Christ's name mentioned, let alone receiving anything for Christ's sake, hurt him more than sticking a knife into him.
And so he got no bread. Every one had gold, and no matter where the old Devil went, nobody would give anything for money, but every one said, 'Either bring something else, or come and work, or receive what you want in charity for Christ's sake.'
But the old Devil had nothing but money; for work he had no liking, and as for taking anything 'for Christ's sake' he could not do that. The old Devil grew very angry.
'What more do you want, when I give you money?' said he. 'You can buy everything with gold, and hire any kind of labourer.' But the fools did not heed him.
'No, we do not want money,' said they. 'We have no payments to make, and no taxes, so what should we do with it?'
The old Devil lay down to sleep—supperless.
The affair was told to Iván the Fool. People came and asked him, 'What are we to do? A fine gentleman has turned up, who likes to eat and drink and dress well, but he does not like to work, does not beg in "Christ's name," but only offers gold pieces to every one. At first people gave him all he wanted, until they had plenty of gold pieces, but now no one gives him anything. What's to be done with him? He will die of hunger before long.'
Iván listened.
'All right,' says he, 'we must feed him. Let him live by turn at each house as a shepherd[1] does.'
There was no help for it. The old Devil had to begin making the round.
In due course the turn came for him to go to Iván's house. The old Devil came in to dinner, and the dumb girl was getting it ready.
- ↑ It is often arranged that the shepherd who looks after the cattle of a Russian village Commune should get his board and lodging at the houses of the villagers, passing from one to another in turn.
