"Well, dear man, the belly begs for bread, and the naked body for clothes. We must earn our living. Can you work?"
"I do not know anything."
Semén wondered at him, and said:
"If only you are willing: people can learn anything."
"People work, and I, too, will work."
"What is your name?"
"Michael."
"Well, Mikháyla, you do not want to talk about yourself,—that is your business; but a man has to live. If you work as I order you, I will feed you."
"God save you, and I will learn. Show me what to do!"
Semén took the flax, put it on his fingers and began to make an end.