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most of all Father Ferapont, to whom some of the censori-
ous had hastened to report this ‘extraordinary’ counsel on
the part of the elder.
‘Go away, Father!’ said Father Paissy, in a commanding
voice, ‘it’s not for man to judge but for God. Perhaps we
see here a ‘sign’ which neither you, nor I, nor anyone of us
is able to comprehend. Go, Father, and do not trouble the
flock!’ he repeated impressively.
‘He did not keep the fasts according to the rule and there-
fore the sign has come. That is clear and it’s a sin to hide it,’
the fanatic, carried away by a zeal that outstripped his rea-
son, would not be quieted. ‘He was seduced by sweetmeats,
ladies brought them to him in their pockets, he sipped tea,
he worshipped his belly, filling it with sweet things and his
mind with haughty thoughts.... And for this he is put to
shame...’
‘You speak lightly, Father.’ Father Paissy, too, raised his
voice. ‘I admire your fasting and severities, but you speak
lightly like some frivolous youth, fickle and childish. Go
away, Father, I command you!’ Father Paissy thundered in
conclusion.
‘I will go,’ said Ferapont, seeming somewhat taken aback,
but still as bitter. ‘You learned men! You are so clever you
look down upon my humbleness. I came hither with little
learning and here I have forgotten what I did know; God
Himself has preserved me in my weakness from your sub-
tlety.’
Father Paissy stood over him, waiting resolutely. Father
Ferapont paused and, suddenly leaning his cheek on his