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"
Yes; divide!" they sang in chorus.
So Ivan put his hand into the bag and drew it out full of gold coins,
which he scattered among them.
"Batiushka," they cried as they ran to gather up the precious pieces.
The moujiks then appeared on the scene and began to fight among
themselves for the possession of the yellow objects. In the melee one
old woman was nearly crushed to death.
Ivan laughed and was greatly amused at the sight of so many persons
quarrelling over a few pieces of gold.
"
Oh! you duratchki" (little fools), he said, "why did you almost crush
the life out of the old grandmother? Be more gentle. I have plenty more,
and I will give them to you;" whereupon he began throwing about more of
the coins.
The people gathered around him, and Ivan continued throwing until he
emptied his bag. They clamored for more, but Ivan replied: "The gold
is all gone. Another time I will give you more. Now we will resume our
singing and dancing."
The little children sang, but Ivan said to them, "Your songs are no
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