On Those Who Offend You + 

Masha, a girl of ten + 

Vania, a boy of eight + 

Masha + 

What I wish is that mother would come home at once and take us shopping, and then to call on Nastia. What would you like to happen now? + 

Vania + 

I? I wish something would happen like it did yesterday. + 

Masha + 

What happened yesterday? You mean when Grisha hit you and you both began to cry? There wasn’t much good in that. + 

Vania + 

That’s just what was beautiful. Nothing could have been more so. That’s what I want to happen again. + 

Masha + 

I don’t understand. + 

Vania + 

Well, I will explain what I want. Do you remember last Sunday, Uncle P.⁠—you know how I love him.⁠ ⁠… + 

Masha + 

Who wouldn’t. Mother says he is a saint; and it’s true. + 

Vania + 

Well, you remember he told us a story last Sunday about a man whom people used to insult. The more anyone insulted him the more he loved the offender. They abused him, and he praised them. They hit him and he helped them. Uncle said that anybody who acts so feels very happy. I liked what he said, and I wanted to be like that man. So, when Grisha hit me yesterday, I remembered my wish and kissed Grisha. He burst out crying. I felt very happy. But with nurse yesterday it was different; she began scolding me, and I quite forgot how I ought to have behaved, and I answered her very rudely. What I wish now is to have the same experience over again that I had with Grisha. + 

Masha + 

Then you would like somebody to strike you? + 

Vania + 

I would like it awfully. I would immediately do what I did to Grisha, and I would be so glad. + 

Masha + 

How stupid! Just like the fool you’ve always been. + 

Vania + 

I don’t mind being a fool. I only know now what to do, so as to feel happy all the time. + 

Masha + 

A regular fool! Do you really feel happy, doing so? + 

Vania + 

Just awfully happy! + 