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the city of Vladimir there dwelt a young merchant, Aksenov by name, and he had two shops and a house. In person Aksenov was ruddy, curly, goodly to look upon; a merry wight was he also, and none could sing a song like him. From his youth up, Aksenov had been wont to drink much, and when in drink would pick quarrels; but from the time when he had married he had ceased to drink—only very rarely did the drinking fit come upon him.

One year Aksenov made ready to go to the fair at Nizhny, and as he took leave of his family his wife said to him,

"Do not go now, I prythee, Ivan Dmitrievich, for I have had an evil dream concerning thee."

Aksenov smiled, and said, "Art thou still afraid then that I shall break loose a bit at the fair?"

His wife answered, "I myself know not why I am afraid, but the dream I had of thee was evil—methought I saw thee coming forth from the town, and

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