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will be left destitute. Why did your oats fail this year? When did
you sow them? Were you not quarrelling with your neighbor instead of
attending to your work? You have just now returned from the town, where
you have been the means of having your neighbor humiliated. You have
succeeded in getting him sentenced, but in the end the punishment will
fall on your own shoulders. Oh! my child, it would be better for you
to attend to your work on the farm and train your boys to become good
farmers and honest men. If any one offend you forgive him for Christ's
sake, and then prosperity will smile on your work and a light and happy
feeling will fill your heart."
Ivan still remained silent.
The old father in a pleading voice continued: "Take an old man's advice.
Go and harness your horse, drive back to the court, and withdraw all
these complaints against your neighbor. To-morrow go to him, offer to
make peace in Christ's name, and invite him to your house. It will be
a holy day (the birth of the Virgin Mary). Get out the samovar and
have some vodki, and over both forgive and forget each other's sins,
promising not to transgress in the future, and advise your women and
children to do the same."
Ivan heaved a deep sigh but felt easier in his heart, as he thought:
"The old man speaks the truth;" yet he was in doubt as to how he would
put his father's advice into practice.
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