Page:Leo Tolstoi - Life Is Worth Living and Other Stories - tr. Adolphus Norraikow (1892).djvu/73

 66 that I may bring up my little ones and be happy with them. It is impossible that they can live without either father or mother.'

"I listened to the mother's pleadings," continued Michael, "and taking the children from her side I placed them in her arms and forthwith proceeded to heaven, where I said to the good Lord: 'My courage failed me and I could not take the woman's soul, as you directed me to do. Her husband had been killed only a few days before, and two little children had just come into the world, so she begged me for their sakes not to deprive her of her soul, saying: "Please give me a chance to rear my children, for it is impossible that they can live without either father or mother." I therefore granted her request and left her soul in her body.'

"On hearing this the Lord said: 'Go instantly and do asI ordered you. Remove the woman's soul, and you will in time learn three great truths: What people are made of, what they do not need, and what sustains life.' The Lord