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"I shall
die before long. I am old. Something oppresses my breast. I
breathe with difficulty. I'll die. Then all my affairs will fall
on your shoulders. At first your godfather will assist you--mind
him! You started quite well; you attended to everything properly;
you held the reins firmly in your hands. And though you did
squander a big sum of money, it is evident that you did not lose
your head. God grant the same in the future. You should know this:
business is a living, strong beast; you must manage it ably; you must
put a strong bridle on it or it will conquer you. Try to stand above
your business. Place yourself so that it will all be under your feet;
that each little tack shall be visible to you."
Foma looked at his father's broad chest, heard his heavy voice
and thought to himself:
"Oh, but you won't die so soon!"
This thought pleased him and awakened in him a kind, warm feeling
for his father.
"Rely upon your godfather. He has enough common sense in his head
to supply the whole town with it. All he lacks is courage, or he
would have risen high.


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