July 17
Good cheer grows in the one who keeps measure in enjoyment and strikes the right proportion in life; but too much and too little tip over and bring unrest to the soul.
Fragments (freely rendered)
One More Plate
Good cheer grows in the one who keeps measure in enjoyment and strikes the right proportion in life; but too much and too little tip over and bring unrest to the soul.
Foka had already eaten three plates of fish soup at his neighbour Demyan's. Now he could eat no more.
Demyan urged him to take a little more. This broth, so rich, with its golden beads of fat! Here a bream, there a piece of sterlet. His wife should come too and press the guest.
Foka was given no breathing space. Sweat ran down his forehead. He took one more plate and struggled to the end of it.
That was the kind of friend he loved, Demyan cried. Not one you had to coax. But now just one more little plate!
Foka grabbed his cap and belt and ran home. Though he was fond of fish soup, he never set foot in Demyan's house again.
