Page:Oblomov (1915 English translation).djvu/71

Rh wish that starostas'' letters like this one reached you!"

"Also you must do no thinking whatsoever."

"No thinking, you say?"

"Yes—you must impose upon the brain no exertion."

"But what about my plans for my estate? I am not a log, if you will pardon my saying so."

"Oh, very well. I have merely been warning you. Likewise, you must avoid emotion of every kind, for that sort of thing is sure to militate against a successful cure. Try, rather, to divert yourself with riding, with dancing, with moderate exercise in the open air, and with pleasant conversation—more especially conversation with the opposite sex. These things are designed to make your heart beat more lightly, and to experience none but agreeable emotions. Again, you must lay aside all reading and writing. Rent a villa which faces south and lies embowered in flowers, and surround yourself also with an atmosphere of music and women."

"And may I eat at all?"

"Yes, certainly; but avoid all animal and farinaceous food, as well as anything which