9 an h|r f ! "t x 0 ann|nc$1 ,pr9ce ,alexis appe>$ 9 ! baza> )a %ort :ip "u 8 >m4

  ,he 4m.t$ at ! boo? ) an ironical smile on 8 face1 : *ill$ ! v m>r{ 9 ! m}*ant's b"os4

  8,ah1 ,gregor1 my *10 he %|t$1 8y h alr =gott5 my -m&s4 ,holy ,/4 ,ni*olas1 :at a bad memory ! boy has6 ,:y1 he c't 2 tru/$ 6d busi;s3 ,i m/ att5d 6! %op myf4 ,| (! way6 m>*60

  ,he swung 8 t}ri# :ip2 & ,gregor1 ) 8 two assi/ants1 d>t$ "u ! c.t}1 & made _! escape4 ,! ,pr9ce !n 5t}$ ! boo?1 took up a y>d-/ick1 & cri$ | 9 a voice : cd 2 he>d f "o 5d (! t{n 6! o!r1-- 
8,ladies & g5tlem51 h ! k9d;s 6-e & exam9e |r /ock ( gds6 ,we h silks & sat9s1 & all k9ds ( ladies' we>2 al velvet1 clo?1 cotton1 & l95 =! g5tlem54 ,w yr ,"l%ips deign 6*oose8 ,"h >e /ock+s & h&k}*iefs (! f9e/4 ,we "u/& h{ 6 m1sure1 yr ,"l%ips1 & we sell *1p4 ,we give no *ange1 & take no small m"oy4 ,:o"e has no ca% may h cr$it4 ,e ?+ sold 2l co/1 on a3.t ( clos+ up ! e/abli%;t4 ,ladies & g5tlem51 give u a call80

  ,"eybody 9 ,k9esma flock$ 6! boo?1 & = ?ree h|rs ,pr9ce ,alexis m1sur$ & sold1 ei = scant ca% or l;g cr$it1 until ! la/ >ticle _h be5 4pos$ ( &! %elves 7 empty4 ,"! 0 grt rjcg 9 ! -mun;y ov} ! b>ga9s made t "d4 ,:5 all 0 ov}1 ,gregor 0 summon$1 &! ca% rcvd pd 96his h&s4

  8,x won't take y l;g 6c.t x10 sd ! ,pr9ce2 b "h is a li/ ( debts 6be collect$1 : w furni% y ) pl1sant o3up,n1 & 5a# y 6ex}cise yr memory4 ,wd yr ,wor%ip 3desc5d 6take d9n} to-"d ) yr hum# assi/ant8 ,he wd e/eem x a favor 6be p}mitt$ 6wait ~u y ) :at"e 8 poor h|se c supply40

  ,gregor gave a gl.e at ! :ip "u ! ,pr9ce's >m1 & be7$ 6be excus$4 ,b ! latt} wd take no d5ial1 & c>ri$ | ! -$y 6! 5d 0giv+ ! m}*ant ! place ( honor at 8 ta#1 & 4miss+ hm )! pres5t (a f9e pup ( 8 favorite bre$4 ,p}h ! animal act$ z a mnemonic symbol1 = ,gregor 0 n"e afws a3us$ ( =get;l;s4

  ,if ? trick put ! ,pr9ce 9 a gd humor1 "s ?+ pres5tly o3urr$ : c>ri$ hm 6! opposite extreme4 ,:ile tak+ 8 cu/om>y sie/a "o afn1 a wild "y fell{-- "o ( 8 no# poor rel,ns1 :o 8sp;g$0 at ! ca/le-- happ5$ 6pass al;g a corridor |tside (! v hall ": 8 ,hi<;s 0 snor+4 ,two ladies 9 wait+ look$ d{n f an upp} w9d{4 ,! "y fell{ p}cvd !m1 & made signs 6attract _! att5;n4 ,hav+ su3e$$ 9 ?1 he attempt$1 0all sorts ( antics & grimaces1 6make !m lau< or sp1k2 b he fail$1 =! slumb}-flag wav$ ov} !m1 & xs fe> 0 ~u !m4 ,!n1 9 a fr1k ( 9cr$i# ra%;s1 he sang1 9 a l|d voice1 ! f/ l9e (a popul> ditty1 & took 6his heels4

  ,no "o _h "e 2f d>ed 69sult ! sacr$ quiet4 ,! ,pr9ce 0 on 8 feet 9 a mo;t1 & ru%$ 96! corridor1 7dropp+ 8 mantle ( sa#s 0! way17 %|t+4-- 

  8,br+ me ! wret* :o sang60
 ,! dome/ics scatt}$ 2f hm1 = 8 face 0 t}ri# 6 look ~u4 ,"s ( !m _h he>d ! voice1 9de$1 b n "o ( !m _h se5 ! culprit1 :o al r1dy lay ~u a h1p ( hay 9 "o (! /a#s1 & appe>$ 6be sunk 9 9noc5t sleep4

  8,:o 0 x8 :o 0 x80 yell$ ! ,pr9ce1 foam+ at ! m|? ) rage1 z he ru%$ f *amb} 6*amb}4

  ,at la/ he halt$ at ! top (! grt fli<t ( /eps l1d+ 96! c|rt-y>d1 & rep1t$ 8 dem& 9 a voice ( ?"u4

  ,! s}vants1 trembl+1 kept at a safe 4t.e1 & "s ( !m v5tur$ 6/ate t ! (f5d} cd n 2 4cov}$4 ,! ,pr9ce turn$ & 5t}$ "o (! /ate a"p;ts1 :;e came ! s.d ( porcela9 sma%$ on ! floor1 & mirrors %iv}$ on ! walls4 ,:5"e !y he>d t s.d1 ! immates (! ca/le knew t a hurricane 0 let loose4

  ,!y delib}at$ hurri$ly & anxi|sly4 ,:at 0 6be d"o8 ,9 8 fits ( bl animal rage1 "! 0 no?+ ( : ! ,pr9ce 0 n capa#1 &! fit cd 2 allay$ only 0 f9d+ a victim4 ,no "o1 h{"e1 0 will+ 6be a ,curtius =! o!rs1 & m1n:ile ! /orm 0 9cr1s+ f m9ute 6 m9ute4 ,"s (! m active & %rewd (! h|sehold pit*$ ~u ! l1d} (! b&1 a simple-m9d$1 gd-natur$ s}f1 "nd ,waska4 ,!y 5tr1t$ hm 6take ~u hmf ! crime ( hav+ sung1 (f}+ 6h 8 puni%;t mitigat$ 9 e possi# way4 ,he 0 pro( ag/ _! te>s1 b n ag/ ! m"oy : !y f9,y (f}$1 9 ord} 6av}t ! /orm4 ,! agree;t 0 made1 al? ,waska bo? scrat*$ 8 h1d & %ook x1 z he reflect$ ~u ! proba# result4

  ,! ,pr9ce1 af 8 "w ( de/ruc;n1 ag appe>$ ~u ! /eps1 &) ho>se voice & fla%+ eyes1 2gan 6 ann|nce t e s|l 9 ! ca/le %d rcv a hundr$ la%es1 :5 a noise 0 he>d 9 ! c|rt1 & amid cries ( 8,"h he is60 8,we've got hm1 ,hi<;s60 ! poor ,waska1 b.d h& & foot1 0 br"| =w>d4 ,!y plac$ hm at ! bottom (! /eps4 ,! ,pr9ce desc5d$ until ! two /ood face 6face4 ,! o!rs look$ on f c|rty>d1 door1 & w9d{4 ,a pause 5su$1 dur+ : no "o d>ed 6br1!4

  ,at la/ ,pr9ce ,alexis spoke1 9 a l|d & t}ri# voice-- 

8,x 0 y :o sang x80

8,yes1 yr ,hi<;s1 x 0 ,i10 ,waska repli$1 9 a sc>cely audi# t"o1 dropp+ 8 h1d & me*anic,y draw+ 8 %|ld}s tgr1 z if %r9k+ f ! -+ bl{4

  ,x 0 full ?ree m9utes 2f ! ,pr9ce ag spoke4 ,he / held ! :ip 9 8 h&1 8 eyes fix$ &! muscles ( 8 face rigid4 ,all at once ! spell seem$ 64solve3 8 h& fell1 & he sd 9 8 ord9>y voice-- 

  8,y s+ rem>kably well4 ,g1 n{3 y % h t5 ru#s & an embroid}$ caftan = yr s++40

  ,b any "o wd h made a grt mistake :o d>ed 6awak5 ,pr9ce ,alexis a second "t 9 ! same mann}4



  ,v4


,pr9ce ,boris1 9 ,/4 ,pet}sburg1 adopt$ ! usual habits ( 8 class4 ,he dress$ elegantly2 he drove a da%+ troika2 he play$1 & lo/ m frequ5tly ?an he won2 he took no special pa9s 6%un any =m ( fa%iona# 4sip,n4 ,8 m"oy w5t fa/1 x is true2 b tw5ty-five ?|s& ru#s 0 a l>ge sum 9 ~? "ds1 & ,boris did n 9h}it 8 "f's exp5sive 3/itu;n4 ,he 0 pres5t$ 6! ,empress2 b 8 ?9 face1 & mild1 melan*oly eyes did n make m* impres.n ~u t pond}|s woman4 ,he frequ5t$ ! salons (! nobil;y1 b saw no face s b1uti;l z t ( ,p>a%ka1 ! s}f-maid5 :o p}sonat$ ,v5us = ,simon ,petrovit*4 ,! fact is1 he _h a dim1 undevelop$ 9/9ct ( culture1 &a crude1 half-3sci|s wor%ip ( b1uty1-- bo? ( : qualities f.d j 5 n|ri%;t 9 ! life (! capital 6tantalize & n"e satisfy 8 nature4 ,he 0 excit$ 0his new exp}i;e1 b h>dly happi}4

  ,a?|< b ?ree-&-tw5ty1 he wd n"e "k ! ri*1 vital gl{ ) : y|? ru%es 6clasp all =ms ( s5s,n4

  ,he _h se51 alm daily1 9 8 "f's ca/le1 excess 9 xs mo/ excessive develop;t4 ,x _h gr{n 6be repulsive1 & he knew n h{ 6fill ! void 9 8 life4 ,)a s+le sp>k ( g5ius1 &a ll m culture1 he mi<t h 2come a passa# au?or or >ti/2 b he 0 doom$ 6be "o ( ~? d1f & dumb natures t see ! move;ts (! lips ( o!rs1 yet h no 3cep;n ( s.d4 ,no wond} 8 savage old "f look$ ~u hm ) 3tempt1 = ev5 8 vices 7 )|t /r5g? or "*4

  ,! d>k w9t} "ds pass$ by1 "o 0"o1 &! f/ week ( ,l5t _h alr >riv$ 6subdue ! glitt}+ fe/ivities (! c|rt1 :5 ! only g5u9e adv5ture (! s1son happ5$ 6! "y ,pr9ce4 ,= adv5tures1 9 ! 3v5;nal s5se (! ~w1 he 0 n 4t+ui%$2 :at"e came 6hm m/ -e 0xs {n =ce1 or ! =ce ( de/9y4

  ,"o raw1 gloomy ev5+1 z dusk 0 sett+ in1 he saw a female figure 9 a dros*ky1 : 0 ab turn+ f ! grt ,morskoi 96! ,gorokhovaya 7,pea7 ,/reet4 ,he notic$1 li/.sly1 t ! lady 0 dress$ 9 black1 closely veil$1 & appe>$ 6 be urg+ ! i/vo/*ik 7driv}7 6make bett} spe$4 ,! latt} cut 8 horse %>ply3 x sprang =w>d1 j at ! turn+1 &! dros*ky1 /rik+ a lamp-po/ 0 9/antly ov}turn$4 ,! lady1 hurl$ ) grt =ce ~u ! solidly froz5 sn{1 lay mo;n.s1 : ! driv} obs}v+1 he "r$ ! sl$ & drove (f at full spe$1 )|t look+ 2h hm4 ,x 0 n 9human;y1 b fe> (! kn|t t hurri$ hm away4

  ,pr9ce ,boris look$ up & d{n ! ,morskoi1 b p}cvd no "o ne> at h&4 ,he !n knelt ~u ! sn{1 lift$ ! lady's h1d 6his knee1 & ?rew back h} veil4 ,a face s lovely1 9 spite ( xs d1dly pallor1 he _h n"e 2f se54 ,n"e _h he ev5 imag9$ s p}fect an oval1 s* a sweet1 fair =eh1d1 s* delicately p5cill$ br{s1 s f9e & /rai<t a nose1 s* wond};l b1uty ( m|? & *94 ,x 0 =tunate t %e 0 n v sev}ely /unn$1 = ,pr9ce ,boris 0 n only ignorant (! usual modes ( re/or,n 9 s* cases1 b he tot,y =got _! necess;y1 9 8 rapt 3templ,n (! lady's face4 ,pres5tly %e op5$ h} eyes1 & !y dwelt1 expres.n.s1 b 2wild}+ 9 _! d>k;s & dep?1 ~u 8 {n1 :ile h} 3sci|s;s ( ?+s sl{ly return$4

  ,%e /rove 6rise1 & ,boris g5tly lift$ & support$ h}4 ,%e wd h )drawn f 8 help+ >m1 b 0 / too w1k f ! %ock4 ,he1 al1 0 3fus$ & 7/range 6say7 emb>rass$2 b he _h self-posses.n 5 6%|t1 8,davei60 7,"h67 at r&om4 ,! call 0 answ}$ f ! ,admiralty ,squ>e2 a sl$ da%$ up ! ,gorokhovaya & halt$ 2s hm4 ,tak+ ! s+le s1t1 he lift$ h} g5tly ~u 8 lap & held h} v t5d}ly 9 8 >ms4

  8,":80 ask$ ! i/vo/*ik4
 ,boris 0 ab 6answ} 8,any":60 b ! lady :isp}$ 9 a voice ( silv} sweet;s1 ! "n (a remote /reet1 ne> ! ,smolnoi ,*ur*4

  ,z ! ,pr9ce wrapp$ ! 5ds ( 8 sa# pelisse ab h}1 he notic$ t h} furs 7 (! -mon foxsk9 worn 0! mi4le classes4 ,!y1 ) h} h1vy boots &! ?r1db>e clo? ( h} g>;ts1 0no m1ns ju/ifi$ 8 f/ suspicion1-- t %e 0 a gr&e dame1 5gag$ 9 "s romantic 8adv5ture40 ,%e 0 n m ?an n9ete5 or tw5ty ye>s ( age1 & he felt--  )|t "k+ :at x was-- ! atmosph}e ( sweet1 womanly pur;y & 9noc;e : surr.d$ h}4 ,! %y;s (a lo/ boyhood surpris$ hm4

  ,0! "t !y _h r1*$ ! ,lit5ie1 %e _h fully recov}$ h} 3sci|s;s &a por;n ( h} /r5g?4 ,%e drew away f hm z m* z ! n>r{ sl$ wd all{4

  8,y h be5 v k9d1 sir1 & ,i ?ank y10 %e sd2 8b ,i am n{ a# 6g home )|t yr fur!r assi/.e40

   8,by no m1ns1 lady60 sd ! ,pr9ce4 8,! /reets >e r|<1 & "h >e no lamps4 ,if a second a3id5t 7 6happ51 y wd 2 help.s4 ,w y n all{ me 6protect y80

  ,%e look$ hm 9 ! face4 ,9 ! dusky li<t1 %e saw n ! peevi%1 we>y f1tures (! _wl+1 b only ! implor+ s(t;s ( 8 eyes1 ! full & p}fect h"o/y ( 8 pres5t emo;n4 ,%e made no fur!r objec;n2 p}h %e 0 glad t %e cd tru/ ! elegant /rang}4

  ,boris1 n"e 2f at a loss = ~ws1 ev5 9 ! pres;e (! ,empress1 0 a/oni%$ 6f9d h{ awkw>d 7 8 attempts at 3v}s,n4 ,%e 0 pres5tly ! m self-possess$ (! two1 & no?+ 0 "e s sweet 6his e>s z ! few -monplace rem>ks %e utt}$4 ,9 spite (! d>k;s &! *illy air1 ! sl$ seem$ 6fly l li<tn+4 ,2f he suppos$ !y _h made half ! way1 %e gave a sign 6! i/vo/*ik1 & !y drew up 2f a pla9 h|se ( squ>$ logs4

  ,! two l{} w9d{s 7 li<t$1 &! d>k figure ( an old man1 )a skull-cap ~u 8 h1d1 0 fram$ 9 "o ( !m4 ,x vani%$ z ! sl$ /opp$2 ! door 0 ?r{n op5 &! man came =? hurri$ly1 foll{$ 0a ,russian nurse )a lant}n4

  8,hel5a1 my *1 >t ?| -e at la/8 ,:at has 2fall5 !e80
 ,he wd evid5tly h sd m1 b ! si<t ( ,pr9ce ,boris caus$ hm 6pause1 :ile a qk %ade ( suspicion & al>m pass$ ov} 8 face4 ,! ,pr9ce /epp$ =w>d1 9/antly reliev$ ( 8 una3u/om$ timid;y1 & rapidly describ$ ! a3id5t4 ,! old nurse ,kat9ka1 _h m1n:ile assi/$ ! lovely ,hel5a 96! h|se4

  ,! old man turn$ 6foll{1 %iv}+ 9 ! ni<t-air4 ,su45ly recollect+ hmf1 he be7$ ! ,pr9ce 65t} & take "s refre%;ts1 b )! air & t"o (a man :o hopes t 8 9vit,n w n 2 a3ept$4 ,if s* 0 re,y 8 hope1 he 0 4appo9t$2 = ,boris 9/antly -m&$ ! i/vo/*ik 6 wait = hm1 & 5t}$ ! hum# dwell+4

  ,! a"p;t 96: he 0 u%}$ 0 spaci|s1 & pla9ly1 yet n %a2ily furni%$4 ,a violoncello & clavi*ord1 ) s"eal portfolios ( music1 & scatt}$ %eets ( rul$ pap}1 proclaim$ ! profes.n or ! ta/e (! o3upant4 ,hav+ excus$ hmf a mo;t 6look af 8 dau<t}'s 3di;n1 ! old man1 on 8 return1 f.d ,boris turn+ ov} ! l1ves (a musical "w4

  8,y see my profes.n10 he sd4 8,i t1* music80

8,d y n -pose80 ask$ ! ,pr9ce4

8,t 0 once my ambi;n4 ,i 0 a pupil ( ,seba/ian ,ba*4 ,b-- circum/.es-- necess;y-- br"| me "h4 ,o!r lives *ang$ ! direc;n ( m9e4 ,x 0 "r60

  8,y m1n yr dau<t}'s80 ! ,pr9ce g5tly su7e/$4

8,h}s & h} "m's4 ,|r /ory 0 well "kn 9 ,/4 ,pet}sburg tw5ty ye>s ago1 b ,i suppose no "o recollects x n{4 ,my wife 0 ! dau<t} (a ,b>on von ,plau51 & lov$ music & myf bett} ?an h} home &a titl$ bridegroom4 ,%e escap$1 we unit$ |r lives1 su6}$ & 7 happy tgr1-- & %e di$4 ,t is all40

  ,fur!r 3v}s,n 0 9t}rupt$ 0! 5tr.e ( ,hel5a1 ) /1m+ glasses ( tea4 ,%e 0 ev5 loveli} ?an 2f4 ,h} close-fitt+ dress rev1l$ ! symmetry ( h} =m1 &! quiet1 un/udi$ grace ( h} move;ts4 ,al? h} g>;ts 7 ( well-worn mat}ial1 ! lace : cov}$ h} bosom 0 g5u9e po9t d',al5con1 ( an old & r>e patt}n4 ,boris felt t h} air & mann} 7 ?or|<ly no#2 he rose & salut$ h} )! prof.de/ respect4

  ,9 spite (! s+ul> deli<t : h} pres;e o3a.n$ hm1 he 0 c>e;l n 6prol;g 8 visit 2y ! limits ( /rict etiquette4 ,8 "n1 ,boris ,alexeivit*1 only rev1l$ 6his gue/s ! "n ( 8 "f1 )|t 8 rank2 & :5 he /at$ t he 0 employ$ 9 "o (! ,de"p;ts1 7: 0 true 9 a m1sure1 = he 0 a /aff (fic}17 !y cd only look ~u hm z 2+1 at be/1 a memb} ( "s family ~: rec5t elev,n 6! nobil;y did n rel1se !m f ! necess;y ( ,gov}n;t s}vice4 ,( c|rse he employ$ ! usual pretext ( wi%+ 6/udy music1 & ei 0t or "s o!r /ratagem manag$ 6l1ve matt}s 9 s* a %ape t a second visit cd n o3a.n surprise4

  ,z ! sl$ glid$ homew>ds ov} ! crackl+ sn{1 he 0 oblig$ 63fess ! exi/;e (a new & p{};l excite;t4 ,0 x ! *.e ( an adv5ture1 s* z c}ta9 ( 8 -rades 7 3t9u,y seek+8 ,he ?"| n2 no1 decid$ly n4 ,0 x-- cd x be-- love8 ,he re,y cd n tell2 he _h n ! li<tset idea :at love 0 l4



  ,,vi4

,x 0 "s?+ at l1/1 t ! pla/ic & n un-virtu|s nature (! "y man 0 direct$ t{>ds a def9ite object4 ,! ele;ts | ( : he 0 made1 al? "s:at dilut$1 7 active 5 6make hm uncom=ta#1 s l;g z !y rema9$ 9 a 3fus$ /ate4 ,he _h v ll p{} ( 9trov}.n1 b he 0 s5si# t 8 temp}a;t 0 *ang+1-- t he grew m *e};l & 3t5t$ ) life1--  t a *asm "s": 0 fill+ up1-- j 9 propor;n z 8 acqua9t.e )! old music-ma/} & 8 dau<t} 2came m famili>4 ,8 visits 7 made s brief1 7 s adroitly "td & a3.t$ = 0circum/.es1 t 0! close ( ,l5t he cd feel ju/ifi$ 9 mak+ ! ,ea/} call (a fr1 & claim xs att5dant privileges1 )|t fe> ( 2+ repuls$4

  ,t ,ea/} call 0 an }a 9 8 life4 ,at ! risk ( 8 w1l? & rank 2+ suspect$1 he dress$ hmf 9 new & ri* g>;ts1 & hurri$ away t{>ds ! ,smolnoi4 ,! old nurse1 ,kat9ka1 9 h} sc>let g{n1 op5$ ! door = hm1 & 0 ! f/ 6say1 8,*ri/ is >is560 ,:at cd he d b give h} ! usual kiss8 ,=m}ly he _h kiss$ hundr$s ( s}fs1 m5 & wom51 on ! sacr$ anniv}s>y1 )a passive gd-w4 ,b ,kat9ka's kiss seem$ bitt}1 & he secretly ru2$ 8 m|? af x4 ,! music-ma/} came next3 grisly ?|< he mi<t be1 he 0 ! ,/4 ,pet} :o /ood at ! gate ( h1v54 ,!n 5t}$ ,hel5a1 9 :ite1 l an angel4 ,he took h} h&1 pron|nc$ ! ,ea/} greet+1 & sc>cely wait$ =! answ}1 8,truly he has >is560 2f 8 lips f.d ! way 6h}s4 ,=a second !y w>mly trem#d & gl{$ tgr2 & 9 ano!r second "s new & sweet & subtle rel,n seem$ 6be e/abli%$ 2t _! natures4

  ,t ni<t ,pr9ce ,boris wrote a l;g lr 6his 8*}e maman10 9 piquantly misspelt ,fr5*1 giv+ h} ! gossip (! c|rt1 & s* family news z %e usu,y crav$4 ,! purport (! lr1 h{"e1 0 only 4clos$ 9 ! f9al p>agraph1 & !n 9 s negative a way t x is d|bt;l :e!r ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a fully "u/ood x4

  8,po+ de m>iajes p|r moix60 he wrote1-- b we w drop ! orig9al1-- 8,i don't ?9k ( s* a ?+ yet4 ,pa%k(f dropp$ a h9t1 ! o!r "d1 b ,i kept my eyes %ut4 ,p}h y rememb} h}8-- fat1 ?ick lips1 & crook$ tee?4 ,natalie ,d----  sd 6 me1 8,h y "e be5 9 love1 ,pr9ce80 ,,h ,i1 ,,maman8 ,i did n "k :at answ} 6make4 ,:at is love8 ,h{ does "o feel1 :5 "o has x8 ,!y lau< at x "h1 &( c|rse ,i %d n wi% 6d :at is lau<a#4 ,give me a h9t3 =ew>n$ is =e>m$1 y "k10-- etc41 etc4

  ,p}h ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a ,,did suspect "s?+2 p}h "s ~w 9 h} son's lr t|*$ a secret spot f> back 9 h} memory1 & renew$ a dim1 if n v 9telligi#1 pa94 ,%e answ}$ 8 "q at l5g?1 9 ! /yle (! popul> ,fr5* rom.es ( t "d4 ,%e _h m* 6say ( dew & roses1 turtl$oves &! >r{s ( ,cupid4

  8,ask ?yf10 %e wrote1 8:e!r felic;y -es ) h} pres;e1 & 4trac;n ) h} abs;e1-- :e!r h} eyes make ! morn+ b"r} = !e1 & h} te>s fall ~u ?y he>t l molt5 lava1-- :e!r h1v5 wd 2 black & 4mal )|t h} -pany1 &! flames ( hell turn 96roses "u h} feet40

  ,x 0 v evid5t t ! gd ,pr9cess ,m>?a _h n"e felt--  nay1 did n -preh5d-- a pas.n s* z %e describ$4

  ,pr9ce ,boris1 h{"e1 ~: v5},n = 8 "m 0 unb.d$1 took h} ~ws lit},y1 & appli$ ! "qs 6 hmf4 ,al? he f.d x di6icult1 9 gd fai? & s9c};y1 6answ} all ( !m a6irmatively 7he 0 puzzl$1 = 9/.e1 6"k ! s5s,n ( molt5 lava fall+ ~u ! he>t71 yet ! g5}al 3clu.n 0 9evita#3 ,hel5a 0 nec 6his happi;s4

  ,9/1d ( return+ to ,k9esma =! summ}1 z _h be5 >rang$1 he det}m9$ 6rema9 9 ,/4 ,pet}sburg1 "u ! pret;e ( devot+ hmf 6milit>y /udies4 ,? *ange ( plan o3a.n$ m 4appo9t;t 6! ,pr9cess ,m>?a ?an vex,n 6,pr9ce ,alexis4 ,! latt} only gr{l$ at ! prospect ( 2+ call$ ~u 6adv.e a fur!r supply ( ru#s1 sli<tly -=t+ hmf )! mutt}$ reflec;n1-- 

  8,p}h ! brat w make a man ( hmf1 af all40
 ,x 0 n _m weeks1 9 fact1 2f ! expect$ peti;n came 6h&4 ,! ,pr9cess ,m>?a _h al =ese5 x1 & 9/ruct$ h} son h{ 6attack 8 "f's w1k side4 ,! latt} 0 furi|sly j1l|s ( c}ta9 o!r no#m5 ( ne>ly equal w1l?1 :o 7 ) hm at ! c|rt ( ,pet} ! ,grt1 z _! sons n{ 7 at t ( ,elizabe?4 ,boris -p>$ ! spl5dor ( ~! "y no#m5 ) 8 {n mod}ate e/ate1 fa#d a few
8adv5tures0 & dr9k+-b|ts1 & ann|nc$ 8 det}m9,n ( do+ honor 6! "n : ,pr9ce ,alexis ( ,k9esma _h left 2h hm 9 ! capital4

  ,"! 0 curs+ at ! ca/le :5 ! lr >riv$4 ,_m s}fs felt ! /+ (! %ort :ip1 ! slumb}-flag 0 hoi/$ five m9utes lat} ?an usual1 &! 3sump;n ( ,cognac 0 al>m+2 b no mirror 0 sma%$1 & :5 ,pr9ce ,alexis r1d ! lr 6his poor rel,ns1 he ev5 *uckl$ ov} "s por;ns ( x4 ,boris _h boldly dem&$ tw5ty ?|s& ru#s1 9 ! desp}ate hope ( rcvg half t am.t1-- & he _h calculat$ correctly4

  ,2f midsumm} he 0 ,hel5a's a3ept$ lov}4 ,n1 h{"e1 until !n1 :5 h} "f _h giv5 8 3s5t 6_! m>riage 9 ! autumn1 did he 4close 8 true rank4 ,! old man's face li<t$ up )a gl{ ( selfi% satisfac;n2 b ,hel5a quietly took h} lov}'s h&1 & sd1-- 

  8,:at"e y >e1 ,boris1 ,i w 2 fai?;l 6y40



,,vii4


,l1v+ ,boris to 4cov} ! exact =m & sub/.e (! pas.n ( love1 we w return =a "t 6! ca/le ( ,k9esma4

  ,:e!r ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a 3jectur$ :at _h transpir$ 9 ,/4 ,pet}sburg1 or 0 "pi,y 9=m$ ( x 0h} son1 _c n{ 2 asc}ta9$4 ,%e 0 su6ici5tly w1k1 timid1 & n}v|s1 to  be tr|#d )! k (! /ratagem 9 : %e _h assi/$ 9 ord} 6procure m"oy1 & t ! "e-pres5t 3sci|s;s "!( wd 2tray xf 6! %>p eyes ( h} husb&4 ,c}ta9 x is1 t ! dem1nor (! latt} t{>ds h} & 8 h|sehold 2gan 6*ange ab ! 5d (! summ}4 ,he seem$ 6h a haunt+ suspicion1 t1 9 "s way he _h be51 or 0 ab 6be1 ov}r1*$4 ,he grew peevi%1 suspici|s1 & m viol5t ?an "e 9 8 excesses4

  ,:5 ,mi%ka1 ! 4sipat$ be> alr describ$1 bit (f "o (! e>s ( ,basil1 a hunt} 2l;g+ 6! ca/le1 & ,basil drew 8 knife & plung$ x in to ,mi%ka's he>t1 ,pr9ce ,alexis puni%$ ! hunt} 0cutt+ (f 8 o!r e>1 & s5d+ hm away 6a 4tant e/ate4 ,a s}f1 detect$ 9 eat+ a few (! pickl$ *}ries 9t5d$ =! ,pr9ce's botv9ia1 0 plac$ 9 a cask1 & pickl$ *}ries pack$ >.d hm up 6! *94 ,"! he 0 kept until alm flay$ 0! acid4 ,x 0 ord}$ t ~! two del9qu5ts %d n"e afws 2 call$ 0any o!r "ns ?an 8,crop-,e>0 & 8,*}ry40

  ,b ! ,pr9ce's sev}e/ joke1 :1 /range 6say1 9 no wise less5$ 8 popul>;y am;g ! s}fs1 o3urr$ a mon? or two lat}4 ,"o ( 8 l1d+ pas.ns 0 ! *ase1-- especi,y ! *ase 9 8 {n =e/s1 ) f "o to two hundr$ m51 & no "o to 4pute 8 ,"l%ip4 ,on s* o3a.ns1 a huge b>rel ( w9e1 m.t$ ~u a sl$1 alw a3ompani$ ! cr{d1 &! quant;y : ! hunt}s rcvd dep5d$ ~u ! satisfac;n ( ,pr9ce ,alexis )! game !y collect$4

  ,w9t} _h set 9 e>ly & su45ly1 & "o "d1 z ! ,pr9ce & 8 reta9}s em}g$ f ! =e/ ) _! =enoon's spoil1 & f.d !mvs on ! bank (! ,volga1 ! wat} 0 alr cov}$ )a ?9 %eet ( ice4 ,fires 7 k9dl$1 a score or two ( h>es &a brace ( de} 7 sk9n$1 &! fle% plac$ on /icks 6broil2 sk9s ( m1d foam$ & hiss$ 96! wood5 b{ls1 &! cask ( unbroa*$ w9e t{}$ 9 ! mid/4 ,pr9ce ,alexis _h a gd appetite2 ! m1l 0 af 8 he>t2 & 0! "t he _h eat5 a h>e & half a flank ( v5ison1 foll{$ 0s"eal b{ls ( fi}y w9e1 he 0 9 ! humor = sport4 ,he ord}$ a hole cut 9 ! upp} side (! b>rel1 z x lay2 !n1 gett+ a/ride ( x1 l a grisly ,bac*us1 he dipp$ | ! liquor )a ladle1 & pli$ 8 ?ir/y s}fs until !y 2came z reck.sly savage z he4

  ,!y 7 scatt}$ ov} a slope g5tly fall+ f ! d>k1 d5se fir-=e/ t{>ds ! ,volga1 ": x t}m9at$ 9 a rocky palisade1 t5 to fifte5 feet 9 hei<t4 ,! fires blaz$ & crackl$ m}rily 9 ! fro/y air2 ! yells & s;gs (! c>|s}s 7 e*o$ back f ! opposite %ore (! riv}4 ,! *ill atmosph}e1 ! l{}+ sky1 &! approa*+ ni<t cd n t|* ! blood ( t wild cr{d4 ,_! faces gl{$ & _! eyes sp>kl$2 !y 7 r1dy = any deviltry : _! "l mi<t su7e/4

  ,"s 2gan 6amuse !mvs 0fl++ ! cl1n-pick$ b"os ( de} & h>e al;g ! glassy ice (! ,volga4 ,pr9ce ,alexis1 p}cvg ? div}son1 cri$ | 9 ec/asy1-- 

  8,oh1 by ,/4 ,ni*olas ! ,miracle-,"w}1 ,i'll give y bett} sport ?an t1 ye knaves6 ,"h's ! v place =a reisak1-- d y he> me *n8-- a reisak6 ,cd "! 2 bett} ice8 & !n ! rocks to jump f6 ,-e1 *n1 -e6 ,waska1 ,ivan1 ,daniel1 y dogs1 ov} ) y60

  ,n{ ! reisak 0 a gymna/ic p}=m.e peculi> 6old ,russia1 & "!=e ne$s 6be describ$4 ,x cd 2come popul> only am;g a p ( /r;g physical qualities1 & 9 a c.try ": swift riv}s freeze rapidly f su45 cold4 ,h;e we >e (! op9ion t x w n 2 9troduc$ 96|r {n w9t} div}.ns4 ,a spot is select$ ": ! wat} is deep &! curr5t tol}ably /r;g2 ! ice m/ 2 ab half an 9* 9 ?ick;s4 ,! p}=m} l1ps h1d =emo/ f a rock or plat=m1 bur/s "? ! ice1 is c>ri$ "u 0! curr5t1 -es up "s 4t.e 2l1 & bur/s "? ag4 ,bo? skill & /r5g? >e requir$ 6d ! f1t su3ess;lly4

  ,waska1 ,ivan1 ,daniel1 &a numb} ( o!rs1 sprang 6! br9k (! rocks & look$ ov}4 ,! wall 0 n q p}p5dicul>1 "s l>ge frag;ts hav+ fall5 f abv & lodg$ al;g ! base4 ,x wd "!=e require a bold l1p 6cle> ! rocks & /rike ! smoo? ice4 ,!y hesitat$1-- & no wond}4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis h{l$ ) rage & 4appo9t;t4

8,! ,devil take y1 =a pack ( :imp}+ h.ds60 he cri$4 8,holy ,sa9ts6 !y >e afraid 6make a reisak60
 ,ivan cross$ hmf & sprang4 ,he cle>$ ! rocks1 b1 9/1d ( bur/+ "? ! ice ) 8 h1d1 fell at full l5g? ~u 8 back4

  8,o knave60 yell$ ! ,pr9ce1-- 8n 6"k ": 8 h1d is6 ,?9ks x's 8 back6 ,give hm fifte5 /ripes40
 ,: 0 9/antly d"o4
 ,! second attempt 0 "pi,y su3ess;l4 ,"o (! hunt}s broke "? ! ice1 h1d =emo/1 go+ d{n1 b he fail$ 6 -e up ag2 s ! f1t 0 only half p}=m$4

  ,! ,pr9ce 2came m furi|sly excit$4

8,? is ! way ,i'm tr1t$60 he cri$4 8,he =gets all ab f9i%+ ! reisak1 & goes 6*as+ /}let6 ,may ! c>ps eat hm up = an ungrate;l vagabond6 ,"h1 y be7>s60 7a4ress+ ! poor rel,ns17 8take yr turn1 & let me see :e!r y >e m540

  ,only "o (! f"r5$ p>asites _h ! c|rage 6obey4 ,on r1*+ ! br9k1 he %ut 8 eyes 9 mortal fe>1 & made a l1p at r&om4 ,! next mo;t he lay on ! $ge (! ice ) "o leg brok5 ag/ a frag;t ( rock4

  ,? capp$ ! climax (! ,pr9ce's wra?4 ,he fell 96a /ate bord}+ on despair1 tore 8 hair1 gna%$ 8 tee?1 & wept bitt}ly4

  8,!y w 2 ! d1? ( me60 0 8 la;t4 8,n a man am;g !m6 ,x wasn't s 9 ! old "ts4 ,s* b1uti;l reisaks z ,i h se56 ,b ! p >e 2com+ wom51-- h>es1--  *ick5s1-- skunks6 ,villa9s1 w y =ce me 6kill y8 ,y h 4honor$ & 4grac$ me2 ,i am a%am$ 6look my nei<bors 9 ! face4 ,0 "e a man s tr1t$80

  ,! s}fs hung d{n _! h1ds1 feel+ "sh{ responsi# = _! ma/}'s mis}y4 ,"s ( !m wept1 | (a /upid sympa?y ) 8 te>s4

  ,all at once he sprang d{n f ! cask1 cry+ 9 a gay1 triumphant t"o1-- 

  8,i h x6 ,br+ me ,crop-,e>4 ,he's ! fell{ =a reisak1--  he c make ?ree1 "o af ano!r40

  ,"o (! bolde/ v5tur$ 6su7e/ t ,crop-,e> _h be5 s5t away 9 4grace 6ano!r (! ,pr9ce's e/ates4

  8,br+ hm "h1 ,i say8 ,take horses1 & don't draw re9 go+ or -+4 ,i w n /ir f ? spot until ,crop-,e> -es40

  ,) ~! ~ws1 he m.t$ ! b>rel1 & recomm;ed ladl+ | ! w9e4 ,huge fires 7 made1 =! ni<t 0 fall+1 &! cold _h 2come 9t5se4 ,fre% game 0 skew}$ & set 6 broil1 &! tragic 9t}lude (! revel 0 soon =gott54

  ,t{>ds midni<t ! s.d ( ho(s 0 he>d1 &! mess5g}s >riv$ ) ,crop-,e>4 ,b1 al? ! latt} _h lo/ 8 e>s1 he 0 n 9cl9$ 6split 8 h1d4 ,! ice1 m1n:ile1 _h 2come s /r;g t a cannon-ball wd h made no impres.n ~u x4 ,crop-,e> simply ?rew d{n a /"o h1vi} ?an hmf1 &1 z x b|nc$ & slid al;g ! solid floor1 sd 6,pr9ce ,alexis1-- 


  8,am ,i 6g back1 ,hi<;s1 or /ay "h80

8,"h1 my son4 ,?|'rt a man4 ,-e hi!r 6me40

  ,tak+ ! s}f's h1d 9 8 h&s1 he kiss$ hm on bo? *eeks4 ,!n he rode homew>d "? ! d>k1 iron woods1 s1t$ a/ride on ! b>rel1 & /1dy+ hmf ) 8 >ms >.d ,crop- ,e>'s & ,waska's necks4



  ,,viii4
 ,! h1l? (! ,pr9cess ,m>?a1 alw delicate1 n{ 2gan 6 fail rapidly4 ,%e 0 less & less a# to 5dure h} husb&'s savage humors1 & liv$ alm exclusively 9 h} {n a"p;ts4 ,%e n"e m5;n$ ! "n ( ,boris 9 8 pres;e1 = x 0 sure 6?r{ hm 96a p>oxysm ( fury4 ,float+ rumors 9 reg>d 6! "y ,pr9ce _h r1*$ hm f ! capital1 & no?+ wd 3v9ce hm t 8 wife 0 n cognizant ( h} son's do+s4 ,! poor ,pr9cess clung 6h} boy z 6all t 0 left h} ( life1 & tri$ 6prop h} fail+ /r5g? )! hope ( 8 spe$y return4 ,%e 0 n{ too help.s 6?w>t 8 wi%es 9 any way2 b %e dr1d$1 m ?an d1?1 ! t}ri# ,,"s?+ : wd surely take place 2t "f & son if h} 3jectures %d prove 6be true4

  ,"o "d1 9 ! e>ly "p ( ,novemb}1 %e rcvd a lr f ,boris1 ann|nc+ 8 m>riage4 ,%e _h b>ely /r5g? & pres;e ( m9d 5 to 3c1l ! pap} 9 h} bosom 2f s9k+ 9 a swoon4 ,by "s m1ns or o!r ! "y ,pr9ce _h su3e$$ 9 ov}com+ all ! ob/acles 6s* a /ep3 probably ! favor (! ,empress 0 c|rt$1 9 ord} to obta9 h} 3s5t4 ,! m"oy he _h rcvd1 he wrote1 wd 2 su6ici5t 6ma9ta9 !m =a few mon?s1 ?|< n 9 a /yle 2fitt+ _! rank4 ,he 0 pr|d & happy2 ! ,pr9cess ,hel5a wd 2 ! reign+ b1uty (! c|rt1 :5 he %d pres5t h}1 b he desir$ ! sanc;n ( 8 p>5ts 6! m>riage1 2f tak+ 8 place 9 society4 ,he wd write immly to his "f1 & hop$1 t1 if ! news br"| a /orm1 ,mi%ka mi<t 2 on h& to div}t xs =ce1 z on a =m} o3a.n4

  ,"u ! wei<t ( ? imm95t secret1 ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a cd nei eat nor sleep4 ,h} body wa/$ 6a %ad{2 at e noise 9 ! ca/le1 %e />t$ & li/5$ 9 t}ror1 fe>+ t ! news _h >riv$4

  ,pr9ce ,boris1 no d|bt1 f.d 8 c|rage fail hm :5 he set ab writ+ ! promis$ lr2 =a =tni<t elaps$ 2f x made xs appe>.e4 ,pr9ce ,alexis rcvd x on 8 return f ! *ase4 ,he r1d x ha/ily "?1 utt}$ a prol;g$ ro> l t (a w.d$ bull1 & ru%$ 96! ca/le4 ,! s.d ( br1k+ furniture1 ( cra%+ porcela9 & %iv}$ glass1 came f ! /ate a"p;ts3 ! dome/ics fell on _! knees & pray$2 ! ,pr9cess1 :o he>d ! noise & knew :at x port5d$1 2came alm 9s5si# f f"r4

  ,"o (! upp} s}vants 5t}$ a *amb} z ! ,pr9ce 0 9 ! act ( demoli%+ a spl5did mala*ite ta#1 : _h escap$ all 8 previ|s attacks4 ,he 0 immly greet$ )a cry (1-- 

  8,s5d ! ,pr9cess 6me60

8,h} ,hi<;s is n a# 6l1ve h} *amb}10 ! man repli$4

  ,h{ x happ5$ he cd n"e afws describe b he f.d hmf ly+ 9 a corn} (! room4 ,:5 he >ose1 "! seem$ 6be a s+ul> cav;y 9 8 m|?3 8 upp} front tee? 7 want+4

  ,we w n n>rate :at took place 9 ! *amb} (! ,pr9cess4
 ,! n}ves (! un=tunate woman _h be5 s wr"| ~u 0h} fe>s1 t h} husb&'s brutal rage1 famili> 6h} f l;g exp}i;e1 n{ possess$ a new & al>m+ signific.e4 ,8 ?r1ts 7 t}ri# 6he>2 %e fell 963vul.ns1 & 2f morn+ h} tor;t$ life 0 at an 5d4

  ,"! 0 n{ "s?+ else 6?9k (1 &! sma%+ ( porcela9 & crack+ ( :ips came 6an 5d4 ,! ,>*im&rite 0 summon$1 & prep>,ns1 bo? religi|s & secul>1 7 made =a fun}al wor?y ! rank (! dec1s$4 ,?|s&s flock$ to ,k9esma2 & :5 ! imm5se proces.n mov$ away f ! ca/le1 al? v few (! p}sons _h "e "kn or c>$ 9 ! l1/1 =! ,pr9cess ,m>?a1 all1 )|t excep;n1 %$ profuse te>s4 ,yes1 "! 0 "o excep;n1-- "o b>e1 dry rock1 ris+ al"o | (! univ}sal deluge1-- ,pr9ce ,alexis hmf1 :o walk$ 2h ! c(f91 8 eyes fix$ & 8 f1tures rigid z /"o4 ,!y rem>k$ t 8 face 0 ha7>d1 & t ! fi}y t+e on 8 *eeks & nose _h fad$ 96livid purple4 ,! only sign ( emo;n : he gave 0 a 3vulsive %u4}1 : f "t 6"t pass$ ov} 8 :ole body4

  ,?ree >*im&rites 7a2ots7 & "o hundr$ prie/s h1d$ ! solemn fun}al proces.n f ! ca/le 6! *ur* on ! opposite hill4 ,"! ! mass =! d1d 0 *ant$1 ! responses 2+ sung 0a *oir ( silv}y boyi% voices4 ,all ! appo9t;ts 7 (! co/lie/ "*4 ,n only all ~? )9 ! *ur*1 b ! ?|s&s |tside1 sp>$ n _! te>s1 b wept until ! f.ta9s 7 exhau/$4 ,notice 0 giv51 at ! close (! s}vices1 t 8bak$ m1ts0 wd 2 furni%$ 6! multitude1 & t all be7>s :o came 6 ,k9esma wd 2 *>itably f$ =! space ( six weeks4 ,?us1 0h} d1?1 ! amia# ,pr9cess ,m>?a 0 5a#d to 4p5se m *>;y ?an _h be5 p}mitt$ 6h} life4

  ,at ! fun}al banquet : foll{$1 ,pr9ce ,alexis plac$ ! ,a2ot ,s}gius at 8 "r h&1 & 3v}s$ ) hm 9 ! mo/ $ify+ mann} ~u ! necess;y ( l1d+ a pure & godly life4 ,8 rem>ks ~u ! duty (a ,*ri/ian1 ~u bro!rly love1 humil;y1 & self-sacrifice1 br"| te>s 96! eyes (! li/5+ prie/s4 ,he express$ 8 3vic;n t ! de"p$ ,pr9cess1 0! piety ( h} life1 _h atta9$ unto salv,n1-- & a4$1 t 8 {n life _h n{ no fur!r value un.s he %d devote x 6religi|s ex}cises4

  8,c y n give me a place 9 yr mona/}y80 he ask$1 turn+ 6! ,a2ot4 8,i w 5d{ x )a gift ( =ty ?|s& ru#s1 =! privilege ( o3upy+ a monk's cell40

  8,pray1 d n decide too ha/ily1 ,hi<;s10 ! ,a2ot repli$4 8,y h yet a son40

8,:at60 yell$ ,pr9ce ,alexis1 ) fla%+ eyes1 e trace ( humil;y & renunci,n vani%+ l smoke1-- 8:at6 ,borka8 ,! 9fam|s wret* :o has ru9$ me1 kill$ 8 "m1 & br"| 4grace ~u |r "n8 ,d y "k t he has m>ri$ a w5* ( no family & )|t a f>?+1-- :o wd 2 honor$1 if ,i %d all{ h} 6fe$ my hogs8 ,live = ,,hm8 live = ,,hm8 ,ah-,r-,r-,r60

  ,? |tbr1k t}m9at$ 9 a s.d 2t a sn>l &a bell{4 ,! prie/s turn$ pale1 b ! ,a2ot dev|tly rem>k$-- 

8,5compass$ 0sorr{s1 ,pr9ce1 y %d humbly submit 6! w (! ,"l40

  8,submit to ,borka80 ! ,pr9ce scorn;lly lau<$4 8,i "k :at ,i'll d4 ,"!'s "t 5 yet =a wife & ano!r *1--  ay1-- a doz5 *n6 ,i c h my pick 9 ! prov9ce2 & if ,i cdn't ,i'd soon} take ,ma%a1 ! goose-girl1 ?an l1ve ,borka ! hope ( /epp+ 96my %oes4 ,be7>s !y % be1--  be7>s60

  ,:at fur!r he mi<t h sd 0 9t}rupt$ 0! prie/s ris+ 6*ant ! ,blaj5non usp5nie 7b.s$ 2 ! d1d71--  af :1 ! trisna1 a dr9k -pos$ ( m1d1 w9e1 & rum1 0 empti$ 6! h1l? (! de"p$ s|l4 ,e "o /ood dur+ ? c}emony1 except ,pr9ce ,alexis1 :o fell su45ly pro/rate 2f ! 3secrat$ pictures1 & so2$ s pas.nately t ! te>s (! gue/s fl{$ =! ?ird "t4 ,"! he lay until ni<t2 = :5"e any "o d>ed 6 t|* hm1 he /ruck | furi|sly ) fi/s & feet4 ,f9,y he fell asleep on ! floor1 &! s}vants !n bore hm 6his sleep+ a"p;t4

  ,= s"eal "ds afw 8 grief 3t9u$ 6be s viol5t t ! o3upants (! ca/le 7 oblig$ 6keep | ( 8 way4 ,! :ip 0 n"e | ( 8 h&1 & he us$ x v reck.sly1 n alw select+ ! "r p}son4 ,! p>asitic poor rel,ns f.d _! situ,n s uncom=ta#1 t !y decid$1 "o & all1 6deta* !mvs f ! tree ~u : !y f$ & fatt5$1 ev5 at ! risk ( )}+ on a b>r5 soil4 ,ni<t & morn+ ! s}fs pray$ ~u _! knees1 ) _m te>s & groans1 t ! ,sa9ts mi<t s5d 3sol,n1 9 any =m1 6_! desp}ate "l4

  ,! ,sa9ts graci|sly he>d & answ}$ ! pray}4 ,~w came t a huge be> _h be5 se5 9 ! =e/ /ret*+ t{>ds ,juriewetz4 ,! sorr{+ ,pr9ce prick$ up 8 e>s1 ?rew d{n 8 :ip1 & ord}$ a *ase4 ,sa%a1 ! broad-%|ld}$1 ! cunn+1 ! r1dy1 ! untir+ -panion ( 8 ma/}1 secretly ord}$ a cask ( vodki 6foll{ ! cr{d ( hunt}s & s}fs4 ,"! 0 a /eel-b"r sky1 a l{1 yell{ sun1 &a brisk ea/}ly w9d f ! hei<ts (! ,ural4 ,z ! crisp sn{ 2gan 6crun* "u ! ,pr9ce's sl$1 8 foll{}s saw ! old expres.n -e back 6his face4 ,) s;g & halloo & bla/ ( horns1 !y swept away 96! =e/4

  ,sa9t ,john ! ,hunt} m/ h be5 on gu>d ov} ,russia t "d4
 ,! grt be> 0 track$1 & af a l;g & excit+ *ase1 fell 0! h& ( ,pr9ce ,alexis hmf4 ,halt 0 made 9 an op5 space 9 ! =e/1 logs 7 pil$ tgr & k9dl$ on ! sn{1 & j at ! "r mo;t 7: no "o knew bett} ?an ,sa%a7 ! cask ( vodki roll$ 96xs place4 ,:5 ! s}fs saw ! ,pr9ce m.t a/ride ( x1 ) 8 ladle 9 8 h&1 !y bur/ 96%|ts ( extravagant joy4 8,slava ,bogu60 7,glory 2 6,god67 came f}v5tly f ! be>d$ lips ( ~? h>d1 r|<1 ob$i5t *n4 ,!y tum#d h1dl;g ov} ea* o!r1 9 _! ef=ts 6dr9k f/ f ! ladle1 6clasp ! knees or kiss ! h&s (! re/or$ ,pr9ce4 ,&! dawn 0 glimm}+ ag/ ! ea/}n />s1 z !y took ! way 6! ca/le1 mak+ ! <o/ly fir-woods r+ ) %|t & *oric s;g4

  ,n"e!.s1 ,pr9ce ,alexis 0 no l;g} ! same man2 8 giant /r5g? & furi|s appetite 7 brok54 ,he 0 "e r1dy1 z =m}ly1 =! *ase &! dr9k+-b|t2 b 8 jovial mood no l;g} grew 96a crisis : only utt} physical exhaus;n or ! /upid;y ( drunk5;s cd ov}come4 ,frequ5tly1 :ile a/ride ! cask1 8 %|ts ( lau<t} wd su45ly c1se1 ! ladle wd drop f 8 h&1 & he wd sit mo;n.s1 />+ 96vacancy = five m9utes at a "t4 ,!n ! s}fs1 too1 2came sil5t1 & /ood /1 await+ a *ange4 ,! gloomy mood pass$ away z su45ly4 ,he wd />t1 look ab hm1 & say1 9 a melan*oly voice1-- 

  8,h ,i f"r5$ y1 my *n8 ,x seems 6me t ,i am gett+ old4 ,ah1 yes1 we m/ all die1 "o "d4 ,b we ne$ n ?9k ab x1 until ! "t -es4 ,! ,devil take me = putt+ x 96my h1d6 ,:y1 h{ n{8 c't y s+1 *n80

  ,!n he wd /rike up "s ditty : !y all knew3 a hundr$ voices jo9$ 9 ! /ra91 &! hills once m rang ) revelry4

  ,s9ce ! "d :5 ! ,pr9cess ,m>?a 0 buri$1 ! ,pr9ce _h n ag spok5 ( m>riage4 ,no "o1 ( c|rse1 d>ed 6m5;n ! "n ( ,boris 9 8 pres;e4



  ,,ix4


,! "y ,pr9ce _h1 9 r1l;y1 2come ! happy husb& ( ,hel5a4 ,8 love = h} _h gr{n 6be a %ap+ & organiz+ 9flu;e1 )|t : 8 nature wd h fall5 96xs =m} 3fu.n4 ,if a ?"| (a less honora# rel,n _h "e 5t}$ 8 m9d1 x 0 pres5tly bani%$ 0! respect : a ne>} 9timacy 9spir$2 & ?us ,hel5a1 magnetic,y draw+ 6! surface only 8 be/ qualities1 lov$1 unconsci|sly 6h}f1 h} {n "w 9 hm4 ,}e l;g1 %e saw t %e mi<t bal.e ! advantages he _h 3f}r$ ~u h} 9 _! m>riage 0! support & 5c|rage;t : %e 0 a# 6im"p 6hm2 & ? k1 remov+ all pa9;l s5se ( oblig,n1 made h} bo? happy & secure 9 h} new posi;n4

  ,! ,pr9cess ,m>?a1 "u "s pres5tim5t ( h} approa*+ d1?1 _h 9tru/$ "o (! ladies 9 att5d.e ~u h} )! secret ( h} son's m>riage1 9 a4i;n 6a t5d} mat}nal message1 & s* pres5ts ( m"oy & jewelry z %e 0 a# 6 procure )|t h} husb&'s k4 ,~! pres5ts r1*$ ,boris v opportunely2 =1 al? ,hel5a develop$ a wond};l skill 9 regulat+ 8 exp5ses1 ! spr+ 0 approa*+1 & ev5 ! limit$ circle ( society 9 : !y _h mov$ dur+ ! gay s1son _h made h1vy dem&s ~u 8 purse4 ,he 2came re/.s & ab/ract$1 until 8 wife1 :o 0? "t cle>ly -preh5d$ ! nature ( 8 tr|#1 _h secretly decid$ h{ x m/ 2 met4

  ,! sl5d} ho>d (! old music-ma/}1 )a few ?|s& ru#s f ,pr9ce ,boris1 su6ic$ = 8 mode/ ma9t5.e4 ,2+ n{ free f ! *>ge ( 8 dau<t}1 he det}m9$ 6 visit ,g}_m1 &1 if circum/.es 7 propiti|s1 6secure a refuge = 8 old age 9 8 favorite ,leipsic4 ,summ} 0 at h&1 &! c|rt _h alr remov$ to ,orani5baum4 ,9 a few weeks ! capital wd 2 des}t$4

  8,% we g 6,g}_m ) yr "f80 ask$ ,boris1 z he sat at a w9d{ ) ,hel5a1 5joy+ ! l;g twili<t4

  8,no1 my ,boris10 %e answ}$2 8we w g 6,k9esma40

8,b-- ,hel5a1-- golub*ik1 mon ange1-- >e y 9 e>ne/80

8,yes1 my ,boris4 ,! la/ lr f yr-- |r c|s9 ,nadejda 3v9ces me t ! /ep m/ 2 tak54 ,pr9ce ,alexis has gr{n m* old} s9ce yr "m's d1?2 he is lonely & unhappy4 ,he may n welcome u1 b he w surely su6} u 6-e 6hm2 & we m/ !n 2g9 ! "w ( reconcili,n4 ,reflect1 my ,boris1 t y h ke5ly w.d$ hm 9 ! t5d}e/ "p1-- his pride1-- & y m/ "!=e ca/ away yr {n pride1 & humbly & respect;lly1 z 2comes a son1 solicit 8 p>don40

  8,yes10 sd he1 hesitat+ly1 8y >e "r4 ,b ,i "k 8 viol;e & reck.s;s1 z y d n4 ,= myf1 al"o1 ,i am will+ 6meet hm2 yet ,i fe> = yr sake4 ,wd y n trem# 65c.t} a ma45$ & brutal mujik8-- !n h{ m* m 6meet ,alexis ,pavlovit* ( ,k9esma60

  8,i d n & % n trem#10 %e repli$4 8,x is n yr m>riage t has e/rang$ yr "f1 b yr m>riage ) ,,me4 ,hav+ be51 unconsci|sly1 ! cause (! tr|#1 ,i % delib}ately1 & z a sacr$ duty1 attempt 6remove x4 ,let u g 6,k9esma1 z hum#1 p5it5t *n1 & ca/ |rvs ~u yr "f's m}cy4 ,at ! wor/1 he c b reject u2 & y w h giv5 me ! 3sol,n ( "k+ t ,i h tri$1 z yr wife1 6annul ! sacrifice y h made = my sake40

  8,be x s1 !n60 cri$ ,boris1 )a m+l$ feel+ ( relief & anxiety4

  ,he 0 n unwill+ t ! attempt %d 2 made1 especi,y s9ce x 0 8 wife's desire2 b he knew 8 "f too well to anticipate imm su3ess4 ,all ?r1t5+ ,,possibilities su7e/$ !mvs 6his m9d2 all =ms ( 9sult & |trage : he _h se5 p}petrat$ at ,k9esma fill$ 8 memory4 ,! susp5se 2came at la/ worse ?an any proba# r1l;y4 ,he wrote 6his "f1 ann|nc+ a spe$y visit f hmf & 8 wife2 & two "ds afws ! pair left ,/4 ,pet}sburg 9 a l>ge travell+ kibitka4



  ,x4

,:5 ,pr9ce ,alexis rcvd 8 son's lr1 an expres.n ( fi}ce1 cruel deli<t crept ov} 8 face1 & "! rema9$1 horribly illum9at+ xs ha7>d f1tures4 ,! ord}s giv5 = swimm+ horses 9 ! ,volga-- "o ( 8 summ} div}.ns-- w}e immly c.t}m&$2 he pac$ >.d ! p>apet (! ca/le-wall until ne> midni<t1 foll{$ 0,sa%a )a /"o jug ( vodki4 ,! latt} _h ! use;l habit1 not)/&+ 8 /upid face1 ( pick+ up ! frag;ts ( soliloquy : ! ,pr9ce dropp$1 & answ}+ !m z if talk+ 6hmf4 ,?us he improv$ ~u & p}fect$ _m a h9t ( cruelty1 & 0 too 4creet "e 64pute 8 ma/}'s claim 6! 9v5;n4

  ,sa%a1 we may 2 sure1 0 busy ) 8 devil's "w t ni<t4 ,! next morn+ ! /ew>ds & ag5ts ( ,pr9ce ,alexis1 9 ca/le1 village1 & field1 7 summon$ 6his pres;e4

  8,h>k ye60 sd he2 8,borka & 8 trump}y wife s5d me ~w t !y w 2 "h to-morr{4 ,see 6x t e man1 woman1 & *1 = t5 v}/s | on ! ,moskovskoi road1 "ks ( _! -+4 ,let x 2 "kn t :o"e uncov}s 8 h1d 2f !m % uncov} 8 back =a hundr$ la%es4 ,:omso"e !y greet may b>k l a dog1 mee|w l a cat1 or bray l an ass1 z m* z he *ooses2 b if he sp1ks a dec5t ~w1 8 t;gue % 2 sil;ed ) /ripes4 ,:o"e % 9sult !m has my p>don 9 adv.e4 ,oh1 let !m -e6-- ay1 let !m -e6 ,-e !y may3 b h{ !y g away ag0---- 

  ,! ,pr9ce ,alexis su45ly /opp$1 %ook 8 h1d1 & walk$ up & d{n ! hall1 mutt}+ 6hmf4 ,8 eyes 7 blood%ot1 & sp>kl$ )a /range li<t4 ,:at ! /ew>ds _h he>d 0 pla9 52 b t "s?+ m t}ri# ?an 9sult 0 yet held 9 res}ve !y did n d|bt4 ,x 0 safe1 "!=e1 n only 6fulfil1 b 6exce$1 ! lr ( _! 9/ruc;ns4 ,2f ni<t ! :ole popul,n 7 acqua9t$ ) _! duties2 & an unusual mood ( expectancy1 n unmix$ ) bruti% glee1 fell ~u ,k9esma4

  ,0! mi4le (! next =enoon1 ,boris & 8 wife1 s1t$ 9 ! op5 kibitka1 drawn 0po/-horses1 r1*$ ! b.d>ies (! e/ate1 a few v}/s f ! village4 ,!y 7 bo? sil5t & sli<tly pale at f/1 b n{ 2gan 6ex*ange me*anical rem>ks1 6div}t ea* o!r's ?"|s f ! -+ recep;n4

  8,"h >e ! fields ( ,k9esma at la/60 exclaim$ ,pr9ce ,boris4 8,we % see ! *ur* & ca/le f ! top ( t hill 9 ! 4t.e4 ,& "! is ,pet}1 my playmate1 h}d+ ! cattle6

  ,pet}6 ,gd-"d1 bro!rk960
 ,pet} look$1 saw ! c>riage close ~u hm1 &1 af a mo;t ( hesit,n1 let 8 >ms drop /i6ly 0his sides1 & 2gan h{l+ l a ma/iff 0moonli<t4 ,hel5a lau<$ he>tily at ? s+ul> response 6! greet+2 b ,boris1 af ! f/ a/oni%;t 0 ov}1 look$ t}rifi$4

  8,t 0 d"o 0ord}10 sd he1 )a bitt} smile4 8,! old be> /ret*es 8 claws |4 ,d>e y try 8 hug80

  8,i d n fe>10 %e answ}$1 h} face 0 calm4
 ,e s}f !y pass$ obey$ ! ord} ( ,pr9ce ,alexis ac 6his {n idea ( 4respect4 ,"o turn$ 8 back2 ano!r made 3temptu|s grimaces & noises2 ano!r sang a vulg> s;g2 ano!r spat ~u ! gr.d or held 8 no/rils4 ,no": 0 a cap rais$1 or ! /1l?y welcome (a frly gl.e giv54

  ,! ,pr9cess ,hel5a met ~! 9sults )a calm1 pr|d 9di6};e4 ,boris felt !m m ke5ly2 =! fields & hills 7 prospectively 8 prop}ty1 & s al 7 ! bruti% p1sants4 ,x 0 a =m ( *a/ise;t : he _h n"e 2f exp}i;ed1 & knew n h{ 6resi/4 ,! a6ront ( an 5tire -mun;y 0 an (f;e ag/ : he felt hmf 6be help.s4

  ,z !y approa*$ ! t{n1 ! demon/r,ns ( 9sol;e 7 red|#d4 ,ab two hundr$ boys1 2t ! ages ( t5 & f|rte51 await$ !m on ! hill 2l ! *ur*1 =m+ !mvs 96files on ei side (! road4 ,~! imps _h be5 9/ruct$ 6/ick | _! t;gues 9 deri.n1 & h{l1 z ! c>riage pass$ 2t !m4 ,at ! 5tr.e (! l;g ma9 /reet ( ,k9esma1 !y 7 oblig$ 6pass "u a mock triumphal >*1 hung ) d1d dogs & dr{n$ cats2 & f ? po9t ! recep;n assum$ an |trage|s "*4 ,h{ls1 hoot+s1 & hisses 7 he>d on all sides2 b|quets ( nettles & vile we$s 7 flung 6!m2 ev5 wr1?s ( spoil$ fi% dropp$ f ! w9d{s4 ,! wom5 7 ! mo/ eag} & upro>i|s 9 ? c>nival ( 9sult3 !y b1t _! saucepans1 ?rew pails ( dirty wat} ~u ! horses1 pelt$ ! coa*man ) rott5 ca2ages1 & fill$ ! air ) scree*+ & f|l ~ws4

  ,x 0 impossi# 6pass "? ? ord1l ) 9di6};e4 ,boris1 f9d+ t 8 k9dly greet+s 7 ?r{n away1-- t ev5 8 old acqua9t.es 9 ! baza> h{l$ l ! re/1-- sat ) h1d b{$ & despair 9 8 he>t4 ,! b1uti;l eyes ( ,hel5a 7 h1vy ) te>s2 b %e no l;g} trem#d1 = %e knew ! crisis 0 yet 6-e4

  ,z ! kibitka sl{ly climb$ ! hill on xs way 6! ca/le- gate1 ,pr9ce ,alexis1 :o _h he>d & 5joy$ ! noises 9 ! village f a balcony on ! we/}n t{}1 made 8 appe>.e on ! h1d (! /eps : l$ f ! c|rt-y>d 6! /ate a"p;ts4 ,! dr1d$ :ip 0 9 8 h&2 8 eyes seem$ ab 6/>t f _! sockets1 9 _! wild1 eag}1 hungry gaze2 ! ve9s /ood | l cords on 8 =eh1d2 & 8 lips1 twit*+ 9volunt>ily1 rev1l$ ! gl>e ( 8 set tee?4 ,a f"r5$ hu% fill$ ! ca/le4 ,"s (! dome/ics 7 on _! knees2 o!rs wat*+1 pale & br1?.s1 f ! w9d{s3 = all felt t a grt} /orm ?an !y _h "e exp}i;ed 0 ab 6bur/4 ,sa%a &! ca/le-/ew>d _h tak5 ! wise precau;n 6summon a physician &a prie/1 provid$ )! ut5sils = extreme unc;n4 ,bo? ( ~! p}sons _h be5 smu7l$ 9 "? a re> 5tr.e1 & 7 kept 3c1l$ until _! s}vices %d 2 requir$4

  ,! noise ( :eels 0 he>d |tside ! gate1 : /ood 9vit+ly op54 ,pr9ce ,alexis clut*$ 8 :ip ) iron f+}s1 & unconsci|sly took ! attitude (a wild b1/ ab 6spr+ f xs ambu%4 ,n{ ! h>d clatt} ( ho(s &! rumbl+1 ( :eels e*o$ f ! >*way1 &! kibitka roll$ 96! c|rty>d4 ,x /opp$ ne> ! foot (! gr& /aircase4 ,boris1 :o sat ~u ! f>!r side1 rose 6 ali<t1 9 ord} 6h& d{n 8 wife2 b no soon} _h he made a move;t ?an ,pr9ce ,alexis1 ) lift$ :ip & face fla%+ fire1 ru%$ d{n ! /eps4 ,hel5a rose1 ?rew back h} veil1 let h} mantle 7: ,boris _h grasp$1 9 8 anxiety 6re/ra9 h} ac;n17 fall 2h h}1 & /epp$ ~u ! pave;t4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis _h alr r1*$ ! la/ /ep1 & b a few feet sep>at$ !m4 ,he /opp$ z if /ruck 0li<tn+1-- his body / reta9+1 9 e limb1 ! impress ( mo;n4 ,! :ip 0 9 8 uplift$ fi/2 "o foot 0 on ! pave;t (! c|rt1 &! o!r ~u ! $ge (! la/ /ep2 8 h1d 0 b5t =w>d1 8 m|? op51 & 8 eyes fa/5$ ~u ! ,pr9cess ,hel5a's face4

  ,%e1 too1 /ood mo;n.s1 a =m ( simple & p}fect grace1 & met 8 gaze ) s(t1 implor+1 yet c|rage|s & tru/;l eyes4 ,! wom5 :o wat*$ ! sc5e f ! gall}ies abv alw dcld t an 9visi# sa9t /ood 2s h} 9 t mo;t1 & surr.d$ h} )a dazzl+ glory4 ,! few mo;ts dur+ : ! susp5se (a hundr$ he>ts hung ~u ~? 5c.t}+ eyes seem$ an et}n;y4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis did n move1 b he 2gan 6trem# f h1d to  foot4 ,8 f+}s relax$1 &! :ip fell r++ ~u ! pave;t4 ,! wild fire ( 8 eyes *ang$ f wra? 96an ec/asy z 9t5se1 &a pi}c+ cry ( m+l$ wond}1 admir,n & deli<t bur/ f 8 ?roat4 ,at t cry ,boris ru%$ =w>d & knelt at 8 feet4 ,hel5a1 clasp+ h} faire/ h&s1 sank 2s h} husb&1 ) upturn$ face1 z if seek+ ! old man's eyes1 & p}fect ! miracle %e _h wr"|4

  ,! si<t ( t sweet face1 s ne> 8 {n1 tam$ ! la/ lurk+ f}oc;y (! b1/4 ,8 te>s bur/ =? 9 a %{}2 he lift$ & embrac$ ! ,pr9cess1 kiss+ h} br{1 h} *eeks1 h} *91 & h} h&s1 call+ h} 8 d>l+ dau<t}1 8 ll :ite dove1 8 lambk94

  8,&1 "f1 my ,boris1 too60 sd %e4
 ,! pure liquid voice s5t ?rills ( exquisite deli<t "? 8 :ole frame4 ,he embrac$ & b.s$ ,boris1 & !n1 ?r{+ an >m >.d ea*1 held !m 6his br1/1 & wept pas.nately ~u _! h1ds4 ,0? "t ! :ole ca/le ov}fl{$ ) weep+4 ,te>s fell f e w9d{ & gall}y2 !y hiss$ ~u ! hot saucepans (! cooks2 !y moi/5$ ! oats 9 ! mang}2 !y took ! />* | (! ladies' ru6les1 & w1k5$ ! w9e 9 ! go#ts (! gue/s4 ,9sult 0 *ang$ 96t5d};s 9 a mo;t4 ,~? :o _h b>k$ or /uck | _! t;gues at ,boris ru%$ up 6kiss 8 boots2 a ?|s& t}ms ( 5de>;t 7 %{}$ ~u hm4

  ,/ clasp+ 8 *n 6his br1/1 ,pr9ce ,alexis m.t$ ! /eps ) !m4 ,at ! top he turn$1 cle>$ 8 ?roat1 husky f so2+1 & %|t$-- 

  8,a f1/6 a f1/ = all ,k9esma6 ,let "! 2 riv}s ( vodki1 w9e & hydromel6 ,proclaim x "ey": t my de> son ,boris & my de> dau<t} ,hel5a h >riv$1 & :o"e fails 6welcome !m 6,k9esma % 2 puni%$ )a hundr$ /ripes6 ,(f1 ye sc.drels1 ye vagabonds1 & spr1d ! news60

  ,x 0 n an h|r 2f ! :ole sweep (! circl+ hills res.d$ )! clang ( bells1 ! bl>e ( horns1 &! s;gs & %|ts (! rjcg multitude4 ,! triumphal >* ( unsavory animals 0 :irl$ 96! ,volga2 all signs (! rec5t recep;n vani%$ l magic2 fe/ive fir-b|<s adorn$ ! h|ses1 &! g>d5s & w9d{-pots 7 /ripp$ ( _! *oice/ fl{}s 6make wr1?s ( welcome4 ,! two hundr$ boys1 n old 5 6-preh5d ? su45 b|lev}se;t ( s5ti;t1 did n immly desi/ f /ick+ | _! t;gues3 ":~u !y 7 4miss$ )a box on ! e>4 ,0 ! mi4le (! afn all ,k9esma 0 eat+1 dr9k+1 & s++2 & e s;g 0 sung1 & e glass empti$ 9 honor (! de>1 gd ,pr9ce ,boris1 &! de>1 b1uti;l ,pr9cess ,hel5a4 ,0ni<t all ,k9esma 0 drunk4



  ,,xi4

,9 ! ca/le a sup}b banquet 0 improvis$4 ,music1 gue/s1 & r>e di%es 7 br"| tgr ) wond};l spe$1 &! *oice/ w9es (! cell> 7 drawn ~u4 ,pr9ce ,boris1 2wild}$ 0? su45 & 9cr$i# *ange 9 8 =tunes1 sat at 8 "f's "r h&1 :ile ! ,pr9cess fill$1 b ) m* m b1uty & dign;y1 ! anci5t place (! ,pr9cess ,m>?a4 ,! gold5 di%es 7 set 2f h}1 &! fam|s family em}alds-- 9 a3ord.e )! -m& ( ,pr9ce ,alexis--  gl1m$ am;g h} d>k hair & fla%$ >.d h} milk-:ite ?roat4 ,h} b1uty 0 (a k9d s r>e 9 ,russia t x sil;ed all "q & bore d{n all rivalry4 ,e "o ac"kl$g$ t s lovely a cr1ture _h n"e 2f be5 se54 8,fai?1 ! boy has eyes60 ! old ,pr9ce 3/antly rep1t$1 z he turn$ away f a new />e ( admir,n1 d{n ! ta#4

  ,! gue/s notic$ a *ange 9 ! "* (! 5t}ta9;t4 ,! idiot1 9 8 t{ %irt1 _h be5 cramm$ 6reple;n 9 ! kit*51 & 0 n{ asleep 9 ! /a#4 ,razboi1 ! new be>1--  ! su3essor (! slau<t}$ ,mi%ka1-- was *a9$ up | ( he>+4 ,! ju7l}s1 tum#rs1 & ,calmucks / o3upi$ _! old place "u ! gall}y1 b _! p}=m.es 7 (a hi<ly decor|s "*4 ,at ! l1/-sign (a relapse 96 c}ta9 old tricks1 m grotesque ?an ref9$1 ! br{s ( ,pr9ce ,alexis wd gr{ d>k1 &a %>p gl.e at ,sa%a 0 su6ici5t 6correct ! 9discre;n4 ,e "o f.d ? natural 52 = !y 7 equ,y impress$ )! eleg.e & pur;y (! "y wife4 ,af ! h1l?s _h be5 drunk &! slumb}-flag 0 rais$ ov} ! ca/le1 ,boris l$ h} 96! spl5did a"p;ts ( 8 "m1-- n{ h} {n1-- & knelt at h} feet4

  8,h ,i d"o my "p1 my ,boris80 %e ask$4

8,y >e an angel60 he cri$4 8,x 0 a miracle6 ,my life 0 n wor? a copek1 & ,i fe>$ = yrs4 ,if x w only la/6-- if x w only la/60

  8,x ,,w10 sd %e4 8,y h tak5 me f pov}ty1 & giv5 me rank1 w1l?1 &a pr|d place 9 ! _w3 let x 2 my "w 6keep ! p1ce : ,god has p}mitt$ me 6e/abli% 2t y & yr "f60

  ,! *ange 9 ! old ,pr9ce1 9 fact1 0 m radical ?an any "o :o knew 8 =m} ways ( life wd h 3sid}$ possi#4 ,he /orm$ & swore o3a.n,y1 fl|ri%$ 8 :ip 6"s purpose1 & rode home f ! *ase1 n |tside (a br&y cask1 z once1 b ) too m* ( xs 3t5ts 9side ( hm3 b ~! mild excesses 7 -p>ative virtues4 ,8 a3esses ( bl rage seem$ 6be at an 5d4 ,a p{};l1 una3u/om$ feel+ ( 3t5t subdu$ 8 /r;g nature1 & left xs impress on 8 voice & f1tures4 ,he jok$ & sang ) 8 8*n10 b n )! wild reck.s;s (! "ds ( reisaks & 9discrim9ate flo7+s4 ,bo? 8 exac;ns & 8 favors dim9i%$ 9 quant;y4 ,week af week pass$ by1 & "! 0 no sign ( any return 6his savage c|rses4

  ,no?+ annoy$ hm s m* z a ref};e 6his =m} way ( life1 9 ! pres;e (! ,pr9cess ,hel5a4 ,if h} g5tle1 "q+ eyes happ5$ 6re/ on hm at s* "ts1 "s?+ v l a blu% rose 96his face1 &! bab#r 0 sil;ed )a t}ribly significant look4 ,x 0 5 = h} 6say1 :5 he ?r1t5$ an act ( cruelty & 9ju/ice1 8,"f1 is t "r80 ,he 3fus$ly retract$ 8 ord}s1 r ?an be> ! sorr{ ( h} face4

  ,! promise ( ano!r ev5t a4$ 6his happi;s3 ,hel5a wd soon 2come a "m4 ,z ! "t drew ne> he /,n$ gu>ds at ! 4t.e (a v}/ >.d ! ca/le1 t no clatt}+ vehicles %d pass1 no dogs b>k l|dly1 nor any o!r 4turb.e o3ur : mi<t agitate ! ,pr9cess4 ,! *oice/ sweetm1ts & w9es1 fl{}s f ,mosc{ & fruits f ,a/rakhan1 7 procur$ = h}2 & x 0 a wond} t ! midwife p}=m$ h} duty1 = %e _h ! fe> ( d1? 2f h} eyes4 ,:5 ! important "d at la/ >riv$ ! slumb}-flag 0 9/antly hoi/$1 & no m|se d>ed 6squ1k 9 ,k9esma until ! cannon ann|nc$ ! adv5t (a new s|l4

  ,t ni<t ,pr9ce ,alexis lay d{n 9 ! corridor1 |tside ( ,hel5a's door3 he gl>$ fi}cely at ! nurse z %e 5t}$ )! bir?-posset =! "y "m4 ,no "o else 0 all{$ 6 pass1 t ni<t1 nor ! next4 ,f|r "ds afws1 ,sa%a1 hav+ a message 6! ,pr9cess1 & suppos+ ! old man 6be asleep1 attempt$ 6/ep noise.sly ov} 8 body4 ,9 a tw9kle ! ,pr9ce's tee? fa/5$ !mvs 9 ! s}f's leg1 & held hm )! t5ac;y (a bull-dog4 ,sa%a did n d>e 6cry |3 he /ood1 wri?+ ) pa91 until ! /r;g jaws grew we>y ( _! hold1 & !n crawl$ away 6dress ! ble$+ w.d4 ,af t1 no "o tri$ 6br1k ! ,pr9ce's gu>d4

  ,! *ri/5+ 0 on a magnific5t scale4 ,pr9ce ,paul ( ,ko/roma 0 god"f1 & gave ! babe ! "n ( ,alexis4 ,z ! ,pr9ce _h pd 8 respects 6,hel5a j 2f ! c}emony1 x may 2 presum$ t ! "n 0 n ( 8 {n 9spir,n4 ,! "f & "m 7 n all{$ 6be pres5t1 b !y le>n$ t ! gr&"f _h -port$ hmf "?|t ) grt dign;y & propriety4 ,! ,>*im&rite ,s}gius obta9$ f ! ,metropolitan at ,mosc{ a v m9ute frag;t (! true cross1 : 0 5cas$ 9 a holl{ b1d ( cry/al1 & hung >.d ! 9fant's neck 0a f9e gold *a91 z a preci|s amulet4

  ,pr9ce ,alexis 0 n"e tir$ ( gaz+ at 8 gr&son & "nsake4

  8,he has m ( 8 "m ?an ( ,boris10 he wd say4 8,s m* ! bett}6 ,/r;g d>k eyes1 l ! ,grt ,pet}1-- & :at a gdly leg =a babe6 ,ha6 he makes a ti<t ll fi/ alr1--  fit 6h&le a :ip1-- or0 7see+ ! expres.n ( ,hel5a's face7-- 8or a sword4 ,he'll 2 a prop} ,pr9ce ( ,k9esma1 my dau<t}1 & we {e x 6y40

  ,hel5a smil$1 & gave hm a grate;l gl.e 9 return4 ,%e _h _h h} secret fe>s z 6! -plete 3v}.n ( ,pr9ce ,alexis2 b n{ %e saw 9 ? babe a new spell ":by he mi<t be  b.d4 ,sli<t z 0 h} k ( m51 %e yet guess$ ! tyranny ( l;g-3t9u$ habits2 & only h} fai?1 p{};l 9 propor;n z x 0 ignorant1 gave h} 3fid;e 9 ! result (! di6icult "w %e _h "utak54



  ,,xii4


,alas6 ! pr|d predic;ns ( ,pr9ce ,alexis1 &! protec;n (! sacr$ amulet1 7 alike unavail+4 ,! babe sick5$1 wa/$ away1 & di$ 9 less ?an two mon?s af xs bir?4 ,"! 0 grt & g5u9e sorr{ am;g ! s}fs ( ,k9esma4 ,ea* _h rcvd a %9+ ru# ( silv} at ! *ri/5+2 &1 moreov}1 !y 7 n{ 2g9n+ 6appreciate ! mild} regime ( _! "l1 : ? bl{ mi<t su45ly t}m9ate4 ,sorr{1 9 s* natures z his1 exasp}ates 9/1d ( *a/5+3 !y knew hm well 5 6recognize ! dang}4

  ,at f/ ! old man's grief appe>$ 6be (a /u2orn1 h>m.s nature4 ,z soon z ! fun}al c}emonies 7 ov} he 2took hmf 6his b$1 & "! lay = two "ds & ni<ts1 )|t eat+ a morsel ( food4 ,! poor ,pr9cess ,hel5a1 alm pro/rat$ 0! bl{1 m|rn$ al"o1 or ) ,boris1 9 h} {n a"p;ts4 ,h} 9flu;e1 no l;g} kept alive 0h} 3/ant pres;e1 z =m}ly1 2gan 6decl9e4 ,:5 ! old ,pr9ce >|s$ "s:at f 8 /upor1 x 0 n m1t t he dem&$1 b dr9k2 & he drank 6angry excess4 ,"d af "d ! habit resum$ xs anci5t sway1 &! :ip &! wild-b1/ yell return$ ) x4 ,! s}fs ev5 2gan 6trem# z !y n"e _h d"o1 s l;g z 8 vices 7 simply ~? (a /r;g man2 = n{ a fi5di% ele;t seem$ 6be sl{ly creep+ in4 ,he 2came horribly profane3 !y %u4}$ :5 he curs$ ! v5}a# ,metropolitan ( ,mosc{1 dclg t ! old s9n} _h delib}ately kill$ 8 gr&son1 0s5d+ 6hm1 9/1d (! true cross (! ,savi|r1 a piece (! tree 6: ! imp5it5t ?ief 0 nail$4

  ,boris wd h sp>$ 8 wife ! k ( ? mis}a# relapse1 9 h} pres5t sorr{1 b ! 9=m,n soon r1*$ h} 9 o!r ways4 ,%e saw ! necess;y ( rega9+1 0a p{};l ef=t1 :at %e _h lo/4 ,%e "!=e took h} a3u/om$ place at ! ta#1 & resum$ h} 9spec;n ( h|sehold matt}s4 ,pr9ce ,alexis1 z if det}m9$ 6ca/ (f ! yoke : h} b1uty & g5tle;s _h laid ~u hm1 avoid$ look+ at h} face or sp1k+ 6h}1 z m* z possi#3 :5 he did s1 8 mann} 0 cold & unfrly4 ,dur+ h} few "ds ( sad retire;t he _h br"| back ! be> ,razboi &! idiot 6his ta#1 & vodki 0 habitu,y p|r$ | 6hm & 8 favorite s}fs 9 s* a m1sure t ! ni<ts 2came hide|s ) drunk5 tumult4

  ,! ,pr9cess ,hel5a felt t h} b1uty no l;g} possess$ ! pot5cy ( xs f/ surprise4 ,x m/ n{ 2 a 3te/ ( nature ) nature1 _sual ) animal p{}4 ,! /ru7le wd 2 p}il|s1 %e =esaw1 b %e did n %r9k2 %e r s"| ! e>lie/ o3a.n 6provoke x4

  ,t o3a.n came4 ,"s sli<t 4appo9t;t br"| on "o (! old p>oxysms ( rage1 &! ox-l bell{ ( ,pr9ce ,alexis rang "? ! ca/le4 ,boris 0 abs5t1 b ,hel5a delay$ n a mo;t 6v5ture 96his "f's pres;e4 ,%e f.d hm 9 a hall ov}-look+ ! c|rt-y>d1 ) 8 t}ri# :ip 9 8 h&1 giv+ ord}s =! brutal puni%;t ( "s scores ( s}fs4 ,! si<t ( h}1 -+ ?us unexpect$ly ~u hm1 did n seem 6produce ! l1/ e6ect4

  8,"f60 %e cri$1 9 an e>ne/1 pite|s t"o1 8:at is x y d80

  8,away1 wit*60 he yell$4 8,i am ! ma/} 9 ,k9esma1 n ?|6 ,away1 or--0
 ,! fi}ce;s ) : he swung & crack$ ! :ip 0 m ?r1t5+ ?an any ~ws4 ,p}h %e grew a %ade pal}1 p}h h} h&s 7 ti<tly clasp$ 9 ord} t !y mi<t n trem#2 b %e did n fl9* f ! 5c.t}4 ,%e mov$ a /ep ne>}1 fix$ h} gaze ~u 8 fla%+ eyes1 & sd1 9 a l{1 firm voice-- 

  8,x is true1 "f1 y >e ma/} "h4 ,x is easy 6rule ov} ~? poor1 submissive slaves4 ,b y >e n ma/} ov} yrf2 y >e la%$ & trampl$ ~u 0evil pas.ns1 & z m* a slave z any ( ~!4 ,2 n w1k1 my "f1 b /r;g60

  ,an expres.n ( 2wild};t came 96his face4 ,no s* ~ws _h "e 2f be5 a4ress$ 6hm1 & he knew n h{ 6reply 6!m4 ,! ,pr9cess ,hel5a foll{$ up ! e6ect-- %e 0 n sure t x 0 an advantage-- by an app1l 6! simple1 *ildi% nature : %e 2liev$ 6exi/ "u 8 f}oci|s ext}ior4 ,=a m9ute x seem$ z if %e 7 ab 6re-e/abli% h} asc5dancy3 !n ! /u2orn resi/.e (! b1/ return$4

  ,am;g ! portraits 9 ! hall 0 "o (! dec1s$ ,pr9cess ,m>?a4 ,po9t+ 6?1 ,hel5a cri$-- 

  8,see1 my "f6 "h >e ! f1tures ( yr sa9t$ wife6 ,?9k t %e looks d{n f h} place am;g ! b.s$1 sees y1 li/5s 6yr ~ws1 prays t yr h>d he>t may 2 s(t5$6 ,rememb} h} la/ f>ewell 6y on e>?1 h} hope ( meet+ y-- 0

  ,a cry ( savage wra? *eck$ h}4 ,/ret*+ "o huge1 bony h&1 z if 6close h} lips1 trembl+ ) rage & pa91 livid & 3vuls$ 9 e f1ture ( 8 face1 ,pr9ce ,alexis rev}s$ ! :ip 9 8 "r h&1 & wei<$ xs ?ick1 h1vy butt = "o cra%+1 fatal bl{4 ,life & d1? 7 ev5ly bal.ed4 ,= an 9/ant ! ,pr9cess 2came d1dly pale1 &a sick5+ fe> %ot "? h} he>t4 ,%e cd n "u/& ! e6ect ( h} ~ws3 h} m9d 0 p>alyz$1 & :at foll{$ came )|t h} 3sci|s voli;n4

  ,n retr1t+ a /ep1 n remov+ h} eyes f ! t}ri# picture 2f h}1 %e su45ly op5$ h} lips & sang4 ,h} voice ( exquisite pur;y1 p{}1 & sweet;s1 fill$ ! old hall & ov}fl{$ x1 ?ro2+ 9 sc>cely w1k5$ vibr,ns "? c|rt-y>d & ca/le4 ,! melody 0 a pray}-- ! cry (a tortur$ he>t = p>don & repose2 & %e sang x ) alm sup}natural expres.n4 ,e s.d 9 ! ca/le 0 hu%$3 ! s}fs |tside knelt & uncov}$ _! h1ds4

  ,! ,pr9cess cd n"e afws describe1 or m ?an dimly recall1 ! exalt,n ( t mo;t4 ,%e sang 9 an 9spir$ tr.e3 f ! utt}.e (! f/ note ! horror (! imm95t fate sank | ( si<t4 ,h} eyes 7 fix$ ~u ! 3vuls$ face1 b %e 2held x n3 all ! 3c5trat$ =ces ( h} life fl{$ 96! music4 ,%e rememb}$1 h{"e1 t ,pr9ce ,alexis look$ alt}nately f h} face 6! portrait ( 8 wife2 t he at la/ %u4}$ & grew pale2 & t1 :5 )! clos+ note h} {n /r5g? su45ly 4solv$1 he groan$ & fell ~u ! floor4

  ,%e sat d{n 2s hm1 & took 8 h1d ~u h} lap4 ,=a l;g "t he 0 sil5t1 only %iv}+ z if 9 fev}4

  8,"f60 %e f9,y :isp}$1 8let me take y away60
 ,he sat up on ! floor & look$ >.d2 b z 8 eyes 5c.t}$ ! portrait1 he gave a l|d h{l & cov}$ 8 face ) 8 h&s4

  8,%e turns h} h1d60 he cri$4 8,take h} away1-- %e foll{s me ) h} eyes6 ,pa9t h} h1d black1 & cov} x up60

  ,) "s di6iculty he 0 borne 6his b$1 b he wd n re/ until assur$ t 8 ord}s _h be5 obey$1 &! pa9t+ cov}$ =! "t )a coat ( lamp-black4 ,a l{1 prol;g$ attack ( fev} foll{$1 dur+ : ! pres;e ( ,hel5a 0 9disp5sa# 6his -=t4 ,%e v5tur$ 6l1ve ! room only :ile he slept4 ,he 0 l a * 9 h} h&s2 & :5 %e -m5d$ 8 pati;e or 8 gd resolu;ns1 8 face b1m$ ) joy & gratitude4 ,he det}m9$ 79 gd fai?1 ? "t7 65t} a mona/}y & devote ! re/ ( 8 life 6pi|s "ws4

  ,b1 ev5 af 8 recov}y1 he 0 / too w1k & dep5d5t on 8 *n's att5;ns 6c>ry | ? resolu;n4 ,he bani%$ f ! ca/le all ~? ( 8 poor rel,ns :o 7 una# 6dr9k vodki 9 mod},n2 he kept c>e;l wat* ov} 8 s}fs1 & ~? :o 2came 9toxicat$ 7un.s !y 3c1l$ ! fact 9 ! /a#s & |th\ses7 7 sev}ely puni%$3 all excess 4appe>$1 &a reign ( p1ce & g5tle;s desc5d$ ~u ,k9esma4

  ,9 ano!r ye> ano!r ,alexis 0 born1 & liv$1 & soon grew /r;g 5 6give 8 gr&"f ! gr1te/ satisfac;n he _h "e "kn 9 8 life1 0tu7+ at 8 gray locks1 & di7+ ! small f+}s 96his tam$ & m}ry eyes4 ,_m ye>s af ,pr9ce ,alexis 0 d1d ! s}fs us$ 6relate h{ !y _h se5 hm1 9 ! b"r summ} afns1 asleep 9 8 >m*air on ! balcony1 )! rosy babe asleep on 8 bosom1 &! slumb}-flag wav+ ov} bo?4

  ,leg5ds (! ,pr9ce's hunts1 reisaks1 & brutal revels >e / curr5t al;g ! ,volga2 b !y >e n{ l9k$ 6fair} & m graci|s /ories2 &! free ,russian f>m}s 7no l;g} s}fs7 >e n"e tir$ ( relat+ 9cid5ts (! b1uty1 ! c|rage1 ! b5evol;e1 &! sa9tly piety (! ,gd ,lady ( ,k9esma4