his master had passed the night playing cards. What a disenchantment for an admirer of the great poet!
But Gogol was warmly welcomed. Pushkin's noble heart, too great for envy, enjoyed the success of others. His eager sympathy, lavish praise, and encouragement have produced legions of authors. Gogol, among them all, was his favorite. At first he advised him to write sketches descriptive of the national history and the customs of the people. Gogol followed his advice and wrote his "Evenings at a Farm near Dikanka."[1]
II. This book is a chronicle of scenes of the author's childhood; and all his love and youthful recollections of the country of the Cossacks are poured from his heart into this book.
A certain old man, whose occupation is that of raising bees, is the story-teller of the party. He relates tales of Little Russia, so that we see it under every aspect; and gives glimpses of scenery, rustic habits and customs, the familiar dialogues of the people, and all sorts of legends, both terrible and grotesque. The gay and the supernatural are strangely blended in these recitals, but the gay element predominates; for Gogol's smile has as yet no bitterness in it. His laugh is the
- ↑ "Veillees dans un hameau pres de Dikanka."
